“Nobody can give you freedom. Nobody can give you equality or justice or anything. If you’re a man, you take it. Malcolm X
TRIBUNE HE HORNET
The official student newspaper of Alabama State University
VOL. 52, ISSUE 5
JAN. 28, 2012
TRIBUNE HE HORNET
BLACK HISTORY MONTH ESSAY CONTEST Black women have played a myriad critical roles in the making of our nation. Their labor and leadership, their motherhood and patriotism, and their intellect and artistic expression have all enriched both the black community and the nation at large. Black women have been the core of organized black life, but their accomplishments have often escaped the gaze of the public and hence their history is too little known. Write an essay to share the life story of a little known black woman who has made a difference in her community and is worthy to be included in the annals of black women in culture and history. The number of words for the essay is 500 and the deadline for submission is Feb. 24 at 7 p.m. The essay must be submitted by e-mail and regular mail. The e-mail address is thehornettribuneinfo@gmail.com and the regular mail address is The Hornet Tribune, ASU, 915 South Jackson Street, Montgomery, Ala. 36104. The winner will have his/her essay and photo published in the March 3, 2012 issue of The Hornet Tribune.
INSIDE HORIZONS
Photo by Christopher Logan/Visual Media Managing Editor
Construction workers continue their pace to ensure that the Alabama State University football stadium is ready for use for the 89th Turkey Day Classic.
Football stadium on schedule Staff Report THE HORNET TRIBUNE
thehornettribune2012@gmail.com
The sounds of heavy machines, electric drills and workers shouting instructions can be heard from dawn to dusk most days at the construction site of the new football stadium on the campus of Alabama State University. The progress being made on the new facility is visible to commuters traveling along I-85. Grand-
stands have been erected and additional seats are being constructed on lower levels. Vice President for Building and Grounds Kippy Tate said construction is on schedule and has entered its final phase. “The stadium is on target to hold its first football game on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 22, 2012,” Tate said. “We are in phase three of a three-phase process, which is the completion of the stadium,” Tate said. “Transition between the
phases has been seamless, meaning that construction never stopped.” While much of the construction taking place is visible to passersby, there is other work taking place that can’t be seen from street level. “Everyone can see the grandstands;” Tate said, “but what people can’t see is what’s going on 20 feet below ground, where additional seats and the actual playing field are being constructed.”
As excitement continues to build about the new stadium, Tate said it’s also important that alumni, faculty, staff, students and the community know that the venue is more than just a place to play football. “This is a multi-purpose, stateof-the-art facility,” Tate said. “This facility includes a field surface that can incorporate soccer. The facility can be used to host outdoor concerts and HDTV productions, and See SCHEDULE on page A2
Constitution to become effective President tackles an array of issues in SOTU address
by Kieyana Edwards EXECUTIVE EDITOR
kiedwards2012@gmail.com
“We want to be proactive rather than reactive,” Graboys said. “You build a firehouse before your house catches fire rather than after it burns.” “Most people think ‘I can handle this,’” Searcy said. “They will keep coming until you take action, and taking action is telling someone, because a stalker wants to keep it one on one. Stalking is a crime that takes time.” Racine Swayne, senior and criminal justice major, said, “I now see that anybody can be a stalker. People are just crazy.” After shaking her head she capitalizes on Searcy’s statement that stalkers love smart phones.
In September 2011, the Alabama State University Board of Trustees approved a new Student Government Association Constitution. However, the provisions of the document will begin to transition into the lives of students within the next few weeks. SGA President Travis Smith noted the remaining procedures before the document is fully functional. “It (the new constitution) is in use. I was just informed that Kris Stovall (the previous SGA vice president) signed it and now President William Harris has to sign it as well.” He continued. “Once the Board of Trustees approved the constitution, it had to go through a process of being signed. It had to be signed by Ashley Thomas (previous SGA president), Stovall, our adviser, and President Harris.” Smith admits that the Senate would like to amend the document. “The vote for the student body has not been released yet.” Smith said. “We will be making a slow transition into the new constitution. We had to operate under the old constitution since we did not have a fully validated document until now.” The only provision that will not
See ADDRESSES on page A2
See BECOME on page A2
President Barack Obama, in a defiant election-year State of the Union address, told Americans Tuesday night that he is committed to creating jobs for millions of unemployed Americans and challenged ... READ MORE
SPORTS Photo by Christopher Logan/Visual Media Managing Editor
Jim Graboys who heads the Violence Against Women division of the Alabama State University Department of Public Safety emphasizes the behaviors that are exibited by stalkers.
ASUDPS addresses ‘Stalking’ by Sharanna Polk EDITORIAL MANAGING EDITOR
spolk2012@gmail.com
Hornets fall to PVAMU Panthers The Alabama State University Hornet Basketball team could not escape the claws of the PrairieView A&M University Panthers as they beat the Hornets 64-57 in the Dunn-Oliver Acadome on Jan. 28.
PAGE D1 THIS WEEK’S ISSUE University News Horizons Viewpoints Sports
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Students of Alabama State University and Montgomery Job Corps assembled in the Carter Hill Road station for the university’s Department of Public Safety to receive information regarding the crime of stalking. On Jan. 26, a representative from One Place Family Justice Center recommended some tips for those who are faced with stalking and at 10 a.m. wasted no time sharing his wisdom on the subject. “The most important thing to understand about stalking is that it is a one-on-one crime,” said guest speaker Steve M. Searcy,
executive director of One Place Family Justice Center. “It is a group of events grouped together to make a crime.” According to Searcy, the National Institute of Justice has revealed that a large amount of stalking very often takes place on college campuses. “The largest category—50 percent— who experience stalking are under the age of 50. Of that 50 percent, more than half of them fall within the ages 18 and 24,” said Searcy, who acknowledges that stalking is a national problem. Jim Graboys, who heads the university’s Department of Public Safety Violence Against Women Program, said the significance of the program is to have facilities in place to combat problems.
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The Hornet Tribune
UNIVERSITY NEWS
Jan. 22-28, 2012
CONTACT US ISA celebrates Chinese New Year ADDRESS: The Hornet Tribune, Alabama State University, 915 South Jackson Street, Montgomery, Alabama 36104
OFFICE HOURS: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.- 5 p.m.
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TRIBUNE HE HORNET
The Official Student Newspaper of Alabama State University 88th Year of Publication
Editorial Leadership The Hornet Tribune Editorial Leadership Team is the decision-making body for The Hornet Tribune operations and policies. The Hornet Tribune Editorial Leadership Team meets weekly at 3:30 p.m. on Sundays. Unscheduled meetings may also be called by the faculty/staff adviser or executive editor if special problems or issues arise.
Editorial Board The Hornet Tribune Editorial Board determines the content of The Hornet Tribune. All Editorial Board members will vote on issues such as editorial policy-making decisions or editorial procedures when the need arises. A majority vote determines the decision. The faculty adviser will not vote, but may disagree and make suggestions or comments. Concerning the publication of controversial issues, the Editorial Board will discuss and vote on the approach to be taken. A majority vote will be the deciding factor. The adviser may veto the decision, but the Board may overrule with a unanimous vote. The Board meets every Sunday at 5 p.m.
General Policy The Hornet Tribune is a 12-16-page newspaper produced by The Hornet Tribune staff. The entire student body, the primary audience of readers, receives the newspaper free of charge to encourage readership and to ensure the showcasing of our journalistic work. Our secondary audience includes faculty, local community and other collegiate newspaper staffs throughout the country.
by LaShaunda Glass STAFF CORRESPONDENT
lglass2012@gmail.com
Faculty and students gathered in the Alabama Room with the Alabama State University International Student Association on Jan. 23 to celebrate the Chinese New Year. Asian cultural diversity took center stage as vibrant well-crafted Chinese designs and symbols were displayed - accompanied by rhythmic Asian music and sounds. “We were hoping for a good turnout again this year,” said sophomore biology/premed major and ISA secretary Bianca Selders before the celebration. “We hope to have fun but also teach the students about the Chinese culture.” Guests were more than entertained as the evening commenced.
Photo by Christopher Logan/Visual Media Managing Editor
Zainab T. Olomada explains the tradition of the Chinese New Year while introducing the culture through a meal that consists of fried rice, sweet and sour chicken and vegetable lo mein.
“This is a great event, there’s finally something different on campus,” said sophomore physical education major Terrance Jackson. This Chinese New Year represents the Year of the Dragon. In Chinese culture, it is regarded as one of the most prominent years to be born as it represents strength, fearlessness, and good fortune. “I’m glad to be here!”
said sophomore engineering major Thomas Barnes, a second-degree black belt who engaged the crowd with his impressive skills in Japanese martial arts. The menu included shrimp fried rice, sweet and sour chicken, vegetable lo mein, green tea, and onethousand-year eggs, a traditional Asian dish served by boiling eggs in special oil and vinegar.
