North Carolina A&T State University IHE REGISTER www.ncatregister. com VOLUME 78, NO. 22 Thursday, April 8, 2004 COPYRIGHT© 2004 Group says James Earl Jones to speak at awareness A&T's spring commencement

From a press release acclaim on incubated a generation of future black is key N.C. A&T both stage and stars in Jean Genet's "The Blacks." Award-winning actor James Earl screen. He is In 1959, he became affiliated with By Najla Lisa Norwood Jones will be the keynote speaker for known to mil- the New York Shakespeare Festival Register Contibutor N.C. A&T's Annual Spring lions by his where he portrayed such characters as Othello and In the 1960s The Student Health Advisory Commencement. deep voice as King Lear. earned Daniel Blum's Theater Council (SHAC) is an organization The ceremony will be held Saturday, Darth Vader in he World Award as Most Promising that looks at health issues from a May 8, in the Greensboro Coliseum. the "Star Wars" on a Rain student They serve as The lineup will begin at 8 a.m. and the film series, Personality in "Moon perspective. for his link between the processional for all participants at 8:30 He began his Shawl," and garnered Obies the connecting James "Clandestine the students and N.C. A&T's a.m. More than 1,000 students will career in the performances in on Earl Jones "Othello." Sebastian Health Center, receive degrees theater in the Morning Line," "Baal" and with the historic company that Last year the staff of the health Jones' acting career has won him 1950's Please see JONES, Page 2 center, along with some con- cerned students, helped to make SHAC an official student organi- students A&T zation A&T This organization is composed of students from different majors who have an interest in health education, care and prevention. explore sign language graduates They meet regularly on Monday nights to voice opinions of A&T's community. honored Both Sharon Moye and Janet Lattimore, of Sebastian Health By Chad Roberts Center, agree that the Student Staff Writer Health Advisory Council encour- Vernell Hilda ages students to actively partici- Stallings, Pinnix- Bethea all pate in designing programs on Ragland and Elvin were campus recently recognized as Lattimore describes the organi- Distinguished Alumni at the 29th zation as "a student group that is National Conference on Blacks in Education. The confer- helping to not only educate them- Higher selves on health issues, but their ence was sponsored by the peers as well," she said. National Association for Equal One of the programs sponsored Opportunity in Higher Education. this semester by the council was Stallings, Pinnix- the First Annual Women's Ragland and Conference on Jan. 24. The theme Bethea are all of this program was "I Am a A&T graduates. BRIGHT Woman." BRIGHT Bethea played stood for Beautiful, Respectful, football for A&T Honored and for four years. Intelligent, Gifted, Sharonda Eggleton/Photo editor Talented. After he graduat- learning sign Lakisa Ballard developed the Students at N.C. A&T now have the option of ed in 1968 he idea for the conference last year language, the newest language course to be offered. Here, went on to play Hilda Pinnix- junior systems foot- during her term as president of Elexter Benston, a graphic communication professional Ragland the SHAC. major, converses with Avril Smart, junior, psychology major. ball for the Houston Oilers for 16 years. The conference was a day-long By Tia Bracey tal factors which foster the message Bethea was recently inducted into event that was free to all A&T Register Contributor and conducts him or herself in a National Football Hall and Bennett College female stu- professional ethical manner. the League With his index finger touching of Fame. Bethea currently works dents and staff. Sessions covered "I've been signing all of my life," between his neck and his chest and for the Anheuser Busch govern- topics on diet and exercise, drug in motion says Brandon pulling away one upward ment affairs division in Houston, and alcohol abuse, self esteem, on his face Curtis He is a CODA, child of deaf and a smile Texas sexual assault, domestic violence, adults; therefore his first language Brandon greets the class, "What's Pinnix-Ragland received her building healthy relationships and up?" was sign language. In Brandon's Musical selections and bachelor's degree in accounting religion. With no words only teachings he often refers to growing spoken, from A&T and went on to get her educational material were also up as a hearing child with deaf par- expressions, movements and hand- master's degree from Duke incorporated into the conference. ents. He shares with the class that shapes, Brandon uses sign language addition to "Many of the topics for the con- the oldest child he held a lot University. In serving to communicate. A nationally certi- being the N.C. A&T Foundation ference were picked because A&T of responsibility growing up. on fied interpreter, Brandon teaches Board, Pinnix-Ragland is a mem- students had mentioned an inter- He talks about enduring stress at a SPCH 258-01, American Sign ber of the N.C. Board of est in them," Ballard said. young age because wherever his Language at A&T. Community Colleges and is the Members of several sororities on went, he had to go along According to www.aslinfo.com, an parents African-American Advisory campus gave assistance through- also. "When it was time to purchase interpreter is a bilingual-bicultural Council Chair for N.C State out the program. Funding through cars, our insurance or when professional who interprets while house, University being sensitive to the environmen- Please see HEALTH,Page 3 Please see SIGN, Page 3 Please see GRADUATES, Page 3

INDEX Aggies finish third in softball News 2-3 E-Vibes 6 invitational Opinion 4-5 Sports 10-11 Page 7 2 Campus News April 8, 2004 NEWS BRIEFS Asheville man wants JONES Continuedfrom page 1 U.S. hit kills In the 1970s Jones appeared in respect for the South numerous film and television projects. 40 in Fallujah It was during this era that his voice became linked with "Star Wars." In FALLUJAH, Iraq - U.S. Marines in a By Cheryl Farkas African countries made a fortune off of fierce battle for this Sunni Muslim Register Contributor the trade of their own people," he said. 1989, he co-starred with Kevin "Field of stronghold fired rockets that hit a An well-dressed, distin- As a still quietness filled the room, the Costner in the classic intelligent, "The Hunt for mosque compound filled with worship- guished, elder gentieman of African- release of guilt and anger seemed to Dreams," and in 1990, Red with Sean Connery and pers Wednesday, and witnesses said as American descent with a mission in his clear the air and open the room to unity. October," Alec Baldwin. many as 40 people were killed. Shiite- eyes and holding a Confederate flag "Do you think for a second that God Some of his other film credits inspired violence spread to key cides in stood on a street corner and captivated didn't have a plan when the black man include the Beloved Country," Iraq. an audience of people that wanted to was dropped right in the middle of the "Cry "Grim Prairie Tales," "Convicts" and The fighting in Fallujah and neighbor- know more, Bible Belt country? Whites taught has narrated ing Ramadi, where commanders con- H.K. Edgerton blacks about religion. Which God "Scorcher." Jones or more theatrical, firmed 12 Marines were killed late stood on the cor- would we be worshiping without them, appeared in than 200 television roles. Tuesday, was part of an intensified ner of Dillion right