2 10 14 by Howard University's The Hilltop Newspaper

Monday, February 10, 2014 thehilltoponline.com

Vol. 98 No.7

The Student Voice of Howard University

est. 1924

Birthday Suit

In its fourth year, “Birthday Suit” tackled issue of body image, aiming to help redefine how Howard University students view themselves against society’s norm. INDEX INSIDE Police Haygood Signing Day CAMPUS...................... p.2 Howard alumnus named as the new police chief. p.2

The man responsible for “The Butler” speaks to students.

The Howard football team welcomes new athletes on national signing day.

p.2

p.8

LIFE & STYLE................ p.7 SPORTS........................ p.8 OPINIONS..................p.10

Photo by Rachel Cumberbatch, Photo Editor WEATHER

Today

Mostly Cloudy High 36 Low 21

Tomorrow

Sunny High 31 Low 18

THE HILLTOP | MONDAY, FEBRUARY, 10 2014

The Hilltop Newspaper Glynn Hill

Editor-in-Chief Dominique Diggs Managing Editor Indigo Silva Multimedia Editor

Hearst Visiting Howard Names New Police Chief Scholar Concludes Sholnn Freeman HU Communications Specialist

Emmy Victor Campus Editor Keneisha Deas Metro Editor Maya Cade Life & Style Editor Khari Arnold Sports Editor Daniel White Opinions Editor Quantrel Hedrick Copy Chief Alexis Grant Copy Editor Terranie Sims Copy Editor Lindsey Ferguson Copy Editor Tasia Hawkins Staff Writer Jourdan Henry Staff Writer Siniyah Smith Staff Writer Erin Van Dunk Staff Writer Shannen Hill Staff Writer Precious Osagie-Erese Staff Writer Nile Kendall Staff Writer Steven Hall Columnist Marc Rivers Columnist Rachel Cumberbatch Photo Editor Disa Robb Editorial Assistant Jasmine Nealy Editorial Assistant Katie Downs Cartoonist The Hilltop encourages its readers to share their opinions with the newspaper through letters to the editor or perspectives. All letters should include a complete address and telephone number and should be sent electronically to diggs@thehilltoponline.com. All inquiries for advertisements should be sent directly to The Hilltop Business office at: campusavertising@thehilltoponline.com localadvertising@thehilltoponline.com nationaladvertising2thehilltoponline.com

Brian K. Jordan After a nationwide search, Howard University has named Brian K. Jordan (B.A. ’82) the university’s new police chief and executive director for safety and security. Jordan has 27 years of law enforcement experience with the District of Columbia’s Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). “We are thrilled to have such a talented individual such as Mr. Jordan join the Howard University family,” said Artis Hampshire-Cowan, Howard University’s chief operating officer. “He brings decades of experience to his new role and has a solid reputation throughout the region. We are excited about this new possibility to further improve our campus community.”

in the department. His experience ranges from operational and administrative aspects of policing, including patrol operations, internal and external investigations, managing organizational change and responding to and addressing homeland security threats. Jordan earned a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology in 1982. “I am honored to be selected as the new police chief for Howard University,” Jordan said. “Our goal will be to continue to make the Howard campus a safe place for our students, faculty and staff. I am committed to leading an efficient, well-managed department that is rooted in service to the University community.” Jordan replaces Leroy K. James who retired in December after six years overseeing the department. During his tenure, James implemented several safety and security measures, increased public safety personnel, launched multiple security technology projects and enhanced training of officers. “We thank Chief James for his loyal dedication and commitment to Howard University,” HampshireCowan added “Today, our campus is a much safer environment, enabling our students to excel and thrive in their academic endeavors.”

Jordan previously served as an MPD assistant police chief and in other executive leadership roles

Week with Lecture Ta’naysha A. Smith Contributing Writer

On Thursday, Feb. 6. Hearst Visiting Scholar and acclaimed journalist Wil Haygood, presented a lecture entitled “From the Haygoods of Columbus to the Butler.” Located in the School of Communications Screening Room West, Haygood discussed his road to the Washington Post, his book and now movie “The Butler: A Witness to History” and his involvement with Hearst. According to the Howard University News Room, through the Hearst Visiting Professionals Endowment program, leading journalists visit select campuses for either a week, a semester, or a series of lectures. This program has included Howard since the late 1970s and this year Haygood was the chosen scholar who spent the week participating in class discussions and meetings with faculty and students. “We starting planning in September. We had to contact the company that represents him to get on his schedule. We knew that after the film premiered and had been so successful that he would be extremely busy and so we wanted to make sure that we that were able to get the date we wanted,” said Dr. Bishetta Merritt, Chair of the Department of Media, Journalism, and Film in the School of Communications. Dr. Merritt, a key force behind the scholar’s visit, believed that Haygood was the perfect fit to inspire young journalists to write. “I was really excited for him to accept the invitation to come to Howard because he’s an excellent writer and we encourage our students to be good writers. We encourage them to believe that writing is essential to good filmmaking, and that it’s essential to everything that relates to what we do in the Media, Journalism and Film department and in the School of Communications,” Merritt said. Haygood opened his lecture with background information. He shared that just like many, he began off at the copy editing desk - until he was offered his first position as a writer from the Boston Globe. In 2002 the journalist transitioned to the Washington Post, where he still works to date. In his lecture, Haygood spoke about what inspired him to write “The Butler,” starting with Martin Luther King Jr.’s quote, “if you’re going to be a garbage man, be the best garbage man that you can

