60.11 Spartan Echo

Spartan Echo The Voice of the Spartan Community

Vol. 60, I ssue 11

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Stories Inside

Williams continues to make headlines in his basketball career. See page 4.

4.09.13

SpartanEcho.org | 700 Park Avenue. Norfolk, Va. 23504

NSU signs Pre-Law program agreement with Regent University

The curious case of Oscar Pistorius

By Desiree Jenkins

By Mariah Goodrich

Photo credit: www.nsuspartans.com

After seven years off the yard, Kappa Alpha Psi returns with 29 men. See page 6.

Photo credit: LaTerika Wesley

Sevyn, former member of Rich Girls starts a solo career.

See back page.

Photo credit: www.sevynstreeter.com

President Dr. Tony Atwater and Regent University President Dr. Carlos Campo smile after the partniership agreement on a law program. Credit for above photos: Renee McDonald.

Wednesday, Feb. 27, 2013, President Dr. Tony Atwater signed an official partnership agreement with Regent University President Dr. Carlos Campo. The agreement starts the Bachelor of Arts-Juris Doctorate program between the two universities.

The program is said to minimize the difficulties on pre-law students in applying to law school. According to Regent. edu, the NSU Pre-Law Committee (NSUPLC) will select

sophomore students from the program based on their academic performance as well as their extracurricular and leadership activities. The selected students must maintain their academics and participate in a wide range of extracurricular activities. The NSUPLC will watch the chosen students’ progress throughout the pro-

See pre-law program agreement, page 2

In this photo taken Friday, Feb. 22, 2013 Olympic athlete, Oscar Pistorius, in court in Pretoria, South Africa, for his bail hearing charged with the shooting death of his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp. A lawyer for Pistorius says his appeal against bail conditions will be heard on Thursday March 28, 2013, a day after the culpable homicide trial of older brother Carl begins in another South Africa court. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe, File)

Oscar Pistorius is prepping for more than just the 2016 Olympics. He is currently facing charges of murder after mistakenly shooting his longtime girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp. The circumstances of the case vary depending on who is explaining the details.

The overall concept, however, remains the same. In the early morning hours of Feb. 14,

2012, Pistorius shot and killed his girlfriend in their home.

The prosecution has made a case portraying Pistorius as being an avid steroid user who, like many before him, encountered an episode of roid rage; this is when an individual loses absolute control and acts irraCase of Oscar Pistorius, page 2

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Spartan News

2

Case of Oscar Pistorius

■ Continued from front page tionally. Neighbors who heard the couple arguing prior to the shooting also corroborated this theory.

However, the defense has countered by calling family and friends to testify on his behalf, including those of Steenkamp’s immediate circle. They have presented a case of selfdefense by claiming Pistorius shot Steenkamp believing she was an intruder. They further explained that being a double amputee, Pistorius slept with a gun in the nightstand for protection as South Africa has an extremely high crime rate.

What makes this case unique is that not only is the suspect an international figure, the criminal court system that is in place. South Africa’s regional magistrates’ courts, known as lower courts, can hear all criminal cases excluding those of treason. However, the high court, which handles cases that are deemed extremely high profiled for their counterparts, will take on this matter. Therefore, one of two situations can occur; either a single judge or two lay people, known as assessors, who are usually retired magistrates may hear the case.

Overall, the judge has absolute authority. The laypersons roles are to advise the judge, even though he may dismiss them along with their recommendations. Many have presented different opinions on the case.

“I believe that he has an unfair advantage being that he is an international superstar.

Furthermore, he is the face of a nation that has had some great difficulties in the past. If he does get sentenced, I think it will be suspended or deferred,” said junior business management major, Christian Mitchell.

“Based on the system of justice they [South Africa] have, I think he’s going to be found guilty and be given an extremely harsh sentence,” said junior physical education major, Nicholas Rogers.

“It all comes down to what the judge believes. I personally think he is innocent and that every aspect of the case must be presented in order for him to receive the best trial possible,” said sophomore computer science major, Aaron Smith.

4.09.13

How much do new graduates really earn?

By Mariah Goodrich

The average salary for new college graduates earning Bachelor’s Degrees was $43,014 in 2011 and $44,482 in 2012, according to the January 2013 Salary Survey conducted by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE). This report shows a 3.4 percent increase over the last year. Many students feel different about this amount of income they will receive after graduation.

“I think around $40,000 as a starting salary isn’t bad at all because if you invest money into your undergraduate and graduate career, then you’re making enough money to pay off what you invested in a shorter amount of time,” said senior mass communication major Mike Nicholas.