“The food tastes delicious,” said first-year student and business major Jakelia Roberson. Guests enjoyed lessons on eating with chopsticks and engaged in games that included martial arts stances and poses. The crowd also delighted in Asian Origami lessons, folding paper in special ways to create objects such as animals, designs and other decorations. Many students also wore Chinese garments to show their support of the New Year. “It shows a different culture outside of the American culture,” said senior computer science major and ISA Vice President Terrell Williams. “We did well. Hopefully this will encourage more participation to the organization. This event gives people a chance to see how different cultures of people affect our lives”.
The newspaper attempts to inform and entertain its audience in a broad, fair and accurate manner on all subjects that affect readers. The medium seeks also to provide a forum for the opinion of students, the staff of The Hornet Tribune and the faculty to encourage an exchange of ideas and opinions on issues of prominence to the readers. While the staff will allow constructive criticism of any part of The Hornet Tribune after publication, final authority for content of The Hornet Tribune rests solely in the hands of the staff, with the chief editor making the final decision.
Letters Policy The Hornet Tribune encourages letters as they constitute a constructive avenue for student opinion, but the writer must sign the letter to be considered for publication. Due to space limitations, not all letters can be published, and the Editorial Board reserves the right to edit all letters for appropriate placement in the newspaper as long as the meaning and intention of the letter remains clear and unchanged. Although the staff writes the majority of the articles appearing on the paper, guest commentaries and stories may be included if the staff feels it enhances coverage of a unique topic. Trivia such as gossip columns, song dedications and student best/worst will be avoided due to the narrow audience they serve and the probability of libelous material. No material, opinionated or otherwise, will be printed which is libelous, irresponsible, advocates an illegal activity or which the chief editor and/or the adviser deems in poor taste.
Editorial Policy Several editorials will appear regularly in each issue. Stands taken in the main editorial will represent the opinions of the staff and will not be bylined. All other articles receive a byline. Other opinion pieces, including those differing with the editorial, will be handled through cross-point columns, editor’s columns, feature columns, letters-to-the editor, exchange columns, student opinion photo forums and entertainment reviews.
Corrections and Clarifications Policy If the staff discovers, from any source, that a mistake bypassed the editors, a correction of major errors will be printed upon request in the next issue in the section in which the mistake appeared.
Obituary Policy Should a student or faculty member die any time during the current coverage period, the staff will treat the death in a tasteful, respectful manner. An obituary, with the individual’s name, school activities, date of birth, date and manner of death (if appropriate) and any other pertinent information, shall appear in the news section. No mug shot will be used. This sensitive treatment will provide an adequate remembrance of the individual for those closely associated, while not overemphasizing it for other readers.
Schedule: “Our intent is to have this facility used year round ...” Continued from page A2 there are five locker rooms that can be used during tournament play.” Tate added that the infrastructure is in place to take the stadium from 26,500 seats to 55,000 seats. Businesses and community residents also will be able to use the facility. “Our intent is to have this facility used yearround. The Club Level can be used for wedding receptions, family reunions and various types of social events,” Tate said. “There will also be a restaurant that is accessible to the public all year long.” The university made it convenient for the community to follow the progress at the stadium. Visitors to the campus can see exactly
how many days remain until the stadium’s grand opening on the countdown clock that was unveiled during a huge block party last fall. While the timer recently stopped for a few days following a power problem, the clock is now operating and continues to tick. The progress of the stadium can be viewed 24 hours a day, seven days a week by visiting www.newasustadium.com. The website will allow anyone to take a virtual tour or watch the construction Web cam, which gives you a live look at the daily progress on the facility. Information about premium seating and ticket options also is available on the stadium website.
Addresses: “When I heard about ...” Continued from page A2 “If you leave your phone laying around and a stalker picks it up, he can download software to follow you,” Searcy said. “When I heard about smart phones, I was shocked. I see that they aren’t safe,” Swayne said. “I hope the students take away good safety techniques to keep safe from
stalking, and good tactics for people they know, because they may not be a victim themselves,” Searcy said. “But they can recognize elements of stalking and know how to get a victim some help.” Graboys said, “This is something I believe in— stopping stalking, domestic violence, and date rape. “
Photo by Christopher Logan/Visual Media Managing Editor
Former student, minister and author Kita Moss shares his experiences with the students of ASPIRE during an appearance that was hosted by Cynthia Handy, director of ASPIRE and Officer Jalida Davis, Department of Public Safety.
Moss urges students to make wise choices by Sharanna Polk MANAGING EXECUTIVE EDITOR
lglass2012@gmail.com
Former Alabama State University student Kita Moss was the last person you would ever want near your checkbook. His past consists of cashing stolen checks and placing them into his own account. While this landed him in a prison cell for years, it was not in vain. On Jan. 25, in the Ralph Abernathy Hall Annex, Rev. Kita Moss shares with Alabama State University’s ASPIRE Program his road to redemption, and the time behind bars that led him to writing a novel. Moss said firmly, “I had to say I am not going to let my past destroy my future.” Officer Jalidia Davis, of the Department of Public Safety, felt that the students needed to hear what Moss had to say, and wasted no time in requesting his attendance. “Handy asked for an inmate to come speak to the students about what they’ve done,” said Davis referring to Cynthia Handy, director of ASPIRE. “Being that he was an ASU student when he committed the crime, I thought about him. I found
him on Facebook. It was a divine connection,” explains Davis. “They (the students) needed the opportunity to hear a real life experience,” Handy said. “The main goal of ASPIRE is to make sure that these kids get an education, and stay in school. When some of them get on the wrong path, this (ASPIRE) is the only thing to bring them back.” When convicted at the age of 25, Moss was required to serve state and federal time. Officer Davis wanted students to get a clear picture of what this really meant. “I am going to keep it real with you all,” said Davis, “The state prison is the dogeat-dog world. You have men raping men, and you have to be in a gang to survive. It stinks, and guards cannot protect you all the time.” “Imagine sitting in one room every day for two years,” said Moss to a quiet audience. “”It’s amazing that I’m still in my right mind.” Davis encourages students to be wise about the decisions that they are making today, lest they lead to a life behind bars. “You have to think about the consequences of everything,” Davis said. “Work-
ing on ASU’s campus, I am taking some college students to jail, not student affairs or the Department of Public Safety. Most thought they were just chilling or having a good time. They didn’t know.” Moss explains to students that you cannot do everything that everybody is doing. He refers to attending every game, every party and every hang-out session. He addressed the issues of wanting to be accepted among peers. “Some of you are too worried about what other people think of you,” Moss said. “You are going to lose some friends along the way. You can’t go every time the car rolls. If it’s not about bettering you, or helping you grow, you don’t need to go.” Senior elementary education major, Diamond Rudolph said, “I learned from this simply not to let others bring me down, to keep my priorities in order, and to set goals for myself.” Moss encourages his listeners to take some time out to be by themselves and think about their goals. “We’re always on the go, and we never just take the time to sit and think. And I am going to tell you that if
you don’t set goals, you will be just like a vehicle with no GPS.” Handy capitalizes on Moss’ idea of goal setting, asking students how often is goal setting the topic, to a chorus of, “Everyday.” While in jail, Moss wrote a book entitled “From Pain to Power,” with chapters that have titles like Encountering Downfall at a Young Age, Stepping Out on Faith, and Dealing in the World of Women. He encouraged students to purchase the book that focuses on his path from failure to success. He explains the main themes of the book are to recognize your problem, accept your pain, and grab your purpose. “It’s like a road to redemption,” said Andrew Ankum, senior criminal justice major. “He accepts the fact that he made mistakes and he overcame them. That’s inspiring to me.” Moss is grateful to have been asked to speak with students. “They need it,” he said. “I think they took away the fact that they need aim, the right attitude, and a proper approach to be successful.” Moss closed with the words, “Why be born and not live?”
Become: “It’s been a long time coming. It’s been a headache, but ...” Continued from page A2 be followed in the new constitution at this time is the current grade point average requirement, while elections, appointees, powers and du-
ties will fall underneath the new constitution. Smith is very glad to have the new document running in place. “It’s been a long time
coming,” Smith said. “It’s been a headache, but it has been a long time coming. I am glad to see 21 years of hard work has been enacted. All the blood, sweat, and
tears of the previous administrations have finally paid off. Students should definitely be proud of it, especially the ones who have worked so hard to get it out.”
