NUBIAN MESSAGE WEDNESDAY | SEPTEMBER 30 | 2009
SENTINEL OF THE AFRICAN AMERICAN COMMUNITY AT NC STATE SINCE 1992
inside
this edition
THE RECESSION HITS NC STATE >>> PG 3
BREAKING THE BORING WEEKEND ACTIVITY CYCLE >>> PG 5
ISSUE 5
WWW.NCSU.EDU/NUBIAN
The 2009 Miss Black and Gold Scholarship Pageant
Alpha Phi Alpha crowns new “Miss Black and Gold”
Crystal Clark | News Writer
The brothers of the Eta Omicron Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, held their annual Miss Black and Gold Scholarship Pageant on September 21, 2009, crowning Kateria Poe as the 2009 Miss Black and Gold. Contestants competed in 4 categories: swimsuit, talent, evening wear, and a question and answer session. The seven contestants included NCSU students Melissa Young, Jasmine Stockton, Kendra Obimah, Kateria Poe, Naomi Drake, Mia Andrews, and Shakaela Webb. The women, adorning silver dresses to match the show’s “Ice Angels” theme, introduced themselves to audience members while performing an opening dance routine to “Halo,” by Beyonce. “This is something that we do annually to provide both scholarship money and a venue for African American women on campus to show their intelligence, confidence, and beauty,” said Christopher Webley, a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. The swim suit contest was the first portion of the show, and many of the contestants wore one piece suits in colors ranging from electric red to pure white. Contestants were able to showcase their creative side in the talent Kateria Poe, a junior in women and gender studies and competition. Contestant one, Melissa Young, exhibited her vocal range by winner of the Miss Black and Gold Pageant 2009, answers a singing “Super Woman,” by Alicia Keys. Contestant two, Jasmine Stock- question selected based on her platform | by Kali Rogers ton, performed a hip hop dance routine to “Radio” by Beyonce, which showed off her flexibility and versatility in rhythmic movement. Contestant three, Kendra Obimah, performed an African cultural dance in traditional African attire, gaining a large applause from the crowd with her “dutty wine.” Contestant four,
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Krimson Kafe: A Night of the Arts
Jasmine Willis | News Writer
Sprite Step Off Competition >>>PG 7
The Kappa Xi Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. held Krimson Kafe on Thursday, September 24, in Riddick Hall Lounge. The program featured performances from students and refreshments from Beyu Cafe of Durham. The purpose of the Krimson Kafe was to provide students with artistic entertainment. President of Kappa Alpha Psi, Derrell Vann, a Senior majoring in Architecture, felt that the non-traditional program provided a relaxed feel for African Americans. “Our whole purpose of the program was to be different,” said Vann, “We wanted to hold an event people could enjoy without having a party or being Miriam Kamya, a freshman in textile and apparel management, watches a video of a poem recited by Tiana Lewis, a senior in industrial engineering, during the Krimson Kafe in Riddick Hall. “It was lectured.” awesome,” said Kamya. “I had a great time.” | Kali Rogers Over 100 people attended the program. Entertainment included spoken word from artistic students from around North Carolina and neighboring states. Creative coffee samples and deserts were provided by Beyu Cafe. “Krimson Kafe was a good way for individuals to express their feelings through the arts, such as dance and spoken word,” said Shakaela Webb, a freshman majoring in Biology, “It was exactly what I expected, people expressing themselves in a creative way.” “My favorite part was when a Hispanic girl related love to math,” said Webb. “The program went very well for its first time.” Michelle Hunt, a freshman majoring in Psychology, said, “I did not know much about the program, but it went better than I expected.” The only problem Hunt encountered was trouble hearing in the back. “A girl from Washington, D.C. was my favorite act,” said Hunt. “The program was definitely a success, because each member of Kappa Alpha Psi, did his part to make the event a big hit,” said Vann. The Kappa Xi Chapter will hold more events like Krimson Kafe in the future. “We are trying to think outside of the box, in an effort to be better than what we are now,” said Vann.