“Social work chose me; it was never about the

money,” said freshman social work major Chelsea Brooks, “The enjoyment of the job is best.”

“Some negative factors are that eventually it could lead to companies laying off people and more job cuts may be put into effect which could lead the country into recession again,” said sophomore history major Tahirah Rasool.

The salary averages are only for those graduates who found jobs in their fields of study. It does not include those who graduated and did not find a job.

The highest increases were in education, business and communications. New graduates will make, on average, double, or more, of the people receiving minimum wage.

Pre-Law program agreement ■ Continued from front page

In this Feb. 19, 2013 file photo, Carl Pistorius, right, and Henke Pistorius, the brother and father of Olympic athlete Oscar Pistorius, charged with the shooting death of his girlfriend attend Oscar's bail hearing at the magistrate court in Pretoria, South Africa. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe, File)

gram. Students may request annual reports be sent to the RU Law Admissions Office.

Regent will make reasonable exertions to overview NSU applications quickly because of the partnership helping Spartans, who are qualified, get into law school quicker.

“I don’t want to hear that NSU doesn’t have a law school,” said Campo. “NSU does have a law school, and it’s

Regent University.”

“I am excited to see the prospects this partnership with Regent could offer for the future of qualified NSU students participating in this program,” said Atwater. “I’d like to see renowned attorneys and even members of the Supreme Court of the United States come from this program.”

The partnership will not give NSU students special treat-

ment, but it will help them deal with the pressure when applying for law school.

President Atwater and Regent University President Dr. Carlos Campo sign partnership agreement. Photo credit : Renee McDonald.

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Spartan News

4.09.13

3

What is the I AM NSU Annual Fund?

By Mariah Goodrich

Colleges tend to have low funding in many areas of need. The “I AM NSU” Annual Fund is Norfolk State University’s way to connect students, alumni, parents, faculty and staff to NSU. The goal is to raise $2 million to help lower student debt and assist NSU in expanding and fulfilling innovative programs. Not only does the campaign help give

students scholarships, it also helps build the academic programs, empowers access to the latest technology and affords resources for faculty and staff. The fund is a six-month campaign, which lasts through June 30, 2013.

As of March 8, 2013, the I AM NSU Campaign has raised $996,000. Students have their own opinions about the campaign itself.

“I think the I AM NSU Campaign is beneficial especially for the MCJR and nursing departments because these are fields based off of hands on learning,” said freshman physical therapy major Jasmine Wint.

“We need funding to update our equipment so when we go out in our prospected field, we’ll have more knowledge.”

“It’s a great thing for NSU,” said freshman nursing major Jourdan Brown.

“It brings everyone together as a community to do something beneficial for their school. The fundraiser helps to make the school and its programs better by encouraging students to be more involved and have a better experience at NSU.” Three ways to donate to

the fundraiser are available: major gift, planned giving and matching gift. For more information about the I AM NSU fund or to donate, contact University Advancement at 823-8323.

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Spartan Sports

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4.09.13

Williams headlines Norfolk State’s MEAC postseason awards

By Leonard Fairley Prior to this season, only four times had players from the same school been awarded MEAC Player of the Year in back to back years.

This season, Norfolk State University became the first school since Hampton in 2002 to have two different players win the award in consecutive years as junior guard. Pendarvis Williams took home the award for his performance this year after Kyle O’Quinn won it last season.

Williams, known for his size (6’7”) and shooting prowess, came into the year rated as the 39th best shooter in the nation

by CBSSports.com and did not disappoint. The first team AllMEAC selection finished the season second in three point

shooting percentage (40.5 percent), fourth in scoring (14.5 points per game), and fifth in free throw shooting percentage (80.6 percent). He had a midseason streak of 11 games, in which he scored in double figures and scored a season-high 23 points against Coppin State on Feb. 2, 2013. His biggest accomplishment was achieving the career milestone of 1,000 points on Feb. 11, 2013, against UMES. With a stellar performance next season, Williams has a chance to become the eighth player to ever repeat as MEAC Player of the Year and the first Spartan to accomplish such a feat since Damian Woolfolk in 2000.

