The Xavier heraldApril 19-May 7 , 2011 xavierherald.com Xavier University Of Louisiana Established in 1925

xavierherald.com

Pick up a copy of the 2010-2011 yearbook!XS 109 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

GERTXAVIER TOWN

Building common groundEditor’s Note: Writers Holle Ford, Kristin Fletcher, Maya Jones, Kenneth Norwood, Brittney Rhea, and Stacey Windon completed this package of stories examining Xavier’s relationship with Gert Town. See pages 1, 6, 7 , and 11.

By Stacey Windon

Gert Town has faced many challenges ranging from crime before Hurricane Katrina to redevelopment after the storm. The official geographical layout of Gert Town, according to Rev. Kaseem Short, a community leader, includes: South Carrollton to Howard Avenue (along I-10), South Jefferson Davis across Earhart Boulevard to Colapissa Street. All of Xavier University falls in Gert Town. Some people think Xavier’s

expansion from its main campus into the heart of Gert Town is improving the neighborhood. Others fear being pushed out of their homes, which Xavier President Norman Francis vowed has never and will never happen. Many Xavier students say Gert Town has always been known as a low income neighborhood with very few resources and high crime. Erin Lieteau, a junior from New Orleans, said, “I am comfortable there because I lived there before Katrina. However, I do understand the fear someone who is not from Gert Town would have if they were in the area.” Despite Gert Town’s struggles with blight and poverty, the New Orleans Police Department says overall crime has dropped since Katrina. And XUPD officers who patrol the main campus and

across Washington Avenue near the Art Village agree that serious crimes have decreased—but say students still need to be aware serious crime happens. One problem Gert Town is facing today is the perception that the community lacks unity to appeal to city leaders, Rev. Short says. One example is how the community is fragmented on education. Some residents want Mary Church Terrell Elementary School torn down because it has been abandoned since the storm and the dilapidated property is dangerous. However, others want the school to merge with a nearby charter school. And some supporters want Mary Church Terrell reopened to give children in the area an opportunity to attend a school near their home. Rev. Short said Gert Town

WOYM: Students describe the ideal student-teacher relationship pg. 5

A Brief Construction Timeline 1933- Administration Building 1937- Old Library/Music Building 1955- St. Michael’s men’s dormitory 1962- Student Center 1965- St. Joseph’s Hall (Currently under renovation for academic and health center offices, completed for Fall 2011) 1969- St. Katharine Drexel women’s dormitory

Seniors play dominoes at a Greater King Solomon Missionary Baptist Church Fellowship Hall.

is trying to improve the social, economic and physical environment of the neighborhood through the Gert Town Community Development Center. The development center reaches out to the residents of the area, in particular children and seniors.

See GERT TOWN, pg. 6

1967- House of Studies (now closed) 1970- College of Pharmacy 1988- Norman C. Francis Academic/ Science Complex 1993- New Library/Resource Center and College of Pharmacy addition 1994- St. Peter Claver women’s dormitory (other housing, now in transition) 1990- Xavier South purchased 1998- The Living Learning Center 2003- University Center and St. Martin de Porres Hall 2010- Qatar Pharmacy Pavilion 2012-St. Katharine Drexel Chapel, March 2012-Convocation Academic Center, summer

The Administration Building dedication in 1932. Xavier Archives

By Holle Ford In 1927, Katharine Drexel and the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament moved Xavier University from its then-Uptown location to an area on the outskirts of the city. The new campus was bounded by Washington and Howard avenues and Pine and Short streets, in a neighborhood known as Gert Town. Six Sisters moved into a house in Gert Town in 1968. Their mission was to break down barriers by living among and reaching out to

the residents. There, the sisters established the Audubon Center, which later became the Audubon Arts Center. With help from Xavier students, they provided life skills such as sewing and typing, and music and charm classes. By the 1980s, Xavier faculty and students were involved in the Bolden Child Care Center and an adjoining health care facility located on Lowerline Street.

84 years and growing

Convocation Academic Center

xavierherald.com

Page 2 April 19-May 7, 2011NeWS

Students and faculty welcome the newest arrival to the Xavier University library, the Lincoln Exhibit. The exhibit was launched just in time to commemorate the 146th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s death on April 15, 1865. The Lincoln Exhibit began touring in 2009 to coincide with the bicentennial of Lincoln’s birth on February 12, 1809. Michelle Woods, Reference/Social Science Librarian and coordinator for the campus exhibit, explained the purpose of the exhibit and the significance of those issues presented over 200 years ago as they pertain to society today. “The exhibit focuses on what he Lincoln did; he wanted to use Louisiana as a test case as the first state to reenter the Union. It’s intended to bring more attention to Lincoln’s legacy

in the constitutional struggles of slavery, succession and the Civil War,” Woods said. Woods was the author of the grant written to The National Endowment for the Humanities to commission the exhibit to make the university a part of its tour. The Lincoln Exhibit is owned by The National Constitution Center and The American Library Association. The exhibit is slated to remain at the university until June 25th of this year. “I want students to understand how Lincoln faced major constitutional struggles, how he handled them and how he came to emancipate the slaves. The exhibit will serve to educate the students on the vast resources the library has on Abraham Lincoln, the Civil War and the Constitution and that the Constitution’s challenges are still very relevant today,” Woods said. The Lincoln Exhibit is available for public viewing on the first floor during all Xavier University of Louisiana Library operational hours.

By Kaylin McLeodStaff Writer

The Lincoln Exhibit Travels to Xavier University of Louisiana

Xavier University may very well get a taste of China in the upcoming academic school year. After what has been approximately a year-long application process, the university is closer to developing a partnership with China to implement a Chinese cultural awakening on campus. Chinese Consul General Madam Gao Yanping recently visited to assess Xavier’s eligibility to take on a new task of being named a Confucius Institute. A Confucius Institute is the title granted to a college or university that partners with Chinese Consuls of Education and agrees to implement programming for students to learn about Chinese language and culture. This program was started in 2004 and since then, universities around the world have sought out membership as Confucius Institutes. Currently, there 322 Confucius Institutes and Xavier may be the first HBCU to become a Confucius Institute.

