FEBRUARY 1, 2016 | @THEHILLTOPHU | VOLUME 100 ISSUE 23
Are you good to drive?
PHOTO COURTESY OF FLICKR
Will Fuller News Editor
Just before midnight Nov. 20, a vehicle lay damaged inside the entrance of Howard University’s Bethune Annex Hall on 4th Street, after a student, who later admitted to driving under the influence, crashed into the building. The drunk driving incident marks another occurrence of an ongoing epidemic that has afflicted the lives of many Americans nationwide. “We can instruct young people that it is dangerous and wrong to get behind the wheel when they have been drinking, but it is rare for them to understand
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the why,” said Judith Tomlinson, international director of Those Against Drunk Driving (TADD). Drunk driving, or Driving Under the Influence (DUI) as it is legally referred to, consists of driving a vehicle under the influence of alcohol. The harmful and sometimes deadly act is deemed illegal if the intoxicated driver’s blood alcohol content (BAC) is .08 percent or higher. Every day in America, another 28 people die as a result of drunk driving crashes, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The statistics of drunk driving
among college students, specifically, are staggering.
According to the US News & World Report, one in five college students have admitted to drunk driving. Many students, in an effort to get home after parties and events, drive under the influence. “There are parties, lifetime celebrations and student gatherings,” Tomlinson said.“In many parts of the United States, [intoxicated individuals] don’t have viable public transportation to get the drinker home. So the drinker gets in their car or truck and drives home.”
NEWS
In Washington, D.C. and other cities with robust public transportation, students are at an advantage in terms of getting to their destination without a car.
In addition to taxis and public transportation, driving services like Lyft, Uber and Split are practical alternatives to drunk driving. “In some areas, we’ve seen decreases in the cases of drunk driving with shared driving services,” said Lisa M. Spicknall, program director of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) in Maryland. Organizations like MADD and TADD work to dilute the epidemic of drunk driving. MADD offers
VARIETY
a 24-hour victim helpline at 1-877-MADD-HELP, for drunk and drugged driving victims and survivors at no cost. Since MADD’s inception, it has provided more than 119,280 supportive services to drunk and drugged driving victims and survivors. The ramifications for minors, anyone under 21, that are arrested for driving impaired in the District include license revocation for six to 12 months and a fine up of up to $300. The consequences of drunk driving for people of ageinclude imprisonment for up to three months, a fine of up to $10,000 and license revocation. Criminal actions will intensify after each incident.
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Get the news of the week. Read about one group’s Check out Barbie’s new image. Get your Bison athletic updates. solution to the WHUT FCC auction. PAGE 4 PAGE 12 PAGE 9 PAGE 14
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Muslim Student Association starts Jumuah at Blackburn Nisa Muhammad Contributing Writer
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he Muslim Student Association began spring semester on Jan. 29 with their first Jumuah or congregation service. The crowd of students, staff and faculty included Dr. Fatimah Jackson from the Department of Biology and Dr. Hakim Rashid from the School of Education. It also included alumnus and former HUSA President (1981) Jamil Muhammad.
“This let me know that Howard University is continuing to prepare leaders for America and the global community,” Muhammad said.
of Outreach at Dar Al-Hijrah and the former Muslim chaplain at Howard University, who immediately connected with his audience.
“The room was speckled with different segments of Howard University such as parents, administrators, graduate and undergraduate students, neighbors and friends. It was a beautiful gathering on the basis of a beautiful faith.”
“The strength of this umma[community] is that we are unified together,” AbdulMalik said while broadcasting live on Periscope.“When you love each other, powerful things happen…Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, taught us to give the greetings of peace to those you know and those you don’t
The guest speaker was Imam Johari Abdul-Malik, Director
know. Don’t be stingy with your salaams (greetings of peace). You don’t know the power of your salaams.” Jumah is every Friday at 1:30 pm, Room 142, Blackburn. Special guest speakers throughout the semester will include former South African Ambassador EbrahimRasool, Imam TalibSharief from Masjid Muhammad, the Nation’s Mosque, and internationallyknown Imam SirajWahhaj. #MuslimLifeAtTheMecca
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HU organization strengthens voice in opposition to WHUT auction
Sydney Davenport Variety Editor
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here is one group at Howard unhappy about WHUT’s participation in the FCC Auction. Howard Media Group (HMG) a team of faculty and graduate students at Howard’s School of Communications, published a response on Jan. 20 to President Wayne A.I. Frederick’s announcement that the Howard University Television or WHUT would participate in the Broadcast Incentive Auction put on by Federal Communications Commission (FCC). So who is this group what are they doing and do they have a point? According to their website, HMG supports the creation of communication policy that serves the informational needs of all and the expansion of media ownership by people of color and women.
COURTESY PHOTO
•HMG originally expressed its opposition in a position paper issued last November after Frederick’s October memorandum announcing the
possibility of WHUT, the nation’s only public television station owned by African-Americans, participating in the auction.
which limits the diversity in broadcasting, as the small entities bought are usually those owned by minorities.
