M/iJanuary 29, 1998

Edition 1‘)

What’s Goin’ On?

SAAC

SAAC will holds it organiza-tional meeting today at 7:30 pm.in Room 356 of the Afrikan Amer- ‘ican Cultural Center. Topics willinclude Affirmative Action andTechnician’s Recent Diversity Se-ries.

ASAAC

ASAAC will holds it meetingthis Friday at 3:30 in Room 375 ofthe Afrikan American CulturalCenter. All those interested in thefight for Affirmative Actionshould attend.

SOUL FOOD

UAB Films Committee presentsthe showing of “Soul Food” onFeb._5 at 9 -p.m., Feb. 6 at 7 pm.and 11' p.m., Feb. 7 at 7, 9, and 11pm. The movie will be shown atthe Witherspoon Student Center’sCampus Cinema. Soul Food starsVanessa L. Williams, Nia Long,Vivica A. Fox along with manyothers. Cost is $1.50 for studentsand $2.00 for staff, faculty andguests. For more informationcontact 512-9677.

CHUCK D

Chuck D will be speaking at theWitherspoon Student Center’s ‘Campus Cinema, Friday, February17 at 7:00 pm. Sponsors includethe Society of'Afrikan AmericanCulture, UAB Lectures Commit-tee, Entertainment Committee,Student Government DiversityCommittees, First Year College,Scholars Program and Black Stu-dents Board.

The Afrikan American Voice of North Carolina State University

Diversity Initiative Gains Momentum

M33213The Nubian Message

The NC. State Diversity Initia—tive, launched by Chancellor LarryK. Monteith last fall, is taking formand substance in"a comprehensiveaction plan.

The Administrative Council re-cently endorsed the NCSU Diver-sity Plan that calls for universitywide participation. Moreover, theuniversity wide effort has prompt—ed a letter from the White Houseinviting student participation in thepresident’s race initiative.

Monteith said the university’scommitment to diversity should beapparent in all its operations. NC—SU, he said, is compelled to createeducational ‘ opportunities for allthe citizens of the state and to es—tablish an environment allowingfor" the success of every member ofthe campus community.

“If we are to continue to be re-garded as the people’s university,then we must embrace the reality

of the changing demographics ofour state and of our nation,” Mon-teith said. "Evidence indicates thatdiversity enhances the quality ofthe educational experience, andtherefore, should be an integralpart of our institutional culture."

The plan, forged by the Diversi-ty Steering Committee of adminis-trators, faculty, staff and students,establishes five project teams:

- Access and Retention (recruitand retain underrepresentedgroups);

- Institutional Climate (createan inclusive working and learningenvironment Where differences arevalued);

- Curriculum and Instruction(incorporate diversity into teach—ing, learning and research);

. Programs and Activities (offera broad array of cultural and intel-lectual experiences); and

- Media Relations (create visi-bility of the diversity initiative in-ternally and externally).

Currently, a campus climate as-sessment is being designed to help

further define areas of concern andprogress. Also, the committee willsolicit the support of the TeachingExcellence Center to develop di-versity awareness across the disci-plines.

Hank Fiumara, director of Uni-versity Improvement Programs, iscoordinating the NCSU DiversityInitiative. He said the diversityplan provides an excellent frame-work for action and invites campusparticipation. Each of the projectteams will include administrators,faculty, staff and students and willconsider an array of issues - race,ethnic, culture, gender, socioeco—nomic and physical disabilitiesassociated with diversity. Membersof the university community inter-ested in participating on any of theteams should contact Fiumara at513—1008.

Fiumara said the NCSU’s diver-sity initiative is part of a growingnational awareness of the impor-tance of an inclusive society. Thecampus effort has gained PresidentClinton’s attention and resulted in

a letter from Clinton soliciting sup-port for his "One America in the2 1 st Century” effort.

Students here have been askedto join the youth outreach endeav—or to "lead your communities intheir efforts to talk, listen, teachand act.” The president writes:"For America to succeed and pros—per, we must find ways to live andwork together as one nation andbring out the best in all our people.Our country has much to learnfrom you.”

' Success of the diversity initia-tive at NCSU, Fiumara said, willdepend on individual and collec-tive involvement. He urges NCSUcitizens to explore the avenues fordiversity available on the campus -academic courses, cultural events.and lectures, among other things -and the countless individual oppor-tunities “to open a dialogue to ap—preciate the richnessthat comesfrom working with others who aredifferent from you.”

AACC Gallery to Feature International Sculptures

52ft“ ReportThe Nubian Message

A new exhibit at NC. State’sAfrikan American Cultural CenterGallery, “A Diaspora of Common—alties: An Afrikan and AfrikanAmerican Sculpture Exhibition,”highlights the intellectual and spir-itual ties of five artists from twocontinents. The exhibition will rununtil Feb. 28, with a reception andgallery talk scheduled for Fe. 8from 2 to 5 pm.

The exhibition, funded in partby the National Endowment for theArts, includes the works ofAfrikan American wood sculptorsAlexis Joyner, Sultan Rogers andthe late Bessie Harvey, and Afrikanwood sculptors Edward Oduro andGeorge Obeng. The 28 works inthe show are on loan from both pri-vate and public collections.

Gallery coordinator WalterDavis said, “This is a collection ofa broad audience. The artists deal

0 Find out all you everwanted to know aboutComoros, and Mayottethis week.

See Culture, Page 4

with subject matters that transcendcultures and continents - humanspirituality, and the importance anddignity of the individual.”

