THE SENTINEL OF THE AFRICAN AMERICAN COMMUNITY AT NC STATE UNIVERSITY
NUBIAN MESSAGE
RALEIGH, NC n VOL. XXI, ISSUE 3 n THENUBIANMESSAGE.COM n AUGUST 28, 2013
So Close, Yet So Far Away Shaquilla Hamlett Living in Africa, Becoming slaves, Working in cotton fields til we could no longer, Being treated as lesser beings than beasts, Getting lashed til our backs bore the scars of interminable pain, The fight to end it all, That left us tired but determined, The Emancipation Proclamation setting Some of us free, Our fight for Civil Rights, The Beatings, Jailings, Injustice, Yet the unity that held us together, The closeness of communities, The standing together in marches to have Our Voices heard, The refusal to give up a dream we so rightfully deserved, The love, compassion, and care we shared, Now we have our rights, Now we have Black representatives, And a Black President,
Photo via: Library of Congress
2013 • Nubian Message
2
Table of Contents
Check out our Video and Photos from the 3rd Anniversary of the #NCStaeCypher & Back to School Jam at....
Wronging Your Rights 3 Black Students Receive Brunt of Disciplinary Action 5 50 Black People You Should Know 5
thenubianmessage.com
#BlackTwitter 6 50 Years Later, March on Washington 8
Only with the permission of our elders do we proudly produce each edition of the Nubian Message. Dr. Yosef ben-Yochannan: Dr. John Henrik Clark: Dr. Leonard Jeffries: The Black Panther Party: Mumia A. Jamal: Geronimo Pratt: Tony Williamson: Dr. Lawrence Clark: Dr. Augustus McIver Witherspoon: Dr. Wandra P. Hill: Mr. Kyran Anderson: Dr. Lathan Turner: Dr. M. Iyailu Moses: Dokta Toni Thorpe and all those who accompany us as we are STILL on the journey to true consciousness.
Letter to the Editor To Whom It May Concern, I am writing you as a concerned stu-
validity of your paper, or to discuss the
Please be more cognizant of how you
presence of diversity at NC State. I simply
try to connect with your readers because
dent body member. I recently picked up
wanted to reach out to you and let you
at this point, all you've done is show new
a copy of your newspaper, this issue to be
know that as an African American stu-
comers and those on the outside, that you
specific, and was troubled by your mes-
dent, I do not approve. I don't feel more
want to be separate.
sage. I found the title "Welcome, Black
connected to the student body, I don't
Pack" to be offensive and quite frankly
feel more comfortable, if anything, I feel
ism or your efforts in any way, shape,
ignorant. As an African-American stu-
targeted and belittled.
or form. I respect your message and
I hope I did not offend your journal-
dent at this school, I personally try not to
It is my wish that you use your influ-
focus on the differences that separate me
ence and your position within the "black
from the student body but the few things
community" to express the realities of our
Sincerely,
that I have in common with my fellow
situation. We as minorities, in a profes-
Jefferson Ellison
students. To see a newspaper separate
sional setting, can not choose our envi-
A member of the Wolf Pack - not your
students in such a blatant and regressive
ronment, however, we as Americans are
"Black Pack"
way was troublesome.
subject to the same standards and culture
I am not writing you to debate the
as our white counter parts - legally.
purpose.
Want to send a Letter to the Editor? Submit it via e-mail to editor@nubian.ncsu.edu
News
Wronging Your Rights
N.C. Legislature Makes Voting More Difficult for Students DeErricka Green Managing Editor
E
arlier this month, Gov. Pat McCrory
have, since passing the “worst suppression
the state. The precedent is set that any full-
enacted what many have deemed
law,” escalated their attempts to prevent
time student in North Carolina can’t vote at
“the nation’s worst voter suppres-
students from easily exercising their rights in
school,” said Maddow. The head of the coun-
sion law.” The law requires voters to have
the political process.
ty’s Republican Party said he plans to chal-
specific forms of government-issued photo
Maddow’s show included coverage of how
lenge the voter registrations of more students
identification to cast a ballot, a measure he
the GOP-controlled Board of Elections in
at the historically Black university ahead of
and other Republicans said is needed to
Pasquotank County voted earlier this month
upcoming elections, the AP reported.