•The paper cited research on the disappearance of minority and women-owned stations in the United States and public interest issues in placing the station up for auction.
Those that approve of the Board of Trustees’ position to participate in the auction agree with what the Board of Trustees believes to be a unique opportunity that may not occur again.
•HMG suggests alternatives such as leveraging parts of the spectrum or entering into partnerships. Noted in its latest opposition paper, HMG believes •In the larger scope of telecommunications today, WHUT is too valuable of an asset to lose control over it. •WHUT is diverse and has inexpensive programming, something that may change with the participation in this auction, HMG fears. WHUT’s primary focus of the black experience, other ethnic-oriented content, and coverage of Howard’s campus is unlike other local stations. •Companies that buy broadcast spectra typically already dominate the industry,
Additionally, the financial opportunity presented through participation in the auction is and often-cited point of contention between those that argue the pros and cons of Howard’s participation. An argument against those that feel the monetary benefits of this auction are worth losing WHUT is that the $461 million cap is a gross underestimation of its actual worth. Despite this opposition, officially, Howard is participating in the auction and discussion of the outcome will not occur until its close. However, as the HMG pointed out in its opposition statement, the university has until March to pull out of the auction if it so desires.
WHAT’S HAPPENING IN CHAPEL Did you know that there are locations on campus for silent prayer and mediation? Andrew Rankin Memorial Chapel Monday – Friday ~ 8:30 A.M. – 5:30 P.M. Interfaith Prayer Room (Blackburn Center Room 142) Daily ~ 7:00 A.M. – 10:00 P.M.
Join us this Sunday…
Rev. Dr. E. Dewey Smith Senior Pastor/Teacher, The House of Hope Greater Travelers Rest Decatur, Georgia
Brothers of the Alpha Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. share their Call to Chapel.
Each year, hundreds of Howard University students give up vacations and trips home to honor the University’s motto of “truth and service” during the Alternative Spring Break program. Students can register for ASB at the following link: http://huasb.tumblr.com/
“Deeper in Faith – Wider in Community”
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FEBRUARY 1, 2016
DROP:“It’s time to retire the swag surf”
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PHOTO COURTESY OF FADER
Malcolm Wyche Contributing Writer
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know we all love the swag surf, but it’s time to let it go. The swag surf has been a unifying dance at Howard University and other black communities for far too long. It’s the one song that everybody gets ready for and now it’s become a part of the social media craze. We’ve seen videos of Howard’s swag surf go viral with everybody envious of our unity. I love it too and I love the energy that it brings. I even like that it’s the one moment where I can count on the function to be live, but it has kept us in the past for too many years where we could have been creating new trends. It’s a constant reminder that the Howard community is obsessed with the nostalgic feelings of the past, but doesn’t put a focus on moving forward. Since my time at Howard, I’ve seen too many things repeated. I know we love the staple events, Black and Boujee or DND, but it’s okay to move on and make things different. We’ve gotten too comfortable and that’s where we went wrong. Things started to get too good and we forgot that there could be something better. Howard has seen a great wave of creative people coming in and shaking campus up. There are even “Howard celebrities” that come with the rep of providing us with the best of times. I’m here for all of that, but it has overshadowed the other people that have ideas they want to make come alive. We shun events that aren’t what we’re used to. We don’t go out if it’s not an expected event. If it’s not Freshman Week, Homecoming,
Drink Olympics, Black & Boujee, North vs. South, and maybe a few other events, we don’t get excited for it. We’ve lost sight of what made Howard so appealing, and that’s students coming together to have a good time no matter what. Rain or snow, there was once a time where it didn’t matter. We never focused on the weather, because we knew that we were going to have fun. I understand times at Howard have changed. I know the administration has made more rules and it seems they have become stricter. But I don’t know if the administration has gotten so strict to the point where students are more restricted or if we’ve given up trying. I’m not concerned about the OldHoward vs. New Howard. I believe that debate is played out. It’s all of Howard that has changed. From the seniors to the freshman, we lost our enthusiasm. Sure there’s still parties and activities, but there’s nothing new. There’s nothing exciting. I remember being excited to see what would come every weekend, from the secret Hella Bandz parties to the random valley and impromptu house parties. Weekends at Howard carried a completely different energy than during the week. There was something in the air that was just different. My concern isn’t necessarily about Howard being as “live” as it used to, but more focused on the energy of the students. It’s time for things to change at Howard. It’s up to us as the student body to continue providing the energy we had before. From all classifications and groups, we have to be focused on setting our own traditions. We can’t keep relying on those who came before us to provide us with fun. I no longer want to see the same parties and
themes recurring. Let’s be creative. Let’s be spontaneous. Let’s have fun. We can change up the music. We can change how we do things. This is the time where so many creative people and industries are thriving. It’s time for the people who have the
vision to come to the front and get active. Howard needs more action and more plans. Everybody is sitting on ideas. It is time to bring in new waves.
