NCSU Symposium Edition 2013

THE SENTINEL OF THE AFRICAN AMERICAN COMMUNITY AT NC STATE UNIVERSITY

NUBIAN MESSAGE

RALEIGH, NC n VOL. XII, ISSUE 1 n THENUBIANMESSAGE.COM n AUGUST 14, 2013

Welcome, Black Pack!

Symposium Edition 2013

2013 • Nubian Message Symposium Edition

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Can You Write?

Are You Interested in Photography?

Want to Make a Difference in Your ommunity?

Join Our Staff!

First Meeting Aug. 22 6:30 p.m.

Third Floor of Witherspoon Student Center

United Methodist?

Join us at the

Raleigh Wesley Foundation United Methodist Campus Ministry

Wednesdays - Dinner @ 6:00, Program @ 7:00 2503 Clark Ave - www.raleighwesley.org - 919-833-1861

Black Pack Resources

4 Black Pack By The Numbers

5 Meet the Faces of AASAC

6- 7 AASAC Roster

8

Letter From the Editor:

Welcome to the Black Pack To All My Nubian Brothers and Sisters, What’s Up?

of the African American com-

Welcome to N.C. State and more specifically, welcome to

munity at N.C.

the Black Pack! The next year is about to zoom by. Before you

State since 1992,

know it, you will be sophomores, then juniors and in what will

when we were

surely seem like the blink of an eye, seniors.

founded.

During the next four years, as a black student of the cam-

Every Wednes-

pus of a predominately white institution, you are fortunate in

day, you can count

that you will have the opportunity to experience the best of

on us to bring you

both worlds. Not only are you a part of the general campus

news that is both relevant and pertinent to our community.

community, but you are also a part of the thriving African

We ask that you support us by being consistent readers of the

American community of N.C. State.

Nubian, visiting the Nubian Message website and app, and following and engaging with us on our social media accounts.

This year’s symposium edition was designed with your academic success as well as your social development in mind,

I hope that you are ready and excited to begin the new se-

Balancing Act

so use it as a resource. Within these pages you will find campus

mester and I look forward to connecting with you during Sym-

9

organizations you can join to enhance your professional and

posium 2013 and throughout the 2013-2014 academic year.

personal lives, a list of things (both academic and social) to do

Who Am I? Poetry

10 Dear #NCSU17

11

Connect With Us Facebook: www.facebook.com/nubianmessage Twitter & instagram @NubianMessage

Website: www.thenubianmessage.com

Email: ncsu.nubian@gmail.com Cover Photo: Kelly Darden

before you graduate, and tips on how to maintain a social life

Peace,

as a busy college student.

Kierra Leggett Throughout the year, you can turn to the Nubian Message to be a resource as well. As the Sentinel of the African

Editor-in-Chief

American community, it has been our job to serve as the voice

2013-2014

Welcome from Multicultural Student Affairs Greetings Class of 2017, It is with great excitement and pleasure we welcome you to NC State University and Wolfpack Nation! We are looking forward to connecting with you through your Symposium experience and beyond. The Multicultural Student Affairs(MSA) Staff, Symposium Counselors, and additional members of the campus community wish you success in your academic endeavors. We value who you are and the richness you bring to NC State through your cultural identity, awareness, and experiences. We are here to help support you!

The best, always....

MSA Staff-R. Bradley, J. Brown, A. Dones, M. Medina, J. Omorogbe, I. Stroud.

2013 • Nubian Message Symposium Edition

Table of Contents

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4 2013 • Nubian Message Symposium Edition

Black Pack Resources Things to Know and Places to Go

The Counseling Center can be found on the second floor of the Health Center and is open year round. The counselor-on-call can be reached at 919-515-3000.

