October 26, 2004 - Volume I2 - Issue 7

Students question

Appropriations at Sit-In

DARRYL (D.J_.) HARDYStaff Writer

Wednesday, October 20’ 2004 will go down in his-tory at North Carolina State University. On this day,over 200 strong-minded African—American studentsjoined forces to participate in a sit-in, protesting therecent decisions of the student senate’s appropriationscommittee.

Late Tuesday night, the decisions of the appro-priations committee were unveiled. African-Americanorganizations on NC State’s campus were outraged todiscover that of the $40,000 granted to student orga-nizations, African American organizations received amere $755 dollars. Soon, this news reached PortiaOverton, president of the Society of African-AmericanCulture (SAAC). Overton was outraged to find thatSAAC received no money of the $4,000 requested tobring a Pan~Afrikan speaker to NC State’s campus.

“I was appalled to find out where the values ofour Student Government lied, who claims to advocatestudent interest and enrichment. It was shocking tosee that their value lied in sports, rather than academicprograms which would have greater long~term benefitsto the students on our campus,” said Overton.

After realizing that a number of organizationshoused under the African American Student AdvisoryCouncil (AASAC) received little to no funding fromappropriations, Overton contacted Faith P. Leach, chair

Taylor Templetonof AASAC.

“The lack of funding African American Student orga—nizations received was unreasonable, in comparison tothe amount of student fees they pay to student gov—ernment. After calculating that student organizationsrepresented by AASAC received $755, not includinggroups such as Commercial Break and Impact, 1 wasdisheartened. Being a member of the university feereview committee, I understand the importance ofstudent fees and responsibilities that the units who

Students part en

are paid student feeshave to their studentconstituents,” saidLeach, a senior inCommunication.

Some ofthe African Americanorganizations whichreceived no fundinginclude; Alpha PhiAlpha Fraternity, Inc,Association for theConcerns of AfricanAmerican GraduateStudents, DanceVisions, Delta SigmaTheta Sorority, Inc,and the Society ofAfrican-AmericanCulture.While discussing their

plan of action, a tenacious Overton decided to compilea group of SAAC member to attend and speak at theStudent Senate meeting. Leach, in return, felt that theplan of action should involve more than just membersof SAAC, since the issue affected so many organizationsrepresented by AASAC.

“Because the decision affected so many AfricanCONTINUED ON PAGE 2

sit—in.

TRIBUTE TO DR. DORIS LARYEA

MARTIA SHARPE .News Editor

Dr. Doris Laryea was first diagnosed with cancer in2001. Still, she continued to serve in many capaci-

ties before she died on Oct. 3, 2004. The home goingservice for Dr. Laryea was held at Riley Hill BaptistChurch in Wendell, NC at 2 pm. on Fri, Oct. 8.

Reverend Alphonza W Fullwood preached the funeralservice and spoke about the parable of the eagle who

still opened his wings and flew after coming fromamong the chickens. Fullwood compared Laryea tothis parable, for she was a woman who did not keepher eyes cast down like the chickens, but realized herability to succeed at her dreams and she remembered

to apply James Aggrey’s words from the parable:

“0 eagle, thou art an ea 1e. Thou dostbelong to the sky. Stretc forth thywings and fly.”

Dr. Doris Laryea, a devoted Christian, was trulya woman of love and great encouragement to oth-ers. She was known to have a good sense of humorand always wore a warm smile upon her face. Anextremely loving and outgoing woman, Dr. Laryea hada humble personality and served others in whatever

capacity necessary.Dr. Laryea was the wife of Robert Kpani laryea,

a Ghana native, and the mother of Robert Obuamah.She was the sister of: Geraldine L. Collier and PatriciaJohnson and brothers: Lynwood R. Lucas Sr. ,WilliamS. Lucas Sr. and Harvey, Sr. She was born on May 18,1937 in Wendell, NC and has always been viewed asa leader in the family, community affairs, church rela—tions and more. A woman of many accomplishments,Laryea was the first Director of the Board of ChristianEducation, leader in the Wake Baptist Training UnionAssociation, organizer of the Senior Citizens Ministry,teacher of The Adult Women’s Sunday School Class,Assistant Professor of English at various universitiesincluding NCSU. She was the first African Americanfemale with a PhD to become employed here atNCSU. Furthermore, she has elected to participate inNBC television station commercials.

Patricia Johnson, office assistant in the FacilitiesOperations Office at NSCU, described her relationshipwith her sister as being really close. While they wereboth employed at NCSU, they kept in contact almostevery day and conversed about everything. A true sis-ter to Johnson, Laryea was a good listener as well asone who gave great advice. When describing her rela-tionship with her sister, Johnson said:

“I know that she always had my interests at heart.She was very honest and opinionated. Like my best

friend, she was always there.”Johnson also described Laryea as never being the

boastful or prideful type. Instead, if you did not knowwho Laryea was, no one would know that she was aprofessor who had accomplished so much. She car-ried herself in such a humble manner. Johnson saysthat she has witnessed that her sister changed severalyoung people’s lives causing them to get on the rightpaths. Some have gone back to school because ofLaryea’s dedicated, motivating and caring character.

Laryea was a reasonable person and was alwaysthere for the students D supporting them.

“She believed in treating everyone fair and alwaystried to find the positive in anyone,” said Johnson.

Mr. Jim Clark, NCSU English professor has beenteaching for 40 years and has known Laryea for about25 years. When Laryea became really sick this spring,he covered two of her classes in her stead.

Clark describes Laryea as a “longtime colleague andfriend.”

