NM January 27, 2016

NORTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY | RALEIGH, NC | THENUBIANMESSAGE.COM | wednesday, january 27, 2016

MARTIN AND MALCOLM: COMPARING IDEOLOGY AND EFFECT

Wednesday, january 27, 2016 | 2

from the editor Hey guys, I hope everyone survived the perilous Snowpacalypse 2016 (I apologize for the sarcasm, but I’m from New York so that was nothing!) and that everyone’s semester is off to a good start. As we mentioned in the last issue, this is the perfect time of the year to form new habits and make some self-improvements. Actually go to class, exercise, eat well and drink water.

Speaking of water, I wanted to take a minute to talk about what’s happening in Flint, Michigan. We now know that the men, women and children of this community have been speaking out about the quality of their water for over a year now. Their voices were not heard. It is only now that we are seeing images of this community splashed across newspapers and websites. It is only now that we are seeing the brown water they have been consuming and washing themselves in. It is only now that we are finding out about how American citizens were subjected to chemical byproducts, E. coli, Legionnaires' disease and lead after the city's water source was switched to the corrosive Flint River in 2014.

This event is a perfect example of something that is not frequently discussed in the black community: environmental racism. In Flint 40 percent of the residents live in poverty and the average household income is just $25,000. This was a systematic decision made by the town government that negatively affected a majority black community. When the people spoke out, they were ignored and made to feel foolish. I’m truly disappointed to see that it is still possible to use a basic human need such as water as a means of discrimination. I am hoping and praying that the people of this community come out healthy, wealthy and well, but we all know this is a fairly optimistic view.

One realistic hope I have for Flint and for the rest of the nation is to have all voices be heard and taken seriously. Consider the many undocumented immigrants in Flint that are now being denied access to any clean water.This should be a wake up call to both citizens and government that in order to be successful, we must listen to each other and respect each other's opinions. That is why I believe the Nubian is so important, and why I want it to serve beyond just the African-American community. There are so many people in this country that are left voiceless, unable to initiate change within their own lives and communities. We are here to combat that. We serve as the voice of African-Americans and other minority groups at NC State. Please send in any letters, comments, questions or concerns because we are here to represent you.

That being said, I hope everyone takes some time to consider what you can really do to improve yourself and your community. 2016 should be a year of change, so make it happen!

Nothing but love, Jillian

COVER PHOTO COURTESTY OF The library of congress

THISISSUE

3 TOWN HALL MEETING

Students, faculty, staff discuss race

4 MARTIN AND MALCOLM Comparing ideologies and views

5 YOUR VOICE

Student opinions on MLK and Malcolm

6 TECH POETRY

Combining art and science

6 HOVERBOARD BAN

Lithium batteries cause spontaneous fires

7 DAWN MORGAN

New Assistant Director of AACC

7 NEW SCHOLARSHIPS

Opportunities in Black History Month

The Sentinel of the African -American Community at N.C. State Since 1992.

Editor-in-Chief Jillian Smith

Managing Editor Stephanie Tate

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.

news

Wednesday, january 27, 2016 | 3

town hall addresses issues of race on campus Jillian smith Editor-in-chief On Wednesday, Jan. 13, Student Government held a town hall meeting in Talley’s Stewart Theatre.

The subject: racial climate on campus.

“I feel bad saying this because I love NC State, but I am very disappointed in my university because it hasn’t actively engaged me in race education,” said Kelly Elder, a senior in political science.

The tone of the meeting was set by statements such as these as well as the Yik Yak, Twitter and Facebook posts scrolling across the screen throughout the event. The vulgarity and absurdity of the selected posts gave some of these ambiguous racial problems a level of widespread visibility they previously had not received.

This helped audience members understand the reasons behind the meeting and the need for change on campus. This slideshow also included testimonials from students sharing their personal experiences.

“I feel like I’m constantly in a battle with my own identity and how my peers perceive me. You wouldn’t believe how often I receive questions like ‘are you a member of the NC State football team or basketball team,” said Ryan Barnes, a senior in paper science and engineering.

The meeting started off with some emotional stories about negative experiences with race and discrimination, reinforcing the seriousness of the subject matter. Following this, the panel introduced themselves and Student Body President Khari Cyrus introduced the format of the meeting.

“The purpose of this event is to develop solutions,” said Cyrus.

There were four main action items for the meeting: sensitivity and inclusivity training, mandatory diversity training for incoming freshman, honor court and Asian-American/Pacific Islander inclusion.

