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Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Abortion bills gain momentum
Day of reckoning MATTHEW RICHARDSON SCHOOL NEWS EDITOR
EARLENA BOSWELL STAFF WRITER Senate Bill 1414, which was passed by the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee on March 22, is expected to be signed by Gov. Rick Scott if passed. But many people are wondering if abortion laws will still be relevant in the future. SB 1414 states that health insurance policies or group health insurance may not provide coverage for an abortion unless a written letter is provided stating that abortion is necessary to save the life of the mother or the pregnancy is a result of rape or incest. This change in abortion laws may leave many group insurance facilities out of business. One such facility is Planned Parenthood. The organization is asking that all women get together and rally against the law. The organization made a plea against the legislation on their website asking them to focus more on the economic difficulties than pregnancy. “Planned Parenthood is urging members of the Florida Legislature to oppose these and other bills that will hurt women. Legislators should focus on strengthening the economy and creating jobs, not wasting time on divisive social issues that do nothing to prevent unintended pregnancy,” the website read. Asha Henson, a third-year criminal justice student from Miami, said the laws are very important to the survival of future generations of children. “This is a way to preserve the future,” Henson said. “Too many young ladies are having abortions for the wrong reasons.” Another bill that is geared towards abortion is Senate Bill 1538, which will prohibit public funding of abortions and prohibit the state constitution ABORTION 4
VOL. 112 ISSUE 25
Today and tomorrow mark the big two days when the Board of Trustees will meet in Florida A&M’s grand ballroom to discuss and decide what programs will stay and what will be terminated. But as the meeting approaches, more students are voicing their thoughts about the proposed
plans. According to the schedule, members of the BOT’s Budget and Finance Committee will take up the restructuring proposal from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. today. The committee members will vote on recommendations, then, on Thursday, President James Ammons will present the proposal to the full board of trustees, which is expected to vote on the plan with little discussion.
NEWS BRIEFS UNIVERSITY
Most of the deliberations are expected to take place today during the committee meeting. A couple students, who are the lone scholars in the department of psychology’s school psychology Educational Specialist degree program, are fighting against the proposed plans to cut the university’s program. “If my courses aren’t offered in RESTRUCTURE 3
Storm damages campus
A ribbon cutting for the Hansel E. Tookes Sr. Student Recreation Center and Recreational Fields will take place today at 12:30 p.m. The ceremony celebrates the opening of Phase Two and Phase Three of the three-phase project. Construction for Phase Two began in spring 2010 and Phase Three began in summer 2010. The event is open to the public. For more information, call (850) 599-3413. SOURCE: FAMU WEBSITE
LaGretta Johnson The Famuan Groundskeepers remove fallen tree limbs near the Paddyfote Housing Complex Tuesday morning.
KINDALL JOHNSON STAFF WRITER Howling winds and pounding rain hit Tallahassee early Tuesday, knocking down some of the campus’ tallest trees including
a large oak tree that fell near the Paddyfote dormitories. “The wind was howling, and I heard a cracking noise and then a thud,” said Paddyfote resident Terry Waters, who went outside on the residence hall balcony and
found a large limb barely hanging on to the trunk. By morning, it was among the many limbs from the tall oak that littered the
Candidates for the title of vice president of student affairs will be meeting Florida A&M officials this month as part of their interviews to secure the job. Starting Thursday, the first of three men who hope to succeed former VP Roland Gaines will talk in-person with members of the FAMU VP of Student
Affairs selection committee and the Student Government Association (SGA) and President James Ammons. The other two interviews are scheduled for next week, and the week after, according to the official itinerary provided by SGA Tuesday. A.J. Range is scheduled to arrive in Tallahassee Thursday for his meeting with the selection
“Registar brings change in protocol to FAMU” by S’nisha Wilcox “‘Church in a Club’ video” by Jason Lawrence
DAMAGE 4
VP of student affairs interviews start FAMUAN STAFF
TODAY’S ONLINE CONTENT:
at 6:30 p.m. in Tucker Hall. The next day, he will tour the campus, meet Student Affairs Assistant Vice Presidents Deandrea Cotton and Faydre Hawkins-Brown, and deans and directors and the president’s leadership team. Range is assistant vice president, regional campuses Student Services, at the VP 4
WEATHER Today
78 49 Thursday
81 59 Friday
87 60
City of Tallahassee Utilities delivers news of lower rates to residents SIMONE WRIGHT DEPUTY SCHOOL NEWS EDITOR
Keenan Doanes The Famuan Renaissance Center is the utility payment center for city
Tallahassee residents can breathe a sigh of relief, as they can expect lower utility bills by the end of the year. Since 2008, utility rates have been on a steady decline. On April 1, utilities will continue to decrease. Customers can expect a reduction of 3.5 percent in their electric bills and over 11 percent in their Natural Gas bills, according to utility officials The rates will decrease over the next year. Cuts are going to be within the next 12 month, accordingto utility officials. Tallahassee’s average utility rate is slightly above the municipal average of $123.70 in Florida, according to the Florida Municipal Electric Association. “I think rates should be lowered. My dad says I pay more utilities for an apartment then he does for a
three story house.” said Joy Williams, 22, a third-year pharmacy student, from Chicago. When the price of natural gas declines, the city passes the savings along to its customers. Ninety five percent of the city’s electricity is powered by natural gas to produce its electricity. The city has implemented “Your Own Utilities,” which is long-term fuel stability contract for two years in advance as part of an overall Risk Management Program. In addition to lowering utility bills, “Your Own Utilities” encourages residents to conserve energy and take advantage of the City’s comprehensive Energy Smart Plus (e+) initiative. The program is designed to improve residential efficiency. The program was approved by the city commission in 2002 and has
Opinions
Lifestyles
Columnist Michael Bryant discusses his thoughts on a campus religious group many think is a cult.