Oduro and Obeng depict figuresand scenes from everyday life intheir native Ghana, each carvedfrom rich Afrikan woods. Womenoften are central themes of theirwork, indicating the importanceand respect of women in their cul-ture. “Mother Queen,” a work byObeng could portray a matriarchholding court in a small Afrikanvillage - or a North Carolina coun-try church supper. “One look andyou just know she is an importantand wise person,” Davis observed.Both artists have exhibited theirwork internationally.

The five pieces in the show byAlexis Joyner, a faculty member atElizabeth _City State University,were inspired by his 1997 summerstudy/teaching experience inGhana, West Afrika. Joyner wasamong the 40 faculty and students

Preview Exhibitten

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Exhibiting Artist'sBessie i'iw'vz’:

Attieonvfmteseen CaWétiressgxsem Suntan: Center

who were part of a long-term edu-cational exchange program withGhana, NCSU and sister UNCcampuses, initiated in 1994. Joyn-er’s work has been exhibited na-tionally. His “Waterboy” is in thepermanent collection at the NewYork City Public Library’s Schom—burg Center for Research in BlackCulture.

The exhibit also includes anumber of pieces by outsider, orself-taught, artists Harvey and

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Rogers. Davis hopes the audiencewill discern the similar themes andspiritual ties of these untrainedartists and their professional coun-terparts.

“Georgia-bom” Harvey created“dolls” from branches and roots,lacquering them, painting themblack and brown or embellishingthem with jewelry, shells, feathersor fabric. She believed her root

see Sculptures page 2

- It’s Double Agendaweek at NCSU. Everwanted to know whyWolfpack football playersrank among the fastest inthe ACC? You might justbe surprised at the answer.

See Sports, Page 3

Page 2 I The Nubian Message Januag 29, 1998

Chancellor Search Forum Set forSculptures continued from page 1

sculptures contained the souls of Edenic Afrikans and that forms ofthe wood were a collaboration between nature and God. He died in1994.

Seventy-six—year—old Rogers carves human figures based on peoplehe has met in his travels. His early carvings, he says, were inspired bydreams of the animals he saw in his native Mississippi. His work is inthe collections at Mississippi State Historical Museum and at theUniversity of Mississippi’s University Museums.

Davis will conduct a number of outreach programs and workshopswith public schools and community organizations in the comingmonths. “This is a presentation of Afrikan culture and history - ahumanities outreach meant to build pride and self esteem among ourblack community, to demonstrate the contributions of black artists tosociety and to generate understanding and awareness among the com-munity at large,” he said.

Davis says the exhibit is a preview of a larger, more ambitious dias-pora exhibition series the gallery is seeking to fund. It will include 20artists from two continents, with separate exhibits for sculptors, paintersand folk artists - each with an educational outreach component.

STUDY ABROAD

SCHOLARSHIP

DEADLINE QUICKLY

APPROACHING

The Study Abroad Office offers almost$30,000 in scholarships for studentswho plan to participate in summer,semester or year-long study abroad

programs in 1998-99. The applicationdeadline is February 23. Information

is available on the Study abroad homepage accessible through the NC State

home page and applications are availablein the Study Abroad Office, 2118 PullenHall. NOTE: Summer program application

deadline is also February 23.

Apply today! -

ff 1‘The Nubian Message

The NC. State community andthe general public will have a secondopportunity in February to addressthe university’s Chancellor SearchCommittee.

The public meeting will be Feb. 2from, noon to 1:30 pm. in theMcKimmon Center. The purpose ofthe meeting is to provide a forum forinterested individuals to share their

I r-----------------------1With only the per-

mission of ourancestors and our

elders do we proud-ly print this and all

editions of TheNubian Message.Always keeping inmind and spirit:Dr. Yosef ben-

Yochannan, Dr. JohnHenrik Clarke, Dr.Leonard Jefferies,The Black PantherParty, Mumia A.Jamal, Geronimo

Pratt, Dr. LawrenceClark, Dr. Augustus

McIverWitherspoon, Dr.Wandra P. Hill, Mr.Kyran Anderson,”Dr” Hughes

Suffren, Mr. LathanTurner, Dr. Iyailu

Moses and all thosewho walk by our

side as we continueto make our journey

IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIto true consc10us- i

IIr—————___——————--—-——___———__-_____-____—___-____-—__—————__————____—______— _______________________J

Youreople need y a

February 2

perspectives with members of thesearch committee. Those interestedin speaking should contact JohnKanipe, executive secretary of theChancellor Search Committee, at515-2200.

Speakers will be asked to limittheir remarks to five minutes, andthey must provide a written text thatwill be retained for future considera-tion by the committee. Others, whomay not have the opportunity tospeak, can send one-page letters orstatements to: Chancellor Search

Committee, Box 10409, Raleigh,NC 27605.

More than a dozen university andcommunity leaders made commentsduring the first chancellor searchforum in November. Their remarksare online at:

http://www2.ncsu.edu/ncsu/univ_relations/chansearch/forum.htm..

Chancellor Larry K. Monteithannounced in September that he willretire when a replacement is found.

THE RED COATS ARE COMING!

Looking for the ultimate in Uruver31ty funand responsibility? Apply to be a

CHANCELLOR’S AIDE. You’ll serve as theChancellor’s special ambassador atUniversity functions-—official dinners,

athletic events, campus tours.

minimum 2.5 GPA are eligible, though onlthe most qualified will be selected. Pick up

applictions at the Alumni MemorialBuilding, 40 Pullen Road. The deadline isFebruary 27. You could be one of twelve

chosen to be avChancel-lor’s Aide;r~‘1~t<:§~onevdfthe best educational experiences NC» State

has to offer.

IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII:i All risin seniors and ni W'th. g se ors 1 aIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII

,4,- .. nts, take nOte

The Nubian Vessage is inneed of:._’ opyeditorsNews WritersCulture Writ grs

yourself by knowing the right pnections than The Nubian Messge? "Center, through the Nubian yoinfluential Afrikan American m .. ers and shakers on camptory in the making. Come help th

hat can you getmputer Access

'emo I po

ubian Message becom:the pre-eis:Afrikan American Voice of North C olina. Call 515—1468 oe-mailadmiral@sma.sca.ncsu.edu. You’ll be d you did.

K<d

Staff Writer

My first semester here at NC.State was great. I came out of thegates full speed and ready to take onany challenge. On tests, I alwaysshot for 100 or more. I was compet—ing for the top grades in my classes,just like I did in high school. Lifewas great, and I felt great. Just likeme, all my friends were doing thesame. What I didn’t know then wasthatl was taking remedial classes.These were classes that were similar,if not identical, to classes that Iwould have taken in high school.

About my third semester, I hit the“weed-out” classes. Now I didn’t get,weeded out, but many of my friendsdid. They got those first few lowgrades, 80s and 705. Now this mayseem like ideal grades to some.However, these grades come as ashock to people who are used tomaking A’s. Slowly they began tolisten to everything that they hadbeen hearing from upperclassmen.Gradually it sunk in and‘‘weeded”them out. They were not weeded outin a sense that they dropped out ofschool, but in a sense that they start-ed- to happily settle for grades that

-. wifinieigaifiiaaulibave never. éét—rtled for.

Other people on campus such asprofessors, Teaching Assistants,instructors and advisors have put outthis notion that once you begin tak-.ing certain classes you “should notexpect to make the A’s you used to.”

So we as the students say “okay”and begin to settle. This is the pointwhere we start to go wrong. We cannever afford to settle, especially atan institution such as NCSU. Ourancestors and elders did not compro—mise. They did not accept what wasdefined as freedom for them. Theydefine what freedom was and ifone’s definition did not surpasstheirs, they rejected it. AfrikanAmericans must define our own aca-demic excellence standard.

First and foremost, we mustunderstand this. We are attending aninstitute of higher learning. We can-not get those A’s studying like highschoolers. You have to be commit-ted. You have to study like you are astudent at an institute of higher edu-cation. You have to study with the-realization that you are paying forthis education, this opportunity thatmany of our ancestors did not have.Settling is not the answer. Wherewould we be if our ancestors hadsettled?

If you start to settle for B’s andCs when you get to the “C-wall”classes, then by the time you get tothe classes within your major youwill be settling for C’s and D’s.Settling for whatever grade will not

,;.requ;ire.you to retake the class is not 'why we are here. We are here toexcel. Having a C, even on a quiz,means that you are just average. Weknow this to be untrue. We are thedescendants of a mighty people.They were beyond average, theywere the originators. Nothing origi-

January 2‘), 1998

OF]N[ON5

nal is average.Sadly, many are elated with just

passing. They do not put forth anyeffort when it comes to studying fortests. Some do not show up for tests.They fail tests and hope that theclass had a low average so that theteacher will give a curve. Instead,we must be committed to doing ourabsolute best. Always aim to ace allexams. Don’t just settle for the aver-age. Remember, there does not haveto be a curve.

If you make the class average andthe class average is a failing grade,then you failed. Whether there is acurve of not you failed, and since aswe all know that there is someonewho makes and “A” on the test, youshould aspire to make an A - it is notimpossible, but we cannot allow our-selves to depend on other factors forour success.You must succeed on your own.

As a matter of fact, if AffirmativeAction is cut in the UNC school sys-tems, you will have to succeed onyour own. With no help, you willhave to do even better than academi-cally excel, you will have to stand

- out amongst the white mainstream,and we know how difficult that Canbe.

It is time that we realized we arehere to study. We must study harder.We are here to learn more than whatwe came in knowing. We are pay-ing customers.

, offitheorigin ofthefiaméAfrzkabutWe are surecame mtousewhen Afnkans Were dispersed over

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5

LiVing the Dream

B Kimberl PettawOpinions Editor

Last year I had the opportunity to attend a leadership conference in Rust,Miss. with fellow students of this university. On our way back to Raleigh westopped in Memphis, Tenn. Memphis provided more than a rest stop for theweary passengers on the van. While in Memphis, we visited the LorraineMotel. This is the motel where Dr. Martin Luther King was assassinatedwhile standing on the balcony outside his room. The previous night he haddelivered his last speech, “I’ve Been to the Mountain Top,” at the BishopCharles Mason Temple in the same city, on behalf of the city’s largelyAfrikan American body of sanitation workers. The workers were striving forincreased wages and an end to the discriminatory behavior systematicallypracticed and sanctioned by their white supervisors.

Many of us were speechless as we looked upward at a wreath that wasplaced at the spot where King lay wounded over thirty years ago.Immediately, my mind flashed back to the many television clippings andbook photos that I have seen of King lying wounded on the balcony andAndrew Young, Jesse Jackson, and others who accompanied King pointingin the direction the shot came from. Different emotions flowed through usand some unbashfully wiped tears away. The feeling was and remains tooprofound for words.We were actually approximately thirty feet away from the actual spot were

a great man was assassinated. A man none of us ever had the chance to per-sonally meet but we all felt we knew intimately. Visiting the Lorraine Motelhelped to reaffirm the fact that we are not so far- removed from the CivilRights Movement of the ‘50s and ‘605. Only 29 years ago, a drum major forjustice and equality was taken from this life. Often times we cannot relate tooccurrences that happened before our entrance to this Earth and events of thepast are mechanically and unemotionally handed down from generation togeneration. This visit brought it all home.