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Local News State News National News International News Jan. 28, 2012
CONTACT US: Horizons Editor/ththorizons@gmail.com (334) 229-4273
Murray won’t be asked to pay restitution LOS ANGELES (AP) — Prosecutors will not seek restitution against the doctor convicted of killing Michael Jackson after conferring with the singer’s parents and attorneys for his estate and children. The request for payments from Conrad Murray was withdrawn Wednesday during a brief court hearing,
just days before a judge was scheduled to consider how much the former cardiologist should pay to members of Jackson’s family or his estate. Deputy District Attorney David Walgren told the judge handling the case that he was withdrawing the restitution request after speaking with Jackson’s mother, Katherine,
and attorney for his father, Joseph. Walgren also consulted with an attorney for the singer’s estate and a court-appointed attorney representing the interests of Jackson’s three children, a transcript of the proceedings shows. Murray remains in jail after being convicted in November of involuntary man-
slaughter. He was sentenced to serve four years in jail, but his incarceration will be cut in half due to overcrowding and California’s budget crunch. Jackson’s estate estimated the singer would have earned at least $100 million if he had performed his “This Is It” concerts planned for London’s O2 arena. Murray
might have also been found liable for Jackson’s funeral expenses, which totaled more than $1.8 million. Murray’s attorneys said he had nowhere near the money to pay either amount, and he filed paperwork last month indicating he is indigent. Superior Court Judge Michael Pastor ruled that the family was waiving its right
to restitution permanently, although two separate cases pending in a Los Angeles civil court seek damages for the King of Pop’s June 2009 death. Katherine Jackson is suing concert giant AEG Live, which was promoting Jackson’s planned series of comeback concerts, claiming See ASKED on page B2
Ohio wrestler gets 32 years in HIV assault case CINCINNATI (AP) — A former professional wrestler was sentenced Monday to 32 years in prison for having sex with women without telling them he had tested positive for the virus that causes AIDS. Andre Davis, 29, was sentenced in a Hamilton County court on 14 counts of felonious assault. Davis, who wrestled using stage names including Gangsta of Love and Sweet Sexy Sensation, was convicted in November. Prosecutors had said Davis violated state law by not telling a dozen sex partners about his HIV status or lying to them. Davis told the judge
Monday that he was a “sex addict” and that his addiction grew worse when he lost his dream of becoming a professional wrestler after getting the HIV test results. He said sex addiction is probably the worst addiction anyone could have. “Drugs and alcohol are terrible, but sex is something everybody wants,” he said. Davis, who said he didn’t disclose his HIV test results because he didn’t want his family to know, said he never intended to hurt anyone. “I am not a monster,” he said. see ASSAULT on page B2
President Barack Obama delivered the State of the Union address on Jan. 24, while challenging the nation’s wealthiest citizens to make sacrifices to help families who are struggling to survive.
President targets array of issues in SOTUA WASHINGTON, D.C. (AP) President Barack Obama, in a defiant electionyear State of the Union address, told Americans Tuesday night that he is committed to creating jobs for millions of unemployed Americans and challenged the nation’s wealthiest citizens to make sacrifices to help families who are struggling to survive. The rich, Obama argued, must pay more in taxes if America is to achieve economic parity where every American gets an opportunity to succeed. In short, Obama wants to level the playing field and bring a sense of financial fairness to middle-class communities. “The defining issue of our time is how to keep that promise alive. No challenge is more urgent,” Obama said during a 66-minute speech before a joint session of Con-
Congresswoman Gabriel Giffords hugs President Barack Obama right before his State of the Union Address. Giffords made a stunning recovery after being shot in the head.
gress on Capitol Hill. “No debate is more important,” Obama said. “We can either settle for a country where a shrinking number of people do really well while a growing number of Americans barely get by. Or we can restore an economy where everyone gets a fair shot, everyone does their fair share, and everyone plays by the same set of rules. What’s at stake are not Democratic
values or Republican values, but American values. We have to reclaim them.” Obama, who is running for re-election against a determined Republican Party, delivered an address Tuesday that was him as part government administrator and part campaign candidate. The president sought Tuesday to frame his campaign message that comes at a critical time for black Americans: Even
though the nation’s unemployment rate has dropped to 8.5 percent, the black unemployment rate has skyrocketed to 15.8 percent. “Let’s never forget: Millions of Americans who work hard and play by the rules every day deserve a government and a financial system that does the same.” Obama said. “It’s time to apply the same rules from top to bottom: No bailouts, no handouts and no copouts. An America built to last insists on responsibility from everybody.” He outlined what his advisors said are new proposals to jump-start the economy. “Think about the America within our reach: A country that leads the world in educating its people,” Obama said, “an America See ISSUES on page B2
English’s parents plan Feb. 4 service ATLANTA (AP) Authorities confirmed Wednesday that a body found in southeast Atlanta this week was that of Stacey Nicole English. The family of a missing woman whose body was found in southeast Atlanta earlier this week said the medical examiner has yet to determine the cause of death, but foul play has not been ruled out. Authorities confirmed Wednesday that a body found near the spot where the abandoned car of Stacey Nicole English was found is indeed that of the Buckhead woman who was last seen on or shortly after Christmas Day, following a gathering at her grandmother’s home. Atlanta police spokesman Carlos Campos said authorities received a 911 call about the discovery shortly
The body of Stacey Nicole English was found on Jan. 24. She was last seen shortly after Christmas Day. The cause of death has not yet been determined.
before 3 p.m. Monday. It was located off St. Johns Avenue near Aaron’s Amphitheater at Lakewood in southeast Atlanta. The body was “in an advanced state of decomposition,” Campos said.
English’s mother, Cindy Jamison, told BlackAmericaWeb.com Thursday evening that the medical examiner notified the family on Wednesday that a positive identification had been made.
“We were hoping for better news, but we’re thankful that we have closure on this particular level,” Jamison said. “There are so many levels in this case, but we thank See PLAN on page B2
Marianne Gingrich told ABC News for a “Nightline” segment that she discovered Gingrich was having an affair with Callista Bisek, his present wife, he asked her to share.
Gingrich angrily denies he sought open marriage CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) — Presidential contender Newt Gingrich on Thursday angrily denied that he asked his second wife for an “open marriage” that would allow him to have a mistress as she claims in an interview broadcast two days before the South Carolina primary. “Let me be quite clear. The story is false,” Gingrich said at a debate, without elaborating. At the same time, his campaign released his tax returns, showing that he paid more than $994,000 in federal taxes on more $3.1 million in income in 2010. It was a day of ups and downs for Gingrich, who picked up the endorsement for former rival Texas Gov. Rick Perry. The former House speaker is working to consolidate the support of conservatives behind his candidacy with polls showing him rising in his bid to overtake Republican frontrunner Mitt Romney. “Newt is not perfect but who among us is,” Perry said as he bowed out of the race, seeking to provide Gingrich with some political cover in a state filled with evangelicals likely to
cringe at Gingrich’s two divorces and acknowledged infidelity. Gingrich’s ex-wife threatened to throw his campaign off course. In excerpts the network released earlier in the day, Marianne Gingrich told ABC News for a “Nightline” segment that when she discovered Gingrich was having an affair with Callista Bisek, a congressional staffer, he asked his wife to share him. “And I just stared at him, and he said, ‘Callista doesn’t care what I do,’” Marianne Gingrich told ABC News. “He wanted an open marriage, and I refused.” She confirmed to The Associated Press that the former speaker had asked her for an open marriage, but she refused his request. She declined to comment further. The full segment aired Thursday night some 90 minutes after the debate. At the debate, Gingrich forcefully denied his exwife’s charges and castigated debate moderator — CNN’s John King — for raising the issue at the start See DENIES on page B2
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HORIZONS
Jan. 22-28, 2012
Denies: “I think the destructive, vicious, negative nature of much of the news media makes it harder to ...” Continued from page B1 of the two-hour event. “I think the destructive, vicious, negative nature of much of the news media makes it harder to govern this country, harder to attract decent people to run for public office,” Gingrich said. “And I am appalled that you would begin a presidential debate on a topic like that.” As he stood on stage in Charleston, his campaign released his 2010 income tax returns, which showed he paid roughly 31.6 percent of his adjusted income in taxes, giving about 2 percent to charity. Gingrich criticized rival Romney — who is worth more than $250 million — this week for saying he paid only 15 percent. Gingrich gave $81,133
in cash or checks to charities, about 2.6 percent of his income. That is considerably less than the average of $259,692 that households earning at least $2 million a year gave to charities in 2009, according to research from the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University. Personal financial disclosure forms filed last summer show Gingrich is worth more than $6.5 million. He reported at least $500,000 in assets from Gingrich Productions, his media company that produces books and films. Two days before the pivotal South Carolina primary, Gingrich’s political and private life were clashing just as new polls showed him rising as he looks to overtake Rom-
ney in the third state to weigh in on the presidential race. Gingrich has seen his crowds grow in recent days after a strong performance in a debate Monday. It was unclear how the new revelations from Marianne Gingrich would play in a state where religious and socially conservative voters hold sway. The interview’s mere existence shined a spotlight on a part of Gingrich’s past that could turn off Republican voters in a state filled with religious and cultural conservatives who may cringe at his two divorces and acknowledged marital infidelities. Marianne Gingrich has said Gingrich proposed to her before the divorce from his first wife was final in
1981; they were married six months later. Her marriage to Gingrich ended in divorce in 2000, and Gingrich has admitted he’d already taken up with Bisek, the former congressional aide who would become his third wife. The speaker who pilloried President Bill Clinton for his affair with Monica Lewinsky was himself having an affair at the time. A Gingrich spokesman suggested, as Gingrich’s daughters had a day earlier, that Marianne Gingrich’s comments may be suspect given the emotional toll divorce takes on everyone involved. “Divorces are very tough and people have very different recollections of how things happen,” R.C.