In-house critic Jason Lawrence gives his take on Britney Spears’ latest album, “Femme Fatale.”
Opinions | 5
Lifestyles | 6
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Wednesday , April 6, 2011
Events and Announcements Announcements Future Public Health Professionals of FAMU’s Institute of Public Health presents a Children’s Fire Safety presentation at All Stars Day School in honor of National Public Health Week, “Safety is No Accident” today from 10 a.m. - noon. For more information contact Eric Walker at ecw05c@yahoo. com. Ready to do some spring cleaning? The FAMU-FSU College of Engineering is holding an Electronics Recycling Day on Friday, April 15 from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Your items may be brought to the College of Engineering at 2525 Pottsdamer Street during the hours named above. For directions or a complete list of acceptable items, please call Alicia Morey at 850410-6349 or email amorey@eng.fsu.edu. To place an announcement in the Calendar, e-mail your submission to famuancalendar@gmail.com at
least two days prior to the desired publishing issue. All submissions must include the student organization along with information in paragraph format to include “who, what, when and where.” A contact number will be published with the announcement, indicate so in your e-mailed submission and provide an alternate method for readers to obtain more information. If you do not follow the paragraph format then your submission will not be able to be published.
Classifieds Non-smoking female roommate to share 3 br/3 bth condo. Walking distance to FAMU. Share living room, kitchen and utilities. Rent includes cable, internet access & water. Furnished $440. Can be seen upon request. Call Lois at 813-503-6412 Attention Students! Need storage space for the summer? Reserve Now Great rates-air conditioned or Regular storage-Call now for details. Economy Storage West, 300 West Tharpe Street, 576-
Greater Elizabeth M.B. Church is seeking a fulltime pianist with the ability to give vocal parts. Please contact Mother Rosa Robinson at 850-8774545 for more information. Bartenders Wanted!!! $250/day potential. No experience necessary. Training provided age 18+ okay. Call 800-965-6520 ext. 189 FT/PT SUMMER SEASONAL EMPLOYMENT AVAILABLE Event Photography Group is Now Hiring. FT/ PT summer seasonal positions are available. We are looking for energetic people to assist in our Production, Customer Service, Client Relations and Finance departments. We offer a relaxed atmosphere and flexible hours. Please contact Theresa Bell at tbell@gradimages.com. Brief job descriptions and applications are available online at epghire.com. Email tbell@gradimages.com
The Royal Ladies of Eternal Legendary Queens, Inc. will be hosting an interest meeting for prospective members on Oct. 13th from 7:09 p.m. to 8:45 p.m. in B.L. Perry room 205. For more information contact De’Ronye Thomas at 708-662-0350 or via email at elq_famu2005@yahoo.com
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Jacob Chapel Baptist Church “The Blue Print.”
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Rev. O. Jermaine Simmons, Sr. 2333 Lake Bradford Road (850) 574-3150 www.jacobchapel.org
Quality Education with a personal touch At TCC, enjoy smaller, more intimate class sizes and bigger savings on tuition while earning credits that easily transfer to FAMU. Choose from three summer sessions May 5 – July 16 May 5 – June 16 June 23 – Aug 3 Sign up today for TCC summer classes. www.GoToTCC.com | (850) 201-8555 Tallahassee Community College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, genetic information, national origin, sex, disability, or age in its programs and activities. Inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies may be directed to: Equity Officer | 444 Appleyard Drive | Tallahassee, FL 32304-2895 | (850) 201-8510 | tolsonr@tcc.fl.edu
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RESTRUCTURE the sequence necessary, then I can’t move on to the next level,” said Nzinga Hamilton, a 2009 FAMU graduate. Hamilton, who is enrolled the school psychology Ed. S program, as a first-year student James H. along with Allen Pope, a Fall Ammons 2009 graduate, will be the last to graduate from the program if it is terminated. But while Hamilton and Pope will graduate from the program whether the board decides to Richard A. Charles close it or not is not a victory for Dent, III Langston them. They wish to fight for the program for future student. “This is not just about us. This is bigger than us. This is about the school psychology program continuing on,” Hamilton said. “My mom Maurice Marjorie Gallop graduated from this program. Holder Turnbull Franklin It means a lot to me to be able to be in the same program.” Hamilton and Pope were shocked to see that the school psychology program was among the 22 proposed programs on the chopping block due to low productivity. “The only reason we have low-productivity for people not Tory L. Solomon Spurgeon William Alston Badger entering the program is because McWilliams Jennings we have faculty members that are not promoting the program Graphic by Kenya Mawusi and are telling students that the President Ammons will present the restructuring proposal to the Board of Trustees. program has been discontinued,”
Today
II.
9:00 – 11:00 a.m Budget and Finance Committee
III.
2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Academic Affairs Committee Grand Ballroom Committee Members: Solomon Badger, Chair Torey Alston Gallop Franklin Maurice Holder Marjorie Turnbull I.
Action Items
AGENDA
IV. V. VI.
Approval of Minutes of February 9, 2011 Meeting Chairman Badger Approval of Distance Education Service Provider Provost Hughes Harris Approval of Tenure Provost Hughes Harris Approval of Academic Calendar Provost Hughes Harris Approval of Honorary Doctorate Provost Hughes Harris Board of Trustees Meeting Grand Ballroom Thursday 8:30 a.m.
