the Gazette VOL. 77, NO. 12 STUDENT VOICE OF LANGSTON UNIVERSITY THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2015 Graduates prepare to walk the stage See Page 4 2 The Gazette | May 7, 2015 Voices

The Gazette is produced What is beauty? within the Department of Communication at Langston University. It serves as a teaching tool Professor says it's 'in the eye of the beholder' and public relations vehicle. The newspaper is As a junior at Langston ciety today, ranging from solo album “The Miseduca- published bimonthly and University, I enrolled in the the color of our skin to our tion of Lauryn Hill” in order is dispersed across campus Black Authors in American physical weight to our own to acquire the self-love and every other Thursday, Literature course, in which value system. self-worth she lacks and to except during we read several different Pecola represents a butter- overcome the existential examinations, holidays and texts. fly pimped by the system— angst from which she is suf- extended school breaks. One particular text that a system that oppresses fering. had an impact on me was minorities of all kinds and Society dictates what Toni Morrison’s debut novel constantly tells us all that beauty is and is not. But Adviser/Manager “The Bluest Eye,” published we are not beautiful if we do beauty is a subjective ex- Nicole Turner in 1970. not have blonde hair or blue perience—that is, a mental I enjoyed reading this nov- eyes or even a skinny phy- phenomenon that differs Editor el because it explores themes Wright sique. from one person to another. Nehemiah Taylor of identity, black existential- This same system and all Novels like “The Bluest ism and suffering like no still prevalent in society to- its oppression also purports Eye” and albums like “To Sports Editor other, but what I found most day. We also find it in some the false reality that the lives Pimp a Butterfly” encourage Jarron Thompson compelling about it was the urban black music. For ex- of those not yet cultivated us all to be critical of a sys- self-love it promotes in the ample, in his third studio al- in the varied ways in which tem that dehumanizes those Opinions Editor end. bum “To Pimp a Butterfly,” it values do not matter. But not of the dominant culture Ashli Bell Set in the 1940s in Lorain, released this year, Kendrick black lives do matter and or ideology. They also invite Ohio, the novel tells the sto- Lamar further addresses the butterflies are beautiful. us all to determine for our- Photographer ry of one Pecola Breedlove, same themes found in “The Pecola succumbs to this selves what beauty can be, Austin Terry an eleven-year-old poor Bluest Eye.” type of oppression because because beauty is in the eye black girl with brown eyes, Both the novel and the al- of her visceral lack of self- of the beholder. Reporters who is grappling with her bum examine society, race, love and self-worth. Brittany Kendrick own identity in light of soci- class, love and the impor- One could argue that she, Dr. Ricco Wright is an assis- Trevon McNabb ety’s standards of beauty. tance of deconstructing the or someone like her, should tant professor of mathematics She rejects her own black societal perspective that listen to Lauryn Hill’s debut at Langston University. Staff Writers skin and brown eyes be- “white is right.” Diondra Ross cause whiteness is seen as “To Pimp a Butterfly” is superior to blackness. As a an album that promotes self- Contributing Writers result, she considers herself love, self-respect and lead- Dhiana Brame ugly and believes that she ership, while challenging Ricco Wright would be more accepted if what society values and per- only she had pale skin and petuates. It also sheds light Cover Designer blue eyes. on how we must be mindful Paul Pugh The kind of black existen- of the various institutions tialism found in the novel is under which we live in so- The Gazette Office Langston University Sanford Hall, Room 318 This is the final issue Ph. 405-466-3245