The Undergraduate Tutorial Center hires and trains qualified NCSU students to provide a wide variety of tutoring services. For students enrolled in 100- and 200- level courses the UTC provides several types of free assistance. Students can sign up to participate in continuous weekly tutoring, with a tutor assigned to them. They can also make one-on-one tutoring appointments as needed, attend small group sessions for Chemistry, Physics, or Math courses, or seek help for all stages of the writing and speaking process. All of these services are designed to promote students to become learners and contribute to their overall undergraduate success.

The Undergraduate Tutorial Center can be found in Park Shops and reached at 919-5153163.

Looking for a quiet space to study, or readings about African American culture? The African American Cultural Center Reading Room offers both, and more. The AACC Library NCSU Student Health Center, where the Counseling Center is housed.

houses countless books, audio and visual resources by and about Africans, African Americans and other members of the African Diaspora. It also has computers, printers, wireless

P

access, a TV and candy, available for all students. art of the college experience is learning how to make mature, independent deci-

The African American Cultural Center Reading Room is on the second floor of Wither-

sions when no one is constantly looking over your shoulder.

spoon Student Center. Or, call 919-515-1397.

Unfortunately, we college students do not always make the best decisions and some-

times end up in situations where we may need legal counseling. Student Legal Services is a resource available to any and all NCSU students for free and confidential legal education, advice, and representation. The attorneys and legal staff at Student Legal Services are available to discuss and help students settle their legal disputes as quickly as possible so that their education may go on interrupted. Student Legal Services are qualified and prepared to deal with a wide range of legal matters, including landlord/tenant contracts, traffic disputes, domestic battles, criminal charges, and even matters of the estate.

Stop by their office at 334 Harrelson Hall or call 919-515-7091 to make an appointment and have your case reviewed.

The campus Counseling Center offers guidance to students experiencing personal or academic problems. It offers psychological assessment, psychiatric consultation, as well as other services to students for free. Counseling Center staff is skilled at responding to a wide variety of student issues. The Center also offers career assessments that allow the opportunity to measure career-related values and interests.

African American Cultural Center Reading Room, located on the second floor of Witherspoon Student Center

as of 2012 * in 2012

1 3 5 2

Black Students Enrolled at N.C. State

454

Lauryn Collier, Senior

Black Graduates*

59

Alumna Jessica Johnson, Class of 2013

Black Faculty Members *

30+ Black Student Organizations Dr. Rupert Nacoste

Kevin Howell, SBP ‘88-’89

4

Past Black Student Body Presidents

2013 • Nubian Message Symposium Edition

Black Pack by the Numbers

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Meet the Faces of

AASAC African American Student Advisory Council

T

he African American Student Adivsory Council

can students and their respective organizations to: “advo-

(AASAC) serves as a student extension of N.C. State’s

cate for the education of African American students about

Office of African American Student Affairs. Its purpose is

their African cultural heritage in order to promote and

to function as a representative body, as well as to exchange

uplift an African centered consciousness,” “develop the

ideas and distribute pertinent information to all of the Af-

leadership potential and the academic and professional de-

rican American student organizations on campus. Cur-

velopment of all African American students,” and “identify

rently there are more than 30 organizations that belong to

and address the needs and concerns of African American

AASAC.

students through unity action and effective communica-

Ultimately, according to the Multicultural Student Affairs website, AASAC works to encourage African Ameri-

tions.”

DeErricka Green | Managing Editor

Letter from AASAC Chair Marshall Anthony Welcome Back N.C. State Community!

I hope you all had a sensational summer filled with vacations, internships, summer

Marshall Anthony

Senior, Business Administration

roster of all the AASAC student organizations

ration, engagement, fellowship, and service

and your respective AASAC class representa-

within our community!

