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WINSTON-SALEM STATE UNIVERSITY
WWW.THENEWSARGUS.COM
National, state accolades
Argus staff wins 10 awards
staff reporter
@jennb725
Above are three of the awards from the Black College Communication Association won by Argus staffers. Not pictured are the seven North Carolina College Media Association awards. The News Argus staff members won 10 awards in recent national and state-wide competitions for student communications in February. Editor-in-chief Chelsea Burwell earned first place for best online multimedia package for 2013 from the Black College Communication Association. The newspaper also won second place for the best information graphics or news/art illustration and Copy Desk Chief DaYona McLean, won a third place award for her story “Bennett alums donate fund to honor WSSU professor’s late mother.” In addition to the recognition earned in the national competition, the newspaper staff took home seven awards from the North Carolina College Media Association’s competition. The News Argus was included in Best of Show for small school newspapers and small school online news. In the writing categories, Maurika Smutherman took second place in
news writing for an article “Voting Site” and McLean won third for “Not so grand opening.” Burwell also took a third place award in opinion writing for “Where’s the Argus.” Alexis Hall earned first place in page design and Irwin Clawson won honorable mention in the illustration, graphic and cartoon category “I am extremely proud of the work done by our students and their commitment to the student newspaper,” said Lona D. Cobb, professor in the mass communications department and News Argus faculty adviser. “The entire Argus staff puts in a great deal of time outside the classroom, evenings and weekends. They practice new skills so they can become confident and competent in various media platforms. “
WHERE OUR MONEY GOES: North Carolina HBCU student fees comparison Name of Institution
Annual Fees
Elizabeth City State University
3,367
Fayetteville State University
3,588
Johnson C. Smith
Not Published
Livingstone College
2,429
NC A & T University
2,150
NC Central University
3,640
Winston-Salem State University
3,700
St. Augustine ‘s
5,000
Shaw University
4,672
All calculations were based on the most recent published data and came directly from university websites. Calculated costs include student health insurance.
feb 256
2014 Vol.52, Issue 9
Students, volunteers clean up historic veteran cemetery Jennifer Bruinton
Photo by Chelsea Burwell
Wednesday
PGMS. Friends of Odd Fellows Cemetery is a historic site that was established in 1911 by two fraternal orders: The Winston City Lodge and the Winston Star Lodge. Vera Stepp, the widow of former President Henry Stepp, is the secretary of the cemetery. She said she wants her husband’s legacy to live on. “They are not going to let his dream die, so this [the event] is seeing his dream come true,” she said. James Clyburn, the president of the Cemetery said that the No. 1 priority at Odd Fellows is to get family members interested in cleaning their families’ plots. He said that it would be a great help for the cemetary. “I have six loved ones buried here, and most likely, some people’s family members have died and they forgot that they have loved ones buried. This is one of our primary reasons to see it get cleaned back up,” Clyburn said.
Winston-Salem State students, the Professional Grounds Management Society and others united for an Outreach project at the Odd Fellows Cemetery Feb. 22. Beginning promptly at 10 a.m., PGMS branch members, high school and college students, volunteers and Greek organizations participated in the cleanup at the 13-acre site. Approximately 20 WSSU students participated in the cleanup. WSSU volunteers included athletes and members of Greek organizations. According to the PGMS website, the organization was established in 1911 for individuals with the purpose of education and professional advancement. David Davis, associate director in landscaping services at Wake Forest University said, “When Mr. Clyburn reached out to me and told me about this place, I realized that with my connections I could put CLEANUP the right team together to do continued on Page 2 a great job out here.” Davis is also a member of
Greek Life Director dispels probate rumor Sheridan Watkins staff reporter
Mitchell said. One of the students who heard about the rumor was Darryl Carter, senior mass communications major from Charlotte. “There was a meeting about it for all Greeks; I was not there though,” he said. Carter, who is a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., said he was informed after the meeting that there would be no new member showcases for the academic year. However one president of a Greek organization said that after this semester, all Greek organizations will face a mortorium -- a probationary
Campus has been buzzing about whether to expect a dry period for probates until fall 2015. Spring marks the time where many Greek organizations at Winston-Salem State reveal the newest inductees of their organization, in what is called a probate. This semester, rumors about cancelled probates have spread quickly. However, Orlando Mitchell, assistant director of student activities and engagement, said that the rumor is untrue. “It is just a rumor. These students probably just hear some- PROBATE thing and run wild with it,” continued on Page 2
Page 2
The News Argus
News & Features
Wednesday, February 26, 2014
Women in STEM receive honors Maurika Smutherman Entertaining Diversions Editor @MaurikaxS