prevent voter fraud. The law also ends other
to disqualify Montravias King, a senior at
measures meant to empower voters such as:
historically-Black Elizabeth City State Uni-
into how elections drama in North Carolina
same-day voter registration, shortens the pe-
versity, from running for city council, on the
are affecting university students. In addition
riod for early voting from 17 days to 10 and
grounds that King could not use his student
to Elizabeth City State, the counties in which
eliminates a program that encourages high
address to establish residency. Despite being
Winston-Salem State University and Ap-
school students to register to vote in advance
registered to vote there since 2009, King’s
palachian State University are located, have
of their 18th birthdays.
right to use his student address is being
recently made it harder for students to vote.
challenged by Peter Gilbert, a local Republi-
The Forsyth County Board of Elections is
can who makes it a habit of challenging the
moving to shut down an early voting site at
voting rights of students from the historically
historically Black Winston-Salem State Uni-
Black school. Gilbert believes the students do
versity because chair Ken Raymond claims
not really “live at the school,” according to
students were offered extra credit in class for
Maddow, and is legally allowed to challenge
voting there. Raymond offered no proof such
their rights because the school is located in
irregularities had occurred, according to the
his voting precinct. Mid-Atlantic Christian
News & Observer.
“Earlier this month, Gov. Pat McCrory enacted what many have deemed ‘the nation’s worst voter suppression law.’ ” Former Secretary of State Colin Powell
University, a nearby predominantly white
King’s story led Maddow to delve deeper
Maddow’s show also featured coverage of
recently argued that the changes in North
school is also located in the precinct, yet its
how Boone, the home of Appalachian State
Carolina legislature “make it more difficult
students have received no opposition from
University has announced plans to eliminate
for people to vote,” in a speech to an audience
Gilbert.
two of the three Boone precincts, including
that included McCrory; political commenta-
If the Pasquotank County Board decides
on-campus voting. Early voting has been
tor Rachel Maddow discussed the issue as
to rule in Gilbert’s favor, a precedent will be
alienated to one site in Boone and the law
it relates to college students, in the Tuesday
set for campus-residing students statewide
forces a voting precinct with 9,300 citizens
and Wednesday editions of her MSNBC talk
and beyond. “They questioned whether living
to vote at a located designed for 1,500, with
show last week.
at school is enough to make you a resident
only thirty-five parking places. The voting
and they said it is not. In making that deci-
location is inaccessible by public transporta-
her show on the road to North Carolina,
sion, they accepted a legal framework for
tion and over a mile from campus along a
making stops in Pasquotank, Forsyth and
disqualifying students from voting in local
road with no sidewalk. Appalachian State
Watauga Counties to shed light on how Mc-
elections. This development could very well
University professor Renee Scherlen argued,
Crory and the North Carolina Republicans
affect every student voter, every college, in
“Our students make a large part of what
Based in New York City, Maddow took
Gov. Pat Mcrory
Boone and Watauga County are, and to deny them the right to participate in politics here is unconscionable.” It is evident that these extreme voter suppression measures adopted in North Carolina are a clear reason why the Voting Rights Act needs to be strengthen, not destroyed. Maddow raised the point that precedents are being set for college campuses statewide. The citizens of North Carolina, especially its students should feel empowered to vote, and under the control of the GOP, this will no longer be the case for a majority of us. There were at least sixteen early voting sites located on college campuses during the 2012 election (including North Carolina State University, North Carolina Central University, and Wake Tech Community College (2 sites). It’s only a matter of time, if Elizabeth City State, Appalachian and Winston-Salem State serve as a blueprint, before the North Carolina GOP tries to shut down every one of them.
