The Hilltop, Feb. 9 by The Hilltop

Thursday, February 9, 2012

The H lltop

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Vol. 95 No.36

The Student Voice of Howard University

est. 1924

‘Eternal Voices’ Promotes Somalia Relief By Jasmin Carnelus Campus Editor

Dr. Ribeau will also be giving the welcome message,” said Victoria Fortune, a senior broadcast journalism major. “Students need to come out to Eternal Voices because it speaks to activism and advocacy throughout the nation,” said Brandon Harris, a senior political science major, HUSA president and Somalia Relief efforts team member. “The famine is not something that is in the news a lot; it’s not a fad, but helping is the right thing to do. If Howard students come out to support, it says we will speak out against injustice, whether it is popular or not.” Fortune said a news report on CNN caught her attention and prompted her involvement with the Somalia Relief efforts. “In August, CNN did a story about the famine, and there were also a lot of pictures floating around on the Internet that displayed starving children, and I was really shaken by it. I’ve always been one to give back and there was no way I could allow people to suffer and not do anything about it,” Fortune said. “I teamed up with Britney Wilson, Amanda Patterson and Brandon Harris once we got back to school to come up with a

plan to raise awareness and funds to help alleviate the crisis.” Care International, an aid organization that has been working on the ground in the Somalia region, will receive100 percent of the proceeds from the event. Fortune said it is important that Howard University students come together and unite for a cause. “We are one of the most historical, legendary and respected campuses in the nation. It is important for us to continue the Howard legacy and uphold the standard of our university,” Fortune said. “We are the future leaders of America, we have to start somewhere. I want college students to be more aware of what’s going on, not just at Howard but outside of the United States too.” Eternal Voices is scheduled to have appearances by AfroBlue, GWN, Dick Gregory, I.Am.We Contemporary Dance Company and Howard University alumni Amiri Baraka and Dana Morgan, a concert pianist. Tickets for the event are $10 with a student ID and $15 for general admission.They can be purchased through Ticketmaster or the Cramton Auditorium box office.

The H lltop Photo by Terricka Johnson, Photo Editor Students of all hues worked the runway at the end of the Birthday Suit show.

For the past six months, a group of Howard University students have been working diligently to develop fundraising initiatives for Somalia, an East African nation that, in addition to political and economic strife, has had repeated bouts with drought and famine dating as far back as the 1990s. The most extensive of these experiences of drought, crop failure, and food shortages has occurred within the last two years, with the United Nations officially labeling the situation a “famine” in July 2011. Aside from t-shirt and ribbon sales, the student group’s biggest initiative so far--Eternal Voices: A Night with the Legends, a benefit concert--will take place on Thursday night in Cramton Auditorium. The students have spent weeks spreading the word. “What’s unique about this event is that many of the performers are Howard alumni. It’s a combination of some of Howard’s greatest talent from the past to the present. That’s what makes it special; we’re supporting our own as well as Somalia.

Birthday Suit Sheds Light On Modern-Day Colorism College of Dentistry Offers Quality, By Kyleah Starling Contributing Writer

The program Birthday Suit: All Shades Are Beautiful sought to bring awareness to colorism in the African American community. Hosts Justice Woods and Dominique James facilitated the program filled with history and eye opening facts that led into an open group discussion, spoken word, dance, short films and a music performance. Ubiquity, HU NAACP, and the HU Mock Trial School of Communications Student Council, Square One collaborated to unite the audience in their differences. During the open group discussion, they presented questions to the audience asking them to expound upon personal recollections of colorism, African Americans use of separation, as well as why they thought colorism was still a relevant topic in today’s society. While few blamed the media, many blamed their own friends and family. Accusations of derogatory racial slurs and lack of relatable role models who embraced their own skin color from our own

INSIDE Power Vote

Read up on the event that challenged students to get involved politically. p.3

people seemed to be the consensus that continually works to break us apart as a people. Junior physical therapy major, James Williams said,” The program was filled with enlightening information but the part about Blacks judging our own community is disappointing because it is a problem we really need to work on.” Miss School of Communications Dominique James, a junior telecommunications major, stopped the program to emphasize the importance of developing into the role models we often don’t see in the media by starting our own businesses and using our own true talents to excel in corporate America. To the audience’s surprise, the “brown paper bag test” was used to segregate students. All people who did not pass the test were put on one side; all who were considered to be of fairer skin were placed on the other side. Used to bring light to the seriousness of segregation, the lights were turned on to display the foolishness of the brown paper bag test.