The Winston-Salem State University Friends of the Library 2014 fundraising event is “Forethinkers: The Evolution of Math Beyond Equations and Solutions.” The luncheon will be 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the S.G. Atkins Community Development Center, located at 1922 S. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive on March 22. Attendees will enjoy food, fun and fellowship along with a lively discussion about the rich history of WSSU’s mathematics department. General admission tickets are $50 and student tickets are $25 each. All tickets should be purchased by March 5. Seating is limited to the first 200 people. The conversation will feature WSSU’s own mathematics pioneers including Sandria Kerr, Virginia Newell, Merdis McCarter, and more. The luncheon will honor the outstanding women innovators of the math department. Over the last century, the presence of African-American women in Science, Technology,
Engineering and Mathematics has risen slowly. Of the featured “forethinkers,” several are African-American women who have worked progressively to close the gender and racial gaps in STEM disciplines. Newell, who retired from WSSU in 1985 as professor and chair of the mathematics and computer science department, sponsored STEM summer camps for elementary school students during and after her tenure at the University. McCarter, who served more than 40 years as a mathematics professor and senior associate provost for academic affairs, helped establish the first master’s and doctoral programs at the University. According to the WSSU Newsletter RamPages, upon her retirement in 2012, McCarter had served in nearly every senior administration position, including acting as chancellor for two days in 2007. “I never thought of coming to Winston-Salem State as work because my work and my life were so intertwined over the years,” McCarter said in her retirement speech. “I’m proudest of the [math
The Campus Incident Report is a concise summary of the upto-date incidents that affect the Winston-Salem State campus and community. Incidents may lead to News Argus articles. Tuesday Feb. 4 Larceny A male student parked his car in the grass on Diggs Blvd. When he returned he noticed that his 30-day tag was missing. He reported the theft to campus police. The case is still pending. Thursday Feb. 6 Counterfeit Parking Decal A traffic supervisor questioned two male students about a parking decal in Lot O. One of the male students admitted to allowing the other to copy his parking decal. The traffic supervisor then reported it to campus police. They were referred to Judicial Affairs. The case is closed. Friday Feb.14 Fighting Two male students had a disagreement in Rams Commons 1 that ended in a physical altercation. Both of the students had injuries. One of the male students reported the incident to the Forsyth County Police Department. Both were charged and given a court date. They were referred to Judicial Affairs. The case is closed.
and computer science] students...who have gone out and contributed to the community.” All of these women became math advocates during a time when African-American women in STEM were unheard of. Their contributions to the math department transformed the curriculum and led to groundbreaking advancements. This year’s Friends of the Library event will be recorded and included in the WSSU Oral History Collection. Guests are encouraged to participate by bringing photographs and other memorabilia from their experiences at the University. C.G. O’Kelly archivist Tom Flynn explained the significance of the Oral History Project. “What we’ve noticed by students coming in and doing research is that the two things they’re interested in are photographs and listening to people speak,” Flynn said. “Because WSSU has such a rich history, we want to capture that before it can’t be captured anymore.”
Monday Feb.17 Vandalism A golf cart used by housekeeping was left to charge behind Physical Plant Building. When a female employee returned to work the next day, the cart was gone. The cart was later found with damages estimated at $100. No suspects have been reported. The case is closed. Saturday Feb. 22 Fighting A fight broke out among three groups of people following the men’s basketball game against Livingstone College in C.E. Gaines. At least six people were involved. According to the police report, there was no indication that students from Livingstone were involved. Police dispersed the crowd and used pepper spray. A female student was overcome by the pepper spray and was transported to Baptist Hospital. No one was arrested. The case is closed. Tuesday Feb.25 Larceny In Moore Hall one female student accused another female student of stealing her headphones. When the incident was reported to campus police, they discovered that the student had an outstanding warrant for larceny. The student was arrested by the Forsyth County Police Department and taken before a magistrate; a cash bond of $405 was set. Her court date is March 20. The case is closed.
Source: WSSU Department of Police and Public Safety Compiled by Katrina Robinson
www.thenewsargus.com
PROBATE continued from Page 1 period -- of three semesters. According to the source, this action is because of “behavior” issues amongst certain students. “I am disturbed that there will not be any new people for any organization this year. But there’s nothing we can do about it,” Carter said. While some students have heard speculation about probates, others were unaware of the gossip and do not think it is true.
“We’re in the process of trying to get ours [Sigmas] going.” Brown is a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. and the vice president of the Delta Alpha chapter at WSSU. He also said that as long as the fraternity stays active and does positive things for its organization, there should be no jeopardies to them. Brown said there is no set date, but the fraternity is preparing for their showcase. Probates are scheduled to start in March and end in April.
“Oh no, that’s not right,” said Louis Brown, senior therapeutic recreation major from Charlotte, when asked if the rumor was true.