Williams was not the only one to bring an award back to

Norfolk as head coach, Anthony Evans was named MEAC Coach of the Year after another historic season, in which the team reached new heights. After posting a 13-3 record and winning the MEAC tournament last season, the Spartans became the first team since Coppin State (1993-94 season) to go undefeated in MEAC regular season play. In addition, the Spartans won the MEAC regular season title for the first time in school history. The mass improvement of the team is very evident in these last two seasons. In his first four years, Evans had a 37-27 (57 win percentage) in conference, but in the last two seasons, the team has gone 29-3 (91 win percentage) in conference.

Williams in action during the Virginia State game.Photo credit: www.nsuspartans.com

It’s the Shoes

By Leonard Fairley He has six NBA championships, six NBA finals most valuable player awards, among other awards and accolades to his name, yet the world remembers him most for his shoes.

As he turned 50 years old in February, nearly everyone looked back on Michael Jordan’s NBA career and regards him as one of the greatest athletes in sports history; however, in popular culture, the shoes are the first thing that comes synonymous to the name Jordan.

“The shoe game is what it is today because of Jordan,” said senior mass communication major Jason Baker. “He changed the way shoes are

priced, designed and advertised. He is also the reason shoe companies rerelease retro versions of their shoes.”

Jordan not only changed the game on the court, but also in the world of fashion as well when he signed a $2.5 million contract with Nike in 1985.

The shoe sales in 1985 totaled $130 million, and the rest is history. He changed the logo to the now trademark ‘Jumpman’ symbol in 1986 for the Jordan II’s, and in 1997, a sub-division of Nike that still stands today known as the Jordan Brand was created for all of his products.

The first shoes under Jordan Brand were the Jordan XIII’s, the Team Jordan series and the

Jordan Trainers. The regular Jordan series, now up to 28 shoes, has been so popular that now almost every shoe in the series has been rereleased multiple times selling millions of pairs each time. Also, because of Jordan, shoe companies began scouting talented athletes to use to start shoe lines. He is the reason players like Penny Hardaway, LeBron James and Allen Iverson were able to have successful shoe series.

“Jordan has a strong influence on athletes because he is a mogul of the game. Growing up everybody wanted to be like Mike, which included wearing his shoes,” said sophomore mass communications major

Jamel Fuentes. “At the same time, it just so happens that he had the coolest looking shoes.”

Jordan’s impact in the shoe game can be seen everywhere, among the older and the younger generations. Even the youth who are not familiar with Jordan’s exploits still proudly wear the Air Jordan brand sneakers. While quite expensive, the shoes still manage to outsell every other sneaker on the market.

“Jordan’s have really good color combinations and you can always find something to wear with them,” said freshman mass communications major Shareen Nicholson. “His status as an athlete helps be-

cause if he makes them look good, then one can assume they’ll look good on them too.”

“I think it’s more than an impact. In fact, it’s like a takeover,” said junior business major Christian Carston. “It’s all everyone wears, girls and guys, In a copycat society the hottest trends always prevail.”

Michael Jordan was truly a pioneer in the casual and urban market, and his impact will be felt for years to come.

Of course, many of us will remember his legacy on the court as a Hall of Fame basketball player, but his longest lasting impact in the world will always be his shoes.

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4.09.13

Spartan Sports

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What happens now for the women’s basketball team?

By Mariah Goodrich The Norfolk State women’s basketball team had a tough year ending the season 7-22 overall. The season started with high hopes as the Spartans won their first two games against Virginia Wesleyan and the University of Pennsylvania. Reality began to settle in for the team as it lost its next eight games in a row. The Spartans did not give up as they went into overtime four times in the season.

Junior forward Rachel Gordon was the lead scorer for the Spartans ending with 276 points, outscoring junior guard Aivah Parham by eight. Gor-

don also had the most rebounds with a total of 92. When it comes to 3-pointers, sophomore guard Ebony Brown finished on top for the team with 31.

“This season I believe I stepped up in my scoring production, at one point I was averaging a double double,” Gordon said. “I mainly just made sure I was doing what I had to do, by scoring and getting rebounds. I know I Improved this year just from last year.”

This season was definitely not the Spartans’ best. Many reasons could be to blame for the team’s unsuccessful sea-

son; however, Parham had her own thought about it.

“The season was rough; I think it took too long for us to gel as a team like we did towards the end,” Parham said.

“I look forward to improving next season.”

“I feel as though the season did not go how anyone had planned especially for the coaches,” Brown said. “We as a group could have done way better than we proved we could, but everyone is on the same page now, and we plan to use this previous season as motivation.”

Florida A&M defeated the

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Spartans by eight points in overtime during the regular season; however, the team was able to get their revenge in the first round of the 2013 MEAC Tournament winning 72-55.

