Sneakers draw crowds on release dates
Staying 'cool' can mean shelling out
maybe $250 to lace up just like Lebron
By Will Davidson IV Florida A&M University
June 7, 2013
Sneakers have been around for a long time, but for some reason they have become especially popular in recent years.
On any given Friday or Saturday the lines in shoe stores across
the nation and especially in Tallahassee will be out the store and
around the corner.
These days have been set aside for releases. A release is the day a
certain shoe is set to go on sale on the Internet and at sneaker
retailers across the world.
Consumers of all ages, sex, and race will pack shoe stores on sneaker
release dates just for a chance to purchase the latest pair of Jordans,
Lebrons, or other signature sneakers. These shoe-lovers are willing to
pay anywhere from $120 to $250 for these sneakers on release day.
Many people argue that the prices of shoes are getting too high while
the quality of the shoes is steadily decreasing with each release.
It's believed that this love for sneakers comes from the need to belong
and be seen as cool. People will buy what they think makes them look
cool and Jordans have been "cool" since the late 80's.
Jared Allen a 4th year business administration major at Florida A&M
University sees sneakers as a key piece to his to lifestyle.
"Shoes play a pivotal role in today's society to the point that you get
recognition on the type of shoes you have on," said Allen
The need to get recognition from peers has caused some sneaker lovers to
go above and beyond the norms to get these sneakers. These releases
have been the scene for frenzies as of late with fights, gunshots,
trampling, and window smashing.
Governor's Square Mall gets most general releases and has had to deal
with the frenzies that came with various Jordans and Foamposites.
Ingrid Ford, graduate of the School of Business and Industry at Florida
A&M, has been a manager at Foot Action in Governor's Square for 9
years.
Ford has experienced these releases firsthand and has had to adjust the
way she does things because of how out-of-hand things can get.
"From the Pink Foams to the Concords to everything else, it's been an
experience. Above all it's very important to make sure to have enough
security for the large number of people that come out," said Ford.
Jared Allen's lifestyle includes the right sneakers
Photo by Will Davidson IV
The increased rate of interest in sneakers and the high turnout numbers
at their release dates have also caused Nike to change the way things
are done.
Nike officially changed its policy and eliminated midnight releases and added raffles along with a ticket service for releases.
The way these raffles work is you are given a ticket and if your number
is called you are given the opportunity to purchase the sneaker that was
released that day.
Trey Richardson, a TCC Student who has been into sneakers since he was in
elementary school, said he doesn't care for the new methods.
"I mean it's cool because that ticket holds you a pair of the shoes on
release date, but now you gotta come to Governor's Square a week or two in
advance and fight to get a ticket. It's kind of a weird solution," said
Richardson.
Sneaker companies and retailers are constantly changing the ways they do
things to better accommodate the high interest they have accumulated.
They have recently begun re-releasing certain highly sought-after shoes
that most stores in Governor's Square Mall will receive. However, the hype
that comes with the sneakers isn't something the companies can help.
Job market reveals a new hiring trend
in Florida, say business representatives
By Marc Betancourt Florida A&M University
March 27, 2013
The good news for students is that a hiring trend exists in a least three types of jobs in Florida.
With Florida's unemployment rate at 7.8 percent in March of 2013, a hiring trend is good news for the sunshine state.
According to James Miller, the spokesman for the department of economics
for the state of Florida, a hiring trend has sprung up in certain job
markets across the state. Agriculture, education, and tourism are the
hot areas.
Here's the story:
A large number of Floridians purchase their food at the grocery store. Someone has to produce the food.
J. Frankie Hall is the director of Florida's Farm Bureau
Agricultural Policy Division. "The Agriculture industry is not just
hiring in Florida. It is hiring all over the country,"said Hall.
The Florida department of education has identified critical teacher
shortages in several areas for the 2012- 2013 school year. Classrooms
from kindergarten to high school are dealing with these shortages.
The quality of some students' education is at risk due to these
shortages. Teachers who were employed, and new-hire teachers are
teaching classes without proper certification. With this shortage of
teachers, school districts statewide will be hiring to fill the vacant
spots.
Another ares, tourism, is one of the biggest revenue sources in Florida.
Spring and summer means jobs will be created across the state. The
'sunshine state' has more than 663 miles of beach and 20 different theme
parks.
"Everything within the hospitality industry will begin the hiring
process soon," said Kathy Torian, the corporate communications manager
on the Visit Florida public relations team.
With Florida being a hot vacation spot, businesses that depend on
tourism for their revenue will be looking to fill positions. There are
more than a dozen different industries in hospitality.
These include hotels, theme parks, and restaurants. As the tourists come
to spend money, businesses will need employees to meet the high demand.
Student goes online looking at employment market
(photo by Marc Betancourt)
Lauren Williams, the Public Relations coordinator for the Panama City Beach Chamber of Commerce, is optimistic.
"Our tourist development council has added four new jobs to help market Panama City Beach for spring break."
During spring and summer, restaurants and businesses
that cater to tourists will be looking to add to their staff, she said.
Another popular spot for the tourist is the beach. With Florida's
subtropical climate and beaches on three sides of the state,tourists
cannot get enough. More people heading to the beaches means the state
needs more lifeguards to protect them.
Tammy Morris is one of the captains on the Volusia County Beach Patrol.
They are in their recruiting phase for lifeguards. "We visit all over
the county to try to inform people about these openings. There are 116
seasonal positions open," said Morris.
Spring is here and summer is right behind it, and plenty of businesses
involved with tourism will be hiring. Students who are looking should not miss this wave.
Here is a link for the statistics about tourism in the state of Florida. http://media.visitflorida.org/research.php
Free anniversary party 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 19
Students can heal what stresses them
by participating in Rattler Wellness
By Shala Nettles Florida A&M University
March 18, 2013
Students who struggle over finances, who eat poorly, who face
relationship problems or who don't sleep well have issues that affect
their physical, spiritual and emotional health.
They can learn how to deal with stress and explore answers to
these problems at a free party on Tuesday, March 19 on the Florida
A&M University campus.
The Rattler Wellness program will celebrate its first anniversary
from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Hansel E. Tookes Sr. Recreation Center at
the corner of Wahnish Way and Osceola Street.
For the past year, the Florida A&M University's Student
Health Services has been demonstrating how students can maintain more
healthful lifestyles, especially with its Rattler Wellness Program.
"We focus on physical, emotional, intellectual, environmental, social
and spiritual well-being," said Tanya Tatum, director of Student Health
Services.
"Our goal is to help students take a greater role in maintaining their overall health and wellness," she added.
"We plan to have entertainment, a DJ, food, health and wellness
vendors, a bounce house, prizes and more," said Brittany Somerville, 20,
a junior public relations student from Atlanta, who is helping to plan
the event.
Somerville said that they are expecting an estimated 100-150 guests, but she said they hope for more.
Tatum said the party will celebrate the progress that the program
has made and will be an opportunity to educate the FAMU community about
what it has to offer.
Rattler Wellness offers various programs for the campus community,
such as SPEAK! (Sexual and Domestic Violence Group), LOTUS (Ladies
Opposed to Unsafe Sex), ManUp Mondays (male health empowerment group), a
weight lifting group and Rattler Road Runners (a running group).
Rattler Wellness also provides services such as massage therapy, life coaching and group exercise classes.
Students in yoga class with instructor Dana Dennard (photo by Shala Nettles)
Twice-monthly SPEAK! workshops inform students, faculty and staff about
how to prevent sexual and domestic violence, and also about what steps
to take in the aftermath of violence.
Attendees will get the opportunity
to hear from victim advocates, professionals and survivors about their
personal experiences and involvement with sexual and domestic violence.
"We saw that no one was talking about sexual and domestic violence
except for us (Student Health Services & Sunshine Manor), and that's
frightening that such violence is going on," said Erica Eubanks, senior
psychology student from Ft. Lauderdale, who is also the founder and
student educator of SPEAK!
"Students don't know what to do or where to go if they or their friends
need assistance," Eubanks said. "SPEAK! events teach students that If
they or their friends have been victims, then they should contact
Tallahassee Police Department, their RA, Student Health Services or the
Sunshine Manor."
Eubanks said that those who wish to speak with a peer educator and find
out more about getting help as a survivor of an attack can email
famuspeak@gmail.com . She added that all emails are confidential, and
student names will never be released.
More information on the anniversary party and on Rattler Wellness is available at http://www.rattlerwellness.com
or emailingrattlerwellness@gmail.com .
'Never be afraid to ask for help'
Shot by her boyfriend, she
survived
to start a group to help
young women
By
Whitley Waymon
Florida A&M University
March 3, 2013
In the beginning they were
lovebirds. The couple dated
three years, enjoying life and
living happily.
Suddenly, everything took a
turn. Shannon Love said she
"didn't see it coming."
The two had a heated argument
that turned into a life-
threatening scare. Love ran to
her car and her ex-boyfriend
followed her in another vehicle.
Love said he sped behind her
until his vehicle was directly
on the side of hers.
The two cars began to brush
against each other. When Love
looked into his window, glancing
at his eyes, he shot several
times and her car crashed.
"I was flying down the road in
my car, switching lanes trying
to escape, but I guess I wasn't
fast enough. It happened so fast.
All I remember is seeing him
pull the trigger and there it
was. I had been shot," explains
Love.
She woke up at Tallahassee
Memorial Hospital in critical
condition.
Her survival of this trauma - a
bullet scar in the face - and
the domestic violence
relationship - has developed
into a positive foundation where
she is now giving back to her
community.
"It was giving me so much pain;
I had to live with a metal
bullet stuck in the side of my
face, and I never want to relive
that experience," says Love, a
hair braider who lives in
Tallahassee.
The bullet miraculously fell out
days before another high-risk
surgery that could have
destroyed facial muscles.
Love wanted to help the other
younger girls in the community
avoid the kinds of situations
can that result in violence and
the kind of pain she endured.
She started a mentoring group,
"Early Aged Girls Excited to
Rise," for girls from the ages
of 5-18 years old. It is known
locally as E.A.G.E.R.
'I
would like every
girl in the
world to know,
no matter what
you're in, there
is always a way
to get out of
it.' -Shannon
Love, founder of
E.A.G.E.R.
Her goal is to expose the girls
to issues and educate them
through her testimony.
Jamiaiya Mitchell, 12, a
group member, says "the group
helps young girls do better on
what they are not supposed to
do."
The group does community
service. Members sing, act,
dance and perform other
activities and hobbies the girls
enjoy. They graduate from the
organization at the age of 18,
and they become mentors for the
group or assist with
peer-to-peer counseling.
The state's Department of
Children and Families and the
Department of Juvenile Justice
offer referrals and the program
is free to all girls.
Love's message: "I would like
every girl in the world to know,
no matter what you're in, there
is always a way to get out of
it. Never be afraid to ask for
help."
Love remembers the miracle of
the bullet falling out.
"Boy I was excited, geesh! I had
surgery scheduled for that
following Tuesday and I knew
that if a nerve was hit during
my surgery, it was a chance that
the right side of my face would
be paralyzed."
She brings her thankfulness to
the organization she founded.
For all inquiries about
E.A.G.E.R., contact Shannon Love
at (850) 631-2360 or email
e.a.g.e.r.mentoring@gmail.com
'Innocence
Project' frees wrongly
convicted
When the innocent
are released from prison cell,
return to life in today's
society can be daunting task
By
Widnie Sanvil
Florida A&M University
March 2, 2013
James Bain was 19-years-old when
he was convicted of rape,
breaking and entering, and
kidnapping.
Thirty-Five years later his
innocence would be proven by the
Innocence Project of Florida
(IPF).
However, his freedom posed new
challenges that many people in
his situation face.
Since the Innocence Project's
inception in 1992, more than 300
men and women have been
exonerated through DNA testing.
Many of these people serve
decades in prison before their
innocence is proven. Exoneration
is a term used to describe a
process in which an accused
person, who has been convicted
of a crime, is found to be
innocent.
Out the 303 persons who have
been exonerated through the
Innocence Project, 17 were on
death row.
The public often hears or reads
stories about exonerations,
which describe an exoneree's
release day and first moments
with family and friends.
However, follow-up stories
rarely occur. What happens when
the lights stop flashing,
reporters move on to their next
story, and the real world faces
these people?
Exoneration, though key, is a
small step in the rehabilitation
of a person released after
decades of wrongful
imprisonment.
Bain remembers that he
used a cell phone for the very
first time on his release day.
He was incarcerated in 1974 at
the age of 19, and released in
2009 at age 54.
Significant changes in the
American society and technology
occurred. While he was in
prison, the Vietnam War ended,
disco music and bell-bottom
pants went out of style,
computers were made available
for the public's use, the Cold
War came and went, the cellphone
and internet were introduced to
society, a war with both
Afghanistan and Iraq erupted,
and the first African-American
president was elected.
For many exonerees who spend
more than 10 years in prison,
the world is a completely
different place and adjusting
can be quite difficult.
Advancements in technology could
be the least of one's worries
when food, shelter, and finding
a job are factored in.
"When I was in prison, and the
Innocence Project was working on
my case, I was really worried
about going back out into the
real world," said Bain.
Due to the length of time an
exoneree spent in prison, their
skill sets may be limited in
this ever-changing job market.
Even the simplest jobs require
some sort of knowledge in
technology.
Presently, the nation's
unemployment rate is at 7.9
percent, and it's difficult for
everyday citizens to obtain
work, let alone a person who
hasn't worked in 10 or more
years.
IPF is a non-profit law firm
that uses DNA to exonerate
persons who have been wrongfully
convicted in Florida. It is the
Florida branch of the Innocence
Project in New York. The State
of Florida has 13 DNA exonorees
in total.
"We were aware of the
difficulties an exonoree faces
after his release, which is why
we were the first innocence
project in the United States to
hire a full-time social worker,"
said Jackie Pugh, the
development coordinator for IPF.
Along with a social worker, who
helps clients transition into
society, IPF established the
Exoneree Fund in 2007. It serves
as monetary tool to help clients
get back on their feet.
James Bain wrongly
convicted of rape.
Bain spent 35 years
in prison.
(photos courtesy
of Innocence Project)
'I
was really
worried about
going back
into the real
world'
James
Bain
If needs are not provided for by
family and friends, IPF
purchases a cell phone and
clothes for the client and
ensures that he has a safe place
to stay.
After people are settled in, IPF
sends grocery gift cards, and
helps to pay rent, utilities,
and cell phones bills.
"Since my release, the Innocence
Project has me helped a lot,"
said Bain. "They helped me get a
passport, a driver's license,
and even food."
To further aid in an exoneree's
rehabilitation, clients are
expected to enroll in a
vocational or training school to
work toward rebuilding their
lives.
Even with the support by IPF, it
takes time and effort to get
exonerees to be self-sufficient.
While financial support and
social work is given, it is a
heavy load for an exoneree to
adjust to the new trends, lingo,
and way of life.
Bain credited the Innocence
Project of Florida for his
successful transition into
modern society, and is grateful
he had a support system to help
him.
"I'm not really good with the
new technology. I don't even use
my cell phone much. But, I am
glad the Innocence project was
there for me. It would have been
much harder if they weren't,"
said Bain.
The Innocence Project is located
at 1100 E. Park Avenue in
Tallahassee and can be reached
at (850) 561-6767.
She was
FAMU student
during the
famous bus
boycott
Professor
Frances Stallworth
shares her
treasure of
memories
with her
students, recalls
the days of the
civil rights
struggle
By
Sherelle Belin Florida
A&M
University
March 2,
2013
She's more than
just a professor
in the
Department of
English. She is
a part of
Florida A&M
University
history,
including the
battle for civil
rights in
Tallahassee.
Professor
Frances
Stallworth is a
FAMU graduate.
Her doctoral
degree in
education has
allowed her to
contribute more
than 50 years of
expertise in
education to
people all over
the world.
She has taught
in Africa and
China and has
had the
opportunity to
travel to other
countries and
indulge in all
that this world
has to offer.
It is Thursday,
Feb. 28, 2013
and a fairly
sunny afternoon.
The time is now
11:30 a.m. and
Dr. Stallworth
is sitting in
her office,
dressed in a
two-piece purple
and silver
floral skirt
suit, prepared
for the
interview.
She has a black
mini-notepad
that has
recorded
experiences she
would like to
mention as she
picks it up with
her
French-manicured
hands and reads.
"I came to FAMU
in 1953 as an
English major. I
was 17. And I
graduated in
four years, when
I was 21," she
began.
Stallworth was
born in rural
Midway, Fla.,
north of
Tallahassee, but
raised in
Frenchtown by
her grandmother
in the
much-larger
capital city.
During this
time, African
American
students were
not accepted
into Florida
State
University.
Schools were
still
segregated. When
the thought of
segregation came
up, Dr.
Stallworth
reclined in her
seat and used
her hands to
paint a portrait
of the story she
was getting
ready to tell.
"There was a bus
boycott in 1956.
Two black women
were arrested
for not giving
up their seats
on the bus. I
knew the two
women; one of
the women was my
soror (in Alpha
Kappa Alpha)."
On May 26, 1956,
she recalls, two
women who
happened to be
roommates by the
names of
Wilhelmina Jakes
and Carrie
Patterson
boarded a full
city bus and sat
next to a white
woman.
Refusing to give
up their seats
as requested by
the bus driver,
the two students
were arrested.
The women
experienced the
Ku Klux Klan
burning a cross
in front of
their residence
on Jennings
Street, near the
location where a
street has since
been renamed in
their honor.
Their refusal
led to the
Tallahassee bus
boycott.
"Wilhelmina
Jakes and Carrie
Patterson were
arrested. When
the SGA
President,
Brodes Hartley,
found out, he
called all of
the student body
and told us not
to take the bus
anymore. And we
didn't. Soon
after, the city
bus went flat
out of business.
We were so
united and
organized back
then."
"I lived way
down the road
from school. But
when the SGA
President said,
'You better not
get on that city
bus,' we
listened. "
"So that meant I
had to wake up
earlier and I
just start
walking. The
movement started
on FAMU's campus
then spread into
the community."
"Fortunately if
someone would
see me they
asked where I
was headed and
gave me a ride.
I caught a ride
to school and to
work. Blacks
were doing that
for each other
back then. We
stuck together."
That was the
most significant
moment during
Dr. Stallworth's
undergraduate
career at FAMU.
She graduated in
1957 with a
degree in
English and
became a school
teacher at
Rickards High
School.
Frances
Stallworth
attended FAMU
60 years ago. Below are
some of the
many mementos
she keeps (Photos by
Sherelle
Belin)
Stallworth
taught at
Rickards for 20
years and took a
leave. She began
teaching at FAMU
in 1989 and has
been a professor
in the English
department ever
since.
Keisha Green is
a third year
education major
from Fort
Lauderdale.
"Professor
Stallworth is a
character. She
loves to tell
stories, so
sometimes you
might think
you're in a
history class
instead of an
English class.
She's seen a
lot, so she
likes to share a
lot."
Amy Kingston is
also a student
of Professor
Stallworth.
"Before I took
her class, I
would hear how
she was very
clever and when
I started taking
her, I
understood
exactly what the
other students
meant," said Amy
Kingston, a
senior criminal
justice major
from Miami.
Back in an
office full of
family
portraits,
books, papers,
and collectibles
from around the
world, Professor
Stallworth says,
"I have gone to
Canada, Russia,
Jerusalem,
Scandinavia,
England,
Indonesia, and I
have taught in
Ghana, Africa
and Dalian,
China."
"The children in
those countries
are more
well-mannered
and take their
education very
serious. They
want to please
their teachers
so much. My life
has blossomed
since I began
teaching . . .
God is good.
He's blessed me
to travel all
over the world."
Stallworth has
received three
'Teacher of the
Year' awards, a
Tip Award, was
invited to do a
forum on
'Inequity at
Academies' in
Oxford, England.
She has been the
adviser for FAMU
Gospel Choir
since 1996 and
is a mother of
three and a
grandmother of
four.
See
history of civil rights
movement, MLK Jr.
materials,
and post your
dreams at exhibit at
FAMU's Black Archives
By
Shawnese Morris Florida A&M
University
March 2, 2013
Students who want to see
and hear original
speeches of Martin
Luther King and add
their dreams to his, can
do so at Florida A&M
University.
And it's all
interactive.