Wil Haygood be.” Those inspirational words had much to do with the conception of Eugene Allen’s story. It was during the 2008 presidential campaign that Haygood felt certain that Obama would win the presidency, so he wanted to find someone who worked in the White House during the era of segregation. “Their life juxtaposed against the life of the first African-American President would be a powerful story, a powerful narrative,” said Haygood. His editor gave him 5 days to find someone he could cover for the story. After receiving the name of someone who fit the description of the character he wanted, Haygood began searching for the person named named Eugene Allen. It took 57 phone calls to fInd him. After many visits and much research Haygood had a narrative of a man who was a butler at the White House for 34 years without missing a day of work. Eugene’s story was not only made into a book, but also a motion picture, “Lee Daniels: The Butler” Haygood’s lecture taught valuable life lessons for not only writers, but all who heard it. He received a standing ovation from the audience which captured the sentiment Dr. Merritt intended he would convey. The Hearst Scholar is one who encourages, one who inspires, and one who motivates,” said Media, Journalism, and Film professor Judi Moore Latta, Ph.D. Wil Haygood has received many awards including the Sunday Magazine Editors Award, the New England Associated Press Award, and the National Association of Black Journalists Award for Foreign Reporting.

Campus

THE HILLTOP | MONDAY, FEBRUARY, 10 2014

Emmy Victor, Campus Editor

campus@thehilltoponline.com

UGSA hosts 4th Annual “Birthday Suit: Body Image”

Karlton Smith Contributing Writer It is a widespread notion that the people on television and the perception of how a person should look rarely matches the reality of what most Americans actually look like. For the fourth year in a row, the program “Birthday Suit” tackled another social issue and helped redefine how Howard University students view themselves against society’s norm. The program was sponsored by UGSA and hosted by senior Broadcast Journalism major Jobina Fortson. Birthday Suit was filled with inspiring songs, panels, spoken word, soul-searching performances and a model walk. Danielle Pinnock, from “The Body Image Project” performed a series of monologues about the real issues many face when dealing with body weight. She made it very clear that she loved her “curvy girl” figure and had the audience laughing with stories of her West Indian family teasing her for being thicker. But she owned it. That was the point of Birthday Suit, to showcase how empowering each other and accepting

everyone for how they are combats the stereotypes of how body image.

yourself is what it’s all about,” said Cowan when referring to how people should build their self-image.

The show’s coordinator Darius Thomas, a senior Speech Pathology major from Louisiana wanted to send a clear message with this year’s birthday suit.

Cowan was featured in a short film that told his story, as well as the stories of other Howard students who dealt with overcoming their body image and are comfortable with how they look.

“I do Birthday Suit every year to impact people’s lives. It helps them understand that their body image is amazing how it is. Within the past four years from natural hair, colorism, homosexuality, to this year being body image, I know that people will be able to take something away and feel comfortable in their skin,” said Thomas Darius started the idea of the Birthday Suit series when he was a freshman in Freshman Leadership Academy. From there, he produced the event as a part of student council to ensure that “people will love themselves both inside and out and can appreciate who they are despite societies stereotypes.” The panel featured some familiar faces from campus: Blackburn Center’s Director Roberta McLeod

Freshman Secondary Education major Kiana Cole said Birthday Suit gave her the opportunity to look at her flaws as strengths. “ I enjoyed the personal stories. I understand owning what you have and using it as a strength to overcome,” Cole said. Photos by Rachel Cumberbatch, Photo Editor

and Prof. Deborah Johnson joined Washington Redskins cheerleader Tecoya Gordon, Danielle Pinnock and Lennex Cowan in a discussion about being comfortable with yourself, labels, and controlling your self-image. Lennex Cowan, a senior Mathematics and Afro-American Studies

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double major from Ohio told his story about living with keloid skin and how people’s reaction to the scar on his ear helped him be a more confident person. “Embracing you, because people are stuck up on changing themselves for what society. Taking the time out to introspect and loving

During the model walk, students of all different shapes took the stage in designs from each decade that gave the audience a sexy show of all types. Battling the stereotypes that we all face through visual performance, Birthday Suit taught the principles of owning and accepting who you are.