The possibility of sensitivity and inclusivity training for all students was a major part of the discussion. Bystander intervention training was also a topic of conversation in conjunction with the suggestions of mandatory diversity training for incoming freshman.

Renee Wells, director of the GLBT center brought up the importance of cultural competency and how this type of training is something necessary for students to see and understand microaggressions. She believes to change the racial climate on campus, we need programs that build upon each other because “it can’t happen in a one hour workshop.”

It did not seem that the panel members and audience members that suggested some of these programs came to a consensus on the time frame in which they would have to take place. Should they all happen during orientation? Should they be classes taken in the first semester? These are lingering questions, but it is important that the conversation was started at the meeting.

The next action item was the need for a place where students could report non-academic misconduct such as acts of discrimination.

According to Kamrie Risku, a sophomore studying political science and the the Diversity Activities Chair for the Union Activities Board, “there needs to be a better way to address these issues because there are very few safe spaces for minority students to address their discomfort.”

She has suggested having an “honor court” as a potential solution. The Honor Court would consist of both volunteer and elected court officials that would review reports of non-academic misconduct.

This would be significantly different than any other program we have because it would encourage student-to-student accountability and peer mediation.

This would be created under DASA which is a part of student housing. It is important to have a more student-centered organization to deal with these issues because the only other resource, the Equal Opportunity and Equity office on OIED which primarily deals with complaints against faculty and staff.

One audience member brought up the issue of students against whom complaints are filed reacting negatively to their privilege being infringed upon.

She questioned how we bring these students in rather than make them feel isolated.We need to focus on “winning the person versus winning the argument,” as another audience member put it.

The last action item put up for discussion was the fact that there are very few resources for Asian American and Pacific Islander students on campus.

Nina Ondona, the representative for Asian Students in Alliance (ASIA) explained how having a representative and a foothold in multicultural student affairs would provide these students with more opportunity and inclusion.

Ondona is hopeful that AAPI students will receive greater visibility and have more of an on-campus presence if this can happen.

There were many great ideas put forth at this town hall with a goal implementation date of fall 2017.

The student government panelists were hopeful that through cooperative and collaborative work with administration, these plans could be put in place.

Photos by kai mcneil

Wednesday, january 27, 2016 | 4

opinion

ONE DREAM TWO PATHS:

MARTIN, MALCOLM EXPLAINED Stephanie tate managing editor Caught in between Martin Luther King Day and Black History Month lies the consistent appraisal of Martin Luther King Jr. Every year from his national holiday in January until the end of February, those who oppose policies that would align with Martin’s teachings resurrect his quotes to show that they do in fact believe in “equality.” Martin is best known for a legacy of nonviolent peaceful protests that objected to the unjust treatment of African Americans in America. In the midst of painting Martin as the face of the Civil Rights Movement, we oftentimes leave out the voices and faces of others who contributed to the movement. Malcolm Little, later known as Malcolm X, is one of those voices. The life and legacy of Malcolm X is scarcely taught in schools and when it is, Malcolm is illustrated as a violent antagonist to Martin. There is no denying that Malcolm and Martin were two very different men, however they had a similar goal: to obtain equal rights for African Americans.

Despite their juxtaposed positions on how to achieve this goal, the two had much respect for one another. With that said, respect never stood as enough reason for the two to see eye to eye. In a 1963 interview with Malcolm X Dr. Kenneth Clark asked Malcolm “Well, Reverend Martin Luther King preaches a doctrine of non-violent insistence upon the rights of the American Negro. What is your attitude toward this philosophy?” In response, Malcolm X remarked that “The white man pays Reverend Martin Luther King, subsidizes Reverend

Photos by kai mcneil

Martin Luther King, so that Reverend Martin Luther King can continue to teach the Negroes to be defenseless.” Remarks about Martin were not uncommon coming from Malcolm, which more than likely contributed to the idea that they were two opposite ends of a spectrum. Although Malcolm had gone on record calling Martin both a chicken wing and a fool, he also said “Dr. King wants the same thing I want--freedom!”

Towards the end of their lives, both seemed to become more moderate in their views. In his letter from Birmingham jail Martin acknowledges that the frustrations of black nationalists such as the Nation of Islam, were warranted. He refers to the black nationalists as one force and his model of peacefulness until integration as another force. “I have tried to stand between these two forces, saying that we need emulate neither the "do nothingism" of the complacent nor the hatred and despair of the black nationalist,” said Dr. King. A letter from Malcolm, recovered by the Martin Luther King Paper Project, inviting Martin to speak at a Muslim rally read “A United Front involving all Negro factions, elements, and their leaders is absolutely necessary.”

