The Student Voice of Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University since 1900
WWW.THEFAMUANONLINE.COM
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2011
VOL. 114 ISSUE 15
Trustee tired of sagging pants Clarece Polke Editor-in-Chief Part of Florida A&M President James Ammons’ restructuring proposal includes grooming a new generation of “Millennial FAMUans,” who not only graduate on time but are better prepared and more competitive to enter the workforce upon graduation. Board of Trustees member Torey Alston said he
believes being a “Millennial FAMUan” entails more than a high GPA and stellar references. At a Sept. 30 Board of Trustees meeting, Alston suggested to fellow board members that the implementation of a “higher standard of dress” for students be considered, particularly targeting issues like sagging. Physical appearance, he said, is a vital part of building professionally prepared students. “We’re talking about the quality of our students in
how we present ourselves on and off campus. It was just a friendly idea for the board to consider,” Alston said. “I think if there were dress standards for most colleges and schools, that would help shape what a true Rattler looks like.” While individual schools and colleges have basic dress codes, Alston said a consistent standard of
The Florida A&M Board of Trustees meeting that was scheduled for Oct. 11 has been postponed. The meeting has been rescheduled for Thursday from 6 p.m. - 7 p.m. to discuss the proposed amendment to the President’s Employment Contract.
Policy 3
Club seeks to improve low test scores
Tallahassee Police Department has teamed up with a new company to offer a new tool to citizens. Leadsonline. com allows citizens to upload serial numbers, pictures of jewelry, televisions and anything of value to the database. This information is on a secure web site for emergency use.
MIAMI (AP) — When it comes to college degrees, Florida Gov. Rick Scott is no fan of anthropology. In comments this week, Scott said he wants the state to shift more funding to degrees that have the best job prospects, and repeatedly singled out anthropology as one of the losers.
Jason Lawrence The Famuan D.K. Richardson commences the FCAT Reading, Homework and Bicycle Club with a brief overview of the day’s tasks. The tutoring club meets every Monday at 6:30 p.m. at Prayer Temple, located at 1936 Saxon St.
Chakiara Tucker Staff Writer D.K. Richardson was sick of hearing about failing black students in her community This problem prompted the retired teacher to start the Prayer Temple FCAT, Reading, Homework and Bicycle Club. “So many children were not passing the FCAT. The children don’t read,” said Richardson.
The organization was founded in 2007 to teach basic concepts at various levels
organization, which was created by Juanita Gaston.
Richardson. Every Monday students, tutors and the organization’s
The kids need help. They just aren’t getting it in school. and help students acquire essential skills. It partners with the Budding Scholars
“When Dr. Gaston brought the idea of a tutoring program to the church, I loved it,” said
leaders gather in the sanctuary of Prayer Temple Church of God in Christ on Saxon St.
The Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT) is the state’s standardized test used to measure the skill level of students in public and private schools. Richardson said she believes the use of hands-on learning activities, graphs and other visual aids help to stimulate the children. Halloween is quickly approaching and Richardson Tutor 4
‘Tis the season for greenways and trails S’nisha Wilcox Correspondent The month of October doesn’t have to be associated with just Halloween anymore for Florida citizens. On Sept. 22, Gov. Rick Scott announced October as Florida’s Greenways and Trails Month. During the month, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Florida Park Service, Office of Greenways and Trails, will host a variety of events celebrating the state’s 600 miles of greenways and trails. “Get out and enjoy the trails Many college students don’t leave the confines of their campuses, but at FAMU, for example, the nearby St. Marks Trail will take bike riders all the way to the coast,” said Doug Alderson, the paddling trails coordinator for the Florida Office of Greenways and Trails. Throughout the remainder of the month, FLDEP will host events in conjunction with
Jason Lawrence The Famuan The St. Marks Trail, which begins just west of FAMU’s campus and ends at the coast Wakulla County, is just one of the many trails students can enjoy throughout October.
other organizations to celebrate the trails. The 3rd Annual Forgotten Coast Black Bear Festival will be held on Saturday. The event taught partici-
pants about wildlife and nature, with a tour of Tate’s Hell State Forest, located about 50 miles south of Tallahassee. “From an economic standpoint, our state’s greenways
and trails provide a boost to local economies and thousands of jobs. They are a vital link in our state’s tourist industry,” said Alderson. Experts explained the sig-
nificance behind the month chosen to celebrate the importance of the recreational trails. “The weather in October is perfect for all sorts of activities - hiking, biking, and paddling trips are in full swing at this time of year,” said Kevin Mims, the Outdoors and Nature Insider for Visit Florida. Visit Florida, the state’s official tourism agency, developed an online source disseminating information for over 100 trails in Florida. “I would like to get out and explore the trails,” said Danielle Ramdeen, a second-year social work student. “I can really reach a sense of tranquility out in nature.” Meetings, paddling trips and educational programs will be used to emphasize the significance of Florida’s leisure trails and greenways as both costeffective and easily accessible for tourists as well as citizens. S’Nisha Wilcox famuannews@gmail.com
Students came out to support National Coming Out Day Tuesday in Foster Tanner. The night was filled with poetry, music and personal coming out stories. Testimonials lead to open discussions with students, faculty and support systems.