Awareness
CULT
profess a religious focus, but have potentially dangerous practices and influence. These groups and individuals will often target students, especially new students, Some groups on university campuses
because they are in an unfamiliar environment away from their established friends and family.
These groups are often identified as cult or “high pressure groups” and they operate without recognition or approval from Howard University nor the Office of the Dean of the Chapel. They: - Are often dishonest about their true identity - Aggressively recruit and sometimes harass and agenda. students.
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SOME THINGS TO LOOK OUT FOR:
Leader claims divinity or a special relationship with God. Leader desires members to be faithful to him or her. Encourage members to separate from family and friends, especially if they do not share the group’s beliefs. Ask potential members to confess/tell all past sins/mistakes to members of the group.
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Seek to have total control over members’ lives. Want influence in every decision members make. Want members to keep things about the group secret. Desire to diminish members’ sense of self. Exploit members’ finances. Want members to be a part of this group and no/few other groups.
What’s the Harm?
Loss of free will and/or control over your choices. - Loss of long-term friendships and relationships. - Loss of independence and planning for your future.
What Should You Do?
- Only visit Bible Studies, Prayer Groups, and Spiritual Discussions on the APPROVED LIST from the Office of the Dean of the Chapel. (Our goal is to protect you & support your spiritual journey). - If you believe you have seen a group that may be a cult, have a friend being recruited by one, or have been recruited or harassed yourself, contact the Office of the Dean of the Chapel
immediately at 202-806-7280 or chapel@howard.edu.
You have the power to keep our campus safe!
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FEBRUARY 1, 2016
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BISON EVERYWHERE! Howard University Students Chime in On Their Study Abroad Experience
Compiled by Jazmin Goodwin Campus Editor
ALLYSON
CARPENTER Junior
PHOTO COURTESY OF ALLYSON CARPENTER Political Science Major Cleveland, Ohio Studying at the University of Oxford in Oxford, England
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fter winning the Luard Morse scholarship, I was thrilled about the opportunity to spend my junior year studying politics at the University of Oxford. Studying abroad has expanded my worldview and strengthened my appreciation for Howard University. My favorite part about Oxford is their tutorial system, a radically different approach at higher education. I have no required lectures, no textbooks, no classmates, no quizzes or tests. I write one essay every week and then meet with my tutor to discuss it. I’ve found this style of learning to be very effective and ultimately less stressful than what I am used to. As one of the few black people at my college, I am often approached for debates on racial issues. While I am impressed by how much my British peers know about American politics, police brutality, and even the #BlackLivesMatter movement, these encounters forced me to confront how little I know about what’s going on beyond American borders. This realization led me to ditch American politics as my concentration in favor of
Middle Eastern and European politics. As I’d hoped, studying at Oxford is broadening my understanding of politics and expanding my worldview. I am most grateful that while in England I’ve been able to try new things that I would never do in the States. I tried rowing – it’s not for me, but at least I tried. I joined the University’s basketball team, something that I’ve never had the time for at Howard. Although I’d never taken a Classics course before, it’s my minor here at Oxford. One of the greatest challenges of studying abroad was checking out of Howard for an entire year. Coming to Oxford meant resigning my seat as an ANC Commissioner and withdrawing from campus life and student government. Even still, my experience at Oxford has made me appreciate Howard that much more. While they may have perfect Wi-Fi and more than eighty 24-hour libraries, when it comes to the culture and their embracement of people of color, Oxford cannot compare to the Mecca.
AUSET PARRIS
Junior PHOTO COURTESY OF AUSET PARRIS Sociology Major Legal Communications Minor with a concentration in PreLaw, Long Island, New York Currently studying abroad at American College of Greece in Athens, Greece
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his semester, I am studying abroad in Athens, Greece at the American College of Greece. I didn’t put too much thought into choosing Greece; I just chose the location that had the most courses that correlated with Howard’s courses. Afterwards, I realized how much influence and involvement Greek culture has had on my life; i.e. My Big Fat Greek Wedding, Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, Percy Jackson and Olympians: The Lightning Thief, Nike, etc. To be honest, I thought I knew all I needed to know about Greece through these movies, so this trip was kind of for affirmation’s sake. I also really needed a change of scenery, being that my brother and sister attended Howard; I started to feel like I too had attended Howard for over 10 years. So like the adventurous women I am, I took
a risk, a risk that so far has been fulfilling and exciting to say the least. It almost feels like I’m a freshman again, minus freshman week of course, everyone has been so welcoming and ready to converse on a variety of topics. As a black woman, it has been interesting to be in a country where there are little to no black people. Everyone seems so enamored, because most of them have never seen a black person before, at least in real life. In my week of being here, I’ve seen some beautiful views, met some amazing people and ate some amazing food. I can’t wait to see what else Greece has to offer. For anyone interested in updates on my experience, you can check out my vlog, “The Goddess Nexxus,” on YouTube. Palakalo.