2 | news
nubian message
September 30, 2009
Just in Case You Missed It
Ms. Felicia Baity, the Assistant Director of African American Affairs at NCSU, helps serve food during the Peer Mentor Cookout on September 24, 2009 outside of Witherspoon Student Center. The cookout was open to the public, including those who are a part of the Peer Mentor Program. Photo by Kali Rogers
Cameron Johnson, a junior in computer science, serves ice cream during the Blue & White Meltdown social event held by the Xi Zeta chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. The event was held in the Sankofa Room of Witherspoon Student Center on September 24, 2009.| Kali Rogers
Applications for leader of the Pack are due October 2nd. For more information visit ncsu.edu/csleps
Michelle Bowen, author of Up At The Church, Holy Ghost Corner, and Church Folk, signs copies of her book before ending a program hosted by herself and the African-American Cultural Center Witherspoon Student Center’s Sankofa Room on September 17, 2009. The forum featured a performance from Unihibited Praise Gospel Choir as well as Bowen’s experiences that inspired her literary work. Photo by Kali Rogers
Locations Avent Ferry Complex Brooks Hall Caldwell Hall Harrelson Hall Primrose Hall Talley Student Center Witherspoon Student Center Wolf Village Apartments
gye nyame “except for God”
A symbol of the supremacy of God. This unique and beautiful symbol is ubiquitous in Ghana. It is by far the most popular for use in decoration, a reflection on the deeply religious character of the Ghanian people.Official symbol for the Nubian Message.
Nubian Message
Sentinel of the African-American Community at North Carolina State University Demi Olubanwo EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Kali Rogers PHOTO EDITOR Sakinah Omar COPY EDITOR Jasmine Harris COPY EDITOR Shanequa Winstead LAYOUT EDITOR
Deidra Morris NEWS EDITOR Kara Lynch OPINIONS EDITOR Art Goodson CULTURE EDITOR James Taylor ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR May Chung MIND BODY AND SOUL EDITOR
372 Witherspoon Student Center Box 7138 NC State University Raleigh, NC 27695-371 PHONE NUMBER: 919.515.1468 ADVERTISING: advertising@sma.ncsu.edu INQUIRIES/FEEDBACK: editor@nubian.ncsu.edu LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: editor@nubian.ncsu.edu 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. A single copy is free to all students, faculty, staff and visitors to campus. Additional copies are $0.25 each. Copyright 2009 by North Carolina State Student Media, All rights reserved.
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Opinions | 3
september 30, 2009
Sex on Fire Marlena Wilson | Opinions Writer
We are all adults on this campus and it is a reality that adults have sex. If you listen to the band Kings of Leon you may have recognized the title of this article. Truth is that sex is, in fact, on fire. It is and has always been a hot topic in society. What does that mean for America’s young people? How is sex affecting minority communities? Is sex bad? These are a few of the many questions that pass through the minds of young adults and being on a college campus only intensifies these interests. It seems to methat more people are starting to shy away from abstinence only sex education in public schools. I find this to be helpful, but a significant number of people would disagree. I believe that having proper sex education in school (that is not just focused on abstinence) will better prepare American youth for healthier and safer adult lives. Having helpful sex education can have a positive impact on how one conducts themselves in college. It is false to think that sex education is out to make youth have sex and engage in wild behavior. It is here to help make better choices about how to live their lives. In the fifth grade a “Grow and Changes” class was brought to our attention. At the time I was not in a very productive living environment so this class was the only way I could learn about how my body was changing. Not talking about sex hurts more than it helps. As one moves on into the college years, I believe it is easy to have a warped sense of what sex is. Movies and television do a wonderful job of making sex look like the most pleasurable thing on the planet. Although entertainment’s main purpose is to fabricate and heighten sex, the entertainment industry does a horrible job of educating people about sex. I believe people come to college with all of these misconceptions when engaging in sexual activities. I may be wrong, but I do not believe sex is all about smooth jazz and never ending orgasms. From talking to different individuals I have heard that sex, especially the first time is awkward and a bit painful. Although in the movies everyone is a sex god. This is absolutely false. The use of contraception may be old news, but it is definitely not bad news. I’m