The volleyball team came out victorious in its match-up against the Mercer Bears. The team is riding a four-game win streak.
3
DAY FORECAST
Cloudy
High / 82ºF Isolated T-storms
High / 86ºF Sunny
High / 84ºF
WWW.THEFAMUANONLINE.COM FAMUANADS@GMAIL.COM
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2011
Events and Announcements Announcements
Classifieds
October 2011
Employment
The Beta Alpha Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. presents Jabberwork interest meeting today in B.L. Perry from 7-8 p.m. Room TBA.
The Dynamic Brothers of the Delta Iota Chapter of Kappa Psi Pharmaceutical Fraternity, Inc., are now accepting applications for their annual Miss Kappa Psi Pageant. The contest is open to all female pharmacy students who are at least a sophomore (PP2-P3), in the program. The pageant will be held in October in the new pharmacy building. Applications are available at www.deltaiota1975.com under the heading ‘pageant.’ They are to be turned in to any brother of Kappa Psi once completed. For more information contact Brandon Brown at 850-443-7355.
Bartenders Wanted!!! $250/day potential. No experience necessary. Training provided age 18+ okay. Call 800-965-6520 ext. 189
October 12, 2011 FAMU’s Chapter of NAACP will be holding a general body meeting Oct. 12. The meeting will be held in B.L. Perry Room 300 at 8:30 p.m. For more information, contact Sunsera Music 407-446-0930.
Housing Looking for a non-smoking female roommate to share 3/br/3bth condo. It is walking distance to FAMU. The roommate would share the living room, kitchen and utilities. Rent includes cable, internet access and water. The apartment is furnished and costs $450. It can be seen upon request. For more information contact Lois at 813- 503-6412.
October 13, 2011 The Health and Educational Relief Organization (HERO) will be holding its interest meeting Thursday, Oct. 13 at 7 p.m. in the Allied Health Room 100. HERO will also be discussing upcoming volunteering events. Contact Ketia Eugene at famuhero@yahoo.com or 407-403-0781.
The Office of New Student Orientation is proud to present its 2012 Orientation Leader Recruitment Campaign, “Opportunity Knocks, Become a 2012 Orientation Leader.” Information Sessions will be held the following dates: Wednesday, Oct. 12 from 6:30 p.m. - 8 p.m. in the Commons Room 112, Thursday, Oct. 13 and Monday, Oct. 17 in A.L. Cooper from 3-5 p.m., and Tuesday, Oct. 18 in the Commons Room 112 from 6:30 p.m.-8 p.m.
General BOATWRIGHT BAIL BONDS “This Rattler Has Your Back” Specializing in Student Bonds Bonds for all Offenses Mobile Bonding Services Available Speak to me directly 24 hours/7 days a Week 850-559-2601
To place an announcement in the Calendar, email your submission to famuancalendar@gmail.com at least two days prior to the desired publishing issue. All submissions must include the student organization along with information in paragraph format to include “who, what, when and where.” A contact number and e-mail address is required to correspond with the individual submitting announcements. If you do not desire that number to be published with the announcement, indicate so in your e-mailed submission and provide an alternate method for readers to obtain more information. If you do not follow the paragraph format then your submission will not be able to be published.
Religion Directory
Family Worship & Praise Center “Bring Them In...Build Them Up...Send Them Out!”
Jacob Chapel Baptist Church “Get Right, Get In, Get Active at the Jump”
SUN. 11 a.m.
SECOND SERVICE THURS. 7 p.m.
PRAYER MEETING SUN. 6:30 p.m. TUES. and FRI. at 11:30 a.m.
BIBLE STUDY
WALKING DISTANCE SHUTTLE
TUES. 7 p.m.
SUN. 9:45 a.m.
SUN. 8 a.m.
SUN. 11 a.m.
MON 7 p.m - 8 p.m. held at Gibbs Hall and the Sanctuary
WEDS. 7 p.m.
SUN. 9:45 a.m.10:30 a.m.
SUN. 7:30 a.m.
SUN. 11 a.m.
THURS. 6:45 p.m.- 7 p.m.
THURS. 6:15 p.m.6:45 p.m.