The year N.C.‘State gave students a two day break — an extra day afterthe King holiday from classes. For many students a two day break fromclasses was reason enough to venture home or to some other destination.However, others anticipated attending and participating in marches or someother program in King’s honor. Sadly, many were not able to see their planscome to pass because of weather conditions on Monday. We must know thatwe must actively commit ourselves to making changes and keeping warriors’hopes alive whether or not it is raining on the day that many remember them.We must be dedicated to keeping King’s memory alive and the memory

and legacy of the many who relentlessly battled for the actualization ofhuman rights of any systematically oppressed people. King is rememberedfor many things. Some may remember him for founding the SouthernChristian Leadership Conference in Atlanta on Jan. 10,1957, to coordinateall civil rights activities. Some may remember him for receiving the NobelPeace Prize on Dec. 10, 1964. Many remember King’s famous “I Have aDream,.”'speech delivered in front of the Lincoln Memorial on August of1963 at the March on Washington for Civil Rights. I

Regardless of how we remember King, as we partook in the celebrationssurrounding the date that King’s birthday , we must remember that Kingwas more than a visionary. He had more than a dream. Dreams occur whenone is asleep, unconscious. Although King had dreams, as we all do, he con-sciously devoted his life to changing a systematically racist society. Wemust also. I agree with David C. Wilson who said that “It is critical that wetake charge of our own destiny and stop waiting for some unknown mythicalbeing to come along and wipe racism from the face of this ea

King refused to give up and his life was taken away for this very reason.He spoke out for what he knew to be injustices committed against AfrikanAmericans. Perhaps, if he religiously practiced the silentness that many of usdaily abide by he would physically be here today. If he jumped on the “band-wagon” and never initiated any actions, he may have

lived a little longer. If so, where would you and I be if Douglass,Malcolm, Garvey and Martin waited until someone else spoke up. In King’sown words: “I refuse to accept the view that mankind is so tragically boundtothe starless midnight of racism and war that the bright daybreak of peaceand brotherhood can never become a reality I believe that unarmed truthand unconditional love will have the final wor .”

It is time that we speak our truths and stop accepting others. We mustfirst realize that racism still exists as much so as it did in the ‘60s. Racismhas only adapted to society and has blended in with society to a point wheremany feel as if it is gone. Racism is systematic and systems aren’t abolishedover night.Interested in being an opinions writer, call 515-1468 and askfor Kimberley Pettaway, Opinions

Editor or stop by Room 372 ofthe AfrikanAmerican Cultural Centerfor an application.

January 29, 1998

Afrika Spotlight:

Comoros

Official name: Comoros Federal Islamic RepublicIndependence: July 6, 1975Capital: MoroniCurrency: CFA francIncome: (per capita US$) 480 (1990)Area: 838 sq. miPopulation: (1991 estimate): 476,000Illiteracy: 46% (1991)Ethnic divisions: Antalote, Cafre, Makoa, Oimatsaha,SakalavaReligious groups: Sunni Muslim 98%, Roman Catholic 2%Languages spoken: Shikomoro (a Swahili-Arab dialect),Malagasy, FrenchInternational Relations: EC, OAU, UNForm ofgovernment: One-PartyExports: Cloves, vanilla, ylang-ylang

Located off the northwestern coast of Madagascar,Portuguese explorers visited the archipelago in 1505. In 1843,the sultan of Mayotte was persuaded to relinquish the island ofMayotte to the French. By 1912, France had established colo-nial rule over the islands of Grande Comore, Anjouan, andHoheli and placed the islands under the administration of thegovernor general of Madagascar. After World War II, theislands became a French overseas territory and were represent—ed in France’s National Assembly. On July 6, 1975, theComorian Parliament passed a resolution declaring unilateralindependence. However, the deputies 0f Mayotte abstained; asa result, the Comorian government has effective control overonly under French administration. After gaining independence,the country faced an enormous economical crisis.

The Comorians inhabiting the islands of Grande Comore,Anjouan, and Moheli (about 86 percent of the population) shareAfrikan-Arab origins. Islam is the dominant religion, but asubstantial minority of the citizens of Mayotte (the Mahorais)are Catholic and have been influenced strongly by French cul-ture. The most common language is Shikomoro, a Swahilidialect.French and Malagasy are spoken.

Mayotte (Mahor’e)

Independence: n/a (overseas territory of France)Capital: DziaodziArea: 375 sq. kmPopulation: (1992 estimate) 86,628Religious groups: Muslim 99%; remainder Christian (mostly

Roman Catholic)Languages spoken: Mahorian ( a Swahili dialect), FrenchExports: Coconut, sugar cane, vanilla, ylang-ylang

Part of the Comoros archipelago, Mayotte shares its historywith the Comoros Federal Islamic Republic. When Comorosdeclared independence in 1975, Myotte voted to remain anoverseas territory of France. Although Comoros has sinceclaimed Mayotte, the French have promised the islanders thatthey may remain French citizens for as long as they wish.