sure the “protect yourself ” or “wrap it up” speeches are getting boring, but they are needed. If people were being smart about sex I don’t think we would still be talking about it as much. The truth is that STDs are real and any human who engages in a sexual act can get one. Plain and simple. Don’t kid yourself with the “It won’t happen to me” talk, you may get a rude awakening. Minority groups are especially at risk. Minority youth do not receive adequate sexual education and in return reach out to their friends and the media to learn about sex. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention found that the rate of Chlamydia among African Americans in the United States was more than eight times that among whites. This means that the rate of Chlamydia among black women was more than seven times higher than the rate among white women and more than 11 times higher for black men than that among white men. Approximately 70% of the total number of reported cases of gonorrhea occurred among African Americans. As far as Syphilis goes, the rate among black women was 14 times higher than that among white women. At the same time, the rate in black men has increased in recent years as rates of disease have increased. HIV positivity among persons tested for HIV was highest in black men who have sex with men. HIV positivity was 8% in blacks (who make up 13% of the population), and 5% in Hispanics. This is a major American problem. African Americans need to wake up and realize that sex is a serious issue. If you have unprotected sex there could be consequences. I am in no way saying don’t have sex. I am saying be smart about how you do it and who you do it with. Also, do not think just because you are heterosexual you cannot get an STD. The LGBT community should not be stigmatized as disease ridden. It is not an issue of sexual orientation, but an issue of humanity. So before you have sex think about what you want out of it. Use the proper contraception (condoms, birth control pills etc.) and limit your sexual partners. Get to know who you are sleeping with and make sure you can trust them. If you have any questions or concerns that involve sex go to the Student Health Center. There are many informative pamphlets and people to talk to. Don’t put your life at risk for the sake of unprotected sex.
inspirational quotes of the week
“Intelegence plus character- that is the goal of true education.” Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. “Hold fast to your dreams, for without them life is a broken winged bird that cannot fly.” Langston Hughes
The Recession Hits N.C. State Madavia Johnson | Opinions Writer Everyone knows that we all go to an incredible school, but despite of this, many of the students are suffering due to the economic crisis. However, I feel as if some of the changes, due to this crisis, are unnecessary. For example, a few c-stores (university dining convenience stores) on campus have been remodeled and additionally prices have fluctuated, causing students to spend more board bucks than normal. Usually, around 300 board bucks would last me until the end of each semester, but from the way things are looking I may have to begin using my debit card in order to pay for the amount that I go over on meals. The change may have made the school’s stores look a little bit more attractive, but it was perfectly fine with the lower prices and descent stores. At the beginning of the semester many students received emails from teachers telling each of their students that they had to print the syllabus for the class themselves. According to Vikki Hwang, a sophomore majoring in Biological Sciences, “I hate it when we have to print our own syllabi and pay extra money for online assign-
ments. We are already paying a lot of money for college. Little things like this should be covered.” For many students this leaves the question of how exactly is our tuition being used? It is selfexplanatory that we need food, room and board, and books, but where does the rest of it go? According to CFNC.org (College Foundation of North Carolina) “Out of state students pay an average of $16,158 for tuition alone and in state students pay an average of $3,860 for tuition alone (Moreover, the room and board costs an extra $7,892 average). On top of all that, tuition increased from last year, as it does every school year. These circumstances drive me to take a look at how many students are attending this school, and wonder where is all this money going? Possibly, to dishonest politicians and chancellors? I personally think that the school collects money to spend on whatever they please, putting the needs and wants of the students last. For example, organizations and events are suffering due to the lack of funding. Last year during our Pack Howl Homecoming Concert we had top notch performers such as the band N.E.R.D. and rapper Common presented to us, but according to outside sources we no longer have the funds to
bring famous bands and artists to perform this year, and maybe even the next. We may have to resort to local bands performing this year. We pay tuition so why can’t we have the performers that we want and desire? I strongly feel as if the freshmen are being cheated out of their college experiences due to this lack of funding. They will not get to see Boyz II Men like upperclassmen did at last year’s Friday Fest concert or other amazing performers this year, and it was those experiences that made myself and others fall in love with this school. I hear my fellow peers complaining about the events this year and saying they are going to attend other events at other schools because it will be a more exciting experience. As far as organizations are concerned students have to put in more money for fees, t-shirts, and other miscellaneous items that use to be free. I admit that the economy has played a part in finances, but I really think that the school may be over exaggerating the effects of the economy because officials are saying we do not have enough money to do this and that, but yet we see a lot of unnecessary things being invested in.