COLLEGIATE MINISTRY
YES YES YES
SUN. 9:45 a.m.
Cathedral of Faith Ministries “A Family Church Serving the Family of God”
FIRST SERVICE
NO NO YES YES YES YES
SUNDAY SCHOOL
ADDRESS Elder Joseph Manning 2122 Poppy Street (850) 574-5605 www.cofmcogic.org
Pastor Cyrus F. Flanagan 1609 Branch Street (850) 656-9378 www.fwpcministries.org Rev. O. Jermaine Simmons, Sr. 2333 Lake Bradford Road (850) 574-3150
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Alloy Media 10/17/2011 3045303-WA18005
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2011
WWW.THEFAMUANONLINE.COM FAMUANNEWS@GMAIL.COM
3.news Tutor
Policy
wants to keep the children interested in learning. She uses skeletons to lure the children into the material. They were able to have fun and acquire new information. “I try to associate the material to whatever is going on in their lives,” said Richardson. The program is funded by the city through United Way, but it is not enough to carry them through the entire school year, Richardson said. The club has received help from members of the community to help with the students. Members of the church and Florida A&M students volunteer as tutors to help the students. Chandra Wilcox, a pharmacist and a third-year tutor for the organization, works hard with the students to help them learn. “The kids need help,” said Wilcox. “They just aren’t getting it in school.” Volunteers are always welcome to join the organization. Students majoring in all fields are encouraged to apply. “Volunteering is most beneficial for education majors, because they receive hands on experience,” said Gaston, who is the tutor coordinator. To become a tutor or make donations, call Richardson 850-576-6976 or Juanita Gaston 850-4127545.
dress for all students may help in the overall professional development of FAMU students. FAMU’s School of Business and Industry prohibits students wearing clothing shorter than mid-thigh, “do-rags” and revealing piercings and tattoos as part of their stringent dress code. Student Body President Breyon Love said he supports student expression and individuality, but students need to censor themselves while in an academic setting. “Of course we have our homecoming parties and
things like that on campus, where (revealing clothes) may be acceptable, but not in the classroom,” Love said. “There’s some things that should be left to the imagination.” Love agreed that holding students to a “standard of dress” might help the university reach Ammons’ goal of training “Millennial FAMUans” to enter the workforce more competitively. Dean of Students Henry Kirby said he thinks popular culture has a large influence on the attire of FAMU students, promoting style and sexuality instead of conservatism and professionalism. While he has seen an
improvement in student dress, he said, Kirby said it is still a relevant issue that needs to be addressed. “At one point I thought it was a trend, and, like with most trends, with a period of time it would phase out,” Kirby said. “But because we’re a public institution, we have to be careful and make sure we don’t tread on students’ freedom of speech and expression.” Alston said the idea is just in the planning stage, and he has to consult with FAMU’s General Counsel Avery McKnight about what could legally be implemented without violating student rights before moving forward.
Chakiara Tucker famuannews@gmail.com
Option for Hispanics left out of 2010 Census Jorge Rodriguez-Jimenez Deputy News Editor The Hispanic population is the fastest growing minority group according to the 2010 Census. From 2000 - 2010, the Hispanic population grew from 35.3 million to 50.5 million, a 43 percent increase. The 25.2 million-person increase in the Hispanic community helped to account for the 27.3 millionperson increase in the total U.S. population. Overall, whites account for 72 percent, Hispanics 16 percent and blacks 13 percent of the total population. “More than half of the growth in the total population of the United States between 2000 and 2010 was due to the increase in the Hispanic population” reads the Overview of Race and Hispanic Origin: 2010 Census brief. Yet, Hispanic, according the U.S Census Bureau, is not a race. “Race would be black, white, Asian, Native American; those are the races,” said Juanita Gaston, coordinator of the Census Data Office at Florida A&M located in Tucker Hall. “Hispanics can be of any race. You would check your race and check Hispanic or non-Hispanic.” Included in the census was the category for Hispanic origin, where the citizen filling out the census can claim whether or not they are of Hispanic decent and which country where they trace their lineage. Following this question is the question of race. This section offers white, black or AfricanAmerican, American Indian or Alaskan Native and a section full of Asian races. “Because they want to know where people are from,” said Gaston. “Some people may not identify as Hispanic but they may say ‘I’m from Mexico’ or ‘I’m from a Spanish-speaking country’ and then they would be lumped together as Hispanic.” Overall, the census included 15 different response categories and three areas to write in a race, according to the Overview of Race and Hispanic Origin: 2010 Census brief. Out of the 15 response categories, seven are different Asian groups and four are