February 15-February 21, 2001

Minority recruitment

has long way to go

Keon PettiwayStaff Writer

The number of African-American students atNC. State has dramatically increased sincethe 1970's. During that time, there were only200 black students enrolled at the university.HEW officials sought to change the enroll—ment of African-American students at NC.State.

In February 1967, HEW concluded that NC.State failed to comply with the Civil Rights Actof 1964. Federal officials designed varioustactics to attract African-Americans to the uni-versity. Although the admission enrollment ofAfrican-American students has increased, thepercentage of African-American students atNC. State is relatively low. Currently, only2,823 out of 22,196 students are African-American. NC. State promotes diversity, butthere are only 9.9% African-Americans oncampus.African-Americans are not the only minority

underrepresented at NC. State. Asians rep—resent only 4.7% of NC. State students.Hispanics make up 1.8%. Other internationalstudents represent 5.4% of the university. It isevident that the amount of admitted studentsis not ethnically balanced at NC. State.

Even though the admissions of black stu—dents are low, NC. State offers programs toattract African—Americans to the university."When i came to NC. State, there was not

a Minority Engineering Program. Actually, igot the first grant from GE. to set up a pro-gram at NC. State. I was disappointed thatwe did not have one," says James Anderson,Vice Provost of Undergraduate Affairs. "Whenyou look at the top engineering programs inthe country where African-American studentswere doing well, such as Michigan, Purdue,and Stanford, every one had a MinorityEngineering Program."Anderson states that a lot of recruiting pro-

grams that are functioning now, were notpresent nine years ago. Black students havemore financial aid assistance and scholar-ships. As a result, there will not be a focuson a lack of financial aid to attend NC.State."There is still a lot of work to be done, but

if you look at the sheer dollars and commit-ment that has gone into these efforts in thelast couple of years, it is a big differencefrom what it was nine years ago," saysAnderson.There have been some programs that

have been in existence for almost 20 years,such as the Transition Program to promoteAfrican—American student attraction. Overthe years, it has gradually progressed intoone of the most effective programs forminorities."We have programs that are tapping into

the kids in grades K-12," says Anderson."The Science House at NC. State has a rep-utation for attracting African-American young-sters and introducing them to science, acad—emics, and preparing them to be committed.If one of the programs that help us meet oururban mission. We also have four programsthat has experienced success over thepast decade."The administrators are improving the effort

to attract more African-Americans to his uni-versity, but from current statistics there is stillmuch of room for improvement.

Shavonne HendricksStaff writer

Many NC. State student's facethe pressing task this time of theyear for filing for financial aid. It issomething that some students don'tlook fon/vard to, but is necessary inorder to remain enrolled at the uni-versity.The first step in this annual

process is completing the 2001—2002 NC. State Universityinstitutional Financial AidApplication. The form is availablein the Office of Financial Aid locat-ed in Harris Hall. in addition, thosestudents wishing to file for assis-tance must complete the FreeApplication for Federal Student Aid(FAFSA). The priority filing date isMarch 1, 2001. To receive themost aid for which a perosn is eligi-ble, complete and return the formson time. Students who turn inthese forms after the priority filingdate will still receive aid, althoughan aid decision may not bereached until after the semesterhas begun."An area where students and

parents often have difficulty is inthe income section (steps 2 and 4)of the FAFSA," says RanceJackson, Senior Associate Directorfor the Office of Financial Aid."Applicants should pay close atten-tion to the line-by-line instructions

ubian Mess

serving NC. State’s African-American community

Filing for financial aid

Necessary burden

when completing this part of theapplication. Also the section on stu-dent status (step 3) should be

reviewed for correctness. Oftentimes, processing is delayed due toerrors made in both sections andnotification of eligibility is late.""According to Jackson, there are

some changes for the upcomingacademic year that students shouldbe aware of. ""Federal regulations are becom-

ing restrictive," says Jackson."In order to be eligible to contin—

ue to receive financial assistance,students must be making satisfac-tory academic progress as deter-mined by policy. Beginning with thespring semester 2001, students willnot be able to receive funding forthe summer term(s) or any futureterm(s) if they are placed on unsat-isfactory progress. There is an

F the policy and read it thoroughly to

. the maximum amount a student

' ty is not always able to provide aidA student fills out paperwork in Witherspoon

age

Wan-"WWVolume 8 Issue 22

.<;;ill’f_lll’/\/\‘15;Ar;”i‘~”-l,¢l

appeals process in place but allfinal approvals and funding will notbe granted unless documentationsupports the appeals request."

All students should get a copy of

be completely aware of thesechanges.On a more positive note, federal

funding for the Pell Grant is sched-uled to increase, pending fundingapproval. The increase will raise

can receive from $3300 to $3750.Due to limited funding, the universi-

covering a student's full financialneed.

If a student's financial awardpackage does not meet all of theirneeds, there are alternativesources for aid. The Office ofFinancial Aid's website has freeinformation on scholarship search-es. In addition, many civic, social,and community organizations offerscholarships to students, based onneed and/or merit.

If a student is seeking help withminimal financial needs, the Officeof Financial Aid does provide short-term loans. These loans aredesigned to help those with imme-diate financial needs. Every studentis assigned a financial aid advisor.All financial aid related questionscan be answered by making anappointment to meet with an advi—sor for individual counseling.