He knew Laryea to be an excellent professor whoalways incorporated reading, writing and speakingskills into her classroom. Laryea believed that educa-tion was more than giving attention to the intellectualside, but about reaching out to the whole person. Shereached out to everyone in her classroom.Because of the strong relationship she developed

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

SERVING N.C. STATE’S AFRICAN-AMERICAN COMMUNITY

The Nubian Message - October 26, 2004 ' PAGE 2

Congress to Ease Stuent Loans

ELIZABETH CHERNOWU-WIRE (DC BUREAU)

(U-WIRE) WASHINGTON —— Congress is lookingto ease student loans and encourage and reward newteachers.

A bill passed in the Senate and the House twoweeks ago, Without opposition, ends the federal guar-antee of a 9.5 percent rate of return to student loanlenders. Officials estimate $285 million in savings,which would provide forgiveness for student loansfor math, science and special education teachers inunderprivileged schools.

Congress passed the original legislation allow-ing the 9.5 percent return rate about 20 years agoto subsidize lenders when interest rates were higher,said jim Manley, press secretary for Sen. Edward M.Kennedy (D—Mass). Today, most students pay interestrates of about 3.5 percent on their loans.

In 1993, legislation passed to try to phase outthe government subsidy to lenders, but some lend-ers found loopholes in the legislation to continue toreceive federal funds, officials said.

Robert Shireman, director of the Institute forCollege and Academic Success, said lenders may nolonger use “cloning,” or giving loans tax exempt statusjust long enough to qualify for the subsidy.

“Rather than being squandered, these funds willnow provide an important

recruiting tool for districts in need of more teach-ers, reward teachers who commit to underservedpopulations and better prepare students in thoseclassrooms for success in college or other pursuits,”said Sen. Judd Gregg (R-NH), chairman of theSenate Committee on Health, Education, labor andPensions, in a press release.

However, Democrats and student loan advocatessaid they do not think the new legislation is sufficient.Shireman said the bill still allows “recycling” loans to

extend their lives. .“It’s absolutely ridiculous,” he said. “There’s no

way Congress intended for this in the 1993 law.”Manley said that Kennedy would like to perma-

nently end the loophole, which allows lenders whenthe legislation expires next year.

“Some lenders are exploiting a loophole in the lawthat is providing them hundreds of millions of dol-lars that could help students reduce student loans,”Manley said.

Shireman said he estimates a more permanentand complete solution would save taxpayers $2 to 3billion. With the new legislation, taxpayers are paying$240 million per quarter.

He added that he believes the legislation is notmore complete because some not-for—profit organiza—tions benefit from the subsidy, but a bill could havebeen tailored specifically for those groups.

“I think on the issue of it being permanent, theycan come back to it and take credit again for it nextyear,” Shireman said.

Despite the opposition, officials said manyRepublicans are pleased with the bill in its currentstate.

“President Bush was one of the first to proposeending the subsidies as part of his FY 2005 budgetproposal,” said Stephanie Babyak, a spokesperson forSecretary of Education Rod Paige, in an e-mail.

In a press release, Paige said the legislation “wasthe right-and only-way to go to immediately addressthe problem.”

“The legislation not only closes the loophole butalso wisely directs the savings to the nation’s class-rooms to help ensure that every child in Americais taught by a highly qualified teacher, because we 'know teachers are the key to increased studentachievement,” he said. “I stand ready to have the US.Department of Education implement this legislative

EVENTSDELTA SIGMA THETA- DELTA WEEK WILL CONTINUE THIS WEEK

EVENTS ARE:-Tuesday, October 26:

Cosponsorship w/ Young Black Entrepreneurs (YBE)**Get Your $$ Right: Invest Now, Spend later”

w/ Steve Gaito of Blue Ridge Wealth Management—Wednesday, October 27:

* *”The Real Deal on Attaining Your Degree”Come get a different perspective and learn what your advisors may not tell you!

~Thursday, October 28:“Cosponsorship w/ Society of Afrikan American Culture (SAAC) S7: African Students Union (ASU)

“The Middle Passage: Bridging the Gap”**Party w/ da Reds!!! @ the Warehouse ‘

10~2pm; ladies $3, Gentlemen $5 BEFORE 11pm; Greek Discount all night!- Friday, October 29: I

**MO will be out on the brickyard reminding people to fulfill their duties as citizens by voting the following Tuesday! VOTE”**Iced OWT: Join us for Ice Skating at the IcePlex

7:30—10 m; located at the corner of Brentwood Rd. St Ralei h BlvdP ghttp://wwwiceplex.com

**All week, we will be collecting toys for our Toy Drive. Remember the $10 maximumfor information visit: http://www4.ncsu.edu/~jdhunter/deltaflyerfrontjpg and http://www4,ncsu.edu/~jdhunter/deltaflyerbackjpg-Jesus Week will continue this week until Saturday, Oct. 30- For a list of programs visit :

http://www.ncsu.edu/msa/listservs/weeklyeventsphp?loc=AASA&arch=yes&:cid=6#71—Black Students Board and Society of Afrikan-American Culture will be having “Poetic Minds:A Rhythmic Night of Poetry and Spoken Word” Featuring a special guest from DEF POETRY

JAMII-On Friday, October 29 at 7:00 pm. in TalleyStudent Center Ballroom

If you would like your events announced in the Nubian Message contact the Editor-In-Chiefat EVENTS@NUBIAN.SMA.NCSU.EDU or Call 515-1468.

STUDENTSCONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

American organizations, I felt that it would be moreeffective if we [African American students] utilizeour collective power and protest the decision of theappropriations committee by conducting a sit-in dur-‘ing the student senate meeting,” stated Leach.