By Ariel JohnsonManaging Editor

Dr. Monique Guillory, Interim Director for the Center for International Studies, explained what implementing a Confucius Institute (CI) will mean for the university. The CI office will be housed in the University’s Center for Intercultural and International Programs (CIIP) and will work collaboratively with several academic units, including the Division of Education, the Art Department, the Department of Languages, and the College of Pharmacy. “This is a wonderful opportunity to expand our international options for students, as well as create diversity and bring in new faculty,” Guillory said. Several curriculum changes will take place as a result of implementing the CI program. There will be a

Mandarin language courses offered at Xavier with the new recruitment of foreign language instructors who are fluent in Mandarin. The Art department will partner with the New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA) Asian Art collection to give upper-level art students the opportunity to explore Asian art traditions. The College of Pharmacy will experience curriculum changes as well with course initiatives to explore Chinese traditional healing practices. “I have no doubt that students and faculty have much to gain from this exchange. China is at the forefront of education and has a fascinating ancient history, there is a tremendous amount to be learned,” Guillory said.

XU works to become first HBCU Confucius Institute

Nine years ago, the class of 2002 heard him speak as Mayor of the City of New Orleans. On May 7, the class of 2011 will hear Marc Morial deliver the keynote speech as President and CEO of the National Urban League. Morial is “thrilled and excited” to return to Xavier. Morial has an intimate

connection with the university that he explained began in his childhood. Both his parents attended Xavier University and he feels as if he grew up on this campus. Morial taught at Xavier in the late 1980s as a professor of Constitutional and Business Law. In addition to his service to the university, he has also established himself as a lawyer, entrepreneur, legislator, and CEO of the National Urban League, earning him a distinction as one of the most accomplished servant-leaders in the nation and Ebony Magazine has recognized him as one of the 100 most influential Black Americans.Morial describes the 2011 graduating class as a group of “exciting young people” and “future leaders.” In his

address, he plans to appeal to students to meet several challenges. “Too many young people are celebrity crazed. If you look on Twitter, eight of the top 10 people with the most followers are celebrities. That should not take away from the African American leaders who are contributing in law and medicine. I challenge these African American professionals to learn more about history and the big challenges that lie ahead,” Morial said in an interview with the Herald. Morial acknowledged that there are certain aspects of the university that he appreciates and finds remarkable. Morial will deliver the keynote address at Keifer Lakefront Arena at 10 a.m.

Marc Morial ‘Excited and thrilled’ to speak at commencement May 7

By Ariel JohnsonManaging Editor

Courtesy of Nola.comAbraham Lincoln takes the oath of office on March 4, 1861 as 16th President of the U.S. The drawing is on display in the Xavier University of Louisiana library.

I. JOHNSON

Consul General Madame Gao

Yanping visits the campus to hear

plans to house CI program at Xavier.

xavierherald.com

April 19-May 7, 2011 Page 3

XAVIER HERALD, xavierherald.com

The Xavierite, XU’s yearbook

All applicants: Must be a Xavier student in good academic standing with a minimum 2.5 GPA. Most management/editorial positions include a student stipend, which means applicants must be committed to Xavier University and its standards for excellence and community service.

TO APPLY: Send a resume, cover letter, work samples if possible, and two professional or XU references to Melinda Shelton, Director of Student Publications, Xavier South 110, or e-mail mshelton@xula.edu.

XU STUDENT PUBLICATIONSFALL 2011 STAFF POSITIONS OPEN

Managing editor: Must be able to use Adobe Creative Suite 5, including Photoshop, and be familiar with IMAC and MAC Pro desktop and laptop. Prior yearbook experience is a plus. This position involves extensive layout, copy-writing, and proofreading, and stellar organizational skills. Must be able to work at least 15 hours per week throughout the semester and be able to commit to producing a quality product.

Copy and design editors: Should be familiar with Adobe Creative Suite 5 or similar graphics design programs, and able to work on IMACs or be quickly trained. Prior yearbook experience is a plus. Strong editing skills are a plus.

Editor-in-chief: Must have prior Herald experience as a contributor or staff member. Must be able to use Adobe Creative Suite 5; be a competent newspaper writer and editor; and be able to lead a team of diverse student staff members. The editor’s position requires strong planning, leadership and communication skills; a keen interest in news and ability to cover events; and dedication to finishing every edition on time. The editor is 100 percent responsible for every edition, including content and delivery, and serves in a public relations capacity on the SGA board and at university events.

Managing Editor: Should have prior Herald experience as a contributor or staff member. Must be able to use Adobe Creative Suite 5; be a competent newspaper writer and editor; and have a “nose for news” on campus and in the community. The managing editor creates and maintains a list of stories to be covered/ideas; recruits contributors and assigns stories for every edition; tracks submissions; edits (using AP Style) and assigns stories to pages.

Arts & Entertainment Editor: Should have prior Herald experience, preferably as an A&E contributor. Must be able to use Adobe Creative Suite 5; be able to plan ahead for events coverage and generate interesting, audience-specific stories; and be willing to write reviews and feature stories. The A&E editor helps design the pages, including handling artwork and editing.

Sports Editor: Should have prior Herald experience as a contributor or staff member. Must be able to use Adobe Creative Suite 5 and take digital photographs for print. The sports editor covers XU-related sports, generates features, and coordinates coverage and column ideas with contributors. The editor must also create and maintain a congenial working relationship with XU Sports Information.

Graphic Design Editor: Must know Adobe Creative Suite 5, InDesign and Photoshop. Must be creative, attentive to details, and be a strong team player.

Online content manager: Must have Web management experience and be willing to learn how to post and manage video/slide shows, audio presentations, Herald content, and special assignments. Graphics design and website design/management experience helpful.

……………………

Student Publications Business Manager: This position is open to juniors or seniors who have successfully completed business management, advertising, sales, marketing and related courses. The business manager must have strong written and verbal communications skills and be organized and professional. This position requires outside sales to generate a salary and meet sales income expectations; invoicing; and product-specific placement in print and on the Internet. This is an excellent resume-building opportunity. Photo editor for all student publications: Must be familiar with graphics design, particularly InDesign and Photoshop, and be able to take digital photographs when necessary. This position requires excellent planning and execution skills, project planning, team assignments coordination, strong verbal communication skills, and the ability to identify good photography topics/events/subjects. Video and audio communication skills are a plus but not required.

