February 16th, 2011

nubian message February 9, 2011 | 1

ISSUE 14 SENTINEL OF THE AFRICAN AMERICAN COMMUNITY AT NC STATE SINCE 1992 WWW.NCSU.EDU/NUBIAN

WEDNESDAY | FEBRUARY 9| 2011

NUBIAN MESSAGE

Alexis Teasdell

Thursday, February 10th, the African American Cultural Center and the Xi Zeta chapter of Phi Beta Sigma fraternity, Inc hosted a Read-in to promote literacy and awareness. The topic of the night: Let’s Talk About Langston (Langston Hughes). The pro-gram opened with a welcome done by Mr. Cameron Johnson followed by a description of the purpose of “Read-Ins” and a little history on them. There was an awesome singing of “Lift Every Voice and Sing” by Mr.Trevon Nelson as well as a selection sung by Uninhibited Praise Gospel Choir titled, “Even Me”. After a wonderful prayer by Mr. Elvin James, food was served. Among the food being served was, rice, black beans, macaroni and cheese, chicken, punch, and much more. It was truly an outstanding meal.Proceding, guest speaker Dr. Jason Miller, an NC State professor, discussed his book, Langston Hughes and The American Lynching Culture, which is avail-able in the bookstore. Poems such as “Mother to Son,” “A Dream Deferred,” as well as “Dreams” were read passionately throughout the presentation. Dr. Miller went in depth to describe Langston Hughes’

upbringing, the meaning behind some of his poems and went on to answer questions about himself in relation to Langston Hughes and Langston Hughes himself. He inspired many by saying that Langston Hughes was a renown poet at the age of 19. He even informed, by telling the story of the Scottsboro boys and how Langston Hughes reacted in his writ-ing. He went on to even tell how Langston Hughes found a way to continue to speak his mind after be-ing censored, through stories he wrote and by dis-tributing his work in other countries. The night concluded with cake and a book signing. While selling the books at a student rate, Dr. Miller answered more questions and met with many stu-dents. A glimpse of Langston Hughes character, as well as his talent shined that night. The read in was a phenomenal event that is surely something to look forward to next year.--

A Read In with Langston Hughes

Photos by Jasmine Chadmon

Elvin James and Terrence Nelson, member of the Xi Zeta chapter of Phi Beta Sigma frarternity Inc. and Toni Thorpe, Program Director of the AACC enact a poem by Langston Hughes.

A slide show illustratingLangston Hughe’s life and achievments

Guest Speaker Dr. Jason Miller

2 | February 9, 2011 nubian message

Mubarak QuitsSampson Bloh | Opinions Writer

About 302 Egyptians have died and thousands have been wounded since the beginning of this 18 days unrest. The Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak quit office on Friday February 11. It was a historical and emotional moment for many Egyptians when the Vice President Omar Suleiman announced this deci-sion to the nation. It was touching and joyous for the people in Egypt’s capital who waved their flags and rejoiced. For others, this meant the beginning of a new Egypt. Since the resignation of President Mubarak, Egyptians have gathered in squares and other places all around the Country and world celebrating what many consider a successful revolution. Egyptians are showing a continuous enthusiasm for what they consider the rebirth of their country. The streets of Cairo, though not as packed or noisy as it was during the pre-Mubarak resigna-tion time is still packed with happiness in contrast to the anger we saw earlier in the revolution. Lives in the Egyptian capital are back to normal but the celebration of Mubarak’s departure from the position of presidency still continues. But for many Egyptians, the loss of their fellow countrymen and women was not in vain. They believe that they have accomplished their purpose. For Egyptians this is not just a revolt against President Hosni Mubarak but a revolution to liberate the country from a 30 years dictatorship.