2013 • Nubian Message
3
4 2013 • Nubian Message
News
Under Construction N.C. State Chapter of NAACP Working to Build A Stronger Foundation
Christopher Hort-Williams Correspondent
T
he North Carolina State University
Last week, in her efforts to improve the
chapter of the NAACP was initiated
chapter, Collier met with the 2012-2013
in 1991, but since then the chapter
president Aleiah Miller to form a plan for the
has gone through periods of inactivity. 22 years after its inception, the campus chapter is now in a revitalization period.
future of NAACP. Collier’s current focus is funding and recruitment of an advisor. The organization hopes to sponsor pro-
Members of the NCSU NAACP standing inside the Free Expression Tunnel in 2010 | Nubian Message Archives
The chapter here at the University is one of
Ben Jealous, NAACP president and CEO,
many.
spoke to thousands on the steps of the Lincoln
The organization was one of the leading or-
Lauryn Collier agreed to serve as president of
grams as early as this fall, which are related to
the chapter after Marshall Anthony, chairman
NAACP’s national efforts. “The purpose of the
of the Afrikan American Student Advisory
organization is to be in line with the national
Council, approached her about the status of
NAACP,” said Collier. This week members will
in many initiatives throughout the civil rights
the organization. Many students involved
meet and decide who will hold new leadership
movement such as the Supreme Court deci-
with the campus chapter, including Collier,
positions.
sion in the Brown v. Board of Education case
are graduating seniors; the chapter is in need of leadership that can continue in the coming years.
Formal elections are to follow in the spring of next year and are open to all students. NAACP History
According to Collier, NAACP will not be accepting new members so that it can focus on addressing internal needs. “There is a lot of internal structuring that needs to go on before the organization can even continue here on campus and be successful. You can’t invite people in from outside unless you know the inside is all cleaned up and ready to go.”
Founded in 1909, The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, NAACP is the oldest and largest civil rights organization. The NAACP reports to have more than half-million members and supporters throughout the United States and the world.
ganizations during the civil rights movement. The NAACP is known for its role in many
and the 1963 March on Washington. NAACP Role in the March on Washington The NAACP served as a co-organizer for The March on Washington, which was also one of the organization’s largest undertakings. Roy Wilkins, former executive secretary of the NAACP, was one of the 10 leaders who led the march in 1963 and spoke on the steps of the Lincoln memorial. In commemoration of the 1963 March,
Memorial during the Realize the Dream March on Saturday. Jealous spoke about key issues that are the current focus of the organization, such as Trayvon Martin, Voting Rights, and minimum wage. Other speakers included former chairman of the NAACP, Myrlie Evers-Williams, U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder and congressman John Lewis. “Let us claim some victories right now; let us say yes, we will pass Trayvon’s law from coast to coast,” said Jealous. “Let us say, yes, we will protect the right to vote with all our might until we win the fight finally once and for all. And let us say, yes, we will raise the minimum wage because you cannot survive on $7.25.”
News
Black Students Receive Brunt of Disciplinary Action N.C. Legal Aid Describes Wake County Schools as “Prison Pipeline” Aaliyah Singleton Correspondent
W
2013 • Nubian Message
5
RAL recently reported that Black students in the
dents who are excluded from class are more likely to experience
Legal Aid also found that students who are Black, from a
Wake County School System are disproportion-
far more negative outcomes than the ones described by support-
low-income family, or those with disabilities are far more likely
ally receiving higher rates of disciplinary action
ers of the practice. The American Psychological Association has
to receive a suspension from school than their White comrades.
than anyone else in the school system. Black students were
found that these students exhibit a higher risk of obtaining more
Black students were almost seven times more likely than White
found to have the highest rates of both short and long-term
suspensions, being retained from school, dropping out and
students to receive a suspension. Last year, Black students made
suspensions. According to the N.C. Legal Aid’s Advocates for
eventually becoming involved in the criminal justice system.
up 24 percent of the total student population, but received over
Childrens’ Services project which looked at school suspensions during the 2011-2012 school year, Wake County Public Schools is a “school-to-prison pipeline.” The pipeline consists of laws and policies that steadily moves students out of the school system and into the prison system through excessive disciplin-
One parent who spoke out in the Legal Aid’s report described her son’s experience upon being suspended: “It has been a constant battle to keep him on track… It felt like Wake County just gave up on my son and his education when he was
60 percent of suspensions while in stark comparison, only 2.5 percent of White students reported having received at least one suspension. Despite the serious lashing the Legal Aid placed on WCPSS,
suspended.” He learned nothing while he was placed at Infinity
the report did offer some hope as to improvements that could
[Alternative Online Schooling Center]. They sat him in front of
be made to remedy the situation, while taking into account
a computer for a couple hours a day and let him waste his time
WCPSS’ serious budget issues the past few years. These changes
students from school has been coming under fire. According
playing on the Internet. No one helped him or supported him.