CAREERS at the NATIONAL SECURITY AGENCY
EXTRAORDINARY Business Careers Start Here Howard University Spring Career Fair Tuesday, February 2
ON S CAMPU
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U.S. citizenship is required. NSA is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
WHERE INTELLIGENCE GOES TO WORK®
www.IntelligenceCareers.gov/NSA
Let us take care of all your Super Bowl Sunday food needs! Fried Chicken Tender Combo (with buffalo sauce or honey mustard) (100 Pieces): With 12 assorted sodas for $73.75 or 12 bottles of water for $83.50 Chicken Wing Combo( with celery sticks or carrot sticks) (100 pieces): Choose your style: Fried, Jerk, Buffalo or BBQ With 12 assorted sodas for $98.25 or 12 bottles of water for $105.00 3 Whole 14� Pizzas (Choice of Extra Cheese, Pepperoni, Sausage, Combo, and Vegetarian) Served with 24 Garlic Bread Sticks and 2 lbs of Caesar Salad With 12 assorted sodas for $52.00 or 12 bottles of water for $62.00 Fried Mozzarella Cheese Sticks(100 pieces) Served with Marinara Sauce, Hot Sauce or Salsa Picante With 12 assorted sodas for $74.00 or 12 bottles of water for 83.50 Assorted cookies: $12.00 (per dozen) Assorted Soda: $8.75 (per dozen)
Brownies: $14.00 (per dozen) Bottle Water: $18.50 (per dozen)
Please place your order before Thursday February 4, 2016 at noon Pick up by Sunday noon until 6:00 pm
To place an order call 202-865-0217
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FEBRUARY 1, 2016
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Bison share their 2016 Presidential Election hopes, fears, frustrations
Aesha Atherley, Staff Writer
“I know there will never be another President Obama, but I hope we get someone who has the same mindset and goals that he set. My fear is that everything will go down hill when Donald Trump gets elected.” -MEGHAN BLACKWELL, A SENIOR BIOLOGY MAJOR “My frustration is that people might vote for Clinton because she’s a woman and not because she’s a good presidential candidate. My fear is that Trump gets president which would be bad because of his views on immigration.” -ALMOND SMITH, FRESHMAN ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE MAJOR
“My biggest hope for this campaign would be that Bernie Sanders wins the election. I’m very supportive of his ideas, and I love what he’s represented so far. My true hope for our next president is for someone who truly represents the people.” -KIERRA FELTON, SENIOR PUBLIC RELATIONS MAJOR
“I hope that Bernie wins. It’s time for America to ‘feel the Bern.’ Some frustrations would be Donald Trump’s entire existence. Donald Trump or any Republican winning is my fear.” -NGODOO IYE, SOPHOMORE BIOLOGY MAJOR
“I think that social media plays a big part in the Presidential campaign and that maybe the reason why Donald Trump is getting so much attention during his campaign. I fear all the war that the country could go through if Donald Trump becomes president. Our country wouldn’t bethe land of the free if he doesn’t accept refugees into America anymore.” -ASHLEY MCKOY, SOPHOMORE BIOLOGY MAJOR “I hope that whoever becomes our president actually has good intent for the people of the United States. My frustration is with myself for not being more versed in the speculative intents of the candidates. All I’m seeing is headlines and quotes but I haven’t been paying attention my own abilities to gain insight on who these candidates are and what they’re all about.” -JAMES DAVIS WILSON, SENIOR PSYCHOLOGY MAJOR
OP-ED: 10
FEBRUARY 1, 2016
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You look old for your age: Why Tamir Rice and Black children aren’t granted their youth
PHOTO COURTESY OF FLICKR
Maya King Staff Writer
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n Dec. 28, after overseeing more than a year of investigation, Ohio’s Cuyahoga county prosecutor, Timothy McGinty said he advised a grand jury not to pursue any charges against the police officers involved in the death of 12-year-old Tamir Rice in what he called a “perfect storm of human error.” The announcement comes much to the dismay of a large community of African-American and caucasian parents, students and others who feel a certain tie to the young Clevelander who was murdered while playing in a park. Outside of the very obvious signs of corruption plaguing McGinty’s investigation lies something much more troubling. A child was killed and toomany people have spent time silencing the outraged or dismissing his death as something of an “accidental suicide-by-cop” while ignoring the fact that the
man responsible for it will not face any punishment. Tamir Rice didn’t deserve to die. As long as we continue to accept a system that allows the murder of children as just, it will continue to inflict injustice. A report conducted by the American Psychological Association (APA) reveals that whites often perceive black children, specifically males, as older, more aggressive, or even less innocent than they actually are in relation to their white counterparts. This view is especially prevalent; it explains, in the minds of law enforcement, specifically police officers. By the end of the study, researchers concluded that African Americans essentially begin their social lives with the odds stacked against them as they “lose the protection afforded by assumed childhood innocence well before they become adults.” Prosecutors in the Rice case
referred to Rice as “big for his age.” The physical descriptions they received during the investigation led them to conclude that the 5’7”, 175-pound boy “could have easily passed for someone much older” according to the Los Angeles Times. Yet, at what point does an overweight black 7th grader become a threat to public safety and thus worthy of execution? This is a question those who wish to further scrutinize the innocence of Tamir Rice must consider. And, if the prosecution can admit that Rice’s height and weight played a role in his death, what kept them from considering race as a factor? When Rice stepped into view of officer Timothy Loehmann, the 12-year-old was no longer a child, but rather a grown man and, more than anything else, a threat. In the 2.5-second-long duration of his encounter with the boy, the rookie officer concluded that Tamir’s pellet gun made him an