Wednesday, March 13, the women had their last game on the court for the season with a 78-47 loss against North Carolina A&T in the quarterfinals.

Senior center Batavia Owens led the team with nine points and four rebounds.

“I’m glad I made it this far; I’m a better person leaving out than I came in, but with basketball it was a sad end to my career but a new start to life,”

Owens said.

The team may now have the motivation it needs to have a successful season next year.

The Spartans plan now to get back in the gym and build as a team in the off-season.

“Next year, I want to able to make a bigger impact on the MEAC,” Gordon said. “I know we were so much better than what our record showed, and I believe that if we as a team work hard this off-season, we have the potential to do so much better next year.”

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6

Love the skin you are in

By Alyssia Luster Whether you’re a size two or 10, as woman we’ve all had our fair share of obstacles when it comes to loving the skin that we are in. We live in an era where most of us believe a size two is the perfect shape. Ladies, we’d like to let you in on a little secret of ours: curves are in! We had a chance to interview former Spartan Chasity Saunders and she had some very encouraging words for her fellow plus size women. Saunders was a radio personality for Hot 91 when she attended NSU, and she was well known for hosting events on and off campus.

Saunders also modeled in the homecoming fashion shows.

Her many talents led her to get a jump start when she first moved to NYC. Since living in New York, Saunders has landed deals with Music Choice Television, Jones Magazine as an editor for ‘Ahead of the Curve’, walked in BET’s Rip the Runway and become the face of Ashley Stewart.

Spartan Echo: What inspired you to become a model?

Chasity: I always knew I wanted to become an entertainer of some sort. I moved to New York the same week I graduated. I was discovered at an Essence magazine casting. Soon after the casting, I teamed up with my first agency. Never giving up or listening to those who said I couldn’t make it, led me to where I am today.

Spartan Echo: How challenging is it as a plus size woman to stay in current fashions?

Chasity: It’s actually not hard at all. We live in a digital See Love skin, page 7

Lifestyle

4.09.13

NSU’s Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity ends 7-year suspension, crosses line of 29

By Jasmine Battle Norfolk State welcomes back Kappa Alpha Psi, the ‘pretty boys’ out of the Divine Nine Greek organizations. After being suspended for a while, the Kappa’s are glad to be back. Many students awaited the arrival of the new Kappa’s to finally show up and show out on NSU’s campus.

There were about 29 young men who crossed this spring.

After weeks of being hidden, the ‘pretty boys’ are glad to finally show their face. The Kappa’s are planning numerous events to capture student’s attention, and joining them in obtaining success while they set a trend for the rest of the Greek organizations.

“It’s a great feeling. I’m still the same, but it’s as if other people treat me as if I am a celebrity,” said senior business management major Musa Faltz-McQueen, number eight on the line.

The Kappa’s plan on contributing to the university grounds in ways such as planning different fundraisers, holding soup kitchens and informational forums. Not only do the Kappa brothers love to shimmy, they also love giving back. They want to help younger prospects be able to achieve success.

“Sophomores should take a stand even though they are younger. We need more leaders to stand up and take positions,” said sophomore sociology major Semoj Taylor, number 20 on the line.

Many Greeks understand the difficulties that come with being on line; meeting people you may have not known

Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. crossed a line of 29 after a seven year suspension.

Photo credit: Jasmine Batle | The Spartan Echo.

much about, but suddenly you are going through the same process and cultivating long-lasting friendships.

“It taught us some meanings that we can apply to our everyday lives. It also allowed us to mature and look at things from a different point-of-view,” said Faltz-

McQueen.

Achievement is what the Kappa’s strive for and they are planning the best way to welcome others and create a Greek unity with other organizations.

“Set a standard for yourself and for the things you would like to accomplish. The Kap-

pa’s are back, and we are here to stay,” said senior mass communications major Daryl Thomas, number five on the line.

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4.09.13

Love skin ■ Continued from front page 6

age, and everything is accessible online. There is also a new generation of clothing lines that only make plus size designs. I am currently the face of Ashley Stewart, which has a wonderful line catering to plus size woman.

Spartan Echo: What advice would you give to other plus size women?

Chasity: Love yourself first.

Curves are amazing. Fashion started with a curvy woman.

Embrace your curves.

Saunders’ most recent accomplishment was walking in BET’s Rip the Runway show where she was featured in the plus size scene. Saunders appeared wearing a Shanda Style pale blue slit dress paired with RJ GRAZIANO jewelry and POLLINI heels.