Interested in being a culturalwriteryfor The Nubian Message,

then call 515-1468 and speak withShannon Jones or stop by Room372 of the Afrikan American

Cultural Center for an application.

-—...«we...as.....

l'

SmileI give you this smile, for it is all that is me.I give it to you gladly, I give it to you free.all that I ask is that you take it, my son,and share my smile with everyOne.

no matter how high, no matter how low,give .it away where ever you go.

no matter how rich, no matter how poor,give to the stranger knocking at your door.no matter how bright, no matter how dark,

give to the people walking in the park.no matter how young, no matter how old,

give to the frail, give it to the bold.no matter how bitter, no matter how sweet,give it to the strong, give it to the weak.

and don’t be surprised when you’re smiling free,that there’ll come a day when you give it back to me.

Michael L. Mills

LEESVILLE ROAD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL81,0: Leesville RoadRaleigh, North Carolina 276:3Main office: (9:9) 870-4200Fax: (9:9) 870-1.:88

Wanda M. Moore (9:9) 870-1.:90School Counselor

LES: The Start of the Pride

57;: Place to be Heldf."gr.t; Witherspoon Student'r Center Annex — AfricanAmerican Cultural CenterPrograms in:

mm?-4 What You'll LearnAr‘T 6‘ D€S|gn J 0 Prcgram Information

0 Images of Summer 97'& if”; 0 Talk With Previous

5., Participants; .0 Meet Instructors;; 0 Learn About ScholarshipHumanlfles (Si SOCIGI and Other Available

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For more information, Call: 919-515-7518

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The Nubian Message January 29, 1998 Page 5A

‘ Afrikan American AncestorsBy Tokishia Dockery

Staff Writer

The month of February is a veryimportant month for ”people ofAfrikan American descent. This isthe month in which we really takethe time to recognize and appreciateour heritage and the contributionsmade by Afrikan Americans.

As Afrikan American college stu-dents on the brink of success,February is the month where we putaside our studies to pay homage tothose responsible for destroying thebarriers and removing the shacklesof oppression.

Their contributions have enabledus as Afrikan American students theopportunity to attend predominantlywhite colleges. Furthermore, theirefforts opened numerous doors andwindows of opportunities forAfrikan Americans. Many even sac-rificed their lives so that we couldhave the freedoms to decide wherewe would eat, sleep, think, sit, andmatriculate.

These great Afrikan Americanheroes and heroines, which is exact—ly what they deserve to be called,have served as excellent role-modelsfor us, and have provided us with thecourage and wisdom to also becomeeffective leaders and productivemembers of society.

One Afrikan American in particu-lar that I believe deserves recogni-tion and praise is Paul Robeson, anative of Princeton, New Jersey.

Paul Robeson can easilyberemembered as an athlete, actor,author, attorney, scholar and concertsinger. He was certainly a man

for Jerry Blackmon or stop by R00

DON’T massl LARRY mars]!

determined to succeed despite theexisting racism. Robeson did not letany one distract him from achievinghis dreams.

He attended Rutgers Universitywhere he excelled both academicallyand athletically. Robeson was anoutstanding athlete, who played infour sports. As a direct result, hewas twice named All-American infootball! He continued his studiesand later earned a degree fromColumbia University Law School.

Over the years Robeson per-formed on stage in the plays"Othello” and "The Emperor.” Heappeared in many motion pictures,recorded numerous records and wonpraises for his moving interpreta-tions of black spirituals and folkmusic of foreign countries.

Robeson’s talents brought himworldwide acclaim. Because of vasttravels and education Robeson per-formed all over the world speakingin over twenty languages anddialects!

In the late 1930’s Robesonbecame involved in the fight forpeace, racial justice and improved .labor conditions. After supportingthe Afrikan colony’s fight to gainindependence from European coun-tries and maintaining a friendshipwith Communist from the thenSociety Union, Robeson wasdeclared a national embarrassmentby the United States

As a result of his affiliations withthese entities the President canceled 'his passport for five years. This, didnot phase Robeson, he remained per-sistent in his efforts and continuedthe fight for justice and peace.

Interested in being a copyeditor for The Nubian Message, then call 515-1468 and askm 372 of the Afrikan American Cultural Center foran application.

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Paul Robeson died in January1976 after falling ill.

Afrikan Americans such asRobeson can be positively mockedbecause of their strong determina-tion to succeed despite oppressivesituations. He stood up for what hebelieved and he crossed every barri-er that was thrown in his path.We as Afrikan Americans must

adopt this way of thinking. We haveto pull together and standfast onwhat matters to us most. We have tolift our heads and walk the path thatleads to our dreams and goals.removing all distractions along theway.

Afrikan Americans today must bestrong like those of yesterday. Wemust embrace all that life has tooffer. So when we sit in our classeson this predominately white campuswe should feel proud because theroad was long and the strugglesnumerous. Think about the firstAfrikan Americans to attend NC.State as you sit in your seats. Try toimagine how hard it must have beento remain focus knowing that youwere not welcomed. ,' NC. Stateopened its doors so that Dr.Augustus M. Witherspoon, Dr.Nanette A. Henderson, Robert LeeClemons, Hardy Liston and YOUcould become successful authors,attorneys, doctors, philanthropists,athletes and singers, just like PaulRobeson and others.We have to stand up and reach

for what we believe in. Then we candepart this life knowing that we toohave accomplished our goal andhave made a contribution!

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"aotonhesZone System

Transportation will begin to put a redesigned zoneparking system in place starting with Fall ‘98. The initialchanges will primarily affect traditional student parking

areas, followed by faculty/staff areas in 1999.