Staff photographers for all student publications: Must be able to learn the principles of digital photography, using professional-grade camera equipment. Photographers cover events for the Herald, xavierherald.com, and for The Xavierite, and are required to cover a wide

xavierherald.com

Page 4 April 19-May 7, 2011

STUDENT INVOLVEMENT

The Herald is a student newspaper created by and for the students. We encourage all students to write stories, short columns, submit your professional, academic, Greek organization news, but most importantly keep us informed. Publication date Print-ready ad and copy deadlineApril 19 April 13

THE XAVIER HERALDSTAFFeditor-in-chief: STACEY A. WINDONmanaging editor: ARIEL JOHNSONA&E editor: CASSIE SMITH sports editor: MAYA JONESgraphic design editor: HONG NGUYENweb design editor: CLINE BAILEYfaculty adviser: MELINDA SHELTONbusiness manager: LATASHA TINSONstaff writers: BROOKE ADAMS, HOLLE FORD, DUDLEY C. GRADY, JR., MYLINH HOANG, RABIAT SARAKIphoto editor: JIMMIE JOHNSONphotographers: RUSTON HENRY, ALYSSA MERCADEL, MARIEL JARREAU

CONTACT INFORMATIONherald office (504) 520-7474melinda shelton: director of student publications (504) 520-5096communications department (504) 520-5092fax (504) 520-7919email: herald@xula.eduads: Latasha Tinson ltinson@xula.edu

The Herald Office is located in the Communications Department, Room 112B, in Xavier South. Please stop by during regular weekly office hours for information.

opiNioNS aNd ediTorialS

From Editor-in-Chief Stacey Windon: FarewellDear Students,

For the last five years I have had the blessing of working in the College of Arts and Sciences Dean’s office. This has given me the opportunity to meet many Xavier students and I have really treasured my interaction with you. While I will be staying at Xavier in a different position, I will be leaving my responsibilities in the Dean’s office this summer. I do not want to make that move without letting you know how much I have appreciated getting to know so many of you and working with you. Your sincere efforts and strong spirits are evident as you strive for academic excellence, develop the qualities of a leader, and experience the inner rewards of selfless service to others. This was St. Katharine Drexel’s dream for you when she founded Xavier. The Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament will continue to pray daily for your success. As I leave the Dean’s Office, be assured of my gratitude to each of you for your friendliness, your respect, and your tireless efforts to do the right thing. “We fall down, but we get up!” As you move forward toward your goals I pray you are always aware of God’s love and care for you. May you also experience the concern and support of your Xavier family as we challenge you to do your best and be your best.

Sincerely,

Sr. Monica, SBS

Open Letter to Xavier Students

My college years have been a time to grow in my education and as a person. I started off at Xavier running cross country, where I learned how to connect and work with a team. After three years on the team, I made myself available to other organizations and

Looking back on my time here at Xavier, I can truly say that I will miss every moment spent working in the Mass Communication program, from tensions rising about finishing assignments—even though if you knew me, I’m usually the only one who’s completed it—to laughing with my peers about random things. My initial worries coming to Xavier were to make good grades. As I worked alongside other students and professors, I learned that developing relationships and working outside the classroom is essential to being a well-

departments on campus. This is when I began to nurture my skills as a young professional. I was the graphic designer of the Herald for two years, editor-in-chief for one year, and SGA Cabinet Chair of Public Relations for one year. I also designed the cover and

rounded person. Moving into the graphic design editor position for the in the Fall of 2010 has made me grow as a person and gave me another venue to express myself creativity. It will truly be sad when I leave the people I have grown with behind and move on with my life. What will you all do without me? I know that I am thankful for meeting every single person in the Communications Department. Though we may be a small department, we work hard and finish strong. One thing we should all walk away from college is

sections themes of the 2009-2010 Xavierite and the cover and endsheets of the 2010-2011 Xavierite. Today, I have the mindset that a student should be engaged in their field of study from every aspect. For example, I am a Mass Communication major with a concentration in public relations and a minor in sales and marketing. I was fortunate to gain knowledge of broadcast, print, public relations, and graphic design. I was also able to delve deeper into my minor, which lead to the 3M Frontline Sales Internship I begin after graduation. As I have learned, knowing every aspect of my field has only bettered me as a professional and advanced me one step ahead of the competition. I

encourage students to have a mentor at every stage of their life. I also want to stress the importance of internships and networking. It’s not all about who you know, but it’s about who knows you. Chase your dreams because you can do anything when you put your mind to it. I would not have made it this far without prayer, family and the support of teachers, students, friends, and the administration. Xavier has brought the best out of me. I have been blessed with the opportunity to find and perfect my craft. In the future, I plan to make generous contributions to the university. Xavier will forever be apart of my life and I am thankful for every experience Xavier has given me.

knowing that no matter how hard it seems now, we’re working toward something better. Remember “success

only comes before work in the dictionary.” Goodbye Xavier, it was a blessing.

Graphic design editor Hong Nguyen says goodbye

The Windon family, from left, Parents Florence and Erroll Windon, brother Joe Windon, Stacey Windon, and Kenneth Mattews.

Hong Nguyen, left, and sister Hang

Nguyen graduate together.

xavierherald.com

April 19-May 7, 2011 Page 5

WhaT’S oN your miNd?

By Brooke Adams Staff Writer

As we wrap up the semester and teacher evaluation time is here, the Xavier Herald asks students to describe the ideal student-teacher relationship.

“I feel like the best student-teacher relationship is an open one where I can easily go talk to them. If I can easily feel comfortable with my teachers then I think that would be best. I feel like it should be an open door policy basically like working at a job.”

Odell Isaac, Senior, Biology

“I feel like the ideal teacher should be someone who is compassionate to students. They should be someone who looks out for them as well as keeping up with their grades. I feel they should be seeing what they are doing in and outside of the classroom. They should be someone who is youthful, not necessarily young, but someone who can relate to their students.”