HEWS

Performing for a People White Males Still Make More Than Minorities and Womenatre organizations. Theyalso seek to involve all

Ayren JacksonMembers of the Legislative Black less than their white female counter-Staff writer . . Chinwe EkwuribeInterested students In Staff writer Caucus see a need to continue to fight parts. This problem is not only happen-

the promotion Of a DOSi- for affirmative action programs in the ing in SC. and the United States; it is aMovie director Elia tive theatre experience. . _ state of South Carolina. One reason global issue.Kazan once said, Past Black Repertory th SOUth Carolina, Wh'te males who why the numbers are so wide in margin What does this situation mean for"Acting is an effort to Theatre productions work for the state make more money is because "minorities and women are future college graduates? For one, itfind a handful of truth, have included "Blues for than women and the" black counter— still having problems breaking out of serves as a reminder that the fight forthe shine and shiver of an American Sky", "Miss parts. This information '3 according to a the lower-paying clerical jobs and into workplace equality is not over. Manylife, a certain wildness Evers' Boys" and recent annual r'evrew 0t salaries 0t executive positions." Still, breaking out workers are faced with the reality thatand a genius-ness." "Fences." SOUth Carolina 3 state employees of the lower paying jobs does not mean they are doing the same occupation asThis quote could not Jolon Shields, the made by the South Carolina Human minorities and women will make the another but earning less money. Toprove to be any truer Black Repertory Theatre Affairs Cemm'SSteh‘ . same amount as their white male coun- some workers, the problem is some-than for the NC. State president said, "the uni- According to the report, Wh'te 'men, terparts, thing that is going be a continuing bat-

students involved with versity should know that who make up JUSt less than a th'rd 0t According to the report, white male tie and should not be given up on easi-the Black Repertory we (Black Repertory all state employed jObS, make ”P executives make an average salary of Iy.Theatre. Their perfor- Theatre) have skills and almost 60 percent Of those making $64,713. White female executives What a future graduate can do withmances can be we have a lot we want to more than $50,000 a year. Black men earn, on average, $57,563. Black male this information is to take the initiativedescribed as a window show." He added, "we and women together make up one th'rd executives get paid an average of report and make it positive. When oneinto the past, a historical want to educate the 0f state employees and they represent $52,600. Black female executives graduates, they should carefully reviewbackdrop and an educa- community through our the tWO‘th'rds Of the employees who receive an average of $50,588." all job offers and do their homeworktional understanding. performances." make less than $21900 a year. For Black women in South Carolina make about each employer. By researchingThrough teamwork Upcoming Black Wh'te women, who make up one mm on average $14,125 less than their different companies, one is less likelyand unity, the Black Repertory Theatre spon- et all employees, 29 percent Of them white male counterparts, and $6,975 to be the victim of unfair workplaceRepertory Theatre is sored or performed make more than $50900-

enabling a type of dis- events for thiscussion which focuses semester include Apollo Ion the black experience Night II, the Gentleman'sand which is dedicated Review, the Annual I u Ito the contributions that SpadesAfrican-Americans have Tournament, and itsmade to theatre. Pan-Afrikan Festival per-

forced together on rice and antebellum language is the only English-basedThe Black Repertory formance. cotton plantations Creole in North AmericaIgggtfithvitfefgighsigdge Faith/'2? git: gagiftfnkan Keon Pett'wa The various ethnic groups spoke dif- Although the Gullah—Geechee cultureof its current advisor, Dr. Repertory Theatre will Staff wrlter ferent language, so they had to create still exists, migration of the people toPatricia Caple. N.C. be a universal language in order to com- the Sun Belt and the rebuke of the cul-State University's main performing Langston As many African-Americans already municate. They combined African and ture by its own people reflect why thegoal in creating the Hughes' original play, know, a number of their ancestors European words and structure, which Gullah-Geechee heritage is becomingBlack Repertory theatre "Don't You Want to Be were slaves and were assrmilated by became the language of the Gullah- endangered.was to increase African— Free." Written by the slave owners. Most of our heritage Geechee people. "I had grown up speaking a kind ofAmerican participation in Hughes in 1937 after the has been loss because of the separa- As a result of assimilation, the dialect. It is called Geechee. Somethe University Theatre. opening of the Harlem tron of the African tribes. One of the Gullah-Geechee people adopted people call it Gollah now and peopleCaple is also a professor Suitcase Theatre, the most unique African tribes in existence Christianity and blended it with African praise it now," says US. Supremein the communication play is a musical drama, is the Gullah-Geechee people. The practices, such as voodoo. A slave Court Justice Clarence Thomas.department. The Black that through the use of heritage of the Gullah—Geechee IS so named Bilai introduced the Muslim Thomas was born in a tiny marshRepertory Theatre is a folk poetry, addresses endangered that the federal govern- faith to the community. Bilai was a front community of Pinpoint nearmember of the National the topics of racism, sex— ment is trying to preserve it. plantation head driver, and he was in Savannah, Ga., where some Gullah—Association of Dramatic ism and classism. Open US. Rep. James E. Clyburn made charge of hundreds of slaves. Geechee people still reside.and Speech Arts and the auditions for this perfor- an attempt to preserve the culture of Regardless of his slavery status, Bilai "They use to make fun of us backAfrican-American mance will be held the Gullah-Gecchee people by per— could read and write in Arabic. then. It's not Standard English," saysCollege Initiative February 21_22 in suading Congress to order the National The Gullah-Geechee people contin- Thomas.Program. Thompson Theater Park Service to conduct a three year ued to exhibit their customs by crafting As a result of the advancement ofThe Black Repertory classroom. All students study focused on preserving the her— coiled baskets, knitting cast nets, strip society, many African-Americans haveTheatre aims to promote are invited to audition. itage of the tribe. quilts and singing African music. Due forgotten about their roots, and manythe production of black "Black Repertory The Gullah-Geechee people are to their extensive isolation, the tribe are unaware of their heritage.plays and to support the Theatre is a way that descendants of various West African has preserved their African cultural Educatingfield of theatre especially students can be positive- ethnic'gr'oups, such as Mende, lgbo, roots more than any other African eth- oneself serves a purpose because athrough communication Iy involved on campus," and Kissr. They derived from the nic group in the United States. man who wanders in the world with anwith the University said Shields. blending of the various ethnic groups, Another interesting fact about the empty soul and two eyes will always beas a result of the ethnic groups being Gullah-Geechee people is that their blind.Players and other the-

li you would like topublish a letter to the Editor,you can do so by mailing it to :

The Nubian Message372 WitherspoonCampus Box 7138

Raleigh, NC 27695-7138

You can also email us at

nubianinbox@hotmail.com

, XA.