4 | Culture
September 30, 2009
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Miss Black and Gold Continued from Page 1>> Kateria Poe, brought the audience to its feet as she recited a powerful self-written poem entitled, “Strong Black Woman No Longer,” with the purpose of encouraging young black women to defy the stereotypes of a strong black woman and create new, more positive ones for themselves. Contestant four, Naomi Drake, demonstrated her passion for her marching band as she performed a very unique drum major routine, surprising the audience with a backbend all the way down to the floor. Wearing an all black leotard, contestant six, Mia Andrews, performed an emotional lyrical dance routine to Sara Bareille’s “Gravity.” Contestant seven, Shakaela Webb, remixed a favorite poem of many, Langston Hughes’ “Dream Deferred,” by letting the audience know about her dream to become a doctor. Throughout the competition there were various student performances. Rakita Henry and Marquis McCullough wowed the crowded, opening the show with the singing of the Negro National Anthem. Janice Cooley delivered her poem, “Black Before I Knew It,” which discussed the struggles of being labeled as “Black” in America. A local up and coming artist known as M-Bass sang a self-written song dedicated to the beauty and strength of black women. An NCCU and former NCSU student, Heather Gavin, left the audience in awe of her vocal skills as she sang her rendition of “At Last,” by Etta James. In addition, NC State’s very own Black Finesse Modeling Troupe wrapped up the performances as they strutted around the room in all black attire, with a performance one could only describe as futuristic, grabbing the audience’s attention with triple spins and lifts on stage. One of the major deciding factors in choosing the competition winner was the portion of the show when the contestants came out in their evening gowns and
Expressions
answered questions, which gave both judges and audience members a closer look at the enthusiasm, poise, and intelligence of the women. Questions ranged from ways in which the winner plans to benefit the African American community with her crown to the contestant’s opinion on universal healthcare. According to Judge Courtney Simpson, this is the portion of the show that helped determine her vote for Poe. “Overall, all the contestants did a wonderful job…One thing that stood out for me when judging Ms. Poe was the passion that she has for her school, her community, and herself,” said Simpson. “As Miss Black and Gold, her passion can help push the community to another level.” Contestants waited anxiously as the results were read by hosts April Gaddy, crowned Miss Eta Omicron in 2008, and Kornelius Bascombe, a member of Eta Omicron. Naomi Drake was awarded the third place trophy and crowned “Miss 1971,” representing the year Eta Omicron was chartered. The runner-up position, given the title “Miss Eta Omicron,” was awarded to Mia Andrews, and the coveted “Miss Black and Gold” crown was presented to Kateria Poe. “I was confident that I could positively represent Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated,” said Poe. In the future, she plans to use her crown to highlight obstacles she feels the black community faces at NC State University and worldwide by hosting her own program with the brothers of Eta Omicron. The next step for Poe is to compete in the Miss Black and Gold district competition held in Durham, NC, and she hopes to bring another crown back home. Poe states, “I look forward to competing, and until then, I will be perfecting my speech, talent, and overall stage presence.”
I am not my hair! I am not my skin! I am not your expectations!
