NORTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY n RALEIGH, NC n THENUBIANMESSAGE.COM8 | 13 | 14

NUBIAN MESSAGE SYMPOSIUM EDITION

4 A DAY IN THE LIFE AT N.C. STATE

6 AASAC CHAIR WELCOMES STUDENTS NEW & OLD 5 THINGS YOU WON’T FIND AT N.C. STATE

7 THE STRUGGLE: FINDING THE RIGHT BALANCE

8 INTERVIEW WITH CHANCELLOR WOODSON

WHAT’S INSIDE

Only with the permission of our elders do we proudly produce each edition of the Nubian Message.

Dr. Yosef ben-Yochannan: Dr. John Henrik Clark: Dr. Leonard Jeffries: The Black Pan-ther Party: Mumia A. Jamal: Geronimo Pratt: Tony Williamson: Dr. Lawrence Clark:

Dr. Augustus McIver Witherspoon: Dr. Wandra P. Hill: Mr. Kyran Anderson: Dr. Lathan Turner: Dr. M. Iyailu Moses: Dokta Toni Thorpe and all those who accompany

us as we are STILL on the journey to true consciousness.

Iam Chris Hart-Williams, 2014-2015 Editor-in-Chief of the Nubian Message. I will be graduating in the Spring of 2015 with a degree in political science and a mi-nor in journalism. It is a privilege to serve the N.C. State community in such a capacity. To be given the responsibility to lead something so valuable to the University is more than a pleasure. Serving as the Nubian Message’s Editor-Chief will be a defining aspect of my undergraduate career. I consider the Nubian Message N.C. State’s alternative newspaper. In its earlier years it served as a voice for African-American stu-dents who pushed and succeed in creating a meaningful publication. The Wolfpack’s Afri-can-American news-paper is how most would define the Nubian Message, even me at times, but if someone lends me their ear for more than 30 seconds I would explain that the Nubian Message is far more than that. “African-American paper” often implies that the Nubian Message is just for African-American students. The Nubian Message is unique in that it pro-vides a platform to invoke conversations at N.C. State that wouldn’t happen otherwise. These are conversations that we all should be having, not just African-Americans of the University but students of any and every background represented. My goal this year is to continue Nubian Mes-

sage’s legacy as a voice for students and a catalyst for unity within the student body.That means using this platform wisely and seeking to expand set limits of the past. We have the Nubian today because found-ing-editor Tony Williamson, along with other students, looked beyond the difficulty of the day and took action. They are and will continue to be an inspi-ration to me and students to come. I hope to keep their struggle and success in the forefront of my mind as long as I am the Editor-in-Chief. I have many plans for the paper this coming school year and I can’t wait to get started and see them materialize. I haven’t been here long, but I’ve felt welcomed every day. I’ve met so many people who have been instrumental in getting me to where I am.I encourage any and everyone to voice their opinions, suggestions, or concerns about

the Nubian Message in the coming se-mester. I am here to serve our readers, while making an effort to reach out to those people who may not have even

heard of the Nubian. I am fortunate to be taking the reigns from someone who has had a special place in her heart for the Nubian. Kierra Leggett refers to the Nubian as her “baby”, as she rightfully should. She has taken care of it as Editor-in-Chief for two years. When I recently sat down with Chancellor Randy Woodson in his Hollady Hall office, he answered questions concerning the latest about N.C. State and what students new and old should hear the answers to. In our interview “A Word From the Head of the Pack” (page 8), he opens up about diversity at N.C. State and other concerns students

might have, such as cost of tuition, finding community, and diversity. He reinstated his commitment to embracing diversity and it’s importance to him. As someone of the dwindling eight percent of African-Americans at N.C. State I myself am concerned about the picture our student body reflects.In the Fall of 2013 the Nubian Message reported on the historic low Afri-can-American Acceptance rate of 20 percent and, that while 493 black students were ac-cepted into the university, only 215 enrolled. According to Woodson, the number of en-rolled African-Americans has increased this year. He said the number of African-Ameri-can students in the incoming class is about 20 percent higher than last year’s class. During our interview Woodson also shared some advice he has for all students joining the Wolfpack this Fall.

With that, I would like to say welcome back to everyone. Let’s all make it a great year.

CHRIS HART-WILLIAMSEditor-in-Chief

@CHartWilliams

A LETTER FROM THE EDITOR Meet Chris

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My goal this year is to continue the Nubian Message’s legacy as a voice for students and catalyst for unity

within the student body.”

“

Our cover photo features four current N.C. State students (from left) Kierra Hicks, Theodore Edwards III, Chelsea Pearson, and Dion Cummings.