Rashad Haynes, Freshman, Bio-Chemistry Pre-Dental

“I believe the ideal student-teacher relationship allows free communication between the student and the teacher. It is someone who gives other contact information outside of school. My freshman seminar teacher gives us his number to text him in case we have a question. I feel a teacher should be able to contact us whenever we have missed homework or any other assignments. They should be able to contact us through email. They should be able to let us know when we are struggling or any kind of guidance to let you know when you are messing up.”

Lance Broussard, Freshman, Accounting

“I think that students and teachers should feel comfortable with one another, but have a mutal respect for the other’s position. The students should realize that their professors are their professors and not friends or enemies. They should understand that their professors have their best interest in learning. I feel that teachers should have the best interest of students in mind so they should be open to communicate with students. They

should be flexible, not to the point of being a push-over, but flexible enough so students feel comfortable approaching them and getting their work done.”

Kaitlyn Gaddis, Junior, Speech Pathology

“I feel the ideal student-teacher relationship is the way Xavier has it now. The teachers put work on blackboard, and that is the easiest way to access stuff outside of school. You do not have to worry about what you are missing because it is on the website. You do not have to wait until the next class to get the assignment. The teachers have office hours for you to come talk to them if you need extra help.”Chris Vicks, Junior, Business Finance

“The ideal relationship between students and teachers should involve a well balanced combination of respect and trust. They should encourage students to learn and succeed. Not only do students learn from their teachers, but the teachers should be able to learn from the students through feedback. The students should be able to express themselves, and that way the teachers can enhance their learning skills.”Monique Jones, Junior, Psychology Pre-Med

“My idea of an ideal student-teacher relationship is when the teachers care for you. They should want to see that you do good and succeed in life. Whenever they can they are willing and able to give you the best advice and help that they can.”

Nichelle Taylor, Junior, Biology Pre-Med

“I feel that the ideal student-teacher relationship is the one that is provided here at Xavier. In most cases, seeing that we have a low student-teacher ratio, the students are able to get the help they need. The classes are not too big, and the teacher is allowed to provide more time with each student. Any kind of relationship where the teacher provides as much as help as possible is the best.”Ivis Turner, Junior, Chemistry Pre-Pharmacy

“I feel that a student-teacher relationship should have a relationship as close as a friendship. I feel that way because you have to have a personal relationship with your teachers in order to do well in your classes. You should know your teachers on a personal level so you can understand what they are saying, and what they actually mean.”

Alexis Gosserand, Sophomore, Chemistry Pre-Pharmacy

“I feel that the ideal student-teacher relationship is a relationship where you have a good understanding. In good understanding, I mean where you can ask them where you stand in the class as well as how you are progressing. If you need help, the teacher is there to help you with no problems.”

Takara Turner, Sophomore, Chemistry

“I feel that the ideal student-teacher relationship is when you can have a one on one meeting with them. You can go to their office hours, and they are there to provide extra help and answers. When you go to their office you learn better because you are not around a bunch of people. They make it simple and they can relate it to real life things. Not on a friend level, but on a level where you use your learning skills and not the class.”

Bréon Anderson, Senior, Biology Pre-Med

“I feel that the ideal student-teacher relationship is someone that I can approach, whether it be at his or her office hours or during class. I feel that there should be someone I could talk to about my weekend, and someone that is like a mentor. I feel that they should be someone I can look up to, and go to them with my problems.”

Francois Williams, Freshman, Chemistry Pre-Pharmacy

xavierherald.com

Page 6 April 19-May 7, 2011

By Brittney Rhea Cold concrete stretches across the silent grounds of Mary Church Terrell Elementary lo-cated in the heart of Gert Town. The sprawling building at 3411 Broadway Ave. has been in ruins since Hurricane Katrina devas-tated New Orleans in 2005. The school, which opened in 1977, last housed 336 students. Despite being a vital part of Gert Town for almost 30 years, the school’s future is unknown. It may be demolished. Or maybe it will be revived. Right now, no one knows.“By not opening Terrell, you are condemning the Gert Town neighborhood to lower property values, more crime and more dif-ficulties,” said Mickey Landry, principal of Lafayette Academy Charter School in nearby Car-rollton. Lafayette Charter opened in 2006 and has 780 students in pre-kindergarten through seventh grade—and a waiting list of 500. “That building is needed to keep the community alive,” Landry stressed. Before Katrina, it was a given that kids in this pocket commu-nity would attend Mary Church Terrell. Not so today.

“It is just devastating. The entire community use to attend MCT as children and now they have to send their kids across the river just to get an education,” said Larren Dents, who lives in Gert Town.

Death of a public school

Gert Town residents and Xavier are concerned with the fate of the school. They would like to see it reopened under Lafayette Charter School. Currently, Xavier’s Divi-sion of Education has a partner-ship with Lafayette Charter in

By Kristin Fletcher

When graduate students and faculty from Xavier’s Division of Education went door-to-door in Gert Town back in February and asked residents to complete a survey, the response was reassuring. In fact, many of the teams were invited into homes. “They were interested in the assessment and bringing their community back,” Kiosha Jefferson, a community counseling graduate student, said of the experience. Topping

the list of concerns is saving Mary Church Terrell Elementary School, which has been closed since Hurricane Katrina. “They believe the school [coming back] will help rebuild the community,” Jefferson said. Another Xavier student, Kecia Poplus, said, “there was a real consensus to keep Mary Church Terrell an elementary school and bring programs into the community.” Conducting the survey was just another link in the long history between the Division of

Education students are on a mission to restore Mary Church TerrellEducation and Gert Town. Dr. Rosalind Hale, division chair, organized community counseling graduate students, who developed the survey with Hale, Dr. Judith Miranti, and Dr. Renee Akbar. “The students have a mission and Gert Town has a need. The students want to help them meet that need,” Akbar said. In addition to basic demographic information, the survey included questions designed to gauge residents’ concerns and needs. Several questions focus on the closed elementary school, if

residents believe it should be reopened, if there are enough children in the community to justify reopening MCT, and if the heavily damaged building should be renovated or demolished and a new structure built. The survey also asked about other opportunities and programs needed in the community, including GED training, before and after school care, day care, senior citizens’ activities, conflict resolution training, career development, and teen pregnancy counseling.

Next in the process, educational leadership students and Akbar are developing four models for Mary Church Terrell based on the survey responses, including possible curriculums and community programs. The community counseling students will then write two different program proposals based on the model schools and apply for grant funding to be used to open the school or multipurpose community centers.