No, I am not your preconceived thoughts about who I should be or become! I am the expectation of God and who He would have me to become in my life right now. I am not changing for you, I am changing for me. My beauty is not attributed to my hair, my skin, or my clothes, but my soul. It should only matter who I am inside, the greatness that lies within. I am becoming a beautiful butterfly, with many colors and my wings spread wide, filled with stories of my life’s journey. I am sorry if this offends you. No, I don’t mean any harm, no, not at all. I am just ready to explore the beauty in me. No strings attached, just me. Deciding to deal with what’s inside of me is one of the best decisions I made in a long time. I chose to face the thoughts and ideals that were implanted in me from birth and attacking them head-on with positive solutions. I am a woman of color, hear me speak! I am the expectation of God! I am not my hair! I am not my skin! I am a woman of color, hear me speak! I am here to break up you playground in my mind. Your idealism has no preeminent value anymore. Take them back to where your imagination was first formed and allow me to feed you my realism which is like fresh fruit, no preservatives, just what’s natural. You experienced life through corrupted eyes, now it is time to break up that hollow ground which had no foundation to stand on. It is time for the truth. I am the expectation of God, which is excellence. I am the soul that lives within. I am not my hair! I am not my skin! I am the expectation of God! I am in a metamorphosis stage. Loving and falling in love with who I am, not who you want me to be. Don’t be offended because that is not my intention at all. I am embodying the soul within me. -Zora Irving
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september 30, 2009
Arts & Entertainment | 5
Break the Boring Weekend Activity Cycle with These Fun Ideas
Stephanie Spivey | Arts & Entertainment Writer
What are you doing this weekend? Going to see a movie at the $1.50 theatre at Blue-ridge? Going out to the same club, with the same group of people, on the same night you went out last weekend? Grabbing your ‘Go Pass’ and taking the bus out to Crabtree Valley Mall for some free samples in the food court? Does this sound like your typical weekend? There is nothing wrong with the movies, mall, and the club, but many often find that these infamous three are the only options available to them on the weekends. Being born in Raleigh, I know all about the monotonous choices of activities that some people might experience, especially students that are from large booming cities like New York, Washington DC, or Denver, Colorado to name a few. But Raleigh does not have to be that way. For the most part you have to live here while you are in school, so why not make the most of it! Below, I have listed some alternative options that you might want to consider to spice up your weekend. Most of the activities are group friendly, so invite your friends for a really extraordinary evening! Some of these activities might require some transportation other than the ones offered at NCSU.
Marrakesh Café Lounge
Adventure Landing
2500 Hillsborough St. Raleigh, NC 27607 (919) 341-1167
3311 Capital Blvd., Raleigh, NC 27604 919-872-1688
Price: $ 8 usually covers 2 people for 30 min of flavored tobacco Marrakesh is a hookah bar located on Hillsborough Street. across the street from DH Hill Library. Similar to a coffee shop setting, the Marrakesh café offers a serene and calming environment to unwind after a long week of studies. For all of you that do not know, a hookah is a device that is used to inhale flavored tobacco through filtered water. This environment is not for everyone, because it includes smoke from tobacco, which has been known to have some negative side effects. Hookah has also been proven to be a safer alternative in some studies to the smoke produced in cigarettes. They café also serves an assortment of delicious pastries, hot tea’s, and coffees.
Outdoor adventures Carmichael Recreational center 2611 Cates Avenue Price: generally $35-$105 If you really want to do something really out of the ordinary one weekend why not go on an adventure? The Carmichael recreational center is offering trips in the fall and the spring semesters to various locations on the eastern coast including Virginia, Washington D.C, New York, and even here in the Carolinas. Backpacking across Virginia, white-water rafting , and sea kayaking in Staten island are some bold choices for the adventures but there are also more mellow trips such as ones offered in November where one has the opportunity to spend a day in Washington D.C enjoying the many historical sites. For the most part these are weekend long trips, often departing Friday morning and returning Sunday. The Majority of the costs are covered by NCSU which include food, equipment, and transportation. There is a fee for each trip that can range from $35-$105 depending on the trip and location which can be a little pricey for some, but out of the ordinary none the less. If this is something that might interest you here is the website http://www.ncsu.edu/campus_rec/ to check out the different outdoor adventures and directions on how to register.