!

This redesigned system is the result of a three year effortby Transportation to simplify parking, making it easier to .understand and use. This system will also reduce traffic

' movement in and around the campus creating a safer and p‘ less congested environment for the campus community.

Specific changes for Fall 1998 include combining theexisting C and E zones into one D zone, G and F zonesinto one B zone, and Avent Ferry, Fraternity Court, andES. King Village into one F zone. Faculty, Staff, andStudents currently holding permits in any of these areaswill by automatically assigned the new corresponding

zone permit.

Please contact Transportation with any questions at

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_Oi hHealth Editor

Two weeks ago KimberlyPettaway gave you the skinny on the‘playing field’ in America concem-ing race relations. This week I takeyou in a different direction.

As we move into the 21st centu-ry, many Afrikan Americans seem totake for granted the strides we havemade as far as making our mark inthe American society. Socially weare beginning to reap the benefits ofthe Civil Right Act of 1964. SomeAfrikan Americans have made thebest of the opportunity affordedthem by Affirmative Action.

The prominence of the AfrikanAmerican artist, writers, singers, aswell as intellectuals has grown.Fewer Afrikan Americans are said tobe living below the poverty line.Contrary to what America believes,teen pregnancy has also decreased.The wage earner gap has come clos-er together as more AfrikanAmericans are getting better payingjobs. According to American statis-tics, Afrikan Americans have made

substantial progress in the areas thatare of main concern being economi-cally and in education.We have continued to make

advances in the diagnosis, manage-ment, and treatment of disease. Justlast year America celebrated the firstdecrease in AIDS related deathssince its introduction. Americansare living healthier lives. Everybodywas excited to find that Americanscould expect to live longer.

Both Afrikan Americans andwhites experienced an increase inaverage life—expectancy, but AfrikanAmericans can expect to live to 70,six or seven years shy of the whiteAmericans life expectancy.

It is no startling discovery thatsince Afrikans were first brought toAmerica we have succumbed tohigher death rates than those of ‘whites no matter what the cause.Even with all the technologicalresearch and discoveries, the gapcontinues to widen between whitesand Afrikan Americans and othergroups in incidences of asthma, can-cer (different forms), diabetes aswell as other diseases.

For example, The Centers for

human 2‘) 1998

Disease Control and Preventionreports that from 1980 to 1994, diag-nosed cases of diabetes rose inAmerica. The results revealed thatincidence rate among AfrikanAmericans rose 33 percent; threetimes the increase among whites.The same is true for most otherinfectious diseases.

What is the reason for such a vastdifference? With the exception ofmelanin in our skin we are biologi-cally identical. The cells that com-prise our bodies perfdrm the sametype of functions. No agent hasbeen identified that increases anAfrikan American’s risk of develop-ing diabetes.

Perhaps it all boils down to thewillingness of Afrikan Americans toseek adequate health care. Oftenenough, Afrikan Americans receiveless and worse health care thanwhites. Finding an explanation towhy may or may not come.

In the mean time we must makeup in our hearts and minds to live amore healthy lifestyle if we intend tofind some equality in the playingfield of health.

Support Group for People With Blood Related Cancers

WThe Nubian Message

The North Carolina Chapter ofthe Leukemia Society sponsors sup-port groups for patients withleukemia, lymphoma, myeloma,hodgkins disease, and myelodysplas-tic syndrome. Their families andfriends are also welcom to attend

these groups. At these meetingspeople can learn about helpful cop-ing strategies for dealing with theissues that cancer brings to both thepatient and the family. There iscompelling evidence that peoplewith cancer who regularly attendtalk groups actually require less painmedication, suffer less depressionand report a higher quality of life

than those who don’t . Leukemiasociety groups are led by trainedfacilitators familiar with the needs ofcancer patients. In the Raleigh-Durham area meetings are on the 4thMonday of every month at 3:30 pm.The location is Teer House, 4019 ’Roxboro Road. To receive moreinformation, call Caryl Fulcher at(919) 68441 13.

,5

Haalth, in BIaCk and Whitfi 100 Black Men of America and ACSLaunch Campus on Prostate Cancer

iHealth Editor

As you may remember from the Fall ‘97 issue concerning cancer and theAfrikan American community, prostate cancer is one of the leading causes ofcancer related deaths among Afrikan American males. About mid-Januaryof this year action was taken to help reduce this unnecessary tragedy.

The American Cancer Society and 100 Black Men of America launched acampaign to focus national attention on prostate cancer. It is well knownthat prompt, proper treatment will reduce the risk of complications or death,yet Afrikan American males are two to three times more likely than whitesof the disease.

Considering the fact that millions of dollars are raised yearly to aid inresearch for AIDS and breast cancer, only $80 million was spent on researchfor prostate cancer. $80 million amounts to only one-twelfth and one—sixthof the research totals for AIDS and breast cancer respectively. This total isvastly insufficient when number of deaths from AIDS, breast cancer andprostate cancer are relatively the same.

The American Cancer Society has estimated that 184,500 men in the US.will be diagnosed with prostate cancer and almost 42,000 will die. For every100,000 Afrikan American men, 234 will develop prostate cancer comparedto 135 of every 100,000 white men.

Though cancer riskincreases with age and is rarely diagnosedin malesunder fifty, Afrikan American males are more likely to develop prostate can-cer at a younger age than their white counterparts.