SHEQUETA I. SMITHEntertainment Reporter

HEARD?"

What's up, amigos? I'm back at 'cha this week, "keeping it real," like Miss Cleo. This week, Ithink I will start out on the domestic tip. it appears that Ms. Marshall Mathers (Eminem'sMother) might be dropping the $10 million dollar lawsuit that she has against her son. Sheclaims that her attorney was supposed to be sending Eminem a warning letter to stop him fromslandering her in his music. However, the next thing she knew there was the lawsuit. l have tosay kudos to Ms. Mathers, because that's one hell of a selective memory.

In other news, am sooo very sad to announce that our favorite method of getting music,"Napster," is coming to an end. On Monday, an appeals court ruled for Napster to cease itssong-swapping operations. Prosecutors have even been quoted as calling Napster "ElectronicShoplifting." I wonder what they call it when it only takes $0.10 to make a CD, and then theycharge us $17.99. i call it a rip—off. Maybe we should file a lawsuit against them.

On another note it has been rumored that Halle Berry and Eric Benet secretly got married inJanuary. I guess this is becoming a trend since Chante Moore recently admitted that she andKadeem Hardison have been married for three years. l guess their three years couldn't remain asecret since they are now getting divorced.

While we are on the topic of divorce, word has it that Reggie Miller and his wife Marita are get-ting divorced. She wants him to give her $18,000 a month so that she can pay for her $10,000 amonth apartment in Manhattan. That seems pretty low key in comparison to some of the otherNBA chicas out here getting divorces. All l want to know is where is the love? Can anybody justhumor society and do something like stay married?

On a completely different subject, can anybody tell me why Jermaine Jackson named his sonJermajesty? tell you black folks, we be coming up with some names for our kids. Well, that's all,for this week amigos. Oh, but don't let me forget to tell yall about an interesting new book thatshould be hitting the shelves pretty soon. The book is entitled "On a Move." It is a biography offormer Black Panther member, Mumia Abu-Jamal. For all who don't know who this man is, lsuggest you go dig deep into your black history and find out. Well. I'm out for real this time so Iwill hit yall up next week.

WOLFPACK FOOTBALL PREVIEW

Jennifer BringleSports Writer

After a year filled with officialvisits, recruiting dinners, and endlessmail—outs, NC. State signed arecruiting class second only to foot—ball power-house Florida State in theACC.Among the 28 recruits who signed

letters of intent this past Wednesdayto play for the Pack, six were rankedamong the top 30 nationally at theirpositions. A combination of 15defensive and 13 offensive playersgive this class a balance that should

prove to be very beneficial in theseasons to come.

One of these top recruits is run—ning back Tramain Hall. 5-foot—l l,185—p0und Hall is ranked sixthamong running backs in the nationby SuperPrep magazine and is oneof seven high school All—Americansin this year's recruiting class.

Another impressive stat thisrecruiting class boasts is that 10 ofthe signees are from Florida, whichis always dominated in recruiting bysuch in-state schools as FloridaState, the University of Florida, andthe University of Miami. Manyattribute this accomplishment to

Coach Amato and his connectionsand experience recruiting in theSunshine State. The Wolfpack alsosigned ll prospects from NorthCarolina, including tight end JohnRitcher. Ritcher’s father, Jim, wasan All—American for the Wolfpack inthe 1970's.With this impressive group of

freshmen joining the team in the fall,the Wolfpack hopes to fill the voidsleft by the early departure of keyplayers Koren Robinson and AdrianWilson. Amato and the Pack hopethat these signees will help them tocontinue to achieve the successexperienced by the team this past

Coleman cont. from page 6

Coleman went around thecountry earning respect andgaining more publicity andnumerous fans. She eventuallywas able to buy her own aircraft,which cost $400. Flying fromSanta Monica, California to ashow in Los Angeles in Februaryof 1923 a few days after shereceived her airplane, Coleman'splane stalled at 300 feet, nose-dived and smashed to theground. She suffered a brokenleg, broken ribs and several lac-erations and spent the next threemonths in the hospital. Afriend suggested that Colemanopen a beauty shop in Orlando toearn funds, but she turned to herfriend, Edwin M. Beeman, seek-ing financial assistance to helpmake the last payment on an oldArmy airplane. With arrange-

ments coming from Beeman, theplane was to be flown fromDallas to Jacksonville, Florida,where she would take part in acelebration sponsored by thecity's Negro Welfare League.

Before the clay of the event,Coleman, and her mechanicWilliam D. Willis, took the oldplane out for a practice run.Willis was piloting the plane inthe front cockpit, and Colemanwas in the rear, with her seatbeltunfastened so that she couldstudy the outline of the fieldbelow. The next day she was toperform a daring parachute jumpfrom a speeding plane at 2,500feet. Being in the air only for tenminutes, and flying smoothly, theplane suddenly increased inspeed, and flipped upside down.Coleman was thrown out of the

airplane and fell more that 500feet to her death. Willis could notregain control of the airplane,and was killed instantly when theairplane hit the ground. Thecause of the fatal crash that leadto the deaths of Coleman andWillis was a wrench that wasused for the engine slid into thegearbox, causing it to jam andforcing the plan to spin out ofcontrol.