In celebration of Black
History Month, The
Meek-Eaton Archives
Research Center and
Museum at Florida
A&M University is
the host for the
"King Center Imaging
Project."
Visitors are able to
hear original speeches
and see digitized
documents and
photographs from The
King Center Archives,
which is located in
Atlanta.
The traveling exhibit
will remain on display
in the archives until
Friday, March 8.
The imaging project is
an initiative of JP
Morgan Chase and Co. and
The Dr. Martin Luther
King Jr. Center
Archives.
The King exhibit is
interactive for visitors
as they are allowed to
write their dreams on
paper. Each dream will
be publicly featured in
The King Center archives
and website.
Visitors were also able
to view a website, based
on a collection of
historical materials
such as Dr. King's
speeches, sermons, and
original pieces from
other figures and groups
involved in the Civil
Rights Movement.
The documents are
available for those who
don't have the
opportunity to see the
exhibit in person.
Tanesha Bryan, a history
student from St.
Petersburg, said she
believes the teachings
of Dr. Martin Luther
King Jr. are still
relevant in today's
society.
"I believe integration
played a huge role in
the black community and
why we are not as
developed as we should
be."
"I think his teachings,
his principles and his
vision have not yet been
implemented in the black
community," said Bryan.
Dr. King led the most
important non-violent
movement for civil
rights in America.
Jaquone Bradley,
political science
student, said the legacy
of Dr. King left is
important to black
history.
Original newspapers
speak of Dr. King's
assassination in
Memphis.
Interactive displays
allow students to post
their own dreams (photos by
Shawnese Morris)
"Dr.
King's teachings
give you insight
on history.
History is
important
because it tells
you about
yourself, about
the people you
care about and
about the ways
of the world. It
trends for which
is to follow,"
he said.
"So, if you want
to be a leader
and understand
different aspect
of your life,
you have to know
what happened
before your
time."
Dr. Will Guzman,
assistant
professor of
African American
Studies, said
that having the
traveling
exhibit on
display is very
significant for
the university.
"Having
this exhibit at
The MEEK- Eaton
Archives is
significant for
two reasons," he
said.
"First, we're
the largest
public HBCU in
the country and
with that comes
a sense of
responsibility,
which includes
us having
important
projects, events
and tours such
as this."
"Second, it's
recognition from
outside of
Tallahassee,
outside of the
State of
Florida,
recognizing that
we are a major
institution of
higher learning
and
acknowledging
that by being
one of the few
to display this
exhibit."
One
solution to pollution
Rain gardens can help scrub
drinking water clean
and city will reimburse the
expense to homeowners
By
Olivia Smith
Florida A&M
University
Feb. 27, 2013
Tallahassee residents now have a
reason to look forward to April
showers.
The City of Tallahassee is
encouraging homeowners to
install rain gardens to help
slow the pollution of rainwater
that flows into the city's
drinking water.
A rain garden is a landscaped
area designed to capture water
and filter out pollutants that
come from a home's roof,
driveway or drainage pipes. But the city isn't
going to leave
environment-conscious homeowners
out to dry; it will reimburse
homeowners up to $175 for the
cost of their rain garden.
Karen Rubin, program coordinator
with TAPP (Think About Personal
Pollution) with the City of
Tallahassee, held a workshop at
Native Nurseries recently to
educate homeowners on the
benefits of having a rain garden
in their yard.
"The rain gardens can address
erosion problems you may have on
your property, and dirt from
erosion is one of the top
pollutants in all rivers, lakes
and streams in America," said
Rubin. "It's also best if the
rain water can run into the
garden and soak into the ground,
catching pollutants, rather than
running off onto pavements and
sidewalks."
Leon County has three
main watersheds: Lake Lafayette,
Lake Jackson and Lake Munson,
with Lake Munson being the most
affected. When polluted water
drains into these watersheds,
it, in turn, contaminates
drinking water. Rubin said some
of the most common contaminants
that end up in our drinking
water come from homes - for
example, oil, gasoline, battery
acid, paint and bleach.
The City of
Tallahassee also wants
homeowners to have every
opportunity to have the perfect
rain garden. The city is
providing homeowners the option
of having an architect help
design the right rain garden for
each yard, free of charge.
Homeowners Maria Mercurio and
Jennifer Mangum plan to take
advantage of the services the
city is offering homeowners
interested in rain gardens.
"We definitely plan
on attempting the rain garden,"
said Mercurio. "There's at least
one spot that will be beneficial
in our yard and it will make our
yard look better."
Mercurio and Mangum
said that they didn't know what
a rain garden was. But after
learning how to correctly
install a rain garden and
knowing the benefits of having
one, they're ready to get their
hands dirty.
Residents are
encouraged to visit www.TAPPwater.org
and click on the yellow "Rain
Garden" tab for more information
on how to install a rain garden,
and more information on the
project.
Karen Rubin explains the
benefits
City offers to pay costs(photos by Olivia Smith)
Judge
Kathy Garner will
act as Grand
Marshall
Gadsden black
history parade set for
Saturday in Quincy
By
Terene Williams Florida A&M
University
March 1, 2013
Judge Kathy Garner, who
became the first black
female judge in Gadsden
County in 2009, will act
as the Grand Marshall at
the Black History Month
parade Saturday.
"I'm certainly honored
to have been named as
Grand Marshall of the
parade," said Judge
Garner. "I was born
here, educated here, so
it's a very high honor."
"The parade theme was
inspired by President
Obama's recent "Forward"
campaigns this past
election," said the
parade's coordinator
Gwen Powell-Robinson.
"There will be three
categories for floats
including entrance,
originality, and
workmanship."
The Black History Month
Festival that typically
follows the parade and
features vendors, music,
and food, was cancelled
this year.
"This was going to be my
first black history
festival," said Robert
Sullivan, a 25-year-old
Tallahassee native and
graduate student at
Florida A&M
University. "I'm
disappointed that it was
cancelled."
"The festival was
originally scheduled for
Feb. 23 following the
parade," said
Robinson. "We had
to cancel it because of
the bad weather."
Robinson went on to
explain that the
festival committee
decided to wait until
2014 and attempt to host
the festival again.
"I've gone to every
parade and festival
every year since I was a
little girl," said
Michauna Pugh, a
judicial assistant at
the Gadsden County
Courthouse and Quincy
native. "It's weird; the
festival should have
gone on anyway."
"I'm looking forward to
mingling and
socializing," said Judge
Garner. "I enjoy being
with the community, but
I'm sad about the
festival because I was
looking forward to the
food. There are always
vendors that have great
food."
The Black History Month
Parade, which will start
Saturday at 11 a.m.,
expects at least 2,000
attendees. Parade goers
can watch the parade on
Martin Luther King
Junior Boulevard &
South Stewart Street in
Quincy.
Student:
'I was up for
37 hours' Stay-awake
drugs can endanger
students
By
Shawnese Morris
Florida A&M
University
March 1, 2013
Prescription
drugs are taking
over high school and
college campuses
around the nation,
posing a danger for
some students who
abuse them.
The National
Institute on Drug
Abuse reports in
2012 that 14.8
percent of high
school seniors used
a prescription drug
non-medically in the
past year.
"The study drug,"
Adderall, prescribed
to treat Attention
Deficit
Hyperactivity
Disorder (ADHD), has
become more common
among students.
Some high school and
college students
feel they are
pressured to have
good grades and get
into the best
universities. The
urge to be the best
has encouraged some
students to abuse
prescription drugs
just to get them
through a night of
studying for an
exam.
Delena Durant,
a business student
who prides on her
academia, said her
first time taking
the study drug kept
her alert for 37
hours. "I had an
intermediate
accounting exam the
following day so I
took it (Adderall)
at 11 p.m. and it
kept me awake, alert
and alive until
seven in the
morning," said
Durant,
"I took another
one (Adderall) at 8
a.m. because I
didn't want to crash
during the test. I
was up for 37
hours."
Durant said one pill
can keep a person
awake for at least
six hours.
"Once you take the
pill it feels like
you should be doing
something."
According
to Sober Living, a
survey of students
at 119 American College
campuses, found that 25
percent of students had
used the drug as a study
aid.
Another survey from the
federal government
National Drug Use and
Health, found that 64
percent of students aged
18-22 had used the drug.
Popping pills has
become popular for
keeping alert (Big
Stock Photos)
So,
how are
students
getting this
drug? Students
like Durant
say the drug
is not hard to
find.
"You can get
Adderall
anywhere. I've
known it to be
around for a
minute. I
think it's
become more
serious
because it's
now in the
public eye,"
said Durant.
Adderall and
other
prescription
drugs similar to
it are
considered to be
a narcotic and
are highly
regulated by the
American
Drug Association
(ADA).
Dougla-Khan
Stancil believes
taking the drug
could become an
addiction. She is a licensed
mental health
counselor and
coordinator of
clinical
programs at
Florida
A&M
University's
Office of
Counseling
Services.
"Students
who take
Adderall as a
study aid may
become a habit
for them. So,
psychiatrists
are very
cautious of who
they prescribe
Adderall to
because of that
particular
issue. They
usually do a lot
of evaluations
and have the
client fill out
forms to see if
they meet the
criteria of
ADHD," said
Stancil.
"Psychiatrists
also have family
members or close
relatives fill
out forms to see
if they actually
have ADHD."
Stancil
said using such
stimulants,
students could
form a habit and
become dependent
on the drug,
just like
heroin.
Some
students
might be taking
it because they
feel pressured
to get good
grades. They
utilize the
study aid to
give them an
extra edge.
However, Stancil
believes
sometimes the
issue is not
pressure.
"Sometimes
it's just poor
time management
skills and
students
procrastinate.
So, as opposed
to taking maybe
four or five
days and
studying two or
three hours per
day they'll go
ahead and take
the Adderall and
just
cram all night
or do very long
hours of
studying, which
allows them to
do that in one
sitting," said
Stancil.
Wind
symphony, bands, orchestra
mark success
FAMU's music majors keep
their musicianship alive
despite the suspension of
the embattled marching band
By Aisha Sylvain
Florida A&M University
March 1, 2013
While decisions about the return
of the Marching 100 are still
ambiguous, other university
music programs use this time to
flourish.
Since Nov. 19, 2011, the
Marching 100 has been on an
indefinite suspension period.
The 2011 hazing death of drum
major Robert Champion left the
university with no marching band
and fewer performance options.
"The absence of the Marching 100
was definitely felt this past
football season," said Ariel
Larmond, senior political
science student from Orlando.
"They tried to make up for it
with other little performances
but that FAMU spirit just isn't
the same without our favorite
band," she continued.
While many reminisce on the days
when the Marching 100 dominated
the music scene, other
university music programs long
for recognition.
"I think it's important that the
university community and the
public understand that we have a
full music program outside of
the Marching 100," said Brandon
Cunningham, senior music
industry student and band
president.
"Our wind symphony and symphonic
bands have completed two albums
and our string orchestra has
been performing throughout the
county," he continued.
In addition to university band
performances, a number of FAMU
students are active members in
the Big Bend Community
Orchestra. FAMU's associate band
director Shelby Chipman, a
leading candidate for the
university band director
position, conducts the
orchestra.
The application period for the
university band director
position closed Friday, March 1.
FAMU interim provost Rodner
Wright chairs the band director
search committee.
In late January, interim
president Robinson was expected
to name Jorim Reid as the new
band director. Reid ultimately
declined the job due to
disagreements on the role of the
band director.
University students and faculty
have shown favor towards naming
Chipman as the new director.
"With the band director,
administration will make a
decision and then they'll tell
us, we don't really know much
about anything until then," said
Corinitha Myrick, senior
elementary education student
from Atlanta and symphonic band
member.
"Hopefully the university will
have the courage to make the
right decision so the band can
move forward and get back to the
business of setting the
standard," said Cunningham.
"It's important the decision
makers keep in mind that we
can't just do that with
anybody," he continued.
Even without the marching band,
music professors continue to
push band members and music
students to grow in their
musicianship.
There was no shortage in the
music department's accolades
over the past academic school
year. The wind symphony was
selected to be featured at the
2015 Florida Music Educators
Association Conference.
"Only the best are selected and
it's not something you can apply
for. Your record has to speak
for itself," said Cunningham.
The symphonic band has two more
concerts this spring. Student
recitals and small ensembles are
lined up to perform. Other
university music programs will
close out this season and remain
optimistic about the return of
the Marching 100.
"All we can do is continue to
press forward and hope for the
best," said Myrick.
More
than suit and tie are needed
Computer skills are number one
priority in job market
say experts who advocate classes
and training for all
By Valeria Sistrunk Florida A&M
University
Feb. 27, 2013
If you are looking for a job in
today's market, a nice suit and
tie isn't the only thing you
will need.
Computer
literacy has become the number
one skill to have in the job
market.
According to the Department of
Commerce's National
Telecommunications and
Information Administration
(NTIA), 62 percent of working
Americans use the Internet as an
integral part of their jobs.
Brook Lochore, vice president of
public relations for Goodwill
Industries of the Big Bend, says
computer literacy skills are
extremely important in this day
and age.
"Computer skills aren't
just for technology jobs
anymore," said Lochore.
"Nowadays people need those
skills to even apply for jobs
online."
Most companies
today are looking for their
employees to have basic computer
skills.These
skills include knowing how to
use e-mail, navigating a
computer's files, knowing how to
use the Internet, and functional
knowledge of Microsoft Word.
Job training centers,
such as Goodwill Industries and
Workforce Plus, stress the
importance of computer literacy
in the market.Today,
centers offer numerous
computer-training classes for
those searching for jobs.
According to a NTIA,
around 30 percent of U.S.
citizens don't know how to use
the Internet, whether they're at
work or at home.This
can be a problem for those who
are trying to climb up the
ladder in their career.
"It's very important to learn
computer and technology skills
because it can help people move
up faster in the job market,"
said Lochore.
William President,
who currently works for the
Marriott hotel chain in the
event and services department,
said he took computer literacy
classes in high school and
they've come in handy ever
since.
"Taking computer classes really
helped me when I was job
searching," said President.
Job training centers like
Workforce Plus teach computer
skills (photo by Valeria
Sistrunk)
"It was just one more thing I
could add to my resume, and
during interviews employers
would tell me they loved how
skilled I was."
President thinks his computer
skills are one of the reasons he
has his job today.
In today's economy, the
importance of computer literacy
is crucial.With
technology being such a huge
part of today's society, there
is a good chance a computer will
be a basic tool people will use
at their jobs.
Torn
between job, love for natural
hair,
black women may face
difficult choices
By
Olivia Smith Florida A&M
University
March 3, 2013
Imagine if your hair were the
one thing between you and your
dream career.
African American women are
facing the harsh reality that
natural hair isn't as widely
accepted in the workplace as it
might be.
Some go so far as to think a
natural hairstyle could prevent
them from getting a job.
Wearing natural hair means a
person wears hair in its natural
state, instead of using damaging
chemicals to achieve a straight,
relaxed style.
According to a 2010 Newsweek
Magazine study, 64 percent
of hiring managers think that
beauty plays a factor in hiring
decisions.
Jocelyn Williams, 23, a Florida
A&M University psychology
major from Detroit, was shocked
by the reaction she got from her
boss when she returned to her
job wearing her natural hair.
"The first time I wore my hair
natural without any weave was in
November," said Williams.
"My manager came to me and said
'so you have the Raggedy Ann
look going on? I told him this
is my hair."
Williams said that as a
psychology major she understands
the need for a neat hairstyle in
corporate America, but is torn
between her love for her natural
hair and job opportunities.
"There have been times where
I've wanted to apply for jobs,
and I didn't, because I thought
I might not fit the look at that
office," said Williams.
Natasha Jones, stylist at Glam
Haus Salon in Tallahassee, has
been a doing hair for more than
10 years.
Jones said she's seen hair
trends come and go, but natural
styles are here to stay despite
office dress codes.
'There
have been times where I've
wanted to apply for jobs
and I didn't because I
thought I might not fit
the look at that office' -
psychology majorJocelyn Williams
But there are a few women who
don't want to jeopardize their
jobs for a hairstyle.
"In some professions, natural
hair is not really accepted,"
said Jones. "Some women find
that really frustrating and
convert back to relaxed hair
because that's what everyone is
accustomed to."
Eboni Rainey, a fourth year
business administration student
from Sarasota, Fla., said she
would prefer to wear a "sew-in"
not only because the look is
more safe, but it allows her
natural hair to grow more
healthy underneath.
"I think my future employers
would prefer anything that isn't
noticeable, or that would stand
out more than their company or
business," said Rainey.
According to research at the
University of Texas, an
attractive person is 3 to 4
percent more likely to earn a
higher salary than a
less-attractive person.
For Williams, having natural
hair may mean you are less
attractive. Jones said natural
hair is still a style that
society is getting used to.
"You have to be confident in
yourself," said Jones. "Natural
hair takes commitment and
dedication."
Williams is concerned about
leaving the comfort of FAMU for
a less-accepting job force.
"I think it would be hard to
step outside of FAMU with my
natural hair. The workforce is
predominantly white and I need
to learn how to get a long with
anyone. My hair is not the only
thing that makes me stand out.
I'm black."
Though back women may be
reluctant to step outside the
box, their first priority, say
many, should be to stay true to
themselves.
'Language
of Lingerie' poetry fest draws a
huge audience
as scantily-clad FSU
students spout lusty,
raunchy lines
By Kee-Shawn
Smith Florida A&M University
March 2, 2013
The annual Language of Lingerie
exposition at Florida State
University drew more than 1,500
people on Thursday to hear
student poets recite poems with
raunchy, lust-filled words,
The "L.O.L." has become
the number one event for the
university's student poetry
club.
The event featured the
Reflections Modeling Troupe as
entertainment. Audience members
waited in line for over two
hours for doors to open at 6:30
p.m.
Former poetry club president
Clee Guerrier said the event has
"without a doubt" stolen the top
spot among the organization's
event line up.
"L.O.L. is our oldest show and
it's consistently packed. It's
consistently the most talked
about show, so I have to put
L.O.L. at number one."
The group calling itself Poetic
Lyricism was founded in 2005 and
launched the first Language of
Lingerie show in 2006.
This was the eighth annual
showcase. With a name like
Language of Lingerie, it was
obvious that the topic of poetry
would be sex.
Florida State's campus showed a
different side of creative word
play. Students took the stage in
robes and sexy undergarments to
recite poems that speak the
forbidden similes and metaphors
of sexual encounters.
Meanwhile, models flooded the
three-prong runway to interact
and act out the words being
spoken.Former Reflections
president Tova Palomino said she
was honored to hos"such an
informative yet entertaining
event."
"Poetry is a creatively
expressive language while sex is
a subject never spoken about. So
L.O.L gives young adults that
safety pass to speak about and
get comfortable with their
sexuality."
For four hours, poets, models
and audience members engaged
with one another by snapping
fingers of approval and yelling
"rewind!" to the most relatable
parts of the readings.
Poet Eric Adames says he looks
forward to this event just as
much as the audience members do.
"People don't get a chance to
hear erotic poetry so this is a
chance for everybody to enjoy
it. This is something I look
forward to as a poet. I've been
writing my poems since last
year."
Poet Duwan Morris (photo by
Kee-Shawn Smith)
Reflections' current president
Ashlee Thompson says this is one
of the most beneficial shows for
her troupe.
"It's going to bring a lot of
new members and interest to
troupe, which we enjoy.
This is one of our biggest shows
of the year. I think the
combination if the poems and the
visuals really gets everybody
hyped."
The show had to be cut short
because there was too much on
the agenda. Palomino reflected
on that.
"I mean even though the show was
cut short, people still went
home satisfied. It was nice to
see the show from a host's
perspective because, in the
past, I was a model," she said.
"Tonight I gained a whole new
respect for the event and for
the people that have gotten up
on stage and kept the crowd
entertained."
March
is Women's History
Month
Phylicia Rashad
will headline upcoming
Women's Conference
as Florida A&M
University joins nation in
celebrating women
By Shawnese
Morris Florida A&M
University
March 4, 2013
Phylicia
Rashad
who starred on
Broadway and played
Bill Cosby's
attorney-wife on the
famous TV sitcom, will
be starring at Florida
A&M's Women's
Conference next month.
The
Women's
Conference Week is
March 25-March 30, in
celebration of Women's
History Month. This is
the 4th Annual Women's
History Conference
held at FAMU.
Sponsors
say
that people across the
nation will be paying
tribute to generations
of women who have
committed selfless
acts.