I. II. III. IV. V. a. b. c. d. e. VI.
Pope said. He learned firsthand that the faculty was claiming the school psychology Ed. S program had been cut. After going back and forth between faculty members to get information about the program, Pope said he was told that the program was discontinued. Fed up, he spoke with the head of the department. “I spoke with Henry Williams and he said that faculty members don’t have the authority to discontinue a program or tell a student that information,” Pope said. Later on, he received an emailed letter saying that he was accepted into his program of choice. Both students said that they will fight to keep the program at the Board of Trustees meeting on Thursday, but they may not be alone as others expressed their displeasure of the proposed plans. Coordinator of Language and Study Abroad Programs Mary Diallo has expressed strong opinion about what is being cut.
MATTHEW RICHARDSON FAMUANNEWS@GMAIL.COM
Conference Call Number (800) 309-9169 ID Number 52963709 AGENDA Call to Order Roll Call Approval of the Minutes President’s Report Committee Reports Budget & Finance Committee Academic Affairs Committee Audit Committee Trustee-Student Affairs Committee Facilities Planning Committee Public Comment
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Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Police try to curb crime
Alvin McBean The Famuan As the weather warms, criminal activity on and around campus is on the rise according to public safety officials.
BRANDON BRIDGES STAFF WRITER The number of crimes committed on and around Florida A&M’s campus are rising. For the past two weekends, robberies and gunfire have been reported and FAMU Department of Public Safety officials are saying that along with the warm weather, more than just fun in the spring sun takes place. “When it gets warmer, more people come out. The more people that come out, the more crime you have,” said Lt. Angela Kirkland. “Criminals believe that students are easy targets; this is because when most students arrive on campus they have what we like to call “youthful inexperience.”” According to the FAMU Police Depatment’s public daily log, two robberies were reported on March 18 and 20, and on April 2, shots were reportedly fired at Bragg Stadium. Due to the recent reports of robbery and gunfire, FAMU PD plans to increase security and the number of patrolling officers to monitor the area. “Because of the sudden rise of crime, we have decided to beef up the number of patrols that are in the streets. We call it the enhancement program,” Kirkland
VP AFFAIRS at the University of Central Florida. Range leaves Friday evening at 5:00 p.m. Officials plan to interview Hudson on Tuesday, April 12. Hudson is interim VP of Student Affairs and heads the selection committee. His interview is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, followed by a campus tour Wednesday and meetings with staff and
said. “We have added four officers and placed them in hot spots. These are areas where we have had problems in the past or where problems can occur,” said Kirkland. Despite the increase in crime on campus and around the university community, students still feel safe. “I always feel safe,” said Charles Daniels, 21, a junior criminal justice student from Sarasota. “I feel like FAMU PD is doing a great job carrying out their duties and being responsive to students.” Mary Nathan, 21, a social work student from Tampa, agrees with Daniels. “I feel safe and secure on campus,” Nathan said. “I believe the police department is doing what they can to keep the crime rate on campus low.” Kirkland said one way that students and faculty can be informed about crimes happening on and around campus is by signing up with e2 campus, FAMU’s emergency notification system. E2 campus is a self-service, web-based, mass notification system that empowers the FAMU Department of Public Safety to send instant alerts to all students, faculty and staff’s cell phones, emails and web pages. “The alert system has been very good at allowing us to get info out quicker to
student representatives. The final candidate, G. David Moss, a Florida State graduate, will arrive Tuesday, April 19. All of his meetings are scheduled for Wednesday, April 20. He leaves at 5:00 p.m. the same day. He is assistant vice president of student affairs at University of Notre Dame. The VPSA position has been vacant since last June, when Roland Gaines retired. He worked for FAMU for 36 years, with a six-year stint as vice
students and faculty,” Kirkland said. Daniels believes that the e2 campus system is one of the main reasons he feels safe on campus. “The new text messaging alert system that the university has offered has been very helpful since I registered,” Daniels said. “It always keeps me informed on what is going on around campus as it relates to crime and safety.” Although the e2 campus alert system is considered by Kirkland to be very beneficial, there are only 2,700 users registered out of the more than 13,000 students at FAMU. “There are a lot of faculty and staff that are signed up with the e2 campus system,” Kirkland said. “I want to see students as well as parents take advantage of the program.” There are a number of preventive measures students and faculty can do to remain safe. “Most crimes happen at night so it’s important to have fun in safe environments and be aware of your surroundings,” said Kirkland. “Also there is safety in numbers so it’s a good idea to walk in a group.”
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served to mitigate market volatility and provide stable pricing for our customers. Tallahassee utility officials said they are able to cut rates because they are locked in with fuel costs within the next 12 months, allowing them to go down on the rates. Since March 2009, both natural gas and electricity rates have decreased around 22 percent each. The city makes adjustments every April and October based on the actual projected cost of fuel, according to utility officials. “I think the lower rates are a great thing. With the economy being the way it is and gas prices sky rocketing; it’s good that something is being done to take the pressure off people’s pockets,” said Nichelle Lucas, 19, a secondyear criminal justice student from Daytona Beach. The community will receive a combined savings of more than $100 million each year and $420 in savings per year for an average household. A utility customer with an average 1,000 kilowatt bill can expect a savings of up to $4.50 a month, according to utility officials.