Hammond said Thursday. Equally uncertain was whether Gingrich would get a boost from Perry’s endorsement, given that the Texas governor had little support in the state, and get conservative voters to coalesce behind his candidacy. Complicating Gingrich’s effort is another conservative, Rick Santorum, who threatens to siphon his support. A CNN/Time South Carolina poll released Wednesday showed Gingrich in second place with support from 23 percent of likely primary voters, having gained 5 percentage points in the past two weeks. Romney led in the poll with 33 percent, but he had slipped some since the last survey. Santorum was third, narrowly ahead of
Texas Rep. Ron Paul and well ahead of Perry. Regardless of the South Carolina outcome, Gingrich was making plans to compete in Florida’s primary on Jan. 31. Confidence exuded from Gingrich, who rose in Iowa only to be knocked off course after sustaining $3 million in attack ads from an outside group that supports Romney. Gingrich posted dismal showings in both Iowa and New Hampshire. By the time the race turned to South Carolina, he was back on course — and criticizing Romney as a social moderate who is timid about attacking the nation’s economic troubles.
Issues: “We applaud him for addressing the NAACP’s long-standing ...” Assault: “Drugs and alcohol are Illinois Rep. Bobby L. terrible, but sex is something ...” Continued from page B1 Americans benefit from the a GM vehicle manufacturing Rush characterized Obama’s that attracts a new generation of high-tech manufacturing and high-paying jobs. A future where we’re in control of our own energy, and our security and prosperity aren’t so tied to unstable parts of the world. An economy built to last, where hard work pays off, and responsibility is rewarded.” “This blueprint,” he continued, “begins with American manufacturing.” Today, General Motors is back on top as the world’s number-one automaker, Obama said. Chrysler, he added, has grown faster in the U.S. than any major car company. Ford is investing billions in U.S. plants and factories, he said, and together, the entire industry added nearly 160,000 jobs. “If you’re a business that wants to outsource jobs, you shouldn’t get a tax deduction for doing it,” Obama said. “That money should be used to cover moving expenses for companies like Master Lock that decide to bring jobs home.” On education, Obama said he wants to give schools the resources to keep good teachers on the job and reward the best ones. “I call on every State to require that all students stay in high school until they graduate or turn 18,” Obama said. “When kids do graduate, the most daunting challenge can be the cost of college. At a time when Americans owe more in tuition debt than credit card debt, this Congress needs to stop the interest rates on student loans from doubling in July. Extend the tuition tax credit we started that saves middleclass families thousands of dollars. And give more young people the chance to earn their way through college by doubling the number of work-study jobs in the next five years.” Roslyn M. Brock, chairman of the NAACP national Board of Directors, said Obama’s proposals for job creation and addressing the foreclosure crisis are critical steps toward ensuring that all
nation’s economic recovery. “We applaud him for addressing the NAACP’s longstanding priority of economic stability and progress in communities of color,” Brock said in a statement. Meanwhile, Obama was a bit combative during his address and pushed back against Republicans who have tried – with some success – to block portions of Obama’s legislative agenda. “As long as I’m president, I will work with anyone in this chamber to build on this momentum,” he said. “But I intend to fight obstruction with action, and I will oppose any effort to return to the very same policies that brought on this economic crisis in the first place.” Obama planned to leave Washington D.C. Wednesday just hours after his State of the Union speech for a three-day, five-state campaign swing to outline his economic recovery plan to Americans. Obama will travel to the battleground states of Iowa, Arizona, Nevada, Colorado and Michigan. But “Tom Joyner Morning Show” contributor Roland Martin, a political analyst for CNN, said Obama should also travel to states like Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana to tell voters in Southern states that he’s working hard for them, too. As Obama spoke to the nation about American values, he glanced up every so often to First Lady Michelle Obama’s private box in the U.S. Capitol where two African-American women watched the speech as Mrs. Obama’s special guests. Alicia Davis, a plant manager at General Motors’ Orion Assembly and Pontiac Stamping. As Orion Assembly plant manager, Davis is responsible for overseeing the production of the first new small car program from General Motors to be manufactured in the United States. She was the first AfricanAmerican woman to be appointed to plant manager at
plant. A third-generation educator, Sara Ferguson teaches literacy and math at Columbus Elementary and has worked for the Chester Upland School District for 20 years. When district faced bankruptcy earlier this year in light of severe state budget cuts, Ferguson vowed to continue teaching even without being paid, saying “We are adults; we will make a way. The students don’t have any contingency plan. They need to be educated, so we intend to be on the job.” Reaction to Obama’s address was swift. Benjamin Jealous, president of the NAACP, said Obama has a strategic plan for bringing jobs back to America - if Congress would only work with him. “Congress is dominated by obstructionists who are all too willing to let millions of families and children suffer endlessly if it advances their petty political purposes,” Jealous said in a statement. “It is time for Congressional obstructionists to be a part of the solution and to show the leadership their constituents are dying for.” Rep. Emanuel Cleaver, chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, said he supports Obama’s message. “I agree with President Barack Obama,” Cleaver said. “We stand at a critical moment in American history. We can choose to uplift a small segment of our population or we can work together to improve the lives of all Americans.” “As our nation’s economy slowly rebounds, the African-American community experiences disproportionately higher rates of unemployment, home foreclosure, educational and healthcare disparities, as well as economic hardship,” Cleaver said. “As a result, vulnerable communities increasingly rely on public programs to meet their basic needs, but these are the very same programs the Republican leadership has continued to attack.”
State of the Union address as an “emphatic and powerful statement from a determined and purpose-driven leader.” Rush expressed his support for the president’s plans to increase jobs at home, retrain American workers, rebuild America’s infrastructure and create a more vibrant economy based upon a comprehensive manufacturing strategy that supports innovation and increased exports to the world. “President Obama threw down the gauntlet and challenged this Republican controlled ‘do-nothing’ Congress to fight for the American people and to fight for America’s future,” Rush said. “The president has tried negotiation, reconciliation, and compromise with the Republicans, to no avail.” “President Obama spoke his mind and let us know that he knows how hard these times really are,” Rush said. “President Obama said he is ready to fight, and I mean fight hard, for regular working people.” “I, for one, am glad the president was willing to show the stuff that he’s really made of tonight,” he added. The Republican National Committee, however, blasted Obama with a new television ad, entitled “State of Our Union.” “For three years, the president has made promise after promise. And more often than not, he’s broken those promise,” said RNC Chairman Reince Priebus. “Barack Obama has treated his presidency like a campaign — willing to say anything to keep his job, unwilling to do anything to create jobs for Americans.” But Martin, who spoke on CNN Tuesday night, said Obama “appealed to the American people.” He said Obama challenged “Congress to get your butt to work ... his close was strong.” “This was the president saying [to Congress] stop playing games,” Martin added. “It’s about one nation working together.”
ASKED: “Joseph Jackson is suing AEG Live, alleging negligence by ...” Continued from page B1 they failed to properly supervise Murray. Joseph Jackson is suing AEG Live, alleging negligence by the entertainment promoter in his son’s death, and he is suing Murray for wrongful death in the case. Murray’s attorney, J. Michael Flanagan, said he was pleased to have the restitution issue resolved. Flanagan said during Wednesday’s hearing that he
intends to seek bail for Murray while he appeals his conviction, according to the transcript, but he was told to put the request in writing. The fate of Joseph Jackson’s civil case remains unclear. A California bar court in Los Angeles recommended Friday that the Jackson family patriarch’s attorney, Brian Oxman, be barred from practicing law because of conduct on other, unrelated cases. Oxman filed Jo-
seph Jackson’s lawsuit in federal court on the one-year anniversary of the singer’s death, but a judge later ruled it should be heard in state court. Oxman is the only attorney who has been listed on the case so far and has been a vocal antagonist against Murray and AEG Live. Reached by phone, Oxman declined to comment on the recommendation, which still must be approved by the California Supreme
Court. The disciplinary court found that Oxman and his wife, who is also his law partner, mixed clients’ and personal funds in an effort to evade creditors and sanctions imposed against Oxman. He had been disciplined previously, which the court cited among its reasons for seeking the revocation of his law license.