In 2012, Angela Davis, author, scholar
and political activist
was a participant.
The
theme was Nina Simone's,
singer and songwriter,
"Young, Gifted and
Black" anthem.
This
year's event will
explore a wide range
of issues and
achievements of
African American women
and will give insight
on sexual and personal
health issues.
One
of the invited
speakers for the week
is Phylicia Rashad who
played the attorney
wife of Bill Cosby on
The Cosby Show and was
the first black
actress to win a Tony
for her performance in
"A Raisin in the Sun."
She
has played many roles
on Broadway and
off-Broadway.
Women's
History Month
originated in 1981.
Congress passed a
public law which
requested the
president to proclaim
Women's
History Week beginning
March 7, 1982.
The
National Women's
History Project
petitioned Congress in
1987, which led to the
month of March
becoming a national
celebration for women.
In
addition, alumnae
and current students
will be honored at
the black and white
tuxedo Legend's
Ball, themed Fresh
Princess.
This
year's
theme, In Living
Color, will allow
participants to
experience the
care-free feel of
the 90's. Totiana
Ussery, volunteer
coordinator for the
conference, says she
thinks it's
important to have
this celebration on
FAMU's campus.
"With the society
looking down on
African American women
today with the same
close-minded views as
they did back then, it
can sometimes get to
people," said
Ussery.
"This
week can help show
women on this campus
that they can go above
and beyond the call of
duty, despite what the
world may think of
them. Self-respect is
a value no one should
ever look over."
This
year's participants
will uncover some of
the contributions made
by women.
The
women's
conference event chair
is Tashanae Francis.
"As a
female it is my
responsibility to seek
information on the
women that have paved
the way for me. There
are a lot of unsung
women who are
inspirational,
admirable, hardworking
and successful,"said
Francis.
"That
is the primary purpose
of the conference; to
not only shine light
on the women in the
spotlight, but the
women behind the
scenes."
The
U.S. Census reported
in 2012 that women
account for 34.3
percent of physicians,
24.2 percent of
dentists, 23.5 percent
of architects, 13.7
percent of civil
engineers and 90.6
percent of nurses.
Many of the events will
be free to the
public. For
further information
writeTashanae Francis
whose email is
Tfrancis51@gmail.com
Gun
control, gun rights
clash
Gun violence and Second
Amendment are debated
passionately by panel at
public meeting in
Tallahassee
By
Kyle Person Florida A&M
University March 4, 2013
Why do we have so much
violence in our society?
"We have invited
violence into our
culture. Why should we
be surprised that we
can't protect our
children from violence?"
said the Rev. Brant
Copeland of First
Presbyterian Church.
He spoke on a panel
sponsored by The
Tallahassee Democrat
along with the Village
Square, a local
non-profit organization.
They held a public
meeting regarding the
Second Amendment and
school safety on Feb.
28, addressing public
concerns.
The panel featured local
law enforcement and
other community leaders
in education, safety and
faith who addressed the
American culture's
conflict with gun
violence.
Student safety and the
Second Amendment are two
very touchy national
topics, so it didn't
take long for the debate
to get heated. Each
panelist kept his cool.
However, it's
clear that Rev. Copeland
had a message for the
community.
Copeland said American
culture today glorifies
violence, and that the
public shouldn't worry
about the caliber of the
gun because the homicide
rate is already too
high. Local schools
have guidelines
similar to Sandy Hook
"Elementary schools are
the most vulnerable.
That's why we are
worrying about the
access to them," said
John Hunkiar, the
director of Leon County
Schools Safety, Security
and Emergency
Management.
Hunkiar stated that
Tallahassee elementary
schools have many of the
same rules and
guidelines as Sandy Hook
Elementary.
That statement got many
gasps from the crowd.
However, he said the
community shouldn't
worry about funding gun
violence legislation,
but rather focus on
preventive actions that
will save lives
directly.
Joy Bowen, chair of the
Leon County school
board, says that she's
always open to other
initiatives that will
enhance the safety at
our schools.
"We need to hire more
counselors for students.
They go through so many
challenges growing up."
The panel also addressed
the need for additional
resources in schools to
prevent gun violence,
slating elementary
schools as the most
vulnerable due to the
Newtown, Conn. massacre.
'We
need to hire
more
counselors for
students. They
go through so
many
challenges
growing up.' -
Joy Bowen,
Leon School
Board
Bowen went on to say
that the school board
has been working with
police to create a safer
environment for
Tallahassee students.
"It's good to be in
collaboration with the
community police; we
need resource officers
at every school in the
county," she said.
More legislation on gun
control is not in
the people's best
interest according to
Hunkiar. Criminals and
mass murderers are not
worried about the law,
and funding gun violence
legislation would be
pointless, he said, in a
moment of passion.
Hunkiar said affordable
means will be considered
to protect schools and
that he's proposing
placing a resource
officer on every campus
in Tallahassee.
A reoccurring theme in
the public meeting was
the misinterpretation of
the Second
Amendment. Quincy,
Fla., Police Chief
Walter McNeil said
people may not
understand the
amendment.
"The Supreme Court did
not say that guns are
absolute," according to
McNeil, and that's where
most people are
mistaken. He said the
court ruled that a gun
possessed by the
mentally ill and
convicted felons was
unlawful, arguing that
the Second Amendment
doesn't extend to
everyone.
Woman with children
expresses concerns
The forum opened the
door for the question on
whether gun control and
gun rights are mutual
enemies in our society.
On one end people
want to ensure safety
and on the other end,
people don't want to
lose their right to bear
arms.
Tallahassee resident
Nancy Baker came to hear
opinions about safety in
the community and the
steps that will be taken
toward student safety.
"Gun violence is a
growing issue and I have
kids, so I definitely
wanted to hear the
opinions voiced today,"
Baker said.
She also said she felt
very informed after the
meeting and was
confident of her
children's safety.
"Public forums are
always good because you
can voice your
concerns," Baker said.
"I'm leaving feeling
very confident of my
kid's safety."
Sex education being removed in high schools
Florida
ranks second in
teenage abortions
in country
as groups
seek to reach
teens with help,
information
By
Sherelle Belin Florida
A&M
University
March 4,
2013
Florida health
groups are
concerned about
the large number
of abortions in
the state. As
the number of
births is
declining, the
number of
abortions is
still growing,
say officials.
Here are the
figures:
-Florida ranks
the second state
in the U.S. with
the most teenage
abortions.
-Even with the
decrease in
births by 3,000
over the
previous year, a
larger
percentage of
teenage girls
15-19 are
getting pregnant
and having
abortive
procedures done.
-Of 1,000 young
women ages
15-19, 24 have
had abortions.
Counselor
Michelle Wiggins
is concerned.
"Birth rates in
Florida are
declining, but
the abortion
rates are
increasing, so
the teenagers
are still
getting
pregnant," said
Wiggins.
She explained
how her agency
tries to inform
and influence
teenagers. She
works with Teen
Friendly Family
Planning
Services (TFFP).
"This is why
every third
Friday night at
the TFFP we have
teen night," she
said.
"Teen night is
our way of
welcoming
teenagers to
express their
concerns and
feel comfortable
about discussing
what they're
doing, in a
teen-friendly
environment with
peers, food and
drinks."
Wiggins also
mentioned that
since teen night
began at the
TFFP center,
many of the
young women who
regularly come
are asking for
contraceptives
instead of
pregnancy tests.
Florida was
ranked number 29
out of 51
states,
including D.C.,
on teen
birthrates
between ages
15-19 (with 1
representing the
highest rate and
51 representing
the lowest) in
2010.
Tammi Brooks,
Planned
Parenthood of
North Florida
director,
explained the
problem.
"Florida has the
second highest
rate of teenage
abortions.
Granted, our
teens are not
ranked No. 1 for
birth rates, but
this explains
it."
"They're not
having babies
due to them
having
abortions. What
we're trying to
do is prevent
the need for an
abortion through
teaching
abstinence and
safe sex," she
said.
In the state of
Florida,
parental consent
is not required
for a teenager
to have an
abortion.
In fact, all
that is needed
is parental
notification.
Parents don't
even have to
show up to the
clinic the day
of the procedure
if a notarized
waiver with the
parents'
signature is
provided.
And a "judicial
bypass," giving
a teenager
permission to
have an abortion
without
notifying a
parent, is also
an option which
has to be worked
out through the
circuit court.
Why are they
continuing to
get pregnant?
According to
Florida's
Department of
Health and Human
Services,
government
funding for sex
education
classes is being
removed from
high schools.
This is creating
a lack of
education about
sex to the
teenagers.
And teenagers
who aren't aware
of how their
bodies are
changing and
what to be aware
of in regard to
sex, are more
likely to have
careless sex.
This may include
not using a
condom
correctly,
taking birth
control pills
improperly, and
performing the
"pull out"
method.
Planned
Parenthood is a
place that can
give a teenager
who may be
uneducated about
HIV/AIDS, free
confidential HIV
tests, birth
control,
pregnancy tests,
pamphlets about
practicing safe
sex, information
on STDs and
information
about
parenthood.
"We just want to
be a place where
anyone can come
and get assisted
with matters
regarding sex
and pregnancy,"
Brooks said.
To learn more
about birth
rates, abortion
rates, HIV and
STD statistics,
and to find out
when TFFP has
events, people
can visit the
nearest Planned
Parenthood, TFFP
Services or http://www.doh.state.fl.us/family/famplan/index.html.
Soul
food plates include
'Bad Boy,' and the
'Michelle Obama'
FAMU senior, 22,
fires up her own business
plan
providing
'home-cooked meals' for
customers
By
Valeria Sistrunk Florida A&M
University
March 4, 2013
She's young, talented,
and, at the age of 22,
she has already cooked
up her own successful
business.
Autumn Harris, creator
of "Flavs by 31,"
is a Florida A&M
University senior
majoring in social
work.
Harris says that despite
her major, she decided
to start her own
business, doing
something she's
passionate about.
"Flavs by 31" offers
customers home-cooked
meals every Friday,
Saturday and Sunday.
From her menu, customers
can choose from a
variety of different
soul food plates such as
the 'Bad Boy,' the
'Family Reunion' and the
'Michelle Obama.'
Harris also
donates $1 from every
order to the
National
Association for Juvenile
Diabetes.
"I had the idea in my
mind awhile ago, and I
just went for it.
I thought to myself
'this is what I'm going
to do,'" said
Harris.
In December, she began
spreading the word about
her business though
word-of-mouth and social
media sites such as
Instagram and Twitter.
Now, Harris says she
currently sells an
estimated 45 plates per
weekend.
Kalena Green, a
management professor in
the Florida A&M
School of Business &
Industry, says she
thinks it's excellent
for students to apply
what they're passionate
about in a way that
earns them income and
experience.
"It's never too soon to
execute a well-developed
strategic (business)
plan," said Green.
I
had the idea in my
mind awhile ago,
and I just went
for it. I thought
to myself 'this is
what I'm going to
do'
-Autumn Harris
"A colleague of mine has
a younger sibling who
started an entertainment
and promotion business
while attending
FAMU. He's doing
very well."
In today's unsteady
economy, more students
are choosing to start
their own business
rather than wait for
after graduation
employment.
For example, Mark
Zuckerberg co-founded
The Facebook back in
2004 from his dorm room
at Harvard
University. Now,
five years later,
Facebook has a billion
users.
Unfortunately for some,
starting a new business
can be tricky. Research
indicates that almost 60
percent of small
businesses fail within
five years of start-up.
Green says when it comes
to starting a new
business, hard work and
capitalization is key.
"The primary factor
students must consider
in any economy is
whether or not they're
willing to put in the
work," said Green.
"There's no magic
involved in
entrepreneurial
success."
Harris isn't the only
student to start her own
business in college, and
she certainly won't be
the last.
"I love to cook for
people," said Harris.
"It's something I see
myself doing for the
rest of my life."
To get more information
on how to order meals
from "Flavs by 31" check
out @Flavsby31 via
Instagram.
Food cooperative has long
history in Tallahassee
New Leaf Market
competes well by
maintaining
the loyalty of
customers, some of whom
own the store
By Kyle Person Florida A&M
University
March 4, 2013
With spring on its way,
where can local
residents go to get the
freshest produce
Tallahassee has to
offer?
Is it Publix,
Wal-Mart or could it be
the Farmer's Market? One
thing's for sure: one
local market has been
supplying the community
with the freshest
produce from local
farmers for 20 years.
"I've been
coming to the New Leaf
Market for about 17
years now," said
Tallahassee resident
Sandi Lodge. She said
that she's interested in
more sustainable food
that will stay fresh
longer, and she enjoys
the dry goods the market
carries in bulk.
New Leaf
Market, at the Parkway
Shopping Center on
Apalachee Parkway, seems
to be full of customers,
scurrying to get items
most essential to them.
The market's goal is to
build a vibrant and
healthy local community
by providing natural and
organic foods and
products, according to
the company's mission
statement.
Most of the
produce at the New Leaf
Market is certified
organic and pesticide
free, unlike that of
competing grocery
stores. The quality of
the produce is
consistent and store
employees provide
insight about the
products customers are
purchasing.
New Leaf
Market originally began
as a buying co-op to
provide food for its
owners, mostly students
and young families, with
affordable and healthy
foods.
They have stuck to the
script, outsourcing to
local companies from
around the Big Bend
area, ensuring that all
incoming revenue stays
in Tallahassee.
Store
employee Marco Brown
says New Leaf Market's
sense of community is
why it enjoys so many
returning customers.
"New Leaf is a locally
owned store, owned by
its members, by the
community, for the
community," said Brown.
Brown
says New Leaf's
staff-to-customer ratio
is a lot better than
most grocery stores in
Tallahassee. He said
that the staff is more
educated on the products
they're providing.
For a
small investment of $105
(one-time fee),
customers can become
part-owner of New Leaf
Market. In exchange for
their investment,
customers will receive
special sales and a
small rebate check when
the co-op makes profit,
according to New Leaf
Market's website.
The produce
manager Jonathan Manning
said the store's
proximity to
neighborhoods as well as
the store environment
are reasons for
customers to keep coming
back.
"The fact that we are
locally owned and
operated, unlike your
average grocery store is
why our customers are so
loyal," he said.
Manning says the
customer service also
plays a major role in
their company's
infrastructure.
"Employees are a lot
nicer at New Leaf,
unlike when you go to
Wal-Mart and no one even
says hello," said
Manning.
Each
grocery store brings
something different
competitively, which is
why Cristin Burns, the
project and marketing
manager, says it's
important to stand out.
"We try to stand out
from most grocery
stores, so we check our
prices constantly to
make sure we are
competing. "
Burns
also said that the
products that they carry
also enable them to
compete with your top
grocery stores because
they simply carry things
other stores do not. "We
are a locally owned
store, so we are always
looking to get more
local items."
For more
information on New Leaf
Market, visit the store
located at the Parkway
Shopping Center on 1235
Apalachee Parkway, or
give them a call at
(850) 942-2557.
Female
prison guard faces the risks as
she learns job in an all-male
prison
By Sequoia Powell Florida A&M
University
Feb. 27, 2013
"I was little scared and
paranoid, at first. I really
don't fear them now, I look them
in the face every day," said Aja
Cromedy.
She has worked as a corrections
officer in Taylor County
Correctional Institution, an all
male facility, for nearly two
months.
Women represented 37 percent of
adult correctional personnel in
2007. This is a major increase
from the 12 percent of women
correctional officers in 1969,
according to the American
Correctional Association.
Studies suggest that many women
like Cromedy are applying for
jobs in the correctional field
because of pay and
benefits.
The 23-year-old criminal justice
graduate said she never expected
to be working as a correctional
officer; it was just something
she stumbled upon.
Her mother is a correctional
officer
"I started off wanting to be a
probation officer; the funny
thing is my mom is a
correctional officer. She has
been a correctional officer my
whole life, for nearly 30 years,
and she plans to retire next
year.
"So when I first told her, she
told me, 'No, don't do it.' "
"Then after a while, every job
that I tried to get in the
criminal justice field required
experience. Since I didn't have
an internship prior she eased up
and said, 'Go ahead and get your
foot in and then get out.'"
Cromedy and four other new
correctional officers are
required to go through training
for about a month until they are
certified.
The institution pairs Cromedy
and another female trainee with
both a male and a female
certified correctional officer
during the day-to-day training
sessions, in order to allow them
to gain experience and knowledge
from both genders.
"The first day I was there I was
trained by men. They were
basically just telling me that I
would be looked at and if anyone
says anything out of line, let
them know."
Must really watch prisoners
closely
"But my first day with an actual
female, she taught me other
important things; like instead
of bending over to get stuff,
you need to squat and you need
to be always aware of what
you're doing because they find
sexual actions in everything you
do," Cromedy said.
The
system that the institution uses
to help identify the inmates
consists of four levels.
Level
four is the murders and killers,
level two and three are locked
up for things like drug
trafficking, and level one is
minor crimes.
"One female officer told me she
received several death threats
from a lot of the inmates."
"She told me I must watch them
really closely as they come out
the cells, because they could
stand behind and shank me as I
walk down the cell block,"
Cromedy said.
Shank is prison slang for
stabbing someone with a homemade
knife, usually made out of metal
that the prisoners find and
sharpen it like a knife.
"That was definitely an
eye-opener for me and I left
there feeling like wow; either
she's crazy or I'm in here with
a bunch of crazy people, and
this was still my first week,"
Cromedy said.
Uniform of a corrections
officer (photo by Sequoia Powell)
Soon, Cromedy learned that the
dorm that she monitored was for
the murderers and rapists.
Though the men need to be
incarcerated because of the
crimes they committed, Cromedy
believes they should still be
treated with respect. "You
can't degrade people even though
they're in that situation."
The inmates are allowed to be
within reach of the female
correctional officers, which
makes the female officers
apprehensive.
"It has its ups and downs,
working in an all-male facility.
I know that I get watched a lot.
I can honestly say I see and
feel the eyes staring at me all
day," Cromedy said.
Some inmates may feel the need
to share their personal business
and the officers are encouraged
to counsel them because some may
be suicidal.
Don't accept anything from
prisoners
However, the women officers are
encouraged to keep counseling to
a minimum, so the prisoners
don't think they are weak and
spineless.
"I have walked through a crowd
of them and they have offered me
stuff.We
are told never to accept
anything from them, because they
will take that as 'Oh, I gave
you something and now I can take
your image and gun you' as in
ejaculate to you. I have written
a lot of men up for gunning me.
They will peek at you, try to
hide behind things, or wear long
shirts and ejaculate to you
while you stand there," Cromedy
said.
Gunning
means that the prisoners
pleasure themselves while
looking at a female officer's
image. If the men are caught
gunning the officer down, then
the officer must send them to
confinement.
"The two craziest things I've
seen so far was a guy getting
sliced from his eye to his mouth
in the dorm I was in. Then, the
day after, there was a huge
fight in the same dorm and one
prisoner's jaw got broken and
one inmate got beat unconscious,
and about four or five others
got sent to the actual
hospital," Cromedy said.
Those left behind got locked up
in confinement. Cromedy
said the job "offers great
benefits and pays all my bills."
Graduate
feeder
program gives FAMU
students chance
'to speak their dreams
into existence' says
graduate dean
By
Sherrelle Belin
Florida A&M
University Feb.
28, 2013
Where can a student
who is planning to go
to graduate school get
help? What if Florida
A&M University
helped pay your
tuition to another
school?
You can "speak your
dreams into existence"
says one administrator
at Florida A&M
University.
Many Florida A&M
University have dreams
of continuing
education in graduate
school.
Yet, many of these
students with plans to
attend graduate school
have never heard of
the Graduate Feeder
Program.
"What
is your goal?"
asks Verian
Thomas, Ph.D., the
interim assistant vice
president for research
and dean of graduate
studies.
As
students sitting in a
crowded room exchanged
their goals and
aspirations with one
another, she told them
this exercise was to
"speak their dream
careers into
existence."
Thomas said that when
students speak their
dreams into existence,
it is a prelude to
making those dreams
become a reality.
This
conference at which
she spoke was titled Demystifying
the Admission
Process and
targeted key
components students
need when they apply
for graduate study.
Thomas elaborated on
each step, starting
with the application
process, personal
statement,
transcripts, letters
of recommendation and
ending with the
importance of test
scores.