CLEANUP continued from Page 1 The volunteers picked up litter, removed and loaded brush and wood, shoveled, sowed grass, raked, spread straw and removed English Ivy from the base of trees. Soldiers from different wars like the Spanish American War, the Vietnam War and World War I are laid to rest at the cemetary. “I’m very proud of WSSU, as well as WFU, for coming out. Some came out for the Martin Luther King cleanup too. They’re very active and eager to bring the cemetery
back to the way it’s supposed to look,” Clyburn said. Josh Banks, a communications major at WFU, said that instead of just lying in bed, he figured he could be doing something beneficial for the community. “I just came out to volunteer a little bit. Anything dealing with volunteering is always a good thing,” he said. Lunch was provided by Village Tavern. The PGMS will host the cemetary cleanup event annually.
FORETHINKERS: THE EVOLUTION OF MATH BEYOND EQUATIONS & SOLUTIONS
Saturday, March 22, 2014 | 11:30-2:00 pm SG Atkins Community Development Center 1922 S. Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive General Admission Tickets $50 Student Tickets $25. Purchase tickets by March 5, 2014 To purchase tickets, call office phone 336-750-2442 or email washingtontl@wssu.edu
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The News Argus
News & Features
Chelsea Burwell
Wednesday, February 26, 2014
www.thenewsargus.com
Student juggles classes, acting career
Editor-IN-Chief
@TheChelseaBWell
Vonii Bristow is not your average college student. It’s not that his life of balancing schoolwork and two jobs sets him apart from the thousands of students at Winston-Salem State – it’s his acting career. Bristow, a senior economics major Bristow from Greensboro, is channeling his inner thespian as he ventures down the unpredictable road of acting. While he is just receiving due acclaim for his recent role in films, Bristow has been in the entertainment industry since he was 3. “I modeled from the age of like 3 to 6,” he said. From then on, Bristow emerged from tiny tike model to an ambitious young college actor. In December 2013, he began raising eyebrows after being featured in a TV One movie titled, A Christmas Blessing, where he acted alongside Omari Hardwick (“Being Mary Jane”) and Lisa Arindell Anderson (Madea’s Family Reunion). In A Christmas Blessing, which was directed by radio
personality Russ Parr, Bristow played Kilo, a high school charismatic hard knock who stirs trouble in the life of his love interest, Kara played by Jahnee Wallace (“Sleepy Hollow”). Although Bristow is unlike the character he plays, the Greensboro native said it wasn’t difficult to get into character. “There were parts of the character that were completely me – nice guy, charming – but then there were parts that I had to bring out. I played a thug essentially. I had to make it believable to not only everyone else but to myself. I had to believe I was that guy.” This was Bristow’s first strong supporting role. Just four years before tackling lead supporting roles, Bristow was barely discovering his love for acting. During his senior year in high school, he stepped out on faith after dropping out of the Dudley Early College Academy of Education, Engineering and Health Sciences to pursue a drama course. “I just decided I wanted to take a drama class. I had been wanting to take one, but I was part of an academy where they gave me the classes I had to take,” he said. “Once I realized the curriculum I was on was something I didn’t want to do, I dropped out, which was a really
big step.” His grandmother, who is highly involved in the arts, encouraged him to delve into acting. Bristow said after taking the drama course, his love for acting grew. “I was told that I was good, but it wasn’t like I knew what that meant. But, that was the first thing where I felt like ‘I really might want to do this.’” From there, the Greensboro native was featured in plays including “The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe” at WSSU and “Why Me Lord” at North Carolina A&T. Bristow’s first swing at film came during his first year at WSSU, where he played an extra in Trinity GoodHeart. “I worked probably like 10 to 12 hours for all of four seconds in a bar scene. The film is actually in the library,” Bristow said. “It was an extra opportunity. I didn’t get paid for it. I had to travel on my own; I didn’t even get a copy of the film. But I did get the experience.” Bristow quickly used this gained experience to score other movie roles. Over the course of his career, Bristow has worked with other great names such as Romeo Miller (Jumping the Broom) and Mishon Ratliff (“Lincoln Heights”) in Frat Brothers; and director-actor Burgess Jenkins (“Army Wives”) in Find a Way. Jenkins
entertaining criticism Maurika Smutherman
The Lego Movie
Entertaining Diversions Editor @MaurikaxS
From the directors of 21 Jump Street, The Lego Movie has become one of the top-grossing films of the year. Voiced by Chris Pratt (“Parks and Recreation”), Will Ferrell (Anchorman 2), Morgan Freeman (The Shawshank Redemption) and more, the animated film premiered Feb. 7 and has received critical acclaim. As of Feb. 24, The Lego Movie has raked in $234,360,000 worldwide. At first glance, The Lego Movie is exactly what it claims to be. An animated familyfriendly film all about Legos. In reality, the film delivers much more than what meets the eye. Emmet Brickowski (Pratt) is a construction worker in Lego City. He meticulously follows instructions and never strays from society’s expectations. In Emmet’s words, “Everything is awesome” until he discovers he is the ‘Master Builder’ -- the only lego figure capable of saving the world from the evil villain, Lord Business (Ferrell). The film follows Emmet as he maneuvers dangerous lego territory and learns that it’s okay to ditch the instructions and deviate from the norm. Featuring cameos from several franchise films, including Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings and Star Wars, The Lego Movie is unique in that it is entertaining for all audiences, from children to adults.