THE HILLTOP | MONDAY, FEBRUARY, 10 2014

Here at Howard, the campus culture and physical setting do not support hazing activities. Students should be aware that hazing violates campus regulations and the laws of the District of Columbia. The information provided below is designed to assist members of our community in understanding the University and District of Columbia’s position on hazing activities. The information is intended to be educational and should not be viewed as all-inclusive in its content and definitions. Specific questions should be directed to the Office of Student Life and Activities at 202-806-5990. STATEMENT ON HAZING Howard University recognizes that student groups and associations including, but not limited to clubs and organizations, fraternities and sororities are an integral part of the University. They contribute to the academic and social experience of the students and the University community. This relationship carries with it certain rights of the University to protect and preserve an appropriate environment in which all students and organizations may operate. As such, all students are expected to conduct themselves as responsible members of the University community and to respect their fellow citizens. Any departure from these standards as defined in the Student Code of Conduct, the National fraternity/sorority documents, and regulations of the District of Columbia may subject any individual(s) or group(s) to disciplinary action. HOWARD UNIVERSITY’S DEFINITION OF HAZING Hazing as defined as an act, which endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student. It may include, but is not limited to, the destruction or removal of public or private property, or any activity conducted on or off-campus that causes or intends to cause an unreasonable expenditure of funds, embarrassing, intimidating or demeaning behavior, exposure to situations that could result in physical or emotional harm, or that causes undue stress, for the purpose of initiation, admission into, affiliation with, or as a condition for continued membership in any sanctioned or unsanctioned group or organization at the University. DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA LAW Hazing is any initiation of applicants to or members of a student or fraternal organization in which a person or people knowingly or recklessly organize, promote, facilitate or engage in any conduct, which places or may place another person in danger of bodily injury. Any person who hazes or takes part in hazing activities on or off the property of any university located within the District of Columbia shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction, is subject to a fine of up to $1,000, or imprisonment of up to 6 months. Any fraternity, sorority, or group recognized by any university within the District of Columbia who knowingly or recklessly permits hazing on or off the property of any university located within the District of Columbia shall be subject to a fine of not more than $5,000.00. The implied or expressed consent of a student shall not be a defense under this section. NOTE It is important to note that laws vary by state and that in some states hazing is a felony offense and penalties may be greater.�

Armour J. Blackburn University Center, Suite 122, Washington, DC 20059 Telephone 202-806-5990 Facsimile 202-806-9194 www.howard.edu

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THE HILLTOP | MONDAY, FEBRUARY, 10 2014

President of Haiti Holds Forum on Education

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated Hosts 22nd Annual Woman to Woman Conference Precious Osagie-Erese Staff Writer

Photo by Justin Knight

Emmy Victor Campus Editor The Howard University School of Business, located on main campus, was forced to close their auditorium doors over ten minutes before the program was expected to start. The blue-seated rows were filled to capacity with students, faculty, and visitors: eager to hear a forum on education from a distinguished leader in the midst of reform efforts for his country. On Wednesday, Feb 5th Howard welcomed the honorable Michel Joseph Martelly, President of the Republic of Haiti, who spoke on the importance of education for his Western Caribbean nation. Since taking office in May 2011, President Martelly has made education a forefront initiative in his presidency through internal programs domestically, as well as external appearances globally. “This is a significant moment for us to have at our university,” said Interim President Wayne Frederick. In all smiles, Frederick briefly greeted Martelly for taking the time to visit Howard after just leaving a meeting with the U.S Secretary of State John Kerry. After being welcomed to the stage by a standing ovation from the crowd, Haiti’s President slowly began his lecture.

no longer afford the costly fees provide their children an extensive education. In his transition to a politician and leader, he noted in his forum that in order to get the future off of Haiti off the streets, the government must start by getting the children off the street.

While this success has given the President several praise in his country and internationally, Martelly adds that there is still work to be done to build what he considers ‘a new and better Haiti’. These efforts can begin right here at Howard University.

‘We care deeply about the future of our students and in extension, the future of our country.”

“We are very interested in working with Howard for exchange programs, internships, and fellowships,” said Martelly.

Through several national strategies, Martelly proudly announced that over 1.3 million primary schoolaged kids have been enrolled in school, over 329,000 classrooms have been built (many with internet access and computers) and over 125 schools and facilities have been restored and rebuilt. Education is now free across the country through an implemented free and compulsory schools act, and many schools have programs to support funding for transportation to and from school as well as daily meals. Even young adults can now walk through rehabilitated college campuses for courses and enroll in brand-new accredited teacher trainee programs.