Lifestyle Spartan Echo accepting applications for fall 2013 The Spartan Echo is accepting applications now for all editor positions. Editors will serve during the fall 2013 semester and receive a performance grant for their service. Amounts vary by position. Some work—done from home—will be necessary during the summer to prepare for the fall semester. Contact the faculty adviser at seopfer@ nsu.edu or 757-823-2444 for more detailed information.

Students with previous professional or student media ex-

perience are strongly encouraged to apply, but previous experience is not necessary.

Students from any major may apply. Applicants, however, must be pre-registered for fall with 15 or more credit hours and have at least a 2.5 cumulative GPA. Applications are available online from Student Activities and Leadership. https://www.nsu.edu/Assets/ websites/student-activities/ Student-Publication-Forms/

Minimum Qualifications for All Positions

- pre-registered as a full-time NSU student for fall 2013 - 2.5 cumulative GPA or higher - 2.0 GPA or higher for spring 2013 - agreement to adhere to journalistic standards - ability to follow instructions and meet deadlines - time and dedication to perform staff duties

Spartan-Echo-Publication-Application.doc Applications will be accepted via e-mail at seopfer@nsu. edu, or in-person at MAD 282, through April 16.

All potentially qualified applicants will be interviewed by the faculty adviser and must supply work samples at that time. Follow-up interviews and grammar testing may apply. Positions are awarded by the Student Publication Board after spring semester grades are posted.

Preferred Qualifications for All Positions

- previously published as a journalist - medium-to-advanced computer literacy - leadership experience - ability to take photographs and email them - WordPress experience - Adobe Photoshop and In-Design experience - ability to shoot and edit video

Student debt, Part 1: A look inside the financial struggle

By DeVanique Riley Credit.com gave three little known facts about student loan debt and how it surpassed credit card debt, passing the $1 trillion mark. This high number has made it the single largest consumer debt outside of home loans.

It is evident that student loan debt continues to be a concern; however, credit.com raises some interesting points on whom it effects and the options it provides for the future.

Not only do students suffer, but parents, guardians and those alike feel the pain.

According to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, 6.8 million Americans 50 and older hold $149 billion of student loan debts. It is not clear how much of that debt is their own student loan, or how much is from co-signing for children or others. The fact of the matter

is co-signers suffer from either or both. Before signing off on a loan, one should consider the consequences of the future.

The goal of many is to graduate and be able to establish a lifestyle like getting married, raising a family and buying your own home. However, student loans could keep you from homeownership. A common mistake made among college students is assuming that their starting salary will cover the costs of student loans.

According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, the average starting salary increased to $44, 482.

Despite the average starting salary in $44, 482, how many of those students are actually receiving jobs after graduating?

USA Today mentioned in an article last year saying half of new graduates are jobless or

underemployed and the class of 2012 will face hardships when entering the working world.

Since only half of them received the average salary, will the numbers for the class of 2013 improve? Chances are they will not since the economy doesn’t seem to be improving its weak labor market.

Even with the improvement in salaries, the payment of student loans may still take a large amount out a recent graduate’s income. “I’m afraid to graduate into a world of debt because I came to college to get my degree and help me make money, not owe it,” said Derron McDuffie, senior electronics technology major.

Credit.com also mentioned how filing for bankruptcy is not a way out of student loan debt. Congress banned federal students loans in 1977

from being opted out and, in 2005, private student loans as well. The only exception to this rule is if someone meets the requirements to prove “undue hardship.” Of course, the requirements to meet undue hardships are extremely difficult.

“I’m fortunate enough to have my parents pay for college out of pocket, but I am worried about my friends who have to face financial issues right after graduating,” said Darmani Paramore, senior health service management major.

With these facts in mind, those in college should now prepare for debt relief. Look for various payments options and find an alternative that suites you best.

7

editors Krysta Ricks Editor-inChief

Brittany Elmore Online/ Managing Editor

Jasmine Battle Lifestyle Editor

Marian JonesBrooks Sports Editor

Keith Offutt Multimedia Editor

Tony Batchler Jr. Entertainment Editor DeVanique Riley Graphic Design/ Layout Editor

Interested in writing for the Spartan Echo? Join our team! Meetings are Tuesdays and Thursdays, 12:30 in NSC 344.

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Spartan Entertainment

8

Sevyn goes solo

By Tony Batchler Ex-member of Rich Girl, Sevyn is back on the scene, but this time as a solo artist teamed up with Atlantic Record and Chris Brown’s imprint CBE in a plan to bring 90’s music back.

