ViewPoint HBCU’s offer opportunity to us all
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By Brian Dickens Contributing Writer
To some, Central State University is the school that does not turn down anyone’s application. To some, Central State University is considered an academic “ghetto.” For others, Central State University is the only school that gives students a fair chance at academic success. Black colleges/universities were created so blacks who were illiterate could learn the basics of reading and writing. They rescued students who were rejected by other institutions. To understand the history of black colleges — and why it’s important for African American students to attend HBCUs — it is useful to consider the policies that led to their creation. Cheyney University (founded in
1837), Lincoln University (founded in 1854) in Pennsylvania, and Wilberforce University in Ohio (founded in 1856) were the first historically black colleges. Students attended these black colleges in pursuit of equal education, though in a separate environment. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 recognized “historically black colleges as positive instruments for integrating society, being able to accept students who were rejected elsewhere.” Presently, at historically black colleges, African American students have the opportunity to become the student government president, homecoming queen or quarterback of the football team. Graduates of HBCUs are connected to one another. That “his-
Crisis in the church By Elshunta Peoples Contributing Writer
When I look at the world around us, specifically the Black community, I see us rising as individuals but crumbling as a whole. The foundation for our community has, for many years, been the Black Church. Now, our people are falling, looking for something to grasp, and there is nothing there. Why? There is no life preserver because our people, as well our pastoral leaders, have gone astray. We have become too concerned trying to be “modern.” We worry more about “keeping up with the Joneses” than keeping up with our own families. If you ask people who don’t attend church why they don’t attend, many would feel uncomfortable and some pre-judged. To many, the church has lost its meaning and value. Our churches have been transformed from small, close-knit communities to large suburban mega-churches. The seats there are filled, but hearts are closed. Some people, though not all, are more worried about what they wear to church and how they look. Some church leaders, though not all, are
more worried about how many seats they fill, CDs they sell, and books they sign. Of course, the leaders of these new mega-churches say they’re only trying to reach a mass audience. But how many books are given away free for those who cannot afford them? How can the leaders of suburban churches preach to a community filled with problems, if they have not been there and lived it? Of course, the leaders of these new mega-churches say they’re just trying to reach as many people as possible. But how many books are given away free for those who cannot afford them? How can the leaders of suburban churches preach to a community filled with problems, if they have not been there and lived those problems? I’m not suggesting that people tear down or avoid these megachurches. But the leaders of the church must realize that they have been called by God and not the people. The community must realize that realize that we can succeed, but only if we are united. We turn to the church for so much. It should be our home away from home. The church should be the place we go to for advice, love, friendship, spiritual cleansing, and to be heard.
torically black college” bond ties us together and follows us everywhere. Graduates such as Phylicia Rashad(Howard University), Thurgood Marshall(Lincoln University of Pennsylvania), Samuel Jackson(Morehouse College) and Leontyne Price(Central State University) play vital parts in all walks of life. America would have been denied the light of these individuals if black colleges and universities hadn’t given them the chance to succeed.
Making work-study work for you By Derrick Edwards Contributing Writer
At the start of the spring semester, students will again begin looking for work- study jobs. If you are one of those students, let me make a suggestion: Find a job that relates to your hoped-for career. Work-study is a great way to earn money, but it should also be a way to advance your career prospects. Employers want workers with experience in their area of business. A degree is great, but if you really don’t have practical experience in your field, then how useful to a company will you be? An employer will be grateful, if he does not have to spend money training you to do your job. Let me suggest that you look for a work-study job in your major. For example, if you are a mass communication major, you should seek a job at the radio station. Or a job in the university’s public relations office. Work-study can equip you to work in your field. Of course, it’s not always easy to find a work-study job in your major. I am an Early Childhood Education major and I may not be able to find a work-study job in my field. However, I am determined to at least find a job working for someone in the College of Education. In that way, I will develop contacts and relationships that might become useful in the future.
The Gold Torch | Wednesday, November 23, 2005
TOBIAS Q. BROWN
It’s Easier than You Think!
All high achieving students use the list as their priorities and realize school is always first, everything else is second! Problems occur in For the last few years I have one’s life when the second priorbeen consumed with one ques- ity becomes the first. Whenever tion that has driven my success the organization or club you paracademically at this uniticipate in becomes versity: What are the more important than ‘A and B level’ students attending class you doing each semester that are doomed for a no one else is? Equipped mediocre semester. with this question I also It doesn’t matter how wondered what I could important or noble do to get to that level and the event you are remain there. participating in, if In part 1 of this 6 part it causes you to lose Tobias Q. Brown series I will show will focus on class time show you what I have Author, “It’s Easier or study time you do than You Think!” done to excel in every not need it. area at Central State Something to do and how you can take these same today that can affect your grades principles and incorporate them in positively: Take a note pad and list your life and gain constant success all the extracurricular activities also. you are involved in, rank them The beginning of my research in order of importance, keep the was centered on the study of high top two activities and drop all the achieving academic students. rest because once school, extraAs I hung around them I started curricular activities, and a social to notice a myriad of personali- life are incorporated you’re time ties, styles, and principles they and energy are far spent. If you’re used. I began to make a list, and having problems getting out of as I listed different principles that activities and organizations then each individual used, I noticed learn to use the word ‘no.’ that there were many principles In the next article we will disbut they all fell into one of 5 cat- cuss goal setting and communicaegories; Priorities, Goal Setting, tion as well as how to put the two Communication, Progress, and together with prioritization and Time Management. move you to the place you want to Let’s jump right into things. be academically. For the time being we will define successful students as students who perform well academically, are active in campus life and exFriday, Monday, October 17, 2005 tracurricular activities (Team CENTRAL STATE UNIVERSITY Wilberforce, Ohio sports, organizations, and clubs) and have a social life that stretchwww.goldtorchnews.com es beyond the parameters of the The Gold Torch features writing Central State University (You by Central State students. Views must have life outside college to expressed herein do not necessarily remain balanced). These three reflect those of the university, the newspaper staff or its advisors. areas are vital to success because they show a balanced person who Letters to the editor are welcome. wants to mature and excel at CenFor a complete list of contributors, please tral State. go to the About Us tab on The first principle shared by our Web site. all high achieving students is priADVISOR oritization: What is the #1 reason Mr. Michael Gormley you attend college? Your answer PROGRAM DIRECTOR Dr. Lovette Chinwah should be something close to wanting to get a degree, and education. Our offices are located in With that being said let’s rank your The Cosby Center priorities: 1. School; 2. Extra cur(937) 376-6491 ricular activities; 3. Social Life.
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