Luckily, Howard University and Haiti have already begun an established relationship. The university was one of the first responders to the earthquake four years ago, has sent groups of students annually to the country via the Alternative Spring Break program, and recently concluded a medical project that involved the College of Nursing & Allied Health Sciences, the College of Pharmacy and the College of Dentistry. Accompanying Haiti’s President was his wife Sophia Martelly. Both encourage citizens to come and visit Haiti.

“Going to the conference has definitely inspired me, I’m learning how to be confident and how to carry myself in a positive way,” said Sidney Smith, 11th grader from Eastern Senior High School. The Woman to Woman Conference is a deep rooted tradition sponsored by the members of Alpha Chapter, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated. Since its beginning in 1992, high school girls in the D.C. metro area are invited to attend Howard University to participate in a series of workshops presented by positive and accomplished African American women. This year’s conference featured esteemed panelists from a number of professions, from Public Relations professionals to CEOs. The three panels focused on a specific topic dedicated to help students analyze the true meaning of who they are. The first, “Revitalizing your Mind: who am I.” The next, “Revitalizing your Dreams: who will I be”, and “Revitalizing your brand: who am I to the world.” “Love how to learn who you are in every phase of your journey, have a vision for a liberated future and have faith,” said Shayna Rudd, a panelist and former Miss Howard. Transition Coordinator Sheila Henderson from Luke C. Moore senior high school found the panels to be vital for her students.

“When I ran for President, education was a key part of my platform,” said Martelly. The former artist, known as Sweet Micky to many natives, shared that being a singer/musician provided him with the opportunity to listen to the needs and concerns of the people in Haiti. After the devastating earthquake hit the coast in January 2010, the Port-au-Prince native spoke to many parents who could

Hundreds of young girls from high schools all around D.C. attended the 22nd Annual Woman to Woman Conference titled: “Sisters Let’s Talk…Revitalizing Your Inner Virtue, Embracing the True Essence of You.” Hosted by the members of Alpha Chapter, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated, the youth symposium introduced girls to the topics of self-love and empowerment while reaching to expose the full potential of every participant.

Photo by Justin Knight

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“Social media is a hot topic and the panelists shed light on some negative aspects and damages that come along if students are not careful on these social media networks. Having someone explain to my girls in a way that they were engaged was

incredible,” said Henderson. The 22nd annual Woman to Woman Conference also consisted of a college fair that exposed the girls to the importance of higher learning with college representatives from all over the country. Making an appearance at the college fair were schools like the University of Iowa, Norfolk State, Grambling State University, and Boston University.

“The message is amazing, I love this conference, and it’s my second time coming. My students are engaged and excited, the girls see strong, powerful women who exude confidence. The Deltas are just such great role models,” said Eastern Senior high school counselor, Kelly Hart. The keynote speaker, Meagan Good, put the finishing touch on a day filled with messages surrounding faith, confidence, perseverance, empowerment and self-love. The actress spoke on her early life and the times she was a misfit while growing up in Panorama City, California. She left the audience with a distinct message. “I found my sense of self-love by hanging close to God. What’s important is what God made for you.” Chair and Co-Chair of the Woman to Woman Conference, Maya Allen and Simone Ferguson, discussed what they wanted the young ladies to take away from the day’s festivities. “I want the girls to leave Howard University knowing that no matter what they do, they all are phenomenal women. The girls will learn to embrace themselves, embrace their flaws, mishap, and tribulations, this ultimately allows discovery and then the girls will blossom to be the women they want to be,” said Allen. “The whole day is about self-discovery and to look within themselves to see what they want to do,” said Ferguson. “I really wanted the girls to come with an open mind and realize whatever obstacles are in front of them, they don’t have to let that hold them back.”

Metro

THE HILLTOP | MONDAY, FEBRUARY, 10 2014

Keneisha Deas, Metro Editor

A Compromise That May Leave Millions Hungry Alexis Porter Contributing Writer

The $956 billion Farm Bill replaces direct crop payments with an insurance program and cuts $8 billion from the food stamp program over the next 10 years, far less than the $40 billion some Republicans hope would have been cut. “It took a lot of compromising, about fours year of compromising actually, from both the Democrats and Republicans, to get to this bill. Since it was just signed we haven’t seen the affects of the cuts just yet but I’m sure we will as the months go on,” said Maryanne Chinaza Ejiofor, a sophomore business management major from Shoreview, Minnesota in reference to the Farm Bill President Barack Obama signed into law Friday at Michigan State University. “The part of the bill that interested me most, as a college student, and living in a major city, is the cut of funds to the food stamps program. This is not going to help the millions of Americans on food stamps in an already tough economy,” she said. “Although I don’t use food stamps

myself, they have been a great help to some of my family members,” Sable Givens, sophomore psychology major from St. Louis, Missouri said.

and have been denied, or had them reduced. Hopefully black people find a way to be economically free from whites, that will solve half our problems,” Franklinadded.