include adding additional school counselors and psychologists
to the Wake County Public Schools Code of Conduct “Schools
As a result, he was incredibly far behind his peers academically
to the school personnel and through the utilization of more
must be safe and orderly, students must be given clear expecta-
when he tried to go back to school this year. Being behind and
alternative programs and methods rather than looking to sus-
tions for appropriate behavior in school and fair practices for
not understanding the work makes him frustrated, and the
pensions as the first resort instead, of as the last resort.
disciplining students must be followed,” however, in reality stu-
more frustrated he gets the more he just shuts down.”
ary action. From as far back as 30 years ago, the practice of suspending
50 Black People You Should Know...
S
Shirley Chisolm
(1924-2005)
The first African American woman to be eleceted Congress;
served in New York’s 12th Congressional District
View the complete gallery online at thenubianmessage.com!
2013 • Nubian Message
6
Opinions
#BlackTwitter Dane McMillan Correspondent
D
Pastor’s Power Extends to Weave Taari Coleman Correspondent
P
astors have a tendency to be
because he feels women are more likely to
opinionated individuals. Most
be victims, or is it that wearing weave is is
that have attended at least one
the only offense worthy enough to men-
efined by Shani O. Hilton, Black
was right there to share its opinion. It arguably
Twitter is “thousands of Black Twit-
added fuel to the fire that resulted in Deen’s
terers who a) are interested in issues
necessary apology and a loss of many endorse-
typically address and dictate their feelings
answered is how much influence Aamir,
ments.
on topics other than their specific religion
or any religious leader, should have over
directly.
their community. During the Presidential
of race in the news and pop culture and b) tweet A LOT.” Who knew we would get “our own” twitter? On the surface, it may seem like a joke, especially because a lot of #BlackTwitter consists of people tweeting about pop culture and making jokes. However, once you get past the jokes, #BlackTwitter is the new medium for the Black social media users to come together and discuss issues that affect the community. It is also a means of starting social movements. In a recent interview with the Wall Street Journal, rapper J. Cole spoke about the Trayvon Martin case and how Twitter could play a role in where we go from here. “Twitter, as crazy as it is for me to say this, is the first black community we’ve had in a long time. It’s a real opportunity for blacks to have a sense of community again, have leaders, and really just movement,” says Cole. 50 years after the original March on Washington, Twitter could now serve as the medium
After the Trayvon Martin verdict, Juror B37, one of the jurors in the case, found a book agent to help her write about her experience as a juror on the case. Even though Juror B37’s identity has yet to be revealed, #BlackTwitter quickly shut down her idea of “cashing in” on a book deal off of Trayvon’s murder. Tweets with her book agent’s twitter account, email address, home address, and phone number had been retweeted all over Twitter. Not long after this, Juror B37’s deal was dropped. Her explanation as to why was, “being sequestered had shielded me from the depth of pain that exists among the general public over every aspect of this case.” This is the long way of saying, “Black Twitter made sure that I knew it wasn’t okay.” It’s easy to assume that Black Twitter is a joke, especially with some of the trending topics
church service can attest to that. From popular culture to local hearsay, pastors
Pastor A.J. Aamir of Resurrecting Faith
tion to the congregation as a whole? The question that really needs to be
Election, there were several religious lead-
Church in Waco, Texas, has taken this a
ers throughout America that endorsed
step further and targeted a subject that
or rejected the candidates based on their
hit close to home with many members of
own personal preferences. This, in turn,
his congregation. In an effort to eradicate
influenced the members to illegitimately
the wearing of hair extensions, Aamir said
support candidates they would not have
“women wearing weaves presents a false
otherwise. Everyone is entitled to an
image of themselves and are associated
opinion and everyone, ultimately, has one
with women with low self-esteem.” The
on every topic. The ability of an authority
Texan pastor believes that natural beauty
figure to use their position of power to
should be the only type of beauty, but has
change the opinions and actions of others
also mentioned the financial situation a
is debatable. Aamir’s opinion on weave
lot of the members of his congregation
has no religious value, in fact. His only
are in. He does not understand how some
claim is “women are getting weaves trying
women can struggle financially, yet at the
to be something and someone they are
same time, afford three hundred dollar
not.”