now? Muslim, and Muslims prac- film and created the uprising involving both Sunni and Street and Main tice slavery today, but no one wants to In 1991, Jones dynamic character of Gabriel Shiites that now stretched from Kirkuk Street talk about that," Edgerton said. impassioned Bird, an ex-police officer in the highly in the north to the far south. It was the Jamestown, "The war wasn't just about freeing acclaimed weekly heaviest fighting since Baghdad fell a proudly holding a slaves, there were slaves in the North Lorimar/ABC "Gabriel's Fire." The series was year ago this week. confederate flag who got whipped too. The Constitution series, about an officer who as passers by is what started the Civil War, taxes and ex-police spent not slavery. We were fight- 20 years in prison for killing his part- Convicted waved and www.slrc-csa.org states-rights, 9/11 beeped their ing for liberty. There were black men in ner and returned to the streets of H.K Edgerton Chicago as an investigative reporter. suspect released horns in respect. our Southern armies, both free and He was awaiting an evening appoint- slaves, fighting to defend their country Since then, Jones has made guest HAMBURG, Germany The only appearance on numerous television - ment at the JamestownLibrary as a key from an invasion. They deserve our person convicted in the Sept. 11 attacks speaker. A car full of teenage girls respect; the forgotten veterans," shows including "Stargate SG-1," was freed by a court Wednesday, "Homicide: Life on the pend- drove by. "See you tonight at 7:30 sis- Edgerton said. "Frasier," the outcome on "Will & ing of his retrial ter," he said. "We wouldn't miss it, "My ultimate goal is to seek repara- Streets," "The Simpsons," charges of aiding the Hamburg al- Wohoo!" As the girls drove off beeping tions for all Southerners, which has Grace" and "Everwood." Qaida cell that included three of the their horn. driven a wedge between the whites and Jones has won two Emmy Awards suicide pilots. A middle-aged African-American the blacks. The United States rebuilt includingBest Actor in a Drama Series Mounir el Motassadeq, 30, smiled for "Gabriel's Fire" and Best woman, apparendy angry at the state- Germany and Japan after the war, but broadly as he left the Hamburg prison Supporting Actor a mini-series or ment he was making, boldly asked, the South has never been rebuilt. If you in where he had been held since special for the TNT movie "Heat "What are you doing?" want to understand today's race prob- November 2001. He walked past Wave." As he replied to her questions in a soft lems, you have to know what went on reporters without comment before his He holds honorary doctorates from and respectful tone, a policeman pulled during the Reconstruction. We need a friends and lawyer whisked him in Princeton and the University of away to the side of the road and approached Marshall Plan for the South and we Yale, car a to an unknown location. Edgerton, asking, "Sir, do you have a need it now," he said. Michigan December 2002, he was permit to be here?" "Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. In among One killed as Miss. Edgerton, excusing himself from the said, sons of former slaves and slave five recipients of the Silver Jubilee Kennedy heated conversation with the woman, owners will sit at the same table," Center Honors. Other awards include the National Amtrak derails responded to the policeman. Edgerton said. "He would want me Medal of Arts from former U.S. YAZOO CITY, Miss. - Amtrak's City "I am on government property, invit- here doing this, why should I put down ed by the Sons of Confederate Veterans my flag?" he said. President George H. Bush and the of New Orleans train jumpedits tracks NAACP Hall of Fame Image Award in a swampy area of the Mississippi Association to be a key speaker in the For moreinformation, visit www.slrc-csa.org. for his contributions to the arts. Delta, killing a 68-year-old passenger library here shortly." and injuring nearly 60 other people. With a smile on his face, the police- The nine-car train, traveling from man said, "Well, sir, I'm not as con- New Orleans to Chicago, derailed cerned about the permit, as I am your Tuesday night near the town of Flora, safety here." tumbling five or six feet off a tresde "I have walked 1606.1 miles, in every approximately 25 miles north of major city from Asheville to Texas with Jackson. this flag sir, but thank you for your con- cern," Edgerton said. Voters in Calif, The policeman left and he continued his answers to the woman waiting. deny Wal-Mart Oddly enough, the woman was smiling and saying, "Yes, I'm sure am glad we INGLEWOOD, Calif. - Voters reject- didn't leave our grandmother in Africa, The Latest School ed a ballot measure that would have it's hell there." She walked away, seem- cleared the way for a colossal Wal-Mart ingly pleased with the answers she had in this Los Angeles suburb, one of sev- received. r hews Without Getting Ink eral communities across the nation to A former president of the NAACP in resist the retailer's advances. Asheville's Buncombe County v Activists who opposed the measure - - Edgerton has walked with his flag in an All Over Your Hands. which would have allowed Wal Mart to appeal to generate peace, not the vio- skirt zoning, traffic and environmental lence Southerners are familiar with reviews - saidit would hurt the commu- when using a Confederate flag as a mes- nity by inviting the Supercenter to drive sage, out small business and encourage The Jamestown Library on Feb. 10 sprawl was standing room only, and it was filled with veterans who took every Rowandans mark word in as a confirmation of what they A already knew. 94 genocide Mostly men in their 50s and 60s filled the room and not one black person was Rwanda Survivors of the KIGALI, - shared warm stories 1994 present. Edgerton genocide in Rwanda on Wednesday of up in the south and his buried the growing remains of hundreds of vic- Mama's words of wisdom. With an tims recovered from pit-latrines and mass unspoken bond between them, the men graves to markthe 10th of the anniversary nodded and laughed at the bold com- government-orchestrated slaughter that ments Edgerton's mother used in rais- left more than 500,000 people dead. ing him and his siblings. Anyone with- The symbolic burial on a hillside marked out a education and knowledge of the of a week of for deep beginning mourning the South's history would have felt the Tutsis and political moderates from ignorant, the Hutu who were killed majority during "I am tired of the white Christian men the that this small 100-day slaughter apart hanging their heads in guilt over slavery, centralAfrican nation. the whole world was a part of slavery, Briefsfrom Associated Press reports. April 8, 2004 Campus News 3