There1s no scientific explanation for the disparity1n results between racesbut, scientists have several theories. As with most diseases, there is somegenetic basis for prostate cancer, but that18 not to say that prostate cancer isa black man’s disease. Other theories range from less access to health careto distrust of the medical field.

No matter what reason is chosen the fact remains that prostate cancer istreatable. The best way to help find a cure is through research and researchneed the financialsupport ofthe federal government...‘..-...

Preview Exhibition

Interested in being a health writer " ' ‘ ..for

The Nubian MessageThen call 515-1468 and ask forMichael Newkirk, Health Editor

orstop by Room 372 of the

Afrikan American Cultural Centerand

ask for an application.

January 16 - February 28, 1998RECEPTION: February 8,1998 2—5pm

African-American Cul’rurol Center

Exhibiting Artists

Bessie HarveyAlexis Joyner

Edward OduroGeorge Obeng

Sultan Rogers

Witherspoon Student Center

SP.RTS,,W

_anuar3199829,

5

Men’s Track and Field Spring 1998 Review Pack Women Back on TrackStaff Rgport

The Nubian Message

Mike O’Cain will play a substan-tial role in the success of the 1998NC. State men’s track team. No,the Wolfpack football coach won’thave his hand in teaching any trackand field techniques, but severalplayers on loan from the footballteam are a vital part of Coach RollieGeiger’s program.

And Geiger can’t thank O’Cainenough. The two have offices in thesame building, and, though they’reon opposite ends of the Weisiger-Brown Athletics Facility, the pro-grams are very close. “Mike O’Cainhas an outstanding relationship witheverybody,” Geiger said. “Mike is afine man, and it carries over to trackand field in the" way of cooperation.”‘The NCAA limits men’s track

scholarships to 12, so Geiger hasturned to other areas for sprintersand jumpers. The football team willprovide at least six athletes, thoughGeiger said others have Shown inter-est. “If we weren’t getting sprintersfrom football, our cupboard wouldbe bare in some events,” Geigersaid.

But the football players won’t beavailable ‘until after" spring practicehas concluded, meaningWolfpack track team will be a littleshort during the indoor season fromJanuary to early March.

Belgie McClelland, a senior fromCharlotte, who had State’s besttimes in the indoor 55~ and 200-meter dashes last season, will haveto go it alone indoors. “He’s kind ofthe Lone Ranger out there until therest of the football team comes,”Geiger said.When the football players do

show, Geiger’s team substantiallyimproves.

Senior Alvis Whitted will godown as one of State’s best sprinters.He currently holds school records inthe 100, 200 and 400, and his best100-meter time of 10.02 seconds isan ACC record. Whitted, a widereceiver and kickoff returner forO’Cain, missed the US. Olympicteam last summer by two spots inthe 200. Whitted also anchors the400 relay team that finished third inthe ACC outdoor meet last season.

Jason Perry, a senior defensiveback, finished second in the ACCand eighth in the NCAA in the 110hurdles. Perry, of Passaic, N.J., ran a13.75 in preliminaries for the NCAAmeet last season, tying him for the1

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third-best time in school history.Perry also runs on the 400 relayteam. ,

Cordell Smith, a fourth-team tail-back, is the reigning ACC champ inthe long jump, winning the crownwith a leap of 24 feet, 1 1/2 inches.Smith, a senior from Washington,D.C., also finished second in theconference in the decathlon, postingthe fifth-best point total (6,629) inschool history. _

Eric Riddick, who starts at freesafety for O’Cain, placed second toSmith in the ACC long jump andsixth in the triple jump as a sopho-more. The Richlands, N.C. nativewas the outstanding performer at theNorth Carolina State High Schoolmeet in 1994 after winning the longjump and triple jump.

Other gridiron competitors whowill participate in track are seniorTheodore Chavis of Durham, andjunior Lloyd Harrison of Floral Park,N.Y. Chavis and Harrison both runthe 100 meters and the 400 relay.A lot of track teams around the

country have had to go the sameroute as NCSU, but the cooperationis beneficial to both programs. “It alldepends on the football coach,”Geiger said. “One of the footballcoaches recently said that it seemslike more and more football pro-grams are concentrating on the foot—ball/track athlete because speed is soimportant to a football team.“Tennessee, for example, has made aliving on the football/track athletesfor years, and they’re traditionallyone of the better football programs.”

Geiger’s team has been one of thebest in the conference since he wasnamed head track coach in 1984,winning five ACC championships,including the 1996 outdoor title. Sohis team isn’t simply an extension ofthe football program.

The Wolfpack, who finished thirdoutdoors a season ago, lost onlythree athletes from last year. JasonJohnson, an NCAA qualifier in thepole vault, Dan Lee, an 800-meterrunner, and distance runner JamesBache.

Losing just three from a solidteam might bode well for mostteams, but Geiger sees it differently.“We were third last year, but

Clemson’s got an incredible trackand field program right now,”Geiger said. “We’re still playingcatchup. The problem with gradua—tion is that we didn’t have a lot ofmoney to spend with grants. Weonly lost three athletes, but on theother hand, we didn’t have a lot of

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money to bring in new people.Hopefully, the team we have will bebetter this coming year, but Clemsonright now is just dominating the con-ference.”

Geiger will get solid contribu—tions from his throwers, includingseniors John Williamson, the school-record holder in the hammer throw;John Patterson and juniors JeffPflaumbaum, an All-ACC performerin the discus, and Eric Cannon. "Ourstrong area this year, as it was lastyear, is the throws,” Geiger said.“We have some outstanding peoplethere. Our throwers are excellent.”

