Nov 19, 2014 by N.C. Central University Campus Echo

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Serving those who served: luncheon honors vets

Unsatisfied: Men’s basketball prepares for upcoming season

‘Women in the Pit’ tackles race and gender in the pulpit

Nnena Freelon plans to deck the halls with jazz

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Campus Echo Admins stifle student orgs

Student organizations speak out about faculty, staff and other organizations limiting their abilities BY LEAH MONTGOMERY ECHO ASSISTANT EDITOR

Not long ago, student organizations planned and executed homecomingweek events. The student activities board (SAB) was there to to

help organize, provide practice spaces and times, etc. So it’s no wonder that eyebrows raised when Anita Walton, N.C. Central University’s assistant vice chancellor of student affairs, said that student

organizations could no longer plan events during homecoming week. “I was told that claim was never formally documented, but rather remains a policy of tradition,” said mass communication senior and EVALESCO models

choreographer Franklin McKoy. EM had planned to hold its own show for homecoming, but was shut down because of the policy. Walton’s new policy was just one of many that hinder students from holding their

HOMECOMING 2014 II IN LIVING COLOR

own programs on campus. Mass communication seniors Bernatta Palmer and Bryan McIntosh held the “NCCU Edition Cypher” earlier this semester, but not without a cost. “We had to get a venue, and it was difficult to get a

WASHINGTON BUREAU

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Rancor over immigration escalated Friday after President Barack Obama, speaking halfway around the world, promised to go through with a controversial executive order that would shield as many as 5 million undocumented immigrants from deportation and to act before a new Republican Senate can take over. Obama repeated that he would issue an executive order by the end of the year and promised not to back down over Republican threats that taking unilateral action would cripple future cooperation. “They have the ability to fix the system,” said Obama during a trip to Yangon,

ANTHONY ORTIZ/Echo staff photographer

e came, we saw, Homecoming 2014 show McDougald-McLendon Gymnasium. we conquered. took center stage. Students watched perThe week commenced From Nov. 2-9, N.C. on Nov. 1 with a home- formances that included kickoff in Central University’s coming

n See HOMECOMING Page 6

That big post-grad job ... Taco Bell? BY LATEKA JOHNSON ECHO STAFF REPORTER

Natasha Griffin graduated with a degree in psychology. KIMANE DARDEN/Echo photo editor

Seniors graduating this December and May might have to brace themselves for unemployment or underemployment — the prospect that they may be working in jobs that they are overqualified for. According to the Current Population Survey by the Economic Policy Institute, just under 17 percent of young college graduates are either jobless and hunting for work; working part-time because they can’t find a full-time job; or want a job and have looked within the past year, but have now given up searching. This group is up from 9 percent in 2007. In all, 8.5 percent of young college graduates are defined as unemployed. This figure is up from 5 percent in 2007. But these statistics don’t capture the full force of the dilemma college graduates face. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, in 2012 over 40 percent of recent college graduates are underemployed, meaning that they are working in jobs for which they are overquali-

fied. That is to say, they are working in jobs that don’t even require a college degree. These sobering statistics don’t surprise N.C. Central University psychology graduate Natasha Griffin, a shift manager at Taco Bell. Griffin graduated in May 2014 with a 3.0 GPA. “Hell yeah, I am scared about living in the real world — I was expecting to be living large and in charge!” said Griffin, who earns $9.50 an hour at her full-time job. Griffin’s brother and sister, neither of whom attended college, also have worked in the fast food industry. “It’s not my dream job,” said Griffin, adding that her pay is better than what some of her friends, also NCCU graduates, earn. “Most of the people I know have settled for jobs at Wal-Mart and McDonald’s, making $7.25 an hour,” Griffin said. Unemployment and underemployment are driving many recent college graduates back into the fold. Up to 38 percent of 2014 graduates may be living at

n See POST-GRAD Page 2

n See STUDENT ORGS Page 2

Immigration face-off likely BY FRANCO ORDONEZ & LESLEY CLARK

Members of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. celebrate after being named the winners of the Homecoming stepshow.

booking on campus,” said Palmer. Palmer said even though she and McIntosh are NCCU students, they were unable to hold an event on campus without being part

Myanmar. “What they don’t have the ability to do is to expect me to stand by with a broken system in perpetuity.” Confident that Obama will soon issue the executive order, supporters have begun developing an infrastructure to help qualifying immigrants. They’re lining up attorneys around the country, setting up a hotline and creating a website where vetted information about necessary requirements for the order and instructions could be shared. They expect the Obama order would grant work permits to millions of undocumented immigrants, loosening requirements of Obama’s 2012 executive order that shielded more

n See IMMIGRATION Page 9

Language wars BY ADRIENNE STEPHENS ECHO STAFF REPORTER

Some black Americans put other black Americans down for speaking standard English. They say they are “acting white.” But others are proud of their ability to have mastered a dialect that may be quite different than the one they grew up with. In a recent Live Leak post with more than 380,000 hits, a young black American raises these issues with the following statement: “There’s no such thing as ‘talking white’ or ‘speaking white.’ It’s actually called

‘speaking fluently’ ‘speaking your language correctly. I don’t know why we’ve gotten to a place as a culture, as a race, if you sound as if you have more than a 5th grade education, it’s a bad thing.” There are a lot of ideas here. There’s the idea that some black Americans put others down for not always speaking black English (or Ebonics as it’s sometimes called). There’s the idea that one version of English, standard — aka white — English, is somehow better than black English.

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Illustration by Justin Gregory Ellis

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POST-GRAD CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 home. Griffin, who is from Winston-Salem, said that’s not an option for her. She cherishes her independence, so she’s struggling to pay for her own apartment. Then there’s the problem of student debt. According to CNN, upwards of 40 million college graduates have student debt. Since 2008, the average amount of student debt has

jumped from $23,000 to $29,400. Griffin owes even more than the national average – $39,000. Her solution: As her repayment grace period began approaching, she took out more loans and reenrolled in NCCU to get a second degree, taking online courses in family and consumer sciences teacher education. The refund check, she

said, helped her make ends meet. Griffin, who admits that she might need to spend a little more time at Career Services, says that, despite her struggles, she would “still do it all over again.” “Except this time I would know what to do and what not to do, so I would have been better prepared for the world and on my way.”

STUDENT ORGS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 of an official student organization. “That’s when we decided to ask Bon Vivant to perform,” said Palmer. If the duo had not gone through BV, they would have had to pay upwards of $3,000 to reserve a space on campus. But that was not the end of their struggle. “We went through a lot of problems because we had to have at least four campus police at the event before we could start,” said Palmer. “At the time there was a another event happening on campus, so we had to wait at least an hour and a half before we could begin.” But the police did arrive, and it seemed the event would finally begin. “Even then it was still challenging, because the cops didn’t want to stay for something they weren’t getting paid for,” said McIntosh.