“The cut will be drastic because some of my family members are on disability and the food stamps allowed them to be able to put food on the table and still have enough money to spend on their medicine and bills. Now they will have to spend more money on food, meaning somewhere down the line another bill might fall through,”Givens added.

During President Obama’s fifth State of the Union address he vowed to spend the next year focusing on increasing economic opportunity for the middle class andclosing the economic inequality gap.

For others, the reduction of funding to the food stamp program won’t be as drastic. “It’s unfair to say that it will have an adverse effect on me. I may sound selfish but I’m not in dire need as others who may apply for food stamps. I got them on the strength that I am a student,” Toni Franklin, senior biology major from Miami, Florida stated. “Now if I were a single mother with more bills than money, well then I would be able to answer this question differently. My heart goes out to those who really need them

“I believe that the farm bill will keep many low income families away from their main resource for food.According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities,this cut could create a $90 monthly reduction for somefamilies. An alternate plan needs to be implemented by President Obama and his administration to provide low-income families with their continuation of food stamps at a reasonable price per month,” said Paul Chambers Jr., a junior political science major from San Ramon, California. “Furthermore, the continuation of budget cuts need to be directed towards other areas that do not continue to affect low-income families or individuals because this continuation could eventually force homelessness,” he concluded.

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THE HILLTOP | MONDAY, FEBRUARY, 10 2014

Life&Style Within a Mile Gemmika Champion Contributing Writer As a Howard University student, sometimes it can be difficult to focus on campus. From the continuous bustle in the Blackburn computer lab, chatting freshmen in Founders, to the active seniors relaying in and out of the iLab, a place of peace and quiet can be difficult to find. However, contrary to popular belief, one does not need to go too far to encounter a peaceful environment. Around campus there is a collection a great coffee shops and hangouts for students to go sit with a mug of their favorite warm drink and get down to focusing. If you search for a café sprinkled with young professionals, free wifi, and a menu that can please any palate, Busboys and Poets may be the destination for you. With a vibe that evokes creativity and productivity, the café is less than a mile off campus at its 14th and V street location. If you want a more secluded feel in a rustic home style café, where the music ranges from the styles of Tupac to Johnny Cash and you could be caught munching on a delicious chocolate chip and potato cookie, Blind Dog Cafe is the spot for you. Located behind the Towers on the corner of W Street and Florida Ave NW, this little café offers a selection of house made cookies and sodas that very in gourmet flavors. Then just take a seat on their large couches or comfy chairs and enjoy the warm family atmosphere. In the other direction south of campus, Shaw’s Tavern, which functions as a bar at night, has a set of comfy couches of its own. Providing its own unique flare with high barstools and dinner tops, Shaw’s serves brunch every morning in both the restaurant and its wifi accessible 2nd floor lounge and coffee area. The exposed wood inside and funky music provide a nice air for the studying. But if true funk is what you are looking Sankofa restaurant/café can tend to your needs on Georgia Ave. a block away from the Fairmount St. and Georgia Ave intersection. The young intellectual afro-centric atmosphere and delicious almond milk hot chocolate provide all the means for a good study break. Also you can take some time and browse their colorful selection of cultured literature from all over the world. All of these places are great to switch up the daily flow and to take an opportunity to take a breath from the Howard environment. So if you need to take a second and walk away, it could be within a mile to have a productive day.

. Regina Hall and Kevin Hart Talk “About Last Night” Maya Cade, L&S Editor

cade@thehilltoponline.com

Maya Cade, Marc Rivers Life & Style Editor and Columnist “About Last Night,” a remake of the 1986 hit romantic comedy, wants to bring frankness and wit to the hardships of falling in and out of love, and right in time for Valentine’s Day. And by changing the four white leads of the original to African-Americans, there is the hope that this film can ride the wave of box office success for black films from 2013 well into 2014. But Kevin Hart doesn’t like the term “black films.” He and co-star Regina Hall came by for an interview with the Hilltop, and one thing that the comedian stressed was the hope that this film would transcend such labels. “I think right now that that stereotype is erased. You’re looking at a year that was full of success for black movies. I don’t like to use the term ‘black movies’...I think “About Last Night” is another example of actors regardless of their color getting a great piece of material its chance to shine, and in return word of mouth will spread. The best way for that stereotype to be removed is to support films regardless of the race. These films and success will then grow. You don’t hear a white movie being referred to as a white movie, it’s just a ‘good’ movie,” Hart said. Co-star Regina Hall had similar sentiments about the catch-all term “black film”. “I think what happens is stereotypes are broken when we see more images and the images are varied. When we don’t have just one type of film and one type of character. There was a time when pop culture was the popular culture. Right now it’s hip hop culture, and it’s urban culture; and you know what that’s a chance for us to embrace who we are. Because this culture is now pervasive amongst all cultures. We have saturated and permeated that. So when you say a “black movie” then what you’re saying now is a hit movie. It has become the culture of