SUIT cont. on p. 7

Last Name London

Rapper Theophilus London hit the stage at the 9:30 club on Monday, read what went down in Metro. p.4

Low-Cost Alternative for Students By Keneisha Deas Howard University News Service

WASHINGTON -- Angelica Hill, a senior from Columbia, S.C., needed help. Her wisdom teeth needed to be pulled, and she didn’t have the money to pay for it. “It was $400 a tooth, and I needed all four done.” Hill, 21, said. “I really couldn’t afford it.” The answer for her was the Howard University College of Dentistry. She had the procedure done there during her sophomore year at no cost. “It was good,” she said. “I was afraid to have my teeth pulled, but the students made me feel comfortable. The students did everything and the dentists made sure it was done correctly.” Hill is one of many Howard University students who are treated at the College of Dentistry. Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., dozens of dental students provide much

Basketball

Read up on how the Men’s Basketball team is trying to end their season. p.7

Photo by Tyrone Clemons, Office of University Communications Student Angelica Hill has her teeth cleaned by dental student April Powers.

needed dental services at reduced costs to Howard undergraduate, graduate and professional students. The school also provides evening

INDEX

CAMPUS..................... p. 4 METRO...................... p. 5 LIFE & STYLE............ p. 11 OPINIONS............... p. 13

clinics from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

DENTAL cont. on p. 7

WEATHER

Today: Sunny High 48 Low 32 Friday: Mostly Sunny High 53 low 39 Saturday: Light Snow High 40 Low 18

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The Hilltop Newspaper Maya Rhodan Editor-in-Chief Macy Freeman Chief Managing Editor Christina Downs Production Managing Editor Natalie Neilson Online Manager

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Support provided by the Traphagen Alumni Speaker Series, Yale College Office of Student Affairs

Campus

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Jasmin Carnelus, Campus Editor

Panel Encourages Students to Get Involved in Election Season By Camille Augustin Contributing Writer Aggression, mobilization and education were among the topics discussed at the panel, “The Power of the Black Vote” sponsored by the Office of Student Activities, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, Howard Chapter and the Xi Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. One of the pressing issues discussed was the impact and importance of the African-American vote. “The black vote is under attack,” said Benjamin Jealous, president of the NAACP. “Every time we expand our electorate it is followed by an attempt to suppress the vote.” Jealous said the AfricanAmerican vote is under attack simply for the fact that “it matters.” Not only the black vote, but also the student vote, are decisive again in this year’s election as it was in the 2008 election turnout, he added. Panelists for the evening also included Melanie Campbell, president of the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation, and Ray Baker, radio talk show host on Sirius/XM radio of the aforementioned name “Real Talk with Ray Baker.” A student space on the panel was filled by Julian Lewis, senior political science major and director of the political action committee, Super PAC, “1911United.” This organization, created by Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., and Kappa Alpha Psi, Fraternity, Inc., serves to educate as well as mobilize voters in support for President Barack

campus@thehilltoponline.com

My Life, My London:

A Student’s Journey Abroad

By Aja Johnson “Hey everyone! So if you are able to see my page on Facebook, you’ve seen all the photos I’ve uploaded of me having an amaz-

ing time in London. Well for those who can’t see my page don’t worry, I’ve decided to share a few of my favorite pictures I’ve taken so far. There will definitely be more to come. Enjoy!”

Photo by Terricka Johnson, Photo Editor Journalist Ray Baker was a featured panelist at the Power of the Black Vote event held in Blackburn on Tuesday night.

Obama’s re-election. Lewis said the next step for African-Americans is to organize. Through 1911United, Lewis said, “We go to high schools, colleges, playgrounds, and churches to get people aware of what is going on in the government, who are stripping away their rights.” The discussion was underway as panelists called on students to become aggressive when it comes to addressing their legislators as well as having their voices heard. “A collective voice is how we make a difference in politics, Campbell said. “When we organize our coalitions we need to be collective, but strategic.” The issue of voter registration ID was also addressed. According

to the Voter Participation Center, “37 percent of African-Americans are not registered, representing 12 percent of all unregistered citizens. To combat these statistics, Jealous said, “[NAACP] will be sending voter registration forms to the homes of every African-American child turning 18 between November 2010 and November 2012,” Jealous said. “ We will mail out 1.2 million voter registration forms, and we will be on the ground having our units call as many of these children as possible, knocking on doors, encouraging them to fill these forms out.” Questions were underway from students, those entailing the state of the black vote in terms of mentality.

Abbey Road ... and yes, we almost got hit.