Thomas
said that anyone
interested in the
Graduate Feeder
Program would first
need to apply.
'This is my last
year at FAMU and I
just found out
about this program
so I'm definitely
going to apply.
And the staff
really helps steer
you in the right
direction' - FAMU
student Lauren
Smith
If
the university a
student wishes to
attend is a part of
the program, the
student must inform
the faculty so
arrangements can be
made to send
information over.
Students will then
have to fill out and
provide all the
information required
for applying to that
institution.
If all goes well, and
a student is accepted
to the school of
choice, Florida
A&M will help to
cover a percentage of
the cost of tuition.
FAMU has partnered
with approximately 40
universities since Dr.
Frederick Humphries,
the eighth president
of FAMU, created the
Graduate Feeder
Program.
"The
purpose of the
Graduate Feeder
Scholars Program is to
give students the
opportunity to attend
graduate school and
study what is not
offered here at FAMU,"
said Agnes Coppin,
program assistant.
More African American
students need to
attend graduate school
and this program is a
way to help them
obtain that higher
level of education.
"I think this program
is great," said Lauren
Smith, a graduating
cardio-pulmonary
science student from
Jacksonville, Fla.
"This is my last year
at FAMU and I just
found out about this
program so I'm
definitely going to
apply. And the staff
really helps steer you
in the right
direction."
Students
should set
aside some money for the
days
between graduation
and job, says adviser at
the bank
By
Terene Williams
Florida A&M
University March
1, 2013
With the struggle of
living on a budget, it's
hard for students to
understand the value of
saving money for the
time after college and
before they get a job.
Students who live off of
financial aid
disbursements hardly
have enough revenue to
deposit into a savings
account.
It's not guaranteed that
students will leave
college with a job.
Thus, in the hiatus
between college
graduation and job
hunting, students are
encouraged to have a
little money set aside.
Tiffany Long, 23, is a
recent graduate who
earned her bachelor of
science in criminal
justice at Florida
A&M University.
"Honestly, if I didn't
have a savings for after
college, I wouldn't be
able to enjoy my
post-graduate lifestyle.
I'd be too concerned
about trying to find a
job and paying bills,"
said Long.
The transition from the
collegiate lifestyle to
the real world is viewed
as a difficult one.
Roschelle Wright,
college student and
Wells Fargo bank
representative at the
South Monroe Branch in
Tallahassee, suggests
that students be well
prepared by considering
obtaining a savings
account.
"I always knew the
importance of saving,
but working at a bank
stresses saving even
more. Especially at the
branch I work at, we
have a lot of college
students that come in."
"So when I help some of
them, I usually suggest
they add a savings
account that can be
utilized now and after
college," said Wright.
It is also highly
suggested that students
who receive loans be
financially prepared.
According to CNN.com,
the average amount a
student borrows is
$27,000 as of 2012.
The Chronicle of Higher
Education estimates that
about 60 percent of the
20 million college
students within the
United States have used
a loan to cover tuition
costs.
The average student also
receives some financial
help from their school
of choice. In some
cases, there is money
left over after the
student's tuition and
books are paid off.
Chelsie Purcell a fourth
year allied health major
from Miami, saves the
leftover money she
receives from the
school.
"Every year, I receive a
net check and it is
usually not much, but I
save at least half of it
after paying bills. I
know I wanted to attend
graduate school after
undergrad so I'm
preparing for the
financial burden."
Purcell has also taken
out loans so she plans
on using the excess
money to help pay them
off while she searches
for a job after college.
According to Wright,
Wells Fargo offers free
financial education
resources like budget
and money management,
planning tools to help
achieve financial
success, educational
resources such as
videos, podcasts and
articles at wellsfargo.com.
Expert financial
advisers are also
available at any branch.
Rattlers remember Trayvon
Martin at ceremony
one year after
fatal shooting of the
Sanford teenager
By Aisha Sylvain
Florida A&M
University Feb. 28, 2013
Trayvon
Martin is not
forgotten on the
Florida A&M
University campus.
Tuesday, Feb. 26,
marked the one-year
anniversary of Trayvon
Martin's death.
Florida A&M
University students
gathered to remember
the fatal shooting of
the Sanford, Fla.,
teen.
Dream
Defenders, an
organization of
minority youth who
confront systemic
inequalities, hosted
the candle light vigil
on FAMUs campus. About
25 students gathered
around the eternal
flame to reflect on
the past year's
injustices.
"We're
here right now because
a year ago today,
Trayvon Martin was
slain in the streets
of Sanford for no
reason," said Melanie
Andrade, Dream
Defenders community
service chair. "We're
still awaiting
justice," she
continued.
Chuck
Hobbs, Tallahassee
trial lawyer and
political columnist,
addressed racial
injustices still faced
by minorities in
Florida.
He encouraged students
to continue to
strategize and speak
out against the
injustices. "People
still judge us based
upon the way we sound
and the way we look,"
said Hobbs.
"We're
going to continue to
work hard as a people
to eradicate this
notion but in the mean
time, we need to make
sure we're prepared
for such things so we
can know what it is
we're dealing with,"
he continued.
Ceremony at the
eternal flame on the
FAMU campus
(photos by
Aisha Sylvain)
Since
Martin's
death, many
organizations
and groups
have protested
racial
injustices and
inequalities.
The
circumstances
of Martin's
death and the
initial
hesitation to
charge George
Zimmerman,
Martin's
shooter,
compelled a
national
outcry.
Florida
House Rep.
Alan Williams
(D-Tallahassee)
expressed his
concerns that
more students
are not still
gathering to
remember
Martin.
"I
wish more
people were
here," said
Williams.
"Folks have
kind of gone
to sleep, it's
time to wake
back up," he
continued.
While
concerns
were raised
about the lack
of student
attention,
some students
continue to
have concerns
and hopes
about Trayvon
Martin's
justice and
Zimmerman's
trial.
"People
still
remember the
sting of the
Trayvon Martin
case. A lot of
students still
want to do
something
about
Zimmerman,"
said Harold
Bosifield,
senior
architecture
student from
Nassau,
Bahamas. "I
have faith
that justice
will be
served. It may
not come when
we want but it
will one day,"
he continued.
The
Dream
Defenders
continue to
fight for the
repeal of the
"Stand Your
Ground" law.
They will go
to Sanford on
June 10 where
a jury will rule
on the
controversial
case.
"We
have to let
people know we
have not
forgotten,"
said Andrade.
Large
numbers of people ages18-29
own guns: here are some of the
reasons
By
Taheem Williamson Florida A&M
University
Feb. 27, 2013
Gun sales are at record numbers
while the nation reels from a
year filled with gun violence.
There is also a strong push to
ban certain types of guns.
The question
remains: Who is buying all the
guns and why?
Students are some of the
purchasers.
In 2012 there were more than a
dozen mass shootings and at
least 50 victims total. The two
deadliest were carried out by
suspects ages 25 and 21.
James Eagan Holmes, charged with
a movie theatre massacre,
reportedly bought all four
weapons found in his possession
after he dropped out of the
University of Colorado in June.
How common is it for adults his
age to purchase and carry guns?
Do college students and young
adults feel the need to arm
themselves? These are the
questions raised by incidents of
gun violence.
A National Journal poll found
that the 18-29 age group now
supports gun control more than
any other. Even though in 2011 a
reported 31 percent of this
demographic owned guns, this was
15 percent less than the 30-65
age group.
A more recent study from
American University revealed
that 60 percent of high school
and college students say they
plan to own a gun once their
household is established.
Some have decided not to wait
that long.
"For me, it's more like a family
thing and a protection thing,"
said Kevaughn Miller, 24, a
graduate student from North
Carolina. Miller said he
recently bought two handguns,
bringing his collection of
firearms to four.
"My mom is a cop, my sister is a
cop, and my brother is in the
army." Miller said his family
kept several handguns in the
household during their
childhood. "I've been around
guns since I was a kid so now
it's kind of tradition to keep a
couple around."
Miller is part of an estimated
39 percent of college graduates
who own guns.
Jim Holloway works at a pawn
shop and said he has seen gun
owners and concealed license
carriers get younger in recent
years. However, young gun buyers
make up a small portion of their
gun sales.
"I would say about 20 percent of
our gun sales go to people under
25," Holloway said. "Mostly
older men in their forties and
fifties come in for guns."
Holloway also believes the new
legislation to ban certain guns
may not have the intended
impact.
"They're just trying to pacify
the situation now."
The issue of young adults
carrying out mass murders has
the nation at arms over the
Second Amendment's right to
bear. The problem has become who
is bearing those arms, citizens
who desire protection or
civilians who desire to do harm?
Anthony Donaldson, 25, pharmacy
student from Fort Lauderdale
says he desires protection from
"any and everything."
"I have three guns in my house
and I keep one of them on me at
all times. You never know what
can happen."
Gun
Summit
will be held again after
first success
By
Terene Williams Florida
A&M University
Feb. 27, 2013
County Commissioner
Bill Proctor is
planning another Gun
Summit after what he
says was a
successful event
last week.
More than a hundred
people showed up at
the Leon County
Commission Chambers
to take part in an
ongoing debate about
gun violence and
policies on guns.
Proctor called the
gun summit to
encouragecommunity leaders.
Law officers,
educators, students,
pastors and citizens
were all invited to
speak out in a
community discussion
about what could be
done.
"The summit was
successful because
we got to impregnate
public debate with
the idea that we
need to prevent gun
violence," said
Commissioner
Proctor.
After recent deaths of officers, civilians
and children,
Proctor said he felt
that something must
be done.
Joleise
Gresham
is a senior at
Florida A&M
University and one
of Commissioner
Proctor's students.
Proctor teaches at
the university.
"I
thought it was very
interesting to hear
people's opinions on
why or why not they
thought they gun
laws should be
changed. It was a
bit scary that
people associated
their right to own
guns with power,"
said Gresham.
'There
is much room for
intelligent
dialogue' -
Commissioner
Bill Proctor
Proctor encouraged
his students to
attend the event and
voice their own
opinion about the
issue.
"It
was very interesting
how it appeared that
people associate
owning a gun with
power. It's almost
synonymous that to
take away their gun
leaves them helpless
before the throne of
government and
government tyranny,"
Proctor said.
One student favors
screening.
"I think people
should be able to
own any gun they
want to, but I also
think they should
have some type of
extensive screening
if they're going to
own extremely
violent guns," said
Venezia White, a
former volunteer
firefighter and
graduate student at
FAMU.
Proctor wants to
hear all viewpoints.
"There is much room
for more intelligent
dialogue pertaining
to gun rights and
limiting community
violence," he told
the session. "It is
time we begin a
local and regional
discussion on
eliminating gun
violence and I seek
your voice toward
this end."
Proctor
says the next Gun
Summit will take
place the third week
in March.
'Restorative
justice' solutions may
lead the way to
help
African-American juvenile
repeat-offenders
By
Olivia Smith Florida A&M
University
Feb. 27, 2013
If you think a juvenile
detention center is the
only solution for
disciplining at-risk
youth, think again.
Palmer Munroe Teen
Center recently hosted
'restorative justice'
training for members of
the community to help
improve juvenile justice
practices in
Tallahassee.
Those in attendance,
including law
enforcement and city
officials, learned about
alternative ways to help
guide youth who have
already been in the
juvenile justice system
or who may be headed
down the wrong path.
The training also looked
at preventative measures
to avoid harsh
punishments.
Dr. Gordon Bazeman, a
criminology professor at
Florida Atlantic
University, said he
wanted those attending
the training to set the
example in the community
for a better and more
productive way of
handling young adults
who are in trouble with
the law.
"What really works well
is when citizens who are
in a neighborhood kind
of get together and say,
'Let's work on this,
let's see if we can keep
one or two more kids
getting out of jail,' "
said Bazeman.
Bazeman explained steps
to becoming a more
'aware' community.
He pointed out that
crime is more than
law-breaking - it's
about accountability and
repair. According to
Bazeman, a community
involved in juvenile
sentencings and hearings
helps improve crime
statistics.
Between 2000 and 2010,
statewide referrals
received for African
American youth rose 28
percent, according to
the Florida Department
of Juvenile Justice.
Tomica Smith, executive
director of Palmer
Munroe Teen Center, said
she feels this training
will help bring
awareness to the
Tallahassee Community.
According to Smith,
African Americans are
the largest minority
affected by an outdated
justice system.
The Palmer Munroe Teen
Center opened in 2010
and provides young
adults in the community
a chance to expand their
opportunities, learn
about social
responsibility, civic
awareness and be gently
guided through a
restorative justice
program.
Smith said the purpose
of restorative justice
training is to provide a
forum to educate leaders
of the community on how
to prevent young,
first-time offenders,
especially African
Americans, from becoming
repeat offenders.
Prof. Gordon Bazeman
wants local community
to act
Books speak out on
restorative process
(photo by Olivia
Smith)
Between 2011 and 2012,
there were 248 juvenile
felony cases and 335
misdemeanor juvenile
cases in Leon County.
African Americans
committed 172 of those
felonies and 228 of
those misdemeanors,
according to the Florida
Department of Juvenile
Justice.
"I think that more
African Americans are
disproportionately
affected in the juvenile
justice system," said
Smith.
"I think there are tools
we can all use to help
improve those numbers
and improve those
statistics. And there
are programs we can
implement and changes to
the culture."
Smith said restorative
justice provides a way
that to help improve
negative juvenile crime
statistics and that if
the African-American
community improves, the
entire community
improves.
Basketball
player and devout Muslim
Muhammad Abdul-Aleem
plans his days around
worship; earns respect
of his teammates
By
Kee-Shawn Smith Florida A&M
University
Feb. 25,
2013
The green and orange
seats are all empty at
the moment, but by
Monday night these
same seats will be
filled with fans to
watch the Florida
A&M University
men's basketball team
go up against South
Carolina State
University.
They will watch Muhammad
Abdul-Aleem, a devout
Muslim who prays five
times a day and lets
nothing get in the way
of that, even a
reporter's deadline.
Although
not yet a starter on
the team, Abdul-Aleem,
a 6'4' guard, is the
third-leading scorer.
But with all the hype
of being a star
college athlete,
Muhammad says his
faith and family is
what keeps him
grounded.
"I
was born and raised in
Islam," Abdul-Aleem
said, "so being raised
like that has really
helped me deal with
the situation that I'm
in."
"You know, the girls
they come and I say,
'You know I'm married
and I'm Muslim,' or
the guys want me to go
out and Ill say 'Hey,
where we going?'
(They say) 'Oh we're
going to a club' and
I'll say, 'Oh, ok,
I'll see you later. .
. '" Abdul-Aleem
was married at 19 to his
wife Dhuha
Abdul Hadi.The two met when
they were just kids
through his wife's older
sister.
They were only
able to talk via instant
messenger.
A romance over the
Internet and phone For
three years they spoke
over the Internet until
one day Abdul-Aleem's
father set the rule to
cut all communication
with women.
After a year of
unanswered emails, he
sneaked onto the
Internet and finally
answered Hadi.Feeling guilty
afterward, he pulled his
father aside and
confessed to disobeying
him, but quickly
countered the confession
by professing his desire
to marry her. "At
first, my father gave us
15 minutes a week on the
phone and then he
finally started giving
me more and more time.I finally visited her when I was
18 and met the family.
Once I finished high
school, she was still in
high school. We got
married." After a
few years in the
Republic of Yemen and
two years at Georgia
Perimeter Junior
College, Muhammad found
himself being looked at
by FAMU and other
university basketball
programs. His character and
athletic ability
Coaches
say Muhammad's maturity,
character and athletic
ability played a major
role in his being
recruited to FAMU. These
are all assets that
Muhammad credits to his
Islam teachings.
Head Coach Clemon
Johnson says respecting
Muhammad's faith came
easy.
"I
try
not to do anything
that I know will
affect his faith
because I know he
prays at certain
times. . . people
were asking during a
game one time where
he went because he
got up off the bench
to go pray."
But
Abdul-Aleem says the
life that he lives
is different from
the life of his
teammates. "I plan
my days around my
worship." Point guard
Walter Davis is one of
Abdul-Aleem's
teammates.He says
Muhammad's meek
character is
influential for him.
Muhammad Abdul-Aleem
sees the American dream
through Muslim
faith. (Photo by
Kee-Shawn Smith)
"He's a cool
dude. You can't get
under his skin because
he like accepts
everything. I trust
Muhammad. I know he
won't do anything to
hurt me and that helps
us all as a team."
Abdul-Aleem
and his wife both
major in childhood
education and while
Hadi takes online
classes and is a
stay-at-home mom,
Abdul-Aleem pushes
himself on and off the
court to make ends
meet for his expectant
wife and daughter.
He stays humble,
praying that every
time he steps onto the
court he plays his
best with the goal of
ultimately getting to
a professional level.
Looking to the
American dream
He
credits his father for
his NBA dreams.Abdul-Aleem's
father played
basketball for South
Carolina State and had
the opportunity to
play professionally
for the Washington
Bullets but was
injured and never
fully recovered.
Muhammad says he
appreciates the way
his parents raised
him. He was
home-schooled from the
third grade and then
attended a Muslim
private school for his
senior year of high
school.Through it all,
his father made sure
basketball was always
a part of the daily
routine.
Abdul-Aleem
has a twin brother
Musa Abdul-Aleem, who
plays basketball for
the University of
South Florida and is
also married and a
father.
They look forward to
the American dream
through their Muslim
eyes.Muhammad
Abdul-Aleem wants to
ultimately play in the
NBA like his father.Although he lives in such a secular
world, Abdul-Aleem
knows his disciplined
faith will get him
there.
"My
father is our personal
trainer," Abdul-Aleem
says. "He taught us
the first dribble, he
taught us the jump
shot, all the
fundamentals. We were
in the gym since we
were five years old."
"Stay
focused, that's my
message to the FAMU
community. I say that
because you live as if
you're going to die
tomorrow and you plan
as if you're gonna'
live forever."
Florida
A&M University students
struggle
with sudden death of
Prof. Tony Manson
By
Sheree Oats Florida A&M
University Feb. 27, 2013
Students walked into class
nine days ago to what they
thought would be a normal
morning. However, class for
the students of Dr. Tony
Manson would never be "normal"
again.
Dr. Tony Manson (FAMU
photo)
Dr.
Bernadette Kelley,
Chairperson of the Department of Secondary Education
& Foundations,
informed students
that Prof. Manson
would not be coming
back to teach them.
According to Kelly,
Manson died the
morning of Feb. 17
from a massive
heart attack at the
age of 64.
Manson
came to FAMU in the
spring of 2004 as an
elementary education
professor.
Manson
served on the FAMU
Institutional Review Board,
the FAMU DRS School Board and
the Southern Association of
Colleges and Schools
Committee. Jessica
Cooke, third year elementary
education student from
Atlanta, is still struggling
with the news.
"When
I first heard about Dr.
Manson's passing, it was very
hard to take in. I was in
disbelief because I just saw
him lecturing in class less
than a week ago," said Cooke.
Some students are questioning why FAMU
counseling services at
Sunshine Manor has not sent a
grief counselor to speak to
Manson's students.
FAMU
should have sent someone
from Sunshine Manor because
people deal with death in
different ways. Some
students might be able to
cope while other students
may have a difficult time
getting over his death, said
Cooke.
Dougla-Khan
Stancil, Coordinator of
Clinical Programming for FAMU
Counseling Services, said that
typically the Director of
Counseling Services, Yolanda
Boga, reaches out to the dean
of the school to schedule time
to meet with students and
offer their services or the
dean of the school will
contact them.
"In the past we have gone to classrooms
to let students know of our
services, hours of operation,
and to answer any questions
that students may have," said
Stancil.
The Department of Secondary Education in
the College of Educations was
informed on Friday, Feb. 22,
that Dr. Manson was buried
that day in a graveside
service in Detroit, said Pamela Tolson, Director of Media
Relations for the Office of
Communication at FAMU
Ashley Williams, a third year theatre
performance student from
Savannah, Ga., was in Manson's
Psychology in Education class
this semester. Williams says
that although she didn't know
Manson long, he had a great
impact on her life.
"He was such an open book and truly put
his heart into everything he
taught his class. Even though
we were his students, he could
still relate to our issues and
the things we cared about as
young people. Family was
something he held dear to his
heart, and loving the ones
around him," said Williams.
Students
find it hard to stay in the
classroom where the once "full
of personality and funny
beyond measure" professor is
no longer returning.A
request has been made to
change classrooms.