Yolonda Ray | News Writer

At 7:00 P.M. in the Talley ballroom Hosts Jorodd Henry and Marika Walker welcomed the enthusiastic crowd and participants to “The Do’s and Dont’s of Dating,” a speed dating and date auction event presented by Women Em-powering Society Together. W.E.S.T was established in the fall of 2007 and their purpose is to promote the suc-cess and awareness of African American wom-en in the following areas: education, health and wellness, mentoring, tutoring, and socio-economic development. This organization has grown tremendously and is making a positive impact within our community. This events main focus was to have a fundraiser, in which 50% of proceeds would go to InterAct of Wake County. InterAct is a private, non-profit organization that provides awareness, and safety to victims and survivors of domestic violence. This United Way agency continues to lend a helping hand to those in need through volunteer work and generous do-nations from organizations like W.E.S.T.

In the first portion, the audience had the opportunity to engage in a series of 45 sec-ond speed dates. During this time participants could tell of their ideal first date, and their per-sonal do’s and dont’s of dating. For example, “Do be on time”, “Do be yourself ”, and “don’t move too fast”. This session was fast paced and many were disappointed they had to leave their partner when they heard switch. In the second portion of the event 27 of N.C State’s finest women and men were auc-tioned off for a date in the form of paddle bid-ding and silent bidding. The hosts reminded the anxious audience that there was a $3 minimum and that 50% of the proceeds were going to In-terAct of Wake County. Bids ranged from $4 to $60 and many were competitive in nature. At the conclusion of the event, Marika Walker, a senior in textile engineering exclaimed that, “It was an extremely difficult event to plan, but ultimately we had a great turnout and it was successful.” Sophomore Regina Stepney agreed stating that, “the event was a lot of fun and very interactive.” This is W.E.S.T first speed dating and auction event, and many individuals hope that it will not be their last.

W.E.S.T Presents: The Do’s and Don’ts of Dating

image courtesy torontospeeddate.com

image courtesy http://www.thehotjoints.com/2011/02/11/mubarak-resigns/


Alexis TeasdellArts and Entertainment

Ambitious Guy

Feburary 14th

1867- Morehouse College Organized in Augusta, Geor-gia, moves to Atlanta

Feburary 15th1968-Henry Lewis becomes the first African American to lead a symphony orches-

tra in the United States

Feburary 16th1857- Frederick Douglas

elected President of Freed-man Bank and Trust

Feburary 17th1952- Huey Newton born. He would go on to meet

Bobby Seale and form the Black Panther Party in 1966

Feburary 18th1865-Rebels abandon

Charleston, South Carolina, Union Troops to enter city

is an all black regiment.

For more facts visit www.blackfacts.com

This Week in Black hisTory

In my mind I’m playing Ambitious Guy.I just want you in the front of classmaybe with a raised hand.with a powerful stancechest out habits of a man.I cant understand why you’re in the back row with your feet upIs that really how you act thoughHat on, pants saggingI’m not even trying to attack youBut you’re potential is beautifulI see so much potential in youIt’s in the depths of your mentalBut these groupies have you crippledThey give in so fastSo now waiting is annoyingThey’ve got you balancing multiple girlsSo now exclusive is boringI’m not asking for a hubby to beI just want you to study with meBe a buddy to meand although there are gender differencesI don’t need another judge of meYou’ve made it to universityEducational varsityI don’t mean to add pressureJust please strive for your destinyBut don’t let destiny put in all the workBecause we’re all rooting for youWhen you don’t try is when we hurtNot when you failBecause we’ve all fellThat’s what makes our story so interesting to tellAmbitious guy.And I know that y’all are out there.And I want to remind y’all that we do see you and we do careBecause although it may seem like we don’t seeAmbitious man, everyday you inspire meFrom your faith and your disciplineYour drive, your attention spanI heard you may feel like the world’s against you andBut I want you to know that you’re more than just your average manAnd please speak up because I’m interested in everything you’re sayingDon’t give in to this stigma of what the world says you’ll probably beeven if they challenge your future statisticallybecause there’s never been another like YOUand there never will beYes I’m attracted to your muscular armsAnd the seriousness in your eyesBut what separates you ambitious guyIs something I cant describeSo I’m hoping this inspired youAnd I never want you to feel that we’re tired of youBecause the biggest success storycould really be a reflection of you.

image courtesy torontospeeddate.com


Question of the Week

Who do you think the Nubian Message is for?