According to PBS during his visit to Selma, Malcolm visited, Coretta Scott King, the wife of Dr. King to inform her that “I didn't come to Selma to make his job difficult. I really did come thinking I could make it easier. If the white people realize what the alternative is, perhaps they will be more willing to hear Dr. King.” After the death of Mal-

colm X in 1965 Martin apologetically sent a telegram to Betty Shabazz the wife of Malcolm. Part of the telegram read “While we did not always see eye to eye on methods to solve the race problem, I always had a deep affection for Malcolm and felt that he had the great ability to put his finger on the existence and root of the problem.”

While they disagreed on the methods to reach the destination, both Malcolm and Martin, kept freedom at the forefront of their movement. Malcolm X said in his autobiography “The goal has always been the same, with the approaches to it as different as mine and Dr. Martin Luther King's non-violent marching, that dramatizes the brutality and the evil of the white man against defenseless blacks. And in the racial climate of this country today, it is anybody's guess which of the "extremes" in approach to the black man's problems might personally meet a fatal catastrophe first -- "non-violent" Dr. King, or so-called "violent" me." With both Martin and Malcolm being tragically assassinated at the age of thirty-nine, it would seem that they both met a fatal catastrophe. However, when looking at the activism on our campus, I can say that their movements have not met that fatal catastrophe. When looking at the amount of African American students committed to make our campus a more inclusive place I am lead to believe that regardless of whose path we take, we are slowly but surely approaching that end goal of freedom.

opinion

Wednesday, january 27, 2016 | 5

NM YOUR VOICE Malik Simpson, senior, human biology

What do you consider to be the biggest difference between Malcolm X and Dr. King?

“I would say their belief in the white race, which in turn led to their opposite views of retaliation. When I say belief I mean faith that they could treat blacks equally. Martin Luther King Jr. believed that whites could treat black people equally and wanted us to be one united country. However, Malcolm X had no faith in the white race, nor did he trust them, and would rather blacks unite together and support each other against the white man.”

Whose views would you say that you subscribe to more?

“I would say I subscribe to both. I don’t trust many white people and I’d rather support a fellow black person before I support a white person. However, I do have faith in society that one day we will be treated fairly. I believe it’s because of the time period I’ve grown up in. I’ve seen the progress since the civil rights movement so I know it can continue.”

Achaia Dent, freshman, animal science Achaia Dent, freshman, animal science What do you consider to be the biggest difference between Malcolm X and Dr. King?

“I think that Malcolm X was more willing to compromise peace in order for his people to progress because he knew our power. Martin Luther King Jr. wanted to sustain a certain decorum to keep his followers from looking threatening.”

Whose views would you say that you subscribe to more?

“I feel that action is necessary but I don’t necessarily think violence is the answer but sometimes it is a solution. So in that way I think I can identify with Achaia both. ” Dent, freshman, animal science Ade Adesina, sophomore, communication What do you consider to be the biggest difference between Malcolm X and Dr. King?

“I know this is probably a typical answer but I would violence when necessary versus non-violence.”

Whose views would you say that you subscribe to more?

“I would lean a little more towards Martin Luther King Jr. because I do believe peaceful protest and peaceful discussion to better the communities around us. However, Malcolm states ‘I don’t even call it violence when it’s in self defense; I call it intelligence’ which I take as use violence when you are backed into the corner and you have no other option it’s the smart thing to do but only in the most serious cases. I would say I take both sides but lean towards Dr. King more as peace would always be my first method.”

Wednesday, january 27, 2016 | 6

news

When technical intelligence meets creative genius quianne’ Holmes staff writer

Last Thursday, Jan. 21, there was no place you would rather have been than the Technimetric Poetry Slam.

This event was created by the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) and sponsored by Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) media, Arts NC State, and My Health Impact.

As students filled the room, the dim lights created a quaint, intimate space with refreshments, music, and an art gallery consisting of student paintings. Darryl Johnson, a junior in Mechanical Engineering and the President of NSBE opened the event up by introducing the purpose of the event: “technical intellect with creative genius.”

He then shared his own poetry which included verses that transformed engineering concepts into verses concerning the unjust circumstances that African Americans face in today’s society.