Price: Generally $10-$15 Get in touch with the kid in you. Just because you are in college doesn’t mean you’re too cool for laser tag right, right? Adventure landing houses a variety of activities in just one location including laser tag, put-put, arcade games, and race car racing. You might remember doing these activities as a kid, but you’d be surprised at the amount of excitement generated from these elementary activities when you get a bunch of friends involved. They are generally open from 10am-12am on the weekends, offering a special on Saturdays including 30 tokens, unlimited laser-tag, and mini-golf for only $9 till noon. So get there early.
AFM (Bowling) 1827 Capital Blvd. Raleigh, NC 27604 (919) 832-3747 Price: Generally $7-$12 a person Even If you absolutely suck at bowling (like me) and have to use the gutter free rails (like me) you can still have a good time especially with a large group of friends. The AFM lanes charge an average admission of $ 5.50 a person per game and $4.25 for bowling shoes. For the more economic friends nights they have specials on Tuesday and Sunday nights starting at 9pm which include paying a $5 cover charge and receiving everything else (shoes/per game) only a $1 each. Their hours generally range from 12pm-2am on the weekends but can vary on the weekdays. They also offer a variety of American classics in the eatery including hotdogs, pizza, and hamburgers for reasonable prices.
Pullen Park Why not have a picnic with that special someone or race you friends…or the ducks in motor boats in Pullen Lake. Pullen Park offers a lot of recreational and CHEAP ways to have a relaxing weekend. It’s also located right on campus, so no public transportation is needed to indulge in this activity. Campus too noisy? Pullen makes a calming place to unwind and study for that upcoming test on Monday. Also ‘Theatre in the Park’ is also located in Pullen Park for all of you that enjoy the intricacies of a good drama.
6 | Mind, Body, and Soul
September 30, 2009
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Protecting Your Mind Shakira Howie | Mind, Body, & Soul Writer Originally published November 8, 2006 One of the most valuable elements people possess is the ability to think. The mind is so powerful. It can control our movements, behaviors and feelings. It has the influence to motivate, to strengthen, and to frustrate or depress. We do not take the proper precautions for shielding and protecting something so vital to our existence. Your mind guides your life and it is necessary to make sure it is guarded because the world, such as it is, is after your mind. What you have to do in order to protect your mind is to gain control over it. It may sound like a difficult task, but we can do it with enough practice. You have to command your thoughts and stop allowing them the authority to command you. I am sure you have been in that place where you are about to do an assignment or you have to study but you just cannot keep your attention on what you are doing because your mind is all over the place. There is a lack of concentration because your mind has communicated to you that it is not going to focus. You eventually get the studying done, but it does not happen until you give yourself that pep talk and get to work. Commanding your mind takes strength because you have to motivate yourself and not allow your mind to waiver away on random thoughts. It seems that our minds want to wander far away from what is
going on when we commit to doing something good such as studying. At these times, we have to command the attention of our minds and bring it into alignment with what we are doing. You cannot fully protect anything that you do not have control over. Your mind needs to be protected because of the power that it has in directing your actions. Monitoring your thought processes protects the mind. What things are allowing to enter your mind? Are they acceptable? If you want your answers to these questions to change, start being more careful of what you lend your mind to. Your thoughts manifest actions. If the thought is not corrected, it won’t be long before the wrong actions follow. Seeing the wrong images, listening to the wrong music, or going to the wrong places all produce the wrong thoughts. Sometimes things may appear to be more innocent than they are because they have been packaged in a deceptive and subtle way. You have to be aware of these things because they invade the mind so quickly that you do not realize that they have entered and planted seeds until they begin to grow in your life. The power of certain music, movies, television shows, books and magazines to corrupt the mind and create strongholds is increased in the day and age we live, which is why it is so important to protect your mind by monitoring its exposure. After closing the doorway of your mind to the darkness of the world, begin establishing good thoughts. Don’t allow yourself to ever think something is too
hard for you, or you can’t make it for whatever reason. Begin to let hope and life dwell in your mind, letting you know you can do it, and it shall be done. Set your eyes on positive things, on the future, on the promises of God. Don’t set your eyes on your problems or current situations because whatever you set your eyes on will eventually encompass your mind. If you don’t want your mind always worrying about one thing or another, don’t lend so much of your time to worrying. Your mind is convinced by your thoughts. If you are thinking your situations is not going to change, or is a hopeless case, then that is what gets relayed to your mind and you begin to believe it. It also works in the reverse. If you don’t linger and wallow in your situation and trust that it is going to work out, then in your mind it is established, and you believe beyond what you see. The power of the mind can completely shift and adjust your thinking and your faith, which is why it is so important to guard the mind. The mind is a battlefield, but you do not have to let any outside force come in and defeat you on your own territory. Also make sure that you don’t invite the enemy onto your turf by lifting the doors and gates to your mind. We have so many things in society being thrown our way, working to empower our thoughts, control our actions, and control our mindsets everyday. Once we gain control, monitor exposure and establish a good thought process, our mind guards are better prepared to repel those things.