“All diverse groups but mainly minorities pick up the paper.”Juana Hernandez

JuniorCrimonology

“For people with darker skin.”Aliyah Hakima

Graduate StudentCommunication Rhetoric Digital

Media

“Primarily the African American commu-nity or anyoe interested in African American

culture.”Rob Mcdonald

JuniorPolitical Science

“For anyone who reads the newspa-per.”

Jamel LawsonJunior

Electrical Engineering

“Nubians?”Ash Lopez

JuniorEnglish

by Jasmine Chadmon


inspirational quote of the week

BODY AND SOUL, BLACK AMERICA REVEALS THE EXTREME QUESTIONS OF CONTEMPORARY LIFE, QUESTIONS OF FREEDOM AND IDENTITY: HOW CAN I BE WHO I AM?

JUNE JORDAN

Kierra Leggett | Opinions Writer

A blend of Lycra, spandex, nylon, cotton and poly-ester the popular leggings of the 1980’s have made a sudden and overwhelming reemergence into the current fashion scene. Available in almost any color, texture or style, leggings are a fashion staple found in the closets of women throughout the country and be-yond. Not only are they fairly inexpensive (depending on what brand/style), but almost unanimously, it can be said that leggings are one of the most comfortable items of clothing to ever be engineered. While I am a big fan of leggings, in the recent years I have con-sistently found myself aggravated, irritated, and just downright disgusted by the influx of females who seemingly cannot comprehend (or instead choose to ignore) that leggings are not, I repeat, are not, pants. A great substitute to tights and stockings un-derneath a dress or skirt, leggings are only a suitable replacement for denim or regular pants in instances

in which the top worn with them is long enough to cover ones entire derriere. Not everyone needs to know exactly how much (or in some instances, how little) junk is in your trunk. With leggings, nothing is left to the imagination. Every dimple, every bump, and every curve is accentuated (and not in good way). If you’re wearing underwear, or if you’re not (espe-cially if you’re not) the entire world is able to discern when leggings are the only thing covering the bot-tom half of your body. Furthermore, if leggings were meant to be worn as pants, that is exactly what they would be called—pants. While the male population (and obviously a large population of females—hence this article/ pub-lic service announcement) may be a fan of the garish trend of wearing leggings as pants, I proudly stand by my opinion that when worn as a substitute to pants, leggings look trashy, tacky, and cheap. Unsurprising-ly, there are others like me out there. A trending topic on twitter, and an issue warranting a Facebook fan

page with more than 400,000 supporters the Leg-gings are not Pants movement is slowly but surely gaining momentum. There are also numerous online blogs and website that addresses the issue of leggings being worn as pants. To those of you out there that have fallen prey to the leggings worn as pants epidemic, it is not too late to gain control and take back your life. The first step in overcoming this monstrosity is to admit and acknowledge that you have a problem. Don’t be afraid to reach out and seek assistance. The next time you find yourself reaching into your dresser to grab a pair of translucent leggings to wear to your 9:10 English Lit class, keep in mind that not everyone wants to say “Hello” to your Hello Kitty underwear and that despite the old saying, less is not always more.

Public Service Announcement: Leggings are NOT pants

Madavia Johnson | Opinions Editor

Reach out and Touch is a new organization on cam-pus that focuses on public service and peer involve-ment. It was established by a few of our Fellow NC State Students who attended a sophomore trip to LIA, which inspired them to get involved. They con-sulted with each other and one idea led to another great idea; they were sure to include peer involve-ment. With the help and consultation of Ms. Toni Thorpe Reach out and Touch were on their way of establishing a constitution and becoming a n official NC State University organization. Reach out and Touch meets once a month and, has a rapidly grow-ing membership of nearly 45 people showed up to their first general body meeting. This new organiza-

tion has been getting a lot of hype around NC States community. This is not an African American based organization, however the E-board is predominately Black. They encourage people of all races to attend and be an asset to the community. Reach Out and Touch build its principles off of civic responsibility and service; which is why they chose not to charge their members, but they welcome any donations. One of their upcoming events will have Mr. Nick Cooney as a guest speaker to reflect on “The Im-portance of Being Involved” I think everyone should attend this event and become more active on campus. It is one thing to make good grades and another to be involved; jobs are looking for well-rounded people. Reach Out and Touch have wonderful future plans of Adopting a family, Service Raleigh, Tutoring, Feed-ing the Homeless, Shoe Boxes of Love, MLK service