weave. Aamir raises very valid and interesting
It is not a pastor’s job to determine who a woman is or what she represents.
during awards and reality TV shows. It can be
points, yet at the same time, leads people
Unless wearing a weave had become
entertaining; however, when it’s time to be seri-
to question what specifically about weave
problematic with his teachings, the claims
ous, Black Twitter can be so much more than
is so bothersome. Aamir is targeting an
Aamir has made are not only unwar-
a source of entertainment. It’s impossible to
issue that is only relevant to women. His
ranted, but superfluous in his setting.
ignore this opportunity for the Black commu-
statement brings about questions about
A pastor’s job is to spiritually motivate
Deen had made some offensive remarks about
nity to move forward. We’ve come a long way in
the way men express their esteem, or lack
and counsel their community, when the
her idea for a “southern plantation wedding.”
50 years-- let’s see how much further we can get
thereof, and why women are the only ones
pastor’s opinions become secular rather
Dean also admitted to using the N-word. Once
in another 50.
“more focused on what’s on their heads
than sacred, the pastor neglects to follow
than in their heads.” There are several oth-
the religious teachings to which they are
er attributes that are associated with low
bound.
for our “modern day marches.” Since its inception in 2009, #BlackTwitter already has a few victories under its belt. A few months ago, it was revealed that Paula
this story broke on the news, #BlackTwitter
Popular #BlackTwitter Hashtags #AintNobodyGotTimeForThat #LetThatHurtGo #TheStruggle #ImSchleep
Black Twitter Birds by: Alex Eben Myer
self-esteem- from the clothes one wears to the obscene prices they are willing to pay for them. Aamir neglects the other actions that indicate low self-esteem. Is this
Stressed Owt?
Education Cuts, or Cut Your Losses Tyler Allen Correspondent
Vonte Keith Staff Writer
S
education first. Current legislation regarding
future teacher, I am concerned about the
S
swing of school. You’re getting to know your
the lowest life expectancy, as well as higher
North Carolina education, more specifically
quality of education students will receive in
professors and peeping out the attractive
rates of hospitalization for diabetes, hyper-
its teachers, takes a sharp 180 degree turn
years to come.”
classmates with which you’ll want to form
tension, and chest pain complications (all
study groups. However, beyond the riveting
potential symptoms of stress). This can often
ince the first day of kindergarten,
majoring in Agricultural Education said,
we have been taught that rewards
“N.C. legislature is crippling the state’s public
would flow in consistently, if we put
education system. As an N.C. native and
from that belief. Gov. Pat McCrory, as well
Today’s teachers face an unprecedented
o you’ve survived the first week of
When talking about stress, African Americans
classes for the semester, and now
are particularly at risk for higher levels, espe-
you’re easing yourself back into the
cially males. African American males have
as the N.C. Senate have passed laws that not
number of responsibilities; all of which
mental stimulation you’ll be receiving this
be amplified by the “I’m a man, I can handle
only take away tenure for future teachers, but
directly correlate with the rising standards of
year, you’ll most likely be experiencing some
my problems by myself ” mentality, which can
also freezes their salary, even those with an
society and a global marketplace expect high
unwanted stress as well.
lead to internalization of these problems and
advanced degree.
school graduates to meet. It is unfortunate
Dealing with classes, work, and relation-
that we continue to let our educators and
ships, on top of the plethora of extracurricular
tional education in North Carolina as we
future students down. Removing funds, strik-
activities you might be involved with can be
with stress is self-awareness, such as knowing
know it, serves as a means of budgeting.