SIMONE WRIGHT FAMUAN.METRO@GMAIL.COM
BRANDON BRIDGES FAMUANNEWS@GMAIL.COM
chancellor of student affairs at North Carolina Central University as the only interruption. “It just so happens that there is a time to leave, to relax and chill out and enjoy life,” Gaines said. The search committee started looking for Gaines’ replacement in September. At the time, Hudson, who headed the initial search committee, was considered the front-runner for the job. Henry Kirby, FAMU dean of students, was one of three finalists interviewed for
the job last October. However, none of the candidates was recommended for the position. In December, a group of “student leaders” publicly backed Kirby for the job. A committee later resumed the search, leading to the selection of Hudson and the other two. FAMUAN STAFF
ABORTION
DAMAGE ground. “I thought it was a mini tornado,” said Waters, 18, a first-year accounting student from Pensacola. According to the National Weather Service, the strong winds and rain accompanied a line of severe thunderstorms that moved from south Georgia into North Florida after midnight Monday. Many residents were unaware of the storm severe storm and tornado warning issued by forecasters. “I slept through the whole storm,” said Blake Campbell, 18, a first-year accounting student from Houston. Another resident thought a trash can struck his window in the middle of the night. Many Paddyfote dorm residents concluded that the wind blew down the tree. The storm also knocked down a tree near Gibbs Hall. Physical Plant Director Kendall Jones, plant operations and maintenance employees will be busy for the next few days cutting up broken limbs, removing debris and restoring safety in the areas affected by the storm. “POM will continue to inspect the
said. “Gov. Scott is making all these cuts and saying that Florida has no money but it seems as though he is making more financial problems for us.” SB 1414 and SB 1538 are both in budget as of today and are waiting to be sent the House. There are 18 bills being considered by the legislature. If the bills pass they will go in effect on July 1. Federal funding for Planned Parenthood is may be eliminated if a House vote permits. EARLENA BOSWELL FAMUAN.METRO@GMAIL.COM
damaged trees to mitigate the chances of additional limbs falling. This process is ongoing during the rainy season,” Jones said. The following damages occurred and are currently being addressed by POM: •Southside of Paddyfote Complex •Westside of Gibbs Hall •Hillside Northeast of the Administration Building •Northwest side of the Black Archives and the Westside of the General Class Rooms •Eastside of the Old DRS Elementary School •Perry and Gamble Street •Along FAMU Way Other Storm Damages •Broken glass pane on Lee Hall Steeple •Light pole blown down at Old POM •Light pole blown onto fence at New Recreation Center •Light fixture blown down at Martin Luther King Drive near Old DRS Gym •Fence damaged at Old DRS near Lucy Moten.
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prohibit the state constitution from being interpreted to create broader rights to an abortion than those contained in the United States Constitution, according to Lobby Tools. “It seems as though the state is trying to cut out abortions all together,” said Tameka Richards, a fourth-year education student from Tallahassee. Richards said she believes it should be up to the woman to decide and the state is just creating more problems. “It’s a woman’s decision to decide what goes on with her body,” Richrads
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
EDITORIAL BOARD EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: jordan1.culver@gmail.com Jordan Culver
COPY DESK: copydeskchief@gmail.com Julian Kemper
OPINIONS EDITOR: famuanopinions@gmail.com Khristanda Cooper
LIFESTYLES EDITOR: famuanlifestyles@gmail.com Clarece Polke
SPORTS EDITOR: famuansports@gmail.com Royal Shepherd
Music should not be defined by skin color KHRISTANDA COOPER OPINIONS EDITOR
Music is a word that is so simple and yet, so strong. It has so many different meanings. According to MerriamWebsters dictionary music is: 1a: the science or art of ordering tones or sounds in succession, in combination, and in temporal relationships to produce a composition having unity and continuity b : vocal, instrumental, or mechanical sounds having rhythm, melody, or harmony 2a : an agreeable sound : euphony b : musical quality 3a: musical accompaniment But for many of us, music is much more than that. It is our comfort when we are sad, our expression of happiness and more. However, a recent conversation among a few friends opened my eyes as to what people think when they define music. Most people define music by its genre: rap, hip hop, rock, etc. But many people in today’s society define music based on race. We all know someone, or we do it ourselves, that thinks that certain types of music are for whites or blacks. News flash! Music truly cannot be defined by race simply because all races dabble in other genres. There are white rappers such as Eminem and even Vanilla Ice (if you go way, way back in time when “Ice Ice Baby” was a hit.) There are Black Country singers; you all remember that guy from Hootie and the Blowfish, right? The lead singer…what was his name… Darius Rucker? Yeah, him. He’s a country singer now. The point is music cannot simply be defined by race alone. There are plenty R&B singers that are Black, White, Hispanic or Asian and yet some people considered R&B to be strictly geared towards blacks. But that is not, nor has it ever been the point of music. Music is for everyone to enjoy, no matter what color or creed you are. So what if I’m a black girl driving down the street bumping Linkin Park or Taylor Swift (although you won’t hear Taylor Swift coming from my car… I’m not a fan). It shouldn’t matter. What should matter is that I love good music just as much as the next person. So when you and your friends are hanging out listening to music and someone says, “Hey man, that’s white people music,” look them in the eye and say, “Race does not define music, bruh, but I still see you bobbing your head to the beat though.”