day challenge. They have plenty more events to add to help them fulfill their civic duties. You can keep a look out for this organization by adding them on Orgsync: Reach Out and Touch, Twitter: ReachOu-tandTouch and Facebook: Reach Out and Touch. I am glad to see that African American stu-dents at NC State University are getting involved and becoming leaders around campus. Through the years people have tried to oppress us and demean our intelligence, but as a race we shall move mountains and become leaders and carry ourselves as the Kings and Queens that we are destined to be.

NC State Students Making the World a Better Place… One Idea at a Timeby Jasmine Chadmon


Sampson Bloh | Opinions Writer

The Egyptian military, following the Friday resigna-tion of President Hosni Mubarak has dissolved the Parliament and suspended the Country’s Constitu-tion. The military which so many people heavily respected has moved from professionalised to behav-ing like a dictator. This change is very irresponsible and it will diminish the respect that many have for the military. The military is now in complete control of the country. Of course, the military has announced that it will only run the country for six months in order to promote peaceful transition to elections. But this act seems more like a military coup. I would not argue with anyone who would call this an intentional military take over. It is similar to what many dicta-tors have done in the past when they came to power, getting rid of important national documents. Since the president has resigned, the armed should empower the Parliament and support the appointment of someone to form an interim gov-ernment, then promote a transition to a popular election. This is what should be done in order to allow the creation of a democracy. The people have successfully carried out a peaceful revolution, forc-

ing out a man who was in power for 30 years, since 1981. Suspending the nation’s constitution and getting rid of the parliament is the last thing that the military should be doing. This is not promoting the democracy they revolted for these past eighteen days. A Parliament and Constitution are the signs of a nations unity, civilian control, law and order. You do not suspend or dissolve them, you promote them. But at the same time, the suspension of the Con-stitution may not be a bad thing, if and only if, the military will allow for a rewriting of the Constitu-tion, which would usher in a democratic form of government, give basic rights to the people, and go back under the civilian control. What the Egyptian military has done is a sign that it has gotten out of control; the military should be controlled by the parliament not controlling the parliament. Things have been getting back to normal since the resignation of President Mubarak. But many are warning of more demonstration if the military does not quickly move the country to de-mocracy. That by itself is a bad sign because no one knows how quickly or slowly this will happen. The dissolving of the parliament and the suspension of the constitution makes it seems ap-

pear that military is in a power struggle. Lets not forget that Mubarak is a former Air Force Com-mander. You basically can say that his 30 years in power was a military rule. There for his resignation and the prospect of the Muslim brotherhood or any non-military-allied government could mean a loss of power for the military. If this is the case, then the military’s control of Egypt at this moment is the same as Mubarak’s control. And this means that the military does not deserve to be praised because nothing had changed. The event in Egypt is serious to many peo-ple around the world. In the United States, there are those who are anxious to see who will be the next president and how he will promote and honor the strong existing relationship between Egypt and the United States. In Israel, many people want to know if this will mean a bad relationship between them-selves and Egypt. Also, this is an economic issue as well. Stability in Egypt is very important because of the Suez Canal, a vital (time and money saving) short cut for ships since the trip around Africa’s Cape of Good Hope is a long trip. The military has made it clear that Egypt will continue all existing relationships and will honor all current international treaties.