“active shooter” and proceeded to shoot him. He neither validated whether or not the toy gun was in fact a real firearm nor made any efforts to preserve the young life. Like many black boys his age, Rice unknowingly placed himself in danger simply by being himself. His is another chilling example of the luxury many Black children cannot enjoy in this country — having a childhood. Tamir is a part of the disproportionate number of unarmed Black males under the age of 18 killed every year. The circumstances surrounding his death further a recurring theme in the killings of boys just like him. Black children are not allowed to be children because the world does not view them as such. Their lack of safety and equal protection under the law, is what most deeply terrifies members of the black community — parents, teachers, students and others — who feel compelled to maintain the livelihood of the black bodies they are responsible
for. Truly, it appears that no black child is safe. If Tamir Rice was a child in the eyes of the law, he would be alive today. Stories of slain unarmed young men like Tamir Rice, Trayvon Martin, Jordan Davis, Christopher McCray, Michael Brown and others are grim reminders of the real threats of their childhood — more, their lives — that Black youth face every day. As long as the American justice system continues to fail to recognize Black children as the children they are, it will continue to validate those who kill them until the execution of our young becomes a universally accepted practice. This leads many people to conclude that the centuries-old justice system that has continually disenfranchised Blacks has let them down once more. How much longer until the end of open season against Black boys and girls?
NEWS
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FEBRUARY 1, 2016
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OP-ED: The millennial generations’ recklessness on social media
Will Fuller
their company.
News Editor
Q
UESTION: “If you were sitting down in an interview for your DREAM job, and a prospective employer asked to observe your Facebook, Twitter or Instagram account, do you believe that you would get the job?” As you contemplate the question, consider the following: The more social media sites are prevalent; the more employers will investigate potential candidates’ profiles in order to understand who the candidate really is. Of course resumes are meant to show off a person’s abilities, talents, education and much more. However, as unemployment rises and competition intensifies in certain job markets, employers need to ensure that they are selecting the finest candidates for
There could be two candidates with the same abundance of qualifications, so how would an employer choose? The answer is simple: social media. The majority of the millennial generation, consisting of those who have grown up with advancing technology, immerse themselves in social media websites like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram on a daily basis. While those sites were implemented to connect with others, find out about vital information and to express oneself across various platforms, teens and young adults take advantage of those platforms with inappropriate, amoral behavior. Quite often, you can expect to scroll down social medium sites like Facebook and Instagram, observing nudes, shirtless pictures, profanity, cyber bullying and
The hidden epidemic: mental illness in the black community
derogatory remarks, gestures and poor representations of a person’s character. Employers tend to search candidate’s profiles and will even go as far as to ask for a candidate’s password during a job interview to get a better feel of the person they are dealing with. Candidate No. 1 may have nudes, profanity and beer bottles posted on his or her social media profile, while candidate No. 2 may present very positive, motivational and professional information on their profile. Guess what? Candidate No. 2 has the job. As for candidate No.1, employers will remember the toxic language and substance and subtly recognize the residue of positivity the profile has – he or she is out of a job. While posting nudes, cyber bullying and using profanity may
Amber Broaden Staff Writer
M
ental illnesses, health conditions that effect a person’s mood, thinking and behavior, are prevalent in the Black community, considering the personal experiences, coping mechanisms, anxieties and financial burdens many African Americans face. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illnesses, common mental health disorders African Americans experience, specifically, are depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, suicide and post-traumatic stress disorder.
PHOTO COURTESY OF FLICKR
The Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health has reported that African Americans are 20 percent more likely to experience serious mental health problems than the general population but only 25 percent of them seek mental health care when compared to 40 percent of Caucasians.
enable a person to feel better and ignite attention from others, the attention will not be able to pay the bills or allow one to live his or her life with full passion. When a person reaches a level of maturity, he or she is expected to marginalize those infantile habits and view life from a professional standpoint. Post positive things on social media and positive opportunities and blessings will come to you.
Many African Americans are unaware of the different forms of mental illnesses. The lack of education on the illnesses and their prevention methods has accounted for the epidemic of mental illness in the Black community. Often disregarded and unaddressed, the negative, secretive perception many African Americans associate with mental illnesses is said to be one of the key reasons mental illnesses frequent and intensify amongst African Americans than many other races.Many African Americans are taught at an early age to internalize such issues instead of speaking up about them for prevention. “My grandmother suffers from OCD, schizophrenia and drug and alcohol abuse,” said Katherine Gilyard, a senior journalism major.“But, she is disregarded by my family when it comes to discussing her problem.It was almost as ifher mental illness intensifiedand consumed her.”