Continued from page B1 Assistant prosecutor Amy Tranter had argued during trial that Davis should go to prison for a long time, saying the case was about his responsibility to tell the women his test results. “He’s a manipulative man and a liar,” Tranter said Monday. Davis’ attorney, Greg Cohen, had argued that the state law regarding HIV and felonious assault is poorly written because it doesn’t require proof that there has been harm or an attempt to commit harm. Cohen told the judge that his client was sorry for what he had done and that the women Davis slept with also had some responsibility for choosing to have unprotected sex. The judge, citing medical privacy laws, had prohibited attorneys from bringing up whether any of the women was infected with the virus, which can be transmitted through unprotected sex.
The Cincinnati Enquirer has reported that World Wrestling Entertainment told Davis in July 2009 that it wouldn’t hire him because he failed his physical and tested positive for HIV. Cohen had noted during the trial that a company, not a doctor, told Davis that he was HIV-positive and that he did not think prosecutors could prove that Davis has HIV. But the state law requires those who test positive for HIV to inform their sex partners of that status and it was not necessary to prove that Davis is HIV-positive, Tranter said. Cohen told The Associated Press that an appeal will be filed. He said the constitutionality of the law “is probably going to be raised, and there are some legal issues regarding the admission of certain types of evidence.” Davis, who could have received over 100 years in prison, faces similar charges in Warren County, north of Cincinnati.
Plan Plan:: “We’re still appealing to the public. This case is open ...” Continued from page B1 God we were able to find Stacey and give her a proper homegoing.” Arrangements are still being worked out, but a service will be held on Feb. 4, Jamison said. Details will be made available on the Help Us Find Stacey Nicole English Facebook page, including information on a foundation that will be established for contributions in lieu of flowers. Jamison said she also wanted to emphasize that the investigation into what happened to the 36-year-old English is ongoing. English’s body was found under a tree. “They say the tree had fallen quite some time before that,” Jamison said, but investigators told the family “it was like she had been placed deliberately under it.” On Monday, Jamison, told “The Tom Joyner Morning Show’s” Roland Martin she believed “somebody maybe saw something, and they may not even realize they know something about the case.” Jamison told Martin that the last person believed to have seen English was a man who had accompanied her to the family gathering.
Later that evening, the couple had an argument, and English asked him to leave. About three hours later, English’s car was found near the Lakewood Amphitheater with the engine running. The car, a white, four-door Volvo S60, was later found in an impound lot. Initially, police did not make the connection between the car and English’s disappearance. Police questioned the man, an events promoter from St. Louis, and cleared him to return home. Anyone with information on the case is asked to call Atlanta police at (404) 577-TIPS (8477) or Investigator D. Loy at (404) 546-4992. “We’re still appealing to the public. This case is open,” said Jamison, who added the family has hired a private investigator to look into the case. “We’re pushing for national attention. It’s a small world, so the more attention we can get, the better the chance,” Jamison said. “There but for the grace, it could have been you. It could be anyone. We are all Stacey English. That’s the message: ‘I Am Stacey English.’”
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After President Barack Obama’s State of the Union address, he hit the road, traveling for a three-day, five-state campaign swing through battleground states in the west and midwest.
Obama's re-election campaign officially begun Michael H. Cottman GUEST COLUMNIST
For President Barack Obama, the arduous 10month, state-by-state campaign to stay in the White House begins now. Directly after Obama’s State of the Union address, the president hit the road, traveling for a three-day, five-state campaign swing through battleground states to outline his economic recovery plan to Americans. The president will talk to voters in Iowa, Arizona, Nevada, Colorado, and he wraps up the week in Michigan on Friday. "Our economy is getting stronger," Obama told a crowd in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. "We’ve got a lot of work to do, but it’s getting stronger. And we’ve come way too far to turn back now.” Obama told crowds this week that the manufacturing industry added more than 300,000 jobs since December 2009, with companies
engaging in the so-called trend of “insourcing” by bringing jobs back and to the United States. The president is framing his campaign message at a critical time for black Americans: Even though the nation’s unemployment rate has dropped to 8.5 percent, the black unemployment rate has climbed to 15.8 percent. There's no doubt that Obama will need the steadfast support of rural white voters in places like Iowa, Nevada and Colorado, but it’s also important – as "Tom Joyner Morning Show" contributor Roland Martin correctly pointed out – for the president to visit states like Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana to appeal to Southern voters as well. In Southern states, Obama can talk to black and white Americans about his fiscal plan to create more manufacturing jobs and urge American companies not to outsource jobs overseas. Obama has plenty of work to do. His legislative
agenda for America is being stalled in Congress by Republicans who are trying to derail all of his efforts. There’s a good argument to be made that GOP lawmakers are putting so many roadblocks in Obama’s path that the president can’t implement his vision to help struggling Americans. The GOP has placed Obama in a precarious predicament, and so the question is this: Will enough voters trust that Obama can right the ship in a second term if he's still fighting with a Republican Congress? Here's some good news for the president: Obama’s 48 percent approval is up from his career-low 42 percent in October, but since 1940, only four other presidents have gone into their reelection year with approval ratings under 50 percent – Lyndon Johnson, Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford and George H.W. Bush. Even though Obama didn't talk specifically about African-American students
in his State of the Union address, his vision to improve the quality of education would impact millions of black students who plan to attend college. "When kids do graduate, the most daunting challenge can be the cost of college," Obama said during Tuesday night's speech. "At a time when Americans owe more in tuition debt than credit card debt, this Congress needs to stop the interest rates on student loans from doubling in July. Extend the tuition tax credit we started that saves middle-class families thousands of dollars. And give more young people the chance to earn their way through college by doubling the number of work-study jobs in the next five years." Obama is arguing for a noble cause. But he’s battling against a Republican Congress that’s bent on ousting him from the White House in November. Still, Obama seems to be on the right track, although the Lawyers’ Committee for
Civil Rights Under Law is correctly calling on Obama to fully commit to investing in education reforms and eradicate racial disparities in education. “African-Americans/ Blacks and Hispanics/ Latinos have not received a fair shot, and not everyone plays by the same rules," LCCRUL Executive Director Barbara Arnwine and Public Policy Director Tanya Clay House said in a statement. "This is why targeted strategies must be employed to ensure that minority students and workers obtain equitable education opportunities, job training and professional development, and access to fairly compete for current and future jobs." Arnwine and House are right. Consider this: Minorities bear a disproportionate number of foreclosures, Arnwine and House said, and predatory lending practices often results in the lack of black wealth. Since the March 2010 launch of the national Loan
Modification Scam Database, operated by LCCRUL, almost 21,000 complaint reports have been filed, representing more than $53 million lost to foreclosure rescue fraud. "It is a travesty that black unemployment has remained roughly double that of whites since the government began tracking the figures in 1972," Arnwine and House wrote. "The fact that the unemployment rate for whites is 7.5 percent while the rates for blacks and Hispanics are 15.8 percent and 11.0 percent, respectively, is unacceptable, and we cannot allow this disparity to be ignored." While Obama's advisers now appear to be more proactive, they should listen to activists like Arnwine and House, who are speaking for the millions of AfricanAmericans whose voices have been suppressed. Obama should continue to speak out for them, too.
“Go along just to get along:” At what cost? by Abraham Chopin SPORTS EDITOR
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“Beware! Integrity may result in a number of things including being considered lame, damage to one’s personal property, and or denied acceptance into various campus organizations,” should be posted on every wall at Alabama State University. There should be a page dedicated to this in The Pilot; it should be emphasized during orientation; and it should be handed out along with the weekly party fliers. I have attended Ala-
bama State University for three and one half years now, and I feel I have experienced many aspects of college life. However, I have never experienced so much apathy towards mediocrity as well as downright fear of what the status quo may think if someone goes against the grain. Some may say that’s easy for me to say, since I am already a part of several organizations. While that may be true, even after entering an organization, one must still move the way the crowd moves in order to keep an acceptable status among that group and others. It begins with incoming
first-year students who often do not have a clue about college life. While that is not their fault, it is the responsibility of administrators and teachers to guide them while older students reinforce that guidance with appropriate action on the peer level. The peer level responsibility is especially charged to student leadership organizations. Unfortunately many of those organizations have created a world for those who wish to “be owt” that requires a “see no evil, hear no evil mindset.” As a result of that mindset, SGA elections, where platforms and prior
records should determine the students’ vote, have now turned into popularity contests or political moves by students to gain favor with those in selected organizations that they want to join. If that is not enough, and it seems that a common sense student will prevail, swift action is taken to demoralize that person or defame his or her name and character. I personally know of a student, who after thoroughly defeating the opponent in a debate for an SGA position, woke up only to find her car keyed. Needless to say, the student did not prevail in the race.