The EMCee of the night was Nehemiah J. Mabry, a Ph.D student. He set the ground rules to create a supportive safe space for the participants. These rules

included snapping for and verbalizing appreciation during a performance and continuing that vibe by applauding their exit.

Nehemiah then introduced the the judges, Angelitha Daniel, Alexis Carson, Kryston Gollihue, and Will McInery, who had the tough task of picking the first place winner who would receive an Apple Watch as well as the runner up who would receive LED speakers. The crowd favorite would be chosen by the audience using Twitter.

The first poet to grace the stage was Natalie Sherwood, a junior majoring in polymer and color chemistry. She blew the audience away creating rhymes that touched on black lives lost such as Michael Brown, Freddie Gray and Tamir Rice.

The creativity continued with a freestyle spoken word from Taha Arif, a junior in electrical engineering who grabbed the crowd’s heart and tickled their funny bones.

In between poets, there was an Art Gallery give away in which audience members were randomly

selected to win student paintings.

Next up, Tierra Knight, a junior in chemical engineering, gave inspiring words saying that “we are all powerful beyond measure, and most importantly “who are you not to be?” Then Ade Adesina, a sophomore in communication media used his science filled poem to tell a love story.

Morgan Sanchez, an undergraduate in engineering, let everyone know that it was her first time doing spoken word. The community embraced her with open arms as she shared a short but meaningful poem. Last but not least, Camerian Williams, a junior in psychology and social work shared his poem about how opposites attract.

Finally, it was time to announce the awards. Runner up was Taha Arif, crowd favorite was Camerian Williams and first place winner was Natalie Sherwood.

Hopefully the Technimetric Poetry Slam will encourage more creative spaces in which students can display more interdisciplinary creativity.

Hoverboards Banned on Campus due to fires Zoe wilson correspondent

While hoverboards are currently trending, the increasing number of accidents, explosions and other serious injuries caused the office of Environmental Health and Public Safety to issue a campus-wide ban on the devices and others like them.

The ban prohibits the use and storage of hoverboards or any machine similar to them on campus grounds. The university has made arrangements to temporarily store the hoverboards owned by students who live in residence halls if they cannot safely get them home in the near future.

The lithium-ion battery that powers the hoverboards is the most concerning element of these devices. The ban was initiated due to vast reports of the battery spontaneously bursting into flames especially while charging. This kind of explosion would obviously cause havoc for any close quartered residence hall or classroom, and avoiding any related disasters will benefit student’s general safety on campus.

In addition to the fire hazards, there has been an increasing number of emergency room visits for injuries associated with the use of hoverboards. Some

students wonder if hoverboards are more or less dangerous than riding a skateboard to class.

“While I have seen way more people wipe out on skate boards, I bet it would hurt more to fall off a hoverboard especially if you were wearing a backpack because it would be so unexpected,” said Mary Stuart Sloan, a freshman majoring in Political Science.

The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission recently launched an investigation into the hoverboards in hopes of finding a solution to this hazardous problem. “CPSC is looking into the safety of the entire product line of hoverboards,” Patty Davis, the deputy of communications director for the Commission told Fox 59. “We are working all across the country to move our investigation forward as quickly as possible.”

NC State is not the first to put a ban on hoverboards on campus. In addition to many colleges and universities, over 60 international airlines such as Delta and United Airlines have prohibited their passengers from bringing any device similar to a hoverboard beyond TSA security. Multiple shipping

companies have also stopped transporting the hoverboards to avoid impending accidents or explosions.

Retailers such as Target, Overstock and Amazon have temporarily stopped selling the lower quality hoverboards made with lithium batteries due to the safety concerns. Amazon is also giving full refunds for any hoverboard purchased through their website, and many companies are likely to follow this trend.

Some students applaud the ban of hoverboards and now feel safer walking to class without having to worry about getting run over.

“Most of the people using hoverboards to get to class just assume people will get out of their way. I think they are more obnoxious than skateboarders because at least they usually stay in one place whereas the hover-boarders were all over campus,” said junior Addison Collins majoring in Business Administration.

Like it or not, hoverboards are banned from campus for now. If the manufacturer develops a battery that doesn’t explode, maybe the boards can comeback., but until then, looks like we’re all walking.

Wednesday, january 27, 2016 | 7

features

welcome dawn morgan: new AACC assistant director benyame assefa correspondant With the start of 2016, the concept of ‘new’ is in mind. For the new Assistant Director at the African American Cultural Center (AACC), Dawn Morgan, the ‘new’ 2016 involves more than just a few resolutions; it means a new office.