Natural
hair poses a
challenge in the
workplace
for women who
want to keep
'chemically free'
By
Aisha Sylvain Florida A&M
University
Feb 28, 1013
The rise of the natural
hair movement has
encouraged many
African-American women
to embrace their kinks
and coils.
Some women, however,
choose to proceed with
caution in fear that
natural hair will yield
discrimination.
Hair weaves, coloring
and texturizes sometimes
discredit someone from
being considered
natural. Overall, hair
is natural if it has not
been chemically altered.
Monica Morgan, a Florida
A&M University
graduate, decided to go
natural in June 2011.
Even with regular salon
visits, her relaxed hair
was not giving her the
results she wanted.
"My relaxed hair was so
thin and constantly
breaking. I cut all my
hair off out of
frustration, honestly,"
Morgan said.
Morgan said she
appreciates her friends
and boyfriend who
embrace her natural
hair. However, she has a
different experience in
the work environment.
Her decision to wear her
hair natural at a
predominantly white
public relations agency
resulted in some
scrutiny from her
coworkers.
"At work, sometimes I do
feel discriminated
against. Whenever I
straighten my hair, they
always say 'I love your
hair THAT way' and
suggest I straighten it
more often," Morgan
said. "My natural styles
are always neat, pulled
back, or pinned up.
Still, they have their
preferences."
Other women have more
positive experiences
wearing their natural
hair. Domonique Key,
senior political science
student from Orlando,
constantly enjoys
compliments on her
natural hairstyles.
"They'll ask me How did
you get your hair that
way?'," Key said. "I
feel more attractive
with my natural hair
than I ever did when my
hair was relaxed."
The transitional phase -
time spent growing out a
perm - is a time for
people to test their
hair, and patience.
Shirelle Clark, a FAMU
nursing graduate, is
currently transitioning
from a relaxer. She said
she has little fear
because her hair texture
has a wavy pattern.
Example of natural
hair, not chemically
altered (photo by
Aisha Sylvain)
"I have never been
discriminated because my
hair never had the
'natural' look," Clark
said. "I do feel that
women with tightly
curled natural
hairstyles open
themselves up to
discrimination,
especially in white
America," she continued.
Clark's only concern
about going natural is
that her hair texture
will not revert back to
the way it was
pre-relaxer.
"I will not hesitate to
relax my hair again. I
refuse to have
unmanageable and coarse
hair," Clark said.
Key said she believes
wearing hair in its
natural state is more of
a convenience than a
hassle. While she is
able to have fun and
work out without
worrying what her hair
will look like, she said
she still feels there
will be naysayers.
"I feel that society
looks down on these
styles as inappropriate
no matter how well put
together they are," Key
said.
Women with natural hair
report that they test
different variations of
hairstyles to achieve a
"safe" look for work.
Wearing hair pulled
back, twisted out or
pinned up are commonly
suggested work-friendly
natural hairstyles.
Key advises new naturals
to dispel their fear and
embrace their natural
hair.
"I'm thrilled that more
women are going natural.
It saddens me what some
black women do to
themselves to look like
a totally different
person instead of
accepting the beautiful
black queens that they
are," Key said.
Sells
clothing,
takes donations,
runs shelters
Refuge
Thrift Storeshelters women
who are victims of
domestic violence
By
Olivia Smith Florida A&M
University
Feb. 25,
2013
On the outside it
seems like a normal thrift
store, but it stands for
so much more.
Refuge House Thrift Store
provides a place for
victims of domestic
violence, sexual violence
and exploitation to
rebuild their personal
lives by replacing
belongings they may have
left behind in their past.
For 34 years, the Refuge
House has provided
services for victims of
sexual assault in the
Tallahassee community.
The Refuge House Thrift
Store recently celebrated
its grand reopening at its
new, larger location on
1517 South Adams Street in
Tallahassee across from
Florida A&M
University.
Wendy Palmeira has been
working for Refuge House
for seven years and said
the program is not just a
great cause but also one
that is greatly needed.
"We provide clothing,
household items and
furniture for participants
who are transitioning into
new lives, with new homes
or are starting out in the
workforce," said Palmeira.
"When people donate, a lot
of them donate clothes, we
provide so much more than
that to our participants."
According to the Florida
Department of Law
Enforcement, 42 cases of
forcible rape and 598
aggravated assault cases
occurred in Leon County in
2011 alone.
The Refuge House Thrift
Shop isn't limited to
serving only women. The
store provides clothing
for men and children as
well. In addition to the
thrift store, Refuge House
has women's and children's
shelter and three
transitional houses.
Palmeira said anything the
participants need while
going through transition,
they get for free at the
thrift store. Items that
are left over are sold and
the money goes back to
Refuge House to help other
victims and families.
Stephanie Mitchell shops
at Refuge House Thrift
Store two to three times a
week and said although her
first visit was by chance,
she makes an effort to
support the shop every
chance she gets.
"I first heard about it
from an ad in the
newspaper. Once I came in,
I just had to come back,"
said Mitchell. "The spirit
is just so positive and
inviting, and I love that
they serve the community."
According to Refuge House,
3,101 domestic
violence-related hotline
calls and 885 sexual
assault calls were made to
Refuge House between 2011
and 2012.
In addition, 515 women,
children and men sought
safety in their emergency
shelters and 59 women and
children were members of
the transitional housing
community.
For 34 years,
the Refuge
House has
provided
services for
victims of
sexual assault
in the
Tallahassee
community.
Photos by Olivia
Smith
Mitchell
said knowing that
she's able to
spend money that
goes towards
helping others is
why she will
continue to visit
Refuge House
Thrift Store.
"When I see
participants
coming it to get
whatever they
need, whether it
be clothes or
furniture, it
makes me want to
spend more."
"I even tell
people at my
church about what
they're doing
here."
Cathrin Noble, a
frequent shopper
and donator at
Refuge House
Thrift Store said
she heard about
the shop through
word of mouth.
"My friend told me
about it and I
didn't know about
the mission when I
first came," said
Noble, who is now
a frequent
donator.
"I donate clothes,
furniture,
anything. They've
done a great job
here, it's come a
long way."
Palmeira
said she uses
every opportunity
to educate those
who aren't aware
that money spent
in Refuge House
Thrift Store goes
to help victims of
domestic violence
and sexual
assault.
"I would say 75
percent of
people who come in
know our mission,"
said Palmeira.
"The other 25
percent, I
educate; I tell
them why we're
here and why
they're spending
this money."
Refuge House
provides
assistance to
domestic violence
victims and sexual
assault survivors
in eight counties
of the Big Bend
area of North
Florida. Refuge
House also
provides two
shelters, in Leon
and Taylor
Counties.
Victims in Leon
County may call
the 24-hour
hotline at
850-681-2111 or
call 850-922-5570
for the outreach
office.
For more
information about
additional
services, or to
find out how to
donate, visit
www.refugehouse.com.
Many
fear for loss
of privacy
You
can fight hacking by
choosing good password,
says computer
expert in wake of
widespread problem
By
Sequoia
Powell Florida A&M
University Feb. 25,
2013
Choose
your password wisely,
says a local expert, in
the wake of
international computer
hacking scandals.
"When
it comes to Facebook or
any other type of online
website that requires a
password, you must
choose your password
wisely," said Shawn
Moore, a sales engineer
of Aegis Business
Technologies in
Tallahassee.
"The question you must
ask yourself is, 'Do you
have a good password
that is not obvious? ' "
In the 21st Century,
almost everyone uses
computers and social
networks. Just how safe
and private are these
devices and sites?
In January, the largest
social network in the
world, Facebook, was
hacked. The company said
in a blog post on Friday
that it was hacked after
several employees visited
a website that installed a
virus on their machines.
The malware that
eventually hacked Facebook
is still under
investigation.
Yet,
Facebook has announced
that none of the
information belonging to
its millions of users has
been tampered with.
Shawn Moore, a sales
engineer and employee at
Aegis Business
Technologies, has been
working with computers for
21 years.
Aegis Business
Technologies is a local
company that caters to the
technological needs of the
Tallahassee community.
"When it comes to Facebook
or any other type of
online website that
requires a password, you
must choose your password
wisely," said Moore. "The
question you must ask
yourself is 'Do you have a
good password?' "
Use one that is not your
nickname, pet's name,
spouse's name or kid's
name, he says.
Facebook is not alone in
this battle against
hackers.
Apple publicly stated
Tuesday that it was hacked
as well.
The company said a small
number of its employees'
computers were hacked,
after they visited a
website that created a
weakness in the Java
browser plug-in which
installed malware on their
Mac computers.
Arielle Harrell, an Apple
owner and Facebook user,
has been a member of
Facebook since 2009 and an
Apple owner since
Christmas of 2011.
"I don't feel safe now
because whoever hacked
into these billion dollar
companies now has total
access to all my business,
even though the companies
said no data was taken,"
Harrell said.
"I try to not put any
personal information on my
computer, iPad, or any
social network," she said.
"I never save any
passwords onto a website,
because anyone can hack
into your router and Wi-Fi
and see everything you've
entered on your computer."
Tallahassee residents have
become worried about the
privacy they have on their
own computers.
"The hackers who hacked
into Facebook and Apple
were targeting services
that are publicly
available, in order to do
things that can be
publicly viewed," Moore
said.
Facebook pages were
hacked, Apple reported
"It's harder to connect to
someone's personal
computer, especially if
they have a firewall or
virus protection. The
thing with a personal
computer is that it
wouldn't be directly
impacted.
"Unlike a company like
Facebook or Twitter, a
personal computer has to
be hacked by a virus or
spyware that is placed on
the computer, which opens
up the computer to then be
hacked by others," he
said.
The company did announce,
like Facebook, that none
of its data has been
meddled with.
Antwan Muhammad, a
Facebook member since
2007, said his account has
been hacked more than
three times.
"My account has been
hacked multiple times and
I found out by seeing that
someone posted messages on
my wall and sent direct
messages to all of my
friends," Muhammad said. In
order to prevent it from
happening again, Muhammad
changed his email address
affiliated with his
Facebook account and made
his password more
difficult. He said his
first couple of passwords
were simple things, like
his nickname and area
code.
"I mean, if the company
who issues the social
network is hacked, than
I'm more than likely
enough to be hacked also.
Even though my page is
private on Face book, I
don't believe it's private
at all," Muhammad said.
Meanwhile, while Apple and
Facebook are the latest
companies to be hacked,
they are now one of many
high-profile American
corporations that have
been attacked.
Twitter, another popular
social network, admitted
to being hacked earlier
this year, along with The
New York Times, The Wall
Street Journal, The
Washington Post and the
U.S Department of Energy.
The news organizations
have made it clear that
they believe China is
responsible for hacking
their sites, but Apple,
Facebook and Twitter have
not accused the Chinese.
"If you put something on
the Internet, you can be
about 100 percent sure
someone else can find it,
no matter when it was
uploaded," Moore said.
"People have become too
free with their
information and what they
put online, and aren't
worrying about protecting
themselves."
The most important thing
to remember is to not have
the same password on every
website because some
websites encrypt your
password onto the site,
and once that password is
identified, hackers could
use it to log on more
important things, like
your bank account,
according to Moore.
Food stamps becoming a way
of life
for the newest
generation of students
By
Jayme Warner Florida A&M
University
Food stamps have become a
high demand in today's
society. But have food
stamps gotten out of
hand?
The number of food stamp
applicants have risen by
44 percent since July 2011
in Florida alone,
government statistics
show.
One of the reasons for the
onslaught may be students
who suffer in the
country's weak economy.
"Without food stamps I
don't know how I would be
able to buy food for my
child. I am a single
mother in school and I
have no time for a full
time job," said Dominique
Dowdell, an Occupational
Therapy Assistant student
at Keiser University in
Tallahassee.
With climbing expenses
such as rising tuition,
and demands of a full
course load, it can be
difficult for students to
find steady work. And in
many college towns, work
opportunities are limited.
Students are relying on
food stamps to help them
save money so they will be
able to pay other bills,
such as rent and
utilities.
Food stamp cards work like
a debit card, but instead
of withdrawing money from
a checking account, the
government prepays an
amount of money it deems
necessary for the user's
food expenditures.
The amount of money
received is based on the
applicant's income and
living situation, such as
how many children they
have. You will get a
credit card and it will be
reloaded each month with
the amount allotted to
that applicant.
Having food stamps used to
mean that you were lower
class, but in today's
society, having food
stamps is looked upon as a
new trend.
Today, food stamp cards
have become one of the
most popular possessions
among college students.
Students in college who
work part time jobs that
pay minimum wage earn
barely enough to cover
rent.
Also, with rising tuition
most students are turning
to food stamps in hopes
they will be able to cover
food expenses.
However, just because one
applies doesn't mean he or
she will be approved. A
lot of students apply
multiple times, trying to
beat the system in order
to receive food stamps.
Some students who are
trying to obtain them may
not meet one or two of the
requirements. For example,
a student may not work 20
hours a week. Even though
that student could really
use the food stamps,
he or she won't be
approved.
"Personally I got the
stamps just because. I
don't know how because I
don't really meet all the
criteria, but somehow I
managed to get them," said
Briel Hill, third year
criminal justice student.
"I could buy groceries on
my own, but having free
money to help me pay for
them just makes sense and
now I have extra money in
my pocket."
Obtaining food stamps is
also difficult for those
who have graduated and
need the support of the
government as they try to
accommodate with to a new
lifestyles such as
independent living.
"I haven't been able to
get on food stamps, but I
have tried numerous times.
I could really use them,
because being a grad
student with a $500 rent,
on top of utilities, a
cable bill and paying for
my books, I have no extra
money for groceries," said
Danielle Anderson, a
graduate biology student.
Food stamps was one of the
topics between
presidential candidates
Governor Mitt Romney and
President Barack Obama.
Plastic card given
to food stamp recipients
(photo by Jayme Warner)
According to Romney's
election team, he had
proposed to cut billions
of dollars from the
funding of the
Supplemental Nutrition
Assistance Program (SNAP)
program.
President Barack Obama
said during the
presidential debates that
without food stamps,
hundreds and thousandths
of families would be
unable to care for their
children. Many would go
without resources to feed
their families.
Food stamps can be used at
any grocery store, some
convenience stores and
some restaurants, such as
Leola's Crab Shack.
But food stamps are
limited. You cannot buy
hot food, such as fried
chicken from Publix deli,
or alcohol with them.
Rules
for Food
Stamps
1.
Applicants
must provide
proof of their
identity.
2.
Healthy
adults, 18 to
50 years of
age, who do
not have
dependent
children or
are not
pregnant, can
only get food
assistance
benefits for
three months
in a 3-year
period, if
they are not
working or
participating
in a work or
workfare
program.
3. The
Food
Assistance
Program counts
most types of
income to see
if a household
is
eligible.
Households
must have
their monthly
gross income
compared to a
percentage of
the federal
poverty
level.
Residency -
Individuals
must live in
the state of
Florida.
4.
Individuals
must be a U.S.
citizen or
have a
qualified
noncitizen
status.
5. Individuals
must provide a
Social
Security
Number or
proof they
have applied
for one.
6.
Certain
individuals
must cooperate
with the
state's child
support
enforcement
agency to
prove a
child's legal
relationship
to their
parent and to
get the court
to order child
support
payments.
7. Most
food
assistance
households may
have assets
such as
vehicles, bank
accounts, or
property and
still get
help.
Households
with a
disqualified
member must
meet an asset
limit of
$2,000 or
$3,250 (if the
household
contains an
elderly or
disabled
member).
FAMU lacks a true recycling
program
while
other 'green'
colleges forge
ahead
By
Aisha Sylvain Florida A&M University
Although
Florida A&M
University is
the only
historically
black college or
university on
the Princeton
Review's list of
green schools,
it is lacking
one key element
of
sustainability:
recycling. "FAMU
does not have a
true organized
recycling
program," said
Anthony Ward,
senior
international
business student
from St.
Petersburg,
Fla.
At
one point,
the
Environmental
Health &
Safety
Department hired
one full-time
person to
collect
recyclables on
campus. The
employee was let
go due to budget
cuts, leaving
FAMU with very
few recycling
options.
Currently,
one student
picks up
recycling on
campus. This
student reports
to FAMU's Senior
Environmental
Specialist, Ryan
Mitchell, who
has many other
duties in
addition to
recycling.
In
fall 2011, the
coalition
circulated
petitions at the
homecoming
football game
ultimately
obtaining more
than 1,500
signatures in
support of
creating a full
time recycling
on campus. The
coalition
presented those
petitions to
then-president
James Ammons.
"Our ultimate goal is to get a sustainability
office on campus
that would
oversee green
initiatives on
campus including
recycling and
seek grants to
support those
initiatives,"
said LaRae
Donnellan,
former FAMU
Green Coalition
adviser.
FAMU
students and
faculty alike
yearn for the
return of
eco-friendly
programs.
Although
recycling was
new to some
students, the
absence of the
program is
noticed.
"It
would be great
to have campus
recycling active
again. Since I've been at school, I've learned a lot more about
the benefits of
going green,"
said Alexis
Brown, senior
business
administration
student from
Minnesota. "I
always feel
better about
myself and the
school when I
recycle," Brown
said.
According
to
the
Environmental
Protection
Agency,
recycling
reduces the
amount of waste
sent to
landfills,
conserves
natural
resources,
prevents
pollution, saves
energy, and
reduces
greenhouse gas
emissions that
contribute to
global climate
change.
Other
HBCUs are
steadily
increasing
their green
initiatives.
Howard
University
recently set
up
a sustainability office
and installed
13,000
recycling bins
on campus.
Spelman
College
received
numerous
campus energy
and
sustainability
accolades.
"We
must step our
game up if we
wish to
continue to be
the
frontrunner
for going
green at
HBCUs," Ward
said.
'It
would be great
to have campus
recycling
active again.
Since I've
been at
school, I've
learned a lot
more about the
benefits of
going green'
FAMU Student Alexis
Brown
Ward,
who is also
president of
FAMU's Green
Coalition,
said he
believes many
other
sustainability
initiatives
are lacking on
FAMU's campus.
He said that
the Coalition
supports CFL
and LED
lighting in
buildings,
sensor
controlled
lights and
organic foods
in campus
eateries.
"I
believe
the reason for
the lack of
these
initiatives is
that people
aren't willing
to put in the
effort to see
them put in
place. The
interest is
there; the
manpower isn't,"
Ward said. While
some students
are upset
about the
absence of an
active
recycling
program,
others feel as
though it is
not important.
Junior nursing
student Alissa
Morgan said
she does not
prioritize
green
initiatives
because she is
unfamiliar
with them.
"I
don't
feel obligated
to recycle
because it's
not practiced
in my
community,"
Morgan said.
"I do not
believe most
African-Americans
are concerned
about the
environment
because it's
not something
that is
heavily
thought about
or taught in
our culture."
The
lack
of visible
recycling bins
on campus also
discourages
students from
taking the
initiative to
recycle.
"I
never
even see
recycling bins
on campus. If
I did I would
probably
recycle more,"
Morgan said. Students
believe
the
possibility of
gratification
and
recognition
for green
efforts could
possibly raise
interest in
recycling. "Rattlers
have the spark
and energy to
recycle. We
just need to
bring it out
of them," Ward
said.
Your
donation of bone
marrow could save a
life;
Gadsden's
'Be the Match' event
set for Feb. 23
By Ma'Isha Thompson Florida A&M
University
Imagine
going to the doctor's
office for a routine
checkup and being
diagnosed with a
terminal illnessand
then being told that
the illness will
require you to have a
bone transplant.
Without
it, you will only have
six weeks to live. For
the transplant, you'll
need to find someone
who matches your blood
type and is healthy.
Without it you will
not survive.
That is
the imagery Vikki
Weaver depicted as she
discussed
the importance of
adding people to the
bone marrow registry.
She is co-coordinator
of the "Be the Match"
bone marrow drive.
The "Be the Match" bone
marrow drive will take
place at the Gadsden
County Black History
Festival, Saturday
Feb. 23, 12-4 p.m. at
the Gadsden County
Courthouse in Quincy.
The event is a part of
the National Marrow
Donor Program's"Be the
Match" project.