PHOTO COURTESY OF FLICKR
Post negative things about yourself on social media and you will receive negative feedback. While a person’s personal lifeshouldn’t affect theirprofessional life, there is a way you should represent yourself, your family, your community and your employer. You never know who may be watching.
Although many African Americans don’t often seek help from therapists and psychology practitioners, statistics of African American’s, who are particularly more educated and in urban areas with large black populations, have accepted treatment more over the past decade. “When seeking a therapist, people tend to present issues regarding identity, inability to fit in or grow comfortable about their environment and academia approaching midterms and finals,” said Loretta Peterson, a licensed clinical social worker for the Howard University Mental Health Center. In an effort to decrease the rate of mental illnesses among college students, Howard University’s Counseling Services and Mental Health Center have resources for students both on and off-campus. “[Society] needs bright therapists who show good esteem building, selfpromotion and compassionate
assistance in the health field,” said Dr. Tanya Alim, director of the Mental Health Center and assistant psychiatrist for Howard University’s College of Medicine. If you, or someone you know, are dealing with a mental illness there are resources and groups that are available to help with treatment. For treatments on campus, Howard University’s Counseling Services welcome members of the Howard community every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The center is located in the C.B. Powell Buildingin room G-7 on 6th & Bryant Street, NW. “Get help where you can get it. If you deal with mental illness throughout college and can still function, you can handle your disorder. That’s an accomplishment to acknowledge for self,” Peterson said.
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Have you heard?
News of the week
One Size doesn’t fit all: Barbie’s new look
Kennedy Rose Staff Writer
LOWER RANKING OFFICERS HARASS OFF DUTY BLACK POLICE CHIEF Douglas Zeigler, an African American three-star police chief for the New York City Police Department (NYPD), has claimed to be a victim of racial profiling while off-duty. Two lower-ranking Caucasian officers approached Zeigler’s parked NYPD-issued car, with an officer on passenger and driver side of the car, and asked him to roll down the windows. Zeigler then claims the officers ordered him out of the car and drew their weapons after spotting his service weapon. Zeigler said the officers refused to accept the NYPD identification he presented to them, while the officers claim he did not present identification until after he was ordered out of the car. One officer has since been stripped of his gun and badge and placed on modified duty while the other officer’s status is unknown. ICY SNOW STORM CLAIMS 42 DEATHS Over the past week,chilly snowstorms occurring primarily in the east coasthave claimed the lives of at least 42 people. The most common deathshave been car accident related, while others include heart attacks onset by shoveling snow, carbon monoxide poisoning and hypothermia. Individuals of all ages can fall victim to the harmful conditions of snowstorms and are advised to take extreme caution while while navigating in icy conditions. ZIKA VIRUS RAPIDLY SPREADING Recently, Zika – a dangerous virus known for its lack of immunity and risks to pregnancies, contracted through mosquitos– has had a rapid spread nationwide. Dr. Margaret Chan, director-general of the World Health Organization, has determined the virus to be of high concern, supplied with the organization’s estimate of three million to four million infections in only a year’s time. The Center for Disease Control has documented 36 cases in the United States related to travel.Until a vaccine is discovered, the World Health Organization plans to combat the virus through containment of mosquitos. ASTRONOMERS DISCOVER ANOTHER PLANET Previously thought to be freely floating, NASA Astronomers have discovered a planet in orbit around a star. The planet, named 2MASS J2126, is 1 trillion km away with an orbit 7,000 times the size of Earth’s orbit around the sun. One complete orbit in this massively sized system would take 900,000 years. 2MASS J2126has the widest orbit discovered by NASA so far.
PHOTO COURTESY OF FLICKR
Montana Couser Staff Writer
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ver the years, Barbie dolls have come in the same body type, unlike the young girls who own them. However, on Jan. 28, Mattel Inc., the company that produces Barbies, announced the release of their newest collection, “Barbie Fashionista Dolls.” The classic 57yearold doll, known for its young, white, unnaturally slim and blue eyed build, will now be available in four body types: curvy, tall, petite and original. Along with body types, the “Fashionista” dolls will be available in seven different skin tones. In their latest promotion video, Mattel Inc. stated that they wanted to represent the average woman on the street. A young girl was featured in the promotional video saying that she liked the dolls because one looks like her mom and the other looks like herself. This is novel for Barbie dolls because Mattel Inc. does not typically change their dolls’ appearance unless they are modeled after a celebrity. However, because of the criticism they’ve received over the years in regards to the beauty standards they are teaching young girls with these dolls, they announced this new line. Aside from the change in body type, these dolls wear trendy outfits, with the slogan “Wear the clothes; don’t let the clothes wear you.” The dolls will be available for online purchase starting this Thursday and March 1 is the predicted store release date.