KHRISTANDA COOPER FAMUANOPINIONS@GMAIL.COM
Opinions 5
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The 21st century wingman: An iPod Guys, we want to clue you in on something: one of the best wingmen you can possibly have is in your pocket. We’ll wait while you take a moment to remove your mind from the gutter. The thing being referred to is, in fact, your mp3 player. For those who don’t know, a wingman, as defined by urbandictionary. com, is “a guy you bring along with you on singles outings… that helps you out with the women.” Further entries elaborate on a wingman’s use in distracting the less attractive friend of your object of affection, but sometimes a
wingman can help nervous Casanovas in simply breaking the ice. This writer’s iPod has 5225 songs on it as of this publication. To some, this is a paltry sum, but to most, it is a vast and eclectic music library. What will help you out is an emphasis on “eclectic.” A wide collection of nothing but Waka Flocka Flame and Soulja Boy will get you nowhere fast -unless that’s your thing, ladies; not here to judge.For example, the aforementioned library has Rick Ross, next to Rob Bass, next to Rob Thomas, next to Rob Zombie, next
to Robin Thicke, next to Robin Williams. We’ve seen more than one occasion where the acquisition of a conversation, phone number and subsequent date began with a cursory glance through someone’s iPod. Now for the disclaimer; there are an abundance of things this editorial is not saying. It’s not attempting to pimp us out as pick-up artists; we’re far from it. It is also not saying that a varied taste in music is a substitute for conversational skills and a decent personality. Finally, it is also not saying that an eclectic music
selection is what attracts all women; that’s something that will have to be taken on a case-by-case basis. This editorial is, however, a suggestion for those shy or socially awkward individuals who find it hard to talk to the opposite sex, but really enjoy music. As a suggestion, it can be ignored or picked up at your leisure. All we ask is that you quietly thank us whenever she says “OMG! I didn’t know anyone else here listened to (insert obscure artist/band)!” Rock on, kids. Julian Kemper Editorial Board.
for
F U
THE
EDITOR IN CHIEF: jordan1.culver@gmail.com Jordan Culver
COPY DESK: famuancopydesk@gmail.com Julian Kemper
SCHOOL NEWS EDITOR: famuannews@gmail.com Matthew Richardson
the METRO NEWS EDITOR: famuan.metro@gmail.com Jason Lawrence
Political Takeout
OPINIONS EDITOR: famuanopinions@gmail.com Khristanda Cooper
DEPUTY OPINIONS EDITOR: Aaron Johnson
LIFESTYLES EDITOR: famuanlifestyles@gmail.com Clarece Polke
SPORTS EDITOR: famuansports@gmail.com Royal Shepherd
DEPUTY SPORTS EDITORS: Cameron Daniels Commisioned 2 Love Seems inviting, but according to some of our fellow Rattlers, it’s not what you think it is.
Religious group on campus seems questionable MICHAEL BRYANT COLUMNIST Have you ever heard of Commissioned to Love campus ministries? Well in the minds of several students of FAMU they are a cult. “C2L” was founded in Sacramento, California with “eleven men and women on fire for GOD,” according to www. commissioned2love.org. In 2003 the ministry was charted at Savannah State University by Larinda Norwood, now Apostle Larinda King. While at Savannah State, Commissioned to Love sued the University, for the exact same reasons they filed a lawsuit against our College of Love and Charity, FAMU. The nature of the lawsuit was “Religious Discrimination;” and the FAMU suit was settled for the return of C2L on FAMU’s campus. Although several letters and phone calls were made to university officials regarding to this ministry none were returned. So why is this relevant? Simply because C2L Ministries are now back on
campus at FAMU, after filing a lawsuit against neighboring university Savannah State University; this “Ministry” has become quite popular being considered by several students a cult. However, these groups of students and in some cases graduate students that help make up “C2L” practice cult like religion which is said to be the works of “Jesus Christ.” C2L is not your normal campus ministry; they have a house where majority of the members live and where they taught bible classes before they were allowed on campus this spring. After returning to campus, C2L has held various activities on campus which includes at three-day week that discussed various topics like sex and abortion. In my opinion, as a full time student at FAMU, this organization should be removed from campus. Regardless, of any amount of suits against the University this “ministry” files, this organization is not something I would allow to plague my university. In the same situation at SSU one student, a member of Alpha Phi Alpha started the petition to remove this organization from campus. I think it should be removed
and revoked from ours! This “Ministry” debates, chants and manipulates students, especially freshmen; they even have a hand sign, similar to Greek Letter Organizations on campus. The sign is made from folding one’s fingers to spell “C2L”. What church does these things? For example, membership is obtained through a process called “The Process of Purity.” After the classes, one is blindfolded for a vacation type trip where participants are not aware of the destination that awaits them; in some cases students were blindfolded for ten hours as they were traveling to Myrtle Beach. During this process one is given a “Spiritual name;” for instance “Lady Triumphant” or “Sir Clarifier.” The process is usually held on a beach and participants live in a luxurious beach house while being pampered and served by their brothers and sisters in “Christ.” Also, during this process one receives a “foot-wash” from members of C2L which the officials at SSU considered as “Hazing”. (www. commissioned2love.org.) The term “cult” is defined as “a religion or sect considered to be false, unorthodox, or extremist,
with members often living outside of conventional society under the direction of a charismatic leader;” according to Merriam Webster’s dictionary. “C2L” even has a rule not to eat from paper products saying “We are kings and queens of Christ.” This ministry has to become extinct at FAMU. It is my firm opinion that they are indeed a cult and I love my University too much to sit back and watch this group of cult members manipulate the students and administration without doing something. They are pretending to be Christians. How could a “Campus Ministry” become notorious for being a cult and suing universities? Especially when in the Bible says: “Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord,” in Romans 12:19. I would like to add that this article was not intended to attack any group of students nor “Commissioned to Love.” It is just my personal opinion.