native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander groups. If the citizen is of Asian descent, the race portion offers the choices of Asian Indian, Japanese, Korean and more. The census allowed Hispanic under the “some other race” option. “I think it is problematic,” said Lucy Caballero, assistant director of Hispanic/Latino Student Union at Florida State. “It falls back to the strides that we are not making in the U.S. with the Arizona immigration laws and other immigration laws. The census is a clear show of us not being represented as the largest growing minority.” The term Hispanic originates from the 1970s, used to unify people from Spanish-speaking countries under one umbrella for political purposes. The census is required to be performed every 10 years by Article I, Section 2 of the Constitution. The data collected by the census is used to determine the amount of seats in the House of Representatives per state to give a better representation. It is also important in allowing the release of billions of dollars in federal funds to communities based on the needs of the area residents for projects like repairing infrastructure. The Famuan made several attempts to contact the U.S. Census Bureau’s Public Information Office but was unsuccessful. Jorge Rodriguez-Jimenez famuannews@gmail.com
Dominique Mayes famuannews@gmail.com
Dominique Stallworth from Pensacola, said he doesn’t agree with any kind of standard established for student dress. Self-expression is more important, he said, and limiting sagging may just be the beginning of stifling all selfexpression, including piercings and hairstyles. “I wouldn’t do it (and) would be shocked if something were implemented,” said Stallworth, a 20-year-old construction engineering student. “It would be like high school all over again.” Clarece Polke thefamuaneic@gmail.com
WWW.THEFAMUANONLINE.COM FAMUANLIFESTYLES@GMAIL.COM
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2011
Differences celebrated at SGA ‘DiversiTEA’ event
High-end fashion comes to The Brogan Museum
Marie Eustache Correspondent Florida A&M Student Government Association’s Department of Diversity’s goal is to reach out to students on campus who are considered unnoticed. The department focuses on students who are: non-black, non-Christian, non-traditional, disabled and LGBTQ students (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered and queer). On Tuesday night, the Department of Diversity collaborated with the university’s Student Pride Union and held a National Coming Out day event at the Foster Tanner Art Gallery. “This is a time of sharing and allowing people to come out of the closet and getting to know the different struggles they go through,” said Courtnee Eddington, a fourth-year entomology student from Louisiana. Eddington said the student pride union promoted the club on the set before the semester began and was proud to see the number of freshmen who instantly became open with their attraction to the same sex. “A lot of people didn’t know we existed,” she said. “It’s great to see a lot of people being brave. It prevents you from judging people.” The founder of LGBTQ Jubilee Jackson, a fourth-year physical education student from Fort Lauderdale, also gave his story. “It’s so natural for me to like dudes, sometimes I forget there are straight people in the world,” said Jackson, whose goal is to show that there are a lot of gay people on campus, and they want their rights like everyone else. “We want to stop getting criticized and be accepted because we contribute.” Lindsay Fields, a first-year chemistry student from Jack-
Britney Buchanan Famuan
Student Jiovanni Exavier recites poetry in the Foster Tanner Art Gallery during the National Coming Out Day event, sponsored by the Student Government Association’s Department of Diversity.
sonville, said being around people who encouraged her to come out gave her confidence because she wanted to come out long ago. “I am here to support everybody; this is a place where I feel safe,” she said. The first director of the department of diversity, Hannah Brooks, an alumna of the university from Chicago, was visiting. She also told her story. “I went to a Christian school and they tried to pray the gay out of me,” Brooks said. The navy’s “Don’t ask, Don’t tell” policy gave Crystal Guest,
a graduating social work student from Washington D.C., the green light to publicly show her affection for her girlfriend while visiting her on base. “I purposely kissed her in front of everybody and didn’t care,” said Guest. “We’re planning on getting married next summer, but I don’t know how to tell my dad.” This year made the third year that the student pride union and SGA department of adversity held this event. Some students said that they are aware of the struggles that gays go through so they are committed
to educating those who are still in the closet on the importance of self acceptance. Asha Rizor, a third-year biology student from Stock Bridge, Ga., and head of the department of diversity, said the turnout was unexpected. “People are willing now to talk about their experiences on being diverse, and that’s what we’re about,” said Rizor.
Marie Eustache famuanlifestyles@gmail.com
Mom puts child’s feelings first
Special to The Famuan
Chakiara Tucker poses with her son Sevin in their new apartment.