Xavier leased property to the New Orleans Recreation Department for a swimming pool complex located on Lowerline Street and Stroelitz Street, which students were allowed to use. Post-Katrina flooding destroyed the facility, and the NORD pool complex remains neglected, blighted city property. In February, NORD officials announced that FEMA has approved full funding to replace the pool. The facility will be demolished sometime in the future, and NORD said a new pool complex may be ready by 2013. This summer, construction will begin on the $25 million, 93,000-square-foot Convocation Academic Center. The project includes: a 4,500-seat arena and new quarters for all of the sports teams; classrooms; offices; and campus and community meeting spaces. University events now held in the Barn will be moved to the Convocation Center, and the Barn will be demolished once the new center is fully operational.

GERT TOWN, from pg. 1

XU still growing moving forward.

“It is a community effort, but we are pushing a big rock uphill,” said Landry.The building falls under the ju-risdiction of the Recovery School District. According to RSD spokesperson Tammy Barney, there has not been an official de-cision on MCT. She said there will be a series of public hearings to help assess the community’s needs before the fate of the school is sealed. Until something definitive does happen, residents worry about the continued deterioration of the building and grounds. For months, fence gates were open and vandals had torn plywood off several entrances to the building. Inside, food wrappers, trash, drug paraphernalia, even discarded au-tomobile tires litter the rooms. “Anyone can enter MCT and anything is likely to happen, but who would be liable?” Gert Town resident Gilbert Thomas won-dered. When the Herald told Barney about the unsecured property, she said she was unaware of such problems. Within a week, chains and locks were replaced on the gates and entrances sealed.

Vagrants have left trash in Mary Church Terrell school.

Rev. Lois Dejean and Dr. Rosalind Hale conduct a survey in Gert Town.

xavierherald.com

April 19-May 7, 2011 Page 7

By Kenneth Norwood

Crime is something closely associated with the community of Gert Town, but the neighborhood has changed since Hurricane Katrina, with police officials claiming it’s a safer place to live and work. For example, Lt. Mike Montalbano, NOPD’s District Investigative Unit Commander of the 2nd District, explains how crime has changed in Gert Town since he joined the force 20 years ago. “We have a better working relationship with the residents, and when something happens, they give us a call,” Montalbano said. “Gert Town was notorious for drugs and guns” and while

Gert Town crime is lower,but XUPD urges caution

these crimes still occur, the numbers are far lower than before Katrina. Gert Town and Xavier University lie in two separate police districts. According to NOPD’s website, Xavier’s main campus is in the 6th district, while across Washington Avenue, which serves as the border line, is the 2nd district. XUPD patrols the main campus and parts of Gert Town, particularly the areas around the Art Village. Lt. Morris Moore, XUPD’s Crime Prevention Officer, also talks about how crime seems to have decreased in and around Gert Town. Still, he said many incidents involving Xavier students could be prevented.

“What bothers me is students will take it upon themselves to walk late at night through the neighborhood to things like fast food restaurants, trying to take shortcuts instead of walking down Carrollton, which is a well-lit area,” Moore said. Most crimes involving Xavier students consist of auto burglaries, theft, and harassment of female students, Moore said The NOPD provided maps that track reported crimes over a three-month period. In the most recent maps, crime reports included: 0 murders 1 rape15 thefts 3 auto thefts1 simple robbery 6 shootings

Common ground aside, distrust, rumors persistBy Maya Jones

Despite Xavier’s eight decades-long presence in Gert Town, including millions of dollars in construction, reconstruction and educational and vocational investments, some residents distrust the university’s motives. And as the university continues to purchase property, rumors persist that residents are being pushed out of their homes. Such misperceptions frustrate Norman C. Francis, who attended Xavier as a student, taught on the faculty, and has served as president for more than 40 years. All told, his tenure at Xavier exceeds half a century. “We haven’t forced a soul out. Any property that we have bought is because, before and after Katrina, people came to us saying, ‘we’re not coming back, do you want to buy the property?’ These were people who decided

they weren’t going to stay in Gert Town and decided to move out,” Francis told the Herald. “It is totally untrue that Xavier ever has or plans to force people out,” he said. “If you talk to people whom we’ve worked with, they will tell you we’ve shown our plans to the residents of the neighborhood.” Xavier’s intent has long been to be a catalyst for change, Francis said. The university is a major employer. Xavier has invested more than $40 million in Gert Town, including the Art Village, recently purchased property such as the crime-plagued Roc-a-fella 2.5 club, donated land to the city for a daycare center, health center and NORD swimming pool, and has removed blighted property from the landscape. Francis said no majors moves are made without the Gert Town community’s input.

“In this whole business, you have to have as best you can what they call a catalytic agent,” Francis said. “Something a city or developer can attach to for an improvement. They have to have something. (Gert Town) doesn’t have one major organization necessarily, so we’re a university and like urban centers, we said, ‘well, let us work.’”

Bad blood persists City Councilwoman Stacy Head, who represents District B, which includes Gert Town, recently supported a $23 million plan to redevelop the Blue Plate Fine Foods plant into mixed income apartments. The iconic building is at the corner of Earhart Boulevard and South Jefferson Davis Parkway. Head has come under fire from Gert Town activists, who claim the white councilmember does little

to promote the recovery of the predominantly black Gert Town neighborhood. Head challenges such criticism and told the Herald that she has been very proactive in pushing improvements in the neighborhood and continues to work closely with Xavier’s Dr. Francis. Head said she has met with various leaders, including at the Gert Town Community Center. The real problem, she said, is with in-fighting among residents and activists. Meanwhile, Gert Town’s residents feel slighted by those elected to represent them. According to Rev. Lois Dejean, an avid activist, longtime resident and director of the Gert Town Revival Initiative, constant cries for help to the city have fallen on deaf ears for years. She said Head and Mayor Mitch Landrieu likewise have not stepped up for

Gert Town. “We have blighted property that has been here since Katrina,” Dejean said. “(Residents) can’t pave roads, we can’t put drainage in Gert Town. That’s the city’s responsibilities. “I’m insulted by that statement of division” and in-fighting, Dejean said. “All (the city) talks about is division. Everyone is on the same page concerning the need for Gert Town to be redone. We’re fighting for our schools. We’re fighting about bathrooms in our parks. There’s no money coming in, so what is the division about? I’m sick and tired of that statement. Tell me where the fight is. …The problem is the people here are poor, so we don’t have power.” The Herald’s repeated requests via telephone and e-mail for comments from Mayor Landrieu’s office went unanswered.