Between 11 pm. and 3 am, African Americanstudents joined forces and began a mass email andinstant messaging campaign, informing African-American students of the appropriations decisionand of the sit-in to be held. The next day, newsquickly spread around campus, as African Americanstudents were informing their peers of the news, andurged them to participate in the sit-in.

By 7 pm. on Wednesday, over 200 emotionalAfrican American students, dressed in all black,showed up at the Student Senate chambers, accom-panied by the NC State drum line.

Gabrielle jenkins, a junior in biochemistry andbiological sciences stated, “I could hear the drumsounding into my room and at moment I realizedthe black community’s had come together. As Iapproached cultural center and saw us dressed inall black, it was confirmed that our voices would beheard. It was so powerful, so uplifting, and I knewthat I was a part of something extraordinary

During the meeting, senators heard from ShanaKelly, a senior in textiles engineering, and ASAACchair Faith P. Leach.

Leach stole the show and captivated the audienceduring her passionate speech. During her presenta—tion, Leach stressed in the importance of African—American student organizations in achieving diver-sity on NC State’s campus. Likewise, she stressed thelimited impact of organizations such as the rowingteam, who received $3,600; almost 10% of the total‘am‘uunr‘of"money'gWenT“She“"informed“the senatethat African-American students would no longer becomplacent; nor will we sit and be blatantly discrimi-nated against!

“African American students want to know whereexactly our estimated $22,150 is going, becauseobviously it is not filtered back into our organiza-tions,” Leach added.

Following presentations from African Americanstudent leaders, student body president, TonyCaravano, student senate president, W111 Quickand other Student Government senators, the senatevoted to take appropriations back to Committee. Ourvoices were heard!

North Carolina State University will never bethe same. On this day, African-Americans rose tothe challenge, came together and achieved victoryRegardless of the outcome of the appropriations com—mittee, they proved that African-American studentsare not all about “talk”; but are about action!

TRIBUTECONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

with her students, many of them called her “MaLaryea.”

English department head, Mary Helen Thuenteknew Laryea as a woman who would just “lightup the place.” Knowing Laryea for a little overthree years, Thuente remembers Laryea as beingreally committed to service, active in Eastern Star,-involved in professional women organizationsand many others. . Laryea was also active inthe NCSU’s African American journal, Obsidian.Dr. Doris Laryea served her community well andremained an exemplary woman of love and joyeven in her time of sickness. May she rest in heav-enly peace forever.

5’1}; 1 -

The Nubian Message October 26, 2004 - PAGE 3

THE GUY’S RULES

Funny, Shocking and True

KEITRIS WEATHERSBEOpinions Editor

When was the last time you read a piece of litera—ture, flyer, or email, and your first reaction to it wasanger? Yet, later after reading the piece again you gota laugh. As weird as it seems, I have experienced thiswhen I received an email from my mother. The title,“The Guys’ Rules” was at the top in bold, and I firstthought, “what type of email has my mom sent methis time?” The email might offend some females, butI saw most of its content as the truth. Not to mentionthat it was quite funny.

The author, who is not mentioned in the email.unfortunately, lists a set of rules from the males’ per-spective in regards to their relationships with females.He begins with the comment that all points presentare to be numbered “1”. Here are just a few of hisrules:

“The Guys’ Rules”1‘. A headache that lasts for 17 months is a prob-

lem, .see a doctor.;__. 2.Yes and no are perfectly acceptable answers to

almost every question.3. When we have to go somewhere, absolutely

anything you wear is fine...really.4. Ask for what you want. Let us be clear on this

one: subtle hints do not work! Strong hints do notwork! Obvious hints do not work! Just say it.

5.Anything we said six months ago is inadmissible

“I'lll“~)lill Jll

JOY JOHNSONColumnist

That is the burning question of the year which no oneseems to have a real answer for. The events following

' Sept. '11 have caused quite a bit of skepticism andrhetoricalquestioning from the American people suchas “why”and “for what purpose” is this war against ter-rorism, consuming and threatening their livelihoods.The allegations against our own Vice president’s con—flicts of interest with Iraqi involvement and his former

affiliations with energy services giant Halliburton,have caused me to raise an eyebrow at our executivebranch as it has for many Americans. From uncon-

stitutional “duck-hunting” trips between Cheney andSupreme Court Justice Scalia, to the thousands ofsoldiers who have lost their lives after the war was

declared over, to the notion that women .may becomelegally required to enter the draft and even after our

president’s nonchalance at not even knowing what theDred Scott decision was at the last presidential debate;

I have finally come full circle on the issues.

I have come to the critical conclusion that it is notall in vain, it is most likely that due to purely illegiti-mate and unconstitutional reasons we have become aninvoluntary participatory in the war on Iraq, and livedthrough the most horrific violations of national securityin our nation’s history As for me, I feel that the presentdilemma will in the end purge America of much of thenaiveté that its citizens possess on the issues of voting,political activism, and ownership of their true demo-cratic and civil rights.

Modern America has never seen such a wave of18 to 21 year oldsconcerned in voting and politics,and there has never been more attention paid topolitical debates on both the national and local levels.Even as seen at the sit-in on our campus against the

in an argument. In fact, all comments become nulland void after seven days.

Oops! Now can you understand where I am com-ing from when I say that this list is true yet funny?This list, I believe, was meant for the female tocomprehend and understand what males sometimeshave to put up with from us. If you read the list inits entirety, you can understand why some females,or even males, might be offended by it. I just seeit as a fun way to View the issues we often face inmale/female relationships. There are plenty of thingsthat females fail to realize about males and Vice versa.This list of rules has brought to light the significantthoughts that guys may have. It has also brought tolight that many females, including me, may fail torealize that everything that we think is right, may notalways be so. It all stems from communication. Ifthese rules were communicated and put into practice,then maybe the author wouldn’t have seen a need tocompose this email.