“They wanted $250 in cash on the spot.” McIntosh had to pull money from his personal accounts to pay the police. “I see why outside organizations don’t usually work with Central,” said McIntosh. McIntosh and Palmer weren’t the only students to have trouble hosting events on campus. House Arrest II Championship Dance Team also has been given the runaround when it comes to setting up campus events. “Since the school didn’t allow an opportunity for performance organizations outside of modeling troupes to perform during homecoming, we planned to do the show with EVALESCO,” said House Arrest II president and English senior Cornichia Krider. “Homecoming is an exciting time and we were ready to perform!” Krider said.

However, due to the decision to shut down the show, they and others were unable to perform. “If we are students in registered campus organizations, why can’t we perform?” asked Krider. “We’ve never had problems like this before, so I was surprised.” Krider said House Arrest II also had problems getting practice spaces for their performance. “One time, we were told that we couldn’t use a room in the Union because it was occupied,” said Krider. “But it wasn’t. “It was empty.” Krider said she is frustrated with faculty and staff who are limiting the agency of student organizations. “For us to have been on campus as long as we have, it was unfair,” said Krider. “We, as students, should be able to express ourselves.”

TALKING WHITE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 And there’s the idea that standard English and black English are just two dialects or forms of speaking. But is speaking standard English a better way of speaking? Or is privileging standard English simply recognizing that one is unlikely to succeed in most professional environments while speaking black English, especially in its more urban forms. “I don’t think it is that you are trying to act white, I think it is that you are trying to better yourself and convince or show people that you are educated but it has nothing to do with color or race,” said mass communication senior Brittney McPherson. “It is about you showing what you have learned and putting it into action when you go out to get a job.” According to Larry

Nessly, language and literature associate professor, it’s all about context. “Clearly, standard English is appropriate in certain circumstances,” Nessly said. “I think every black speaker knows darn well by now that you can’t use slang at a formal interview, but it is perfectly OK and expected to use it at home with friends, when you are being informal.” This distinction applies to whites as well, explains Nessly. “It depends on what your goal is,” he said. “If you want a higher professional job, then it’s not just blacks, but whites also need … to gauge language usage for the level of career that they want. “Often the difference isn’t as large but it is still the same principle.” Mass communication

instructor Shelvia Dancy is critical of black Americans who taunt other blacks when they use standard English. Dancy said that black parents who teach their children standard English “deserve credit for their hard work.” “The propaganda of ‘talking white,’” she said, “takes credit away from those deserving parents.” The confusion arises when individuals deem standard English, which is simply one dialect among many, to be a higher form of English. In fact, standard English is just a dialect that has acquired prestige and legitimacy, largely because it has been the dialect used by the powerful. It’s that association with the powerful that makes standard English a desirable educational target.

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Brunch honors vets

Waddell is all in

Junior class president aims to get students more involved

NCCU honors service members on Veteran’s Day

Junior, and Air Force soldier, Sophia Ephraim at the Veteran’s Day brunch in the Alfonso Elder Student Union. KEYANDRA COTTON/Echo staff photographer

BY MONTREKA ELLIS ECHO STAFF REPORTER

N.C. Central University’s physical education and recreation management department hosted a Veteran’s Day brunch Nov. 11 in the student union. In his opening speech, Provost Johnson Akinleye acknowledged all veterans. “We take this moment, this day, and this time to honor, to remember, and to celebrate those who continue to make the sacrifice to give us that freedom that we so cherish and nurture,” Akinleye said. Commander Chris Dickerson, executive officer at the Navy Recruiting

Junior class president Nathaniel Waddell plans to make sure the class of 2016 is privy to all of the opportunities afforded to them.

District in Raleigh, spoke on the significance of the American military. Dickerson served in the U.S. Navy for 23 years. Dickerson told stories of the sacrifices of soldiers. “War is a serious business and it is real,” he said. “It has real costs and real impact on all who serve. “Our veterans represent the best of America … they represent the tapestry of our nation and they are what makes us a global force to be reckoned with.” Ja’nell Henry’s grandfathers are examples of those who sacrificed for her generation. “[Veteran’s Day] is just a way to honor their memory,” Henry said.

“The military was a big part of their lives and in turn impacted my parents. “Now that they’re gone it’s a way for me to appreciate, remember, and thank them.” Veterans Affairs Coordinator Dawn Whetstone, event creator and a Navy veteran, said it’s important for veterans to feel appreciated. “Most of them are too humble to admit that they have done anything,” Whetstone said. “I wanted to make sure this was more of a social event and less of individual recognition so they could just take a breath and relax.”

ANTHONY ORTIZ/Echo staff photographer

BY DIAMOND GWYNN ECHO STAFF REPORTER

Junior class president Nathaniel Waddell aims to please. “Being class president, to me, is serving my class to the best of my ability,” Waddell said. “When I think of a class president, I think of someone who is willing to put forth work day and night to make sure that their class is taken care of.” Waddell’s main goal as class president is to make sure the class of 2016 knows what's being offered to them, be it a campus organization, or awareness of the variety of community service hours available for them. "Right now we're planning on doing GRE and LSAT prep courses and having people from Kaplan come out and speak to the juniors about graduate school," he said. To involve the student body, Waddell said he is working on moving meet-

ings from the inside the Student Body Association office to campus residence halls. Waddell, a mass communication junior and Mister Alpha Chi of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated 2014-2015, is the new face and president of the junior class. Waddell dreams of becoming a well-known television host or co-host and eventually getting more involved in journalism, because he loves to write. Waddell his friends spurred him to run for office. “My real close friends have really played a major part in me running for class president,” he said. “Everything I do is because of them. “I really appreciate all that they have done for me thus far. “They are always there to give me feedback on choices and serve as my voices of reason when I am stuck in a dilemma.” Waddell ran for Mr.

NCCU College of Arts and Sciences “The PRIORITY is Student Success” Carlton E. Wilson, Dean • Army ROTC – Military Science • Aerospace Studies • Art • Biology • Chemistry • CREST/NASA Centers • Environmental, Earth and Geospatial Sciences • History • Language & Literature • Mass Communication • Mathematics & Physics • Music • NC-Health Careers Access Program • Pharmaceutical Sciences • Theatre/Dance

Sophomore last year, but lost. He said that loss motivated him to work harder to become junior class president. He said he wanted to be a model for his class. Waddell said there are no campus issues that he feels his office needs to address. He said he was proud of what he and campus committees did to contribute to homecoming. He said it was the best homecoming he’s experienced at NCCU. Waddell said that so far, he has enjoyed campaigning and engaging in student involvement sessions. “I have had the best experience getting to know students who are a part of the class of 2016, and it continues to grow daily,” he said. “I know I have made the best decision in becoming president because I know that I have the faith of my class to make decisions necessary for us to succeed together.”