tives within this paper; utilize them, we are all

school! Somewhere in the midst of all that

This year, AASAC brings to you the in-

excitement, I also hope you found time to

troduction of our NEW Twitter account and

prepare for what will be a phenomenal 2013-14

Universal Calendar! If you want to know the

the academic, professional, and social develop-

academic year at our beloved N.C. State! I

latest news and don’t want to be out of the

ment of the Afrikan and Afrikan-American

would like to thank the Nubian Message for

loop, be sure to FOLLOW us at @NCSU_AA-

community here at N.C. State. If you have any

allowing me the opportunity to inform you of

SAC for daily events, updates, fun facts, and

questions, please feel free to send us an e-mail

some of the great things you can expect from

information about what’s happening and

at aasac.ncsu@gmail.com. Let’s aim HIGH

OUR community this year.

impacting OUR community on campus and

and look forward to a NEW academic year,

abroad. In addition, in the bio section of our

NEW successes, and a NEW AASAC!

Since 1989, the Afrikan American Student

@NCSU_AASAC

will also experience a NEW sense of collabo-

here for YOU! AASAC is a resource for you and to ensure

Advisory Council (AASAC) has served as the

twitter account, you will find the link to the

umbrella to the 30+ Afrikan or Afrikan Ameri-

NEW Universal Calendar. This calendar allows

can student organizations on our campus. As

you to see ahead of time about any scheduled

Chairperson this year, incoming and returning

or upcoming programs from all of the AASAC

Marshall Anthony, Jr.

students will not only see a NEW AASAC but

student organizations! Lastly, check out the

Chairperson, AASAC

Sincerely,

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Jordan Weatherburne

President of National Society of Black Engineers

Mission: Dedicated to the academic and professional success of African American engineering students and professionals. NSBE offers its members leadership training, professional development, mentoring opportunities, and career assistance.

Dechia Adebisi Adesegun

President of Black Students Board

Taylor Beamon

President of Collegiate 100 of 100 Black Men of America, Inc.

Mission:

Mission:

One of the first Black Student Organizations

An auxillary organization to the 100 Black

on campus, behind AASAC and a committe

Men of America whose goal is to assist in

of within the Union Activitites Board. Works

developing the social, educational, emo-

to instill a sense of unity and excitment withn

tional and physical needs of young black

students by providing a social outlet through

men on campus and surrounding commu-

political, spiritual, and cultural programs and

nity in need of positive role models.

activities.

@NCSU_BSB

@NCSU100

@NCSUNSBE

Mission:

Meet other AASAC Presidents and see what advice they have for #NCSU17 online at www. thenubianmessage.com !

Provides students with professional, personal, and community development through service and collaboration with other organizations.

Chelsi Holliday

President of Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources, & Related Sciences (MANRRS)

Strives for the inclusion, achievement, and advancement of all people in the agricultural sciences.

2013 • Nubian Message Symposium Edition

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Complete Roster of AASAC Organizations & Leaders 2013 -2014 Association of African American Educators (AAASE) President: Christina Frazier African American Cultural Center AYA Ambassadors (AYA) President: Julian Tucker African American Textile Society (AATS) President:Courtney Priester Association for the Concerns of African American Graduate Students (ACAAGS)* Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. (Kappa Omicron Chapter) President: Amber Johnson Alpha Nu Omega Fraternity & Sorority, Inc. (Upsilon Chapter)* Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. (Eta Omicron Chapter) President: Jordan McIntyre African Student Union (ASU) President:Busola Ola Black Finesse Modeling Troupe**

Black Students Board (BSB) President: Dechia Adesegun Caribbean Student Association (CSA) President: Okello Bogle CHASS-Multicultural Association of Students (CHASS-MASS) President: Deleana Williams Collegiate 100 of 100 Black Men of America, Inc. President: Taylor Beamon Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. (Mu Omicron Chapter) President: Jasmine Gaston Dance Visions (DV) President:T’ana Tomlinson Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. (Kappa Xi Chapter) President: Justin Ferguson Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources, & Related Sciences (MANRRS) President: Chelsi Holiday