VOTE, continued on p. 7

Dr. Ribeau Adresses Student Concerns at Fireside Chat By Shavon Anderson Staff Writer Howard University President Sidney A. Ribeau followed up with his ongoing “Students First Initiative, 2.0” by hosting a discussion in Blackburn Ballroom for eager students to voice their opinions on several university issues such as funding, tuition, development and growth. The “Students First Campaign” began as a representation of President Ribeau’s dedication and commitment to the students. It has been his and the administrators’ desire to fully execute this initiative in order to exponentially enhance the experiences of all Howard University students. While light refreshments seemed to be what initially drew in the crowd, the session quickly turned serious as President Ribeau was bombarded with financially-themed questions stemming from the tuition increase to lack of funds for facility upgrades. Throughout his opening address, President Ribeau echoed the idea that Howard University remains unique from all other HBCUs. He admitted faults and weaknesses, but he conveyed his pride and promise to obtain excellence for the school and its students. After comparing information

between Howard and its other local benchmark institutions, President Ribeau addressed what he thought was a prime factor hindering Howard’s growth and potential. “One of the major challenges is that we have 10,500 students and information that travels at a snail’s pace,” President Ribeau said to an audience of students in agreement. When the floor opened for student questions, several undergraduates took the opportunity to attack President Ribeau by questioning his salary, the tuition increase and lack of appearance on and around Howard’s campus. President Ribeau noted the fact that he, as a university president, and the faculty of Howard are among the lowest paid in the country. He also acknowledged that he continuously attempts to put his own money back into the university. Students continued to press the issue of the lack of professionalism and customer service encountered in the administration building, while others were more concerned with the facts and figures of fund appropriation and the need for more financial aid and need-based scholarship funds. Graduate students on the floor displayed a feeling of neglect and desperation amongst the Howard community, stating that they had to vie for the proper attention and care

from the university. Graduate students were not the only ones seeking attention from President Ribeau. Both international and transfer students testified about their struggles, miscommunication, and overall disappointment with their transition onto the campus. President Ribeau responded by citing the second Bush Administration and its restrictions on international visas, saying that, “that is when we saw a student decline,” but President Ribeau vowed to increase the numbers within the upcoming school years. Regarding the issue of lack of revenue from alumni, junior political science major Julian Richards said, “although the lack of alumni support is disheartening, think about how students feel now. I wouldn’t give back to my school either if I did not have the experience that I paid for as a student.” President Ribeau corroborated Richards’ argument in his speech, admitting that the overall experience needed to be improved; however, money is a key issue in making that process happen. The final point of the fireside chat was that in order to improve the standard of the Howard experience, students will inevitably have to pay more.

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The view from my apartment window.

Tower Bridge.

THE HILLTOP |THURSDAY FEBRUARY 9, 2012

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Metro

THE HILLTOP | THURSDAY FEBRUARY 9, 2012

Noelle Jones, Metro Editor

campus@thehilltoponline.com

Photo by Sekaya Harris, Contributing Photographer Theophilus London’s Tour De Roses made its 17th stop in D.C. Monday night.

Photo by Letese’ Clark, Staff Writer Founding member of the Organization of Afro-American Unity presents on his upcoming book at Shaw Library.

Shaw Library Holds Discussion On Malcolm X Life And Legacy by Letese’ Clark Staff Writer

Residents of the Shaw neighborhood filled the meeting room in the bottom of Watha T. Daniel-Shaw Library on Monday night as A. Peter Bailey, a founding member of the Organization of the Afro-American Unity, or OAAU, reflected on the life of revolutionary Malcolm X. The program, named after Bailey’s upcoming book “Malcolm X-Master Teacher: Personal Reflections”, mirrored Bailey’s experiences with the OAAU and highlighted the international affairs of slain human rights leader, Malcolm X. In 1964, Bailey joined forces with Malcolm X who, along with others, founded the OAAU. The OAAU was a human rights organization with the purpose of establishing complete independence of people of African descent in the Western Hemisphere. It was Malcolm X’s goal to unite blacks in America so they could then unite with countries in Africa. “The things that he did, both domestically and internationally were being motivated by the racial terrorism of the south states,” Bailey said. According to Bailey, Malcolm X’s purpose while in traveling abroad was to distribute information and hold press conferences, pushing the idea of taking the United States government before the United Nations Commission on Human Rights. In a letter to the Egyptian Gazette, Malcolm X proclaimed: “As long as freedom is labeled as a civil rights issue, it remains a domestic problem under the jurisdiction of the United States government; therefore we are going to call it a human rights problem. We can then take the racism of the American government before the world court and have the racist exposed and condemned as the criminals that they are.” Bailey said that although it is not included in most books about Malcolm X, African leaders, for the first and last time, issued a resolution in response to Malcolm’s appeal. The Organization of African Unity urged the authorities in the United States to eliminate all forms of discrimination based on race or ethnic origin.