NCCU’s joint debate BY CHELSEE POMPEY ECHO STAFF REPORTER

N.C. Central University’s department of student rights and responsibilities hosted "The Great Marijuana Debate" Thursday night in the school of law. Students from NCCU and Elizabeth City State met via web cam for a panel discussion on the legalization of marijuana in North Carolina. Durham County Assistant District Attorney Shamieka L. Rhinehart and Durham criminal defense attorney Alvin "AJ" Hudson served on the panel, presenting arguments on the issue as well as informing students of their legal rights when accused of using marijuana. Rhinehart, who argued against marijuana legalization, said the drug causes bad decision-making and has negative cognitive effects on young people.

Health Careers Center 40th Anniversary Find out more about the opportunities we offer. Our special programs include the Boston University Early Medical School Selection Program, the NCCU Pre-Dental Program, and the Rutgers School of Dental Medicine Program, and more N.C. Central University

For more than 35 years NCCU’s Health Careers Center staff has been developing pre-health professional students into viable candidates for health and medical careers by providing: • Advocacy • Counseling • Enrichment Activities • Health Career Network Access • Health Career Recruitment • Information • Internships & Shadowing Experiences • Standardized Test Prep Workshops •

"We already have alcohol and cigarettes,” Rhinehart said. “We don't need another vice for this state to regulate." Hudson, a proponent of marijuana legalization, argued that legalizing a drug that is already popular can have a great effect on the economy. "There would be revenue growth in a way that tobacco and alcohol can't," Hudson said. Rhinehart believes that rates of DWIs and health issues will increase as a result of the legalization of marijuana. She said she wishes to rid people of the misconception that marijuana is harmless. Hudson countered with, "Alcohol is more dangerous than marijuana." He said marijuana puts users in a sedated state, and that as a result they will be either too lazy to drive or,

more likely, drive slower. Despite their personal opinions on the use of marijuana, both attorneys emphasized that marijuana is still illegal in North Carolina. At Thursday’s discussion, students received information on probable cause laws, how to deal with officers when accused, and the consequences and options after being charged with possession of marijuana. Hudson warned that some law enforcement officers will do a background check on a person and use a history of marijuana involvement to search their vehicle, claiming to smell marijuana. "Do not, in my opinion, put yourself in this situation because the consequences are drastic," said Rhinehart. Hudson believes marijuana will eventually be legalized in North Carolina.

United Christian Campus Ministry 525 Nelson Street, NCCU Campus

JOIN US! Get involved with Campus Ministries today! Michael D. Page Campus Minister

Contact us for more information 919.530.7128 1242 Mary Townes Science Complex Alfreda D. Evans, Student Services Specialist Durham, NC 27707 Kaye Thompson-Rogers, Ph.D., Director

For more information contact Rev. Michael Page at 530-5263 or by e-mail at mpage@nccu.edu

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The fruit fly in you

Campus Echo WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2014

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NCCU professor uses fruit flies to study human cancers A behavioral assay is a process of carefully analyzing behavior changes after earlier changes to some variable. “First, I knock them out with carbon dioxide, and then turn them on their backs,” Key said. Fruit flies serve as a “test tube” for exploring how things go wrong in cells. Researchers use them to “look at sleep, aging and other behaviors that can be applied to humans. “For example, at North Carolina State University, they look at alcoholism in flies,” Key said.

NCCU biology professor Catherine Silver Key uses fruit flies in her research because they serve as “test tubes” for gaining insight on why cells become unhealthy. ANTHONY ALEXANDEREcho staff photographer

BY BAILEY CLEMMONS ECHO STAFF REPORTER

It might feel a little humbling to find out that human beings have a lot in common with tiny fruit flies. Yes, we’re talking about the ones that buzz around the week-old apples and bananas you’ve left sitting on your kitchen counter. But fruit flies can serve as useful substitutes for human beings in basic research, said Catherine Silver Key, N.C. Central University assistant professor of biology. Key, who has taught at NCCU since 2005, uses fruit flies to study human cancers and diseases. Particularly, she studies the role a certain gene called CDT2 plays in liver and breast cancers.

The relationship between fly and human genes is so close that the sequences of newly discovered human genes, including disease genes, can often be matched against their fly counterparts, she said. For this reason, fruit flies, whose scientific name is Drosophila melanogaster (pronounced druh-SAWFUH-luh), can be used to study a wide range of human issues. “At least 50 percent of the genes that are in flies are diseased genes in humans, or genes that are associated with diseases in humans,” Key said. The flies, which live about 30 days, are also popular with researchers because they are small and easy to care for. Key’s research involves performing behavioral assays on the flies.

According to “Mutant Fruit Flies,” a webpage published by the San Francisco Science Museum for Kids, “Biologists learn about the proper function of any gene by studying mutations. “If a defective gene causes short wings, for instance, scientists know that the healthy version of the gene is responsible for correct wing formation,” the website says. Key said she started working with fruit flies after earning her Ph.D. in microbiology and immunology from UNC-Chapel Hill, when she was doing post-doctoral research at Duke University’s department of biochemistry. “At Duke, I would take the little worms, larva, and I would pull them apart,” she said. “They get these really big DNA molecules that one can actually see with a light microscope. I would squish those cells so that one could see the DNApolytene chromosomes.” Fruit flies have been used as a “model organism” in research for more than 100 years. Fruit flies even became a topic of conversation in the 2008 election, when vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin sarcastically mocked fruit fly research as frivolous and wasteful and not serving the public good. Little did she know that fruit flies have a pedigree in biology as famous as Gregor Mendel’s famous peas, which Mendel used to establish the rules of heredity and the science of genetics.

Print kiosks -useful stopgap? 4 campus computer labs re-opened as single-printer kiosks BY SHAKIRA WARREN ECHO STAFF REPORTER

Students arrived at Farrison-Newton Communications Building on a recent Wednesday morning to find a onceclosed computer lab had reopened — with one computer and one printer. “One computer and one printer are not very helpful,” said mass communication senior Wanda Foster. “I haven’t used the computer or printer because there is always a line,” Foster said. “I am still very upset about the closing of the labs in July, so I will not be using what they have provided in place.” N.C. Central University officials have placed these print kiosks in four of the nine computer labs that were closed in August. These kiosks are located in the school of education, criminal justice and law buildings. According to an email sent out by Chief Information Officer Leah Kraus on Aug. 13, the computer labs were closed because they were not being used as expected. “Faculty complained. They said they needed an area for their students to print,” said Kraus. In retrospect, she said, “I should have communicated more and thought of something that would be able to accommodate the students’ needs.”

Some faculty believe that the kiosks are not sufficient. “It is not helpful in the communications building to only have one print kiosk station,” said Shauntae White, associate professor of mass communication. “Until the institution requires everyone to have laptops, it is very important to have computer labs around campus,” White said. Kraus said the long-term plan is to install a print kiosk in the lobby of every academic building. Bruce DePyssler, associate professor of mass communication, said the kiosk in Farrison-Newton “helps a little bit. I’m curious to see what the long-term solution is.” According to Kraus, a mega-lab, with computers, printers and laptops accessible to all students, will open in the library in the spring. Mass communication senior Marrisa Dorian was not enthusiastic about the kiosks. “There are too many students to one computer and one printer,” Dorian said. “I have to go to the library just to complete my work.” Kraus said the instructional technology department also has created a virtual lab environmental app, Eagle Apps, which allows faculty and students to access Microsoft Office on their phones as long as they have access to the Internet.