Sprite Step Competition Continued from Page 7>> included a couple of cided to create their own the late Michael fun. Lines were forming Jackson’s hits. The as people did the Cupid Shuffle and the Chabattle went on for Cha slide and jamming three rounds and the audience had a to some of their favorite chance to vote for songs like “Poison” by Bell Biv Devoe. There their favorite DJ by was even a battle besending a text to a tween St. Augustine and specified number NC State students to see with the name of the DJ; DJ Prince who could get the most “hyped” in which NC won the battle and State slightly edged out will be moving on to the next segment the St. Augustine stuof the DJ competidents. Soon after, the retion. sults were ready; for the sororities, the Gamma Xi Before the headliner act, Lupe FiChapter of Alpha Kappa asco, came out, VisAlpha Sorority, Inc. came toso Bosses, who in second place and the Delta Chi Chapter of currently have a song and video out Delta Sigma Theta Soentitled “Delirious”, rority, Inc. came in first NC State Students show their Wolfpack Pride at the Sprite Step Off Competition | Kali Rogers treated the crowd to place. For the fraternities, the Eta Chapter of Phi an eclectic perforBeta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. came in third place and won $1,500, the Eta Omi- mance. The group provided a rock/hip-hop tone to them that many people were cron Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. came in second place and won able to vibe to. Finally, after a much anticipated wait, Lupe Fiasco came to the $3,000 and the Gamma Psi Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. came in stage which immediately drew a large roar from the crowd. Lupe did not disapfirst and won $5,500. All teams, except the first place teams, will be competing in point and rocked the crowd with songs like “Superstar”, “Go-Go Gadget Flow”, South Carolina on October 17th for the regional semi-finals. The first place teams “Paris, Tokyo”, and even treated the audience to a song off his upcoming album. get to go straight to the regional finals in Charlotte, to be joined by the winners Mr. Fiasco, in a move to show love for his fans, gave a girl in the audience his of the semi-finals. bottle of water when she exclaimed that she was thirsty. Following the show, he Following the revealing of the results, the DJ Battle took place, which was took pictures with several of the Greek organizations and members of the media. sponsored by McDonalds. Each DJ represented one of the three popular burgers Video cameras were on the scene to capture footage which will be aired on naof the popular food chain: DJ Prince was the double quarter pounder with cheese, tional television in an “American Idol” type television show so keep an eye out for DJ Scholar was the Big Mac, and DJ DY Nasty was the Angus Third Pounder. DJ the teams competing in the show because they will be popping up on your TV Prince’s style was throwback hip-hop music that had many in the audience nod- screens in the coming months. The Sprite Step-Off has successfully been kicked ding their head from side to side. DJ Scholar’s style was current and past club hits off and will only grow bigger from here. For more information go to: http://spriand the recent dance songs that have swept the country in a dancing craze like testepoff.com/ “2-step” by DJ Unk. DJ DY Nasty had a style that was more laid back and even
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september 30, 2009
Sprite Step Off Competition
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Story by Lauren Gayden Photos by Kali Rogers
Kornelius Bascombe, a junior in criminology, performs a step routine along with the members of the Eta Omicron chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., on the Sprite Step Show’s main stage. The chapter’s step team placed second overall out of the fraternities who competed. | Kali Rogers.