Black Repertory Theater (BRT)**

Minority Association of PreHealth Students (MAPS) President: Tomesha Murray

National Association for the Advancement of Colored PeopleNAACP (NC State Chapter) National Association of Black Accountants- NABA (NC State Chapter) President: Anitra Black National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) President: Chelsea Hayes National Society of Black Engineers- NSBE (NC State Chapter) President: Jordan Weatherburne Nubian Message Editor-in- Chief:Kierra Leggett

Uninhibited Praise Gospel Choir (UPGC) President: Teyara Hudson W.E.B. Du Bois Honor Society President: Chelsea Gardner Women Empowering Society Together (WEST) President: Javada Hunter Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. (Mu Xi Chapter) President: Ashley Gaie *- Leadership Info Needed ** - Inactive (Confirmed)

Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. (Kappa Lambda Chapter) President: Tyler Allen Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. (Xi Zeta Chapter) President: Thomas Jasmine Society of Afrikan American Culture (SAAC) President: Paige Hardy Society of Multicultural Students (SMS) President: Jasmine Hunter

AASAC Executive Board Membes & Class Reps 2013-2014 Chair- Marshall Anthony Vice Chair - De-Kia Battle Secretary- Sophomore Rep. Parlimentarian - Sophomore Rep.

Freshman Rep (Open) Freshman Rep (Open) Gift Coker- Sophomore Rep. J'Den Williams- Sophomore Rep.

K'Ehleyr James- Junior Rep. Alex Pitts- Junior Rep. Jamael Harrison- Senior Rep. Chelsea Pearson- Senior Rep.

Balancing Act:

How to Manage College and a Social Life Chelsea Gardner Staff Writer

F

reshman year of college is one of the most important transitions in life. For many college freshmen it involves moving away from home and with that, gaining a new sense of independence and freedom of choice.

During this period students realize that they are solely responsible for making critical

decisions about education, personal values, and that even though their guardians may only a phone call away, they must learn to make big decisions on their own. One set of big decisions freshmen usually struggle with is balancing their social life with successful academics.

At first glance, college can seem like a huge party scene. There is always something exciting going on, and although freshman year is usually the most favored year because of all the new, exciting things students are exposed to and experience, if students are not responsible, the social scene can easily damage both their reputation and GPA. One of the rules for establishing a balancing act of social life and academics is to not fall victim to partying every weekend. Although it seems like you have to attend absolutely every party, if you don’t , you are not missing out on anything. There will always be another party, but for most students there will not be another exam or opportunity to mitigate a failing score. You have to keep in mind what you truly came to college to achieve. Though social experiences are very important and some may argue just as critical as education, the sole reason most people are in college is to gain a higher education.

“One of the rules for establishing a balancing act of social life and academics is to not fall victim to partying every weekend. Although it seems like you have to attend absolutely every party, if you don’t , you are not missing out on anything.”

Students at Pan Afrikan Carnival Spring 2013 | Nubian Message Archives

five job, every Monday through

Friday. Even though, my job often extends past 5p.m. – it has been very helpful in framing a time schedule for me. By utilizing this time frame, I am able to get ahead in my classes and not feel the stress of procrastination. It also enables me to make the most of my weekends, because based on this mentality I know to have Monday’s assignment completed by Friday evening.

With this in mind, it is okay to tell your friends “no” to that upcoming party. Let them know what your priorities are at the beginning of the year so no one views you as the “Debbie Downer” of the group. Don’t be peer pressured into choosing social life over your academics. As you get older, you will realize the true importance of this idea.

When you have a social event that you really want to attend on the weekend but an exam at the beginning of the following week, schedule your time wisely. If you plan to go out at night, then study during the day. This may mean waking up early on a Saturday morning to study at “Club DH Hill.” If you cannot commit to your schedule, then it is probably best that you are not in attendance at the evening social events.

Some of the best advice given to me before college was that I should view it as my nine to

When it comes down to making a difficult decision about social life versus academics, school should always come first. Ultimately, you have to make the choice to invest in yourself, your education, and your future. Freshman year is the perfect time to figure our your balancing act and begin making those investments. While you are acclimating to all these new experiences and choices, be sure to learn what works best for you and grow from your mistakes. College is an important learning experience, socially and academically. Just don’t get so caught up in the social scene that you neglect earning your degree.