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Homecoming Recap 2014 WE

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NCCU football head coach Jerry Mack leads his players onto the field in the homecoming game against the Hampton Pirates. MARKELL PITCHFORD/Echo staff photographer

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., won first place among the three competing NCCU sororities in the 2014 Homecoming stepshow. LEAH MONTGOMERY/Echo assistant editor

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Business management senior Khayri Burns performs with his line brothers.

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Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., won second place at homecoming stepshow. LEAH MONTGOMERYEcho assistant editor

NCCU’s Marching Sound Machine, the Black Eagles, and the Association of Students for a Better Africa. Students also collected their homecoming shirts for the upcoming week. The next day, students gathered in the McDougald-McLendon Gymnasium again for the Miss and Mr. NCCU Coronation. Demarre Collins and Tania Irwin were crowned as Mr. and Miss NCCU, along with their Royal Court. That Monday, the B.N. Duke Auditorium exploded with R&B, gospel and contemporary music as NCCU students took part in the Choir Ball. Students

embodied the personae of musicians from India.Arie to John Legend. NCCU was going up on a Tuesday with performances by the modeling troupe De Haute Allure and rap artists YG and Big K.R.I.T. in the Rip the Runway Fashion Show. Wednesday, NCCU hosted Eagle Fest, filled with vendors, inflatables, games and rides. There was also live entertainment featuring the Reaction Band. Gospel artists Tye Tribbett and Kierra Sheard moved NCCU students with their powerful voices

LEAH MONTGOMERY/Echo assistant editor

and exhilarating performances at the Lyceum Gospel Concert on Thursday. Friday’s National Pan-Hellenic Council stepshow capped off the week’s festivities with performances from three fraternities and three sororities. This year’s winners included Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Homecoming came to a fitting end with the Eagles’ victory over the Hampton University Pirates, 47-13. — Story by Jamar Negron & Leah Montgomery

History junior Deatrin Sutton hypes up the crowd at the Homecoming fashion show and concert. ANTHONY ALEXANDER/Echo staff photographer

Criminal Justice senior Andrea Liles flashes her grit face while performing with Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. LEAH MONTGOMERY/Echo assistant editor

Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., won first place among the three competing NCCU fraternities in the 2014 Homecoming stepshow.

Mass communication senior Cori Baston sings Syven Streeter’s “I Like It” at choir ball.

LEAH MONTGOMERY/Echo assistant editor

ANTHONY ALEXANDEREcho staff photographer

Campus Echo WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2014

Beyond NCCU

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White House may veto Keystone project Potential showdown between Congress and Obama over controversial pipeline BY WILLIAM DOUGLAS MCCLATCHY WASHINGTON BUREAU(MCT)

WASHINGTON — The House of Representatives approved a bill Friday authorizing construction of the Keystone XL oil pipeline, setting up a potential showdown between President Barack Obama and Capitol Hill over the controversial project. Following the House’s 252-161 vote, attention shifts to the Democraticcontrolled Senate, where lawmakers are expected to vote Tuesday on a Keystone bill co-sponsored by Sen. Mary Landrieu, D-La. If the bill overcomes the 60-vote threshold in the Senate, Obama would have to decide whether to sign it, a calculation complicated by 2014 election politics and the White House’s hope of building a presidential legacy on environmental and climate change issues. Signing the bill might help Landrieu, who failed to gain over 50 percent of the vote in her re-election bid and faces a runoff Dec. 6 against Rep. Bill Cassidy, R-La., who sponsored the House Keystone bill. “The president doesn’t have any more elections to win, and he has no other excuse for standing in the way,” House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, said after the vote. “It’s time he start listening to the vast majority of Americans who support Keystone and help get more people back to work.” House and Senate Republicans have championed the pipeline as a shovel-ready job creator that would allow reductions in oil imports from volatile regions such as the Middle East. Obama, liberal Democrats and green groups have expressed concerns about the environmental impact of the project. Obama didn’t sound as if he were in a bill-signing mood when he was asked about the pipeline during a visit Friday with Myanmar

Tom Genung from Nebraska, and a member of the Cowboy and Indian Alliance sets up camp on the Mall in Washington, D.C. as a protest of the proposed construction of the Keystone XL pipeline, April 22, 2014. (Olivier Douliery/Abaca Press/MCT) OLIVIER DOULIERY/Abaca Press (MCT)

opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi in Yangon. “If my Republican friends really want to focus on what’s good for the American people in terms of job creation and lower energy costs, we should be engaging in a conversation about what we are doing to produce more homegrown energy,” he said. “I’m happy to have that conversation.” White House press secretary Josh Earnest had suggested Thursday in Myanmar that Obama would veto the bill. “I think it’s fair to say that our dim view on these kinds of proposals has not changed,” he said. If built, the Keystone XL pipeline would stretch

1,700 miles and bring crude oil from the Canadian oil sands in Alberta to American refineries on the Gulf Coast. The project has been a political dispute — and talking point — for years, with Republicans using it as an example of what they say is the Obama administration’s lack of concern for job creation and most Democrats characterizing it as Exhibit A of the Republicans’ disregard for the environment. In April, the White House delayed a decision on the pipeline until after the November elections, saying administration agencies needed more time to analyze pipeline-related

litigation in the Nebraska Supreme Court. The debate over the pipeline suddenly reignited Wednesday, when Landrieu, aided by other moderate Democrats, pressed outgoing Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., for a vote on the project, something he had been reluctant to have. Within hours of Landrieu’s request, the House announced its intention to vote on Cassidy’s bill. While thrilled to have votes on the pipeline in both chambers, congressional Republicans dismissed the upcoming Senate vote as a stunt to boost Landrieu’s re-election prospects.

“Now, miraculously, and I will call it a job bill, the Senate is now entertaining this because of one job,” Rep. Mike Kelly, R-Pa., said during debate Thursday on the House bill. “The tens of thousands of jobs of all these Americans who you’ve turned a deaf ear and blind eye to are now being answered by the Senate because of one job ... one senator who has the possibility of losing her seat because of the Keystone pipeline not being able to go through the Senate,” he said. Landrieu has insisted that the Senate vote isn’t about her political career. Meanwhile, House Democrats attacked the

pipeline project as a sweetheart deal benefiting the oil companies and Canada. “We get all the risks while the oil companies reap the rewards,” Rep. Henry Waxman, D-Calif., said in prepared remarks Thursday. “The tar sands pipeline will worsen climate change. Keystone XL will create a dependence on tar sands crude, reversing the carbon pollution reductions we have been working so hard to accomplish.” In the end, all but one Republican voted for the bill: Rep. Justin Amash, RMich., voted “present.” Thirty-one Democrats crossed party lines to support the measure.