“This is truly a movie that children and their parents can both enjoy for different reasons,” said James Berardinelli on Rottentomatoes.com. A slew of pop-culture references make the film all the more hilarious. “If this relationship is going to work out between us I need to feel free to party with a bunch of strangers whenever I feel like it... I will text you,” said a Lego Batman in one scene. Based on 40 critic reviews, The Lego Movie has an 82/100 ‘Metascore’ from Metacritic.com. “The movie is a wonderful surprise, cleverly written and executed brick by brick with a visual panache,” said Peter Hartlaub of the San Francisco Chronicle. Hartlaub scored The Lego Movie with a perfect 100. Other stars of the film include Will Arnett (“Arrested Development”), Elizabeth Banks (“30 Rock”), Alison Brie (“Community”) and Jonah Hill (21 Jump Street). The Lego Movie 2 is already slated to release May 26, 2017 but you can catch the first installment in theaters today.
is also Bristow’s acting mentor. One actor that Bristow said he looks up to is Hollywood veteran Leonardo DiCaprio. “When you see him in a role, you don’t see Leonardo DiCaprio; you see whoever that character is,” he said. Bristow said the Inception star has appreciated over time with his consistent work on-screen. “He’s in the spotlight because he’s an actor, but he’s not an attentionseeker. He sticks to his craft and continues to produce good work.” While his acting career takes up a substantial part of his life, Bristow said he still manages to keep his life balanced. On top of being a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Bristow also works in Blair Hall, the administration building at WSSU. “It’s definitely a matter of prioritizing and attacking things as they come,” he said. “I don’t have time to be bombarded. I just try to stay focused and keep my mind in the right place. ” He said that some of his professors are more understanding than others when it comes to him missing class because of his acting schedule. Bristow said he recently finished filming his first commercial with the NBA and looks forward to tackling other acting opportunities as they come.
18 QUESTIONS 1. Do you have money left from your refund? 2.The new Jordans or textbooks? #MindOverMatter 3.Did you enjoy NBA All-Star Weekend? 4. How many classes have you missed so far? 5. So, who impregnated Lil’ Kim? #SeriousQuestions 6. How did you feel about the Michael Dunn verdict? #JusticeforJordanDavis 7. Zimmerman vs. DMX? #OrNah 8. What’s going on with Thompson Center now? 9. Why is the bookstore so small? #Claustrophobic 10. Is there a salon coming on campus? #OrNah #DJRIssues 11. What’s your declining balance looking like? 12. Do you know your status? #NationalBlackHIVAIDSAwarenessDay 13. Who’s your #BlackHistoryMonth hero? 14. Are you still drunk in love? #OrNah 15. Who’s going to CIAA? 16. Graduating seniors: Have you ordered your cap and gown yet? 17. Who’s ready for Spring Break?
Scene from The Lego Movie
18. Did anyone really watch the Olympics ? #OrNah
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The News Argus
Opinion
Wednesday, February 12, 2014
www.thenewsargus.com
Crossing the Line I am not apologizing for the most recent RAMble Online poll. I began receiving emails about it less than two hours after it was distributed. The first Chelsea Burwell message EDITOR -IN- CHIEF was forwarded from my adviser, who was the original recipient of the email. Once I read it, my eyebrows immediately raised. What I read was a student’s explicit distaste with the poll that asked, “Should collegiate and professional athletes come out to the public?” First of all, I was surprised that someone would take the time to respond to the question, let alone write a lengthy email. This student protested the answer choices provided, saying they promoted “bigotry” and were disturbing to the gay community. Yet, even more disturbing were his poor choice of words and the content of the email, saying he knows “... straight guys who raped girls on our campus.” Instead of protesting that, he protested this poll question. While that in itself vexed me, I was more confused by something else – people’s ignorance to four words: Freedom of the Press. There was nothing defamatory about this poll and no laws were broken. As edi-
tor, I made the decision to use the choices for the online poll, which is solely opinion and unscientific. Perhaps the variety of choices could have been better and I will take full responsibility for that. The options were as follows: “Yes, players have a right to know who they’re showering with;” “No, that kind of information may be toxic in the locker room;” “No, players’ sexuality is their business;” “Don’t ask, don’t tell” and “I don’t have an opinion.” As “offensive” as the options were, these were actual responses from people on and off the campus of Winston-Salem State and do not reflect the opinions of the entire Argus staff or newspaper. I neither altered nor censored their views. We are not chastising his or her sexuality or the choice to reveal their sexual orientation to the public. What we are asking is should athletes come out and what effect, if any, does their announcement have to do with their talent on game day? No one is patted on the back for being Black, female, Jewish or straight, but people are commended for coming out. People should just be who they are and not expect validation for unapologetically living. If you’re gay, be gay. If you’re Black, be Black. Announcing it will not make people accept you more. Changing the options to a poll will not make the world accept you more.