The photo was inspired by this 1970’s archive photo (above) of four students walking past Holladay Hall in front of the Memorial Bell Tower | N.C. State Libraries

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A Day in the Life

Welcome to all of our new NC State students! North Carolina State University was founded on March 7, 1887 and from there has expand-ed to maintain an enrollment population of what is currently 31,000 students. It has many historic buildings, such as the Bell Tower, which has become a monument for the Wolfpack community, and Reynolds Coliseum, one of the “most tradition-filled places” in America to watch college athletics. This campus is one that promotes academic excellence, professional advancement and social development. There are a variety of celebratory weeks and events that occur on campus, including Pan Afrikan week, Harambee and Packapalooza. This is how a typical day on NC State’s campus might go for you as a student here:

You wake up in Lee Residence Hall, a dorm on central campus. Lee is suite-style-- there are four rooms that share a bathroom. The bathroom has two stalls, two sinks, and a shower. You have a room-mate, whom you greet with a “good morning”, and then you walk down to the elevator to get to break-fast.Lee Hall: 2500 Sullivan Drive, located between Sullivan Residence Hall and Fountain Dining Hall.

For breakfast you decide to go to Fountain. Fountain Dining Hall is a mere twenty or so steps from Lee Hall. Once inside, you swipe your All-Campus card for your meal plan and pick up a plate and utensils. There are a variety of food options that you can choose from at the buffet— sausage, eggs, bacon, bis-cuits, and more. There is an omelet station, a cereal bar, and a waffle maker in the buffet area as well. Once you get your food, you grab a drink and sit down at a table.Fountain Dining Hall: 2520 Sullivan Drive, located between Lee Residence Hall and Bragaw Residence Hall.

Once you finish your food, you head to your first class of the day: Spanish. It just so happens that your Spanish class, beginner level, is held in a large lecture hall. Don’t be intimidated, however; the class is informative, and you will get used to the large number of people after a while. The classroom is set up similarly to an auditorium, with chairs that are lined up in rows. Withers Hall: 101 Lampe Drive, North Campus, located near Park Shops and the 1911 Building.

After Spanish, you head to your next class-- English. Your English class, thankfully, is in a smaller classroom with twenty or so other stu-dents. You walk to Caldwell Hall on North campus and take a seat inside the classroom. The professor places a journaling prompt up on the projector screen and asks you all to respond in your notebooks. After journaling, the class discusses the prompt and the professor begins the lesson for the day.

Today is a light day of classes for you. You are done with classes for the day around noon! You grab a light lunch and head over to Carmichael Gym for a workout. Once inside, you see that the gym has three levels. On the lower level are dance studios, a sauna, and various rooms with workout equip-ment. The second level has an indoor track and workout rooms, and the third level is where you will find a welcome desk and an entrance to two of the hardwood courts. The other courts (for a total of eleven) are located up a set of stairs near the welcome desk on the first floor as well. From there, you head up to court three to play a few games of pick-up basketball.Carmichael Gymnasium: Located on the intersection of Morrill Drive and Cates Avenue, past the First Year College (FYC) building.

After the gym, you decide to go to Talley to get something to eat. Talley has a variety of options. You can head down to One Earth to get Asian, Mediterranean, or Indian food. Also, you can choose to eat at Los Lobos, Tuffey’s Diner, Red Sky Pizza Company, and Jason’s Deli. You decide to get a sandwich to-go from Jason’s Deli and pay with your meal plan/Din-ing Dollars. Along with multiple food options, Talley also has other places that you can visit—including several lounge areas, a C-Store, and a ball-room. Talley Student Union: 2610 Cates Ave, located outside

of the Freedom Expression Tunnel and near Alexander Residence Hall.

Once you get your food, you walk through the Free Expression Tunnel and the Brickyard to D.H. Hill Library. Instead of choosing to study in the Learning Commons or the Silent Reading Room, you walk past the equipment check-out desk to get to the elevators. You take the elevator up to the sixth floor because you want to study in the Bookstacks. After a few hours of studying, you decide that you are ready for your exam and decide to head back to Lee for the night.D.H. Hill Library: 2 W Broughton Drive, located across from Harrelson Hall and beside the Atrium.

Nia DoaksManaging Editor

@nia_kayee

Caldwell Hall: 2221 Hillsborough Street, North Campus. Located between Winston and Tompkins Hall.

Photos by: Kelly Darden

Features Features

Welcome Back, N.C. State Community! I hope that this summer has proven to be enjoyable and full of exciting opportunities. Regardless of wheth-er you are an upperclassmen return-ing to campus, or a first year student expectant for a new experience, the campus community is eagerly await-ing your involvement this academic year!