Send story ideas, comments of the Gazette and calendar events to [email protected]. Opinions expressed in for spring 2015. Voices are those of the writers whose names appear with the articles. We will resume Letters to the editor should be emailed to nkturner@langs- ton.edu. Please include your name and telephone number. publication in fall 2015. The newspaper retains the right to edit, accept and/or reject items deemed to be con- trary to the best interest of the publication, Langston Have a University and/or any of its governing bodies. great summer! News May 7, 2015 | The Gazette 3 Campus fails to dominate By Diondra Ross The tradition of Cam- Students were disap- Staff Writer pus Domination started in The final decision to cancel the event pointed that they won’t get spring 2006, and Harvey, “ to see Greeks come togeth- Campus Domination a member of Alpha Phi was due to a lack of participation by the er and compete, especially has been canceled for this Alpha Fraternity Inc., and those who have witnessed year’s spring week. Ariana Jones, member of Greek organizations. Campus Domination in “The final decision to Delta Sigma Theta Sorority ” previous years. cancel the event was due Inc., chaired the event. “I think it sucks, but I to a lack of participation by Traditionally, it is an op- — Desmond Harvey, hope next year we will the Greek organizations,” portunity for Greek orga- director of Student Life have the event because I said Desmond Harvey, di- nizations to show off their know we will be full of the rector of Student Life. style of stepping and pos- Greeks next year,” said Ty- Harvey also said that, sibly win prize money. The week 2015. Douglas also mentioned ler Bowler, junior broad- traditionally, the step show best sorority and fraternity “I feel it’s sad that they how some organizations cast journalism major. admission is $10. But, this step team receives $1,000. did not consider how the were practicing for months, Harvey said he under- year, only three step acts Like any other spring organizations doing it and, she said, it is very un- stands that some organiza- were scheduled to per- semester, members of or- felt,” said Lexus Douglas, organized of them to can- tions put time in for prac- form, which, Harvey said, ganizations, students and member of Tau Beta Sigma cel during the week of the tice, and he apologizes to was not necessarily worth alumni were expecting a National Honorary Band event without proper no- the organizations that com- the price. step show to end spring Sorority Inc. tice. mitted to the step show. Graduation Announcement Langston elects

Langston University will hold commencement SGA candidates exercises May 16. In case of inclement weather, the commencement exercises will be moved from By Austin Terry Photographer an outside venue, the W.E. Anderson Stadium, to The SGA elections went an inside venue, the C.F. Gayles Field House. “ If the commencement exercises are moved Langston University held its yearly stu- quite well. I'm proud that indoors, there will be two ceremonies, which dent government elections April 28. will allow more family members and friends to Candidates campaigned around the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity attend the ceremonies. campus, persuading their peers that he was the right person for the position. Inc. can represent Langston The candidates were running cam- The first ceremony will be held at 10 a.m., May paigns unopposed, but they each still put University... It is officially an 16, for the following schools and programs: forth an effort to show why he was a le- gitimate choice for the position. Alpha University. • School of Nursing and Health Professions The candidates running were Shaquille ” Anderson for SGA president, Keilan • School of Education and Behavioral Sciences Armstrong for vice-president and Paul — Ricollis Jones, junior Pugh, hoping to be re-elected as activities computer science major • Master of Rehabilitation Counseling coordinator. All of these candidates pre- sented detailed platforms to the student • Master of Visual Rehabilitation body of what their vision is and what computer science major. “It is officially they plan to change for the next school an Alpha university." • Master of Education year. All three SGA elected officials are mem- Each of these candidates saw success bers of Alpha Phi Alpha. • School of Physical Therapy from their efforts. Anderson, junior busi- “I’m happy for them," said Hollie ness major, received 95 percent of the Nealy, freshman biology major. "I hope votes; Armstrong, sophomore accounting they do some great things for the LU. The second ceremony will be held at 2 p.m., major, received 89 percent; and, Pugh re- Paul did well as activities coordinator be- May 16, for the following schools and programs: ceived 94 percent. fore, so I’m sure he’ll keep it that way.” The men were officially announced to Some students, however, are ready to • School of Arts and Sciences the student body at the student leader- see something new at LU. ship awards. Students applauded and “I want to know what’s going to change • School of Agriculture and Applied Sciences seemed very excited with the new elects because I’m tired of the same thing each as far as what is to come next year. and every year,” said Darian Williams, • School of Business “The SGA elections went quite well. senior English major. I’m proud that Alpha Phi Alpha Inc. can The newly elected SGA members have • Master of Entrepreneurial Studies represent Langston University the way already begun working for the 2015-2016 it should be,” said Ricollis Jones, junior school year. 4 The Gazette | May 7, 2015 News New Journeys Await Seniors prepare for graduation