Egyptian Military has Dissolved its Parliament and Suspended its Constitution


The Republican Party believes it can take back the white house in 2012. It does not matter what changes the Re-publican Party has made, there is no way that Republicans can take back the White House. First, their agenda is ridiculous, espe-cially while the nation is in a recession. They want to get rid of The Health Care Reform, cut taxes for the wealthy. Their agenda is not in the interests of the American people. It has only been about the destruction of the presidency of Barack Obama. This agenda became more radical with the rise of the Tea Party movement. This is selfish, instead of trying to work with the president to solve the country’s economic problems

the Republicans’ motives are to win elections. The Republican Party will not take the White House in 2012 because they are hurting themselves by trying to destroy the Obama Presidency. Re-publicans need to understand that they can only take over and keep the White House by trying to fix America. Of course, the Democrats did horrible in the 2010 midterm elections. But we should all accept the fact that this trend is continuous in American politics, the party in power often does bad in the midterm election. Plus the country is in a recession, which by itself is a Re-publican gain against the Democrats. I am certain that the recession will be completely over by the middle of next year. Already, the nation’s economy is beginning to come back to normal even though the unemployment rate is still

down and people are still struggling. As for the unemployment rate, if it is still unchanged by 2012, it could give a big boost to the Republicans. But that by itself is not sufficient enough because there is no clear and worthy figure to challenge the president in 2012. We should not forget that even though many Americans might not approve of president Obama’s job on the economy, they still have not forgotten that the re-publican agenda is not a good agenda. Second, the Republican Party at this point faces a presidential candidate cri-sis. Sarah Palin and others now seem to be at their lowest point of strength for the Republican Party’s nomina-tion for presidency. Of course, Sarah Palin would help the Republican Party through her appeal to the Tea Party movement and to many conservatives,

but her being a presidential candidate would be a disaster for the Republican Party. Many believe that Sarah Palin is not presidential material. In fact, lately, she has not not be receiving the at-tention she enjoyed earlier (when she burst out on the scene as a republican). This is a clear proof Republican lead-ers do not believe that they can win the white house with Sarah Palin. Yes, many do believe that she would bring out the vote for Republican Party, but they don’t see her as an important party leader. A recent Straw Poll on CNN shows that Ron Paul is at the top of the list for prominent presidential can-didates in 2012, in the poll, he topped Palin and other top dogs.

Will Republicans Take Back the White House in 2012?


AdinkrAssymbols of West AfricA

SANKOFA“Return and Get it”

BI NKA BI“No one should bite the

other”

DENKYEM“Crocodile”

symbol of adaptability

For more adinkras visit adinkra.org


The Tea Party has given the Republican Party a boost since it emergence in 2009. The movement started as an anti-Obama force and supported many protests against the president and the Democratic Party. This pro-Republican movement strengthened the Repub-lican Party by giving them ground to stand on against the president who came into office with high ratings. It’s support weakened President Obama and the Democratic Party and made the Republican Party more competitive. But the Tea Party as we all know has been taken onthe most radical form of conserva-tism in the United States. The Tea Party is bad for the Republican Party despite the tremendous success it has given the party since its emergence. Many claimed that the Tea Party was an independent movement but it is clear that the Tea party has completely endorsed the Re-publican Party since its emergence. From the very beginning, anti-Obama doctrines are what this movement has promoted and supported. From the “Birther” ideology which claims that Presi-dent Obama is not a U.S. citizen, to Obama and other Democrats being called communists claiming that the Health Care Reform is Obama’s aim to shut down the old, the sick and the vulnerable. Clearly the Tea party has swam continuously in the circle of radi-calism. It is true that not everyone in the Tea Party move-

ment believes in this radicalism. But from what I have observed, it is reasonable to say, that these are the same anti-Obama people from the 2008 presidential era. The same people who were calling, then Sena-tor Obama a monkey and using other racist remarks to demean his authority. The National Republican Association has supported the Tea Part’y radicalism from the very beginning, finding every possible ways to claim that the acts are freedoms of speech but now it is trying to separate itself.

Despite the fact that the Tea Party helped the Republican Party in the 2010 midterm elec-tions, it is a short term movement. The Tea Party is too radical for the Republicans. Even though it is a strong force in the conservatism movement and has a big slice of the republican vote, it is turning many Americans off. There seems to be a division between the Republican Party and conservatism as a result of the Tea Party and this will weaken the Republican Party in the future. Many Republican Party leaders realized in order to win the White House they will have to win the minds of the Independents, especially during this time of recession. As a result of this, the Republican Party could collapse and completely split in two, the tea party would become a separate entity and America would be force into a three or a multi-party system

Tea Party: Bad for the Republican Party?