Chakiara Tucker Staff Writer It has been a little over a week since Sevin and I have been in our new apartment. It finally feels like home. But, I am feeling somewhat guilty about separating my son from his father. I have only been concerned about how I would deal with being a single
parent. But as I have reflected over this week’s events I am realizing the situation may traumatize my son. Sevin wakes up at my house and then he is with his father after he gets out of school. I pick him up at around 8 p.m. He comes back home eats, plays and goes to sleep. I know that must get stressful for his little body. I am
warped just thinking about it. I don’t ever want Sevin to feel responsible for the separation between his father and me. His father and I have a cordial relationship with each other, and I want to keep it that way. I am deathly afraid of becoming the stereotypical “black-baby-mama.” I don’t want to fight. I just want the best parental situa-
tion for Sevin. It seems as if Sevin matures every day. He continuously amazes me. Yesterday, I was driving him to school and he kept saying “Mama, ma, ma, ma.” I couldn’t help but laugh at him. It sounded like he was doing it on purpose; he was trying me. I notice these milestones he meets every day and I smile. I smile, but internally, I’m hurt. I know it won’t be long before he understands that his father and I live in different places and that we are not a whole family. Some women who are unhappy in their relationships stay; they feel like it is best for the child. I used to be one of them. I didn’t want to raise another “troubled black man.” I didn’t want to separate my family. A woman with children must make sacrifices. Although I couldn’t agree with that more, I have to ask: Where in history is it written that a mother must sacrifice her happiness and mental health for the sake of family? It isn’t. I couldn’t be a good mother if I wasn’t happy. If am drowning in sorrow it will show, and eventually begin to rub off on my son. And I can’t allow that. Editor’s note: Chakiara Tucker’s column about single motherhood and the college life runs biweekly. Chakiara Tucker famuanlifestyles@gmail.com
Special to The Famuan
Designer Nino Lettieri brings his haut couture fashion on Thursady to the Brogan Museum
It is only one of it’s kind, and will be here Thursday night. Fashion lovers who didn’t get enough during homecoming can head to The Mary Brogan Museum for some high fashion. The museum will be hosting Nino Lettieri’s latest Collection of Haute, 7 p.m. Thursday. Nino Lettieri is considered a high-end designer from Italy and is well known in the fashion industry. The Brogan Museum will present his Fall/ Winter 2011-2012 collection. Chucha Barber, chief executive officer for The Mary Brogan Museum said this is a new kind of event for the city. “This is the first time that any show like this is coming to Tallahassee,” said Barber. The event will begin with Prosecco Aperitivo, a cocktail hour, and will also include Nino Lettieri’s latest Collections of extraordinary wedding gown line. The background of the event is set to be Italian Contemporary exhibition highlighting artists from Europe. The show has debuted on the Alta Roma runways and is making its way to Tallahassee. From Dubai, to Paris, to Rome, Nino Lettieri’s
collection has been on some of the largest runways. “This show has been to Chicago and Vegas, and other major cities, and now Tallahassee will be added to that list,” said Barber. “This event expected to be a big deal.” Models from the show will include college students from all over, including students from Tallahassee. “There is high school student from Wakulla County that will be modeling in the show,” said Aimee Hills-Hayes, Director of Education and Public Programs. Funds from the event will go to The Mary Brogan Museum to help with the continuous of exhibitions and upcoming events. Tickets are $75 and doors open at 6:30 p.m. For more information on the fashion show, upcoming events and tour contact The Mary Brogan Museum at (850) 513-0700 or visit www.thebrogan.org.
Winnie Moime famuanlifestyles@gmail.com
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2011
WWW.THEFAMUANONLINE.COM
FAMUANOPINIONS@GMAIL.COM
5.
Getting information should not be this hard
Royal Shepherd Sports Editor Getting information on this campus is like pulling teeth; really big teeth with a two-ton
anchor attached to the bottom of it. Gee wiz people, is your information that sacred that we as a student publication cant even report on it? Are the contents of your meetings G-14 classified? Why are our public information officers so private? Listen, we all understand jobs and responsibilities. We understand that you have your job to do, so we need you to understand that we have ours to do as well.
Our job is to find information about the university and then write about it. It’s nothing personal. Most organizations on campus treat this paper as if we have a personal vendetta against them and relish the opportunity to play a hand in their demise. That couldn’t be further from the truth. The truth is… well the truth. And that is our job, to tell the truth. Please remember we live in the Sunshine State, where we have some of the best open
records in the country. In 1967, Florida Government enacted basic access to most meetings and boards. If you have such a problem with your dirty laundry being aired to the entire student body, then quit being shady. Quit putting on the façade of perfection when you know the things you do behind closed doors aren’t indicative of the persona that you are trying to promote. Personally, I’m not into the scandal and cover-up stories, which is why I write for sports.