IMMIGRATION CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 than 500,000 young immigrants brought to the country illegally as children. It also could include the parents of children who are U.S. citizens. “I think that they have signaled pretty clearly that it is going to be based on the number of years that someone has been here,” said Angela Maria Kelley, vice president of immigration policy at the Center for American Progress. “They’re looking for rootedness, if you will.” Vice President Joe Biden said Friday that Obama will issue a set of administrative acts that would increase enforcement measures and protect undocumented immigrants who have been here the longest. “Our hope is that Congress will follow his lead and do the right thing, but waiting is not an option,” said Biden, speaking at an Inter-American Development Bank seminar that included the presidents of El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras. Despite all the talk of cooperation and openness with a new incoming Congress, the prospects of a major bipartisan agreement on immigration appeared remote. Democrats have rallied around the president in support of a “bold and meaningful” immigration overhaul. In a letter to Obama released Thursday,

Supporters of immigration reform protest outside the White House on Nov. 7, 2014 in Washington, D.C. OLIVIER DOULIERY/Abaca Press (MCT)

116 House of Representatives Democrats said Republican leaders have proven they won’t pass a comprehensive immigration overhaul. “By failing to do their job — and repeatedly interfering with your efforts to

do your job — congressional Republicans threaten to take our immigration system hostage and preserve a status quo that everyone agrees is unacceptable,” the letter said. While Republicans were united in their opposition,

the party was divided over how to confront Obama. Rep. Matt Salmon, RAriz., said Friday that nobody wants a government shutdown. He indicated that Republicans would try to attack whatever Obama does on immigration

through the budget process. He said he’d like to see language in upcoming legislation to fund the federal government beyond Dec. 11 that would prevent Obama from using federal money on the executive action. Salmon wrote a letter

with more than 60 Republicans pressing the House Appropriations Committee to include language in the spending bill that prohibits funding for an executive order. House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, said Thursday that “all options are on the table,” including using the spending bill to block Obama from taking executive action on immigration, but incoming Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., ruled out a government shutdown. “We’ll not be shutting the government down or threatening to default on the national debt,” McConnell told reporters after meeting with GOP colleagues. Republicans who supported a 2012 Senate immigration proposal that would have placed millions of undocumented immigrants on a path to citizenship say Obama should at least give the new Congress an opportunity to see if it can pass legislation through normal channels. “If he were serious about it, he’d say, ‘I’ll give the new Congress some time to see if they will act on it or not before I act on an executive order,’ “ said Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., one of the architects of the Senate bill. William Douglas and Anita Kumar contributed to this report.

Campus Echo WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2014

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Big Band Christmas Freelon kisses 2014 goodbye with jazzy Christmas performance BY L EAH M ONTGOMERY ASSISTANT EDITOR

Six-time Grammy Award nominee Nnenna Freelon will perform Dec. 7 with John Brown for their Big Band Christmas concert at the Carolina Theatre in Durham. The annual concert is Freelon’s way of giving back to Durham—a place she has called home for more than 30 years. “I really came of age as an artist here in Durham,” said Freelon. Raised in Cambridge, Mass., Freelon said in childhood she was immersed in poetry readings, ballet concerts, modern and African dance performances and jazz concerts. “My mother was born in Texarkana, Texas in 1928— she was not allowed to go to a library or live performances or anything,” said Freelon. “She was determined that her children would have opportunities that she didn’t. “She really believed that the arts had a humanizing factor and that was something she wanted for herself and for her children.” After moving to Durham in the ’80s, Freelon said establishing herself as an artist was “a slow, but beautiful process.” “Back in those days you made mixtapes and sent them to everyone you knew,” she said. “Record companies were always looking for new artists. I learned on the job.” Since then, Freelon has

Photo courtesy of ejazznews.com

performed with jazz and soul artists like Jessye Norman, Herbie Hancock, Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles, Take 6, Al Jarreau and others. She has performed at legendary venues like Carnegie Hall, the Hollywood Bowl, the Monterey and Newport Jazz Festivals, along with venues across Europe. “I believe in blooming where you are planted, not New York, not L.A.,” said Freelon. “It means dreaming a dream right where you are. I’ve learned as an artist that it’s more about the journey than the destination.” Even after becoming a world traveler, Freelon said she appreciates Durham’s rich heritage and bright future. “I love Durham. I love its grit, its grind and its diversity,” she said. “It’s very different than it was when I moved here. I do see gentrification downtown, but you have to work to make community. “It’s an active exercise in looking beyond your own borders to see what kind of communities you want to build.” Since Freelon took last year off from her annual concert, she said she is extremely excited about December’s performance. “We gon’ rock it, baby, we gon’ rock it!” said Freelon. “It’s all about celebrating the end of 2014. It’s my Christmas present to my community. Across race, gender, class sexual orientations—we’re all just groovin’.”

Inside ‘Women in the Pit’ BY MIRANDA DAVIS ECHO STAFF REPORTER

In light of its 65th anniversary, N.C. Central University’s department of theatre and dance centered this season’s plays on faith. Following October’s production, “Leap of Faith,” the department closed its season with a black box performance of Joyce Sylvester’s “Women in the Pit” Nov. 13-15. Located in room 103 of the Farrison-Newton Communication building, the 60-seat black box theater provides a more of intimate space than the University Theatre. Stephanie “Dr. Asabi” Howard was the artistic director and Kamora “KamoraLi” Avent served as assistant director. The play is set during

the 2008 presidential election between Barack Obama and John McCain. In the play, the church of Mt. Zion, a predominantly black church, is looking for a new pastor. After six years of temporary pastors, the congregation longs for a long-term option. After examining many candidates, they find one who stands above the rest. The candidate has extraordinary references, and the church is compelled to call the candidate for an interview. However, the church’s excitement turns to confusion when they discover that the candidate is a white woman. Mass communication senior Cameron Clifton played Elder Mason, the main opponent of appointing the white woman as

NCCU’s OFFICE OF INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS INTERNATIONAL WEEK EVENTS • NCCU celebrates the 2014 International Education Week, Nov. 17-21. Please see below for the rest of the week’s events. • Wednesday, Nov. 19, 10-10:50: Commemoration of the Day of the Imprisoned Writer - 219 Farrison-Newton Communications Bldg.; 4:30-5:45: Global Education Day - 3rd Floor, Shepard Library • Thursday, Nov. 20, 12 - 2: International Webinar – School of Law & Shepard Library; 6-8: Information Session on the Peace Corps Program – Miller Morgan Auditorium • Friday, Nov. 21, 11-1:30: Global Cultural Awareness Day – 1st Floor Lobby, Nursing Bldg.; 6:30-8 Presentations by MPA Students on their Internships in Liberia – 201 Whiting Criminal Justice Bldg.