By Ashli Bell studies, but she also shined Opinions Editor as a softball player. She was awarded first- The moment is here. Af- team All-American all four ter four years of hard work, years and was player of the long, sleepless nights, mem- year her sophomore and ju- ories that could never be nior year. forgotten and long-lasting Steadman Bell is a gradu- friendships, it’s finally here. ate who will have a degree At 10 a.m., May 16, seniors in health, physical educa- at Langston University will tion and recreation and end one journey in life to dance. begin a new chapter, as they “Most people come to take that well-deserved school just to get an educa- walk across the stage at the tion, but I came to get a bet- W.E. Anderson Stadium ter understanding of life in and become college gradu- general,” Bell said. ates. “Me coming here all the These students will enter way from Tennessee, I the “real world,” a scary yet wanted grow up as a man exciting adventure. and mainly find myself,” Mary Jordan, McCabe Bell said. Scholar, biology major and Bell, also a student-ath- student-athlete, is one of lete, played football for LU. these graduating seniors. “No matter how old you She was recently accepted are or where you are in life, Photo by Nehemiah Taylor into the Purdue University you’re still growing, and veterinarian graduate pro- even like being at Langston, Graduating seniors Mary Jordan, Steadman Bell and Ándria Morgan are ready for gram. Her time at LU was it’s taught me patience be- their walk across the stage to accept their degrees. Langston University graduation constantly full of activity, cause a lot of things don’t is at 10 a.m., May 16, at the W.E. Anderson Stadium. but that’s how she liked it. get handled when you want “I was always super busy them to,” Bell said. “But, got to Langston because of found Ándria.” “Being a member has re- with softball, and [as] a bi- that’s just the business I was all by myself,” said Through her four years at ally given me the tools nec- ology major, I had a ton of world.” Ándria Morgan, broadcast LU, Morgan has grown by essary to manage my time, homework and labs,” Jor- Bell’s dream is to become journalism major. getting involved in many work with people that have dan said. a coach and mentor to kids “I expected not to mesh different production - as different backgrounds than “Doing all these activities, one day. well with people, and I’m pects of journalism, includ- me and… work with people it forced me to become good Other graduating seniors glad I was wrong. You ing producing, editing and who think different of me,” at time management, and I chose to attend LU to pri- know, it’s a really comfort- filming. Palmore said. “It basically think it’s preparing me to be marily focus on their studies able environment,” she Morgan also is a founding gave me the skills to branch a better person,” she said. and discover their passion. added. member of Women of Pur- out and network.” Jordan was privi- One student found more Morgan also is a McCabe pose, an organization that Palmore has been involved leged to not than that, how- Scholar, but she’s mostly was developed on campus in the Student Government only excel ever—she found a known for her involvement in August 2014. Association as well. in her new family. in the campus news show Brandon Palmore, a com- “LU has really taught me “I was really “LU Stay Tuned.” Her peers puter science major, also how to be independent, scared when I can always see her run- will walk among this year's self-sufficient (and) go after ning around campus graduates. things that I want…” Pal- with a camera in her “My journey through more said. “It’s given me hand. Langston University has many opportunities to be “I feel I’ve become more been one that has been a successful. It’s helped me open-minded and patient growing process for me, as grow in regards of career and I found myself here,” well as a wake-up for me,” goals and my life,” Palmore Morgan said. “When I first Palmore said. added. “It’s pretty much got here, I was lost and I Palmore is a member of given me a ticket to do didn’t know who I was, but the Beta Epsilon chapter of whatever I want to do in my then interacting with my Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity life, and I am forever grate- friends and teachers, I kind Inc. ful for that.” News May 7, 2015 | The Gazette 5 LU student hosts Coyle's 'Mangeant'

Courtesy Photos Left: Charles Tucker, senior broadcast journalism major, asks an "on-stage question" to a contestant in Coyle High School's "Mangeant" [MAN-juhnt]. Tucker hosted the Mangeant, or male pageant, April 24, in the Coyle High School gym. The Mangeant was a new competition to select this year's "Mr. CHS." The contestants were all basketball and/or football players for CHS.