Hart and Hall’s characters from “About Last Night.”

our time, of our generation. So we can embrace [our culture] knowing that [it] doesn’t mean a movie is less than,” Hall stated. Hall, a D.C. native, and 43-yearold New York University graduate, didn’t always see acting in her future. “It wasn’t always my dream in a tangible way. My father is an electrician, my mother is a teacher. If I had dreamed of being an actor, I necessarily didn’t see it as a reality. I went to NYU, studied English,” Hall said. But after Hall’s father passed away, her stars aligned and lighted the path she’s on now. “An actor who worked in my building said ‘come meet my manager you can make some commercials for extra money’ and that’s how I actually started. I went to grad school because my parents wouldn’t support me without a job. But then my father died, he had a stroke and

that point I started thinking about what I really wanted to do and I should try it.” Hall’s acting debut was as the stripper Candy in Malcolm D. Lee’s romantic comedy “The Best Man,” and she has starred in a slew of other comedies over the years. She believes she’s developed a certain eye for developing characters. “When you’re doing something comedic, one of the key things that you have to do is you have to serve the humanity of the character. So even when you’re finding humor in a situation, when you’re serving the humanity of a being of a character and you’re inhabiting that, then what happens is the flaws become something that people can resonate with. So instead of [just] laughing at them you’re on a journey with them. I think that’s what Kevin and I both tried to do [with “About Last Night”]”, Hall said. What Hart is most proud of, what he hopes is the main takeaway from the film, is finding honesty and empathy in a film that wants you to

Photo via Flickr.com, Ma_Co2013

relate to these characters as much as it wants you to laugh at their often screwball antics. Hart believes that their common goal to bring humanity to the characters brought new depth to the remake. “I think for us it was about making it grounded,” Hart explained. “You wanna push the envelope, you wanna get edgy. Being that it was a remake of the original, we had a mold that we wanted to follow, but we wanted to make a movie for our generation. And uh, with me and Regina you know, this character and this couple, this exists. But yet they have levels where people will be able to relate to it. You know, can’t just all be one note. I think we did a great job of finding the different notes from emotions to crazy to the physicality of it. To where people are gonna watch it and say I identify with them.”

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Sports

THE HILLTOP | MONDAY, FEBRUARY, 10 2014

Khari Arnold, Sports Editor

Small Signing Day Precedes What Could Be Big Season Glynn Hill Editor-in-Chief

There were no live animals, no props, and no bag of tricks—or hats. National Signing Day at Howard University never has been sexy, but the 2014 recruiting class includes some players who coaches feel can come in right away and help the team win. While that notion may seem cliché, Howard is in what those around the program feel is a special moment, with quarterback Greg McGhee, the 2013 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Offensive Player of the Year, heading into his senior year (and fourth year starting) next season. A better corps of receivers would be a step in the right direction. Coaches took such a step in adding Odis Grimes, a 6-foot-5, 210-pound target from Miami, to a group that hasn’t had a receiver surpass 400 yards in the last two seasons. They also added Cameron Taylor, a 6-foot-2 receiver from Clayton, Ohio. “Cameron Taylor is very impressive,” said head coach Gary “Flea” Harrell. “He and Grimes give Greg McGhee a couple of legitimate weapons with their big play ability.” Coaches are also looking to build around running back Anthony Philyaw, who rushed for 722 yards and a conference-high 15 touchdowns as a true freshman last season. He also caught 15 passes for 188 yards and a touchdown. The Los Angeles native emerged from a talented backfield and was eventually named a second team All-MEAC performer, running behind what was a new look offensive line that featured just one returning starter. That same unit finished with a trio of third team All-MEAC performers, including Joshua Matthews, who departs in May. The Bison followed suit from last year, addressing needs along the offensive line as well as in the defensive backfield, signing six offensive linemen and five defensive backs, as part of their 15-man haul. “We feel that Gerald Wright, Tyler Shadrach, James Holman and Corey White can help us right away. It is a physical group that is suited to provide blocking for our running back Anthony Philyaw,” said

Harrell.