I truly do not think the composer of this emailintended to humiliate anyone. However, I do thinkit was composed for the purpose to educate. If youwould like to view “the Guys’ Rule” email in its entire—ty, feel free to contact the Nubian Message.

Appropriations Bill, I am pretty sure it has been a longtime since NC State has seen such interest by its minor-ity students to stand up in the name of equality andjustice. This current presidency, to many has been notonly a curse, but in my eyes it has also been a bless—ing; it has been an extremely long time since there havebeen this many black, Hispanic and Native Americansparticipating in. positive political activism and socialconsciousness.

I have become much more conscious politically,culturally and socially for the simple fact that 1 real-ize that Osama and Saddam are not the only threats toour national security, but who we vote for on Nov. 2is also a matter of national, state and local security. Iam to some degree grateful that the currentpresidencyturned out this way, because of the fact that Americanow realizes how much impactthe leader of the freeworld has!

The question is, What are we willing to do nowthat the current president has tripled the national debt,left millions of minority school children behind withhis “No Child Left Behind” policy, broken ties with themajority of our substantial European allies and eruptedwars and created enemies in countries that are now inturn killing our brothers and sisters as you are readingthis article...

Must I go on? You have the power to ensure thatthis presidency was not in vain and you have no powerif you don’t vote. In a democracy, only the people whovote or own land can speak and be heard. It’s your deci-sion, your voice, your vote!

PUBLIC SERVICEANNOUNCEMENT

-Ervin Johnson, Political Affairs Chair of SAACVote Early the Last Week of October!Early voting at the Board of Elections: Thursday October 14through Saturday October 30. Weekdays 8:30 to 5:30. Threeweekend days October 23, 24, and 30 from 11:00 AM. to 4:00 PM.Vote any day at any Wake location: Saturday October 23through Saturday October 30.Early Voting Locations: Any voter registered in Wake Countycan vote at any Wake County location.Board of Election Times: Saturdays and Sunday: 11 to 4,Monday through Friday 8:30 to 5All Other Location Times: Saturdays and Sunday: 11 to 4,Monday through Friday: 11 to 7Apex Community Center, 53 Hunter StreetCary: Herbert C. Young Community Center, 101 WilkinsonAve.Garner Town Hall Complex, Building B, 900 Seventh Ave.Knightdale Town Hall, 950 Steeple Square CourtRaleigh:Mary E. Phillips High School, 1923 Milburnie RoadMillbrook Exchange Park, 1905 Spring Forest RoadNorthwest Services 81: Police Substation, 8016 GlenwoodAve.Pullen Arts Center, 105 Pullen RoadWake County Board of Elections, 337 S. Salisbury StreetWake County Library Administration Building, 4020 CaryaDrive 'Wake Technical Community College, Student Services Build-ing, 9101 Fayetteville RoadWake Forest Town Hall, 401 Elm Ave.Wendell Community Center, 601 W. Third StreetGeneral Election: Tuesday, November 2nd at your usual vot-ing place.How Can You Help?Make sure your voter registration is current. Checkwwwwakegovcom/elections or call 856-6240.Plan now to vote early. Pick a date, time, and place and put iton your calendar today.Don,;t risk missing a chance to vote. Vote Early!

Nubian Message

Robert White .................................. Editor-ln-ChiefJohnathan Brunson ...................Managing EditorIvory Harris.............................................Copy EditorJarred Legrand.....................................Visual EditorKeon Pettiway .......................................WebmasterMartia Shame..- .................................... News EditorXavier King .........................................Culture EditorKeitris Weathersbe.......................Opinions Editor

, Jacqueline lndula ......................... Arts/Ent. EditorShameica Gardner................................MBS EditorTahnia Davis ............................... Business ManagerOnly with the permission of our elders do weproudly produce each edition of The Nubian

Message.Dr. Yosef ben-Yochannan - Dr. John HenrikClark Dr. Leonard Jeffries o The Black

Panther Party - Mumia A.Jamal - GeronimoPratt - Tony Williamson - Dr. Lawrence Clark

Dr. Augustus Mclver Witherspoon - Dr.Wandra P. Hill - Mr. Kyran Anderson - Dr.Tracey Ray - Dokta Janet Howard - DoktaToni Thorpe and all those who walk by ourside as we continue to make our journey to

true consciousness.Telephone .............................................. 919.515.1468E-mail ........................ response@nubian.ncsu.eduWeb ............................. www.nubianmessage.com

GYE NYAME“except for God”A symbol of the supremacy of God.This unique and beautiful symbol isubiquitous in Ghana. It is by far themost popular for use in decoration,a reflection on the deeply religiouscharacter of the Ghanaian people

MIKIA HORSEYCulture Writer

They say history repeats itself, and the saying couldnot be truer. Time and time again this cliche hasproven itself in the sense of wars, politics, and evenfashion. From bell-bottoms to flip and afro hairstyles,our parents’ age has come back with a vengeance.

The rage in the new millennium seems to be the“natural” look. Especially in African Americans, thetightly curled, kinky, frizzy, wavy look dominates thefemales on campus. Also, the tight spiraling tressesknown as dreadlocks are commonly seen. Where didthis style come from?