Thousands of mournersattended a memorial service inJacksonville on May 2, 1926.Her remains arrived in Chicagothree days later, and thousandsmore attended her funeral atPilgrim Baptist Church. A net-work of Bessie Coleman AeroClubs were made several years

William Felton Russell wasborn on February 12th, 1934 inMonroe, Louisiana. He was bornand raised in a time when ablack athletic superstar was hardto come by. Russell is known formore than just a great athlete.He is known as a man whoworked hard tp be a success andfor the black athletes that wouldfollow him.

Russell started playing basket-ball when his family moved toOakland, California in 1943. Hegraduated in 1952 fromMcClymonds High School, andafter graduation he attended theUniversity of San Francisco on abasketball scholarship. He ledhis college team to a NCAA titlein 1955 and was given MVP hon—ors. He was given an opportuni-ty to join the HarlemGlobetrotters but declined andplayed with the USA Olympicteam. He helped lead them to agold medal. That same year, hejoined the Boston Celtics andlater on helped them to win theirfirst NBA title in 1957.Away from the court, Russell

was working on being a familyman and married Rose Swisherin 1955. During his career, hesucceeded in winning fourrebounding titles and five MVPawards. In 1959, when theCeltics started their eight NBAtitle streak, Russell was there tolead them. On the court, Russellis said to have revolutionized theNBA’s current defensive strate-gies. Before Russell camealong, basketball was playedsolely based on offense .As a black man on one of the

most dominant teams in the his—tory of the NBA, Russell earnedmuch success and popularity.But as a black man living in theUnited States of America,Russell saw social and racialproblems away from the basket-ball court. Playing basketballdidn’t separate Russell from theracial injustices that were pre-sented to blacks that didn’t pro~fessional basketball careers. Astrong black man , Russellwouldn’t allow himself to beloved on the court and treateddifferently away from the court.He wanted the same equal treat-ment as his white teammates.When black players on the teamwere denied access to bars and

i l

restaurants, Russell and someteammates didn’t hesitate toboycott games.Russell stated in the early

19603, “The basic problem inNegro America is the destructionof race pride. One could say wehave been victims of psychologi-cal warfare, in a sense, in thatthis is a white country, and allthe emphasis is on being white."Russell’s determination and per-sistence to be treated like a firstclass citizen led to success forfuture athletes and everydayblack people as well.Continuing to thrive in the

world of professional basketball,Russell made history in 1966when he became the first blackcoach for the Boston Celtics, andfor any major sport during thepost-depression period. Heretired in 1969 as a player-coach. Despite the fame andglory that Russell was receiving,there were many fans that hatedRussell, and he was well awareof this. When his jersey wasretired in 1972, he did not attendceremony, nor did he attend the1974 ceremony in which hebecame the first black to beelected in the Hall of Fame.Believing that handshakes wereworth more than autographs, henever gave autographs.What Russell carried as pride,

many people looked down upon.The world was not ready andhad never come across a super-star who treated the media andthe fans this way. Russell want-ed it his way or no way. Andwhat was wrong with this? Wasthe problem that he was a blackman who wouldn’t allow himselfto be respected on the court, andburned by the racial inequalitiesof society off the court? Was itthat he was a black man,admired by the many fans thatloved him on and off the court?Or was it because he decided hewould be a leader, and gobeyond what was expected ofhim as a black man?

Bill Russell set high standardsfor himself. His pride both onand off the court is respectableand admirable. He is one of thegreatest athletes in the world ofbasketball among whites andblacks. His quest for racialequality and social justicemakesBill Russell a hero for blacks andathletes alike.

UBIN FUN FACT #254 and #25:

We are now using Arial font andwe have not one but TWO photographers!

culture and arts

Celebrat'

Michael HarrellCulture Columnist

Last week we began our explo-ration into the history of the blackchurch in America. In honor ofBlack History Month, this weekwe will continue our examinationof this institution in Part of II ofIV.

In Part I, we learned that thefirst black church in America wasfounded in 1794. We also found

that the AME. church wasestablished in 1816. Another keyissue found in Part I was the sep-aration of the Baptist church overslavery in 1844.

Religious gatherings byslaves without the supervision ofwhites were strictly prohibitedprior to Emancipation. However,many bondsmen worshiped insecrecy. As we discovered inPart I, many historians refer tothis as the "invisible institution."After the Civil War the "invisibleinstitution" resulted in a hugeincrease in the congregations ofblack churches. Almost any orga-nization can benefit through thestrength of numbers. However,this is not the key issue of theblack church in relation to theAfrican-American experienceduring the era immediately fol-lowing the Civil War.

The freedmen (formerslaves) were now afforded a lifethat included unrestricted social-ization among their own people.

Black H'

Plantation life had eliminated therelations of ancestral clansmanand the family structure.

This new life of religious free—dom was not devoid of obstacles.There was a caste systemamong blacks. Since all blackswere now considered free, unlikelife on the plantation, the statusof house worker or field hand didnot impact one's social stratifica-tion. A different class structurewas established. The free blacksprior to Emancipation and thoseof mulatto ancestry possessed ahigher status among the blackpopulation. Social status regulat-ed worship. Most blacks congre-gated to Baptist and Methodchurches. Even these churchesdiscriminated on the basis of the"intensity of blackness."

Many newly freed slaveswere very emotional and highspirited. These individuals incor-porated dancing and the singingof spirituals into their worshipservice. An educated Bishop of

. tt :‘mm‘ X 51 9433.1:fincfig’gétrzun? 3421335333.;’fimlééfifim $33255. “

Is there something holdingyour creative spirit back? Areyou experiencing feelings youcan't even describe, and youdon't know where to place them?Are the words in your head stuckand you don't know how torelease them fluidly onto paper?Is your heart your pen? Whetheryour answers to these questionsare 'no’ or 'yes,’ Dorothy RandallGray's book, "Soul Between theLines," is sure to help your musedevelop and connect with yourinner being to find that creativespirit within you.