2013 • Nubian Message Symposium Edition

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2013 • Nubian Message Symposium Edition

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What Shall I Tell My Children Who Are Black?

By: Margaret Burroughs What shall I tell my children who are black

“Yes, that’s true. But no less beautiful and dear.”

and measured the stars and discovered the laws of mathemat-

Of what it means to be a captive in this dark skin?

How shall I lift up his head, get him to square

ics.

What shall I tell my dear one, fruit of my womb,

his shoulders, look his adversaries in the eye,

I will tell them of a black people upon whose backs have been

of how beautiful they are when everywhere they turn

confident in the knowledge of his worth.

built

they are faced with abhorrence of everything that is black.

Serene under his sable skin and proud of his own beauty?

the wealth of three continents.

The night is black and so is the boogyman.

What can I do to give him strength

I will tell him this and more.

Villains are black with black hearts.

That he may come through life’s adversities

And knowledge of his heritage shall be his weapon and his

A black cow gives no milk. A black hen lays no eggs.

As a whole human being unwarped and human in a world

armor;

Storm clouds, black, black is evil

Of biased laws and inhuman practices, that he might

It will make him strong enough to win any battle he may face.

and evil is black and devil’s food is black...

Survive. And survive he must! For who knows?

And since this story is so often obscured,

Perhaps this black child here bears the genius

I must sacrifice to find it for my children,

What shall I tell my dear ones raised in a white world

To discover the cure for... cancer

even as I sacrifice to feed, clothe and shelter them.

A place where white has been made to represent

Or to chart the course for exploration of the universe.

So this I will do for them if I love them.

all that is good and pure and fine and decent,

So, he must survive for the the good of all humanity.

None will do it for me.

where clouds are white and dolls, and heaven

I must find the truth of heritage for myself and pass it on to

surely is a white, white place with angels

He must and will survive.

them.

robed in white, and cotton candy and ice cream

I have drunk deeply of late from the fountain

In years to come, I believe because I have armed them with the

and milk and ruffled Sunday dresses

of my black culture, sat at the knee of and learned

truth,

and dream houses and long sleek cadilacs

from mother Africa, discovered the truth of my heritage.

my children and their children’s children will venerate me.

and Angel’s food is white... all, all... white.

The truth, so often obscured and omitted.

For it is the truth that will make us free!

And I find I have much to say to my black children.

What can I say therefore, when my child

I will lift up their heads in proud blackness

Comes home in tears because a playmate

with the story of their fathers and their father’s fathers.

Has called him black, big lipped, flatnosed and nappy headed?

And I shall take them into a way back time

What will he think when I dry his tears and whisper,

of kings and queens who ruled the Nile,

When I Know the Power of My Black Hand By: Lance Jeffers

I do not know the power of my hand, I do not know the power of my black hand.

I sit slumped in the conviction that I am powerless, tolerate ceilings that make me bend. My godly mind stoops, my ambition is crippled; I do not know the power of my hand.

I see my children stunted, my young men slaughtered, I do not know the mighty power of my hand.

I see the power of my life and death in another man’s hands and sometimes I shake my wooly head and wonder: Lord have mercy! What would it be like…to be free?

But when I know the mighty power of my black hand I will snatch my freedom from the tyrant’s mouth, know the first taste of freedom on my eager tongue, sing the miracle of freedom with all the force of my lungs, christen my black with exuberant creation, stand independent in the hall of nations, root submission and dependence from the soil of my soul and pitch the monument of slavery from my back when I know the mighty power of my hand!

2013 • Nubian Message Symposium Edition

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17 Things to Do Before You Graduate

2013 • Nubian Message Symposium Edition

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PackaPalooza 2013