Q: So tell us about yourself.

A: I am from Rochester, NY where I graduated from Nazareth College with a B.A. in Psychology and a minor in Multicultural Studies in 2005. I continued working fulltime and attended Buffalo State College part-time, eventually earning an M.S. in Student Personnel Administration in 2010.

In 2011, I moved to North Carolina as a newlywed, and worked at Elon University as an Assistant Director in housing. In 2013, I accepted a position at NC State in the Center for Student Leadership, Ethics and Public Service (CSLEPS).

Q: What were your roles as as coordinator at CSLEPS? A: As Coordinator of CSLEPS, I was responsible for developing and executing a number of programs, mostly related to leadership development. Some signature programs I was responsible for included Leadership In Action (until its final graduation in 2014), LeaderShape, Service NC State Meal Packaging Event and advising Campus Pals. Another exciting opportunity and one that I am particularly proud of was chairing the Student Leader Training Committee. Last year, we hosted the first Leaders Under Construction themed conference for these students and will continue with that initiative this year…(look out for this opportunity on April 16th!).

Q: What are some of your new roles?

A: My new role is a balance of programmatic and administrative responsibilities. I will be coordinating artists and their work for the African American Cultural Center’s Gallery and co-advising the AYA ambassadors. I am also focused on establishing new initiatives and enhancing current programs centered around leadership development for students associated with the center, promoting undergraduate and graduate level research as well as connecting with faculty to extend learning opportunities beyond the classroom, for those wanting to learn more about African American people and cultures represented in the diaspora.

Q: What things are you are excited about?

A: I am thrilled to be working with students and a professional team that are engaged in and have the desire to enhance learning and awareness around something I am so passionate about: black culture and experiences. That excitement has been amplified by the fact that it is the AACC’s 25th anniversary. This is the perfect time to think about what the AACC means to us as members of the NC State and surrounding community and consider giving back. Thankfully, through the support and guidance from Dr. Graham and Mama Thorpe, my first program will be a gallery opening on February 2nd at 6pm. The exhibit is entitled “The Soul of Philanthropy” and will focus on a rich history of ‘giving back’ in the black community. We hope many of our students and campus colleagues will join us to celebrate and participate in the African American Cultural Center’s 25th year in this way.

Congrats to Ms. Morgan on her new position, and her exciting new role as a mother.

black history month Brings Scholarships Threa Almontaser Staff Writer

Every year, various organizations award scholarships to deserving students who meet their criteria. This year, there are four great opportunities created specifically for African-American students.

These scholarships are being given in accordance with the upcoming Black History Month. They’re usually based for African-American students and are made to motivate the following generations of Black history creators and to help them afford a good education.

Companies such as Coca-Cola and Frito Lay participate in these scholarship programs, hoping to provide students more opportunity and lower tuition.

Kamaria Fyffe, a junior studying English, says, “I think scholarships are really helpful for minority students in general, not just African-Americans. It’s a good way to encourage them to go to college.”

The Frito-Lay “Create to Celebrate” Black History Month Art Contest asks applicants to submit an original artwork on any medium that celebrates African-American achievement in history. The grand prize is $10,000 dollars, with second and third place prices of $5,000 and $2,500 dollars.

“African American scholarships aren’t broadcasted as much as others. You need to hear about them from somebody, unlike others that are non-African American related,” said Daisha Johnson, a freshman studying animal science. Johnson went to a predominantly white high school, where she says she had to talk to a specific person just to find out more about scholarships for minorities.

The Buick Achievers Scholarship Program gives students up to $25,000 that excel in the classroom, especially in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) program and other related fields.

They look for community leaders and dedicated, inspiring students. This program wants to “support the pursuit of academic disciplines that will help drive global innovation and economic growth in the 21st century.” Distinctive consideration is awarded to first-generation students, females and minorities.

Anieka Dickens, a grad student in the Master of Public Administration program, says, “These scholarships help a lot when trying to reach out to kids who ordinarily would not be going to college.

It instills diversity from lower impoverished areas into the universities.”

The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation/General Mills Health Scholarship Program is open to both graduate students and undergraduate that have a focus in medicine and nutrition-related studies. Applicants must have at least a 2.75 GPA and can receive up to $2,000 dollars out of the 46 that plan to be granted this year.

Some of the deadlines are in January, but most of these scholarships have end submission dates in February, so hurry and apply!