“We haven’t forced a soul out. Any property that we have bought is because, before and after Katrina, people came to us saying, ‘we’re not coming back, do you want to buy the property?’ These were people who decided they weren’t going to stay in Gert Town and decided to move out,” -- Xavier President Norman C. Francis

xavierherald.com

Page 8 April 19-May 7, 2011

By Cassie SmithA&E Editor

By Cassie SmithA&E Editor

By Dudley C. Grady, Jr.Staff Writer

Album Review Album Review

GOOD GOOD

Adele “rollin’ in the deep” Frank Ocean “nostalgia, ULTRA”

The power of love, family and friendship are tested in the upcoming new movie “Jumping the Broom.” The romantic comedy features Paula Patton, best known for her role as Ms. Rain in the Oscar nominated movie “Precious.” Starring alongside Patton is actor Laz Alonso, who plays Charlie Duchamp in the new hit TV show “Breakout Kings.” “Jumping the Broom,” is set in Martha’s Vineyard, VA., and is centered around characters “Jason Taylor” (Alonso) and “Sabrina Watson” (Patton), who meet each other by accident and fall in love. Sabrina comes from a well-indulged family who can easily provide for themselves, while Ja-son comes from a family that has struggled for

‘Jumping the Broom’ is not as easy as it looks

everything. The two families must come together and overcome differences for the couple’s week-end wedding. Sony recently held a conference call with uni-versity media outlets; stars Alonso and Patton discussed why they were interested in portraying their roles. Patton, who stars as Sabrina, said she felt in love with the script and her character. “When I first read the script, I loved it,” Pat-ton said. “I just thought it was a great project. I thought it was a wonderful, romantic comedy. I loved the character, Sabrina. I just immediately knew I had to do it. It just was something I felt very passionately about.” Alonso, who plays Jason Taylor added, “When this film came about and I read the script, it re-minded me of the films that I grew up watching and the reason why I fell in love with this busi-ness in general.” The movie also features a funny cast consisting of Angela Bassett, Loretta Devine, “The Game's”

Pooch Hall, DeRay Davis, Romeo Miller and Mike Epps. Patton said working with the cast was great everyone was excited about filming the movie. “We had so much fun working together; we all had great chemistry,” Patton said. “We all worked very hard to make sure the movie would be great. Then, of course, on the off-times, we had a lot of fun laughing.” “Jumping the Broom” will be showing in local theatres May 6.

waves two years after winning a Grammy Award for Best New Artist. Adele returns with Bill-board leading single “Rolling in the Deep,” a powerful track that equates the feeling of a lover’s scorn and illustrates the song-stress strong vocals. She contin-ues the heartfelt theme of the album with songs “Rumour Has It” and “Don’t You Remember,” passionate tracks with meaning-ful words that speak to the soul of her listeners. Adele brings the album to a close with the single “Someone Like You,” a sincere track filled with a range of emo-tions that display the soul of the singer. Adele bares it all in her sophomore album and continues to touch souls with her powerful vocals. “21” is now available in stores.

The soulful and reminis-cent sound of old blues vo-cals is what comes to mind when listening to 22-year-old British singer Adele’s sopho-more album “21.” The upbeat soul singer continues to make

Frank Ocean, formerly known as Lonny Breaux, and current member of rap group Odd Future, has grabbed the attention of mu-sic lovers with his artistic mixtape “Nostalgia, Ultra.” The album was originally intended for his Def Jam debut, but was put on hold.

After leaving the record company to gain more control of his career, Ocean has established his own buzz in the industry. The New Or-leans native has since written for artists like Justin Bieber, Brandy and Beyonce. “Nostalgia, Ultra,” is a collection of addictive tunes that reveal Frank’s intuitive R&B style of storytelling and unre-stricted imagination. Some of the standout songs include “We All Try” and “American Wedding,” in which Frank fuses his peculiar tone and exceptional songwriting to make songs that become short stories and seem to end much too soon. Frank avoids the stigma of today’s R&B and marches to his own unfamiliar beat. If he contin-ues to develop his persona as an artist, Frank Ocean will soon be a name known to many more.

xavierherald.com

April 19-May 7, 2011 Page 9

By Rabiat SarakiStaff Writer

Natural vs Relaxed: What’s the Deal?Since the release of Chris Rock’s documentary “Good Hair,” the natural hair phenomenon has been the latest trend among African Americans of all ages. Black women have been ditching their relaxers for a more natural and chemical free alternative. Several students shared their reasons as to why women have been succumbing to the idea of wearing a more natural, kinky curl as opposed to straight, relaxed hair.

Chelsea Taylor, Junior, Bio Pre-Med

Relaxed HairNatural Hair“I wear my hair relaxed because I prefer it this way. It’s just about preference and the type of hair a person wants. I’m able to manage my hair the way it is because I don’t really have a problem with it curling up in humidity. I get my hair relaxed every 6 months because it usually doesn’t get too bad until then.”

Kelly Wright, Junior, Bio Pre-Med

“I think going to your roots is great if you’re not doing it because you want to conform to the perception of “Good Hair.” I personally wouldn’t go natural because I think it would be harder to maintain. There’s nothing wrong with the people who decide to be natural but for most of them, it might just be a phase. The documentary with Chris Rock “Good Hair” was educational in my opinion because it allowed me to see all the things people think about natural or relaxed hair.”

“I don’t think a lot of people wear their hair natural because they are following a trend; I think most of them are really wearing it natural for health reasons. Even though I relax my hair, I understand that I’m putting chemicals in it but that’s what works for me. It’s easier to maintain this way. As far as the “Good Hair” documentary with Chris Rock, I think any hair that’s healthy, whether curly, straight or natural, is good hair.”