Study Abroad Information Sessions • The next First Thursday Study Abroad Information Session in on December 4 during the 10:40 break in 202 Lee Biology Bldg.

Deadlines for study abroad applications • The deadline for the 2015-2016 Boren Scholarship and Fellowship program is Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2015. For information on the Boren Scholarships and Fellowships, please go to www.borenawards.org • The deadline for applications to OIA from students planning to study abroad in summer or fall 2015 or the 2015-2016 academic year is Feb. 15, 2015

expand your horizons

STUDY ABROAD

Contact Dr. Olivia Metzger Jones at ojones@nccu.edu or 919.530.7713

pastor. The play was Clifton’s first time being cast as a major character. “The prep for the play was very fast-paced, and we only had three weeks to prepare for it," said Clifton. He said it was also his first time performing a play on a thrust stage, which has audience members on three sides of the stage. "Getting used to the thrust format was a bit challenging, but I really enjoyed my role," said Clifton. Theater senior Emerie Germ plays Reverend E.R. George, the white pastor candidate. “The overall message [was that] we should not judge people based on race, gender or because of their background,” said

Germ. Germ initially became involved with the play because she “thought the message and context of the play was very interesting and it is still something relevant today that everyone can relate to.” Many of the play’s characters did not want to hire a woman pastor, let alone a white woman, for their predominately black congregation. Theatre sophomore Jonathan Able played Deacon Vons, who opposes appointing the white woman. “To me, the play is about how the church has to overcome discrimination and racism,” said Able. “At the end of the story, we come to a conclusion that it's not good to discriminate [against] race and gender.”

NCCU’s Catholic Campus Ministry invites Catholic Students, Staff and Friends to our Sunday Mass Mass offered on third Sunday each month. Call us for locations. Bring friends as you come!

Wishing you a Happy Christmas break and the joys of the New Year. See you next semester! For more information call us at 919.801.0428

Photo courtesy of the NCCU Department of Theatre and Dance

Motivational and uplifting poetry to encourage you through the trials of life. Spoken words to inspire you to focus on tearing down the walls of low self-esteem and motivate you to fight for the star player ... “YOU.”

by NCCU psychology junior Silent Dugood Rev. Fr. Joseph Oji, C.S. Sp. NCCU Catholic Campus Ministry

Copies available in hardcover, softcover & e-book Available at Xlibris.com, B&N.com, & Amazon.com

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Campus Echo WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 19 , 2014

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Will Eagles dominate MEAC again? NCCU men’s basketball team looks to exceed pre-season expectations BY

AVERY YOUNG

“I don’t care about that stuff. No one cares about an educated guess or hypothesis.”

ECHO SPORTS EDITOR

Coming off a magically historical season, N.C. Central University’s men’s basketball team looks forward to the upcoming 20142015 season determined to live up to expectations. Last year, the team kept alive a still-in-force 22home-game winning streak, won the Mid-Eastern Atlantic Conference championship and earned 14th seed in the NCAA March Madness tournament. That is why the men’s basketball team is surrounded by a lot of hype this year. Conference coaches project that the team will become MEAC champions. But the Eagles look forward to their schedule, not because of the pre-season rankings but to build off last season’s success. Coach LeVelle Moton knows better than to believe the hype. “I don’t care about that stuff,” Moton said. “No one cares about an educated guess or a hypothesis.” “A lot of it is just bait anyway, so it is great and respectable, but games are not won on paper or in the pre-season.” Co-captain senior forwards Jordan Parks and Karamo Jawara were recognized for their outstand-

LEVELLE MOTON ON PRE-SEASON RANKINGS MEN’S BASKETBALL TEAM HEAD COACH

The NCCU men’s basketball team digs deep into their bench against the No. 6 Tar Heels of UNC-Chapel Hill Nov. 14. JAKAI BAKER/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

ing performances last season. Parks was awarded First Team All-MEAC and Jawara earned Third Team All-MEAC honors.

However, these pre-season honors don’t mean anything to the new team captains. “I don’t really care about the individual stuff,”

Jawara said. “I just want to win. If I’m third team, sixth team or first team, it really doesn’t matter to me.” Parks cosigned with

Jawara. “I don’t think the selection of being first team is what gives me my drive and excitement,” Parks said. “I am just as excited as

last year. I want to come out with my teammates and go on a great run again.” After last season’s success, NCCU was rewarded with much more difficult opponents this season. Their first game of the season is against the No. 6 Tar Heels of UNC-Chapel Hill on Nov. 14. Parks spoke on the team’s excitement about opening their season on such a huge stage. “Everyone on the team is super amped for the UNC game,” Parks said. “We know the lights will be on and everyone is looking to produce and get the win.” The Eagles face a few more respected Division I programs besides the Tar Heels:Creighton, Cincinnati, MD-College Park and Memphis. “I am looking forward to playing UNC and Maryland again,” Jawara said.

MEAC superior collides with Heels in opening game NCCU takes first loss of season to No. 6 UNC-Chapel Hill, 76-60

Anthony McDonald attacks the paint against a solid Carolina defense Nov. 14. JAKAI BAKER/Staff photographer BY

LYNDON BASS

ECHO SPORTS REPORTER

After coming off an impressive MEAC championship season, the “unsatisfied” Eagles of N.C. Central University found themselves in their first competitive

challenge in the season opener. On Friday, Nov. 14, the men’s basketball team traveled to the Dean E. Smith Center to face the 6th-ranked Tar Heels of the University of North Carolina. This was only the second time in history that the two teams have

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met. The Eagles struggled early on, allowing the Tar Heels to go on an 11-0 run at the start of the game. They shot 1 for 10 from the field while forcing 5 turnovers within the first 10 minutes of the

game. The Eagles scored their first basket of the season at the 15minute mark in the first half. By halftime, the fighting Eagles had erased the deficit to 9 points with a score of 28-19. This was not exactly the start the Eagles were hoping for, but the team still had a fighting chance going into the half. UNC started the second half with three consecutive and-one opportunities, giving the Eagles early second-half foul trouble. Once the Eagles settled down, their defense helped force the Tar Heels to 14 turnovers. “Our first-shot defense was pretty good,” Levelle Moton said. “It was just the second one. That’s what killed us. “I thought we were playing volleyball a couple of times.” Moton also explained that his team likes to run in transition against their opponent. NCCU outscored UNC 9-6 in transition points throughout the game. “It was about taming the thoroughbreds,” Moton said. Eagles settled down after being down by 21 at one point, lowering the deficit to 12 points in the second half. “We have a lot of new guys and it showed,” Moton said. “We were nervous in the first half,” Moton said.