The spiraling motion of the hair is widespread,as the word spiral has power and history in itself.Almost all necessary and great things in the universehave the signature spin. The essence of who you are,DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid), even has a double helixspiral formation. The Supreme Power spins through-out the universe, plants spiral up from the soil... yourblood even spirals from your veins! Every type ofhair spirals from your head; even those with naturallystraight hair have a whorl on the crest of their headfrom which their hair spirals. Those with curlier orkinkier hair have a more noticeable spiral, from thewhorl at the crest and the individual strands that coilfrom the roots.

Taking it back to Biblical times, Jesus may havehad dreadlocks. As a Nazarite, a vow is taken to

The Nubian Message - October 26, 2004 ' PAGE 4

THE REAL BEGINNING OF OUR ROOTS

never cut their hairbut to let the “locksof hair on his headgrow” (Numbers 6:2, Leviticus 19:27,21:5). Jesus was aNazarite, and his hairwas even describedas “hair like the purewool” (Daniel 7:9).Wooly hair, if nevercombed or brushedand simply washedand dried will natu-rally interlink into . ~locks. Samson, whosestrength was in his hair,had seven dreadlocks (Judges 13:5, 16:17, 19).

The infamous Bob Marley, a renowned Rastafarian,wore his dreadlocks with pride. In the Rastafarian reli-gion, it is outlawed to cut or comb the hair. FollowingLeviticus 21:5, which says “they shall not make bald-ness upon their heads, neither shall they shave off thecorner of their beard, nor make cuttings in their flesh”,Rastafarians allowed their hair to mat and entwine intolong dreadlocks. They have even evolved the word“dread” into a noun of praise!

Stars such as Whoopi Goldberg, Malcolm JamalWarner, and the undisputed heavyweight championof 1999, Lennox Lewis sport the style with pride.Kelli McDowell, a junior in Biological Sciences here

Menes Kedar(right) battles at KWU freestyle battle in 2002.

at NC State,also wearsdreadlocks.“After wearingmicro braidsfor such a longtime, I did nothave too manyoptions. Ididnot want toget a perm,that’s too muchmaintenance,”said McDowell.She has beengrowing herFile Photo

dreadlocks since October 21, 2003.Dreadlocks are not only an expression of self and

religion, but are easy to take care of. Rastafarians alsobelieve that dreadlocks are a quality of Black people.They are “high-tension wires” that transmit divineenergy and inspiration from Jah (God), the creator, toRasta, the mirror”, as quoted by Nicholas Sparrow inhis manuscript entitled Rastafari: A Way of Life. Hesays that as “Blacks awaken to the true self-knowledgeand self-acceptance this brings, the negative racist con-ditioning with respect to their natural spiraling, nappyhair as ‘bad’ and straighter hair as ‘good’ will cease.”

”Wt L, LGROUPS DISCUSS CRISIS IN’THEHSDDAN

SHAMEICA L. GARDNERMind, Body & Soul Editor

On Oct. 19, The Student Peace Action Network, inconjunction with the Middle East and North AfricanStudent Association, hosted a program titled, “Crisis inSudan,” which highlighted the political struggles andmass murders in Sudan, especially in the city of Darfur.Presidential hopeful, John Parker of the Workers World .Party, an independent party, was the featured speakerof the program.

Sudan has a very diverse ethnic population withover 200 spoken languages in the country The countryof Sudan had been divided into the north, which ispredominantly Arabic, and the south, which is mostlyAfrican. The Muslim population has also been dividedinto southerners and northerners.

Sudan, especially Darfur, is an area rich in oil, gold,silver, copper, magnesium and other valuable mineralsand metals. “Darfur is like a land'floating on oil. Soanyone who controls it has those enormous resources,”said Hassam, one of the programs three panelists, anda member of MENASA. Hassam, who opened the meet—ing with a list of facts about the country of Sudan andits resources, provided background facts'on the countryof Sudan and the war that has been raging over the past

21 years. ‘Sudan, which is the largest country in Africa, has a

population of 39 million people, with an unemploy-ment rate of 18.7 percent. Sudan, which has an averageper capita income of $300.00, is very poor in compari-son to other nations.

The civil war, which began in 1983, has resultedin at least 2 million deaths. As of September 2004, theWorld Health Organization estimated 50,000 deathsin Darfur, and by October the toll will have risen to70,000, mainly due to starvation and disease, accord-ing to Hassam.

Parker, who spoke out against capitalism and impe—rialism, felt that many of the powerful nations of theworld have encouraged continued fighting. Parkersstates that they are just now getting involved becausethey View this as an opportunity to capitalize on the oilreserves in Sudan. “The US now wants peace, becausethe US. now wants oil,” Parker stated.

Parker provided a short history on the colonial occu—pation of African countries, which he feels has partlyled to the destruction of the country

Past US. president, Bill Clinton, was criticized byParker because of his involvement in, bombing of apharmaceutical plant in Sudanpback in 1998. Parkerstated that Clinton accused the "Sudanese of manu-

' .m. wuiifflii 2(iiio‘ig int-(ii'vi‘rrw

facturing nuclear weapons at the company, and hadit bombed, only to discover that there was never anymanufacturing of weapons.

The bombing, according to Parker, wiped out 50percent of the countries medical supplies, and 90percent of its malaria medication. Parker further statedthat Clinton’s attempt to link the country of Sudanto the bombing of the Kenyan embassy were, “totallyfalse.”

Parker thinks that recently, strides have been madeto alleviate some of the devastation in the area. TheUnited Nations has gotten involved and provided aid tothe country, and is now asking the US. to donate $150million, which will reduce many of the deaths, causedmy starvation and disease, according to Parker.When asked about the program, many of the audi-

ence members enjoyed it, and found its informationhelpful. “I thought it was very informative. 1 reallydidn’t know anything about the whole situation, and ittaught me a lot, “said Emily Rhya, a student at RaleighTurner High.