“Organizations are not institutions…we have to

start paying attention to people who are building things. We need structures that will stand.” -A. Peter Bailey

“This was unheard, that African states in 1964, issued something of this type. I consider it something very important that played a major role,” Bailey said. Bailey described U.S. newspapers as being astounded by the connections being made by Malcolm X and African countries. He said, at that moment, he was afraid for Malcolm’s life because he knew the government would be after him. Throughout the night, Bailey read responses from several people and organizations on X’s international affairs. Bailey said a reply from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. read, “If I could get the petition signed, I would support him.” Bailey said he doesn’t want Malcolm’s assassination to be viewed as just black on black violence or a fight between him and the Nation of Islam. “The government was always watching him too,” he added. The Audubon Ballroom, where Malcolm X was assassinated on Feb. 21, 1965, is now The Malcolm X and Dr. Betty Shabazz Memorial and Educational Center. Bailey said the center’s focus is providing education on the human right’s leader and enhancing the growth of black people in this country as a unit. Bailey said in order for the black community to progress, we have to come together and build things. “Organizations are not institutions…we have to start paying attention to people who are building things. We need structures that will stand,” he said. Bailey was the editor of the OAAU’s newsletter and an editor of Ebony Magazine from 1968-1975.

See Black History Around the DMV! Visit Old Town Alexandria: African Americans populated Alexandria,VA from 1790 through 1951. Take a tour of these historic sites and learn more about the role these individuals played in our history.

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Photo by Sekaya Harris, Contributing Photographer London unleashed new singles and old hits at the 9:30 club Monday, Feb. 6.

Rapper Theophilus London Electrifies Crowd at 9:30 Club by Ollie Montgomery Contributing Writer In what has been hailed by attendees as one of the hypest concerts they’ve ever been too, Theophilus London and opening act Phony Ppl showed out for the District at a brimming 9:30 Club on Tuesday night. London is on his Tour de Roses with Phony Ppl, a new group that is on their first national tour. An eclectic mix of students from Howard University, George Washington University and University of Maryland, Baltimore County attended the event in addition to a diverse mix of 18-25-year-olds who were dressed in their most thrifty gear for the night’s performances. Phony Ppl – a musical creation comprised of about 10 guys – had the crowd electrified during their segment. Some in the crowd were so enthralled by the performance that they wondered Phony Ppl would top the headliner. The group is a collective composed of rappers, guitar players, saxophonists, dancers and drummers. Howard University student and fan of the group, Josh Collins, was very impressed by their performance “Phony Ppl was like a mix between Odd Future and GWN,” Collins said. “They were a great opener for Theophilus.” Theophilus is on stop 17 of his 21-city tour. He showcased some of his newest songs fresh from the grind, such as “Lisa” which

he unleashed for the first time on Sunday night in San Francisco. The Brooklyn-raised Trinadian- breed rapper also performed several hits from his debut album Timez Are Weird These Days, including “Girls, Girls, $”, “Flying Overseas”, and popular hit “I Stand Alone”. He also performed “Big Spender”, a song he recently recorded with A$AP Rocky and “Last Name London,” the biggest hit of the night. “I’ve been listening to him for three or four years now, but I’ve never seen him live,” said Donald Hankerson, a University of Maryland, Baltimore County student. “This is my first time here for the experience because I heard his live performances are on point,” Cheakaity Brown also known as Prince Wierdo of local band ACME has been to five of Theophilus London’s shows and loves his versatility between rapping, singing, and playing instruments. Howard students and big fans of London’s groove, David Glover, a senior architecture major, and Jaron White, a senior film major, accompanied some friends to the live show. “The Theophilus London concert sounded as good live as it did on the CD,” Glover said. “I walked into the 9:30 Club when he was performing my favorite song “Why Even Try” and I went off.” The $20 ticket paid for a fourhour performance and artists who were enthusiastic to speak with fans afterwards.

THE HILLTOP | THURSDAY FEBRUARY 9, 2012

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VOTE, continued from p. 4 “Participation in the ballot booth is sufficient,” Baker said. “Our responsibility as AfricanAmericans is to make sure we maintain a sense of integrity in the political process.” Baker also called for students to aggressively campaign as they did for Troy Davis and not to be pacified by meager efforts. “The only way to combat complacency in politics is through education.” Baker also left students with a statement of “at what point do you choose culture over capital?” Baker said, “Once brothers and sisters who believe they are important begin

to see themselves as a part of their community, apathy will dissipate.” For some college students, like Sharayah Williams, this will be their first time voting in yet another important election. The freshman history major said, “I get a chance to voice my opinion.” Williams said the African-American community is divided, “I think it is important that we stay together and united, that is how we will fix our problems.” “The power of the black vote is in your hands and my hands. Let us protect it for the future generation,” said Campbell.