The
purpose of the event
is not only to add
people to the bone
marrow registry as
potential donors, but
also to inform people
of the procedures and
benefits of becoming a
donor, according to
Weaver."We hope for
this event to be like
a 'reach one, teach
one' type of event. We
want people to be
informed that you
can't just become a
donor, you have to be
a healthy eligible
donor," said Weaver.
According to National
Marrow Donor Program
website, millions of
people have joined
the"Be the Match"
registry but there is
still a need to add
racially and
ethnically diverse
donors to the
registry.
Vikki Weaver and her
sister Lenora Weaver
were inspired to help
coordinate the event
after a family member
was told a bone marrow
transplant was
paramount to her
survival."My mother
also battled breast
cancer. So we came
together to make a
difference and educate
others about this
issue," said Weaver.
More than one in three
African Americans
patients are unable to
find a match.
'I
really hope this
event will get
more donors in the
registry.
Something like
this could truly
save a life' - Stacy
St. Rose, FAMU
student who lost
a friend
Lenora
Weaver, a registered
nurse at Kaiser
Permanente Hospital in
Atlanta Ga.,
said,"African Americans
have the lowest amount
of people registered on
the national bone marrow
registry."
"However, we have
a vast amount of African
Americans in need of a
donor. Statistics show
that if an African
American finds a match
through the registry,
there is an 80 percent
chance that their match
is the only match for
them."
Finding a
donor isn't the only
barrier that stops
patients in need of a
bone marrow
transplant. In
some cases, health
insurance does not
cover the full cost of
the transplant.
Thus, during the
event, donations will
be taken through the
"Change for Change"
mission, which asks
for coin donations to
go toward the cause.
Shirts will also be
sold and the proceeds
will go to helping
those in need of a
bone marrow
transplant. A local
bartending business,
71 Proof, will also
contribute to the
giving spirit. The
bartending company is
offering free
bar-catering services
to a raffle ticket
winner. A $10 raffle
ticket will make
people eligible to win
a party with full bar
services for up to 25
people.
Stacy St. Rose, a fourth
year political science
student at Florida A&M
University, lost a close
friend due to the
inability to find a donor.
St. Rose said,"I really
hope this event will get
more donors in the
registry. Something like
this could truly save a
life."
Catholic
students are
supporting Pope Benedict's
decision to relinquish
his seat early as head
of Church
By
Valeria Sistrunk Florida A&M
University
Local
Catholic students say
the surprise
resignation of the
pope reinforces their
beliefs and was done
for good reasons.
Earlier
this month, Pope
Benedict XVI stunned the
Catholic community when
he announced his early
retirement.The 85-year-old
Pope plans to resign on
Feb. 28, 8 p.m. Rome
time.
Pope
Benedict (Free
Software
Foundation)
A
statement was
released by
Benedict,
regarding his
resignation.
He told the
world,"After
having
repeatedly
examined my
conscience
before God, I
have come to the
certainty that
my strengths,
due to an
advanced age,
are no longer
suited to the
adequate
exercise of the
Petrine
ministry."
Christian
Cobb, a fourth year
business student at
Florida A&M
Univeristy, was raised
Catholic and went to
Catholic school for most
of his life."I think
Pope Benedict's decision
was pretty noble," said
Cobb."He made a really
tough decision that he
felt was best for the
Catholic church, and I
think he's stepping down
for good reasons." Benedict's
decision
comes as a surprise to
many because previous
popes have chosen to
spend the rest of their
lives in office. In fact, the last pope to resign
from his duties was Pope
Gregory XII nearly 600
years ago, which was
done to end a civil war
within the church.
'The
fact that this
man, the face of
my religion, is
brave enough to
realize that his
time has come and
gone; I really
respect and admire
that' - Michael
Woodward, devout
Catholic
While the pope's
decision to retire may
be shocking, many
Catholics still remain
faithful.In fact,
Michael Woodward, a
FAMU alumni and a
devout Catholic says
he's even more
prideful of his
religion now."The
fact that this man,
the face of my
religion, is brave
enough to realize that
his time has come and
gone; I really respect
and admire that," said
Woodward.
With
last Wednesday marking
the beginning of Lent, a
time in the church
usually for reflection
and fasting, many are
left wondering why
Benedict chose such a
sacred time to step
down. Eric
Dudley, Rector at St.
Peter's Anglican Church,
says he thinks Pope
Benedict's timing
couldn't have been
better."I think it's
perfect timing," said
Dudley,"This is the
season of sacrifice and
being reminded of what
the lord gave up in
surrendering his own
life on the cross, and I
think you see that very
sort of humility in the
pope."
The Anglican Church broke
away from Rome centuries
ago, but retained many of
the religious traditions.
Once
Benedict steps down, the
Cardinals will quickly
begin voting on the next
Bishop of Rome. Benedict
was the 265th
pope, and the
sixth German to
ever serve as the Bishop
of Rome; he took his
seat in the Vatican in
2005.
Crime
Stoppers 'hotline'
offers money to
callers for tips;
FAMU police
urge students to dial
574-8477 or text info
By
Kee-Shawn Smith Florida A&M
University
The Florida A&M
University Police
Department has a lot of
'cold cases' because no
one wants to talk about
what they have seen or
heard.
FAMU and the Big Bend
Crime Stoppers are
encouraging students to
help by reporting criminal
activity and suspicion of
criminal activity. Lt. Angela
Kirkland,
investigations commander
for the FAMU police
department, says student
help would allow law
enforcement to solve
crimes faster.
"We
would love ideally for
students to report crimes
that they witness
occurring, that they know
have occurred and
conspiracy of criminal
activity.We need to know
when something is
happening because we have
a lot of cold cases and
nobody wants to say
anything."
Crime Stoppers originated
in Phoenix, Arizona in
1976.The Big Bend
chapter caters to TCC,
FAMU and FSU by allowing
students to anonymously
report all criminal
activity.
After
calling the tip hotline,
callers get a code in
exchange for their
information.
Every Tuesday is
considered tip reward day
at Crime Stoppers.Tipsters call in
and give their code to the
operator and ask the
status of their tip.
If
an arrest was made
from that tip code,
the operator will give
the caller banking
information and they
can go to the bank and
hand the teller the
code. In return, they
receive their reward
check.
According to
FAMU's crime log, 29
crimes were committed on
and around campus from
Feb. 3 to Feb. 20,
15 of which are still
pending more
information. Lt.
Kirkland says FAMU's
recreational center has
been a target for robbery.
"Backpacks have
been stolen from the rec
center and because there
are no cameras, we have no
help finding the thieves
unless we get a tip from
someone that witnessed
either the crime or
suspicious activity."
The
Big Bend Crime Stoppers
has implemented incentives
for tips that lead to an
arrest. All
tips are anonymously given
and kept so through a code
system.
The
tipster could get up to
$1,000 for a tip that
leads to an arrest.A points
system determines
how much money a tipster
gets for his or her
information.The money that is
paid out is generated
through the Florida court
system.
'Backpacks
have been
stolen from
the rec center
and because
there are no
cameras we
have no help
finding the
thieves unless
we get a tip
from someone
that witnessed
either the
crime or
suspicious
activity'
- Lt.
Angela
Kirkland, FAMU
Andy Berentsen, law
enforcement liaison,
distributes the tips that
come into the tip center
to the correct law
enforcement agency.He says some people
just want to help; they
aren't worried about the
reward.
"Around
about 75 percent of the
people that give tips
never call back for their
reward.They just genuinely
want to be a good person."
Third
year nursing student
Whitney Baron hopes a
change is made, now that
there is more awareness
about the tip line.
"Hopefully, this
reduces the crime around
the neighborhood and on
campus, you know."
Here
are the numbers for Big
Bend Crime Stoppers:
The hotline is
574-TIPS (8477) or toll
free at 1-888-876-TIPS
(8477). These calls are
not recorded. When
information is given, the
caller receives a code
number to keep identity
anonymous.
People can text "BBCS"
plus a tip to 274637
(CRIMES).
Example: 'BBCS Joe is
selling drugs at the
corner of. . . in
Tallahassee.'
Tipsters remain anonymous
as the message is
encrypted and routed
through secure servers,
protecting the personal
details of the tipster.
Mobile App: People can
also download the
TipSubmit Mobile App from
"TipSoft" or "TipSubmit"
on the Apple App Store or
Android Market.
Or people can go
Online: Click
http://www.leoncountyso.com/crime-stoppers
to enter an anonymous tip
on the Big Bend Crime
Stoppers Confidential Web
Tip Information System.
Panama City Beach
offers great relaxation
scene and students flock to
Florida destination (photo
by Sequoia Powell)
FREEDOM
FOR A WEEK For
students, it's
time to kick off
shoes and
celebrate
By
Sequoia Powell Florida A&M
University
It's time get out of
town.
From
a party in the woods,
to a fiesta on the
beach, Tallahassee
residents are looking
for the most
affordable
destinations for
spring break.
Spring
break is an essential
part in a college
student's life. It's
that well-needed break
that allows students
to get away from all
the studying and
school work.
For
college students,
spring break means no
sleep, bikinis, and
fun in the sun;
however, the question
is where to and how
much.
Some
students say they will
take the typical route
to the nearest beach
and others said they
are choosing to think
outside the box.
For
Jarren Smith, a health
care administration
student at the
University of West
Florida, it's a time
to relax, let loose,
and have fun.
"I'm
going to Miami for
spring break, because
my university is about
an hour away from
Panama (City) and I've
been there too many
times," he said."I'm a
senior and want a new,
mature environment so
I know Miami will give
me that grown thrill
I'm looking for the
week."
According
to the American
Association of Port
Authorities, 86
percent of cruise
passengers are either
in college or recent
college graduates.The AAPA says that a cruise allows
people to visit a
great place with
affordability in mind.
There
are always those
networks like BET and
MTV that host these
outrageous spring
break concert parties,
which are usually free
and a great way to
have a blast.
Panama
City, Florida lures
500,000 student
visitors each year,
according to Time
Magazine. Students
spend an average
of $1,100 a week.
Meanwhile,
Samantha Harvill, a
Florida State student,
plans to get into her
books and study all
throughout spring
break.
"Graduation is coming
up soon for me, and as
a business student I
have a lot of papers
and work to get done
before that day comes.
I will also be on a
job hunt this spring
break, so that should
keep me pretty busy,"
Harvill said.
'I loved when
spring break
came
around because
it
was
always at the
perfect
time. Those
breaks
kept
me from going
crazy and
overloading
my brain'
- former student
"Spring
break is about
partying and Panama is
the closest beach to
FAMU, FSU and TCC
students," said Stacy
Saint Rose, a second
year student at
FAMU,"so Panama (City)
is the quickest way to
hit the beach, party
and save my net check
money."
Nonetheless,
you always have those
students who dare to
be different and try
new things. Isaac
Holland, a criminal
justice student at
TCC, is one of those
spontaneous students.
His idea of a
memorable spring break
is to go camping with
friends for the week.
"My
friends and I rented a
cabin last year for
spring break and had
so much fun that we
are going to do it all
over again and invite
much more people,"
says Holland.
"Last year we went
hiking, canoeing,
fishing, and made
bonfires. The thing I
enjoyed the most was
spending time and
enjoying my friends.
This year we are all
going to get closer
and enjoy each other's
company, while on a
budget."
For
Amanda Spradely,
spring break was the
highlight of her
college years. "I
loved when spring
break came around
because it was always
at the perfect time.
Those breaks kept me
from going crazy and
overloading my brain,"
she said.
Her advice to students now is to choose
wisely and don't waste
time, because spring
break only comes once
a year, and is only
given in college.
FAMU
honors memory of Dean
Charles C. Kidd
who pioneered
engineering,
environmental sciences
By
Bria Bennett
Florida A&M
University Feb.
15, 2013
Charles
C. Kidd was
memorialized
this week as a
man who made
significant
contributions to
Florida A&M
University and
pioneered two
colleges
considered vital
to the mission
of the
university.
Students and faculty
filled the seats of
Perry Paige
Auditorium and the
the halls of the
Frederick S.
Humphries Building
on Tuesday, Feb. 12,
to honor a dean who
helped make the
engineering school
and the school of
environmental
sciences a reality.
Then they unveiled a
portrait on a
university wall of
distinction for
former Florida
A&M University
dean Charles C.
Kidd, who died in December.
Kidd served
FAMU for 19 years,
where he co-founded
the FAMU-FSU College
of Engineering and
created the
Environmental
Sciences Institute
with funding through
a grant from the
U.S. Department of
Energy.
He was regarded as a
respected scholar and
leader within his
community.
Before serving at
FAMU, Kidd
attended the University
of Michigan where he
received an M.S.in Radiological
Health Sciences, an
M.S.E. in Civil
Engineering and a Ph.D
in Environmental Health
Sciences.
Kidd worked for several
universities
implementing programs,
teaching and creating
scholarships for
students.
Kidd was a promoter for
educating and teaching
students in science,
technology and
mathematics.
After leaving
FAMU, Dr. Kidd
continued to be
instrumental in
forming programs at
several other
universities.
Before his death in
December 2012, he
served as the dean
of the School of
Graduate and
Professional Studies
at Bethune Cookman
University.
At the
memorial service,
students, faculty and
family members shared
their fondest memories
and experiences of the
former dean with kind
words and video
presentations.
Former student Oslamar
Sheffield said that Dr.
Kidd was responsible for
shaping her career as
professional and giving
so much to FAMU and its
students.
"Dr.
Kidd saw something
in me that made him
want to send me to
recruit students to
come to FAMU. He
just encouraged me
personally and
professionally."
Some students
from the
Environmental
Sciences program
attended the
memorial and
unveiling including
second-year student
Jamila Tull from
Atlanta
Charles C. Kidd
memorialized(university
photo)
Mary Ann Cornelia Evans
Kidd and Dean of the
Environmental Sciences
Institute Michael
Abazinge (photo
by Bria Bennett)
"I feel
really inspired," she
said. "I feel charged
from coming from this
memorial service; he
did so much for the
students in this
program. I feel like
it's my place to help
FAMU, too."
Following
the memorial was the
unveiling of the
portrait placed in
Frederick S. Humphries
Research Building
where Kidd's daughter,
on her family's
behalf, gave their
thanks to supporters.
"My dad always helped
people achieve their
best," said Chekesha
Kidd. "He was
appreciated for all his
hard work and that was
acknowledged and we just
want people to know we
are grateful for that."
Kidd
was a member of
Alpha Phi Alpha
Fraternity and Sigma
Pi Phi Fraternity.
He left behind a
legacy that impacted
many faculty and
students on FAMU's
campus.
Brogan
Museum board votes to close
doors,
leaving many in the public
with only memories
By Danay Dubrey Florida A&M
University
Tallahassee's
rich
cultural diversity is often
showcased by its attractions.
One of these attractions has
made the decision to close its
doors permanently after a series
of failed events.
It
took several meetings and
discussions before the board of
The Mary Brogan Museum of Art
and Science voted to close.
According
to the museum's Chief Operating
Officer, Trish Hanson, the
Brogan made the decision to
pause its daily operations on
Jan 13, 2012. That decision came
after the museum was faced with
more than $200,000 of debt.
Today,
the Brogan has $27,000 dollars
in the bank, but owes $131,000.
The
Brogan museum was opened in
1998 and has since become an
educational tool for
children and parents alike.
Tallahassee native Joshua
Prater is just one of many
local residents who will be
devastated to lose the
Brogan.
Prater
said,"I hate the fact that they
are thinking of closing the
museum, It was a place where I
learned a lot and I had a lot of
childhood memories there."
Just a
week ago the Brogan's Chief
Operating Officer Hanson was
optimistic about the Brogan's
future. She believed that the
Brogan had "a strong plan to
move forward."
Their
plan included using the time
that they were closed to fund
raise, reassess their mission,
and to build upon their
successes. The museum had
planned to continue to raise
funds for events and projects
while paying off past debts.
Museum closed (photo by
Danay Dubrey)
Florida
A&M University student
Micah Lee was disappointed
to learn that the Brogan
would be closed."I
always just thought that the
Brogan would be one of those
places I would come back to
with my family years from
now," he said. " I never
imagined it closing down."
Last
month The Brogan's Facebook page
featured a poll by WTXL which
asks patrons if they would miss
the Brogan if it decided to
close its doors forever. The
results of the poll certainly
indicated the public's love for
the museum as an institution.
However,
the
community's love and support was
evidently not enough to keep the
museum open for the public.
This
month's featured event
would have been
Shaolin monks from the
Drepung Lee monastery.
This would have been
the seventh year that
the Brogan was able to
host them.
FAMU
students travel to Harvard's
Model UN to
consider global issues
By
Cheikh Kante Florida A&M
University
Nine students from
Florida A&M
University will travel
to Harvard University
this week to learn the
strategies of
diplomacy and how to
solve urgent global
issues.
Florida A&M's
Model United Nations
will take part in the Harvard National Model United Nations
from Feb.14 to
Feb.17.
The purpose of the
convention is to
simulate the
activities of the
United Nations and
offer a unique
opportunity to
experience the
challenges of
international
negotiation and
diplomacy.
Delegates will gain
insight into the
workings of the United
Nations by actively
participating in the
resolution of
important global
issues.
Mariah
Mandy
Williams, president of
the FAMU model UN,
said that it is a huge
opportunity for the
student members of
FAMU model UN.
"Everyone
is
assigned a topic on a
country and each one
of us has to given an
opinion about the
country's topic they
cover," she said.
Participants
will
not only work with
hundreds of other
motivated college
students with the
common goals of
furthering
international
awareness and building
consensus, but will
also work within a
lively social setting.
This year's topics
focus on the
intersection between
different issues:
freedom of expression
in regard toaccessto
the media and minority
rights with a specific
focus on
self-determination.
______________________________________ I
came to a
meeting
randomly
to learn
about the
organization.
They
talked about
politics
and
international
relations.
I loved it
right away.
-
Candice Smith _____________________________________
Participants
of the 59th session
of Harvard's
national model UN
will vote on a time
allocation for each
individual to speak.
Candice Smith,
a second-year music
education student from
Detroit, has fallen in
love with
international
relations.
"I
came to a meeting
randomly to learn
about the
organization. They
talked about politics
and international
relations. I loved it
right away. Since
then, I joined the
organization and
traveled with the
organization."
Wirdlur
Joseph, a third-year
political science
student from
Brooklyn, thinks
that this convention
will give FAMU
students more
opportunity to attend
these conventions and
learn about
international
relations.
"The purpose of this
event is obviously to
take FAMU to another
level by getting
awards and strengthen
our organization."
One
major topic for FAMU
are the countries of
Tajikistan, which is
north of Afghanistan,
and the island country
of Barbados.
Nine delegates will
travel to Boston this
Thursday and the trip
will be funded by FAMU
student government
association.
FAMU
star kicker
is named to
Black College
All-America team
By
Sequoia Powell Florida A&M
University
He lives for the pressure
moments, and star kicker
Chase Varnadore says that
both prayer and
conditioning are essential
to success.
"It was a great feeling. .
. when I kicked the
five field goals and
especially when I kicked
the game winning field
goal during the homecoming
game against North
Carolina Central," says
Varnadore, Florida
A&M's Sports Black
College All-American
kicker.
"Right
afterwards
everybody
started
jumping up and
high-fiving
me. . .
it was fun."
The
2012 American
Urban Radio
Network has
named
Varnadore, a
Rattler place
kicker, as a
Black College
All-American.
Varnadore, a
Tallahassee
native and
criminal
justice major
at FAMU, says
he enjoys
being a
student-athlete.
However, he
says its challenge to
juggle the two roles."It's
tough being a
student-athlete because I
have to go to class then I
have to study and do
homework; on top of that I
have to lift weights and
then I have go kick.
Kicking takes a lot of my
time because I want to
always do it perfect."
"It's definitely difficult
but it's nothing that I
can't and haven't already
handled at this point,"
Varnadore said.
As a sophomore, Varnadore
kicked 15 out of 18 field
goals and 23-26 points
after touchdowns in the
2012 season. Varnadore
explained the importance
of being a disciplined
athlete and being
confident and calm
throughout the game.
"You definitely have to
have discipline when you
go out on the field.
Especially before you go
out and kick you just
can't go out there with a
hot head. You can't have a
cocky attitude; you have
to try to be as down to
earth as possible."
"I personally try to stay
focused and repeat the
steps in my mind that I
have to complete. When I'm
on the sidelines during
the game, I just practice
kicking with the provided
net. That's how I stay
focused throughout the
game."