Alexis Teasdell | Staff Writer

Studying is essential to succeed on a college campus. But where is a good place to study? Where can I find computers, a quiet area, and books for leisure reading as well as scholastic? There is a fantastic library right in central campus. On the second floor of Wither-spoon there is a library that has computers, free print-ing, video libraries, as well as autographed books. The student staff is always helpful and the quiet environ-ment is perfect for studying. Between the quiet environment and the location, Witherspoon’s library is ideal. From the moment students’ walk in, a librarian and even candy, greet them on each table. The empowerment and inspi-ration from the African-American Leaders posted around the room is amazing. Posters of Langston Hughes and Madame CJ Walker along with others can give students the true feeling of a history maker. The hours of operation are from one to nine o’clock, Monday through Thursday and one to five o’clock on Fridays. There are so many dorms located right around Witherspoon, that this is the perfect library. Being less than a five-minute walk away from the Tri-towers, Sullivan and Lee, as well as Tucker and

Owen, this is the place to study. Students from as far as North Carolina Central University, Shaw Univer-sity, as well as Peace College, come to Witherspoon’s library.Along with studying, Witherspoon’s library is the perfect place to check out books that are truly inter-esting. Books range from non-fiction novels such as, By Any Means Necessary, a compilation of Malcolm X speeches, to fiction novels such as Up at the Col-lege by Michele Andrea Bowen. Even reference mag-azines and magazines such as “Essence” and “Sports Illustrated” are available. What’s even better is the easy process of checking out books. The process is just as simple as a high school media center. Once a student is in the system, it takes less than a minute and you can check out up to four books at a time. This makes the process of checking out one of the over 5,000 books, that much easier. This library also has many books that D.H. Hill doesn’t even hosts a book club. Witherspoon’s library is an outstanding resource that should defi-nitely be taken advantage of.

Looking for a Place to Study?


WANNA MAKE A DIFFERENCE

[email protected] 919.515.1463

photographers writers reporters

LocationsAvent Ferry Complex

Brooks HallCaldwell HallHarrelson Hall

Talley Student CenterWitherspoon Student Center

Wolf Village Apartments

MATE MASIE“what I hear, I keep”

A symbol of the wisdom, knowledge, and prudence. The implied meaning of the phrase “mate masie” is “I under-

stand”. Understanding means wisdom and knowledge, but it also represents the prudence of taking into consider-

ation what another person has said.

http://www.adinkra.org/htmls/adinkra/mate.htm

372 Witherspoon Student CenterBox 7138

NC State UniversityRaleigh, NC 27695-371

PHONE NUMBER: 919.515.1468 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: [email protected]

TWITTER: @NUBIANMESSAGE

Only with the permission of our elders do we proudly produce each edition of the Nubian Message.Dr. Yosef ben-Yochannan: Dr. John Henrik Clark: Dr. Leonard Jeffries: The Black Panther Party: Mumia A. Jamal: Geronimo Pratt: Tony Williamson: Dr. Lawrence Clark: Dr. Augustus McIver Witherspoon: Dr. Wandra P. Hill:

Mr. Kyran Anderson: Dr. Lathan Turner: Dr. M. Iyailu Moses: Dokta Toni Thorpe and all those who accompany us as we are STILL on the journey to true consciousness.

Madavia Johnson OPINIONS EDITOR

Mario R Terry | EDITOR-IN-CHIEF JASMINE CHADMON | COPY EDITOR

Shekiah Jones MIND, BODY, & SOUL EDITOR

Sentinel of the African-American Community at North Carolina State University

Nubian Message

COPYRIGHT 2011 BY NORTH CAROLINA STATE STUDENT MEDIA, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

AdinkrAssymbols of West AfricA

ADINKRAHENE“Chief of the Adinkra

Symbols”symbol of greatness, cha-

risma and leadership

FOFO“Yellow Flowered Plant”

symbol of jealousy and envy

JASMINE HARRIS | COPY EDITORDARIUS DAWSON | LAYOUT

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February 16th, 2011