DENTAL continued from p. 7 The college offers a wide variety of dental services that include orthodontic care—such as braces and other methods to align the teeth, dental care for children, deep cleanings below the gums, dental surgery, and other services. Michelle Aguilos, a graduating senior, is a student and president of the college’s Student Council at the College of Dentistry. She encourages members of the Howard community to use the service because the dental students, supervised closely by their dentist instructors, provide excellent service at a low cost. Students are entirely covered by the Summit Insurance Plan. “The plan covers fillings and deep cleaning; basic dental work except for lab work,” said Aguilos, who currently has three Howard undergraduate students as patients. Laporcia Wagner, a graduating senior, is using the College of Dentistry’s dental services. She’s had dental work done from the college since last semester. So far she’s gotten a check-up, and is now getting her treatment plan. According to Wagner, registering to become a patient is easy. “It’s very simple,” she said. “You just bring your I.D., and you choose the days from Monday

Dean Douglas E. Ray, Professor June Mary Makdisi and the St. Thomas Law Community send warm congratulations to Howard University School of Law Students

Nicholas Collins Alexander Gee Onaivi Momoh Yashuah Ford

through Friday the days you are available.” The college also provides dental care to Washington-area residents and Howard University staff. Cynthia Livingston has been getting her teeth fixed at the college since she was 9 years old. Livingston won’t give her current age, but it’s a safe guess that was more than a few decades ago. Over the years she’s had a lot of work done, from tooth extractions to crowns. “I’ve had fillings and root canals, almost anything you can think of having done at a dental office,” said Livingston, director of Community Services at Howard University Hospital. “They’ve done excellent work, and I’ve never been dissatisfied. “It’s also cheaper than going out to a public dentist,” she said with a wink. Leo E. Rouse, dean of the college believes that students’ work on patients from the Howard community is an important part of their education. “Our goal is preparing graduates to give back,” Rouse said. “It’s not just about drilling and filling, it’s all about service.”

SUIT continued from Front

and their faculty advisor Professor Amanda Shafer Berman First Place Winners and Best Memorial, Susan J. Ferrell Intercultural Human Rights Moot Court Competition

Afterwards, the audience was encouraged to switch seats and mingle to symbolize the ending of segregation. In his second year of the program, senior sports medicine major, Justice Woods said, “This program has grown tremendously. Last year we only reached those who were intense on the subject, this year we were able to not only open a lot of peoples mind about the topic of colorism but to get them to implement change in their own community.

Using models as a way to display the beauty in the reflection of the audience, various Howard students of all different shades took the catwalk. When asked about change and the importance of ending colorism as a people, Dr. Carr’s words resounded the loudest thru Justice Woods, “We must be present in the vertical and horizontal. Vertically in the past and the future; horizontally, all around us.”

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Life&Style

Lauren McEwen, Life & Style Editor

lifeandstyle@thehilltoponline.com

Award-winning Artist, Synthia Saint James’ Teaches Artists to Market Their Art in Book ‘Living my Dream’ by Lauren McEwen Life & Style Editor

Artist Synthia Saint James’ work has been seen by many, but few realize it. The award-winning visual artist and author designed the first Kwanzaa stamp for the United States Postal Service in 1997. She also designed the cover art for Terry McMillan’s “Waiting to Exhale”, Walter Dean Myers’s “How the Monkey Saw the World”, as well as books by Alice Walker and Iyanla Vanzant. Saint James is not only a visual artist. She has written over 20 books, including 17 children’s books, which she also illustrated. Her latest book, “Living my Dream: An Artistic Approach to Marketing” is part autobiographical and part self-help. Saint James provides readers with tips to marketing their work by sharing her life experiences. The chapters are short – some of them are only a single paragraph long – but Saint James drops bits of wisdom at the end of each section. For example, after “Waiting to Exhale” was published, a representative for Penguin Putnam Books asked Saint James if she’d ever considered illustrating children’s books. The thought had not crossed Saint James’s mind, but she was interested, and the woman put her in touch with a senior editor at Dial Books for Young Readers. The moral of the story: “Be open to all possibilities. Don’t limit

“Be open to all possibilities. Don’t limit your creative self.”

- Synthia Saint James, artist, illustrator and writer your creative self.” That is a message Saint James likes to share with aspiring artists. The self-taught artist knew she wanted to pursue art since she was five-years-old. “Most kids color and draw in coloring books. I know I probably spoke about it constantly,” said Saint James. Saint James believes that some aspiring artists are discouraged at young ages, and never seek to fulfill their dreams. “They should be inspired to go after whatever their passion is,” she said. She personally received validation from an art teacher in junior high. “I had art as an elective class in junior high. The assignment was to take a mirror and to a self-portrait in pencil. I got an ‘A’ minus,” she said. The portrait got lost over the years. Saint James, who sold her first painting at the age of 20, can’t even remember what it looked like, but the influence it had on her life, remains clear. By following this advice, Saint James branched out into poetry, and even, architectural design, including a 150-foot ceramic tile mural for the airport in Ontario, California and stained glass windows for West Tampa Library in Tampa, Florida.