But, I won’t act like those stories don’t exist if they come up. If you took the time to get to know someone on this staff you would realize that we ain’t half bad (notice the usage of incorrect grammar to make you more familiar). Just understand that if you do something, we will find out whether you want us to or not. Why? Because it’s our job. Royal Shepherd famuanopinions@gmail.com
Editor-in-chief thefamuaneic@gmail.com Clarece Polke Managing & News Editor: famuan.metro@gmail.com Jason Lawrence Multimedia Editor: famuanlive@gmail.com D.A. Robin Deputy News Editor: famuannews@gmail.com Jorge Rodriguez-Jimenez Opinions Editor: famuanopinions@gmail.com Angie Meus Deputy Opinions Editor: Kristin Broner Lifestyles Editor: famuanlifestyles@gmail.com Winnie Moime Deputy Lifestyles Editor: Joseph Thompson Sports Editor: famuansports@gmail.com Royal Shepherd Photo Editor: famuanphotography@gmail. com Keenan Doanes Deputy Photo Editor: Britney Buchanan Visuals Editor: qjsgraphix@gmail.com Quintavious Shephard Deputy Visuals Editor Marlon Williams
Black college grads need to be more proactive The Hilltop Staff Black College Wire
As graduation season rapidly approaches, black college graduates may face a greater burden in the job market than their white counterparts. Black college graduates are twice as likely to be unemployed as white college graduates. The recession has only worsened this problem. Unemployment among blacks is disproportionately higher than the rest of the population. Reasons for this trend include black students are not adequately prepared for the job market. They may have the degrees, but they lack the connections or professional
skills to be successful in the workplace. Students may have the knowledge, but not the resume; or the resume, but not the knowledge. Also, since many current black college graduates are firstgeneration college students, they may not have the same professional networks within their families that white college graduates may have. Even when black people have significant professional and networking opportunities, race can still play a role in their employability. The New York Times cited a study that said Caucasian, Asian and Latino managers hired a greater number of white job applicants and fewer black job applicants
than black managers did. Other concerns and signs of more covert, and possibly even unconscious, racism included the tendency to hire candidates with less “ethnic-sounding” names or candidates to whom they felt they were a better fit for the “cultural environment” of the workplace. The presidency of Barack Obama was also cited as a possible challenge to the employment of black college graduates. Since many people feel that President Obama’s election demonstrated the limitless possibilities for black people, black job applicants are more likely to be seen as playing the victim if they express their feelings about racism or cultural bias in
the job application process. In some ways, Obama’s election also diminished the severity of the need for programs and opportunities targeted toward cultural diversity in the workplace. Therefore, attempts to level the playing field of opportunity have decreased, leaving many black college graduates to continue to combat discrimination with, what is often viewed as, an old argument and with less ammunition. Regardless of the reasons for the disparity in employment rates, black college graduates must navigate the job market the way it is now. Lack of opportunity can only be countered by
continuing to be proactive. Pro-activity does not just mean training harder or longer to improve or increase skills and marketability or working consistently to build connections. If there are no opportunities available, black college graduates must create their own because entrepreneurship is the only definitive solution to the problem of employability. The difficulties associated with working for others decrease if we take steps to work for ourselves. The Hilltop is the student newspaper at Howard University , which originally published this article.
Don’t blame me, I’ve got senioritis: ‘Nasty, put some clothes on!’ Last week, Trustee Torey Alston proposed that a dresscode-of-sorts be put in place for students at Florida A&M. In my four years at FAMU, I have seen outfits on my classmates that made me feel either insulted or embarrassed. Dress codes already exist in certain schools, colleges and divisions within the university: the College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences and the School of Business and Industry, to name a few. But Alston wishes to take these dress policies a bit further. “I am advocating that we have a standard for what a millennial FAMU student looks like, and I think dress and appearance plays a big role in that,” Alston said. Speaking of the Millennial Famuan, some the hottest trends in campus fashion are literally, “so-last-century.” But I digress. Alston’s recommendation is commendable, especially given the university’s mission. FAMU’s historic mission has been to educate blacks. And, as The Famuan reported last week, the number of black men on campus is on a downward spiral.
Unfortunately, some of those men who are fortunate enough to be on a college campus can barely walk around “the Hill” because they have to pull their pants up every couple steps. The same goes for some of the women, who can’t get to class on time for the entire semester because of chronic “camel toe.” Like it or not, what you wear is reflective of your personality, and, more importantly, your
values. Moreover, the overall fashion choices of the student body are a depiction of the culture and priority of our university and its administrators. Picture a person who is not a part of the “FAMUly,” or, better yet, has never heard of an HBCU. On any given day, they choose to satisfy their curiosity and visit FAMU. Chances are, when they step out of the car, the first thing
they will see is cleavage and camel-toe, which are being transported by 7-inch heels. This person has just witnessed the attire of the typical student and will be left with the same negative imagery of young black people as they see in media… uneducated with no moral compass and salacious. Alston is not asking for a dress code to be implemented. After all, this is college, a place
where freedom of speech and expression are protected and should be appreciated by all. But we all know that sometimes freedom isn’t so free…someone is paying a price for the reckless fashion statements made by a number of FAMU students. If the first thing a professor sees before a lecture is some guys’ day-old boxers, he or she has just paid a price. If you are in the middle of an engaging class lecture, and it is interrupted by some girl’s wandering cleavage, which is followed by the “cat calls” of your male classmate(s) or maybe even your male professor, then you have just paid a price (trust me, I’ve witnessed this on multiple occasions). It’s a cold world out there. Why would administrators want to send FAMU graduates into that environment barely clothed?