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Bison takes on Super Bowl Sunday Matthew Holmes Sports Editor
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oward alum Charles Whitlock the II will serve as a public relations/ communications intern at Super Bowl 50 in Santa Clara, California. Whitlock received this opportunity to intern at the Super Bowl during his internship with the Washington Redskins, the team of the nation’s capitol. The NFL selected Whitlock and a number of other interns from various teams to assist the fulltime NFL staff that are assigned to work the Super Bowl. Each intern
will be tasked with work that is similar to duties that they are responsible
“I caught wind of [the opportunity] around October. I was more so focused on the season, but I didn’t want this opportunity to pass me up so I applied,” said Mr. Whitlock. “I’ve watched a lot of Super Bowls growing up and now to be a part of it… that’s something that will be very special to me. To be able to represent my family and Howard on this grand stage is truly a blessing from God.” However, his journey to success didn’t began with his internship with the Washington Redskins. Influential along his collegiate
path was participating the Federal Work Study program through the Howard University Sports Information Department.He worked under Mr. Edward Hill, Jr., Sports Information Director, and Mr. Lamar Carter, Assistant Sports Information Director. “Best decision of my life,” Whitlock said.“I wish I would have come through those blue double doors earlier in my Howard career.”
Yet this journey hasn’t always been so smooth for Whitlock. Last May he was on the verge of participating in the graduation commencement ceremony though he had not technically finished is curriculum, but due to a change in
A dream come true: howard student to intern for NBC for Olympic Games
PHOTO BY GARRETT M. CAMPBELL
university policy he was unable to take part in the ceremony. “It sucked having to tell my parents I wasn’t graduating and to see all my close friends cross that
Will Fuller News Editor
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ordan Culpepper, a Howard university student, will be heading to Brazil on July 27 to participate in an intense, rewarding internship with NBC for the 2016 Olympic Games. The sophomore international business major is more than elated about his distinctive internship plans for the 2016 summer. A three-week internship based in Rio de Janiero, the NBC Olympics Guide Internship program gives students the opportunity to serve as the “face” of NBC. Interacting daily with NBC and Comcast executives and top advertising clients, interns will assist with airport meet and greets, event set-up, directional support, coordination of activity schedule and sign-ups, guest services, transportation assistance and much more. “With those job duties, we [interns] are gaining critical thinking skills that will allow us to be the first line of defense when something goes wrong,” Culpepper said. “I’ve done international traveling before, but I know the level of alertness [in Brazil] will be quite different.”
COURTESY PHOTO
In addition to submitting a resume, cover letter and detailed application, Culpepper had three interviews with NBC representatives over a span of nine months.
stage without me. It really was a tough time for me,” saidWhitlock. His weeks of sacrifice with the Washington Redskins resulted in a sports reporters’ paradise: Super Bowl 50.
Only approximately 44 students were selected for the NBC Campus 2 Career Internship Program out of a pool of over 2,000 applicants. In addition to Culpepper, another Howard University student was selected for a summer internship with NBC for the 2016 Olympics. Blake Newby, a junior broadcast journalism major, was afforded with the opportunity to serve as a programming intern in Stamford, Connecticut at the NBC University Sports Group Facility Want a cool internship like this? Here is some advice from the School of Communications director of career development, Ms. Carol Dudley “Get involved as soon as possible, immerse yourself in the language and become a pre-professional in your discipline,” Dudley said. “A good resume works, but the extra winning element is when students can sit and have a conversation with an employer and ‘they know you get it.’”
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Howard University’s swim team continues its legacy Tonnette Peters
Contributing Writer 106-2 is the total number of Historical Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) in the United Stated versus the number of HBCU’s that have swimming programs. With such a shortage on swimming programs among HBCUs, program directors and participants are constantly fighting to keep the program going. This becomes especially difficult due to the fact that swimming is an expensive, but a non-revenuegenerating sport. In 2010, there were only three HBCUs that held swimming programs: Howard University, North Carolina Agriculture and Technical State University (NCAT) and Florida
Agriculture and Mechanical University (Florida A&M). That number quickly dropped to two when Florida A&M dismantled their men’s and women’s team in 2011. According to Department of Education, Howard’s swim team had $35,000 in operating expenses during the 2009-2010 season compared to American University’s $72,658 and George Washington’s $112,235. This lack of funding has created a lot of struggle for African American swimmers who would like the HBCU education, but want to continue swimming during college. According to the NCAA Race and Gender Demographics
Database, only 2.2 percent of male swimmers and 1.4 percent of female swimmers were African American during the 2014-2015 season. In a sport where African Americans are underrepresented, high school swimmers only have a limited number of options if they want to swim on a collegiate level. Through the continuation of the Howard and NCAT’s swimming programs, swimmers can continue their sport in college, while allowing them to contribute to the HBCU student population. With more support and funding, more HBCUs could create programs similar to NCAT and Howard to promote swimming as a sport, as well as the HBCU education. PHOTO COURTESY OF HU BISON
Women’s Bowling Aim to Take MEAC PHOTO COURTESY OF HU BISON
HU Bison
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oward University’s Women’s Bowling Team has one quote they say to each other to keep one another motivated. “Stay Woke’ is pretty much our way of saying ‘Stay on top of your game and let’s get this win,’” says senior bowler Moneshia Smith. The quote, embodies the team’s morale and seems to be working.