Very therapeutic, this bookoffers many techniques, exercis-es, and remedies to help thereader explore their soul.Describing her book Gray writes,"'Soul Between the Lines' is

about opening yourself up to yourfull creative entitlement and per—sonal empowerment."

This book is for anyone.Whether you are a sculptor, poet,painter, musician, or fictionwriter, the book will help you findinspiration and add to your imagi-nation to help what you do bemore powerful.

Gray also writes that, "'SoulBetween the Lines' is about livingand creating with your heart andsoul as well as your mind andbody."

Gray provides the readerwith plenty of exercises to helpyou begin your writing and con-nect you with your creative self.

The chapters of the bookexplore totally different topics.The first chapter of the book,'Heartland,‘ introduces the reader

I am blackTrue!

I live in a white worldTrue!

to terms and other phrases thatwill be used throughout the book.It prepares the reader for the"heartland" which Gray definesas "the spiritual center of the cre-ative self." The heartland iseverything that the reader isexperiencing in his or her ownlife, whether it is practicing Zen,playing in a band, falling downthe steps, etc.

The second chapter,'Rainbow of the Spirit,’ is basedon colors and how colors areincorporated into life.

Gray writes, "After you readall of Chapter 1, you can startwith any of the other chapters.“

The chapters also includestories and inspirational quotesand passage that the readerscan relate to their own lives.

As a writer, a motivational

A world which yields me no true self-consciousness

I View myself through the eyes of the worldTrue!

The eyes that are filled with pityAm I American?Or am I African?

Two separate identities in one black bodyI don't want to lose my African identity

an A.M.E. church in the Southsaid, "We must drive out anysuch heathenish mode of wor-ship or drive out all intelligenceand refinement."

Most black churches, by1875, had absorbed thechanges. They had either beensuccessful in preserving theirworship style or had been trans-formed into a high-energy houseof worship. It is also important toremember that many new blackchurches were founded duringSouthern reconstruction. Thesechurches were usually estab-lished with a predetermined wor-ship style.

The black church served asthe backbone of the family duringthis period. The father of a slavechild, at best, was merely a visi-tor under the plantation system.After Emancipation, the churchfostered a sense of leadershipand a positive family life amongAfrican-American men.

Many black ministers found-

speaker, and spiritual consultant,Dorothy Randall Gray's self-actu-alization seminars and work-shops have inspired thousandsthroughout the United States,Africa, and Europe. Gray hasbeen seen on television, heardon the radio, and has been fea-tured at many museums, univer-sities and cultural events. She isa former NYU faculty memberand Poet—in-Residence at HunterCollege. She has also served asa consultant to many institutions,such as Columbia University, theDepartment of Cultural Affairs,advisor to the United Nations andMental Health Association, andExecutive Director of Red HooksArts in Brooklyn.

She is the author of sixbooks, and her writings haveappeared in several anthologies,

Why?

tory Month 2001

ed schools for black children dur-ing this period. This was of greatimportance to any black young-ster who dreamed of the right ofupward mobility. Public funds forthe education of black childrenwere almost nonexistent. Thelargest portions of the resourcesto establish schools came fromblack churches and northern phil-anthropists.

The church also served as aplace of refuge and hope in ahostile world for many freedmen.Discrimination of their own raceand oppression of another con-tributed to a rough beginning oforganized religion for many for-mer slaves. The black churchwas able to emerge from thisperiod with great success. Thechurch offered religious support,education and socialization to theformer bondsmen.

The black church will beginto secularize as we examine itsrole in during the early 20th cen-tury in Part III.

such as "Conditions," "DrumVoices," "Ikon," and "Sister Fire."Gray has also performed in the-aters worldwide. She is thefounder of HeartlandTransfonnational Institute, whichis an organization founded in1990 dedicated to the use of spir-it as a source of creativity, trans-formation and empowerment.

The book is full of positivemessages. It is designed to serveyour muse, but it opens up yourheart as well. The authorencourages the reader to explore(and to not be afraid to write,,‘j’because writing can soothe the”soul. "Soul Between the Lines" isa book for anyone aspiring to bea writer, or for anyone whoknows how to write.

It sends a message across to the peopleNeither do I want to lose my American identity

Again, why?To identify with the land of opportunities

A strong nation that can teach the world a thing or twoWHO AM I REALLY?

Black American or African-American?The Struggle/ Search continues . . .

culture and arts

e»- {a£15,-:33» £33!” £333” Mental Slaves

Throughout these strange days, the fact that blacks are slaves stillremains

No more shackles and chains, it's maintain & restrain the brainMake the brothers think their insane

People of power define and rename thangs, give them a name changeAs well as culture religion and speech

Teach Africans 2 follow themselves N 3rd person by worshiping greeksNow as 2nd class citizens

,Darkchlld

For the first time in a long timeCan't feel the burn 'of the sunshineNo stress making the words rhymeContent as rain with no dimes

Tired of tossing ,Like some shiprwithout. a sailMade upmy mind”Not to let myself fail

Trying to be free to love againAccept forgiveness for my sins

No longer waiting for life to beginCan hear my name on the lips of thewindTo You, dear GOD, my truest, dearestfriend ‘Want to see Your face at my life's end

Want to see Your face at my life's end

Need to stay; don't make me go awayYours always, until the end of my daysAlways in Your will,Have never gotten my fill

Scars seen and unseenOnly You know what each tear meansLied about them 'blue jeans and col—lard greens'Need only You to fill my dreams, onlyYou to fill my dreams

Sneaking in through cracked windowsand closed doorsOnly entrance i now seek is Yours

Got something to say?

with knowledge of self erasedforce 2 assimilate with race hate & militence

Keep the people desperate for the dollarDivide and conquer

How can the war against crime be led by the robber?these Ft the ?'s that i ask my Father

Left feeling stressed vexed and upset so why botherWhat is the outcome of emancipation without reparations?