ing down compensation for Master’s degree
overwhelming at times. This is where the ef-
what specific things or situations cause you
One particular bill included in this reform
and the advent of a new publicly funded
fects stress can start to creep in.
to become stressed, what your strengths and
calls for the expansion of charter schools,
private school voucher system; serve as a
Stress can be represented by the basic equa-
weaknesses are, how you individually cope
including the use of enrollment vouchers,
reminder for educators that their efforts are
tion “stress = demands > resources.” When
with stress. Another is time management; try
cutting jobs of teachers’ assistants, as well as
continually undermined.”
one’s demands outweigh the resources they
to improve your prioritization, and decrease
currently have, stress follows. For example,
your procrastination. Side Note: marijuana is
Gov. McCrory’s quest to reform tradi-
increasing investments in Teach for America,
Chris Smith, a student majoring in
more stress. A good strategy when it comes to dealing
rather than traditional teachers themselves.
Biological Sciences, agreed with Gupton
suppose you’ve got a multitude of assignments
not a certified stress-management plan.
A school safety measure has also been passed
saying, “Without the incentive, and with the
due tomorrow (demands), but you feel like
Do not be afraid to seek help! Often times
that makes it legal for permit holders to carry
combined lack of pay and respect shown
you do not have enough time (resources) to
African Americans shy away from seeking
concealed weapons in locked cars on school
towards its teachers, North Carolina’s public
complete the assignments- this can lead to
medical attention because of certain negative
campuses as well as public universities.
education system will receive [either] a major
stress. It can have several effects on the body
stigmas surrounding medicine or counseling.
Legislative measures such as these add to the
facelift in the next couple of years, or be
including varying physical symptoms, changes
Going to a counselor or therapist does not
startling fact that North Carolina currently
completely destroyed.”
in thinking, emotions, and even certain ac-
mean you are crazy. They are trained to offer
tions. The Journal of the American Medical
help to students, especially on how to solve
are being hypocrites in the values that we
Association reported, “Stress is as bad for your
old problems in new ways. The Student Health
Carolina education efforts will go from here.
teach our kids. Parents preach that hard work
heart as smoking and high cholesterol.”
Center on campus has licensed counselors
Most teachers go into the profession knowing
and dedication will be consistently rewarded,
that it won’t bring a lot of monetary value,
ranks 46th in average teacher pay. The question is raised on where North
We have to consider whether or not we
Being in college exposes us to unique
that offer free sessions to students as well as
but this same proverb is falling on the deaf
stress factors. An article published by the In-
other resources for students who are coping
but rather a personal value. Knowing that
ears of North Carolina lawmakers. It seems
stitute of Education Science looked at certain
with stress.
anything they may say or do can make a huge
as though we’re taking advantage of those
specific stress-inducers for African Americans
difference in a students life makes the job
whose passion is for teaching, regarding
in college which includes: “death of a family
as a teacher much more valuable than what
them as resources that will be here no matter
member (intrapersonal stress) 82 percent;
their salary may show. People who intend to
what happens. These laws that may seem
low grades (academic stress) 69 percent; time
make a future career out of education are also
small to others, could take on a snowball
management (academic stress) 61 percent;
concerned about these legislative effects.
effect in the near future. Without any sort ap-
boyfriend/girlfriend problems (interpersonal
preciation or increase in pay, teachers could
stress) 57 percent; and missed classes (aca-
Colby Gupton, a N.C. State student
Losses continued pg. 11
demic stress) 55 percent.”
2013 • Nubian Message
7
Opinions
2013 • Nubian Message
8
Demonstrators gather to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the March on Washington for Jobs and Equality in front of the Washington Monument in Washington, D.C. | Photo Courtesy of: Deona Hooper
50 Years Later, The March on Washington
Two North Carolina Natives Share Their Experiences at the Anniversary March Kierra Leggett Editor-in-Chief
D
eMonte’ Alford is barely a quarter-century old. How-
early on that he would make the trip to D.C. for this year’s
involvement. According to Alford, in 1962 his grandfather,
ever, despite his young age, he has already made strides
march. “August 28th is a historic day— it’s the day they found
Delma Rattliff, was one of the first African Americans to vote
Emmett Till’s body and it was the day of the original march
in Scotland County, North Carolina.