Top: Charles Tucker (far right) introduces each contestant to the crowd at Coyle High School's "Mangeant". The winner, Benjamin Scott (third from left), received the next "Mr. CHS" title. He was selected based upon the crowd's applause and reaction. Black Heritage Center gets digital archives By Brittany Kendrick tem. said. ing our history is price- and beyond." Reporter “We will soon expand She also has started creat- less," said Lonnie Johnson Langston has unique to invite faculty, student ing awareness of this sys- Jr., instructor and interim facts and history that even Do you want to look up and alumni research” said tem by emailing students, chair of the Department of some current students an ancestor that attended Jameka Lewis, curator for faculty and staff a link to Communication. "The digi- don’t know. Langston in the 50’s? Do the Black Heritage Center. see a publication they have tal archives will be a tre- For more information and you want to look up an ar- “I am the proponent in listed. mendous resource for our to access the archives, visit chive story you wrote in the making sure people have "The value of preserv- department, the institution http://www.langston.edu. Gazette or catalogue? the open access to these The Langston Universi- facts and other opportuni- ty Melvin B. Tolson Black ties," Lewis said. Heritage Center has incor- The repository system porated new technology was established August that enables students and 2014 and currently has 355 the general public to look items in its database, which up archives as far back as makes the 3000 downloads the 1800s. an automatic success. Known as the Digital “This system is great Commons, this reposito- because it shows you the ry system offers people a country that a person is chance to access archived looking at our site from,” publications from LU, in- Lewis said. "From China to cluding catalogues, news- the U.S., people are inter- letters, documents, arti- ested in the works that LU facts, yearbooks and also has produced." the McCabe and senior the- This system is accessible ses. through the LU website un- LU has been the corner- der the "Library" tab. stone of some great black “I intend on having a history, and now, the world presentation on the new has a chance to access these system during the Faculty rare facts through this sys- Institute in August,” Lewis 6 The Gazette | May 7, 2015 News New physical therapy facility will double in space, students

By Dhiana Brame gram in the state that we However, it was always in LU’s doctoral physical make it accessible to Contributing Writer really should have a state- just a matter of being fi- therapy program, said he cheer/dance organizations of- the-art facility,” Smith nancially able. is eager for the new build- on campus..." said Kiyah It is official—Langston added. "We decided to move ing to be finished because Washington, who is cur- University has made room Because of accreditation that up to the top of the of the additional opportu- rently the Langston Uni- in the budget for a new standards, the LU physi- list and that if money ever nities it will bring. versity cheer captain. physical therapy building, cal therapy program is presented itself or oppor- “We are very excited President Smith has yet which is expected to be allowed to bring in only tunities, [a new physical about the expansion of the to determine exactly what about 25,000 square feet of 13 students per academic therapy building] would physical therapy school,” the building will become. beauty. year, which is because be the top priority for the Titsworth said. "We've talked about "When it’s all said and physical therapy requires university," Smith said. “This new building will anything from a student done, this will be a $6.75 a certain amount of space Langston University was allow us to have more stu- workout facility to poten- million project," said Pres- in the facility per student. able to get a combination dents, larger spaces and tially tearing that space ident Kent Smith Jr. Therefore, by doubling of federal and state funds the ability to increase our down, and that’s where, "Students will have any- the size of the building, in addition to setting mon- learning experiences that ultimately, we think we thing from student loung- LU also can double the ey aside over two budget will ultimately help us be would like to have a new es to computer labs, study size of incoming classes. cycles to make this project more prepared physical student recreation center," areas and meeting labs... This building has always happen. This building is therapists upon graduat- Smith said. "But, again, We just feel like because been something that uni- expected to be fully func- ing and entering the work- that takes money and we have the top School versity officials knew they tional by fall 2016. force,” he said. planning and time, but no of Physical Therapy Pro- needed. Tyler Titsworth, student The biggest question concrete plans as of yet.” now is, 'What will happen Until then, students on with the old building?’ campus are proud to at- "I hope we can turn it tend a university that is Spring Week turns in to a dance studio and expanding and upgrading. into spring weak By Dhiana Brame Contributing Writer “Spring Week is supposed to be one of Spring Week 2015 was the most fun weeks during the year. considered to be more of a ” dead week to students. “I’m so disappointed; I ex- — Dayna Davis, pected so much more,” said Dayna Davis, sophomore sophomore broadcast journalism major broadcast journalism major. “Spring Week is supposed to be one of the most fun school year. Pugh said. "We are working weeks during the year.” This budget not only with roughly a $90,000-bud- Langston University Ac- covers Homecoming and get every academic year.” tivities Coordinator Paul Spring Week, but it also The Student Govern- Pugh has expressed that covers funds for campus ment Association has tried the budget for Spring Week organizations to travel, and to work with the House of 2015 was somewhat "tight" it's used to buy T-shirts and Representatives to raise the this year. provide programming for student activities fee but it "We used a significant the student body as well. did not receive a majority amount of money to make The student activity fee, vote of yes. homecoming bigger than it which is a line item on each "What I have been work- was last year," Pugh said. student’s university bill, has ing on is getting a ma- "We made Spring Week not been raised since 2001. It jor corporate sponsor, so big last year (in 2014) since currently sits at $50 dollars homecoming and Spring homecoming was so bad…” per student. Week can be sponsored in With the tight budget that "Artists cost way more full, and the budget we get LU is allocated every year, now, so it’s hard to keep from the student activities there is just no way that up with other HBCUs who fee can be used strictly to do students can have a huge have separate budgets programming and events homecoming and Spring strictly for their homecom- throughout the school year," Week in the same academic ings and spring weeks," Pugh said. News May 7, 2015 | The Gazette 7 Six ways to minimize finals stress