The class is composed of approx- "I have been given the gift to imately 30 students from many dif- understand the deaf community. I GRADUATES SIGN ferent concentrations. could not circumvent it. It's a fun- page Continuedfrom 1 Continuedfrompage 1 Ngozi Onianwah is a senior nurs- damental part of my being and I For 25 years any financial situations arose I was ing major who is enrolled in the couldn't see me getting away," Vernell Stallings with my parents interpreting." class. "I like the class. I'm learning. Brandon said. "It's inherited. I used worked as associate Brandon coins himself an advo- Unfortunately, I am personally to get angry and I resolved it by director of opera- cate for the deaf. He believes that unable to put as much into the class doing something about it," he said. tions for the A&T there is a void in society that does as I would like because of my nurs- Brandon will continue to educate student union not understand the needs or the tri- ing schedule," Onianwah said. students at A&T about deaf culture After his 2001 als that deaf people go through Onianwah describes learning sign by teaching SPCH 258, Sign retirement daily. Brandon exposes his class to language is as difficult as learning Language I. became the first the deaf culture by introducing any other language; although, study- A&T retiree to give them to people in the deaf commu- ing is harder because it is mostly Elvin a Charitable nity. visual where most classes don't Bethea Retainer Ilni-Trust So far, he has brought in Abebe focus on that. "We learn by a lot of (CRUT) donation Asrat, a senior at Paige High repitition," Onianwah said. to the school. Later School. On this day, Brandon's class Also enrolled in the class is senior that year A&T's operated on a question and answer business management major new student union format. Students asked questions, Deanna Thurston ballroom was Brandon interpreted in sign lan- "I am very glad A&T is offering named after him. guage, Asrat answered and Brandon the sign language class now, and if Stallings graduated voiced his answers. there were a part two I would take it in 1964 with an The students learned that Asrat as well," she said. industrial technolo- and his sister were both deaf, but Thurston desires to take other degree and he were hearing. to gy Vernell both of their parents deaf communication courses received his mas- to draw more, because at her Stallings He is from Ethiopia, loves learn job, ter's degree in 1971. and is anticipating his senior prom. Carmike 18, she interacts with the Last year Stallings received the "I enjoyed having Asrat in class. It deaf community and it would be Sharonda Eggleton/Photo editor Alumni Award of Excellence from made me look at sign language in a beneficial if she could better com- More courses in sign lan- A&T. different perspective," said junior municate with them versus always guage, such as being used by elementary education major Britni communicating with them by writ- Avril Smart, may be offered HEALTH Swann ing things down, she said. later. Continuedfrom page 1 grants enabled the conference to include refreshments, a compli- mentary lunch and a gift bag for all of the participants. The pro- gram concluded with evaluation forms being collected to ensure the future success of this type of conference at A&T, organizers said. On Feb. 11, some of the partici- pants of the conference were given an opportunity to attend a Spa Party at Dudley's Beauty Center & Spa. The Spa Party included a tour, a hair question and answer session, make-up tips and facials. In February the group held a Mocktail Monday which focused on the issue of The Business Center Provides college binge drinking. The SHAC held a health fair on March 30 which included a free health screening program. The organization's current president, Lillian Davis, encourages member- ship of others that are interested in health issues.

Where- U.S. Army GreensboroRecruiting Station 4 Opinion April 8, 2004

Tarah Holland, Editor-dn-<±ief Gregory Bond, Sports editor Erika Goodrich, E-Vibes editor Is A&T responding to Sharonda Eggleton, Photo editor Patrice Withers, S taf f voter Chad Roberts, S taff writer Karina Hardy, Online editor/Staff writer Kunle Oluwadiya, Business manager the spread ofAIDS? James "Tre" Harris III, Cartoonist Contributors: Brett Harrington, Julius McKinley, Darlene East, Harold Chairs, By Meghan McDermott Now if each one of those students Chandre Dean, Lindsay Bowen, Najla Lisa Norwood, Adrina Greenlee, Shame Guest Commentary sleeps with just one other person, Duell, Jessica DeVault, Cheryl Farkas, Erica Franklin, Tia Bracey, Whitney Mack- With the talk of AIDS on campus, which is highly unlikely in today's Obi. it makes me wonder if the university society, the number quickly jumps to really cares about the health of their 22 students. Most classes on campus Valerie ~Nieman,faculty adviser students (with the exception of lecture class- Yes, the has taken small es) are supposed to be limited to Editorial Policy college seemingly unnoticeable steps to raise about 25 students. That is almost a Editorials reflect the opinions of the A&T Register awareness, but it is not helping. If whole classroom full of students that but not necessarily those of the university. there is an outbreak of AIDS or HIV are infected. Now if the original Views in guest commentaries and letters to the editor are those of the writer. on campus the students have a right number of males had been 15, it The A&T Register to know. Some students refuse would have started with 16 students Box E-25, 1601 E. Market St. to face the fact that they are at risk and then that could have quickly Greensboro, NC 27411 because they do not feel that there is grew to 32 students. That would E-mail [email protected] a threat on A&T's campus. Yes, part amount to all of the students in one Telephone (336) 334-7700 of the problem is the student's fault of my classes for not looking out for themselves, In the world we live in today most but the college should still be young adults will come into sexual responsible for telling their students contact with more than two people. KKK, quit about a major health risk spreading All college students have had a around campus. health class, either in high school or The university made a small effort in college to explain the risk of AIDS on cam- Unfortunately, we see everyday that your night jobs pus by having an Aggie AIDS Week. the information given in these class- The events consist of an HIV/AIDS es are not being absorbed by young panel discussion, testing adults. The teachers can show pic- By Scruggs HIV/AIDS Danielle and These preconceptions make your and an AIDS candle walk. Putting a tures of horrible sexually transmitted Shani O. Hilton, a.k.a. job SO much easier, don't ya' think? few flyers up in a few dorms and diseases and tell stories about the And when we go to work, employ- "a Concerned Coon" classroom buildings is not promoting painful life people with AIDS live Black College Wire ers are justified in not promoting us, an event of this importance. with, but it is still being ignored. we were so Dear Ku Klux Klan, Aryan Nation, since up late watching A step was also taken by The The majority of students seem to be BET's "Uncut" that we couldn't neo-Nazis and other white suprema- Register to raise AIDS awareness. more preoccupied with not having make it to work on Besides, if cist organizations time. The school newspaper ran a guest children than not getting an STD. On behalf of the black population, you put a black man in a high posi- commentary by Dr. Peter Leone in because a female is on birth con- he's Just I'd like to extend my thanks and tion, sure to rape every white their April 1 issue. Unfortunately trol doesn't mean she is disease free. female black gratitude for your sincere efforts to in sight, tap every though my discussions with my fel- If there is a major threat to student woman's tear us down, destroy our image and posterior and decorate his low students it does not seem that health on campus the students have a "throwback" simply mess us up office with jerseys and they read this important article. right to know. "Knowledge is pictures of naked However, I'd like to ease your Janet Jackson. The students I talked to were power" and in order for students to minds by letting you know: WE'VE Also, there is our utter