Eye say take a good look at today's situationOver a hundred years after Lincoln's proclaimation

niggas rat racing, through illegal cash chasing

Who's the real criminal of circumstance: the creator, or the creaturewhose engulfed to feel the wrath of the grim reaper?

***Median***~k

Sadness no longer gathers. madnessno longer mattersCan no longer wear despair like high—lights in my hair

My heart no longer has a spaceYour love now fills that deserted placeAnd while I'm sprinting my leg of thisraceEveryday l seek Your face, everyday lseek Your face

Woman of near independent meansBecause i still remember what Christ-led meansNegro taunts no longer hauntThe halls of my mind because what Igot they're still searching to find

They be sweating me like LaurynBut i no got no locksTalented businessmen be trying to buyme rocksWhile dey be standing on da block

With their hands in the stretched waist—bandsOf some raggedy sweat pantsDo-rags on they headsYour man in they beds

Couldn't care less about their soulsAs long as diamonds find rest in theireadobesBut the only question that still remains

is if there is wealth and riches untold,but without love, then what really havewe gained?

nubianbox@hotmaicom

The Nubian Message February 15 -22 2001

Bessie Colemancourtesy: Fl. Sentinel

Have you ever dared to bedifferent? Are persistence,dedication, and the willing-ness to fight against all odds,characteristics that help todefine who you are? Did youever set out to accomplish agoal, never realizing theimpact of your achievement?Bessie Coleman probablynever thought that her loveand desire to be a pilot wouldhave a huge impact onAfrican-American history.She probably never thoughtthat her achievement ofbecoming the first blackwoman ever to fly an airplaneand the first African-Americanto earn an international pilot'slicense would be a hugeentrance into the door forfuture African-Americans thatdesired to be pilots.

Bessie Coleman was bornin Atlanta, Texas, one of thir—teen children. At two years ofage, her family moved to asmall farm near the town ofWaxahachie, which is 30miles south of Dallas. Most ofBessie's time was spent car-ing for her younger brothersand sisters. When the longcotton picking season arrived,school was closed so that thechildren could help with theharvest. Coleman lovedschool, and was exceptionallybright in mathematics.

At the age of nine, herfather (who was three quar-ters Indian) returned to hishome state of Oklahoma andleft the family. He found him-self exhausted by the racialdiscrimination in Texas, andreturned to Oklahoma to builda better life for himself wherea person with Indian bloodcould enjoy their full civilrights. Instead of moving withher husband to Oklahoma,Bessie's mother decided tostay in Texas, cleaning laun-dry and picking cotton in

Feature Article of the week

order to support herself andher children. After finishingeighth grade in the top of herclass, Bessie worked as alaundress, with the goal ofsaving enough money to payfor her secondary and collegeeducafion.

She enrolled at thepreparatory school of theAgriculture and NormalUniversity in Langston,Oklahoma in 1910. Becauseshe lacked funds at the end ofone semester, she found her-self back in Texas, workingonce as a laundress. Tired ofworking as a domestic,Bessie moved to Chicago tojoin her brother, Walter. Notdesiring to be a cook, maid,or laundress, she enrolled ata Chicago beauty school,where she completed acourse in manicuring. Bessielanded one of her first jobs asa men's manicurist at theWhite Sox Barber Shop,which was owned by thetrainer of the Chicago WhiteSox baseball team. It washere that she met ClaudeGlenn, a man much olderthan herself. They married in1917, but only lived togetherbnefly.

Bessie loved the life shewas living in Chicago. Shewas gaining a positive reputa-tion as a successful mani—curist, and found herselfamong the most elite blackcitizens of Chicago. A newfriend she met in Chicagowas Robert S. Abbott, the edi-tor and publisher of the"Chicago Defender" newspa-per. He supported andencouraged her to fulfill achildhood vow, which was to"amount to something."

Coleman loved adven-ture, and in the 19205,women pilots were slim tonone, and black women pilotswere not heard of. But being

a pilot was a challenge thatshe could not turn down, andshe made up her mind tobecome an aviator. Despitebeing female, being black,having a limited amount ofschooling, and having a full-time job, she went off to find ateacher.

She turned to Abbott foradvice after being turnedaway from many Americanaviation schools. His sugges-tion to her was that she studyFrench, save money, andapply to accredited flyingschools in France. Europeheld a more liberal attitude forpeople of color and women.She completed a basicFrench speaking course andgot a job as manager of a chiliparlor. By saving enoughmoney from her work andreceiving wealthy sponsordonations, including dona-tions from Abbott, she hadenough to pay for her trip toEurope and her flyinglessons. In November of1920 she sailed for France,and enrolled at the Ecoled'Aviation des FreresCaudron at Le Crotoy in aseven-month training course.

The first airplane thatBessie learned how to fly wasa Nieuport Type 82 biplane.Even though she was facedwith many problems, shewould not see her dream ofbecoming a pilot fade. Shesaw the beginning of thatdream come true on June 15,1921. After completing theseven—month training courseand the intense qualifyingexams, she finally receivedher license from theFederation AeronautiqueInternationale, becoming thefirst black woman of the insti-tutions history to do so andthe world's first licensed blackaviator. For the next twomonths, she continued to

Bu : lllichelle Reed

work on her flying skills froma French ace pilot nearFrance. In September of1921, she set sail for NewYork.