MICHAEL BRYANT FAMUANOPINIONS@GMAIL.COM
PHOTOS EDITOR: famuan.photos3@gmail.com Keenan Doanes
DEPUTY PHOTOS EDITOR: Jasmine Mitchell
GRAPHICS EDITOR: famuangraphics@gmail.com Kenya Mawusi
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PUBLIC RELATIONS COORDINATOR: famuancalendar@gmail.com Byron Johnson
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ADVISER: Andrew Skerritt
FAX 850.561.2570 EDITOR IN CHIEF 850.561.2569 SECRETARY 850.599.3159 NEWSROOM 850.599.3011/ 561.2569
The Famuan, an Associated Collegiate Press 2003 Pacemaker Finalist, is published Monday, Wednesday and online only on Friday during the fall and spring semesters. The opinions do not reflect the administration, faculty, or staff of the University. The editorials are the expressed opinions of the staff and columnists. The Famuan is funded partially by activities and services fees.
Do you define music by race? A) Yes. B) Sometimes. C) No.
Lifestyles 6
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Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Church reinvents nightlife
Courtesy to The Famuan A trip to Floyd’s on a Sunday evening may not be what most expect, with Christian music blasting from the speakers, non-alcoholic beverages being served and an important underlying purpose for the youth-oriented party.
JASON LAWRENCE METRO NEWS EDITOR Walking into the dimly lit basement of Floyd’s Music Store on, of all evenings, Sunday, and seeing people dancing under flashing lights to bass blaring from speakers, seems paradoxical. Venturing further in and discovering what appears to be a bartender serving drinks is more perplexing. But don’t be fooled, these individuals are here for a different kind of party. Some of the music is Christian-based and
there is no alcohol in the building. Church in a Club is the brain-child of Genesis Church pastor Brian Hunter, who said he believes it is important to get what he described as the “millennial generation” to develop a relationship with God. Hunter reported that 70 – 80 percent of 18-year-olds are abandoning Christianity. “We are not connecting to this millennial generation (the age 16 - 30 crowd),” Hunter, a Cincinnati native, said. “We are not leading them into an authentic
relationship with God, but instead we’re teaching them a religion void of meaning and advocating standards impossible to live up to.” Hunter said the club had been in the planning stage for over a year, slowed by their inability to find a suitable venue. “I hope it tears down the barrier of the church building where people think ‘I’m never going to go to church but I do have a desire to know God.’ This is an easy environment for someone to take that extra step without having
Fatal club drug drops
Graphic By Kenya Mawusi
JASON LAWRENCE METRO NEWS EDITOR When I first thought of having to spend an hour of my life listening to “Femme Fatale,” Britney Spears’ latest album, I cringed a bit. Not because I’m a die-hard Hip-hop fan - if you tossed a copy of “L.A.S.E.R.S.,” off a cliff, I would very likely dive off the cliff after it. Truthfully, I just didn’t think I could stomach a full album of 2011 Pop music. It’s only tolerable on the radio. But then I thought, “This is Britney Spears we’re talking about here.” Since 1999, with her first hit “Hit Me Baby One More Time,” Spears has been nothing less than consistent. Generation Y-ers can easily attach a Spears song to some memorable event in their childhood or teenage years. Seriously, what boy wasn’t glued to the television as then-17-year-old Spears pranced around in her skimpy schoolgirl uniform in her summer 1999 debut music video? And with her March 25 release, Spears reminds us why after going from being America’s jailbait to single-handedly realizing all the stereotypes about Louisiana natives, she is still queen of the pop circuit. “Femme Fatale” is a club drug in itself: with Spears’ voice in Auto-tune, and Techno beats with obnoxious bass for the whole trip. The album opens with “Till’ the World Ends,” a song I wouldn’t have wanted
to end if I were in a club, instead sitting at a computer writing a review about it. “Hold it Against Me,” the second track on the album, keeps the party going. And by the time the third track rolls around, “Inside Out,” one of the slower songs, it’ll be time to find the nearest restroom for what I like to call the “puke-check.” These periodic checkpoints are essential when after only about an hour in the club, you’ve already drank and danced yourself to into an uncomfortable intoxication. No vomit? Awesome. Because from the fourth track, “I Wanna Go,” to “Gasoline,” the eleventh, it’s more fist-pumping, Jagerbombs and dancing with sweaty randoms, with a guest appearance by will.i.am in between. For some reason, track 13, “Up and Down,” stood out the most. It’s likely because of the minor tone, yet electrifying effects. Now would be a good time to pursue that guy or girl you’ve been eying all night; after this track the party is pretty much over. I found myself “fist-pumping” throughout the entire thing, going so far as to switch and slow-down fists for the slower songs. “Femme Fatale” is a must-listen on its own merits. Even with all of the salacious innuendos in “Femme Fatale,” Spears somehow manages to insinuate that, “Hey, moms can be hot.” JASON LAWRENCE FAMUANLIFESTYLES@GMAIL.COM
to deal with the confines of a regular church,” said the eight-year Tallahassee resident, and faith columnist for the “Tallahassee Democrat.” Since March 27, Hunter has been on this mission. According Church-in-aClub-goers, the unorthodox service is a hit. “I was really excited to come to Church in a Club because the thought of it is different from other churches,” said Tallahassee Community College student Jesse Mims. “When you think of witnessing to someone or asking them to come to church, you’re always scared to hear what they think because every church you walk into is pretty much the same. It’s awkward,” Mims said. “Church in a Club is more of what you’re used too, instead of a ordinary church.” Hunter agreed that the service had elements for everyone to enjoy. “Take a risk and try it out,” Hunter said. “We welcome everyone.” Genesis church also hosts several auxiliary worship services throughout the city. FUSE is a student ministry held every Wednesday in Moore Auditorium at Florida State University. Church in a Club is also an avenue for youth and young adults to get involved with community service and other humanitarian efforts. Next Saturday, Genesis Church will participate in the “Kids Against Hunger” project from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and service begins at 6 p.m. in the basement of Floyd’s Music Store at 666 W. Tennessee St. Want to see an exclusive interview with Pastor Brian Hunter of Genesis Church? Visit www. thefamuanonline.com.