lack of fam- unaware of the sudden increase of fight back against this deadly threat values and women GOT THIS. ily morals. Black AIDS and HIV infection among col- they must be informed about what is Feel free to enjoy a beer on your usually have six kids, and at least lege students. Also they think that happening around them. How can eight baby-daddies, not to mention a front porch, watch some reruns of the test for HIV will not detect the you fight an enemy that you do not the "Andy Griffith Show" and take a bad weave and four-inch fingernails. virus until around six months after know exists? shot at the occasional coon who And though you can count on none the infection takes place. Next year the college is admitting of those daddies in the passes by living same According to Dr. Leone, though a more freshmen than ever which will we'll bet all live on the I appreciate the 100-plus years house, they primary HIV test can detect HIV likely increase the number of stu- same block. you've dedicated to annihilating within one to two weeks after an dents infected with HIV or AIDS if African Americans, but hey, I think Of course, on Sundays, we head to individual is infected and the tradi- the school does nothing because the church. For six hours. Because that's it's time we gave it a shot. tional test can detect the virus with freshmen will be unaware of the risk what black people do. We pray to We got off to a good start with in eight to 12 weeks after infection. of AIDS on this campus. "Tha us "Shaft," "Foxy Brown" and every Man Upstairz" to forgive Some students were also saying that Raising awareness of AIDS in gen- for shaking it up all at the club. other movie starring a black person night HIV testing is not confidential and eral is a small step, but a better way is in the '70s. We took it a little further But now, we have the Church of that the police have a record of to let the students know the risk here with the "got-to-get-up-out-the- James! everyone who has AIDS, which Dr. at campus NBA's ghetto" movies of the '80s and '90s, The LeBron James, that is. Leone says is false. There is no way The school puts on a false face of He's another role model for our chil- including "Menace II Society," "The that the police have a record of peo- pretending to care about their stu- dren. And we our babies Players Club" and "New Jack City." tell that it ple with AIDS because that would be dents, if the students really were the IS to want to be Also, with the advent of gangsta realistic like a boy a violation of the privacy rights school's number one concern they who received rap, we made it possible for your $90 million for doing which is against the law. Students on would inform the students about the but kind to enjoy our foibles. Who can absolutely nothing endorsing campus are unaware of the danger of risks here on campus and tell them Nike shoes. Allen forget such classics as "B*****s Iverson, Tracy AIDS. what is going on McGrady, Kobe Bryant (and look Ain't Sh*t," "F**k the Police," and Think about this for a minute, if a McDermott is a freshman, architectual what happened to isn't "2 of Amerikaz Most Wanted"? him — that female slept with 10 males, that is 11 engineering major City, and rest from Elizabeth But lately, we've really been giving encouraging?) the of King students that are already infected. N.C. it our all! BET (Black Exploitation James' disciples are shining examples Television) has made it possible for of the black American dream: get- the whole world to see "the way we ting a lot while doing nothing- to ball," while we're "stompin' in our serve society. Kinda like affirmative Letters to the editor Air Force Ones," and watching the action! females of our race "shake it like a Although, our supremacist friends, are welcomed by salt shaker / Polaroid picture / fast." there is one thing you can do. Take Simply put, everyone can see how out Oprah. She's making it difficult e-mail at [email protected] just easily entertained we are. for us to maintain our image as or by mail to N.C. A&T State University, Ah, and good old UPN (U Pick a shiftless, uneducated and poor. She Negro)! What with "The Parkers," and Star Jones. And Denzel. And Box E-25, 1601 E. Market St., "Girlfriends," "Half and Half" and Mekhi. And Blair, Halle, Dr. Greensboro, NC 27411 "One on One," we get the opportu- Benjamin Carson, Sharpton, Powell, nity to act a fool twice a week! Who Condi, Mandela, Archbishop Tutu - Letters must be signed and and needs high drama when you've got the Huxtables should include an address Danielle Scruggs coons, mammies and oversexed and Shani 0. Hilton, and telephone number. jezebels to laugh at for hours at a students at Howard University, write for time? The Hilltop. April 8, 2004 News Letter To The Editor Get your Affirmative action: copy of The principal or pragmatism Register! No issue better reveals the American hard, but is riot insurance a good justi- action shifts from improving the con- tension between principal and pragma- fication for preferences? Certainly ditions of blacks to transforming tism than the debate over affirmative some think so. I have heard Jesse America into a multiracial society There's only action Jackson say on CNN attributing the Thus, the pursuit of inclusion is one I believe this . However, may have rioting in Benton Harbor, Mich., to replaced by the celebration of separate issue remaining been true when affirmative action anger over criticism of preferences at identities. We've compromised our began in the late 1960s, I believe it the University of Mich. Really? principals so often in so many areas, this semester! was....but I also believe this is not true Affirmative action causing violence? what's the big deal about compromis- Don't forget to today, and hasn't been for some time. There is indeed costs at the individual ing our principal against racial discrim- Now the tension is not between prin- level, borne by those whites who may ination? Well for one thing I have grab your copy! cipal and pragmatism, but principal: not have gained places or jobs as a always argued race is, and should the old bed rock principal that every- result of preferences for minorities remain, a "suspect classification." We're available one should be judged "without regard" But nearly all research indicates that Discriminating on the basis of race is to . on Thursdays at race, national origin, religion, or these costs are minuscule. Repeated simply not the same as discriminating social status, is being challenged by the surveys indicate that no more than 7 for or against tobacco growers, oil well various locations new diversity principal that positively percent of Americans of European owners, etc. No matter how unappeal- requires "taking race into account" in heritage claim to have been adversely ing examples of that sort of discrimi- around A&T's all of American aspects life and law. affected by affirmative action pro- nation may be. If that weren't true, campus! I believe that principal is far more grams, and it has been shown that affir- there would be no point to civil rights important that policy, however the mative action reduces the chances of laws oudawingracial discrimination. For more decision that the court reached in the whites getting into top colleges by 1.5 Currendy, the conflict between advo- Michigan cases will be reasoning that percentage points. Minuscule? cates of the color-blind non-discrimi- information, principal is more important than policy. Lets assume that these numbers are nation principal and those who have Moreover, I believe that