And she has been receiving praise ever since, including the Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award in 1997 for her work on “Neeny Coming Neeny Going” by Karen English, the Trumpet Award for the Arts in 2010, and now, she is nominated for an NAACP Image Award. Saint James recently spent two weeks at St. Augustine’s College in Raleigh, NC, to promote “Living My Dream”. St. Augustine’s hold special significance for Saint James. The artist received an honorary doctorate degree from the school in 2010, and her foundation, The Synthia Saint James Fine Arts Institution, will be there. The campus bookstore purchased more than 300 copies, and she spent her time speaking to students about how they can utilize affective marketing tips in their careers. The advice in her book isn’t only helpful for artists. It is all about taking advantage of opportunities presented, having confidence in your work and cherishing positive relationships. “Living my Dream: An Artistic Approach to Marketing” is available now on Amazon.

Check out more of Saint James’ work at her site: http://www.synthiasaintjames.com/

Photo Courtesy of Synthia Saint James Synthia Saint James is an award-winning artist, illustrator and writer.

Photo Courtesy of Synthia Saint James Saint James illustrated the first Kwanzaa stamp for the United States Postal Service in 1997.

Dating Website Asks Users ‘What’s Your Price?’ by Elyse Pugh Staff Writer “What’s Your Price”, is a website which allows for attractive males or females to be paid to go on first dates. Brandon Wade founded this site almost a year ago on March 29th. Users are allowed to browse and create profiles for free, and college students can upgrade to premium accounts at no extra charge. Once registered an interested party makes an offer - of at least $20 - to the person of their choice. Then, they can choose to accept or deny the offer. If the offer is accepted, they set up a date and the acceptor is paid for the first date. Of course, this makes some uncomfortable. On the website’s blog, Brandon Wade addressed these concerns writing, “When capitalism is mixed in with dating, all of a sudden people start

concluding that it must be prostitution.” To Dimen Clark, junior legal communications major, the website sounds like high tech prostitution. “You are putting a price on yourself,” said Clark. “You are putting a price on your worth.” “It should not be done,” says Charlton Miles, junior psychology major. “It is objectifying somebody. It should not be made illegal, but it is not right.” To those critics Wade wrote on the site’s blog: “But does paying for a cup of coffee every morning mean Starbucks is engaging in prostitution? Does paying for gas every time you fill up at the gas station mean that Mobil or BP is pimping? Does donating money to the Church every Sunday morning equate religion to prostitution? Obviously NOT, and obviously buying a First Date isn’t either.” Wade is the founder of two

“Does donating money to the Church every Sunday morning equate religion to prostitution? Obviously NOT, and obviously buying a First Date isn’t either.” Brandon Wade, founder of ‘WhatsYourPrice.com’ other dating websites as well, SeekingArrangement.com and SeekingMillionaire.com. He has also written a book, Seeking Arrangement: The Definitive Guide to Sugar Daddy and Mutually Beneficial Relationships. The website also includes dating tips. First date ideas are listed on the site, as well as first date etiquette. Some of the first date ideas include skydiving, going to Chuck E. Cheese and putting on fake accents while asking strangers directions to places that do not exist. The site makes sure to warn

THE HILLTOP

users to look out for con artists who may accept payment for dates, but fail to deliever. First date tips include, “do not pay or ask anyone for payment prior to meeting for a date” and “if someone asks you to send money by Western Union, report them immediately.” The site is designed to give everyone something out of a first date. The individual paying is able to meet new people through dates and the chosen are able to get paid for the first date regardless of the results – a win-win.

Be sure to check out Monday’s Valentine’s Day issue, complete with a review of the new, date movie ‘The Vow,’ and a list of cheap, lastminute dates to keep your boo from killing you. 11

Sports

THE HILLTOP | THURSDAY FEBRUARY 9, 2012

Bison Men’s Basketball Fight To Save Season Winning Two Of Their Last Three Games by Micheal Lindo Staff Writer

The HU Bison men’s basketball team played the Morgan State University Bears, on Monday at Hill Field House in Baltimore. The Bison left Baltimore with a 54-46 victory, making them 5-2 since the 12-day break they had back in January after losing to North Carolina Central in their last home game. Since then, head coach, Kevin Nickelberry has started five freshmen in all the five games. “I understand that with so many young players and getting new players [transfers Glenn Andrews and Tre Lee] more comfortable. There are going to be some ups and downs,” Nickelberry told Bison Athletics. “What we are looking for at this point in the season is more consistency. I thought that we gave that kind of consistent effort tonight

and it finally paid off.” The Bison played hard defense against the Morgan State Bears holding Morgan State 30 percent from the field. Both teams weren’t shooting very well in the second half shooting under 30 percent, but the Bison out rebounded the Bears 42-27 and the HU defense made up for the lack of scoring. “We were obviously outplayed,” said Morgan State head coach, Todd Bozeman according to Morgan State athletics website. “I give credit to Howard. They played hard and they’re obviously undersized. They came to win, and they did.” The Bison have struggled this season at closing out having multiple games where they lost the lead in the closing minutes, but in the final five minutes of Monday’s game the Bison went on a 14-6 run, converting majority of those points from the free-throw line.