in fighting injustices that long precede his birth. On Saturday morning, Alford took a five-hour bus-trip to the Nation’s Capital where he was among thousands of people who joined in commemorating the 50 anniversary of the th
March on Washington for Jobs and Equality. A junior at East Carolina University, double majoring in Political Science and African American Studies, Alford knew
on Washington,” said Alford. “Three years ago when I learned that, it was my freshman year of college. I knew then that I would go.” As the current president of the ECU Chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, Alford comes from a family with a long history of social
Although many people who belong to the generation of Alford’s grandfather have pessimistically described today’s youth as lazy and apathetic toward creating social change within the United States, Alford is among the optimistic minority who beg to differ. “Moral Mondays have really brought back politics,” said
9 2013 • Nubian Message
Alford. “There are people of all backgrounds coming together…people of this age are being arrested, paying the consequences for civil disobedience…there is a budding movement happening, and its developing in front of us.” According to Alford, one of the largest incubators for this movement is social media. “Twitter is an extremely powerful tool that we have,” said Alford. “It allows for mass consumption, and it really cuts down on the middle time and travel time when you can speak instantly to a person who’s on the other side of the world.” For Alford, one highlight of being at the anniversary of the March was hearing a speech delivered by Phillip Agnew, executive director of the Dream Defenders, an organization working to bring about social justice by “training and organizing youth and students in nonviolent civil disobedience, civic engagement and direct action.” Alford who says he supports the mission of the Dream Defenders, does not feel that Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s dream has been realized. “A lot of people say that Dr. King’s dream has been realized because a colored man is living in public housing in D.C., but, when verdicts like those in the cases of Jordan Davis, and Trayvon Martin are able to happen in courtrooms in the South, we still don’t have the upper mobility to decide our destiny. Don’t get caught up
Demonstrators with their picket signs during the 50th Anniversary of the March on Washington for Jobs and Equality | Photo
“...my Children and people my children’s age are growing up with opportunities and don’t realize how those opportunities got there. ”
Courtesy of: Deona Hooper
Sharpton, who according to Hooper, “summed up the essence of what [the March on Washington] meant,” during his address at the 50th anniversary. “There were so many nuggets and jewels [in his speech] about what this [march] should
in the grandiosity of this anniversary…remember the whole speech, not just I have a dream.” CBS news reported that tens of thousands of people visited D.C. to attend the anniversary of the March. For Alford, it is a crowd that he won’t easily forget. “The moment I stepped off the bus, it was instant excitement,” said Alford. It was an atmosphere that you can’t describe in words. It takes away any kind of doubts you might have in the Movement, and lets you know there are [other] people like you.” One such person like Alford, is Deona Hooper, editor-in-chief of Social Work Helper, a magazine that discusses issues relevant to social work and social justice. Hooper, who is based out of Durham, N.C., traveled to the anniversary of the March on Washington because she felt it was her civic duty. “I [recognize that] I was a beneficiary of the Civil Rights Movement,” said Hooper. “[But] My Children and people my children’s age are growing up with opportunities and don’t realize how those opportunities got there.” Among the Civil Rights Leaders to help create social change and create opportunities within the United States during the peak of the Civil Rights Movement, was Reverend Al
be,” said Hooper. “A lot of people may have looked at [this march] as a celebration for what [the original march] was, but it is really a call of action for institutional racism and house cleaning in our own community.” A graduate of both Methodist University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Hooper was impressed by the diversity represented in the crowd. Something she was not impressed with however was the lack of discussion surrounding the anniversary of the March on social media. “Twitter is where collaboration can happen, but young folk who are not civically engaged, they are not on Twitter,” said Hooper. “The MTV Video Music Awards were Sunday and that’s what people are talking about. If you depend on Twitter, the radio and Facebook, the VMAs are dominating the culture.” Despite this, it is Hooper’s belief that Dr. King’s dream has finally come into fruition. “A lot of people have said that Dr. King’s dream has not been recognized...we need progress, sure… I’ll say differently,” said Hooper.