Argus Letter Policy
As a matter of policy, The News Argus will publish corrections for errors in facts. The corrections will be made as soon as possible after the error has been brought to the attention of The News Argus at
thenewsargus@yahoo.com
The News Argus is a student publication of Winston-Salem State University. The News Argus encourages written comments to the editor and guest columns, but some rules apply: q A signature, address and phone number must accompany all letters. Letters should be double-spaced and no more than 250 words. q Letters will be verified by The News Argus by a phone call prior to publication. If The News Argus is unable to contact the writer of a letter, the letter will be held until contact is made. Letters intended as advertising will not be published. q The News Argus does not publish “form letters”or letters sent to multiple newspapers outside the Triad unless the issue discussed in the letter is of importance to the WSSU community. q The News Argus reserves the right to edit letters and guest columns for clarity, length and libel. The News Argus will edit letters that are grossly inaccurate or cross the boundaries of good taste. q The News Argus allows readers to reply to someone’s response to any earlier letter only once. q Guest columns may be no more than 400 words. The News Argus will accept endorsements of candidates, but only one per writer per candidate. The letter may challenge a candidate’s record, but no intensely personal attacks will be printed. The News Argus permits candidates to write letters to the editor to specifically respond to another letter. Photos and Interviews by Katrina Robinson and Dysheada Reid
WSSU students, faculty and staff are selected randomly to answer a provocative question from The News Argus. Comments do not represent the opinions of the Argus staff.
PAIGE BEESON FRESHMAN, EX. SCIENCE OAK RIDGE, N.C.
No. HBCUs are historical for a reason. People are going to want to preserve history.
With news of St. Paul’s College in Lawrenceville, Va. closing last summer and rumors of Hampton University having dire financial issues, many are questioning the future of HBCUs be around. Marybeth Gasman, a professor who studies
LYNDSEY GIVENS SOPH, EX. SCIENCE FLORENCE, S.C.
Yes. They do not receive the same amount of funding and exposure as PWIs. Plus, the alumni don’t help once they leave.
education policy at the University of Pennsylvania, said that questions about the viability and usefulness of HBCUs are as old as the ideas of HBCUs themselves.
This issue’s Campus Crew asks...
Do you think HBCUs are in danger of closing?
ALEC HODGES FRESHMAN, MASS COMM. KERNERSVILLE
No, they have a rich tradition. At HBCUs, I don’t feel like they are in danger of closing.
JAMES ROGERS FRESHMAN, SPECIAL ED. RICHMOND, VA. No. We get a lot of state funding. A lot of our books, money and tuition come from the government.
DERRICK GEE SR. HEALTH CARE MGMT. RALEIGH
Yes. The economy is hard; financial aid criteria have changed, decreasing student bodies. It’s not just HBCUs, but they are impacted more.
Opinion
www.thenewsargus.com Wednesday, February 26, 2014
The News Argus
Page 5
Dear White People
Should collegiate and professional athletes ‘come out’ to the public? Yes, their teammates should know who they’re showering with.
12% No, that kind of information could be toxic in the locker room.
Imagine attending a college where less than 5 percent of the student population looks like you. This is the reality for many Black students attending Predominantly White Institutions (PWIs). In 2006, UCLA admitted just 96 Maurika Smutherman Black students Entertaining out of a freshDiversions Editor man class of 4,800. This came 10 years after California banned affirmative action, meaning colleges and universities could not consider race or ethnicity during the admission process. Seven other states have banned the practice and since the “infamous 96,” affirmative action has begun to disappear altogether. Writer-director Justin Simien tackles affirmative action controversy in his talked-about debut, Dear White People. According to Complex.com, “There’s a scene where one of the white students claims that the hardest thing to be in the
Fly
I don’t have an opinion.