Special from 1. Avoid procrastination. 3. Increase exercise and limit caf- 5. Get plenty of sleep. College Oklahoma Society of CPAs Procrastination seems feine intake. People tend to make students should get at least seven unavoidable during finals week. unhealthy choices under stress. hours of sleep a night. Lack of Stress before final exams is un- Procrastination negatively affects Many students turn to sleep makes it difficult to retain avoidable. While many use retail college students’ physical, mental coffee, energy drinks and other long-term information. therapy to ease anxiety, excessive and emotional state. caffeinated products in order to It might seem beneficial to pull spending during finals only in- stay alert while studying. Caffeine an all-nighter before a final exam, creases stress levels. 2. Take financially conscious can increase nervousness and lead but sleep deprivation will prevent According to the National Insti- study breaks. Although research to fatigue. Exercise is a great clear thinking during the exam. tute of Mental Health, 46.3 per- shows study breaks increase alternative because the brain cent of students surveyed found retention skills and critical think- releases endorphins, which 6. Sell textbooks back as soon as academics traumatic or very diffi- ing, it is important to choose relieve stress. possible. Book stores have a cult to handle. Keeping calm and study break options that do not higher demand for textbooks at staying on budget during finals is break your budget. 4. Avoid overcommitting. Time the end of the semester and are vital. Studying in a restaurant or management is key to success willing to buy back books at a The Oklahoma Society of Cer- coffee shop might present the when preparing for finals. Over- higher price. tified Public Accountants offers temptation to spend more money. committing during finals week This can make a big difference in six simple steps to keep spending Instead, try studying at home, a will only heighten stress levels. alleviating financial stress during and stress in check while prepar- friend’s house, a park or library. Scheduling study hours at specific finals. ing for final exams: times in the day will help ensure you are prepared for your exam. Langston University Final Examination Schedule Spring 2015

ALL CLASSES AT THIS TEST DATE TEST DAY & TIME STARTING ON: TIME:

Monday 8 a.m. May 15, 2015 FRIDAY, 8-10 a.m. 9 a.m. May 14, 2015 THURSDAY, 10 a.m.-Noon 10 a.m. May 15, 2015 FRIDAY, 1-3 p.m. 11 a.m. May 12, 2015 TUESDAY, 1-3 p.m. Noon May 12, 2015 TUESDAY, 8-10 a.m. 1 p.m. May 13, 2015 WEDNESDAY, 3-5 p.m. 2 p.m. May 14, 2015 THURSDAY, 3-5 p.m. 3 p.m. May 13, 2015 WEDNESDAY, 8-10 a.m. 4 p.m. May 13, 2015 WEDNESDAY, 1-3 p.m.