Jason’s column Senioritis will appear every Wednesday.
Jason Lawrence famuanopinions@gmail.com
PR Coordinator: Chakiara Tucker famuancalendar@gmail.com Program Coordinator: Valerie McEachin Adviser: andrew.skerritt@famu.edu Andrew Skerritt
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The Famuan, an Associated Collegiate Press Association nondaily finalist, is published on Monday, Wednesday and Friday during the fall and spring semesters. The opinions do not reflect the administration, faculty or staff of the University. The editorials are the expressed opinions of the staff and columnists. The Famuan is funded partially by activities and services fees.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2011
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Keeping pace with the program Men’s cross-country team hopes to continue on its same momentum until the MEAC championship Brandon Lee Staff Writer
Keenan Doanes The Famuan Lamere Buchanan will be an important piece to the consistency the men’s cross country team is striving for. The team is on track for a top-five finish in the conference championship, which is two and a half weeks away.
The Florida A&M men’s crosscountry team views the University of Central Florida Black and Gold Challenge on Friday in Orlando as an opportunity to sharpen consistency in its performance. According to head coach Wayne Angel, a reliable effort from every runner is necessary to succeed. Strong performances will decrease the time disparity between first and fifth place, he said. During the Walt Disney World Cross Country Classic last Saturday, the difference between first and fifth place was more than seven minutes. First place finished in 25:10.18, while fifth place finished in 32:19.13. “We are looking for consistency,” Angel said. “Collectively, we are going to need a strong, consistent effort from all five of our guys if we want to do well. Everyone must be able to stick with the pack.” Maintaining this consistency begins with Shuaib Winters. Winters, who is coming off a history-making performance at the Disney Classic, plans to mirror the strategy that earned him success. “The plan is to go out there with the same strategy and mindset as last week,” Winters said. “My coach will have a strategy prepared, and that’s what I plan to follow.” Angel is pleased with the way Winters is handling this respon-
sibility. “I’m impressed with the way he’s going through training and the way he is racing,” Angel said. “He’s listening and he trusts me. As a result, he’s racing at a consistent level.” The addition of Elias Chesire, a recent signee from Eldoret, Kenya, will be a key factor for consistency. The NCAA Initial-Eligibility Clearinghouse has cleared Chesire, who has been out of action for the most of the season, to join the team. Even with the amount of time Chesire has missed, Angel believes he will be effective. “Chesire can make a huge impact. He is a gifted athlete,” Angel said. “He can do a lot for us. From an impact standpoint, he alone can put us in a trophy situation. That means a lot for a program like ours.” Self-confidence also indicates consistency, Angel said. If freshmen Robyel Kidane and Dieumy Duclos, each race with assurance, the team will benefit, Angel said. “Right now, I think they just have to believe in themselves,” Angel said. “They can’t be afraid to feel discomfort when they race. They can’t give up. In cross-country, you just have to keep pushing.” Kidane plans to enter the challenge with this sentiment in mind. “A tough mental state and the drive to never give up is all I need this week,” Kidane said. “Pain and fatigue will be expe-
rienced no matter what. But a tough mental state will keep me focused and at a consistent pace during the race.” Duclos also feels good about his chances of doing well. “I’m always confident in my abilities,” Duclos said. “As long as I remain focused and in attack mode throughout the race, I will post a good time.” Several teams will compete, including Nova Southern, Stetson, Embry Riddle and regional-ranked North Florida. The challenge will take place at the UCF Track and Field Complex at 6:45 p.m. Friday.