7% To participate in the poll, register online @
thenewsargus.com
T h e Staff Chelsea Burwell Editor-in-Chief Da’yona McLean Copy Desk Chief/ Advertising & Marketing Maurika Smutherman Entertaining Divesions Editor Matt Parmesano Sports Editor Irwin Clawson Graphics Artist Intern Diandrea Brown Graphics Artist Intern
Film Festival Jan. 18. Set at fictional Ivy League, Winchester University, the film follows four Black students as they deal with their white peers and struggle with self-identity. It stars Tyler James Williams (“Everybody Hates Chris”), Tessa Thompson (For Colored Girls) and Kyle Gallner (“Veronica Mars”). Main character Sam White (Thompson) leads the film as a biracial student with a controversial radio show, aptly titled, “Dear White People.” Sam anchors her show with a series of quips including, “Dear
I’ll grow my own maybe something like tobacco! with,” “teammates and fans have
Being a former editor of The News Argus, I know hindsight is 20/20. Having been in The News Argus newsroom trying to come up with questions for the RAMble poll, I know that it usually stems from an everyday conversation or something on the news and responses that we think our peers may have. I don’t think The News Argus staff consists of a single bigot, but we have peers that would have responses like the ones listed in the poll. Hindsight being 20/20, this may have been one of those few RAMble polls that may have just needed answers without explanations or to say something that sounds less contemptuous than “teammates should know who they’re showering
5%
20%
n the wall
Former Argus editors respond to RAMble poll controversy
No, players’ sexuality is their business
Don’t ask, don’t tell.
white people: Stop touching my hair” and “Dear white people: Stop dancing.” The main conflict centers on the possible eradication of race-themed housing. And when Sam is elected president of the all-Black residential hall, ParkerArmstrong, she becomes increasingly militant. A series of events leads to an ignorant African-American themed Party being thrown on campus and things come to a head when a race riot ensues. Dear White People was awarded the Breakthrough Talent Award at Sundance, just one year after Fruitvale Station made similar waves. Both films shed light on the frightening reality that racism is still alive. Coincidentally Dear White People premiered just days before a fraternity at Arizona State University threw a Martin Luther King, Jr. “Black Out Party,” requiring attendants to wear oversized jerseys and backwards hats while drinking from watermelon cups. The Black struggle is real. That’s my opinion. I’m just a fly on the wall, minding my own business...
Letters to the Editor:
5%
56%
American job force is an educated white male, since all of the black kids [and he references Obama] are using affirmative action to their benefit and taking up spots that otherwise would go to a more qualified white student.” Simien focuses on many other aspects of racism throughout the film. The satiric comedy, which began as a trailer and later led to a successful kick-starter campaign, has been making a huge buzz since its premiere at the Sundance
N e w s
the right to know.” Again, I know how it is to be in the newsroom and try to come up with questions that are relevant to college students and realistic answers. As much as it pains me, that “Yes” option is a realistic answer and was probably someone’s exact thought as an answer to the question. It’s good to get people talking about topics like this because they affect all of us. All types of people play sports, and I think it’s up to the player whether he or she wants to “come out.” Jordan Howse Editor-in-chief 2011-2012
A r g u s
First things first, Ram family, we have to start using the vocabulary that we all should have when we reach college. There is absolutely no reason to use foul language in any letter to anybody, especially one to a professor. Now with that out of the way, the RAMble poll question shouldn’t have sparked so much controversy. I find it disturbing that how when someone says they are uncomfortable around homosexuals, they are viewed as a “bad guy” for having an opinion It’s natural for anyone involved in an uncomfortable situation to say how they feel. I’m sure when Mike Sam came out to his team at the University of Missouri, he was uncomfortable, but his
S t a f f
Jennifer Bruinton - Reporter David McCoy - Reporter Katrina Robinson - Reporter/Social Media Manager Sheridan Watkins - Reporter/Social Media Manager Chasmon Gatewood - Reporter
Contributors Angelik Edmonds Sam Hoggs
*Dr. Lona D. Cobb Faculty Adviser
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s p r i n g
team made him feel at ease and this led Sam to become the Southeastern Conference Defensive Player of the Year. I have played organized team sports. Knowing that someone is gay would make me more comfortable than he or she keeping it a secret. The response to the RAMble poll question stating that the team deserves to know who they are showering with is justified and valid. I hope my opinions are met with an open mind. Jordan Holloway Sports Editor 2011-2012
2 0 1 4
The News Argus, the official student newspaper of Winston-Salem State University, is produced in conjunction with two classes in the Mass Communications Department. Any full-time WSSU student is eligible to join the staff or become a contributor. The Argus is published and circulated twice monthly on Wednesdays during the fall and spring semesters. The Argus is not published during holidays or University breaks. The News Argus online (www.thenewsargus.com) is updated regularly throughout the fall and spring semester. The newspaper is not published during the summer sessions. The News Argus affiliations include: Black College Wire, College Publisher, College Media Advisors, Society of News Design, North Carolina College Media Association, Southern University Newspapers, Associated Collegiate Press
Page 6
The News Argus
Sports
By Matt Parmesano Sports Editor