JASON LAWRENCE FAMUANLIFESTYLES@GMAIL.COM
Record deal for alum LATOYA CHAMBLISS CORRESPONDENT Following the footsteps of Common, another Rattler is singing her way through the music industry. Miami native Cherlise Forshee said that like many students, she always dreamed of becoming an entertainer. “Music has been my passion since I can remember and I can not wait to share it with the world,” Forshee said. At 23, the FAMU alumna is signed to Division 1/Universal Motown Record label under hit maker and producer Rico Love. As Forshee’s producer and a FAMU graduate, Love is responsible for hits such as, Usher’s “There Goes My Baby” and P.Diddy’s “Hello, Good morning”. She is completing her first studio album, which is scheduled to be released by spring 2011. Forshee, who is no stranger to the stage, got her start singing early in her life by performing in talent shows and networking with various people along the way. Not new to staying dedicated, Forshee said, “I’ve learned the importance of hard work and diligence, and that it always pays off.” Since being signed, she said that her life has changed significantly. When not in the studio working on songs and vocals, she is in the gym working out. The singer undergoes vocal and dance training and has worked with celebrities such as Young Jeezy, Maino, Nelly, Jim Jonsin and Fat Joe. “I always knew that Cherlise would be a star when I first met her,” Toni Dickerson, a friend of Forshee, and FAMU graduate said. “Her personality is amazing and she is so talented.” While reaching life’s goals,
Forshee said, “FAMU has played a major role in my life. It taught me that presentation, drive and hunger are everything.” Utilizing her talents at FAMU, she opened the Homecoming concert for acts Bobby Valentino and Ludacris. Recently she was featured on Fat Joe’s album, “Love of Music” and starred as the leading lady in his music video, “One” featuring Akon. “I am more focused and driven than ever because the pressure is on,” Forshee said. “I carry the weight of the label on my shoulders and carry that load gracefully.” “One thing that separates her from a lot of up and coming artists is her amazing voice. She has such range in her vocals and sings effortlessly,” Dickerson said. “You can tell that she has a passion for music when you see her sing her heart on the stage. The world needs to watch out because you will be hearing from Cherlise soon.” For more information about Cherlise and her career you can follow her on twitter at www. twitter.com/cherlise101, or reach her at www.facebook.com/ cherlise or on Myspace at www. myspace.com/cherlise. The songstress told FAMU students to remain optimistic about their goals, anything is possible with hard work and determination. “My advice to the aspiring would be to expect everything of yourself and nothing of others,” Forshee said. “Just get up and make it happen. Don’t look for anyone to do it for you.”
LATOYA CHAMBLISS FAMUANLIFESTYLES@GMAIL.COM
For full event coverage from “I Love the Way You Lie,” the interactive forum covering campus dating and sexual violence, hosted by the nationally acclaimed Break the Cycle organization, visit www.thefamuanonline.com. Graphic By Chidozie Acey
The Famuan
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Wednesday, April 6, 2011
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7 Comics
Lampin on Campus by Demetrius Scott
Andy Capp by Reg Smythe
BC by Johnny Hart
Ben by Daniel Shelton
Get Fuzzy by Darby Conley
Girls & Sports by Justin Borus and Andrew Feinstein
Peanuts by Charles M. Schulz
Pickles by Brian Crane
Momma by Mell Lazarus
LOLA by Todd Clark
Arlo and Janis by Jimmy Johnson
Sports 8 Men’s Tennis
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Wednesday, April 6, 2011
TEAM FOLLOWS MOTTO
Baseball players revived by coach’s creed
ELLIOT BONNER CORRESPONDENT
File Photo The Famuan
The men’s tennis team is preparing for its second home match of the season on Friday. This will also serve as Senior day fof the team. The team features two seniors, Michael Moore, from New York, N.Y. and Maurice Wamokowa of Nairobi, Kenya. The team is coming off a 7-0 win over the Bethune-Cookman Wildcats and sits in second place of the south division of the conference. This is the final home game of the season for the team. The match starts at 2 p.m.
Women’s Tennis
File Photo The Famuan
The women’s tennis team will be honoring its lone senior, Maria Gomez of Gyayaquil, Eucador (Nuevo Mundo), on Friday’s senior day. This is the team’s final home game of the season and an opportunity to congratulate the senior for her years of service. The match begins at 2 p.m.
Wrestling Coach On Monday, the Famuan sports staff ran a story highlighting the works of wrestling coach Reggie Snowden. The picture shown below is the photo that ran with the article Unfortunately, the man shown is coach Thomas White. We would like to formally apologize to coach Snowden for the mishap. Check thefamuanonline.com soon for a proper picture of coach Snowden. File Photo The Famuan
Interim head coach Brett Richardson has restructured the Rattler’s baseball team and its schedule to ensure a higher rate of success. Coach Richardson breaks coaching down into three specific categories that encompass his motto: play hard, make routine plays and pitchers throw strikes. “If the Rattlers can do these tasks, they will have a successful season,” Richardson said. At the end of fall practice, he told every player on the team what his role was for the season. Each player will have something to contribute to the team every day. Richardson says structure has a lot to do with becoming a team. This year, the Rattlers know what is expected of them every day. Richardson leaves a practice schedule up so the players have no doubt about what is supposed to be accomplished on the day. “After a disappointing season of only 10 wins and 31 losses, we needed a change in how we went about things,” Tobi Adeyemi, a senior outfielder said. “Our team structure is understood and the team is buying into coach’s scheme,” he added. This year the Rattlers have
Keenan Doanes The Famuan The baseball team follows their coach’s rules and have had a better season this year.
had later games than in previous seasons. Richardson says, later games will allow the students to spend more time in the classroom. “The structure of how the team operates will be different this year,” Richardson said. Strength and conditioning is done throughout the week, which Richardson said is a major factor for players’ longevity throughout a season. On the road, there has been a mandatory study hall. Richardson takes education seriously and all team members have academic requirements they have to maintain to play on the team.