Latisha Stimage, Senior, Bio Pre-Med

“I still maintain my relaxed hair because it’s easier for me. I think if I were to go natural, it would drive me crazy trying to comb and maintain it. With my hair, I can wrap it up at night, unwrap it and wake up and go. It depends on the person as to whether they’ll remain and maintain their natural hair. If they did it for the trend, then they’ll probably relax it and it might be harder for them to maintain. Some people are natural because their hair might have been damaged and they needed a better way to treat it, those people might maintain it longer.”Ifeoma Eweni, Junior, Psychology Pre-Med

“I decided to go natural because I was tired of relaxers and I love the way natural hair looks. It’s easier to maintain because I can wash and go. I can wake up, puff my hair up and it’s done. I love natural hair compared to when I had relaxed hair. I don’t think I would get a relaxer again because I’ve seen the outcome of my hair both ways and I prefer it natural.”Jaimee Lewis, Senior, Bio Pre-Med

“May will mark my first full year being natural and I decided to go natural because it was something different. I can maintain my natural hair easily. I don’t think I’ll be getting relaxers anymore. With natural hair, you can be versatile. If you want it straight, all you have to do is flat-iron it and when you want to go back curly, you can just wash it. That’s what I like about it.”

Chinelo Okpalaeze, Senior, Chemistry Pre-Pharmacy

“I wear my hair natural because I think it’s easier to maintain and I prefer it this way. This is my second time being natural but I don’t plan on getting anymore relaxers this time. I got tired of trying to deal with my hair when it was relaxed but I find it healthier natural because I’m no longer using all the chemicals of a relaxer. When I do put products in my hair now, I make sure that they are organic and I get most of them from the Whole Foods Market.”Latoya Batiste, P2, Pharmacy Student

“I think the humidity and the way it reacts with African American hair is what’s causing people to go natural. People are also doing it because it’s a healthier alternative to relaxers. I’ve been natural for all of my life and I don’t see myself getting a relaxer in the future. I straighten it with a flat-iron from time to time and take care of it with shea butter.”

Kamaria Beamon, Freshman, English Education

xavierherald.com

Page 10 April 19-May 7, 2011

Alyssa Mercadel

Ruston Henry

Mariel Jarreau

Xavier HeraldPhotographers

at work

xavierherald.com

April 19-May 7, 2011 Page 11

Regarding development “It was literally close to 40 years ago, Gert Town was suffering just like it is to a degree suffering now, and lacked of a lot of things. Neglect, of course, was the case because as it has been described, when all of the big federal money was coming in to urban centers, this was before Katrina, the rest of the city got money, but Gert Town didn’t get money. And the comment was ‘Gert Town was too small to get the monies that were available to make a case but too large to be ignored.’ In that conundrum, nothing was done…

Pine and Broadway were shell roads and the buses did not run. We went back to the mayor and said, ‘Mr. Mayor, let’s get that paved so that we can run the buses on it.’ We had two things: get it paved and get the RTA to run the buses, and they did…Now, we needed a red light on Earhart. It took awhile, but we got red lights. All this to say, those were some major events that showed progress (in Gert Town).”

NORD swimming pool “When I called the mayor (Mayor Moon Landrieu), I said Mr. Mayor, we’re going to lease this land to you for the swimming pool and the rest, but we want a covered swimming pool. He said, ‘I don’t know.’ He had a staff meeting, talked about it and called me back and said, ‘my staff feels that there isn’t enough money to build a covered swimming pool.’

I said, ‘well that’s a deal breaker. You don’t get the land.” He called me back about to weeks later and said, ‘I got enough money.’… My idea was let’s have it where the kids could swim all year long. We leased it, had all the documents. “The reason why we’re trying to move the pool is because we have a major convocation center that’s going up there. (The pool) is crimping our style in terms of being able to get it done.

Mary Church Terrell Elementary School “We have used all of our chips and all the people we know about opening Mary Church. Bottom line is at this point, the census is showing that there aren’t enough residents and students to put Mary Church Terrell on the list (to be reopened). There are about 14 schools on the list. They really added Mary Church Terrell since

we’ve been working with the organizations in Gert Town…Dunbar school, which is across Carrollton, is on the list and that has priority over Mary Church Terrell. We haven’t given up, but they’re saying it doesn’t look good. We haven’t given up. Lafayette Charter School is on Carrollton Avenue. The principal, Mickey Landry, has been sitting in with us on every meeting. Basic reason: he has the largest public elementary school in New Orleans right now. It’s estimated to be 800 students. He has a waiting list of 500. He also is running the charter school on Carrollton called Esperanza. When we have been meeting, the case we’re trying to make is that if you reopen Mary Church Terrell School, Principal Landry can move some of his students in Mary Church and take some of those off the waiting list so you

have two facilities to serve these kids without having them have to go all around the city.”

Neighborhood Watch “We work very closely with the New Orleans Police Department in a sense that all of our officers are certified. If I see something, I call our chief and tell him call the district commander to find out what they know and what we should be watching for. I haven’t seen the crime reports yet, but Gert Town is not what it used to be. Does it have crime? Absolutely. What has happened is people are using Gert Town to commit crimes elsewhere and drop bodies off. It is not what it used to be. I think it’s a lot better. (Club Roc-A-Fella 2.5) was one source (of crime). It took us awhile to knock it down, but it’s down now.”

A conversation with Xavier’s Norman C. FrancisHerald editors Stacey Windon and Maya Jones interviewed Dr. Norman C. Francis about Xavier’s involvement in the Gert Town community. Francis addressed issues of Gert Town’s land development, property, crime, and Xavier’s expansion in Gert Town.

xavierherald.com

Page 12 April 19-May 7, 2011

The power of networkingBy Kimberly KenseyContributing Writer

I started out as a chemistry/pre-pharmacy major, but unfortunately things didn’t work out in that field. However, I didn’t give up. I began doing research on other majors, and I decided to major in accounting. It turned out to be one of the best decisions I ever made. While I was in [Clifford] Wright’s governmental accounting class, he told us about a company that was interested in having accounting students work on an inventory project. I immediately took advantage of the opportunity and gave the company a call. I left several messages, but I never received a response. I later spoke to Dr. Wright about the situation, and he gave me an e-mail address to contact the company. Again, I immediately sent an e-mail, and luckily this time I received a response in less than five minutes. Not only was I chosen to work on the inventory project, I was also offered a permanent job. I accepted the offer and I am still with the company. While getting to know my employers, I have learned that they are very big on networking, and they are well known in many different cities and states. They know lots of people in important places. By taking advantage of the opportunity that was presented to me, I now have

a great job and many wonderful opportunities to look forward to.