When she returned to theStates, Coleman was front—page news for most of thecountry's black newspapers.Coleman realized that shewould need to become a stuntflyer and perform for audi-ences that paid in order tomake a living as a civilian avi-ator. But that would requiremore advanced lessons.Unable to find a teacher inChicago, she set sail againfor Europe in February of1922. For the next twomonths she spent her timecompleting an advancedcourse in aviation, then left forHolland where she wouldmeet with Anthony H. G.Fokker, who was one of theworld's most noted aircraftdesigners. She then traveledto Germany to receive moreextensive training.

She returned to theUnited States in August insearch of launching hercareer in exhibition flying.She was very confident, hadplenty of talent, and enthusi-asm, but she still needed pub—licity. So she began speakingto reporters where she had achance to speak very big ofherself and to encourage theworld to see what she wasabout. On September 3,1921 she made her firstappearance in an Americanair show, which was an eventthat honored veterans of all-black 369th AmericanExpeditionary Force of WorldWar I held at Curtiss Fieldnear New York City. Shereturned to Chicago sixweeks later where she per-formed spectacular maneu-vers, which included figureeights, loops, and near

ground dips, to a large crowdat Checkerboard Airdome.

It was in Baltimore whereshe was giving a lecture onher aviation career at theTrinity AME. Church, thatshe first announced her plansto open up a school for avia-tors. She rented an office,and renewed her contacts atthe Checkerdome Airdome,then began recruiting stuafterher death by black aviatorsthat were inspired by herachievements. The BessieColeman Aviators Club wasfounded in 1977 by a group ofwomen pilots from theChicago area. The club isopen to women pilots of allraces.

On the anniversary ofColeman's death every April,members of the BessieColeman Aviators, pilots fromthe Chicago American PilotsAssociation, and the NegroAirmen International, fly lowover Lincoln Cemetery todrop flowers on her grave. In1990, the mayor of Chicagonamed Old Mannheim Roadat O'Hare Airport "BessieColeman Drive" to honor thefirst black women pilot. May2nd was declared by themayor as "Bessie ColemanDay" in Chicago. Colemanreceived further nationalrecognition when the US.Postal Service issued astamp celebrating the life andendeavors of this pioneer.

Despite the odds thatwere against Coleman, shepersevered and never gaveup. Coleman is a true pio-neer in aviation for womenand blacks, and a huge con-tributor to the richness ofBlack history.

see Colemen, page

istory lllonth

Page 7

lVlore than justblack and white

Dear Mr. Editor,am a faithful reader of

the "Nubian Message" eventhough l am not African-American; I am Egyptian. Iwanted to comment ontoday's article "Ebony andIvory? An in-depth look atVoluntary Segregation." feelas a minority at NC. State, ido to an extent go throughthe same challenges asdescribed in your article, howyou have to be around yourown to feel one hundred per-cent comfortable. The mainproblem that have is watch-ing out whom l socialize with.

If I wear an Abercrombieshirt and socialize with whitegirls, may be considered astrying to act white. lf l wearmy Tim's and get my haircornrowed, I may be trying toact black. 80 you see, youhave to think about otherminorities in this world aswell. You cannot say thatAfrican-Americans are the

only one's who may feel thisway. believe that it getsworse when you are some-thing other than white, black,Indian or whatever. I havehad to deal with my problemof feeling alone in a class-room with all white/black. lhave had to learn to be moreconfident about who amand my heritage.80 next time you write an

article like that (staff writerJennifer Bringle), please con-sider all the other races thatmay feel like this, Americadoes not consist of just whiteand black. There are somany other races, and it isjust as hard but you have tolearn to overcome those feel-ings.Thank-you,Joy

The Nubian Message

Technically shameful

am writing in response to thepreposterous article in the Forumsection of Friday's "Technician,"entitled "Black History is 'shame-less propaganda."' To say thatBlack American do not needBlack History month is outlandish.I do not think that he authorknows the basis of why Carter G.Woodson started Negro HistoryWeek, which later evolved intoBlack History Month. He wantedto focus attention on black contri—bution to civilization, consideringthe masses would have you tobelieve that blacks have made nosignificant contributions.In fact, for many years, the

majority population has taughtthat blacks have no history priorto their North American arrival.

Correction:

Dear "Nubian Message,"In your February 1, 2001 issue,you incorrectly identified me asthe Assistant Director of theAfrican-American CulturalCenter. However, I am happily

February 15-22, 2001

It’s never too

late to get

involved.

For that reason alone, the com-munity needs Black History. 80,yes, all those who characterizethemselves as "black" do sharethe same history, and we need torecognize the Afrikan proverb thatstates, "I am because we are."Well, I say this to that brotherand anyone else who shares hisbeliefs. Your mind is what isshackled. I know that am proudto be an American of Afrikandescent, and I am proud of ourrich heritage, culture, scholarship,and most importantly, our history!In being caught up in his individu-ality, this brother has forgottenthe village by refusing our past,and that is what is shameful.

WORK

FOR THE

NUBIAN! !

Several

positions are

open.

Contact

Adedayo

Banwo,

Editor in

Chief, @

Shonda Tabb

serving the Cultural Center in thecapacity of program assistant.Thanks,Toni Thorpe

Voice Your Opinion atnubianinbox@hotmail.com 512—9799.

Title subjects of all emails “Letter to the Editor.”

PURDUE UNIVERSITY PROFESSOR TO LECTURE

ON POLICE BRUTALITY IN THE BLACK COMMUNITY

On February 22, Purdue University political science professor Judson L.Jeffries will visit NC State to give a public lec-ture, entitled “Police Brutality of Black Men and the Destruction of the African American Community.” The lecture issponsored by the CHASS Academic Life Committee and will take place at 7:30pm, in the Multipurpose Room of theWitherspoon Hall. Africana studies and the Kappa Xi Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., are co-sponsors ofthis event.