Q

The Nubian Message - October 26, 2004 PAGE 5

A LOOK BACK AT HERITAGE DAY 2004

The Association for the Concerns of African American last year and I want to come back next year.”Graduate Students (ACAAGS) provided catering for an When asked what he enjoyed about Heritageexcellent lunch that included hot dogs, hamburgers, Day, Tyrone Davis of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity,chicken, chips, dessert and beverage. Incorporated stated, “The unity found among everyone“This Heritage Day is possible because of outstanding working together was great. It was a joy to watch the

student support. We have volunteers from several kids have so much fun learning about their history.”students groups and some individuals as well who , Other volunteer organizations for Heritage Dayhave been working with the Center for the past included: Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated,month to organize and facilitate this program,” said Nubian Message, ACAAGS, SAA—PAMS, Peer MentorToni Thorpe, Program Coordinator for the African Program, Black Students’ Board, CHASS—MAS, NSBE,American Cultural Center SAAC, YBE, SAY, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated,

KWU [and African Student Organization.

Alpha Phi Alpha performs With youth.Courtesy of African American Cultural Center.

AFRICAN AMERICAN CULTURAL CENTERPress Release

Sounds of music, joy and laughter filled theMultipurpose Room of the African American CulturalCenter at the Center’s annual Heritage Day onSaturday, October 23- The theme this year Changing ACAAGS serves food to l-lertiage day participants.the Landscape 0f SOCKS” African American Creative Courtesy of the African American Cultural Center.Genius was celebrated through workshops, activitiesand performances. The day included a gallery tour, Angela McNeill, a nationally board certified highstorytelling, stamp making, jewelry making as W611 school mathematics instructor in Scotland County Vas workshops in African Dance (DanceVisions), Hip- and a SPACE math teacher, shared these remarks, “AsHOP Dance (Commercial Break), Gospel Choir (New a past president of the NC State African AmericanHorizons), Modeling (Black Finesse), History Of Step Cultural Center Heritage Society, I am honored to(Delta Sigma Theta, Incorporated) and Step Team attend and see such an outpouring of love and support(Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated.) for African American culture and heritage. ForMore than two hundred youth, NC State students students to get up early on a Saturday morning and be

and parents attended this annual celebration excited about learning was great to watch. Evidently,and recognition of African American Heritage. this event was well promoted because the attendanceParticipant groups included local Girl SCOW HOOPS: is exceptional. To observe students working togetherthe Saturday Program for Academic and CUhural as they teach and learn is heart-warming. I Wish Dance Visions performs with children (top).Education (SPACE), Brownie troops, Pleasant Union that the entire campus could have attended and Dance Visions teaches youth new dance routines (bottom).United Church of Christ youth, and a host of participated.” , Courtesy of the African American Cultural Centerother community youth. Upon completion 0f the Andala Harris, an eleven-year old Millbrookworkshops, student participants, along With the NC Elementary student said, “The most fun was learningState student organizations, presented a ‘showcase’ of about stepping and the African boot dance. 1 alsotheir talent and their workshop knowledge acquisition. really liked the storytelling. 1 had fun at Heritage Day

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Delta Sigma Theta teaches youth about the basics of “steppin”Courtesy of the African American Cultural Center.

The Nubian Message - October 26, 2004 - PAGE

In War on Polio, mission still not yet accomplished

MAITHILI CHITNAVISCavalier Daily (U. Virginia)

( U—WIRE) CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. -- Theancient Roman emperor Claudius was affected'by it. Franklin Delano Roosevelt campaigned forawareness of it. In 1952, Jonas Salk discovered avaccine for it. And by 1994, the Americas weredeclared to be free of it. So, surely the polio virusis not a concern anymore -—— or is it?In 1988, the World Health Assembly launched a

worldwide goal to conquer the problem, and thusthe Global Polio Eradication Initiative was born.According to the Sept. 23 issue of The New

England Journal of Medicine, the global effort hasresulted in a significant decrease in the number ofnew cases of polio per day: from 1000 in 1988 to3 in 2003. But the battle is still not over.Six countries remain regions where the polio

virus is endemic: Nigeria, India,Pakistan, Niger,Afghanistan and Egypt. Niger and Nigeria arecountries which account for a large percentage ofpolio cases. But an even greater concern accordingto the NEJM is that, in the past 12 months, one ofthe three types of the virus ~- wild poliovirus -- hasspread to 12 African nations that were previouslydeclared polio-free. This virus has been geneticallytraced to viruses in Nigeria, which accounts for80% of theworld’s cases. Clearly, the polio virus is still a prob—lem abroad, and the US will have to face this prob-lem somewhere down the road if the virus is noteradicated soon.Biology Prof. Elizabeth Machunis-Masuokaexpressed her views on the global initiative., Although the number of cases of paralytic poliomay be relatively low compared to the number ofbenign cases, Machunis-Masuoka said, they arestill significant and could be fatal. Without inter-national efforts to eradicate the disease, she stated,polio could “very easily migrate back into thepopulation.”While children in the United States are vacci-

nated against the polio virus as standard proce-dure, people who have been vaccinated may stillbe carriers for the disease. Moreover, most peoplewith polio do not know that they are infected inthe first place, which makes the problem an evengreater concern.The reasons for eradicating polio are obvious. As

of Oct. 5, the World Health Organization reportsthat there have been 786 global case counts ofthe polio virus this year. The disease, also knownas poliomyelitis, is highly infectious and usuallyaffects children under the age of three. The virusinfects people by entering through the mouth andreplicating in the intestines. Paralysis, the mostrecognizable sign of the disease, is the greatestconcern resulting from infection.Although paralytic polio accounts for one in 200

cases of the polio disease, the numbers alone areenough to cause concern. Once the virus multi-plies in the intestines, it can enter the blood andattack nerve cells, damaging muscle function andresulting in paralysis. An extremely dangerousform of polio known as bulbar polio can attackthe nerve cells of the brain, causing difficulty inbreathing and swallowing; this acute form of poliocan be fatal without respiratory intervention. Eventhough we don’t live in the 19205-19305 and seethe devastating effects of the polio virus here in the