Howard signed many of its top targets this cycle, although, as recruiting coordinator and defensive backs coach Ronald Bolton points out, that doesn’t mean a coach doesn’t lose sleep the day before. “There certainly is [some angst] waiting for those faxes to come in,” he said. For Bolton, who is in his second stint with the Bison after helping develop Antoine Bethea and Ronald Bartell Jr. into NFL players, recruiting at the Division II level is not always easy, or fair. “Sometimes when a guy [verbally] commits to go to one school, he’ll say he just wants to take a visit to this other school,” said Bolton. “If that’s the case, that first school may tell him, ‘OK, you visit them, then we’ll pull your scholarship.’ It can be a cutthroat type of deal and kids can be swayed by those tactics.” “Sometimes you wait for the paperwork to show up,” said Harrell, patiently standing beside the fax machine as a letter of intent from Baton Rouge defensive back Yoseff Banks rolls out. “It’s a situation where he’s going to whoever receives that document first; [when they decide] sometimes they tell you, sometimes they don’t.” Bolton and the rest of the Bison staff were also in the unenviable position of going out and recruiting without their head coach, as Harrell recently returned from a 10-month leave of absence for family and personal issues. Harrell said he recruited “very little” while in his hometown, Miami. “I had the opportunity to see some high school games, to see some guys in my spare time,” he said. “I took notes, so when I got back in action we could go after a guy.” Still, when his staff goes out, they try to sell recruits on the academics at Howard. “Recruiting is just like dating,” said Bolton. “[You] call them, let them know you love ‘em, and keep telling them nice things until they want to come to your school.” “It helps when you have a person who knows what it takes to get to the highest level, but that can get overshadowed by a bigger school’s facilities and greater exposure to scouts,” he said.

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Women’s Basketball Battles But Falls To Hampton

“A lot of kids are swayed by facilities, but it can be glitter and gold,” he continued. “It’s temporary. We try to impress them on life after football. You come to Howard for a meaningful degree and stuff of that nature, but some are just in it for football.” For athletes looking beyond football, Harrell points to how coaches’ pre-existing relationships can help when recruiting. He is an alumnus of both Miami Northwestern, the powerhouse high school in southern Florida, and Howard University, where he was a standout wide receiver and return specialist, eventually going on to play professionally in the NFL, Europe and Canada. Those connections helped the Bison sign Marquese Blanchard, a 6-foot-3, 245-pound defensive end from Miami Northwestern last year. Blanchard recorded three sacks and a forced fumble as a true freshman this season. “It definitely helps. With a lot of guys back home, either I played with or played against them in high school,” said Harrell. “The kids that are playing in high school now, those guys are their kids. When you have a good reputation, parents will feel comfortable leaving their kids to you.” This year’s class includes two more key players (Grimes and Wright) who hail from Miami Northwestern. He also had commitments from the son of a former Bison football player in Cameron Taylor, and from his own son, Gary Harrell Jr. Harrell said he let his son choose his own path because they grew up in different worlds. For the father, whose daughter recently transferred to Howard from Morgan State, the difficulty will be in coaching his son. “It’s going to be difficult. I’m going to try to not make the expectations higher than what they should be, but whenever it’s your son it’s difficult because you know his habits, when he’s going to make a mistake, and you can see something before it happens.” “Luckily he’s on defense,” Harrell said jokingly.

Shavonne Duckett recorded 16 points and 7 rebounds in a losing effort.

Via hubison.com HAMPTON, VA --- In its first game against the top team in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference, the Howard women’s basketball team put up a strong fight before succumbing to the Hampton University Lady Pirates, 76-64, on Saturday evening at the Hampton Convocation Center. Forward Shavonne Duckett set the pace for Howard (9-13, 5-4 MEAC) for the second straight game, logging game bests of 16 points and seven rebounds. The Landover, MD native – who is no stranger to the Virginia area, having played four years at George Mason University in Fairfax – was perfect from the free throw line (6-of-6) and shot well from the floor (4-of 9; 2-of-3 from three-point range). She also added a pair of assists and a couple of steals. Redshirt freshman Te’Shya Heslip broke out of her three-game singledigit scoring slump to add 15 points on 50 percent (5-of-10) shooting, including a season high in threepointers (3). Heslip also grabbed three rebounds, dished out four assists and had a game-high four steals. Sophomore center Victoria Gonzalez also reached double figures, going 4-of-10 from the floor and 4-of-6 from the line to score 12 points. Howard head coach Tennille Adams found positives in the team’s play afterward, saying, “I liked the team’s effort as a whole today. We did some good things, but at the end of the day, you can’t make mistakes against great teams.” After Hampton (19-4, 10-0 MEAC) scored the first two baskets of the