Professor Jeffries holds a Ph.D. from the University of Southern California and has taught at and held fellow—ships at Indiana University, Virginia Tech, Morehouse College, and Harvard University. He specialises in AfricanAmerican politics, American politics, media and politics, and the public policy. Professor Jeffries recently publishedVzrginia ’s Native Son: The Election and Admistration of Governor L. Douglas I/Vilder, the first book—length ofVirginia’s first elected African American governor. A prolific writer, Professor Jeffries has published a number of arti—cles and has completed work on a maniscript about Huey P. Newton, the late leader of the Black Panther Party.

Opinion EditorFinally, after all of the complaints from artists and

musicians, Napster will be shut down. A federaljudge upheld the lower court decision to shutNapster down for violating copyright laws. Thejudge gave Napster until midnight Friday, February16, 2001 to shut the site down. According to "USAToday" Napster has more than 20 million userswho will only see a blank screen on Saturday. Thejudge said it’s essentially a system created to facili-tate the downloading of music, "piracy be damned."

Napster planned to file an emergency appealThursday, February 15, 2001 to keep the site upand running. David Boies, the attorney forNapster’s creator, Shawn Fanning and the compa—ny argued, "It was impossible to determine which ofthousands of songs on the service were protectedby copyright."

0 i’nion

However, the judge said that was Napster'sproblem. Artists such as Dr. Dre and Metallica alsohave separate suits against the company.

Napster should argue that they haven‘t doneanything that hasn’t been done in the past. Thinkback to the 80’s when everyone listened to cas-sette tapes, and your friend got that new "PublicEnemy," "Big Daddy Kane," or whatever you lis-tened to, and he let you dub it. Then you would letsomebody else get a dub. By the end of the week,the whole block would have the newest thing outfrom a single purchase. Nobody back then wascomplaining about album sales dropping. Anotherway people would get the hottest music out wouldbe to get it off of the radio. Sure the radio stationpaid to use the music, but they didn’t compensateall of the artists whose album sales didn’t reachplatinum status for their listeners recording from theradio.

All of those filthy rich artists need to stop whin—ing, cause they are still making millions. As long aspeople aren't using Napster to make money bybootlegging CDs, don't see any harm in keepingthe site up as it is. If they want to end piracy, theyshould go to the flea market and catch thosepirates. There have been rumors of Napster com-ing back early in the spring on a subscription onlybasis, but that has yet to be confirmed.

ATTENTION CAMPUS GROUPS:

Would you like your organization to

be spotlighted in the Nubian

Message?

Contact:

Dock G. Winston, Production Manager, at

dr_dock@hotmail.com.

Nieri Frazier MossStaff Columnist

Love In The Air?

Well, yesterday wasValentine's Day. Some of us goteverything we wanted; some ofus could not wait for the day tobe over. Maybe you asked your-self, "why can't I find a man, orwhat's a brother got to do to geta good woman?" Whatever yourfeelings on the holiday, all of usagree that it brings enormouspressure. don't have theanswers to all of life's romanticquestions but I do have somesimple observations that thinkbear mentioning. So, indulge meas offer some pearls of wis-dom....... my two—cents.

Statistics have told us that it ishard for professional African-American women to find a mate.While it is true that the numbersof African-American males inprison is alarming, it does notmean that professional sistershave to crossover. And youknow what I mean. Sometimesthat fine brother who owns hisown plumbing company is Mr.Right and that Boss suit wearing-Range Rover driving engineer isNOT. Face it ladies, thatCinderella-Snow White-Sleepingstuff IS a fairy tale. I don‘t care

Nooby’s word of the week:

"anykindaolway"

That jerk had the nerve to tryand talk to me

"any-kinda-ol- way. "

how cute Brandy looked in themovie. It is still fiction. We can'texpect to find someone to carryus because when he drops us itwill hurt. But enough about us;brothers have their issues too.And before the hate mail poursin, understand that we must "calla Spade a Spade."

l was walking to my car lastweek when, above the blaringhorns and music I hear shouts of"Shorty...Hey, Shorty....... " Now,we all know this type of man. Heyells across a crowded mall,parking lot, or any public place.He often gets indignant whenyou rebuff his smooth overture.If you are this man, please takeheed to this suggestion: Give itup! Trust me, this gets younowhere.

Okay, know there are mil-lions of reasons for singleness.Some choose it and more oftenthan not it, chooses you. Butwhatever the reason, being sin-gle is not a curse.

It sounds corny but sometimeswe need to get to know our-selves. Dating is drama but it isan interesting part of life. Let'sface it; the obsessive, marathoncaller is the worst. But isn't it funto sit back and listen to their 99thmessage while laughing withyour friends?

TOP TEN SEEN AND HEARD at KWU’s Nappy Luv

A miscellaneous break dancerpreforms at “Nappy Luv”

By Darkchild

0 . . . ll). Wasn't Cesar Comanche and Edgar Allen Floe oft'da hook‘.’. Wasn't it cool to finally have some folks together without a fight?. Didn't the MClBig Baby) look like Heavy-D?. Who knew that Langston Fuze was C]. from the CC. alt gallery"?

1987 . . . Didn't the breakdancers make you want to go and rent Breakin‘.’65 . Didn’t Amir sound like KRS-ONE‘?

. Didn't N'delo's cousin from the group Brazin sound like dude from the l’liai'cyde'73 . . . Didn't N'delo's cousin from thegroup Brazin sound like dude from the Pharcyde‘?

. . .Didn't the girl who read the poem "[ “anna be white" make some folks in attendance I‘eel kinda...sorta...outta place‘?2 . .

. . . Why was that same overzealous girl from the SAA-PAMS quiz bowl snapping pics at the Nappy Love event???

1 ...Weren't the kids that said their poetry

about love just adorable?