Many football kickers
start off playing another
sport and then transition
themselves to football.
Varnadore started kicking
around the age of 13, when
he was in the eighth
grade.
He only played soccer at
that time, and then one of
the football coaches asked
him to try out for the
football team as a kicker.
"I made the transition
from soccer to football
when I noticed that I was
pretty good at it, so I
thought why not just
continue to pursue
something that I'm good
at."
"So when my senior year
rolled around at Florida
High, my coach said he was
sure I could have the
chance to go play at the
next level, that's when I
decided to go to Florida
A&M," Varnadore said.
He is the first kicker to
be named SBN All-American
since former rattler
kicker Wesley Taylor back
in 2005. Varnadore's
current Special Teams
coach and mentor Juan
Vasquez was also named
all-American in 2000 and
2002.
Varnadore seeks
perfection in kick.
(Photo by Sequoia
Powell)
Coach Quinn Gray says
Varnadore works
hard."Chase Varnadore is a
great kid. He is a hard
worker, a local kid that
does everything that we
ask of him."
"He
has worked his butt off
since he's been here. The
adulates that he's
receiving are much
deserved because the kid
works hard on the daily
basis, on and off the
field. He just gives us
everything we need as the
kicker of team."
According to Varnadore,
how much you weigh as a
kicker doesn't really
matter, since kicking is
all in the legs. Kickers
have to continue to keep
their legs stretched and
iced after every practice
and game.
"Confidence makes me a
good kicker. The key is
staying calm and not over
thinking things throughout
the game. My mind is
racing before I kick and
like everyone else, I tell
myself 'don't miss it.'"
"I become my own
cheerleader. . . I'm
always saying to
myself 'You got
this; you can do it,
because you do it every
day in practice.' I just
go out there and try to
mimic how I did it in
practice. That way I'm not
over-compensating anything
or over-thinking
anything."
Varnadore said being the
starting kicker for a
football team can be very
stressful; however, he has
remedies that he does
before and after a game.
"Right before I go out and
kick I say a prayer and
whether I miss it or make
it, afterwards I'll say
another prayer. Before the
game I try not to do
anything too crazy. I just
listen to music and
stretch."
"It's definitely a lot of
pressure but it's kind of
what I live for. . . I
live for the pressure
moments. But once I
achieve it then I can
really have that sigh of
relief that I did it,"
Varnadore said.
Varnadore plans to attend
grad school.
Amazing urban
clothing store
boasts hot labels, carwash, tattoos
By Tineisha
Sulker
Florida A&M University
Ever heard of a place where you can buy an
exotic new outfit, get an outrageous tattoo,
and get your car sparkling clean all at the
same time?
Well now you have. The 3-in-1 shop called
Xclusive VIP is an amazing concept of having
everything you need in one spot.
Customers who walk into Xclusive VIP at 2531
S. Adams Street are surrounded by urban
clothing of all brands which fills the walls
and racks of the store. But that's not all.
The lights are dim and the music invites the
customer to shop for a new outfit to step
out on the town.
This little store, one block south of
Florida A&M's campus, carries a variety
of men's and women's clothing with top
quality for a fraction of the price. With
the latest fashions from L.A., Paris, Milan,
and China, Xclusive packs a heap of urban
fashion dreams under this one roof.
"Every year there are two big apparel shows
that I attend at least four times a year,
where all the new and best fashions are
presented," said Kenneth Barber, store owner
and manager.
In addition to finding an outfit for any
occasion, customers can see a carwash and a
tattoo parlor in the back.
"When we first opened the store, I suggested
to Kenneth that we add the carwash and the
tattoo parlor in the back to generate more
income," said Terrance Barber, co-owner and
nephew of Kenneth Barber.
In the current economic climate, small
businesses face a tremendous hurdle to
overcome during the first year. Barber,
however, feels Xclusive has made it past
that point.
"Everyone said that the first year was going
to be tough," said Terrance Barber,"but in
the first year we were almost out of our
supply already."
The average corner urban clothing
store does not usually have a wide range of
name brand clothing. Barber wished to break
that trend with his store.
"The premium brands are, Apple bottom, Ed
Hardy, Dereon, Black Label, Ecko Red, True
Religion, Coogi, Sean John. . . We also
carry other brands that aren't premium but
they have some really good clothes," said
Barber.
Kenneth makes it an effort not to visit the
malls and other stores so that he would not
order the same clothes and he never
re-orders a sold-out item.
Kenneth Barber shows merchandise
Reginald Henderson, tattoo artist
"I only buy three to six of each dress or
shirt and only 12 pairs of each jeans
because of the sizes," said Barber."I don't
want a customer to see their outfit on a
bunch of other people when they go out.
That's why my store is named Xclusive."
Every customer is greeted with a smile and a
"what can I find for you today?" This gives
the store a more personal atmosphere. Not
only do they help to find customers an
outfit, they give honest opinions on how it
looks.
"The feeling that you can walk into a store
and someone is not just trying to force sell
you anything they pull off the rack, gives a
sense of comfort," said Terri Wilson, 19,
one of the store's satisfied customers.
Distinctive sign brings
in customers (photos by Tineisha Sulker)
Mary Proctor, amid her
unique spiritual depictions, greets a
visitor (photo by Lechelle Powell)
Missionary Mary
artist of renown, she moves her
museum and shop
to the Tallahassee Mall where her unique folk
art draws interest
By Lechelle
Powell Florida A&M University
Beautiful
creations made out of ordinary doors
hang in a store front in the east corner
of the Tallahassee Mall as gospel music
lightly fills the air.
An African American
woman, a possible customer, arrives at
her art gallery. Mary Proctor is full of
light and smiles as she greets
onlookers. As she opens the door to her
American Folk Art Museum and
Gallery she says"I was here to
bring world joy and happiness."
Mary Proctor, also known as
"Missionary Mary," is an accomplished
folk artist shown all over the Southeast
and points west and north. She has
appeared in the Smithsonian Magazine and
her works are owned by prominent
collectors.
Locally, she has won first place at the
All Saint Canal Club and Gallery and
many awards in other art competitions.
Proctor's pieces are all hand-crafted
and some are even assembled on doors to
represent a spiritual concept of her
creator.
Her unique work is displayed all
around the United States in various
museums such as Morris Museum in
Augusta, Ga., the House of Blues in
Orlando, and in Chicago, and New
Orleans.
Proctor said had been
running an odds and ends store in
Tallahassee for years, until the death
of her beloved grandmother sparked a new
inspiration within her.
She said she was "told by God that the
door is the way" and she began her new
venture of painting her artwork on
doors.
Spirituality is
immersed through the artwork. Her
sayings include"God is the light of the
world and as his followers we should live
in the world but not be of the world."
When walking through her art
gallery, people notice that her concept
of God is the main inspiration behind
her pieces.
Always being taught that she had a "gift
from God" by her grandmother, she
decided to use it.
Most of her work is quirky with
spiritual sayings but others portray
certain life lessons that she received
from her grandmother and from past
experiences.
As browsers walk through the
exhibit they notice that Proctor's
creations are all one-of- a-kind pieces
that are made with anything from
household products to shoes to bottle
caps.
Proctor's inspiration comes not only
from God but from her children. She
created a masterpiece to teach them the
entire list of United States presidents,
each president assembled out of
Coca-Cola cans.
Astonished by Proctor's exhibit
was visitor Marilyn Taylor. She
says she had been an admirer of
Proctor's work ever since she saw it on
the side of Woodville Highway in
Tallahassee, the former site of
Proctor's museum.
"I love the quirky-funky
in general, as an esthetic, and
everything has so much meaning and is sosymbolic,"
she said. "I love it and I've been dying
to come in, so
when she let us come in I was just
tickled."
Little did Taylor know that Proctor had
a special surprise for her, allowing her
to take home one of Proctor's angels,
made out of a soda can.
Other artists are found in the exhibit
next to Proctor's creations such as
Kathy Aura who is a talented artist who
creates masterpieces out of bottle caps.
To learn more about Missionary Mary you
can visit her website: http://www.missionarymary.com/
or you could visit her exhibit in the
Tallahassee Mall across from
Sports Authority for2
to 3 dollars.
Homeless
shelter plans special time on Dec. 21
to recall those who lost battle to
survive on the streets
By Bria Kelly Florida A&M University
A
homeless person faces a life that
may be 25 years shorter because of
the problems caused by homelessness.
That's what one administrator at
Tallahassee's Homeless Shelter says.
The old, worn building, where Jacob
Reiter works, catches your eye when
you drive down Tennessee street and
you have no choice but to glance at
the colorful mural on the side of a
building.
Pieces of glass reflect the sun's
rays, drawing your attention to a
mural that is a multi-colored
portrait of plant and animal life
with radiantly painted objects.
On the other side of the building,
another mural displays street art of
the inside of a home with a gaily
dressed guitar player and woman
holding a baby.
These are the symbols of a
Tallahassee institution that has
survived for the past 25 years.
The Shelter is a symbol of warmth
and caring and has continued to be a
vital part of the community.
Reiter is a program coordinator at
the non-profit Shelter. He says that
when it comes to need for help,
there will never be a limit.
"A lot of people want to volunteer
around the holidays and we are
grateful for any help at any time.
Maybe the one time they help will
spark interest and once they
experience volunteering, they'll
come back."
The Shelter has an evening building,
which is for lodging, meals,
clothing and medical care. The day
center has daytime programs such art
and music therapy.
"The art program gives guests a
chance to express themselves through
exhibition shows," said Reiter.
There is even a shelter band that
has live performances every month
and practice every Wednesday at 4
p.m.
This December is a special time for
The Shelter as celebrates a national
event Dec. 21, "Homeless
Memorial Day."
The Shelter will be open to the
public and more than 100 people are
expected. "There will be people
speaking and sharing stories and
songs. We'll read names and have
candles.
It's a nice way to remember those
who have passed," said Reiter.
He estimates that about 20 people
have died this year on the streets
or at the Shelter.
As a non-profit organization the
shelter gets its funding two
ways, half from United Way and
half from private donations.
"So we are truly a grassroots
organization. . . not dependent on
federal funding," he said.
An
estimated 20 homeless have
died in Tallahassee this
year- Jacob Reiter
Colorful east side of
Tallahassee's Shelter (file photo)
He emphasizes it's "always helpful
when the community collects and
donates."The Shelter estimates more
than 1,800 people come there in a
year.
"Being homeless shortens a person's
life up to 25 years," said Reiter.
People who are homeless suffer
hardships on their health, he said.
The Shelter estimates more than
1,800 people come there in a year.
This leaves the staff with thousands
of interesting stories from all over
the country. Reiter remembered a
time when a man was dropped off with
no ID and they had to discover who
he was to send him home.
"There was a guy who was 73 years
old and was dropped off at the
shelter. He was from Winter Haven
(Fla.) and wanted to find his mom in
Mississippi but ended up in Georgia.
"He was arrested for sleeping in a
public place and all he kept saying
was he wanted to go home and it
became a whole process figurind out
who he was and getting his benefits
reinstated, and finding his house.
He was illiterate and hard to
understand.
"We sat on Google maps going through
neighborhoods until we found his
little brick house."
He was returned to his home and the
Shelter was delighted to hear he
wasn't alone. "The person who drove
him said people in houses came out
and were welcoming him back. He was
determined to live independently and
was the type of person that if he
wants something, he's going to get
it."
Not every story ends happily and not
every day feels so rewarding.
Reiter has had to learn how to deal
with the ups and downs of working at
The Shelter.
"It was an adjustment figuring out
how to deal with it personally and
performing professionally. It is a
learning experience."Reiter knows
he'll continue loving his work. "The
stories are the reasons why we keep
doing what we do . . . the
successes."
That
statue at bus terminal
represents
hero of civil rights, the Rev. C.K.
Steele
By Shakara Jenkins Florida A&M University
As
people go to the Tallahassee bus terminal
and wait for their buses to arrive, they
may see a statue of an old man with a
cane.
It's
a landmark people should know about. The
statue is of the late Charles Kenzie
Steele who was widely known as simply
The Rev. C.K Steele.
He was a part of the famous Tallahassee
bus boycott in the 1950s, and was a
preacher at Bethel Baptist church for
years.
People in Tallahassee may have not heard
about him or know much about his life in
general, but just may have heard of C.K
Steele Plaza and seen his statue.
Tyraine Warren, a junior elementary
education major at Florida A&M
University, said that he had knowledge
of Rev. Steele.
"I
knew of him, he was a civil rights
leader.He also was the pastor of a local
church in Tallahassee.Also
his one of his sons is a musician at the
church I attend, which is Philadelphia
Primitive Baptist Church," Warren said.
Sharing
the vision of equality through
nonviolent means along with Martin
Luther King Jr., Steele was the first
vice president of the Southern Christian
Leadership Conference.
He was also a part of the Inter-Civic
Council (ICC) in Tallahassee, an organization that was started
in 1956 to direct a bus boycott
initiated by black students at
Florida A&M University. As
president, he led the successful bus
boycott that year.
Although
it is not widely known by many, the
Inter-Civic Council offered hope to
those involved with in what Steele
described as"the pain and the promise"
of the civil rights movement.
The Rev. Steele (file photo)
He
later stated "where there is any power. .
. as strong and as eternal as love using
nonviolence, the promise will be fulfilled."
Tallahassee
native Deidra McFadden says that she lived in
the same neighborhood.
"We
once lived across the street from them. I was
too young to recall info about him. However, I
am friends with his son Darryl Steele," McFadden
said.
Born on
Feb. 7, 1914, Steele was raised in Gary, W.
Va., a predominantly African American
town. He was raised by his parents, Lyde Bailor
and Henry Steele, a miner with the United States
Steel and Coal Corporation.
Steele began preaching at the age of 15 and was
ordained to be a Baptist minister in 1935. Hegraduated from
Morehouse College with a BA. After a year of
serving at Friendship Baptist Church in
northeast Georgia, he went to Hall Street
Baptist Church in Tallahassee in 1952.
Flowers, trees make
FAMU
campus a fascinating place
By
Shakara Jenkins
Florida A&M University
November 2012
Florida A&M students took a
special trip around their own campus
recently.
If
any of them ever wanted to take a tour
around campus and examine the trees and
plants, they had the opportunity in
Professor Michael Abrams' news writing
class.
Professor
Abrams took his class on his annual tour.
The class went around to different
sections of FAMU's campus and learned
about different plants and trees.
Professor Abrams discussed each one with
the class.
In the classroom that day, Abrams, a
former newspaper reporter, announced that
we would be going on its annual tour.
The first location the class went to was
the area across from the journalism
building with a large oak tree. Abrams
told the class that they could tell it was
an oak tree because of the acorns on the
ground.
Prof. Abrams shows students the flowers
(photo by Shakara Jenkins)
Gray Spanish moss
draped the tree. Abrams went on to explain
that in old Florida the moss was used to stuff
pillows. Moss is related to the pineapple
plant. "A journalist cannot be a good
journalist without knowing where he or she
lives," Abrams said.
"You have to know your environment," he said.As
the class walked from the oak tree, clover
was spotted on the ground. The class learned how
important clover is to our world, especially to
cows.
"Clovers are the most important plant on earth. It
is how the cow gives us meat and milk," Abrams
said. The classes
also Azalea flowers and learned that beautiful
azaleas are very prevalent during the springtime
in Florida. The class also spotted a magnolia tree
when they moved a nearby dorm area.
The class learned that the magnolia is one of
the the oldest trees in the world, existing
with dinosaurs. As the class moved across
campus back towards the front of the
journalism building the class learned about
dandelions as they saw them on the ground.
Dandelion flower leaves are edible and the
points resemble the "tooth of the lion."
FAMU
prof imparts a love for science; became
first female African-American geophysicist
By
Whitney Bristol
Florida A&M University
With a witty and sermonizing style, Edith
G. Davis makes science come alive in the
classroom.
"That's
what kicked it off," she said.
"My mother was a science educator and at a
very young age my parents brought me the right
tools and enrolled me in the right schools."
Davis holds a doctorate in education and
teaches as an assistant professor at Florida
A&M University.
"I started off at a young age and was always
fascinated by the world, by the environment
around me. I was always curious about
science." Davis
graduated
from the University of Miami where she
obtained her bachelor's degree in geology.
She earned her master's degree in geophysics
from Stanford University and her second
master's degree in business administration
from the University of Texas.
She completed her doctorate in
curriculum instruction and science education
at Baylor University. Davis
was the first African-American female
geophysicist and was featured in Essence
magazine as the"Lady pioneer in the oil
fields" after working for Mobil Oil Company in
Texas.
"You're
going to have trials and tribulations. That's what
kind of makes you. It's not so much of the success
in your life. It's the failure." she said.
"It is the disappointments. It is the things that
are just so difficult. How you handle those things
is what makes you a success."
"Of
course I had to deal with racism and sexism and
even my own inner discipline in myself," she said.
"You have to deal with the inner self to be
successful. To be successful, it's delayed
gratification. You cannot party like everybody
else because you have to study for this exam. It's
a battle from the outside and the inside."
After working as a scientist, Davis decided to
teach in the classroom.
Edith Davis is an inventive teacher at FAMU
(Photo by Whitney Bristol)
"It
became crystal clear to me that science
education was critical and that it was the right
type of education," she said.
Davis
said she realized that people live in a dual
society with a dual educational system.
Since working for FAMU she has inspired and
mentored many students. Davis has a warm
smile and loving personality, but students should
not let that fool them. When it comes to science,
she means business.
Davis
has invented several devices such as"the wheel"
that can be used throughout the classroom to help
create the optimum instructional environment, and
the micro spiral technique that helps students
retain the science concept long-term.
Students have felt the inspiration.
"Volunteering
with
Professor Davis at Nims Middle School and FAMU DRS
was very beneficial because it was a positive
reinforcement for me and a wonderful learning
experience for the kids," said Darius Dunbar, a
fourth-year criminology student at FAMU.
Another
student
learned about the value of networking.
"Professor
Davis
taught me that networking in college is extremely
important because you never know if you will need
the person sitting right next to you," said
Marvina Campbell, a third year elementary
education student at FAMU.
Davis
said this country has an educational system for
the "haves" and another for the"have-nots."
She
said it was her honor and privilege to make
sure wherever she went, whether it was a"have
or have not," that she gave her "very best"
and directed people to the world of science.
"It
was God-ordained to work for FAMU," she said.
"I always taught science because I felt like we
could do a much better job in the classroom
teaching science. I always wanted to impart my
passion and love for science to others."
Students help make
dreams come true
by working for Habitat for Humanity
By Shantice Y.
Swain
Florida A&M University
Students can be
involved in making dreams come true for the less
fortunate by helping to build one of the most
important things a person can own - a home.
"The thing I like most
about Habitat for Humanity is seeing the smiles of
people who had homes built," said Taylor Campbell,
a student at Florida A&M University.
The work uplifts and
empowers people, say habitat members.
FAMU's Chapter of Habitat
for Humanity was inactive but is now in the midst
of rebuilding its name.
The organization builds
houses for the less fortunate and provides
inexpensive housing for those who qualify. Members
also participate in fundraisers.
Serving as president for
a year, Campbell said she does this from the heart
because she genuinely loves helping those in need.
The third-year
pre-physical therapy student from Detroit started
working with FAMU's chapter of Habitat for
Humanity as a freshman after an advisor suggested
she attend a meeting.
Campbell said she was
captivated.
"I'm not a singer, dancer
or an amazing athlete, so I was able to put my
skills into an organization that I could say I was
proud to be a part of," Campbell explained.
Graduate student Erica
Taylor, also on the executive board, said she has
made it a priority to be involved with the
community.
"I started during my
senior year of undergrad, wanting to find
something worthwhile for community service,"
Taylor explained.
What started out
as"something to do" turned into an uplifting and
empowering experience, Taylor said.
According to Taylor, the
university does not subsidize the organization's
projects which are paid for by fundraising and
grants they share with other organizations.
Because Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit
organization, everything is free of charge.
"We are currently working
on a home for a single mother of three here in
Tallahassee," said Taylor.
Students build
home in Tallahassee for deserving family
The chapter has an
upcoming event called The Festival of Trees.
This event auctions off decorated Christmas
trees for the holidays.
Almost every Saturday morning at
about 7 a.m., Campbell and Taylor are out
building their latest project.