The Afrikan American Student Ad-visory Council (AASAC), founded in 1989, has served as a forum for exchanging ideas and disseminating information to the Afri-can or African American centered student organizations on campus. AASAC exists to address the needs of the 30 plus organizations in the Council, educate students about relevant issues in the community, and develop the leadership poten-tial, academic success, and professionalism of students. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the organization and its involvement on our campus, so throughout the year, we will be celebrating the legacy that has been made, while aiming to further the impact of our presence at N.C. State. Because the theme of AASAC for 2014-2015 is Unity In The Community, we are focusing on uniting our organizations, student classes, and various departments on campus. To the incoming first year students, I implore you to step out of your comfort zone, diversify your interests, and contribute to our efforts towards unity within the African-American community and beyond. As Chairperson this year, and with the support of my Executive Board, one of my aims is to equip underclassmen with skills and resources necessary for their success and the future suc-cess of our organizations. In this upcoming academic year, we will strive to stay com-mitted to the purpose of the Council, while encouraging each organization to fulfill their mission. To stay connected to the community, be sure to follow the AASAC account on Twit-ter and Instagram @NCSU_AASAC. Also, make use of our AASAC Universal Calendar to stay abreast of programs and events pertaining to AASAC organizations and other promi-nent groups on campus. Lastly, be sure to utilize not only AASAC, but the plethora of resources available to you!

Tolu Oyelowo

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“I implore you to step out of your comfort zone, di-versify your interests, and contribute to our efforts towards unity within the African-American commu-nity, and beyond.”

1. A quick bus ride Unless your class is an 8:05a.m., a 3:00p.m., or after 4:00p.m., the streets around and on campus will be crowded. Plan ahead: if you’re going to catch a bus, choose the one that leaves half an hour before your class is over or the one that leaves fifteen minutes before your class. You’ll thank me. 2. A parking space Like I said, the streets around campus are crowded all the time. From students to tourists to profes-sors and faculty the parking spaces on Hillsborogh fill up very quickly. You may be able to find a spot on Vanderbilt or Brooks Avenue, but those of us that have been doing this for the past few years have thought of that and are probably idling by a curb waiting for someone to get into their vehicle and pull off. If you’re a commuter, shell out the cash for a parking pass so you’ll at least get close enough or plan a good bus route. If you live on cam-pus, walk. At a decent pace (I like to use Poker Face by Lady Gaga) the walk from Avent Ferry Dorm to the bell tower can be made in about 15 minutes. Store that in your knowl-edge bank. 3. Sympathy from Administration Your professors were not born last night and have heard most of the excuses you can come up with. Some of them will humor you. Most will not. Turn in your assign-ments on time and show up to class and you’ll keep them happy. You can miss a lecture or two, but get into the threes and fours and you’ll end up on their crap list of lazy stu-dents. Don’t be too friendly in your

emails, either. I know your professor said you could call her Maggie, but it’s definitely always “Good Morning/Evening Dr. Benson.” 4. Your first choice of anything Seriously. Whether it’s your dorm or your class or what you’re going to have for lunch, some-one’s probably thought of it first and is there, waiting to throw your time schedule off by just a little and mess up your whole day. Al-ways go in with a plan B. If you’re in the top three on a waitlist, show up to the first day of classes and see who might have dropped, but have a backup class that covers that requirement for your degree when you see the class is filled. You might think you want Chick-fil-A for lunch, but be prepared for some light snacking from Hill of Beans or a vending machine just in case it’s groins-to-backpacks in the Atrium like it gets around lunchtime. 5. A whole lot of drama Don’t get me wrong, it’s definitely there if you want it and go looking for it. But at the nitty gritty, we’re all here paying at least $4,000 for an education. Most of us are just trying to make it to the end of this road that sort of leads to nowhere. It doesn’t end up mattering how you dress or how many times you went out or who you slept with and did not sleep with or how many clubs you’re in. You’re a baby fish in a stream off of a river off of the ocean. The goal is to reach the ocean and become a great fish on the way. You can make waves if you like, but it’ll only make your swim that much more of a challenge.

Five Things You Won’t Find at N.C. State

The beginning of your college experience at North Carolina State University can be one of the most exciting, yet difficult times of one’s life. On one hand, students are in for the best four years of their lives. Students get the opportunity to meet new people, try new things, become self-suffi-cient and further their education. On the other hand, college can become more and more daunting because students are introduced to an unfamiliar environment that’s full of strangers and uncer-tainties. One of the biggest obsta-cles one will face as a student is balancing a social life and aca-demics. It is important to learn to balance, because both are essential not to just college but also to life in general. Developing relationships with new people, making connections and being involved on campus are just as important as learning, studying and making good grades. Young adults now unbound by parental restrictions are free to do whatever they want. Stu-dents have the liberty to sleep in late, skip class and party to their heart’s content, but of course, those freedoms come with con-sequences. It is easy to go “buck wild” in college and ultimately for-get the reason that they are here in the first place. However, with proper structure and balance, college can be one of the most exciting, fun and satisfying times in life.Here are a few steps to begin organizing your college academic