good affirma- correct and that "Americans of come to believe that the presence of questions or if tive action does and de-emphasizing European heritage" means "whites." "diversity" is more compelling than the you have an the bad. As pragmatic public policy, it According to the2000 Census there are absence of discrimination can't be is easy to show that the benefits of roughly 211,500,000 whites in the U.S. resolved by compromise, because the interest in affirmative action far outweigh its Thus 7 percent of them would amount competingprinciples are irreconcilable. social or individual costs. to about 15 million people claiming to But if the preferentialists would writing, please What affirmative action does is have been affected adversely. reconsider their rejection of the non- contact at ensure the integration of our best uni- Of course, many of those whites are discrimination principals, then some of us versities and thereby promotes (if indi- too young to have experienced such us color blinders may well be willing to [email protected] recdy) a heterogeneous professional effects, or at least to respond to sur- consider some specific temporary ( a elite. In conjunction with anti-discrimi- veys, and so the percentage of adults crucial requirement) "pragmatic" com- call us at (336) nation laws, it has direcdy fostered the who have may well be much higher. promises. growth of an African American and Finally, numbers such as these don't 334-7700 or visit Latino middle class. reveal the amount of residual anger Javal Kimani Demens is a junior,political us in 328A-NCB. Our best universities would, in the and bitterness such "adverse effects" science majoratN.C. A&Tfrom Columbia, absence of racial preferences, be segre- leave behind. S.C. gated ? If creation into the middle class So much for achievements, for all its is the object, why preferences instead achievements, however, many critics of say, direct cash grants, racial tax fear that affirmative action violates exemptions, etc?. This sort of argu- fundamental principals that have guid- ment that affirmative action "works" ed this country. It is indeed difficult to always reminds me of the observation reconcile affirmative action with the that at least Mussolini got the trains nation's manifest ideals of individual- running on time, ism and merit-based on competition. WE HAVE A SUREFIRE WAY Corporate America has also But America's history is replete with embraced the policy, mosdy by choice. just such pragmatic fudging of these As a result, minorities make up a large ideals. TO part of the middle and top ranks at Yet these critics miss a more com- PREDICT THE FUTURE. many of the country's most recogniza- pelling, and more subtle argument ble firms. On Fortune magazine's list against affirmative action. In spite of of the "50 Best companies for minori- its benefits, there are serious problems HIRE YOU TO INVENT IT. ties," for example, 24 percent of offi- in the long run for its beneficiaries if cials and managers are minorities. affirmative action is not directly modi- Affirmative action has transformed fied. I believe that preferences must be the American military, making it the revised, while diversity is a goal that most ethnically varied at all levels of all deserves to be pursued in its own right, the world's great forces. And, along it was a major for African error Cyberspace controls and laser with changing ethnic and racial atti- American leaders to have advocated it defense systems came as no tudes, affirmative action has helped as the main justification for affirmative surprise to the U.S. Air Force. In fact, they came off our promote a powerful global popular cul- action, ture, many areas of which are dominat- In doing so, they gready expanded drawing boards. No wonder we re always looking to hire ed by minorities. the number of groups entided to pref- the best and brightest. You can leverage your degree If preferences have been so success- erences including millions of immi- ful, why are they still needed? Who are grants whose claims on the nation pale immediately and get hands-on experience with some of the those minorities? Asians? can One usu- in comparison to those who have been most sophisticated technology on earth. To request more ally count on preferentialists to count historically discriminated against. Such Asians when they are needed to bolster a development understandably alarmed information, call 1 -800-423-USAF or visit our Web site at an argument, and to discount them many whites who were otherwise pre- airforce.com when preferences are being distributed. pared to turn a pragmatic blind eye to Affirmative action as promoter of "a their principal concerns about affirma- powerful global popular culture"?! tive action. Nevertheless, there are a lot of nega- Using diversity as a rationale for affir- tive achievements, that is what affirma- mative action also distorts the aims of tive action has spread us, are hard to affirmative action. The original, moral- prove. But it is surely reasonable to ly incontestable goal of the policy was attribute the relative infrequency of the integration of African Americans U.S. AIRFORCE ethnic or racial riots in America to the in all important areas of public and pri- presence of minority leadership in vate sectors from which they had been CROSS INTO THE BLUE many of the nation's mainstream insti- historically excluded But if diversity is tutions. Proving a negative is indeed the goal, the purpose. of affirmative Kellv Osbourne has checked herself into a drua rehab facilit Vinesm a April 8, 2004 - for an addi tionto rescn don dru S. MTV.COm Award-winning poet to read her work at A&T The Rebirth of BYWhitney Mackobi Register Contributor AggieFest One of the nations most distinguished African American poets and memoirists, Professor Toi Derricotte will be on the campus on N.C. A&T State University read- ing her works on Wednesday, April 14, at 7 p.m. in the New Classroom Building audito- 2004 rium. Preceding Derncotte at 6:30 p.m., mem- bers of A&T's spoken word troupe (Amaris April 12-18 V. Howard and Dennis L. Winston) will per- form for the opening of this event. Monday, April 12 Admission is free and the event is open to Third Annual Pan Hellenic Greek Basketball Tournament the public. . Moore Gym Derricotte has published four books of 5 p.m. poetry, which include "Natural Birth," "The Admission: Free Empress of Death House," "Captivity" and "Tender," which was awarded the Paterson Tuesday, April 13 Poetry Prize in 1998. Also her 1998 memoir, "Black Notebooks," waschosen as a New "The Aggie Hot Spot" York Times Notable Book. The First Ever Battle ofthe Residence Halls Step Show" She has received numerous awards includ- Featuring Special Guests: The Glory Phi Steppers and ing two fellowships from the National The Iota Zeta Chapter ofKappa Kappa Psi Toi Derricotte Endowment for the Arts (1985 and 1990) 7 p.m. and the prestigious Pushcart Prizes in 1989 and 1998. Admission: Free (tickets available at the ticket office) Derricotte leads workshops throughout the country and is a co-founder of Cave Canem, workshop retreat for African American poets. She has taught graduate a Wednesday, April 14 creative writing programs at different universities all over the country. She is cur- The Hip Hop Summit rency on the faculty at the University of Pittsburgh , where she is an English pro- fessor. McNair Auditorium For more information regarding this event contact Professor Anjail Rashida Featuring K.R.S. ONE Ahmad in the English Department at 334- 7711 ext.2370 or [email protected]. 7 p.m.