game, Howard took less than a minute to put up a quick 6-1 run and take a 6-5 lead at the 16:57 mark. What ensued over the next 4:22 was a back and forth, three-onone three point battle; starting with a triple from Hampton guard Malia Tate-DeFreitas, both teams alternated a total of six consecutive three-pointers – three by three different Lady Bison against three from Tate-DeFreitas. Junior forward Cheyenne Brown nailed the last shot in the sequence to hold the Lady Bison’s one point edge, 15-14, with 12:16 remaining. Both HUs would play the next eight and a half minutes even (14-14) as a free throw from freshman guard Jasmine Hill kept a one-point cushion (29-28) for Howard with 3:32 left in the half. Hampton would double Howard in points (8-4) to end the period and take a 36-33 lead at the break. After Hampton scored the first points of the second half, Howard would outscore the Lady Pirates 10-5 over the next four and a half minutes to tie the game at 43-43. However, the Lady Bison would finally fold to the defending conference champions as Hampton outscored HU 33-21 over the final 12:43 of the game, including a 21-9 surge after the game’s final tie. Hampton guard Kenia Cole led the Lady Pirates with 24 points. HU will finish its Virginia road trip with a matchup at Norfolk State on Monday, February 10 at 6 pm.

Despite a slow signing day, he’s expecting to see results fast. “We have a lot of young talent,” he said, “but the goal is to win now.”

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Congratulations to the Who’s Who among Students in American Colleges and Universities 2013-2014 Awardees Adebola Adejuwon Takeia Anthony Kelechi Anyanwu Jasmine Bolton Aisha Bowen Kia Byrd Kiah Clingman Cicely Cottrell Bria Crawford Victoria Dillard Micah Ernest Maurice Fluitt Nicole Franks Latrece Gouch Aitza Haddad-Nunez Tyrone Hankerson Damion Haynes Shanae' Henry Candace Hodge Stephanie Holloman Courtney Howard Lotanna Ikeotuonye Ariel Jackson Jarrod Jackson Ariel Johnson Jaimee Johnson

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Daniel White , Opinions Editor danielblackwhite@gmail.com

Campus Violence: The Block is Hot Daniel White, Jordan Ross Opinions Editor and Contributing Writer

“I need your wallet, your phone and all that!” Not a scene out of Pulp Fiction, or a Young Gleesh adlib. This command hits a little closer to home: Howard University and its surroundings. Our prestigious Mecca is unfortunately not a stranger to violence, both on-campus and in the surrounding area. Recall the alleged incidents in Douglass this past summer, the Annex last fall, or the brutal brawl resulting in two freshmen males being hospitalized last fall. Most polarizing of all was the highly publicized July 4th slaying of Omar Sykes. Sykes, a senior Marketing major at Howard, was shot fatally during a mugging on the 700 block of Fairmont. Fairmont St NW is extremely familiar to most Howard students as they walk past that same intersection to go to local barbershops, restaurants and convenient stores. Robberies at Howard University have been on the decline since 2006, in which they totaled at 71 but the danger still exists. How many times have you run to the Punch-out by yourself while it was dark outside? Or perhaps you wanted some carryout at 3 in the morning and didn’t want to wait for delivery? It’s important to remember that not only is Howard University an open campus; it’s in a major metropolitan city. Tensions between the surrounding

via flickr.com, boris woris

neighborhood and the University remain far from resolved. “Howard Students assume an air of innocence that they think can protect them form everything when the reality is it can’t,” said a Howard University Police Officer, choosing to remain anonymous. “No one is around to help or hear you scream and no one really cares actually. Its more of a fight to fend for yourself than it is to get help from anyone.” Though the area is changing, rapidly, you absolutely must make safety a personal responsibility. When it’s dark, go places with someone else or wait until the next

day. You should never place yourself in a harmful situation no matter how “grown” you think you are or “tough” you might actually be. Your health is that important. Omar’s untimely death was revisited in “Stood Up,” a short film produced by Raise The Stakes Entertainment (RTS). RTS is a group of Howard students whose videos illustrate universal young adult issues using comedy and satire to relate to their audiences. Tevin Scott, sophomore, leads Raise The Stakes. “Stood Up,” the latest RTS video, is the story of a young man distracted on

his way to meet up with his loveinterest. The final scene, in which the young man is stopped and robbed, is reminiscent of the Omar Sykes incident (down to the familiar block of Fairmont). This latest video was a radical departure from RTS’s usual lighthearted subject matter. When asked why they chose such a serious topic, Scott explained that he wanted to “expose the seriousness of on campus violence and depict how it could happen to anyone at anytime.”

Omar Syke’s death as just that; a tragedy, take a chance to learn from it so no more students have to suffer from on campus violence. “I want students to do more than watch, I want them to learn and grow and try to change they way they look at life,” said RTS’s Tevin Scott of his hopes for his most recent video.

Instead of looking at a tragedy like

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