The shot-put, discus and hammerthrow have always been importantevents when State does well in theACC. “When we’re winning, yes,and when we’re losing, no,” Geigersaid. “When we’ve won conferencechampionships, we’ve been good inthe throws. We haven’t won, wehaven’t been good in the throws.Obviously, it’s pretty important.”

The middle-distance and long-distance events should be anotherstrong area. As the Wolfpack’s headcross country coach, Geiger has ahistory of producing great distancerunners, and he has myriad runnersto choose from for his track pro-gram.in the 10,000, Geiger has Pat

Joyce, Corby Pons and Joe Wirgau;for the 5,000, Chan and Corby Pons,Joyce, Wirgau, Chris Pluchos andMichael Fitzula; the 3,000, Joyceand Abdul Alzindani; the 1,500,Brendan Rodgers, Chan Pons,Pluchos, Aaron Saft, Wirgau andFitzula; the 800, Pluchos, Wirgauand Fitzula.

Three newcomers will also help.Distance runner Chris Dugan ofScottdale, Pa., was the Pennsylvaniatrack athlete of the year, and AaronKeller of Bat Cave, N.C., holds thestate record in the 1,600 meters.“They’re both impact players forus,” Geiger said.

Robbie Howell of Cary, NC,transferred from Princeton and willbe a “major factor,” Geiger said.Howell has run a 4:04 mile.

Other than Smith in the long -jump, State struggled in the jumps aseason ago. But Donte Hunt, whodidn’t participate last season, returnsto help out in the triple jump andlong jump, and Riddick should alsocontribute.

“If you include Eric Riddick fromthe football team, the jumps becomevery good for us,” Geiger said.

being a sports writer for:

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B Dock ‘.WinstonSports Editor

The Wolfpack Women ended a two—game losing streak, defeating a deter-mined Florida State team on their home court 72-62. Jan. 25.

Four NC. State players scored in double figures, led by senior ChasityMelvin who scored 16 points. Senior Peace Shepard and junior LySchaleJones each added 14 and freshman Tynesha Lewis posted 12. KristenGillespie led the team in rebounds with six.

State never could get a rhythm going in the first half, and found them-selves tied with Florida State at 34-34 at the break.

The Seminoles continued to battle in the second half, trailing by one with10:22 remaining in the game, 50-49, before the Wolfpack built a 14—pointlead with 7:43 to go, 63-49. Florida State cut the lead to seven, but never gotany closer as the Pack held on to win its’ 16th game of the season andadvance to 16—3 overall and 7-2 in the ACC.

Florida State was led by Latavia Coleman who scored 19 points. TheSeminoles fall to 7-12 overall and 3-6 in the ACC.

The Wolfpack plays host to Wake Forest on Friday, Jan. 30 at 7 pm. inReynolds Coliseum.

Miller Named ACC

Rookie ofthe Week

B D . in 11Sports Editor

NC. State freshman Archie Miller was named the ACC’s Rookie of theWeek Jan. 26. This honor comes after Miller averaged 13 points in the firsttwo starts of his career against second-ranked North Carolina and GeorgiaTech. ,

He earned the first start of his career against the Tar Heels Jan. 21, whenWolfpack coach Herb Sendek opted to go with a smaller lineup, starting the5’9 Miller along with 6’0 Justin Gainey in the backcourt. The rookie played39 minutes in the game and finished with 13 points, including three three-pointers. He had eight of his points in the first half, helping the Wolfpackkeep the game close.

Milller knocked down a key three-pointer with a minute remaining in theWolfpack’s 56-51 win over Georgia Tech. He finished the game with 13points on 4—of-9 shooting and had a career-high three steals.

For the season, Miller ranks fourth in the ACC in three—point field goalpercentage, hitting 43.3 percent (29-of-67) from beyond the arc. He has alsoconnected on 20 of his 24 free—throw attempts this season.

Indoor Track Teams Finish

Top Ten at Virginia TechBy Dock g1. Winston

Sports Editor

N.C. State’s men’s and‘women’s indoor track team ended two days ofcompetition at the Virginia Tech Invitational on Saturday. The men finishedeighth while the women placed third.

Using their distance runners, the Wolfpack men had four finish in the top10 for events. Chan Pons, a two-time cross country All—American, finishedsecond in the mile, recording a time of 4:06.93. State had two runners nearthe front in the 3,000 meters. Brendan Rodgers was third, while RobbieHowell was ninth. Corby Pons, Chan Pons’ twin brother, finished ninth inthe 5,000 meters.

The Wolfpack women had three runners finish in the top 10 for events.Laura Rhoads, a two-time cross country All-American, finished second inthe 3,000 meters, posting a time of 9:40.15. Rhoads was joined by team-mates Monique Judkins and Victoria Stokes in the ranks of the top 10, aftereach posted distances that ranked among the best in the high jump. Judkinswas eighth, clearing a height of 5’04.25. Stokes finished 10th, clearing aheight of 5’02.25.

The Wolfpack men other top 10 finishers all came from field events. EricRiddick was the Pack’s number one man in the long jump, finishing fifth.Donte Hunt was ninth in the triple jump, while John Patterson and JohnWilliamson finished fifth and sixth, respectively, in the weight throw.

The Lady Wolfpack had four other athletes who placed in the top 20.Tiffany Heath and Anitra Henry finished 13th and 15th in the weight throw,respectively. Keione Covington was 15th in the long jump with a distance of18’05.00. Sherlane finished 17th in the same event, covering a distance of18’00.50.

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