Thursday, April 15 Mary J. Blige hits the road The Senior Class and Sharpe Persuits Presents: "The 4thAnnual Fashion Show Competition" Corbett Gymnasium with Love & Life Tour 7 p.m. Admission: $5 forA&T Students, $7 (day ofshow), $10 General Public From a Press Release Santa Monica, Calif. - Grammy award winner Mary J. Blige will hit the road on Friday, April 16 the Love & Life Tour later this month. The A&T Pan Hellenic Council in association with the SGA Presents Supported by Soulchild and Glen Lewis, this 18-city tour will kick off at Musiq The Aggiefest Stepshow 04' the Lyric Theatre in Baltimore on 12. April Corbett Gymnasium The Queen of Hip Hop Soul will perform hits that have influenced music for over a decade. Six studio albums and one live collection later, Blige still delivers that 7 p.m. electrifying performance to work your head, heart and hips. Admission: $7 A&T Students, $10 General Public She is capable of conveying heartache and happiness in a single musical moment. More than a vocalist, she is an accomplished artist, actress, and humanitarian who Saturday, April 17 simply loves life. YARDFEST 04' Fans willreceive exclusive behind the scenes footage on Marytv.com. The site will Aggiefest Concert continue to be updated with special highlights while she is on the road. Featuring: The Collective 7, Floetry, and Kanye West 8 p.m Love & Life tour dates on the East Coast Admission: Free to A&T Students w/ student ID, $10 General Public April 12 Baltimore Lyric Theatre April 13 Baltimore Lyric Theatre Sunday, April 18 April 15 Detroit Fox Theatre The Alpha Mu Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Presents April 16 Detroit FoxTheatre C.O.D.E. R.E.D April 18 Philadelphia Tower Theatre Community Festival \pril 19 Philadelphia Tower Theatre 12-5 p.m. \pril 20 Hartford, Conn Oakdale (tentative) Aggie \pril 22 New York Radio City Stadium Free Admission, Food, and \pril 23 New York Radio City Free Fun April 24 Boston Wang Center April 26 Washington Constitution Hall Miss North Carolina A&T Presents: April 27 Washington Constitution Hall The Junior-Senior Prom 2004 \pril 28 Richmond, Va Landmark Theatre "Remember the Times" (tentative) 8 p.m. April 29 Cleveland State Theatre The Empire Room 1 May Chicago Arie Crown Admission: $5 Singles, $10 Couples May 2 Chicago Arie Crown All tickets available at the ticket office April 8, 2004 Campus News 7

All our desks come with a view.

Join us, and well put some of the most exciting challenges in business in front of you. Opportunities to work on some of the biggest, most prestigious brands in the global market. And we'll put the knowledge, experience and support of the best talent in the industry behind you. Get the big picture. 8 Campus News April 8, 2004 Motorsports students at A&T say: 'Thepit is it" By Darlene F. East number of positions to prepare for a "I am 50 now, and I have been trying racing, is a member of the International Association (IHRA). Register Contributor race." to get into NASCAR for over 30 years," Hot Rod for chief on Four motorsports technology students In early January, 12 A&T students par- Robert Johnson said. "Itwas always my Smith will train crew to a '57 Plymouth named after at A&T are following in the footsteps of ticipated in a crews skills competition goal; it has just taken this long "Christine" four other A&T students who helped sponsored by Access Marketing and become a reality." the evil-hearted '58 Plymouth in the end social injustice. These student, how Communications in cooperation with The program is open to students in all movie "Christine" that had the power to ever, are helping NASCAR at the 5 disciplines, male and regenerate itself. He travel with NASCAR to Off 5 On Race female. Currently, will become more Team Performance there are three the team when it is in diverse, Center females in the pro- competition during Like their prede- Mooresville, N.C gram of approxi the Professional cessors, Walkeen The purpose of mately 50 students Modified (ProMod) Ter-rell Livingston, the competition was D e s i r e e dragracing tours. Amar A. Johnson, to screen candidates Charleston, a fresh-' It is great that we Robert G. Johnson for pit crew posi- man, was the only are getting the IV and Michael tions and drivers in female to participate opportunity to have Smith have become NASCAR's diversity Michael in the crews' skills Amar hands-on training in Desiree Robert the racing world pioneers for other Johnson program. Only six Smith competition. She is Johnson Charleston A&T students and participants would as enthusiastic about through A&T's Smith said. African Americans in NASCAR motor- receive offers in the program the program as her male peers motorsports program," " a for African sports. "There were 35 candidates from all Charleston believes that more stu- hope to become pioneer These four students have taken cours- parts of the United States," Exum said. dents should enroll in the motorsports Americans in the industry as a crew es in A&T's six-course Pit Crew "Some were high school and college stu- program, chief." Certification dents and others business professionals, "They are missing out on what hap- Four years ago Chancellor James Program that began all competing for an opportunity to get pens in motorsports," she said. "It is the Renick and David Hoard, vice chancel- fall 2001 and trains into NASCAR." perfect place to make money, find your lor for Development and University students for pit crew A&T had six students to participate in niche and go with it." Relations, charged Exum and other fac- work. The certifica- second interviews. Robert Johnson and She is an electronics and computers ulty members to develop a program for tion is in addition to Amar Johnson were successful partici- major. Robert Johnsonrecruited her for motorsports professionals. their major concen- pants, the program. Special attention was to be given to pit to tration. Amar Johnson, a 2002 graduate of The fourth student offered a pit crew crew positions give African indus- In January, A&T in manufacturing systems and a position is Smith, a junior industrial Americans visibility in NASCAR Livingston, a senior member of the football team, is partici- engineering major. On May 1, he will try. a for "I think