Now this is not to say that our current leaders are not influenced as well. Some of their predecessors have a firm hand in their decision-making process, even when they no longer attend the university. Students often listen to the opinions of former students because of a deep respect for that person’s ideology as a result of spending so much time with them, night after night … studying. By the time students become sophomores and juniors, they feel as if they have arrived. They claim their positions on the smaller levels of leadership and patiently
wait to be noticed by those whose circles they wish to enter. It seems that their mission to join the next organization is so great that they would sacrifice the responsibilities of their current position to complete that mission. That has been the case in several administrations as well as organizations but still no one questions the character of these “socalled” leaders, and their unchallenged titles are a constant reminder of the control they have over the See COST on page C2
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Cost: “And some of these leaders have the audacity to condone their actions ...” Continued from page C1 minds of the student body. Or is it? Is it appropriate to give that much credit to these people? To say yes, is to say these students are so verbally charismatic, and intelligent that they could persuade the masses to buy into their agenda, even if it is inherently wrong and blatantly unethical. I used to think the answer to that was an unequivocal ‘no’ - that students just “played” along until they achieved membership into the ultimate group they desired and then they would stand for and voice what was right versus what was wrong. However, tragically, much to my unfortunate realization at my often inaccurate assumptions about the condition of our student body, I find that even as seniors most students still “go along to get along” even when the malfeasance committed demean the validity of the degree they hope to earn. A recent example is the efforts of some members of the Student Government Association to lower the qualifying grade point average requirement in the SGA Constitution. This, in my opinion, is a perfect example of members “going along to get along” knowing full well that lowering a grade point average is not in the best interest
of the prospective student, the student body or the university as a whole. And some of these leaders have the audacity to condone their actions by not speaking about their intentions publicly and avoid verbally defending their actions, because they know their behaviors will bring into question their place in leadership to the students, the outside world, future students, and future employers. There are a variety of reasons why students go along to get along. Maybe they don’t speak or defend their actions because if they do, they won’t get into the club free anymore or people won’t speak to them. Some fear they will not be selected for intake in a greek letter organization or even if they are, they feel they will be hassled and embarrassed beforehand and everything they suggest will be met with a snicker or the sucking of teeth. As students, we must remember the Marion Nine. These nine ex-slaves put everything on the line to create an educational institution that we enjoy today. I am sure that there were some white, influential leaders who said, “there is no need to build a school for blacks - all they need to do is work.” Aren’t we happy that they did not “go along to get along.”
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“Sometimes the truth hurts” Beauty should be defined by the individual We live in a shallow society where ‘exterior looks’ are marketed as a top quality to look for in one’s significant other. Therefore, it is time to question what defines beauty. Is it a shade of skin, length of hair, or type of body shape? Unfortunately, these characteristics seem to be the determining factors that pressure both men and women to conform to a certain type of aesthetic look. From great hair, white teeth, and ripped abs, commercials pull no stops when it comes to influencing the self-esteem of the young. Blacks, in particular, experience a division among themselves when it comes to light vs. dark complexions. The entertainment industry follows it to the highest degree. When you think of leading black songstresses, you envision Beyoncé or maybe even Rihanna. Look at Halle Berry, the first black woman to win the academy award for best actress. She is of a light complexion as well. When I mention these women, I bear no ill-will towards them because I am a female with dark skin, but I am aware that directors and producers gravitate to upholding lighter-skinned Americans on a higher scale of value. This issue has been around since the time of slavery, and has managed to continue to evolve with every generation. Slavery played a tremendous role in shaping the minds of blacks, even up to this day. Slave owners would divide the blacks by their complexion making the darker slaves do hard labor while lightening the load of the lighter ones. The lighter skinned slaves were given an easier work load and taught that they were prettier and therefore better than their darker counterparts. They even went so far as to pit young men against old men to widen the distance between their feelings of unity for one another. Despite the history, we have to pull together and remember that no matter what complexion or tint our
KIEYANA EDWARDS skin is, we are still one community and race at the end of the day. No one understands the trials and tribulations of being a black American like another, so why should we cloud our judgment with jealousy, ignorance, and violence? This is an epidemic that needs to be addressed. This issue is so strong among that children around the age of six are already experiencing similar feelings about their appearance. To them the prettier and smarter one is the white child and the dumb and ugliest one is the darkest. In a CNN article titled, “Study: White and black children biased toward lighter skin,” a renowned child psychologist named Margaret Spencer designed a pilot study and used a team of three psychologists to examine racial bias in children that ranged from the ages of four to 10. The tests results reveal that white children, as a whole, responded with a high rate of what researchers call "white bias," identifying the color of their own skin with positive attributes and darker skin with negative attributes. Spencer said black children, as a whole, have some bias toward whiteness, but far less than white children. The article ends with Spencer’s conclusion that, “even in 2010 we are still living in a society where dark things are devalued and white things are valued.” It is petty to base the worth of people on the simple traits that we
were born with. You cannot help it if you have a button nose, big head, crooked smile, smooth skin, or a hairy back. All of this is a part of what makes you an individual, and who really wants to look like the next person? Sure there are moments where we can find that people have shared similarities, but no one can completely replicate who you are. Think about it. Have you ever met someone who seemed alright when you met them, but they seemed to bloom with time in your eyes because they had such a great personality? The same thing can be found when people we define as beautiful at first glance turn out to have a nasty attitude; they suddenly do not seem so beautiful anymore. We have to break through these chains of limited beauty and create a type of self-love that will stand the chains of biased behavior. Loving someone because of their outward appearance does not beget long-lasting marriages. It is true that as humans, we gravitate toward people because of how they appear, but we stick around and invest time or emotion whenever we are able to meet someone whose inner beauty outshines their outer. The consumer part of America sells specific types of beauty. That is why, if you want to model, you have to meet specifications of weight, height, and size. If we weren’t a society that cared about looks then anyone would be able to model a product or act in a movie because we would be selling the idea that beauty is undefined. Stand for loving your skin, laugh, smile or pose because this is who you have been since the beginning of your creation. Realize that pre judgments about looks and attitudes lead to false assumptions. We have to love ourselves for who we are so that we can pass the same message on to our friends and children. If you can’t truly appreciate what makes you different, then how can you allow yourself to love someone who does?
“think, think, think” Is membership worth dying for? Before Robert Champion died from hazing in 2011, there were 10 other deaths going back to the year 1912. Tyler Cross in 2006, Matthew Carrington in 2005, Walter Dean III in 2003, Benjamin Klein in 2002, Chad Mereth in 2001, Michael Davis in 1994, Chuck Stevens in 1978, Donna Bedinger in 1970, Richard Swanson in 1959, and Isaac William Rand in 1912 all died as a result of hazing. Let us not forget William E. Harris, who was forced to dig and lie in a six- foot deep grave in 1990 and let his “brothers” throw sand on top of him. In an article titled The Lowdown on Hazing, Christina Couch wrote, “We were made to lick raw food substances off the floor. We were kicked and hit and shoved. We were tied tightly together and made to run through icy, hilly streets.” What is the point of these hazings? Is it actually to break students down and then assimilate them to the members’ liking? If so, what happened to the goal to uplift? Some may reason that not everyone who decides to join an organization dies and not everybody comes out with physical wounds. That is true. Unfortunately, if one person dies or comes out with physical wounds, that is one too many. Some individuals join organizations and finish the intake pro-
SHARANNA POLK cess with a loss of self. I have actually seen students turn into totally different people after the process. Sometimes I question if they even remember who they were. Is it worth it? If the cost is really that high to gain admission, why would anyone want to pay for it? If I have to lose myself to become somebody else, I will pass. I would hope that someone whom I will one day call “sister” wouldn’t hurt me in an effort to “make me.” Why are students so willing to give up their lives and dignity to throw up a signal, scream a call, wear some colors and stomp the yard? And why do so many students place fraternities and sororities on a pedestal and take physical and verbal abuse from peers? These questions have to be asked because people are dying. What do these organizations really stand for? Don’t tell me that
you’re a community service organization, when you are really a social club that does occasional community service. There is a difference. Better yet, don’t tell me at all, because I should see it. Don’t hurt: help. Make the individuals joining your fraternity or sorority strong. Don’t weaken them so that they are your mirror image. Let those in the band play their instruments without aching from being beaten with a paddle every night. Try leaving the lights on and keeping your hands to yourself, without the blindfolds. Where do the beatings and taunts end? Stimulate, donot humiliate, and do not manipulate. Do not forget what you stand for. Be able to stand firmly and comfortably in that place. Be able to turn yourself inside out, and be pleased at the sight. Membership is really not that serious, and if you aren’t strong enough to stand up for yourself, perhaps you shouldn’t be joining any organization in the first place. If organizations cannot resort to something that doesn’t involve physical abuse, they should probably be discontinued. I’m not blaming any one group, I am blaming the individual themselves. I’m saying that in any relationship there are two parties, and if neither can figure out a happy medium, they do not need to be together.