Freshman guard/forward, Prince Okoroh led the team with 14 points, and freshman guard, Simuel Frazier added nine points. Since the 12-day break the new lineup has given the Bison a consistent and balanced attack on offense, which was noticeably displayed in their performance against the MSU Bears. Frazier said that unity within the starting lineup is what brings the victories. “We are becoming more of a team and brothers and bonding a lot. That really helps,” said Frazier. “I think it doesn’t matter who starts as long as we play together as a team we can be really good,” said Frazier. Next up the Bison will take on the Florida A&M Rattlers Saturday, Feb. 11 in Burr Gymnasium. Tipoff is at 3 p.m.

At this weekend’s Vince Brown Invitational track meet at Christopher Newport University, the Howard Men and Women’s track and field team gained more qualifiers for the MEAC Championship. The bison track and field team added sophomore, Aaron Harrison and senior, Jami Hardy to its list of conference championship qualifiers giving Howard total of five individual and team MEAC qualifiers. Harrison broke the 16-minute barrier in the 5000-meter run this past weekend with a time of 15:44 while Hardy won the women’s 800- meter run with a time of 2:15 qualifying them both for MEAC competition. Harrison and Hardy now join sophomore, Briana Jones and freshman, Giovani Mowatt who both already qualified for the conference championship prior to this weekend, but qualified in more areas at the invitational. Jones improved her long jump distance by 0’8”,surpassing her previous high of 18’1”. This is Jones’ first year qualifying for the MEAC championship. “I definitely see a lot of improvement in my jumping and my form and [my] focus is a lot better,” said Jones. “I’ve been more dedicated than I feel I was last year and just seeing the improvements makes me want to work harder.” With her new distance, Jones has strengthened her seeding for the MEAC championship. “I’ve been trying to improve myself so I could be in a better

standing for the MEAC,” said Jones. “My season goal was 18’7” and I surpassed that, so I’ve been in the weight room a lot more and I’ve been practicing harder.” Mowatt, who previously qualified, was made eligible for the 800 meter with a time of 1:55. “It’s just practice for me,” said Mowatt when asked how he feels about qualifying for the MEAC. “I definitely want to score at the MEAC but my main goal is to qualify for the NCAA.” Among the Howard qualifiers is also, sophomore, Wallace Spencer who has qualified in both the 60meter run and the 60-meter high hurdles. Spencer came in tenth in the 60-meter run and second in the hurdle race. Other notables from the Vince Brown Invitational include: sophomore Doriean Broady and juniors, Zahra Thomas and Danielle Douglas who came in first in the 4x400-meter in the relay and field events portion of the meet. “I think overall we’ve done an amazing job,” said Jones. “A lot more people have qualified for the MEAC and it just shows that our chemistry is getting stronger and we’re just growing as a team.” The MEAC track and field championship will be held on Feb. 16 in Landover, MD. The Bison team has one more meet left before the conference championship giving more members of the team a chance to qualify. “I want to see people fearing Howard (track),” said Mowatt. “We’re strong black people, so I want us to be on top. I want to see Howard (track) back to where it was.”

sports@thehilltoponline.com

Photo Courtesy of Sports Information Desk After a eight game losing streak, the Bison men’s basketball team is fighting to save their season winning two of their last three games.

Freshman Guard, Brandon Ford of Men’s Basketball

Bison Track & Field Gains More Qualifiers At Weekend Meet by Jordane Frazier Sports Editor

Jordane Frazier, Sports Editor

by Julee’ O’Neal Contributing Writer After a rough start at the beginning of the season, the Howard Men’s Basketball team (6-18, 3-7 in MEAC play) came out victorious in two of their last three games with the help of standout freshman undecided major, Brandon Ford. As a 6’3 guard, Ford’s role is to be aggressive, take wide-open shots and be a solid defender. “His confidence has grown in his game,” said head coach, Kevin Nickelberry. “I have put a lot more responsibility on him and he is starting to believe in himself a little bit more. In practice he is probably one of our better shooters.” With big contributions from Ford, the Bison defeated South Carolina State (86-72) on Jan. 30 and Morgan State (54-46) on Feb. 6. Within those victories, Ford had a combined total of 23 points. In their match against the University of Maryland-Eastern Shore, Ford contributed 16 points in 30 minutes of play. Ford said the win against MSU was a good win for the team and he was pleased with the team’s