what these students have in manufacturing Walkeen pating in an eight-week training class for begin one-year co-op program at the 5 Off 5 On Race Team crew chief with Heitz Motors accomplished speaks very well for systems, began an Livingston jackman training all-expense- paid Performance Center. Sports in Asheville, N.C. A&T's motorsports technology pro- internship with Richard Petty Upon completion of the draining pro- Heitz Motor Sports, known for drag gram," Exum said. Enterprises inRandleman, N.C. as a pit gram, Amar Johnson will be a jackman practice coordinator and tire changer. for the #8 truck in the 2004 Craftsman Clarification He will finish in September 2004. Truck series in NASCAR for Bobby His personal goals are to become a Hamilton Racing (BHR), in Lebanon, The One Love Festival will be from 4-9 p.m. April 22 in the Oberymeyer parking fulltime Winston Cup tire changer and Term. lot across from the bookstore. one day become a crew chief. "I would recommend A&T's program Livingston had good things to say to other students," Amar Johnson said. about A&T's motorsports program. "The skills that you learn are mar- "More students should inquire about ketable; they provide different avenues taking courses in our motorsports pro- for careers and give you more opportu- gram," Livingston said. "The program nities for jobs." provides overall information about Amar Johnson's future goals are to NASCAR, jobs that are available and it drive a car and own his racing team. is a new avenue for African Americans "One of the strengths of the program is to explore." that it allows A&T students to become You've Got News Thurman Exum, lead motorsports trailblazers." instructor and advisor for the motor- Robert Johnson, who will graduate in sports technology program, agrees with May with a degree inmanufacturing sys- Livingston. tems, became interested in A&T's "There are a lot of jobs and careers motorsports program when he saw the available in NASCAR. Motorsports Motorsports Center while touring the NASCAR happens to be one division in campus, NASCAR," said Exum. "One team He will be a member of the pit crew might have anywhere between 300 to and racecar painter beginning June 1 400 people who are employed in any with Jack Roush Racing. EYE ON CRIME

These events were reported to Hazing N.CA&T's Campus Police Department Moore Gym during the week of March 29- April 5. University Police Department officers According to police reports: reported physical contact between fra- Weapons on Campus ternity members during the Spring Greek Event. There were no Bluford Library reported Register website and automatically receive A that now on our library security officer reported injuries. an Email Edition of the paper with every new issue. he discovered a small pocket knife in a Communicating Threats student's pocketbook. The knife was New Classroom Building Headline News • College Sports • Campus Calendar seized and secured by University Police A student reported that he was threat- Local Weather • Daily Horoscope Department officers. No criminal ened by an unknown student about an been filed. that a of years charges have incident occurred couple It's the best way to stay informed... and it's free, Larceny ago. There is suspect information. Scott Hall A Armed Robbery A student/resident reported that per- Scott Hall C unknown entered his unsecured A studentreported that he was robbed room and removed personal property at gun point while in his room. The stu- valued at $1,570. There are neither wit- dent was not injured. There is a witness nesses nor suspects in this case. and suspect information. April 8, 2004 Campus News 9

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By Chad Roberts Geiger pitched in the first game, an 11-5A&T victory. Staff Reporter Geiger (4-4) gave up five runs and struck out two in The A&T softball team went 2-2 over the weekend's seven innings of work. Aggie Invitational tournament, good for a third place Sharmain Murphy, Tabitha Veney and Latronda finish overall. Winthrop University won the champi- Anderson combined for nine hits, four runs and seven onship on Saturday by beating Belmont College 2-0. RBI's for A&T. The Aggies (15-27) lost their opening game on Morgan State (10-14) was led by catcher Aubrey Friday to eventual runner-up Belmont 5-4 in extra Love, who went 2-for-2 with a run scored and two innings. Belmont's winning run came in on Angie RBI's. Keyana Smith took the loss, giving up 16 hits Tawwater's eighth-inning bunt that scored third base- and 11 runs (seven earned) in seven innings of work. man Jess Seymore. In Saturday's second game against Morgan State, Centerfielder Erin Mullen led Belmont on offense, Anderson (7-17) pitched a complete game three-hitter going 4-for-4 with an RBI and a run scored. Mandy with eight strikeouts and only two walks. She also went Miles pitched eight innings and struck out two batters. 2-for-3 at the plate with an RBI triple and a run scored. For the Aggies, centerfielder Adia Dial went 2-for-3 Murphy, batting in the designated hitter slot, went 2- at the plate, scored a run and drove in two more. for-2. Latronda Anderson took the loss, giving up six hits Morgan State's Grace Glenn struck out five in the runs loss. Veronica Brown, Aloise Shepherd and Keyana and three in 4.2 innings. Lorraine Geiger pitched Tabifha Veney singled and scored a run for the three four hits and two runs. Smith each had a hit for the Lady Bears. innings, surrendering Aggies. In the loss, Latronda Anderson pitched a com- the second the Anderson and Murphy were selected to the all-tour- In game, Wmthrop Eagles squeezed plete game with five strikeouts and no walks. out a over the behind the pitching of nament team for their efforts. 