For full game coverage of FAMU’s cross-country team, including live blogs, photo galleries, video footage, statistics and inside interviews with coaches and players, be sure to check out www. thefamuanonline.com. Brandon Lee famuansports@gmail.com
From walk-on to team leader Denzel Willis Correspondent At 6 feet 2 inches, and 192 pounds, David Duncan has the physical stature of a leader and behaves like one. The third-year physical education student from Starke, Fla. ,graduated from Bradford High School and walked on to the Florida A&M baseball team in 2008. Since then, he has been an essential addition to the team, earning a scholarship from FAMU in his second year. Head coach Willie Brown said he is happy that Duncan is a member of the team. “He is the best candidate for leadership I have seen when it comes to rallying troops, getting messages out and leading by example. He’s one of the best I have,” Brown said. When asked about the coach’s comments, Duncan said he had a strong upbringing. “I’m honored at the coach’s words. My parents always told me to keep God first and lead by example,” Duncan said. Since the age of two, Duncan was taught to swing a bat with the help of his father, Stewart
Duncan. In high school, Duncan played pitcher, first, second and third base, earning him First All-Area Pitcher and First All-Area Utility Player. Duncan said he worked countless hours training with his father. It makes Duncan happy when he sees his parents watching him from the bleachers. “My father comes to almost every home game on the weekends. Just knowing him and my mother are in the stands strengthens me,” he said. “I perform better and those are my best games.” Duncan spent his time in Starke perfecting his craft in baseball with his father, brother and cousins. Baseball is the Duncan family sport. His brother, Jonathan Duncan, played baseball for Santa Fe Community College in Gainesville and transferred to Saint Leo University in Saint Leo. Duncan relies on baseball as an opportunity to achieve a higher goal. He said those same chances aren’t offered in his hometown. “My love for the game is what makes me strong because I want to play pro ball,” he said. “I do
Erika Collins has been a key component to the national championship team Simply Marvelous. Keenan Doanes The Famuan
Erika Collins, a Physical Therapist student and a graduate of FAMU DRS, is now a dominant player for FAMU’s Simply Marvelous Intramural Flag Football Team. Since her days at the YMCA, flag football has always been a part of her. Check out her complete story in Friday’s edition of the Famuan at thefamuanonline.com.
Keenan Doanes The Famuan
Duncan has shown the leadership qualities a coach looks for.
what I do to make my hometown proud. In Starke, you either work at the prison or you get locked up in the prison.” Duncan has his mind set on what he wants to do and won’t let anything deter that goal. “God blessed me with the ability to play baseball and having
this blessing in my life since the time I was born has helped me,” he said. “My parents always taught me to set your goals high and achieve them.”
Denzel Willis famuansports@gmail.com
Ladies seek to continue win streak
Taroy Jackson Staff Writer The Florida A&M Lady Rattlers look to win their fourth game in a row and remain perfect on their three-game home stand as they prepare for the Lady Bears of Mercer. But victory may not be easy. “Before the last three losses
against Mercer, the Lady Rattlers were undefeated against them.” head coach Tony Trifonov said. “They have improved a lot over the past few years, but we are a little more inexperienced as well.” In the last few games, the Lady Rattlers have used two setters, which gives the offense and outside hitters a better look. “Their offense is starting to get better because of the two setters on the floor and also the team is starting to gel,” Trifonov said. “When both of our setters play well and we can play the 6-2 system. We are a lot more successful.” Outside hitter Bianca Rucker said the team must believe in itself in order to overcome the obstacles of the season.
“The team must play with confidence and play loose if they want to win this game,” Rucker said. “We have to be comfortable as well as confident during the game and we have to play consistent.” She went on to say that the quicker the team starts, the better. “Mercer is an emotional team, so we have to dominate early and not give them momentum,” Rucker said. Pamela Barrera said the team has figured itself out and is ready to start competing for the conference crown. “The momentum the team has gathered from the wins now has the team feeling they can defeat Mercer,” Barrera said. “We would practice so hard but we
wouldn’t see results. Now we’re confident we can win.” Trifinov attributed the newfound success to the team returning to the basics of the sport. “The team has gotten back to fundamental volleyball and hopefully that can carry over in the game,” Trifonov said. He said the win streak should continue with the team starting to gel. “We hope that the three wins will give us confidence,” Trifinov said. “They have a good team and it’s going to be a tough match, but hopefully we will get into a rhythm, and defeat them.” The Lady Rattlers play 6 p.m. today at the Al Lawson Center.
Taroy Jackson famuansports@gmail.com
Avenging the loss on homecoming is a top priority for the football team. Keenan Doanes The Famuan
The Florida A&M football team will look to avenge a heart-breaking one-point loss on homecoming. The team will go to Savannah, Ga., to take on Savannah State University on Saturday.
Every meet puts the women’s cross country team one step closer to the conference championship. Keenan Doanes The Famuan
The Lady Rattlers cross country team will be headed to the Stetson Invitational on Friday. The team is coming off of a first-place finish at the Bobby Lang Invitational. For complete coverage of the event go to thefamuanonline.com