2013 • Nubian Message
10
Sports
Black Athletes Open Up About Sexuality Alfred Anderson Staff Writer
T
his past April, Washington Wizards Center Jason
announced that she is gay in a Sports Illustrated interview. Ini-
Collins made headlines when he announced to the
tially, her announcement didn’t make quite as many headlines;
American public that he is gay. Thus, he became the
weeks later however, it was revealed that Baylor was advised
first openly gay African American male professional ath-
that she keep her sexual orientation a private matter. “It was
lete. Collins, a 12 year NBA veteran, has played for six teams
a recruiting thing,” says Griner. “The coaches thought that if
throughout his career, including the Atlanta Hawks and the
it seemed like they condoned it, people wouldn’t let their kids
Boston Celtics, averaging a little over three points and three
come play for Baylor.” But if Griner’s accolades are any indica-
rebounds a game, according to Sports Illustrated.
tion, her personal preferences did nothing to hold her back. According to ESPN, Griner was a three time All-American and became the second all-time leading scorer in women’s NCAA history during her 4 years at Baylor. In April, she was the No.1
“As an athlete, I feel that our athletic abilities are shadowed by too many social issues that don’t matter.” - Jazmyne Childs
pick of the WNBA and began her professional career with the Phoenix Mercury that following month. More recently, another African American athlete made headlines after announcing his sexual orientation. World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) Superstar Darren Young revealed to reporters that he is gay while traveling through the Los An-
“I’m a 34 year-old NBA Center. I’m black and I’m gay,” said
Jason Collins on the cover of Sports Illustrated
Mike Rose. “It is something that I believe can be good and bad because it lets people themselves, but it could also stress others out...those that can’t comprehend the idea of being gay.” Track star Jazmyne Childs also said, “I am not surprised by
geles International Airport (LAX) earlier this month. A TMZ
this. I don’t feel it is significant because sexuality and athletic
Collins. “I didn’t set out to be the first openly gay athlete play-
reporter asked Young if he thought that a gay wrestler could
ability have nothing to do with each other. As an athlete, I feel
ing a major American team sport. But since I am, I’m happy to
succeed in the WWE, to which Young responded: “Absolutely.
that our athletic abilities are shadowed by too many social is-
start the conversation.” In the months following his announce-
Look at me. I’m a WWE superstar and to be honest with you,
sues that don’t matter.”
ment, he has dominated headlines, seemingly becoming the
I’ll tell you right now, I’m gay. And I’m happy. I’m very happy.”
poster child for gay athletes in America and perhaps even inspiring other athletes to come out as well. Just a few weeks earlier however, WNBA player and former Baylor University standout Brittney Griner also publicly
With news of African American professional athletes com-
announcing their sexual orientations, this matter won’t be as
ing out becoming more and more frequent, student athletes
controversial or significant in the future. Athletes should be
at N.C. State have voiced their opinions on the matter. “I
seen for what they are- athletes, without such a huge focus be-
personally think that it’s not a shocker,” says Defensive End
ing placed on their sexual preferences.
Losses continued from pg. 7 be forced to move on and cut their losses. If that happens, where would we get educators for our children? Lawmakers have to consider these scenarios when they decide to take away from one of the most vital parts of our lives: education. The seed of knowledge will never be able to grow and become rooted if no one is there.
Perhaps, with African American athletes now proudly
Connetc With Us On Social Media! Facebook.com/nubianmessage Twitter: @nubianmessage Instagram: @nubianmessage
2013 • Nubian Message
11
2013 • Nubian Message
12
but we’ve lost our unity. Sister killing Brothers, Brothers killing Mothers, Mothers killing Fathers, And Fathers killing others. Tell me why neighborhoods have become so corrupt, Where neighbors shoot neighbors just because. What happened to a neighborhood raising a child? Where everyone knew everyone and did their best to help out. Why is it that our black students have stopped striving for more? Where there’s no motivation, there’s no mission. When did we become so hateful?
Coming this far doesn’t mean you stop progressing, You only won a battle, The War has yet to end, No we’ve never been so close to victory, Yet we’re still so far away.