Wesley Helsabeck Wes Helsabeck, junior starting pitcher, has been chosen by Head Baseball Coach Kevin Ritsche as this issue’s “Game Ball” recipient. Helsabeck is a local kid from Rural Hall and is in his first season at WinstonSalem State. He transferred to WSSU this past fall after spending the previous two years pitching for Surry Community College. Ritsche was impressed by how well Helsabeck pitched while at Surry and is thrilled to now have him as part of his team. “His command of his pitches during his time at Surry was impressive, and he’s expected to have the same control again this spring,” Ritsche said. Ritsche has good reason to be excited about his new
Wednesday, February 26, 2014
pitcher. In his sophomore season at SCC, Helsabeck pitched 84 innings, struck out 73 batters and finished the year with a very respectable 2.73 ERA. His performance resulted in him being named pitcher of the year at SCC and earned him a spot on the AllConference team. He’s carried that success with him to WSSU and has pitched extremely well to this point in the season. He’s appeared in two games, both starts. His record is currently 1-1, and he’s boasting an outstanding 1.50 ERA. Opposing batters have been having trouble even putting the ball in play against Helsabeck. He leads the Rams with 13 strikeouts. “He’s been our No. 1 starter at the top of our rotation,” Ritsche said. “He’s a left-handed pitcher, which is a commodity at the Division II level. It’s tough to find a left-handed pitcher that has his kind of stuff. He’s good at controlling the game with his presence on the mound. He’s done a great job for us so far. “ Q: How long have you been playing baseball? Helsabeck: I’ve been playing baseball since I was 5 years old. I’ve just always loved the game.
Q: What’s your favorite part about the sport? Helsabeck: I like spending time with my teammates and getting away from things like school and work. It helps me get away from everything and helps take my mind off stuff. Q: Who’s your favorite pitcher in Major League Baseball? Helsabeck: Craig Kimbrel, closer for the (Atlanta) Braves. He really goes after hitters and has a go get-’em kind of attitude. Q: Are the Braves your favorite team? Have you been to any of their games recently? Helsabeck: They’re definitely my favorite team. I went to watch them play the (Los Angeles) Dodgers in the NLDS (National League Divisional Series) last year. The year before that, we went to see Chipper (Chipper Jones, former Braves third baseman) in his last season, and we saw him hit a walk-off homerun against the (Philadelphia) Phillies. That was his last homerun at Turner Field (Braves home ballpark), so that was pretty cool. Q: What do you think of the Michael Sam (openly gay NFL draft prospect) situation? Should college or pro athletes ‘come out’ to the public?
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Photo courtesy of Wes Helsabeck
Junior starting pitcher Wes Helsabeck poses in front of the stands at BB&T Ballpark.
Helsabeck: If one of the guys on our team came out and said that, we’d respect him and we’d deal with it. Having him in the locker room would be different and kind of difficult, but as far as playing with him and having him on the team, we’d support him. I don’t think anybody’s sexuality is something they should be judged over. Q: What are your plans after WSSU?
Helsabeck: I’m majoring in sports management, but I have no idea what I want to do with it yet. I’m going to Canada this summer with Devin McLemore (sophomore pitcher for WSSU) to play for the Thunder Bay Border Cats in the Northwoods League. Hopefully, I’ll get looked at by some people up there this summer, but if not, I’ll come back to WSSU for my senior season and finish strong.
Sports
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Attention athletes: Stick to sports
Matt Parmesano Sports editor
@mattparmesanol
Michael Sam is a man that has gotten a lot of publicity over the past several weeks for something that, in my opinion, is not worthy of the recognition he has received. Sam, 24, is a former Missouri football player and current prospect for this May’s NFL draft. He was recently chosen as a consensus All-American defensive end and was selected by the Associated Press as SEC co-defensive player of the year. But it’s not these accomplishments that have put him in the news. Sam announced Feb. 9 that he is Michael Sam “an openly proud gay man.” There have been both positive and negative reactions around the league and country with the majority of people, including President Barack Obama, applauding Sam for his ‘courage.’ Give me a break. It’s not courageous for anyone to reveal that he or she is gay, especially in today’s society where Freedom of Speech is no longer a true promise. There’s no possible way the people who disagree with Sam’s lifestyle choice will be able to speak their minds without facing repercussions. In our country today, it’s considered commendable when homosexuals speak for their rights, but people who don’t believe in same-sex relationships are being maligned for their views. I’m sure Sam will face some difficulties and hear some negative whispers, but it will likely pale in comparison to the backlash that any possible naysayer will have to deal with. Now don’t get me wrong -- I am in no way against gay people. If a person is attracted to the same sex, so be it. I just don’t think they should be
celebrated for it. Heterosexual or ‘straight’ people aren’t celebrated or made into heroes for liking the opposite sex. The playing field needs to be leveled, because right now, homosexuals have the advantage in our society. Before making his confession, Sam was projected to be a third-round pick. So even if the fact that he’s gay negatively affects his draft stock, there’s no way he’ll go undrafted. There are seven rounds in the typical NFL draft and 32 picks in each round. Sam, as talented as he is, won’t be passed on 224 times. Although he’ll be the first openly gay player in the NFL, he won’t be the first athlete in the four major American professional sports (MLB, NBA, NFL and NHL) to ‘come out’ to the public.