United States, there is no reason to believe that theproblem does not exist. Indeed, it is still a majorproblem, and vaccination efforts are the first stepin eradication of polio.Of the two types of polio vaccinations, the inac-

tivated polio vaccine confers less immunity to theperson than the oral polio vaccine does. While theOPV protectsagainst all threetypes of poliovirus, the IPVdoes not protectagainst wildpolio virus. Andunlike the OPV,the IPVIS given

“You’ve seen the export of thedisease [to other countries]again...one country’s decision

Along with the WHO, three other internationalorganizations have initiated and guided the vac-cination efforts thus far: Rotary International, theUnited Nations Children’s Fund, and the Centersfor Disease Control and Prevention. The GlobalPolio Eradication Initiative Strategic Plan 2004-2008 outlines the international measures to be

taken. By the end of2005, WHO aims fora complete cessationof the spread of polio,followed by achieve-ment of certificationof global eradication.As part of the planfrom

by miecuon and not to vaccinate the population 2006-2008 thesedoes not protectthe intestinaltract as well.Now, 23

African countiesare taking actionagainst polio.With continuedcooperationfrom these cen—tral and westernAfrican countries, along with $200 million dollars

. in funding, the global campaign for the eradicationof polio can regain its momentum. Starting thismonth and November of this year, these countrieswill hold national immunization days which willcontinue into 2005.If you are picturing African children lining up in

rural areas to receive polio vaccinations with vil-lage elders looking on thankfully, think again.Support from African governments is only part ofthe story. According to anarticle that appeared inThe Economist this June, religious leaders in someregions of the continent have persuaded state gov-ernments to suspend the distribution of polio vac-cines. The areas where vaccinations were suspend-ed showed a resurgence in the number of cases ofpolio. Here, particularly in the northern Muslimregion of Nigeria, clerics preached that vaccinatin-gAfrica for polio was a western effort to depopu-late the continent by sterilizing girls and spreadingAIDS. The WHO, one of the leading organizationsin the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, hasrefuted these claims. Under pressure from clerics,the state government of Kano in northern Nigeriasuspendedpolio vaccination for a few months; theUnited Nations Foundation reported that vaccina—tions efforts were resumed by the end ofJulyThe state’s Islamic governor, Ibrahim Shekarau,

who was hesitant to reinstate vaccination at first,indicated that a “safe” batch of polio vaccines wasto be imported from Indonesia. Although theseregions have finally‘ decided to cooperate with theglobal efforts by importing vaccinations from a fel-low Islamic nationthe damage has already beendone. The road to eradication of polioIS certainlya bumpy one. Global healthofficials have metwith many unexpected difficulties in the past fewmonths,even though the possibility to eradicatepolio has existed for years.“You’ve seen the export of the disease [to other

countries] again...one country’s decision notto vaccinate the population does affect us,” Dr.Machunis-Masuoka said. She added that aware-ness and consideration among all nations were twoimportant factors in battling the disease.

does affect us,”

Elizabeth Machunis-Masuoka,Biology professor

organizations woulddiscontinue use of theOPV, which resultsin paralysis for onein 2. 5 million peoplewho receive vaccina~tion. ‘The effort weakens,

howeverfiw’ith everyrumor about thevaccine. In Somalia,

a country suffering from political instability, thesame rumors about the polio vaccine circulated.The WHO, which attempted to discourage peoplefrom believing the rumors about the polio vac—cine causing AIDS and being’un—Islamic’, realizedthe impact such rumors would have on its globalefforts. Once the WHO recruited locals to put astop to these rumors by word ' ' ' ‘of mouth, the grassroots efforts paid off. In someinstances, the localsshouted from the backs of vehicles to get the pointacross that polio vaccination would help, not hurt,their country -- a perfect example 0 f howseemingly insignificant local efforts contribute toglobal well-being. Now Somalia, as well as Congo,is a polio-free nationOn Oct 8, 25 African countries launched the

largest immunization campaigneverIheone mil-lion vaccinators in Africa, part of thepolio1mmu-nization campaign, are helping the internationalhealth organizations move toward their goal.Machunis-Masuoka praised the efforts, warning

against internationalcomplacency.“If you don’t do something about it,” she said,

“all you will see is anotheroutbreak.”

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The Nubian Message - October 26, 2004 PAGE

Study: excessive coffee intake bad for heart

KANDIS WENKUniversity Daily (Texas Tech U.)