You never know how far you can get by getting to know people and using the most powerful tool of all: NETWORKING!!!. . . . . . . .

Division of Business students have engaged in a number of research projects through the Entrepreneurship Institute (EI). Many of these projects focus on the creation and development of microenterprises and small businesses in the Greater New Orleans area. Two students are assisting in conducting a survey of microenterprises in Louisiana. The survey will describe the state of microenterprises and provide valuable information on their immediate needs. These results will be shared with national organizations and policy makers. Additionally, students competed in a number of business plan competitions. This year, five student teams competed in the 3rd Annual Xavier Business Plan Competition, sponsored by Scott Management Team, Capital One Bank, and Regions Bank. In another national business plan competition, four students from the Division of Business and two students from the College of Pharmacy are partnering to create and present a business plan for an innovative drug delivery system using nanotechnology that was created here at Xavier.

Kensey is a Sophomore, Accounting major from New Orleans.

xavierherald.com

April 19-May 7, 2011 Page 13

Read a Book. Win an iPad.

Quality Enhancement Plan Office LRC 407 • Box X • 520-5353 http://read.xula.edu read@xula.edu

It’s been a great first year for Read Today, Lead Tomorrow, and we’d like to thank all the students, staff, and faculty who have helped make it so successful. In our first year, to name just a few highlights, numerous literary communities have formed all around campus, participation in literary events has increased, and active reading has be-come a common topic of discussion. We have some great plans to help us build upon this success next year, all of which you can keep up with by liking our Facebook page at http://facebook.com/xula.qep.

To keep the momentum going over the summer, though, we want to encourage eve-ryone to take some time to read for the sake of reading, so we’re holding a sweepstakes for a new iPad. To enter, just follow the instructions below. You can enter with as many books as you can read between May 15 and August 15. On August 16, we’ll randomly select one name from all the entries as the winner of Apple’s new iPad 2. For addi-tional information about the sweepstakes or to enter, go to http://read.xula.edu/ipad.

Image courtesy of Apple, Inc. © 2011

1. Read Read a book just for the sake of reading a book.

2. Smile Get a picture of yourself holding the book.

3. Submit Go to http://read.xula.edu/ipad to enter.

4. Repeat Read another book for another chance to win.

http://read.xula.edu/ipad

Through the Read Today, Lead Tomorrow initiative, Xavier students will become more active and engaged readers. These enhanced skills and behaviors will enable students to improve

their overall academic performance and will enliven the intellectual culture on campus.

Find us on Facebook facebook.com/xula.qep

healTh & FiTNeSS

Final exams and end of the year projects can take a toll on your well-being. The pressure is on. You want to wrap up the semester with a strong head on your shoulder to get the grade

you want. Do you ever feel as though all of your teachers got together and decided to assign students a tremendous amount of work, all at the same time, all at the end of the school year? You probably feel burned out from putting in so much effort pre-finals that there just isn't enough energy left in your mind and body to continue going as strong as you've been going throughout the semester. Your mind and body can only handle so much stress and a little prayer to the man upstairs can only go so far, so where do you turn?

Caffeine. In any form, whether it is liquid, pills, or energy bars,

you'll do whatever it takes to get your hands on some caffeine. You'll pay a few bucks for an energy drink which is going to give you the ultimate sugarrush. Unless you continue consuming caffeine, you'll end up crashing. Of course I can’t forbid you from consuming caffeine, but I can inform you to be knowledgeable about what you're putting in your body. You should also know that if you overdo your caffeine intake, then it could lead to serious health risks.

Too much of a good thing is bad for you. This also applies to caffeine. According to a Kansas State University study conducted in

1996, "…[caffeine] like illicit drugs, produces withdrawal and in large doses can be fatal." Fast-forward about ten years and not much has changed. According to a 2007 study, everythingaddict ion.com states that among 500 college students, reported increased energy, yet also experienced insufficient sleep. Definitely not a win-win situation.

Size matters. In the coffee world, an 8 ounce cup of coffee can result in restlessness, nervousness, and insomnia. Imagine what can happen if you consume a larger amount of caffeine frequently throughout the day.

Bye-bye caffeine.

According to Kara Ten Kley, a registered dietitian at Western Washington University, too much caffeine can lead to increased heart rate, increased blood pressure, irritability, dizziness and can also become addictive. As college students, it is never too early to think about your heath. High blood pressure is one of the leading diseases in Americans. By cutting down on your daily caffeine intake, you can decrease your chances of high blood pressure.

By Mylinh HoangStaff Writer

Bye-Bye Caffeine

xavierherald.com

Page 14 April 19-May 7, 2011

African Roots of New Orleans Jazz

Dr. Michael White, left, and his Original Liberty Jazz Band.

On March 30, Dr. Michael White hosted “The African Roots of New Orleans Jazz.” The amazing event

featured West African musicians and local percussionist Luther Gray and Bamboula 2000.

xavierherald.com

April 19-May 7, 2011 Page 15

xavierherald.com

Page 16 April 19-May 7, 2011

Comedy Show

Picnic on the Yard

Spring Fest

NABA

National Association of Black Accountants won IOC Organization of the Year at the Gold Ball. Left:Tasnim Cartwright, NABA Fall Historian. Middle: Monique Ambeau, NABA President. Right: Tracy Smith, NABA Fall Vice-President

in case you missed itAfrican

Student Union Extravaganza

Freshmen (R-L) Briana Madhere, Kaitland Brannon, and Christa Palms take their seats for the comedy show.

Marvin Dixon enters the stage.

Senior Xavier Semien in the boxing ring.

Sophomore Kaylise Trahan and senior Joseph Gallien are presented with a cake for all their work on Springfest.

(R-L) Sophomore Nikki Odofin and her twin sister Nancy Odofin enjoy Spring Fest.

Sophomore Gabrielle Williams gets dunk.

Photos by Ruston Henry and Mariel Jarreau.