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Hornet sting, too much for PVAMU Lady Panthers by Abraham Chopin SPORTS EDITOR
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MONTGOMERY, Ala.- The Hornets of Alabama State University are finally home after being on the road for two games. They were met by welcoming Hornet fans and a ravenous Prairie-View A&M University Lady Panther team, who the Hornets defeated 67-53 on Jan. 28 in the Dunn-Oliver Acadome. The game began slowly, but soon Hornet guard Danielle Gazaway, who started in place of guard Tamara Waldington, scored the first shot to put the Hornets up. However Panthers forward Kiara Etienne (15 points) quickly answered to tie the game 2-2 with 17:50 left in the first half. With 14:03 left, Hornet guard Jasmine Quinn hit a jumper from the corner to tie the game at seven, but Etienne again answered — this time with a three-pointer to make give the Panthers 10-7 lead. Hornet forward Ashley Jones would not be denied, though, as she scored back to back to give the Hornets back the leading edge, 1110. Gazaway, who had 11 points, pulled up and took a quick jumper to increase the Hornet lead 13-10 with 11:07 left. Gazaway inbounded the ball to a running Quinn who caught it at half court and drove down the lane, strong, to make the score 15-10, Hornets leading with 10:28 left. Two minutes later, Panther guard JaQuandria Williams
stopped at the free-throw line and took a two-point shot to make the score 15-12. Panther guard Jeanette Jackson crossed left, then right, and hit a turn-around jumper to cut the Hornet lead to two points with 5:15 left. Hornet center Quentori Alford (13 rebounds) passed the ball in the “paint” to Jones who easily hit the lay-up to make the score 22-16 with 3:52 left. Gazaway missed a three-pointer, however, and Hornet forward Millicent Jones collected the rebound and made the score 2418 with 1:26 left. Gazaway would not quit shooting as she came down and took another three-pointer, this time nailing the shot. She was followed by Hornet guard Durriya Shields who hit a shot from the top of the key. Two late free-throws by Panther center Asha Hampton finished the first half with the Hornets leading 29-22. Panther guard Latia Williams, who had 14 points, opened the second half with a two-pointer, but Hornet guard Erica Henderson, who broke her career high record of three-pointers in a game, answered right back with one of her own. Henderson had five threepointers on the night. However, J. Williams hit a shot on the way back down to make the score 32-26 with 18:05 left in the game. Etienne hit a three-pointer, but Henderson, who led all scorers with 18 points, answered back with two back to back three-pointSee STING on page D2
Hornet center Quentori Alford goes up over a Prairie View A & M University Panther defender for a shot. Alford fiinshed with 13 rebounds dominating the ‘paint’ during the Hornet 67-53 victory.
Hornets succumb to claws of Panthers by Carisma ‘Billie’ Mitchell throws but Panther guard Jourdan 38. SPORTS CORRESPONDENT
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Hornet guard Ryan Watts manuevers under a Prairie View A & M Panther defender who is attempting to block his shot.
The Alabama State University Hornet Basketball team could not escape the claws of the PrairieView A&M University Panthers as they beat the Hornets 64-57 in the Dunn-Oliver Acadome on Jan. 28. Hornet guard Tramaine Butler, who led all scorers with 19, scored the first basket of the game when he hit two back to back three-pointers to make the score 6-0 with 17:34 left in the first half. Louis Munks, who finished with 15 points, answered with a three of his own to keep the game close, 6-3. Hornet guard Jeff Middlebrooks came around a pick and hit a three-pointer to increase the Hornet lead to four with 15:51 left, 11-7. Panther guard Ryan Gesiakowski hit a quick twopointer to make the score 12-9 with 14:20 left. With 13:18 left Hornet forward Stephawn Brown stole the ball and ran the floor. He missed the lay-up but Hornet center Philip Crawford (14 points) hit the put back to make the score 14-11. A fast break dunk from Munks quieted the Hornet fans and brought the Panthers within one point, 14-13 with 8:59 left. Panther guard Tim Meadows hit a three-pointer and brought the game back within one, 17-16 with 6:45 left. With 1:51 left Hornet forward Ivery White split a pair of free-
DeMuynck (12 points) hit a lay-up and Panther forward Jules Montgomery, who out-rebound both teams with 12, hit a shot to end the half 20-21 Panther lead. In the second half, Crawford fouled Panther forward Demondre Chapman who split the pair and made the score 22-20 with 19:29 left. Munks pulled up and hit a three-pointer right after to make the score 25-20. With 18:18 left the Panthers began to pour it on when Gesiakowski hit a three to make the score 28-20. Panther guard Ronald Wright drove the lane for an easy lay-up to make the Panther lead 10 with 16:44 left, 30-20. Two made free-throws by Crawford cut the lead to six with 15:23 left, 30-24 Panther lead. Butler brought the crowd to their feet when he hit a threepointer from the corner to make the score 32-29 with 13:42 left, the Hornets only down by three. White came back down and tied the game with a three-pointer of his own, 3232. White came on fire when he hit another three-pointer to give the Hornets back the lead 35-32. However, a put back dunk by Chapman kept it close 35-34, Hornet lead. Wright hit a two-pointer to tie the game at 36 with 9:22 left. Hornet forward Luther Page scored on the other end, but Wright hit another two-pointer to tie it back and Montgomery hit a shot to give the Panthers the lead with 8:07 left, 40-
A steal by Hornet guard Ryan Watts led to a basket from White. Panther forward Marcellus Jackson scored on the other end, but Butler hit another three-pointer to keep the Hornets on top 45-42 with 4:50 left. With the Hornets up by three, Page was sent to the foul line where he hit both shots to increase the Hornet lead to five with 3:45 left, 48-43. Jackson rose over the top of Page and hit a hook shot to bring the game back within one, 48-47, Hornet, lead with 3:06 left. Jacksons next shot was a turnaround jumper and then a put back dunk that gave the Panthers a three point lead, 51-48 with 2:02 left. That dunk swayed the momentum in the Panthers’ favor as the Hornets began to commit costly turnovers, and the Panthers started to pour it on. And with 1:22 left DeMuynck drove and hit a lay-up followed by a basket from Jackson who was fouled as well. That score cemented the Panther victory. The Hornets just could not answer back. A limping Butler said, “We were supposed to win that game. We are not playing smart basketball. We are not looking for the open guy or playing hungry. We knew they were good at rebounding, and we didn’t put a body on anyone. We just need better effort.” Head coach Lewis Jackson said, “We put ourselves in a position to win the ball game but we didn’t play smart. We have to execute what we practice, and we are not doing that.”