Members of the Gamma Psi chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., representing Saint Augustine’s College are presented with a check worth $5,000 in scholarship funds. The check was presented after being revealed as the first place winners for the Sprite Step-Show Qualifying Round. The event took place on September 26, 2009 at the Time Warner Music Pavilion. | Kali Rogers
This past Saturday, Sprite hosted the Sprite Step-Off qualifying Round right here in Raleigh at the Time Warner Cable Music Pavilion; Raleigh was one of many qualifying rounds around the country. Hosted by Saint Augustine College, the competition is not only the largest step competition to hit the area, but is also the largest step competition in history with a pool prize packet that reaches $1.5 million dollars. Sprite will be traveling all over the country to find talented Greek step teams at various colleges that will first compete in numerous qualifying rounds that will take place in September and October, then the regional semifinals and regional finals in the months of October and November. The national finals will take place in Atlanta, Georgia on January 19, 2010; the overall winner will appear in Stomp the Yard 2. Saturday’s competition featured 5 teams, three fraternities and two sororities, from all over North Carolina, including the Eta Omicron Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc from NC State. Even though it was gloomy day and the rain was coming and going as the day wore on, it did little to stop the people at the Sprite Step-Off from having fun. The “audition stage” show kicked off the festival; during this phase of the competition, the teams showed off their skills to judges in hopes of moving on to the next round. However, since there were only five teams and a total of eight teams (four fraternities and four sororities) qualify, all the teams were eligible to move on. The second round took place at the main stage; the first group to perform was the Delta Chi Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc from Elizabeth City State University. They were followed by the Eta
The members of the Delta Chi chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., perform their step routine on the audition stage of the Sprite Step Show contest. They were placed first out of the sororities who performed in Raleigh. | Kali Rogers
Hip hop recording artist Lupe Fiasco performs in front of hundreds of fans before the end of the Sprite Step Show. Despite the rainy weather, many continued to come to the Sprite Step Show tour stop at the Time Warner Music Pavilion that Saturday from all over North Carolina. | Kali Rogers
Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc from NC A&T, whose performance theme was The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air that even included the “Carlton” dance; they concluded their performance by stepping blind-folded. Up next was the Eta Omicron Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc who drew a lot of cheers and support from the NC State students that were in attendance; they opened up their show, like in the Back 2 School Jam, by throwing money into the audience and were able to “revive” the crowd with their performance. The Gamma Xi Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. from St. Augustine’s was next, and even though they only had two members perform, they were able to hold their own against the other teams. The Gamma Psi Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., also from St. Aug. was the last act to hit the stage and ended the step competition on high and energetic note. While the judges were busy tallying up the final scores, Sprite kept the crowd alive with other forms of entertainment. A local music group performed their hit “Million Dollar Man”, a song that is being played on the radio stations here in North Carolina. A group of high school steppers named Rho Alpha Gamma graced the stage next and showed their moves to the audience; the black modeling troupe from Saint Augustine College, BJMT, followed and showcased their modeling skills. The last two acts, Embrace and Beatnam Veterans (both hip-hop groups), performed songs that had people in the audience jamming along with them, especially two songs dedicated to the ladies that caught the attention of many women in the audience. However, the judges were not quite done with the results so people de-
The ladies representing the Gamma Xi chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., perform on the main stage during the Sprite Step Show contest. Tieyarra Glover, left, and Curby Rogers, right, both seniors attending Saint Augustine’s College, both won second place overall out of the sororities who performed. | Kali Rogers
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The Eta chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., representing NC A&T State University finishes off a step routine blindfolded on the audition stage during the Sprite Step Show. The step team placed third overall for the qualifying round. | Kali Rogers.
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September 30, 2009
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