Both elected by the standing
members of FAMU's Chapter of Habitat for Humanity,
Campbell and Taylor work in harmony with an
executive board to ensure the community is
well-educated about the organization.
"I look forward to Habitat for Humanity growing,"
said Campbell.
"Growth means promotion
and the more we can promote HFH, the more
opportunities we have to provide families living
in dangerous substandard homes with more suitable
ones. This creates a better future for the family
and children, especially," Campbell said.
These two oversee
multiple committees - public relations, education
and fundraising.
Syndie Medlin guides the
fundraising committee, planning fundraisers such
as snack sales and talent shows.
The ladies' involvement
has allowed them to network with other students
interested in assisting people in the community.
Taylor went on to say she
loves "helping out those individuals who need
affordable housing with their families while
reducing homelessness in the process. I do this
because I am able-bodied to do the work and it's
fulfilling in its own way. There's nothing more
than assisting someone lead a better life."
Both
Taylor and Campbell want more students to become
educated and get involved with FAMU's Chapter of
Habitat for Humanity.
"We're the only HBCU
(Historically Black College/University) that has
its own chapter. It makes me proud and gives me
something else positive to say about our school,"
Taylor said.
FAMU link to Trayvon: Cousin is 'ecstatic'
over arrest of suspect George Zimmerman
By Kendra
McLemore Florida
A&M University
Story printed in April 2012
A cousin of
Trayvon
Martin who graduated from Florida A&M
University in 1984 said she is ecstatic that
28-year-old former neighborhood watchmen
George Zimmerman has been arrested and
charged with second degree murder.
While sitting at home watching television,
Trayvon Martin's cousin Angela Hall and her
daughter waited anxiously for the decision
and announcement of special prosecutor
Angela Corey.
"Now that they have him in custody the
preceding toward justice is in the making",
said Hall." It's a step in the right
direction."
Hall is a claims representative for an
insurance agency in Fort Lauderdale.
She recently participated in the rally in
Sanford to demand justice at a city council
meeting. Another cousin of Martin attends
FAMU, but he could not be reached for
comment.
Corey was appointed as special prosecutor by
Florida Gov. Rick Scott to investigate the
shooting death of 17-year-old Trayvon
Martin.
A national outcry erupted after the Sanford
Police Department declined to press charges
against Zimmerman.
On Feb. 26, Zimmerman called police to
report a suspicious person. The
dispatcher informed Zimmerman that an
officer was en route and to wait for the
officer.Zimmerman disregarded the orders and
confronted Martin and a struggle ensued.
According to the police report issued by
SPD,Officer
Timothy Smith was the first of seven
officers to respond and the police reported
that they were receiving calls in reference
to gun shots being in the area.
"There was one subject [Martin] shot and one
at gun point [Zimmerman]," said Smith, who
was holding Zimmerman at gunpoint.
Zimmerman wearing a red jacket, blue jeans
and armed with a black 9mm semi-automatic
handgun and was bleeding from the nose and
back of his head, according to the report.
He was placed in the rear of Smith's police
vehicle and given first aid by the Sanford
Fire Department.
"I overheard Zimmerman say he was yelling
for someone to help, but no one would help
him," wrote Smith."At no point did I
question Zimmerman about the incident that
took place."
Shortly
after Smith had put Zimmerman in the back of
the police car, Officer Ricardo Ayala
arrived on scene.
Ayala wrote in the report that he observed
Martin wearing a gray hooded sweat shirt,
blue jeans and red and white sneakers and
lying face down in the grass with his hands
underneath his body.
Protestors during recent march
from Daytona to Sanford, April
6-8. Photo courtesy of 'Dream
Defenders' group at FAMU.
Smith advised Ayala that he did not make
contact with the subject [Martin] lying on
the ground. Ayala attempted to get a
response, but was met with negative results.
A police sergeant arrived and attempted to
get a pulse but none was found. Then the
other officer and Ayala turned Martin over
and performed CPR.
The Sanford Fire Rescue arrived on the scene
and attempted to revive Martin but could
not. A paramedic on the scene pronounced
Martin dead at 7:30 p.m.
Once Zimmerman was cleared by paramedics, he
was transported to SPD where he was
interviewed by investigator D. Singleton.
After meeting with Singleton, Zimmerman was
released without being charged.
This has caused national controversy.
On Wednesday, April 11, Corey's office filed
an information charging George Zimmerman
with murder in the second degree and issued
a warrant for his arrest.
"Thank you lord, we are on our way to
justice," said Hall.
According to the affidavit of probable
cause, Martin was profiled by Zimmerman as
he entered the gated community after walking
from a nearby convenience store. Martin was
unarmed and not committing a crime.
During the recorded call, Zimmerman
made reference to people he felt had
committed and gotten away with break-ins in
the neighborhood.
Martin, who was on the phone with a friend
at the time, described what was going on.
"I
can tell you we did not come to this
decision lightly," Corey told the press.
Florida A&M students weighed in on the
arrest of Zimmerman.
"I feel like the arrest is needed", said
Koscha McIntosh a 20-year-old third year
business administration student from West
Palm Beach, Fla.
"No one should be able to roam free after
they have shot and killed someone."
Zimmerman was taken into protective custody
at the Seminole County Jail and made his
first appearance last Thursday.
"Justice for Trayvon Martin," said Hall.
FAMU will use the same standard football helmet
this year, although 'safety' brand is now
marketed
By Sequoia Powell Florida A&M University Story printed in April
2012
The Florida
A&M University Rattlers had an estimated
number of six players with minor concussion
during the last season. But like most teams,
it's sticking with the football helmet it
knows best.
FAMU head equipment manager Gregory J.
Hankton said that the team is going to stay
with the same brand of helmet it has
been using for years rather than
purchasing the new Xenith XI
"non-concussion" helmets for the upcoming
season.
Concussions are one of the main
injuries that football causes - a
trauma-induced change in mental status
usually dealing with brain damage, with
confusion and amnesia, and with or without a
brief loss of consciousness, according to
the medical dictionary. "We use Riddell helmets because they
have proven to be the best helmet for our
team and the National Football League," said
Hankton.
"Not only have they proven to be the best
used by the best, but they have a great
style and look that the players just love." Hankton explains that the Xenith XI
helmet's creator is a former employee of the
Riddell Company, who branched out on his own
after a couple years.
He said that Xenith hasn't been getting good
business lately and the company is looking
for this new non-concussion XI helmet to
bring the company more money. Xenith helmet
website is at http://www.xenith.com/
"If the best of best aren't wearing
them to protect themselves, then something
can't be right. The Xenith XI brand hasn't
been seen in any colleges or the NFL," said
Hankton.
"Football is a contact sport; people are
going to get hurt," said Isaac Holland, a
former football player.
He said that no matter what helmet players
use there is always going to be someone who
is prone to getting at least a minor
concussion; whether it's because the player
was not looking, was blindsided, or had
fallen in the wrong way.
FAMU helmets are like those used
in pro football
Players and coaches must have a
set of precautions to protect themselves
from harm.
The Rattlers football coaching staff members
are working to make sure that each
player's equipment fits properly and that
the helmets are comfortable, because, if
not, the opportunity for injury is greater.
Michael Ducree a third year
linebacker for FAMU football team, knows
that the his particular position is a very
vulnerable one because linebacker are both
receiving and giving out major hits and
tackles throughout the game; however, he
chooses to continue to play football for the
love of the game. "Concussions can ruin your life," says
Ducree,"but the reward is greater than the
risk."
He said that all football players know that
they can get a concussion with any
helmet."If you go out on the field worrying
about all the injuries you could get, then
you aren't going to be focused on the task
at hand," says Ducree. The players are taught to wear their
equipment and uniform properly and refrain
from being too flashy in order to be safe
and protect themselves, explains
Ducree. Practices specifically
concentrate on player safety on and off the
field.
"We teach the players to never stand around
during the game," says Rattler coach Aaron
Taylor.
"They should always be active of the field
using proper technique." He says he stresses
to his players to always play hard because
as soon as they "play scared." injuries will
come. Taylor said that each player"must make
tackles with their knees bent, head up and
not down and always remember to run through
the contact." The
Rattlers kick off their first game on Sept.1
in the Music City of America against the
Tennessee State Tigers. The first home game
will be on Sept. 8 at Bragg Memorial
Stadium, against the Oklahoma Sooners.
Martin
could have had right to attack Zimmerman
under 'Stand Your Ground' law, gun
supporter says
By
Alaura Carter
Florida A&M University
Story printed in April 2012
Florida's law that frees
people to"stand their ground" could have allowed
shooting victim Trayvon Martin to attack an
aggressor, according to one Florida attorney who
is active in protecting Second Amendment gun
ownership rights.
The law apparently could
have been used by either George Zimmerman or
Martin, depending upon the circumstances of the
controversial incident in which Martin was killed.
However, in the shooting death, the police
should"investigate then arrest, not arrest then
investigate," said Eric Friday of Jacksonville,
who is a member of Florida Carry Inc., an
organization protecting gun ownership.
The
status of George Zimmerman in the death of Martin
has generated a national uproar over whether
Zimmerman should be arrested and charged.
According to Friday,
under the"Stand Your Ground" law, Martin could
confront an attacker and did not have to
retreat, if that is how the incident occurred.
Friday, in a phone
interview, said that without the"Stand your
Ground" law, someone can harm you and you cannot
confront him or her but must turn and retreat.
"Without the 'Stand Your
Ground' law, Martin would have broken the law
because he would have had a duty to retreat and
couldn't confront his aggressor. If the facts
come out (and) Martin controlled his aggressor,
he stood his ground," said Friday, apro-Second
Amendment attorney.
Friday was contacted from a website listing him as a
volunteer voting coordinator for the National Rifle
Association. Florida Carry Inc., is a non-profit
organization dedicated to advancing the fundamental
civil right of all Floridians to keep and bear arms
for self-defense, according to the organization's
website at floridacarry.org
Zimmerman,
a
neighborhood watch volunteer, shot and killed
17-year-old Trayvon Martin, claiming he acted in
self-defense on that February evening in a gated
community in Sanford, Fla., where Martin was
visitingfrom
Miami.
Protesters
contend
Zimmerman is being wrongfully protected by
the"Stand your Ground Law."
The law was passed in 2005 and supported by then
Gov. Jeb Bush.
Marion Hammer, a Florida
representative of the National Rifle
Association, which played a major role in the
creation of the law, refused to comment for this
story.
According to Professor
Chris Daniels of Florida A&M University's
political science department, the law extends the
principle of the"castle law" outside the home, a
home being considered by the courts as a
man's"castle."
Daniels said,"If you are
being attacked anywhere you are allowed to be, you
can use deadly force to defend yourself."
Zimmerman's
attorney, Crig
Sonner, speaking on National Public Radio, said
that the"Stand Your Ground" law will be relevant
in this case. "Again, this
will be a fact-specific case, and once the facts
come out . . . once the facts are brought out by
law enforcement, everyone will see what happened .
. . there will be a complete picture of what
happened that night, and I believe it'll show that
George Zimmerman acted in self-defense."
Zimmerman has
made claims that Martin attacked and they had a
physical altercation .To defend
himself,he
had to shoot Martin, he has said. Though current Gov. Rick
Scott of Florida has launched a task force to
investigate the case, protestors argue an arrest
should have been made. and that this law, for the
wrong reasons, is protecting Zimmerman.
Daniels stated,"The problem
is not the law but the interpretation of the law."
The
question
raised by many people is whether laws like
the"Stand Your Ground" are protecting the guilty.
Stanley Hardy, a third year political science
student and"Justice for Trayvon" organizer at
Florida A&M University, says he feels that
laws such as these have let several people get
away with murder and other crimes."Laws
like
these need to have a clear meaning laid out so
people do not think it is just okay to do as they
feel and claim self-defense after the fact," said
Hardy.
"Justice for Trayvon" is a group started by FAMU
students who are protesting the death of Martin,
by participating in protests, signing petitions,
and by peaceful demonstrations.
Fourth
year
FAMU business student Taylor Washington
said"Lawmakers need to sit down and really think
about these type of laws before making any others
like them, because clearly they really have not
done any good. Or these laws need to be laid out
clearly in black in white so there is no grey area
of right and wrong,"
–––––––––––––––––––––––
Activist Angela Davis tells FAMU students
that fight for freedom 'is a constant struggle'
By Alaura Carter
Florida A&M University
Story printed in April 2012
Mistress of ceremonies Professor Gina Kinchlow set
the tone for the evening with the words"students are
going to catch up tonight with my generation."
It was an all black affair at Lee Hall at
Florida A&M University as students
gathered to hear the words of world renowned
black activist Angela Davis, who holds a
doctorate in philosophy and is a retired
professor from the University of California at
Santa Cruz.
Those on the March 29 program reflected on
how Davis, now 68 years old, was a catalyst in the
black movement and the women's movement.
Rica Wright of Mississippi introduced Davis
as" more than just an afro," as she assumed the
stage to give her thoughts on black culture, black
violence and the power of black women.
The audience eagerly listened as Davis
started byspeaking about the history of the black
movement describing"freedom as a constant struggle." Davis touched the issues of civil
rights, family violence, and education. She was
known as a communist and associated with the Black
Panthers during those years. Davis described the civil
rights movement as much more than just about civil
rights but as the"black struggle for freedom and
struggle for education."
She also paid respect to Tallahassee's own Patricia
Stephens Due and "unknown women" of the civil rights
movement such as saying"these women's names not
being recorded, you will never find them on the
Internet."
The controversial shooting
death of Trayvon Martin was also a reoccurring
topic of discussion.
"Trayvon reminds us that we have not come nearly
as far as it has been assumed. . . Trayvon
learned racism still affects the thoughts and
lives of people."
Davis credited her mother for defying the odds to
receive an education and raising her and her
siblings to always think critically.
Davis's main focus for the night was the
concept of violence in the family. Davis often
reiterated the idea of family violence repeating
itself through generations.
Davis told of how women are often the victims of
family violence and how the solution could not be
found in incarceration.
Davis a known activist against the corrections
system and stated that the solution is to"purge
society of that violence as opposed to punishing the
perpetrator."
Davis closed the evening with a question
from the audience via Twitter about the connection
between incarceration and education.
Davis responded with,"schools are more
focused on discipline than education," and that
there is the"need for schools that teach children
the joy of learning."
Davis received a standing ovation from the
audience.
Third year political science student,
Lacandria Churchill described Davis as her role
model."Her ideas lets me know that apart of me can
make my dreams happens." Churchill says she hopes
the event,"pushes people to continue to be civically
engaged and aware."
Sara Bassett of Tallahassee
described Davis speech as,"truth in so many
forms."
"I grew up to people like Angela Davis and
others who weren't afraid to speak the truth about
what was happening to black people in America at
that time."
––––––––––––––––––––––
Florida's 'Teacher
of the Year' finds
value in every student: each one
needs to believe in success
By Kari Knowles
Florida A&M University
Story printed in April 2012
What does it take to be named the best teacher in
Florida?
Alvin Davis, a Florida A&M University alum
and current Florida teacher of the year has some
advice.
He is a graduate of the college of music, a
member of the Marching 100 and has taught music
for the past 11 years at Miramar High School.
Davis
On Wednesday,
March 14, Davis returned to his alma mater
as the keynote speaker for the College of
Education's Professional Development
Seminar. Davis spoke on how being an
effective teacher means being actively
involved in the community that you're
teaching in.
He wants teachers to put an emphasis on
educating the family as a whole, not just the
student.
He feels that every child matters and it's
important to treat students as though they
are the next Martin Luther King or president of
the United States. The one thing he wants all
future educators to remember is that they have
'the future' in their classroom.
Davis is in the running with three other
candidates around the country for National Teacher
of the Year. He would like to have an impact on
the masses if he wins the title.
"Teachers have the responsibility of making the
American dream a reality and that is the most
important thing that I could spread to America if
I'm chosen as the national teacher of the year,"
Davis said.
Davis grew up in Chicago, the son of a
Mexican-American mother and
an African-American father. During his
childhood, Davis says he spent much of his time
indoors doing his homework and helping with his
mother's and father's homework.
After being accepted into FAMU, Davis faced some
obstacles that prevented him from graduating on
time. When he ran out of money to pay for college,
he had to drop out of school for a semester and
work.
In an effort to help out his son, Davis' father
mortgaged his house in order to raise enough money
to put Davis through the rest of college.
Ultimately, it took Davis six years to walk across
the graduation stage. He uses these experiences in
his lectures to motivate students to do well,
despite the obstacles.
Some of the students were
very intrigued by Davis' lecture.
"He's very humble and he's very down to earth.
Based on his experiences, he can relate to the
younger generation and I'm pretty sure that helps
with his success in the education field,"
said Tony Bunion, a senior educational major.
He tells of a high success rate. All of his
students have been accepted into some form of
post-secondary education. His students receive
one-on-one counseling to ensure academic success.
Rainbow People
A Rainbow People meeting occurred recently
in the Apalachicola National Forest in
Franklin County. Florida A&M student
Earth Lamotte visited and took pictures
which she will use in a project for
journalism classes. Here she gives a
sneak preview of these shots of this
alternative culture in America. Rainbows
have thousands of members all over the
world, and meet on public property to
express their alternative values.
Picture printed in April 2012
Identity
theft hurts
college students:
how to avoid it
By Terrion
Lowery Florida
A&M University
Story printed in April 2012
Imagine
becoming a college graduate and going to
purchase your first car, only to find
out that you have thousands of dollars
of unauthorized debt and your credit
rating is damaged as a result of
identity theft.
Manygraduates are facing
this dilemma as they confront life after
college.
They apply for credit cards or seek to
purchase homes and cars, only to
discover that someone is already using
their personal information for economic
gain.
Students are vulnerable to identity
theft because a lot of students see
nothing wrong with putting their
personal information online.
According to the Internal Revenue
Service (IRS), identity theftoccurs
when someone uses another person's
personal information without their
permission - to commit fraud or
other crimes.
They use another person's name, social
security number or any other identifying
information.
Identity theft is a
serious crime that is growing at a rapid
rate in the United States and affects
thousands of people ever year.
Identity thieves tend to zero in
oncollege
students because their personal
information is easily accessible.
Students tend to use the internet
on a daily basis to pay bills and make
other transactions online that require
them to enter personal information, such
as bank account numbers and addresses.
When a person's identity has been
stolen, it can take months or even years
for that person to clean up the mess
identity thieves have made.
Students or young people between
the ages of 18 to 24 are usually the
primary victims of identity theft,
according to Suzann Davis, an IRS
representative.
"Many students are unaware and don't
understand the consequences of identity
theft.They
are generally unprepared to protect
themselves when they are bombarded with
credit card offers and they willingly
give up their personal information
online."
Not only can students' personal
information be obtained from the
internet, it can also be obtained from
the schools.
Some schools require their students to
use their student numbers as
identification, whereas others tend to
use their social security numbers.
The school uses these numbers for
just about everything.A student's identification
number, either a social security number
or student number, can be found on class
rosters, copied on checks, and other
documents for school.
Careless mistakes can occur at a
student's school and can result in
student loan pin numbers and
documentations being placed into the
wrong hands.
Janika Johnson, a senior criminal
justice student, from Orlando, was a
victim of identity theft.
"For years my identity was
being used by someone else," says
Johnson.
"Someone had been using my
name, social security number and my
permanent address back home for a job
that I never had."
Johnson says she didn't discover
that her identity had been stolen until
she filed her taxes last year.
"I was doing a simply tax
return to get back the federal taxes
withheld from my part-time job, when I
was informed that my tax form had
already been filed.I
had to go to IRS and they did an
investigation to figure out who stole my
identity."
Identity theft is a primary
concern for not just college student,
but for everyone.Victims
of identity theft can lose job
opportunities, be refused loans,
education, housing or cars; but more
drastically they can be arrested for
crimes they didn't commit.
There are many steps that
students can take to protect themselves
from identity theft.
Students should avoid carrying
their driver's license and social
security card together, in case their
wallet or stolen.
For school purposes, students
should request to use an alternative
number in place of their social security
number.
When receiving credit card offers,
sudents shoulf shred pre-approved cards
before disposing of them. They should
also avoid placing personal information
online.
"Students can minimize their
chance of becoming a victim of identity
theft by protecting their financial
information, said Davis.
"Do not place personal
information online and be sure to have a
credit report done every 12 months."
One good website to use, she said, is
annualcreditreport.com