and social life:1. Prioritize: Put most important things first. You are a college student, so remember that your education should be your first priority-- after all, it is the rea-son why you are here. Put going to class, doing homework and studying above any party or so-cial event. There will always be parties, trust me. So, never feel

pressed to “turn up” all the time. Get the important things like your schoolwork done first, then enjoy and reward yourself later.2. Organize: Get your life togeth-er. One of the things that helps make college easier is having a plan and being organized. As a college student, you will realize that some aspects of your life will quickly fall apart if you are not or-

ganized. There may be occasions where you have to balance work in four different classes that is all due on the same day-- if your time is not properly planned out, this could tear you apart physical-ly and mentally. So, stay on top of your game. Make schedules and organize your time wisely so that you can manage all of your work and all of your free time.3. Socialize: Finally, make sure to go out and meet people. With a campus full of thousands of students, it will not be hard to find friends and others that share your interests. Even more importantly, the African American community here at NC State is small. Get to know your peers. Nine times out of ten, we will all end up at the same events and parties, so don’t be afraid to reach out to anyone. With a vast number of organiza-tions that work under the Afrikan American Student Advisory Coun-cil (AASAC), there are plenty of organizations that you can join to help you meet new people and get involved on campus.In all, college is a great and life-changing experience. You will have some of your most mem-orable moments here and meet some amazing people along the way. Although life is never per-fect, be sure to try your best to learn how to balance your social life with your academics and you will be in for the ride of a lifetime.

Illustration by: Travis Gatling

THE STRUGGLE: Finding the right balanceAlfred AndersonStaff Writer

Taari ColemanStaff Writer

Letter from AASAC Chair: Tolu Welcomes Students

Perspectives Perspectives

NORTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY n RALEIGH, NC n 8 | 13 | 14/NubianMessage @NubianMessage

2014 SYMPOSIUM EdITION

theNubiaNMessage.coM

A WORD FROM THE HEAD OF THE PACK: Chancellor Woodson talks diversity & moreNubiaN Message: What advice would you give an incoming N.C. State student? chaNceLLoR WooDsoN: I think that the most critical advice is that this is a big place. I think the most critical thing for freshman is to try to find sort of their niche. I think it insures that they’re more likely to be successful if they become more involved in a community on campus, that could be your major, that could be a club, it could be the floor on your residence hall, but something that helps get them-selves connected to others here on campus. That’s number one. Number two is go to class. For students that come here particularly right out of high school this is sort of their first experience with inde-pendence and it can get away more quickly from you than you think. So you’ve got to stay more on top of your school work and making sure that you know and have good time management skills.

NubiaN Message: What would you say to students about diver-sity here at N.C. State? chaNceLLoR WooDsoN: Diver-sity we define it broadly here at N.C. State. It’s socioeconomic diversity, it’s ethnic diversity, it’s cultural diversity. Most of our students that come to N.C. State will have never been in a more diverse environment than they are on our campus. N.C. State this next Fall will have our lowest proportion of white students in the freshman class ever in our history. We have a growing number of Hispanic students, we have a growing number of Asian students, and thankfully our freshman class for African American is going to be 20 percent higher this fall than it was last fall. We are starting to really focus on making sure that we have a di-verse environment. But for me, at a university you ought to be able to explore diversity in a more real way than you ever have in your life. Why is diversity important to us? It’s because that’s the way the world works now. We want our students, when they leave N.C. State, to be prepared to work with people from all cultures and back-

grounds if they are going to be successful.

NubiaN Message: What should do you plan to discuss in your Fall address?chaNceLLoR WooDsoN: N.C. State has a strategic plan we are trying to follow. We call it a path way to the future, its sort of a road map for how N.C. State wants to continue to develop as a institution. So during my Fall address I will discuss the progress we’ve made in the past four or five years and the steps we are taking to continue to make progress in spite of some of the fiscal challenges we face because of the state budget. You can count on me talking about

budget issues, you can count on me talking about where we are with staffing, with hiring and retaining faculty and criti-cal staff.

NubiaN Message: What do you think will be most impact-ed buy the state budget, cost of tuition or staffing? chaNceLLoR WooDsoN: Tuition is not going to increase this Fall for in-state students. We are going to do everything we can to hold tuition low and fees. If the state keeps cutting us we are going to and cur-rently have to figure out how to operate with less money and become more efficient. We are going to have less money this year than we did last year.

NubiaN Message: What do you say to members of the state legis-lature concerning the funding of public universities such as N.C. State? chaNceLLoR WooDsoN: What I say to them all the time is that they need to give us maximum flexibility to use the money that we have to its highest and best use.

Chancenlor Randy Woodson speaking candidly with Chris Hart-Williams in his office in Holl-aday Hall. | Jacqueline Lee