Jason Collins, center for NBA’s Brooklyn Nets revealed last April that he is gay. Much like Sam, Collins was both largely endeared and ostracized after his proclamation. Collins, 35, remained unsigned past the midway point of this NBA season, but was recently signed by the Nets to a 10-day contract. On Feb. 24, he became the first openly gay athlete to play in the NBA. I’m not saying he should’ve been booed or ridiculed in any way, but I don’t feel that he should’ve been given a standing Jason Collins ovation either. He wasn’t being praised for his play on the court; he was praised for his ‘accomplishment’ of becoming the first openly gay athlete in the four major sports to play in a game. It’s unnecessary to paint Collins as a hero. He’s a gay NBA player, and that’s all.
I respect him, but no more or less than any other player in the NBA. Some people say that Sam should’ve waited until after the draft to make his announcement because it could result in him being drafted in a later round. In my opinion, he should have never revealed his secret to the public. Him being openly gay will only bring an unneeded distraction to whichever team drafts him. Sure, reactions from players, coaches and executives around both leagues have been mostly positive, but you can’t tell me there aren’t players and coaches in the NBA and NFL that are uncomfortable with the idea of having an openly gay player in the locker room. These players and coaches are just afraid to come forward because if they did, they’d be made out to be villains. Sam allegedly told his Missouri teammates in August, and they kept it a secret and ‘supported’ him. But in all honesty, their teammates have to support them, publicly at least, or they will face consequences. A player can come out to his or her family and friends, but there’s no need to come out to the organization or the public.. Personal issues such as sexuality shouldn’t be mixed with business. I know it doesn’t apply to the military anymore, which is a shame, but I feel that “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” should be implemented in professional sports. If Sam, Collins and all other gay players in professional sports had been told to keep their personal business to themselves, none of the incumbent issues would have been raised. Sports are supposed to be a release for fans and players from the social issues and other stresses of the world. I wish we as fans could simply watch the games, tune-in to ESPN afterwards and actually see highlights and analysis, instead of hearing about a ‘courageous’ gay player. Please keep the controversial stuff and players’
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Rams basketball teams seeking CIAA titles
David McCoy staff reporter
Winston-Salem State’s men’s and women’s basketball teams will compete in the CIAA tournament in Charlotte. The tournament started Feb. 25 and ends March 1. Head Women’s Coach A.G. Hall feels very confident about his team. “There are still a few things we can fix, but I feel we have the pieces to win the tournament,” he said. Hall said he believes the strength of the team entering the tournament is its talent and depth. However, Hall is worried about their lack of an inside presence. Hall said many of the Lady Ram’s opponents in the CIAA tournament have players that are a lot bigger than them. “Senior Jasmine Elum will need to play consistent and senior Amanda Hairston will need to have a big tournament,” he said. Elum, a senior healthcare management major from Philadelphia, will have her first experience playing in the CIAA tournament. She said she is very excited and that she has heard so many great things about the tournament. “Defense and toughness” will be key if we want to win,” she said. Coach Hall said winning the tournament would be rewarding. “Anytime you put so much energy and time into something and you accomplish a goal, it’s a great feeling,” he said. Head men’s Coach Bobby Collins, like Hall, is
feeling very confident about his team going into the tournament. Collins said he feels his team is starting to play their best basketball and that this is the first time all season he has had a “good handle” on the team. ] “We’re still in contention to win the conference championship, and it’s a beautiful thing,“ he said. Collins said he believes his teams’ strengths entering the tournament are its talent at all positions and the players’ ability to score. However, Collins said the team’s chemistry and defense has to improve if the Rams want to be CIAA champs. “Defense wins championships,” he said. “Everybody will be giving us their best shot. We can’t take anything for granted and we have to go out there and play our best ball. We understand we have to win the CIAA tournament to get a bid to the NCAA tournament.” Marquez Jones, junior sport management major from Kinston N.C. is the leading scorer on the team, and is second in the conference, averaging 19.9 points per game. Jones will also be playing in his first CIAA tournament. “I’m excited,” he said “I was injured last year and unable to play so this year I’m glad to be out there contributing to the team. We have all the pieces to the puzzle.” He said every team in the conference is striving to win the tournament. “For us to win, it’s going to take a total team effort on both sides of the ball and we need our fans there to support us.”
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