For the new Rattlers on the team, Richardson said he wants to make sure they get their reps in practice. He said he prepares every player as if he is a starter, so at any situation they will be ready and prepared to do the job. “The veteran players must take leadership because I can only say or do so much,” Richardson said. “Older guys have to be leaders to show the younger players how to act.” This year, the Rattler’s number one goal is to get back to being competitive at the conference tournament. John Scott, one of the team’s middle infielders said
Richardson has the team moving in the right direction. “Last year’s team lacked discipline and structure,” Scott said. “Coach Richardson has changed that and we are becoming a team. We are working harder and there is no confusion. We are all anxious to see what we are made of.” Proof of the squad’s improved cohesiveness is evident in the win column of its record. The team has already equaled its win total from last season sitting at 10-22. They are currenty ranked sixth in the conference. ELLIOT BONNER FAMUANSPORTS@GMAIL.COM
Huskies win despite sloppy play EDDIE PELLS ASSOCIATED PRESS The game was better suited for a dusty old gym than a state-of-the-art stadium, the offense and shooting more the stuff of a long-ago era than 2011. The championship trophy? Well, that will look good in the case up at UConn, where a season of perseverance closed with an 11-game winning streak and a spiritlifting win for coach Jim Calhoun, to say nothing of a crowning moment for a player named Kemba. Connecticut made Butler look like the underdog it really was Monday night, winning the NCAA title with an 53-41 beatdown of the Bulldogs. Guard Kemba Walker finished with 16 points for the Huskies (32-9), whose late-season streak kept going right through the final buzzer. They won their 11th straight game — five at the Big East tournament and six in March Madness — since closing the regular season with a 9-9 conference record that foreshadowed none of this. “Going into games, we
three or more times. UConn trailed 22-19 after a first half that came straight out of the ‘40s. “The halftime speech was rather interesting,” Calhoun said. “The adjustment was, we were going to out-will them and outwork them.” Connecticut outscored Butler 26-2 in the paint. The Bulldogs (28-10), in their second straight title game and hoping to put the closing chapter on the ultimate “Hoosiers” story, went 13:26 in the second half making only one field goal.
UCONN coach Jim Calhoun Monday.
always say, ‘If you miss a shot, it’s all right, but if you don’t play hard, it’s not good enough,’” Walker said. UConn won this title with a defensive showing for the ages, holding Butler to 12for-64 shooting. That’s 18.8 percent, the worst ever in a title game. It was a game short on aesthetics but full of toughnosed defense; an old-school
Texas A&M claims title. Danielle Adams scored Associated Press 22 of her 30 points in the won his third NCAA title on second half and Texas A&M beat Notre Dame 76-70 on game, the kind a coaching Tuesday night to win its first national championship. lifer like Calhoun had to love. Texas A&M, fell behind by “From a purist standpoint, if you really like defense, take a seven in the second half, then rallied by pounding the ball clip of this game,” he said. At age 68, he became the inside to Adams, who bulled oldest coach to win the her way to 9-for-11 shooting NCAA championship. He in the final 20 minutes. won his third title since 1999 and joined John Wooden, Adolph Rupp, Mike EDDIE PELLS Krzyzewski and Bob Knight ASSOCIATED PRESS as the only coaches to win
Theme music awaits batters on their way up to the plate LAMONT WILSON STAFF WRITER
Keenan Doanes The Famuan Players use music for inspiration.
Players on Florida A&M’s baseball team use music during their warmups to help stay charged and ready for the game. Music can be heard from across the street of Moore-Kittles field on game days, as the baseball team gets ready to play. The Rattlers play a wide variety of music ranging from rap, pop, country and even blue grass. “I am from Chicago and Kanye West is my favorite rapper. His lyrics to ‘I been waiting on this my whole life’ relate to me,” left fielder Tobi Adeyemi said. “Every time I am in the batting box, I always think about the song. I love music; music is a big part of my life. You
can play music for every day, music is the soundtrack of life. As the Rattlers leave the field and allow the opponents to warm-up, the music changes. Pitcher David Duncan said it’s used to throw the other team off. “We don’t want to play good music for the other team. We can’t give them the advantage of getting into a rhythm,” Duncan said. “We do that on purpose so they can get thrown off by some bad country music or something.” Duncan likes to play music for the “Air.” It kills the hype and the tempo of the game for opposing teams. The Rattlers beat the North Carolina Aggies 11-1 and during the Aggies pregame warm ups, the Rattlers played some bluegrass music mixed in with old country songs.
“The guys came to me at the beginning of the year and said this is what they want to do,” head coach Brett Richardson said. “This is something the major schools and professional teams do, so if we can make it work for us we’ll do it.” As the players are leaving the batter’s box, they walk up to the plate and each player’s “walk-up music” plays. “It’s a little something extra that gets the batters ready for their at bats,” Richardson said. “As long as there is no profanity in the music, we will play it. This gets the crowd involved in it as well, and to me, it creates a better atmosphere at the games.”
LAMONT WILSON FAMUANSPORTS@GMAIL.COM