defensive effort and their impact on the boards. “Brandon hit a big-time three to put us ahead against Morgan state,” said Nickelberry. “It is nice to see his confidence grow.” With the team’s recent wins, Ford states how the team’s chemistry has become stronger after experiencing a rocky start against top teams such as Kansas State, the University of Kansas and Indiana University. Ford is a native of Oxon Hill, MD where he graduated from Gwynn Park High School with a 3.5 cumulative GPA and finished top 20 in his class. After being given the opportunity to play for the Oxon Hill Boys and Girls Club at the age of four, Ford chose to become a basketball player. “Sports runs in my family,” said Ford. “My mother, father and older brothers all have played or are currently playing sports.” In his four years at Gwynn Park, Ford led the Yellow Jackets men’s basketball team to two regional championship titles and one state runner up title. During his se-

nior year, Ford averaged 20 points, six rebounds, four assists and two steals and was named a McDonald All-American nominee. Although Ford has not yet made a decision on his major, his grandmother inspired his interest in becoming a Physicians Assistant. Starting next year, Ford will look to study in the College of Health Science. “I chose this major because I want to do something related to sports,” he said. “There are a lot of jobs available in this field and I like helping people.” Ford accepted the offer to Howard because of the academic prestige and his goal to change the basketball program. In his next three years at Howard, Ford hopes to transform the basketball team into a winning program. “First and foremost I am a student,” he said. “However, I am also here to change the basketball program. The team has not been to the tournament since I have been born. I really want to help change the culture of the basketball program.”

The Florida A&M University-Howard University women’s/ men’s basketball doubleheader will be webcast live this Saturday, Feb.11. To catch all the action, go to www.spcnbasketball.com or www.whbc830am.com for radio broadcast. The women’s game tips off at 2 p.m. and the men’s at 4:10 p.m. in Burr Gymnasium.

THE HILLTOP

THE HILLTOP | THURSDAY FEBRUARY 9, 2012

Opinions

Britney Wilson, Opinions Editor

From The Hill to the Top

opinions@thehilltoponline.com

Press $ to Speak to a Real Person

by Austin Edwards Columnist

Two years ago, an issue that could redefine the political process arose. It has only recently been addressed-- that’s working expediently in the federal government’s eyes. In the State of the Union address President Obama recently delivered, he took the time to criticize the Supreme Court’s Citizens United vs. Federal Election Commission decision. In his speech, he said this decision could “open the floodgates for special interests and corporations to spend without limits in our elections.” You may be wondering what would make the president make such a bold statement, or even what Obama was talking about in the first place. In a period from 1819 to 1886, corporations were given the same rights as people under the 14th Amendment. “All persons born or naturalized in the United States are citizens and cannot be denied life, liberty, property, or jurisdiction of U.S. Laws.” So up until 1886, Joe the Plumber had the same classification as SERVPRO. One of the rights granted to any “person” is the right to vote or support candidates, whether it be through free speech or signed checks. For example, look at how Obama ran his campaign, calling on millions of Americans to contribute $5-$500. Imagine if you only needed one source to get you elected. After years of this understand-

ing, corporations bought congressional seats and forced their issues to be addressed. In an attempt to cease this practice, the McCainFeingold Act was passed in 2002 to limit the endless amount of funds poured into political pockets from those with bottomless bank accounts. In 2010, the Supreme Court reversed this legislation. According to Politico, “Russ Feingold (D-WI) was seething mad. John McCain (R-AZ) gave more of a disappointed shrug.” Too bad Romney’s rich enough to finance his and his opponents’ campaigns to care. After that brief history lesson, here’s why you should care. In January 2010, The Hilltop published an article addressing the Supreme Court ruling which allows the unlimited spending from corporations in congressional and presidential campaigns. Being the political nerd I am, I feel like the only person in my circle who realizes the implications this ruling could have now and into the future, but to take a quote from The Hilltop article which quoted the President, ‘[Citizens United] gives special interest lobbyists new leverage to spend millions on advertising to persuade elected officials to vote their way or to punish those who don’t...this ruling strikes at democracy itself.’ We, as students, need to understand this ruling could take away our ability to influence elections whatsoever. The nation could head in the direction of those with the biggest pockets instead of that of the people— possibly even more than it already is. Why vote when the candidates have already been bought? So, write your congressman. Email your president. Submit your perspective. Hopefully, through the combined efforts of us students and those around the nation tackling this issue at all branches of the government, we can undo the injustice that has been done to us. Austin Edwards is a senior political science major from Trenton, N.J.