(U—WIRE) LUBBOCK, Texas -- Texas Tech Universitystudents ‘who consume moderate to high amounts ofcoffee could be advancing their risk for heart disease,according to a group of Greek researchers from theUniversity of Athens and Harokopia University.The researches found drinking more than one cup

of coffee per day can intensify low-level inflamma-tion, which is thought to be a primary factor in thedevelopment of heart disease, reports Reuters.The results from the study, which appears in the

“American Journal of Clinical Nutrition,” are basedon a study of about 3,000 subjects who haveno history of cardiovascular disease, according toReuters.The study was done by conducting a food-frequen—

cy survey to evaluate coffee consumption, and thenblood samples were tested for levels of a variety ofcompounds which are known to encourage inflam-mation, according to ReutersAfter factoringin age, gender, smoking, body

weight, phySical activity and other potential con-founders, the results still held true, researches said.Those who consumed more than one cup of cof-

fee per day had significantly higher levels of all theinflammatory markers tested compared to those who

did not drink coffee, Dr. Demosthenes B.Panagiotakos from Harokopia University said.The findings provide a mechanism by which coffee

intake could promote heart disease, but more studiesare needed to confirm present findings and an asso-ciation between coffee and heart disease.Dr. Tom Tenner, in the Department of Pharmacology

and Neuroscience at the Texas Tech Health SciencesCenter and former president of the Texas HeartAssociation, said he believes the study is valid.

“It’s a great study, and it looks good,” he said. “The‘American Journal of Clinical Nutrition’ is a reputablepublication, but overall the study looks good.”Tenner said he believes the study is thorough in

both the study and results.“Just doing a (quick) read through it, it shows they

used plenty of subjects, used statistical analysis andlooked at the inflammation markers associated withcardiovascular disease,” he said. “It touched on sev-eral parts, and I think the weakest part is the foodfrequency survey because it doesn’t include physicalactivity and amounts of food intake and is done frommemory, so it can’t be used as an absolute measure-ment.”Further study with the subjects to see the progres-

sive long-term results would be interesting, Tennersaid.“Taking a look at the subjects further down the road

to see if anyone

develops the disease," he said. “I think it’s alsointeresting to note that they found the associationbetween coffee and inflammation.”Tenner said the controversy over coffee and its

effects on the body have been ongoing.“The study is controversial because for every study

that says coffee is harmful, there is another study thatsays it isn’t,” he said. “When you do a study, you haveto go on a preponderance of evidence, in other wordsthe totality of studies done on a topic, rather thanone specific case.”Although he has no specific reasons for the associa-

tion of coffee and heart disease, Tenner said he has afew ideas.“It appears that the researches were trying to target

caffeine, and that maybe because caffeine stimu—lates the heart and dilates blood vessels,” he said.“It seemed they were more concerned with caffeineintake than coffee exactly, but I don’t know about"how coffee directly results with the inflammation.Although the study produces some interesting

results, Tenner said studentsdo not need to stop drinking coffee altogether andoffers some advice. ,

“I would say, for Tech students, I would feel a lotbetter with students going to a coffee house than abar and get second-hand smoke.”

African Amencan Cultural Center

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The Nubian Message October 26, 2004 ' PAGE ,8

WolfPack loses to Hurricanes

MARCUS GIBBSSports Writer

iii:"‘.rOn a day of simultaneous happenings, the NorthCarolina State Fair and Red and White basketball gamethe Miami Hurricanes played the NC State Wolfpack0% Saturday. With the ESPN Game day crew in Cater-Finely-Stadium, wolfpack fans and the team were readyfat the challenge of one of the biggest games of the yearand prove they could be considered one of the nations1: re. With the night starting with two of the nations

‘ defensive teams facing each other, the game was"gthing but defensive. One thing was for sure on

Siturday night, the only fireworks displayed would notat the state fair.

1filliami faced NC. State for the first time as a memberof the ACC. The Hurricanes, the number three teamin the nation, Visited a raucous Carter—Finely Stadiumand wasted no time on getting on the score board. Theopening kick—off by NC. State resulted in a 100 yardreturn by Miami’s sophomore wide receiver DevinHester. The crowd was immediately hushed. Inanswering to the long kick off return, the Wolfpackscored a touchdown to even the score. Everything wasdisplayed during this game, speed on the defensive andoffensive sides of the ball and trick plays. After scoringits first touchdown, NC. State recovered an onsideskick to get the ball back on the following possession.After a Miami turnover, N.C State returned the ball tothy Hurricanes with a fumble by TA. McClendon.

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It was a game of turnovers and penalties betweenthese two teams with the Wolfpack committing fourturnovers for the game including one on a possibletouchdown drive in the red zone and at the end of thehalf. The turnovers and 19 penalties between the twoteams, slowed down the pace of the game a makingit extending the length of the game. Looking on thegood side of things, McClendon played brilliantly onceagain. The junior wolfpack running back had 95 yardsrushing in the first quarter of the game, averaging 8.4yards a carry. McClendon finished the first half with124 yards rushing on 15 carries. This makes the teamrecord of NC. State with McClendon having 100 yardgames 8-2 with losses to UNC and now Miami. Thescore at the half was 28-17 with both teams combiningfor over four-hundred total yards combined.

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At the beginning of the second half the Hurricanesscored another touchdown, making the score 31-17 as 'the running game seemed to wear down the Wolfpackdefense. In scoring 17 straight points Hurricanes

. quarterback Brock Berlin tied a school record with fivetouchdown passes in scoring help scoring 45 pointsagainst the Wolfpack’s top ranked defense. NC. Statedidnot give up, it showed how much of a competitorit was in coming back towards the end of the game andcame up short losing to the Hurricanes 45 to 31 Bothteams ended up with over 400 total yards each by theend of the game.The Wolfpack falls to 4—3 overall and 3-2 in the

conference with Clemson in South Carolina, GeorgiaTech and Florida State in Raleigh coming up next. Theschedule doesn’t get any easier for the Wolfpack. '

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