“Once we made a few shots, we started to settle down.” NCCU senior transfer guard Anthony McDonald was one of the new faces who didn’t show fear leading the team, with 16 points. McDonald was one of three Eagles who scored in double figures Friday night. Returning senior forward Karamo Jawara and junior guard Dante Holmes both contributed 11 points each. First Team MEAC finalist Jordan Parks added to the team with 7 points. The final score of the game was 76-60. Although the Eagles left on the losing end, Moton explains how the team will build from the mistakes and learn from it. “I am never pleased with losses, but I am pleased with our effort and fight,” said Moton. “We can build upon those things.” The Eagles will continue to battle it out this season as they have such well-known opponents as Cincinnati, Maryland, Memphis and Creighton. The Eagles are looking forward to playing Howard University in the “Big Apple Classic” in Brooklyn, N.Y., this December.

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Campus Echo WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2014

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hen I was a child, my parents always explained that racism is wrong, and they have stressed the importance of equality, sensitivity and respect. Transitioning to an HBCU from a predominantly white high school has been an eyeEvan opener for me. Owens Racism still both occurs and goes unnoticed. On the surface, racism did not seem to be present at my high school. However, racism does not always come in the form of an obvious exclusion or verbal insult. What plagued my sheltered, uninformed high school was “low-key” racism. Many classmates from ethnic backgrounds other than black were under the impression that as long as they were nice to black students, they weren’t being racist. But niceness doesn’t equate to racial sensitivity. My black classmates

were always reminded that they were different. They were expected to play sports. Their athletic success was attributed to their race, not to their hard work. Some people would praise my black classmates for their athletic success, while using racial slurs to describe them. They obviously didn’t get the big picture. This issue reminds me of the movie “Remember the Titans.” [explain] It’s still happening frequently. “Low-key racism” is not meant to demean someone, but is usually dangerous. It is much harder to convince someone to stop defaming someone when that person doesn’t feel as if he or she is being racist. The major culprit behind the persistence of racism is stereotyping. Individuals may be fed an image of how people of a certain race “should” look and behave. When someone has never been told otherwise, these stereotypical images may be accepted as the reality. No matter one’s race,

stereotypes exist, and they have taken their toll. HBCUs have a rich history. Our universities have fought for individual equality and civil rights. There’s not much recognition that HBCUs are extremely welcoming. All races are accepted and respected at HBCUs. As a white student, I have been welcomed and have felt right at home here at NCCU. But it is the subtle instances of prejudice and racism that persist — even at our institution — due to lack of awareness. Like the students at my high school, some students have not had past interactions with people from different racial backgrounds. It is essential that students help to eradicate “low-key” racism and choose not to participate in it themselves. Our world is becoming increasingly more diverse. Interactions between different cultures will not end. It is time that we learned to accept and respect each other regardless of the pigment of our skin. Being nice isn’t enough.

IVERSITY

Pressed

“Low-key” racism As a white student, I have been welcomed and have felt right at home here at NCCU. But it is the subtle ... racism that persists — even at our institution — due to lack of awareness.

As a white student, I have been welcomed and have felt right at home here at NCCU. But it is the subtle ... racism that persists — even at our institution — due to lack of awareness.

f you have been a student long enough at N.C. Central, then you know how hectic and crazy chicken Wednesday can be. We all know it’s the time of the week when everyone comes out in their Sunday’s best to be seen. Oh and of course, to get some good chicken and soul food from the caf. While in all, this may Shambre be fun and interactive, Tillman but let’s talk about the real situation at hand. “RESERVED SEATING.” Why do people feel as if they can reserve tables? Last time I checked, there has not been any type of website implemented to reserve seats.

I’ve been here at NCCU for the past four years. Granted seats are hard to come by in the caf on Chicken Wednesday. Besides the fact there’s barely any seats in the cafe. Getting upset and being pressed over a seat isn’t as serious as the situation. Chill out! I personally do not think there is a problem with saving a seat for one or two friends, but when someone tries to reserve the whole table, that’s ridiculous. No one should have the privilege to do so no matter who you are. The problem at NCCU is that some people feel “grand.” Meaning, they think that they are better than other people. Some people think that they hold some type of authority or power to hold seats. The issue is, people feel

entitled to a seat. The seating should be on a first come, first serve basis just like any other day in the caf. At the end of the day we all just want to eat and converse with our friends. Instead of getting upset about someone taking your seat or being in your spot, make a new friend. We all should be about promoting a family atmosphere for our peers. Whether you are a student, faculty/staff, or visitor, you are a part of NCCU. Or if the seating is your issue, then talk to the proper administrators and staff members. We all know the chicken is delicious so let’s enjoy it together. Don’t be pressed!

What does love have to do with it? any people are ignorant to the facts of domestic violence. It is common for women of all ages to be involved in violent relationships. In fact, 21 percent of college students are reported to have had experienced domestic violence by a current partner; 32 percent experienced dating violence by a previous partner. Why is this violence so Diamond common? And why do Gwynn women stay with their abusers? There are multiple reasons why a woman may feel she’s obligated to stay with an abusive partner. Some young girls have watched their mother or guardian experience a violent relationship. When you see abusive behavior in your own household, you may not know it’s your decision whether to tolerate an abusive man. Some women are unaware that love shouldn’t hurt. Women are in touch with their emotions, so in relationships we want someone to express how beautiful and special we are. Women may stay with an abusive partner because the lack of love and affection from a “father” figure. These women look for love and approval in relationships. An abusive relationship can initiate from insecurities. Violent men choose women who have struggled with mental abuse or inse-

curities. A man can brainwash a woman into thinking it would be impossible for her to find a better man and that she doesn’t deserve better. Now that domestic violence has been brought up in the media, and women are standing up for themselves, knowing it’s not okay, young girls feel as if it’s not acceptable to be disrespected and abused by a man who claims he loves you. Take the Ray Rice incident, for example. Ray Rice, former football player for the Baltimore Ravens, was caught on camera knocking out his fiancé in an elevator. Rice carelessly dragged her out as if it was a common situation. The incident was brought out in the media, and Rice was suspended from the NFL, and his career was put on the line. While the media bashed him, his fiancé stood up for him. She basically blamed the media for the controversy. We all know about, and most want to forget about, the Chris Brown and Rihanna incident. After Brown assaulted Rihanna, she initially continued the relationship with him. She eventually removed herself from the relationship, because of her fans and young girls who may be in the same predicament. When girls see idolized women in the media tolerate such abusive behavior, they feel it’s acceptable to be treated as if they are worthless. And of course, there are women who believe they should stay with an abu-

sive man for the sake of their children. I’m not here to judge anyone. But the worst thing you could do to a child is force them to live around abuse. For either your daughter to grow up thinking it’s okay for a man to lay his hands on her, or gives your son approval to hit women is the last thing one should want. You must start at the root of the problem! If you are in this situation and you do have children, remove yourself from the relationship, for your children. Seeing a parent being abused can be traumatizing. If not, do it for yourself! At a young age, we have time to find love. Don’t be in such a rush to get involved in relationship. We should be finding ourselves, and preparing for the future. Love will come later. Remember, a violent man will take full advantage of an insecure woman. A woman must value her worth. You may feel as if you need someone, but you don’t! There is always someone better. Don’t search for love — let love find you. Besides, having a understanding for love, find love for yourself. A relationship can’t prosper without selflove. If you are afraid to remove yourself from an abusive relationship, or if you just need that extra encouragement to do so, visit North Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence on http://www.nccadv.org/, there’s also hotline number: 1-888-232-9124.