Tuesday 8 a.m. May 15, 2015 FRIDAY, 3-5 p.m. 9:30 a.m. May 14, 2015 THURSDAY, 1-3 p.m. 11 a.m. May 11, 2015 MONDAY, 8-10 a.m. 12:30 p.m. May 12, 2015 TUESDAY, 10 a.m.-Noon 2 p.m. May 15, 2015 FRIDAY, 10 a.m.-Noon 3:30 p.m. May 13, 2015 WEDNESDAY, 10 a.m. Noon

Wednesday 4 p.m. May 14, 2015 THURSDAY, 8-10 a.m.

Thursday 4 p.m. May 12, 2015 TUESDAY, 3-5 p.m.

ALL Final Exams for Evening (beginning at 5 p.m.), Weekend and other classes not on this schedule willl be held at the LAST REGULAR CLASS MEETING.

* Final Examination Schedule for all Multi-Section Mathematics Courses will be administered on MONDAY, MAY 11, 2015* 8-10 a.m. TRIGONOMETRY, ELEMENTARY STATISTICS and FINITE MATHEMATICS 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. ELEMENTARY ALGEBRA 1-3 p.m. COLLEGE ALGEBRA 3:30-5:30 p.m. INTERMEDIATE ALGEBRA 8 The Gazette | May 7, 2015 Sports Track team has 'blazing' performance at outdoor conference championship By Jarron Thompson prove to people that I could Sports Editor still do it,” Jacobs said. “I think the work that I put in After blazing performanc- should help me to be suc- es at the Red River Athletic cessful.” Conference Track and Field Head Track Coach James Championships, the Langs- Hilliard Jr. said he was ton track team is optimistic “pleased with the overall about its future. effort” that the team gave, Sophomore Janaa Evans and he’s ready to prep the won the high jump, javelin athletes for future events. throw, long jump and was “We want them to return named conference MVP on as all-Americans and pos- the women’s side. sibly national champions,” Other Langstonites were Hilliard said. also impressive, qualifying Other outstanding ath- for the upcoming Outdoor letes include junior Mat- National Championships. thew Wright, who qualified Darian Johnson qualified A-standard in the men’s for the women’s 200-meter 400-meter dash and Dam- dash B-standard, and Lati- arius Bell, who won and sha Jacobs qualified for the qualified in the long jump. women’s 200-meter dash A- Freshman Daylen Baker, standard. the lone thrower from Ar- Jacobs, a junior nursing dmore, Oklahoma, won the major from Oklahoma City, shot-put and the discus for Photos by Jarron Thompson was pleased with her re- the Lions. sults, winning the 100- and Both the men's and wom- Top: Darian Johnson (far left, lane one), Joi Townshed (lane two) and other 200-meter dash. en's team fell short by plac- sprinters jump out of running blocks to start the 100-meter dash at the Red River “After taking a break from ing second runner-up to Athletic Conference Championship track meet. Also running in this heat was Litisha track for a couple of years, Wylie College at the confer- Jacobs in lane five (not pictured). The women's track team placed second overall at I wanted to come back and ence meet. the championships April 24-25.

Bottom Left: Damon Wallace stays ahead of a competitor in a long-distance run during the Red River Athletic Conference Championship. The men's track team placed second overall at the meet, falling short behind Wylie College.

Lady Lions lose third game of conference tournament

By Trevon McNabb The team came off a couple Reporter tough losses to teams such as Ba- cone and Louisiana State Univer- The Langston University soft- sity-Alexandria. ball team clinched a spot and “I think we have to hit consis- made a run for the conference tently and make fewer errors,” championship, which was May said student coach Ashli Bell. 1-2, in Farmers Branch, Texas. Once at the conference tourna- The Lady Lions had injuries and ment, though, the team lost in its a loaded schedule, but they were third game. Bell said the game still confident about their chanc- was a hard loss because for most es to take a spot in the tourna- of the innings, the Lady Lions ment. were ahead. “We have to learn to play our However, after a tough battle game and come up clutch in cru- that stretched into eight innings, cial situations,” said junior short- the Lady Lions fell short by one stop Angel Council. point and lost, 8-7.