When asked how she got linked up with Chris Brown, Sevyn said “Well actually, I was with Rich Girl, and we had the same manager, Nina Davis, and we were working at the same studio one day, and I just asked him if I could write with him, and he said yes. That was a few years ago, and we have been working ever since.”

To date, Sevyn has wrote for artists such as Alicia Keys, Kelly Rowland, Brandy, Estelle and, of course, Chris Brown. She is currently working on her debut solo album, but has released a single expected to be on the album; the song is titled “I Like It.” When asked if there would be a remix to the new hit, she replied, “Hmm, you know what? We just might do one. I’m trying to think about whom I would want to work with; I have to think about that. I would love to do a remix though, that would be fun.”

Sevyn also mentioned that she would love to work with her fellow label-mates Trey Songz, Wiz Khalifa or B.o.B on future projects, so maybe we will see one of these guys on the remix or even the album. Until we find out, all we can do is continue to “like” her music and eagerly await her album drop.

To view the full interview with Sevyn, visit www.spartanecho. org .

Tarantino’s Django received a 2013 Oscar bid. Photo credit: www.facebook.com/unchainedmovie.

42, Oblivion, and Scary Movie 5 come out April 12. Photo credit: www.facebook.com/42movie, www.facebook. com/oblivion, www.facebook.com/scarymovie5.

PS4 ‘Coming Out’ party leaves many questions

By Jules Dean The PlayStation 4 was “revealed” by Sony Computer Entertainment Feb. 20 at a press conference in New York City.

Although Sony implied that the new console will be available for the upcoming holiday season it was not specified how much the PS4 will cost or even what the PS4 will look like.

They did however, show a new controller which will feature a touch pad in the center where the start and select buttons used to be. Also, there will be a button dedicated to uploading videos to various social media web sites; this button will be dubbed the ‘share button.’

“We will give a glimpse into the future of play,” said Sony President Andrew House, “Developer led, consumer inspired ... engineered by Sony Com-

puter Entertainment.”

There was a strong emphasis on the online capabilities for the PS4 as well as online integration for the games. Sony is hoping to have the entire back catalog of video games from the PlayStation one, two and three era on a streaming service. This will be a replacement, instead of making the PS4 physically capable of playing old PlayStation discs.

From a technical stand point, the system will have 8GBs of unified memory, an X86 CPU, 8 CPU cores, a 2 teraflops computational performance and a “Supercharged PC architecture.” Sony will be releasing more information about the upcoming PS4 at the Electronic Entertainment Expo starting June 11.

4.09.13

“King Hedley II” dies as “Tambourines to Glory” is born

By Tony Batchler The Norfolk State University Players are filled with talented actors and actresses with a passion for theater.

They are led by the seasoned and accomplished Director of Theater, Dr. Clarence W. Murray Jr. who time and time again has put on magical, uplifting and entertaining plays over the years. These are plays that current students, alumni and the general public continue to talk about months after closing night of performance.

It is easy to see, then, how the Norfolk State theater community would be disappointed when a play that so many were excited to see, King Hedley II, was cancelled.

“Due to a disagreement between legal services at Norfolk State University and Samuel French, Inc., the play King Hedley II has been cancelled,” said Dr. Murray. No further information was forthcoming regarding the disagreement. Samuel French, Inc. is one of the largest distributors of plays in the world.

“We were more sad if anything, knowing that all our hard work put towards the show was not going to be seen. I just had to take into consideration that things happen and life must go on,” said Asia Morris, a member of the NSU Players. We are now working on competition pieces and preparing for the upcoming musical ‘Tambourines to Glory.’ We are excited to see all the dedicated

The musical ‘Tambourines to Glory’ will run April 19-21 and 26-28 in Little Brown Theatre, Brown Hall.

Photo credit: Yao Dogbe.

fans come to this production and have a good time with the NSU players.”

This musical is a black gospel play by Langston Hughes that debuted on Broadway in the early 60s. It is set in Harlem and tells a story of two female street preachers who open up a storefront church. The story is uplifting, and will keep you fully engaged while you laugh, cry and cheer for the characters.

‘Tambourines to Glory’ will run April 19 -21 and 26 -28 in Little Brown Theater, Brown Hall. Come support these talented Spartans as they continue to perform amazing plays.

SPARTAN ECHO| Norfolk State University 700 Park Avenue Norfolk, Virginia 23504|NEWSROOM: 757.823.8200 E-Mail: spartanecho@nsu.edu