The Lady Bison bowlers are doing very well this season. Two weeks ago, on Jan. 18, the team finished second at the Bowie State/Fred and Edwina Underwood Lady Bulldog Classic. “The Bison (28-39) were consistent over the threeday event, going 3-2 during Friday’s Baker matches and Saturday’s Traditional play and winning the first two matches of Sunday’s Bracket round to reach the Championship Match,”
According to the Howard Athletics Department’s website. “Howard would fall in six games to eventual champion Fairleigh Dickinson.” This past weekend’s games against Kutztown University were postponed due to the snow blizzard that hit the east coast. The Lady Bison’s game is rescheduled for Sunday, Jan. 24 at 8 a.m. Maybe the delay isn’t a bad thing for the lady bison. “If anything I think [the delay] would help,” said Smith. “Coming
from a three day tournament the weekend prior this delay will give everyone time to rest up and give us more time to practice and work harder.” After the Kutztown Invitational, the Lady Bison will be attending Delaware State’s tournament Feb. 5-6 and finally their last MEAC hosted tournament by University of Maryland Eastern Shores on Feb. 27-28, before the MEAC championship that will be held Tennessee.
This year’s team will not just settle with just winning the division; they’re aiming for winning the entire MEAC. “Winning the whole MEAC would mean so much to everyone on the team,” Smith said. “That is our team goal especially since we are doubted to even go to MEAC. As much as we are excited to attend the championship, winning it would mean everything to the team and our coach.”
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Men’s Track & Field wins Maryland Terrapin Invitational; women finish in top 10 HU Bison COLLEGE PARK, MD --The Howard Track & Field programs stayed close to home this past weekend, competing impressively at the Maryland Terrapin Invitational Saturday at the Prince George’s Sports Complex. The Bison men performed extremely well, winning the meet by amassing 133 points. The men’s team also had several personal bests in addition to having six new MEAC qualifiers. Head Coach Marc Harrison had nothing but good things to say about the victory and the programs’ showing overall. “On the men’s side, this was a great win. They had a concerted effort on the track,
in the circle, and in the field. Anytime you score 133 points in a meet it shows the depth we have,” said Harrison. Basil Niccolls, Kahe Kaye, and Olujimi Scott all qualified for MEACs in the 200 meters with top five finishes. In the jumps, Milan Bullock won the high jump with an outstanding qualifying mark of 6’6”. Matthew Colvin captured the long jump with a personal record and qualifying mark of 7.36 meters and Myles Williams qualified in the triple jump with a mark of 14.21 meters. Coach Mikael (jumping coach) continues to be impressed by his jumpers’ determination to succeed: “I give credit to the jumper’s successes to their own personal determination,”
he noted. As for the women, Harrison noted a “bunch of bright spots”, referring to Dominique Bynum-Cooper in the shot put, Michelle Cole in the 400 meters, and Skylar Buchanan in the 200 meters. Cooper had a personal record in the shot put of 14.21 meters; Cole qualified for MEACs in the 400 meters with a winning time of 57.61; and Buchanan qualified in the 200 meters. With MEAC Indoor Championships rapidly approaching, Harrison and the team cannot help but be excited, “ We will continue to work hard and keep this momentum going for the next few weeks. We’re going to make MEAC’s very interesting!” PHOTO COURTESY OF HU BISON
Women’s Basketball Bested by Morgan State in Road Matchup PHOTO COURTESY OF HU BISON
HU Bison BALTIMORE, MD --- Senior center Victoria Gonzales scored a team-high 20 points and senior guard Imani Bailey added 19 but it was not enough to overcome foul trouble and sterling free throw shooting from Morgan State as Howard fell to the host Bears, 78-66 in Mid-Eastern
Athletic Conference (MEAC) action Saturday afternoon at Hill Fieldhouse. The Bison (3-16, 1-5 MEAC) held a 57-51 lead at the end of the third quarter, mostly due to the scoring efforts of Gonzales and Bailey. However, the veteran duo struggled in the fourth, managing only one free throw.
Even with its primary options off their games, Howard was still able to stay close down the stretch until four players were called for technical fouls with 3:09 left in the contest. HU was hit the worst with the penalties, as Gonzales, redshirt freshman guard Essence Brown & Bailey were called for technicals and Bailey was ejected.
Morgan State (7-12, 5-2 MEAC) cashed in as Zuri White made all three of the free throws to help her team pull away. In defeat, redshirt sophomore forward Erin Blaine played the best game of her Bison career. The transfer from Saint Francis (PA) posted her first double-digit
scoring effort with 10 points of 4-of-7 shooting. Gonzales was efficient in her scoring as the Atlanta native went 6-of-8 from the field and 8-of-12 from the free throw line. Bailey was perfect from the line (6-of-6) and went 5-of-12 on field goals (including 3-of-7 from three point range).
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