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SPORTS
Hornets clawed by SU Jaguars Staff Report THE HORNET TRIBUNE
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BATON ROUGE, La.— Alabama State (7-12/4-3 SWAC) ran into a red-hot Southern University (10-11/ 6-2 SWAC) team in a 68-56 loss to the Jags on their home court. The loss was the second consecutive conference loss. SU had three players reach double-digits with Quinton Doggett and Derick Beltran sharing game-high honors with 17 points each. Jameel Grace had 16 points and the SWAC leader in assists had five. SU shot 54 percent from the field and that includes 57 percent (13-23) in the second half. Southern was also able to turn 12 ASU turnovers into 11 points, and the Jags kept the pace of the game in their favor continually push-
ing the ball at the Hornets for 14 fast break points. Ivory White was the only Hornet to reach double digits with 12 points. He recorded his fourth doubledouble finishing the game with a game-high 11 rebounds. The Hornets did out rebound SU 45-27 for their largest rebound differential of the season. Philip Crawford had nine points and Jeff Middlebrooks and Stephawn Brown had eight points each. ASU struggled from the field finishing the game shooting 33 percent (18-54) from the field and 33 percent (7-21) from the three point line. The game could have been a little closer, but ASU had one of the worst shooting performances of the season from the free throw line only connecting on 13 of their 28 attempts (46%). “We have some senior
guards and upper classmen, but we don’t have any leadership right now, and we are not playing the way we need to,” head coach Lewis Jackson said. “We talk about doing things to win ball games but we did not do anything tonight. They came out and took it to us and were able to get out on the break and score off some rebounds.” “We are not playing smart enough. We are fouling too much and not taking care of the basketball and we are taking bad shots. We have got to get something out of our bigs in the paint; we are not getting anything under the basket. We turn it over entirely too much around the basket.” The Hornets went into halftime trailing 35-27 and it could have been much worse, but the Hornet defense held the Jags scoreless over the final 3:22 of the first
stanza while trimming a 14point SU lead (35-21) down to seven, with the final three coming from White at the horn. Southern came out of the game blistering hot and was shooting 62 percent (13-21) from the field, 50 percent from the three (3-6) and hit all six of their free throws in the opening 17 minutes. Beltran and Doggett each hit double figures in the half with 10 points each. ASU could have been closer but only hit four of their 10 free throws, missing the front end of two one-andones. ASU only shot 35 percent (9-26) in the first half with White and Middlebrooks scoring eight each. The Hornets did out rebound SU 21-14, but SU turned six ASU turnovers in six points.
Jan. 22-28, 2012
Hornets struggle in loss to Southern Staff Report THE HORNET TRIBUNE
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Alabama State women’s basketball team was at a loss tonight without point Guard Tamara Wadlington. The Hornets fell to Southern University at the F.G. Clark Activity Center in Baton Rouge, La. “This was the first time playing without our point guard, Tamara Wadlington,” said Clayton Harris, assistant coach. “Tamara getting hurt at Alcorn has caused us to have to count on other players to lead the point. Danielle Gazaway did a good job for us tonight, but we just couldn’t find our rhythm and that hurt us a lot. We didn’t protect the paint like we should have and didn’t get the rebounds like we should have either.” Although the rebound situation was 43-42 in favor of Southern, “we just didn’t do as good as a job as I thought we could have,” he said. The Hornets struggled offensively and defensively as they missed cues in the
paint, allowing the Jags 22 points on the inside perimeter. Alabama shot 28 percent in the first half trailing by as many as 11 points before closing the first half 29-23. With just under two minutes left Southern would finish the game on a 10-0 run, ASU just couldn’t close the deal allowing the Jags the 71-51 victory. Southern (7-8, 6-2) only outrebounded ASU by one (43-42) but the Hornets had trouble keeping Jamie Floyd off the boards. She finished with 12 points and 10 rebounds. “Southern shot the ball well tonight,” Harris said. “We just couldn’t keep their key players from scoring or from rebounding. We are going to have to get tougher on the inside and keep teams from making easy baskets.” Danielle Gazaway and Quentori Alford were the only Hornets in double figures, Gazaway scored 16 points and Alford had 12 points, pulling down six rebounds, and adding three blocks to her numbers.
Sting: “ I feel amazing. It is good to get a win at home because we ...”
Mervyl Melendez, head coach of the Alabama State University Baseball Team, smiles as he expresses optimism about his upcoming season. He will have 20 first year students added to the team, so he says “Training is more intense.”
Melendez optimistic about upcoming baseball season by Abraham Chopin SPORTS EDITOR
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Spring is not yet here, but the Alabama State University baseball program has arrived, and spring training is under way. The season officially begins on Feb. 17 when the team plays University of California-Irvine, and ASU’s new head coach, Mervyl Melendez, feels great about their chances. “We are going to bring a lot of excitement this season,” Melendez said. “We are looking to be the best, and we want to compete. We will fight to the end.” Melendez arrived June of 2011 after he stepped down from the head coaching position at BethuneCookman University. He arrived with his wife Aixa and two sons MJ and Jayden, bringing with him 11 NCAA playoff appearances. “I came to ASU because it is a new phase of my career,” Melendez said. “It’s a new challenge and an opportunity to coach a program that craves success. I love challenge in my life, and I’m a competitor. I want to prove that I will do
everything in my power to be successful. I believe ASU has more of an active campus life. It’s bigger and there are a lot more activities for students. I can see the increase compared to BCU.” Melendez’s background is not only athletic. He played third base in college while earning his bachelors of arts in business from BCU, and while he never played professionally, he still feels he can bring something valuable to the table for the young athletes. “For most of these guys (baseball team) four years of baseball is all they are going to have, but I will make them accountable and give them a sense of pride and professionalism both on and off the field,” he said. “They have to care about the important things in life.” Melendez takes pride in the team as well as the new baseball facilities here at ASU. “The facilities are great,” he said. “We do need a clubhouse and more seating though, because I feel the fans are going to fill these stands up pretty quickly this season.” With the new facilities Melendez has added new faces. There are 27active members on the team and he
spoke about them. “We have about 20 freshman and we have changed the work ethic,” Melendez said. “Our weight training is different. It’s more intense.” The team also practices five days a week in preparation for the season. Melendez says the recruiting process at BCU looked for “student athletes who we thought were going to make an impact on this level. We also were in Daytona-Beach, Fla., and that definitely made recruiting easier. We sold the location just as much as we sold the school.” With the new faces and training, however, Melendez can’t add anymore at this time. “It’s against NCAA rules to add any immediate transfers at this time. However we do have walk-on tryouts every year, so those interested need to know that this is a Division-1 program, and if they want to qualify to be an ASU Hornet baseball team member, they need to come ready to go.” Melendez feels all his players are ready for the test. Everyone is a standout in his eyes. “There is no stand out player,” Melendez said. “This is a team sport, and the entire team will be the
hero in the end. However, every once in a while, one player or another will step up.” Melendez is success driven. “Winning on and off the field is essential,” Melendez said. “We want to get to the NCAA tournament, but off- the-field wins are important too. It should be the goal of the players, and it’s definitely a goal of ours as coaches.” Melendez has three assistant coaches in his supporting cast: Jose’ Vazquez, Drew Clark and Matt Crane. First-year-student Greg Matthews, who comes from Wekiva high school in Apopka, Fla., and majors in finance, is a right-hand pitcher for the team, and he believes in Melendez. “He is a great coach,” Matthews said. “He has a lot of passion for baseball. He’s my first college coach, and he has the drive to make players better both on and off the field.” Melendez looks encouraged and send this message for the Hornet Nation: “I hope we get a lot of support because we are going to represent for them.”
Continued from page D1 ers which brought the crowd vertical at the 15:44 mark. With 14:43 left, L. Williams split a pair of free-throws. The Panthers laid on the press, but that left M. Jones wide open at the other end of the court. She scored to make it 46-32, Panthers ahead. Etienne waited in the corner for a pass, and then she hit a three-pointer. Alford hit a quick turnaround to make the score 4835 with 12:55 left. A foul by Jones put L. Williams on the line to hit both of the freethrows and make the score 48-39 with 11:56 left. Etienne stole the ball and ran down court believing she would get the easy basket; sheer she was denied by Hornet guard Kierra Page, who raced down the court to catch up with her and block the shot. Henderson just could not miss as she hit another threepointer making the score 5541 with 9:22 left. Panther guard Michaela Burton pulled up and hit a shot try-
ing to keep the Panthers in the game with 7:30 left. The Hornets led by 14, 60-46. After a technical foul was called on J. Williams, Quinn missed both shots. With 3:07 left Alford powered down the lane and scored to make it 65-48, Hornets. With 1:33 left Jackson hit a three-pointer to make the score 67-51 but it would not be enough to spark a comeback for the Panthers. After the game Page said, “I feel amazing. It is good to get a win at home because we have been on a drought.” Head coach Freda-Freeman Jackson looked calm and said, “It feels great because we have been struggling. Our starting guard (Waldington) is out with a torn ACL, and we had to start a freshman; we only had two freshman guards to back her up. I feel we played excellent defense without fouling, and we did a good job on the board our bigs really stepped up for us.”
HOW TO WRITE US The Hornet Tribune is the official student newspaper of Alabama State University and is printed once weekly on Fridays. The opinions of The Hornet Tribune editorial board do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the university and serve as expressions of fact and opinions of interest. Letters to the editor may be submitted. Limit letters to 300 hundred words. They may be edited for space and will be edited for grammar and spelling. Letters and columns containing libelous and malicious statements will not be published. For identification purpose, all letters must include the writer’s full name address and telephone number. Once submitted, all letters and columns become the property of The Hornet Tribune.