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Opinions

Campus Echo WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2014

Learn loyalty t seems as if either people as a human race are misled, have a misconception, are unsure, or pretty confused about the makings of a relationship. Neither kicking it with your childhood crush; dating your first love; marrying your high school or college love, nor being best friends with an individual since Melquan childbirth; makes a relaGanzy, tionship. Opinions Yes, having an emotional Editor involvement with a significant other is a type of relationship. And these relationships develop from a friendship, well supposedly. Intriguing, but I am besides my point. Whether you have a relationship with your boyfriend, “bestie”, n****, girlfriend, sissy, mother, or your sister-in-law’s baby cousin Tracy, a relationship is built on loyalty. In today’s generation, “being fake” is trendy. Unfortunately, people are just as bogus as these silver or gold grillz, assuring their grillz are real. It’s ironic, everyone claims to be real. Keep 100, Keep it HOT!

Whether you have a relationship with your boyfriend, “bestie”, n****, girlfriend, sissy, mother, or your sisterin-law’s baby cousin Tracy, a relationship is built on loyalty. Everyone can’t ultimately be real, because people are “shady”, people are hiding out the truth. Learn loyalty! No one should attempt to be loyal, it’s a natural being. When we aren’t aware, we are easily be misled. When we’re uncertain or lack a clear understanding, it creates confusion. What’s loyalty? Loyalty is a true hearted commitment. When you’re true hearted, you’re true to one, being able to be true to oneself will allow one to be faithful and honest in a relationship. One has to be strong minded and confidence when involved in a relationship. And the confidence has to be retained in the mind. Honesty is to be truehearted. Through complications in a relationship, honesty is valuable. Being honest builds a strong sincere bond. If not, the relationship will

struggle because no one will have trust their friend to take a secret to grave or trust her boyfriend who’s kicking it with a side chick because their relationship is low-key. You have to trust their friends! What’s a relationship without trust? I’ve heard people say you can’t trust all your friends. If you can’t trust all your friends then it’s obvious those individuals aren’t your friends. And everyone isn’t your friend. Just because she matches your fly, or he’s from your city, 3-3-6, doesn’t make an individual your friend. A true friend is someone who understands the person you are, supports your ambitions, and has a voice for the things you do wrong. It’s that simple. Today, many couples establish a low-key relationship and hide their relationship from others.

Couples are together for their sake of love, and people on the outside of their relationship don’t matter. Cool! But I believe hiding a relationship defeats the purpose of being in involved. Young generations could embrace the beauty of strong black couples, so that they are assured of an intimate and healthy relationship. When you’re dating someone it isn’t necessary to either post your significant other on “Man Crush Monday” or “Woman Crush Wednesday.” However, when you’re in relationship with someone, everyone should know. Everyone should know that’s you! You may have strong faith in someone, but if you all’s faith isn’t balanced your faith will be worthless. Actions speak louder than words. Whether you’re in a relationship with a significant, or share a friendship, you must have an understanding of commitment. Devoting time in a relationship is important. If you believe it’s irrelevant you’ll most likely grow apart. In all everything in a relationship will not always be easy going but you must always remain loyal.

It all gets heavy s I walk across the sloping hills and verdant green of N.C. Central, I see a multitude of different people. I see a number of ethnicities, hairstyles, skin tones, height, weight, eye color, etc., it’s impossible to miss all of the diversity. However, I still notice something upsetting. I have noticed that so many individuals lack one very imporBrittany tant thing: the Jackson courage to freely express themselves. Many of us have been conditioned to believe that selfexpression can only be a physical expression. While that is possible, it’s only one way — self-expression can take on many forms. But many of our peers are too afraid to explore other options. They fear telling each other what they believe in, what they

Tomorrow, I dare you to express yourself freely.Ignore the confused glares, rude snarls, and childish snickers of those around you and just BE!

stand for, what excites them, what they’re passionate about. They are afraid that their thoughts, ideas, and feelings are not adequate. We have become accustomed to conformity. Our generation is slowly beginning to act, look, and think in a similar manner. Social media makes it impossible for us to miss the senseless memes and posts created everyday. Young women and men are relentlessly trying to mirror the images and behaviors of their favorite celebrity, or fit the mold of the hottest song lyrics. How do we stop this? How do we reverse the damage done to the precious notion of self-expression? How do we teach one another that being true to oneself is

always superior to forcing yourself into a plastered mold? Each time we judge someone for expressing their opinion, we inadvertently cause them to doubt themselves. Each time we laugh at someone’s feelings, we are promoting a generation of seemingly emotionless, spineless robots. When will we realize that our oddities and little quirks are what make us unique? When will we see that various opinions are needed in order to better the world and stimulate change? I task each of you to dig deep within and discover who you truly are. Not who you are when you’re around your “friends.” Not who you portray yourself to be on Instagram and Twitter. I want you to dig deep down,

to your core and pull out what lies at the root of your being. What would you say and do if you were guaranteed your would not be judged? When you look in the mirror, who stares back at you? Whose eyes are you staring into? Do you recognize yourself? A life lived pretending to be someone else is a life not lived. It starts with us. You never know just how much you can inspire someone by simply being yourself. Faking it, holding it in, pretending … it all gets so heavy. You will grow weary going through life as a copy of someone else. So instead, I want you to try something new. Tomorrow, I dare you to express yourself freely. Ignore the confused glares, rude snarls, and childish snickers of those around you and just BE! I promise you that by the end of the day you will feel 10 times lighter and completely rejuvenated.

Illustration by Krystal Porter

Sound Off What morals have helped you get through this semester’s challenges? “Challenges are the best things that can happen. Whether it’s good or bad, you can’t change what happens, so treat it as if it’s the best thing that happen.” — Dajah Johnson, Sophomore

“Realizing I am a woman of purpose regardless of the situation. Because with greatness comes much tribulaltion.” —Mikella Townsend, Junior

“My faith in Christ. He provides the opportunity for another day. Having intregrity is key too. Doing what you said you will do. Being dependable and keeping promises.” — Jacquain Middleton, Senior Sound Off by Melquan Ganzy

N ORTH C AROLINA C ENTRAL U NIVERSITY

Campus Echo Jamar Negron, Editor-in-Chief

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Leah Montgomery Melquan Ganzy Alexandria Glenn Avery Young Kimane Darden Adrienne Stephens Brandi Arledge Tavarius Felton Chelsee Pompey Kristin Ellis Melody Brown-Peyton Bailey Clemmons Diamond Gwynn Justin Dobie Sivad Rogers Jhordan ‘Jaguar’ Perry

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