3-2 win Aggies The Aggies were able to rebound on Saturday by Kelli pitched a one-hitter with no A&T is now 15-27overall and 4-2 in the MEAC Johnson. Johnson winning two games against Morgan State. Lorraine earned runs and seven strikeouts. I-A football 2004 Aggie needs to learn football schedule Here is the schedule for the 2004 football season from basketball September 4 - North Carolina Central (Aggie-Eagle Classic) September 11 - Alcorn State at Chicago (Solider Field) Commentary By Gregory Bond The NCAA cannot go back to the September 18 Wake Forest (Away) Sports Editor old way of using the two polls again, - football should use what Another year, another great college College September 25 Elon (Home) basketball tournament ended with Division III, Division II, Division I- - AA football and college basketball some great memories. October 2 Norfolk State (Away) I-A college football should take notes should do. The need to have a playoff - from college basketball on how to system. October 9 Morgan State (Home) (Homecoming) finally get one national championship One of the biggest complaints about - the BCS is the fact small schools like team. October 16 Delaware State (Away) College football has used the TCU, Marshall or Southern Illinois - cannot have a fair shot at the national ESPN/USA Today polls and the October 23 Howard (Home) Associated Press polls championship. - for years to decide on This is a way the October 30 Bethume-Cookman (Home) the national champi schools can still make - their money from the ons November 6 Open After numerous bowls and the small - conference schools can times the polls has November 13 Hampton (Away) split the national get their shot at the - the title.. championship, November 20 South Carolina State (TBA) NCAA brought up a First, whoever wins - formula to decide on the conference title how to solve the should automatically be problem. The Bowl in the playoffs - Championship Series whether it's the PAC- (BCS) was created for 10, WAC or the MAC. Sports Briefs that purpose. They should have an The BCS uses the formula that opportunity to play for the national Lady Aggies seek the bowling title includes strength of schedule, wins and title no matter how small their confer- losses, record and ence is. opponents' margin The Lady Aggies bowling team will compete for the NCAA Women's Bowling of victories. The BCS has automatic Second, there should be some at- Championship. Watch for coverage of the event beginning Sunday afternoon, April large bids to even out the brackets. berths with the ACC, Big East, Big 12, 11, on ESPN2. Big 10 and Southeastern Conference. For the bowl games, they should use teams from the BCS will the bowls as the site for the playoffs. The top two Johnson Puts Focus on Golf at Augusta face off for the national title. The The schools make the money and the bowl committees the publicity they winner of the national championship get AUGUSTA, Ga. (AP) Augusta National chairman Hootie said his club will Associated wanted - Johnson game have all of the and the Masters are moving on, eager to get past the contentious women's issues Press votes no matter what happens to The lower division college football that enveloped the tournament last year. "I really think the American public is ready the other games, uses the playoff system and has one for us to talk about golf," said Wednesday at his annual news conference, has been inconsistent national champion. In college basket- Johnson The BCS with deflecting the first of several questions about the club's lack of a female member. picking of the two teams. Three of ball, they have that one Cinderella team which the schools. the last four championship games came upsets top-seeded Royals Place Relaford on Disabled List out with a lot of controversy, including I-A college football should take les- having a national sons from the other collegiate sports. split championship KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) The Kansas City Royals put infielder Desi Relaford Until then, we should not be surprised - with LSU and University of Southern on the 15-day disabled list Wednesday and called up left-hander Cerda from Cal last season. if we have another split national cham- Jaime Triple-A Omaha. Relaford strained his left hamstring while running out a base hit The is what we should pions, big question in the season opener on Monday against Chicago. Cerda was 1-0 with a 6.92 ERA do with the problem? in nine appearances in spring training. April 8, 2004 Sports 11 We Said It! 2004 NFL Mock Draft

By Gregory Bond Sports Editor 1. San Diego Chargers - Eli Manning (QB, Senior, Ole Miss) If the Giants do not give the Chargers a trade offer, Manning will be going to San Diego. 1. Which round would you pick Maurice Clarett in the NFL Draft? 2. Oakland Raiders Larry (WR, Sophomore, Pittsburgh) Possibly I see him - Fitzgerald Greg being drafted in the fourth round or fifth bacause of his atti- the best widereceiver in the draft. will learn from Rice and Tim tude and- lack of He quickly Jerry experience. Brown. Julius I think that with the good workout he just had behind closed doors that he may have- increased his stock. I think that he probably will go in early or late 3. Arizona Cardinals Ben Senior, Miami OH) New second round. - Roefhlisberger (QB, head coach Dennis Green will not let Roefhlisberger slip away from them. He Chad There are at least four other backs I would choose before Clarett, so I'd will be great with Anquin Boldin. say he goes- no earlier than the thirdround. 4. New York Giants Robert Gallery (OT, Senior, Iowa) The Giants need to 2. What were your thoughts of the Uconn's victory over Georgia Tech? - protect quarterback Kerry Collins. Gallerywill start in the beginning of the sea- Greg That was the blowout the NCAA biggest in Championship game in my son. entire life.- I stopped watching the game at hdftime. I wasn't surprised to was Julius because I picked Uconn win it all, but it lop- 5. Washington Redskins Tommie Harris (DT, Junior, Oklahoma) The sided and- behind the play of Gordon and Okafor, the Huskies were unstoppable. - Redskins need help on the defensive line. Harris will get an opportunity to give Chad Georgia a Tech did good job of making the final score respectable, Washington the help they need. because Uconn- was really laying it on them for most of the game. 6. Detroit Lions Steven (RB, Junior, Oregon State)With the Lions 3. Who is your NBA MVP? - Jackson cutting Stewart being cut, the will fit perfedy within the system. Greg Finally Kevin Garnett will finally win the MVP. It should have gone to James Jackson him last-season. 7. Cleveland Browns Kellen Winslow (TE, Junior, Miami) A great ath- Kevin Garnett without a doubt is the MVP of the league. - Jr. Julius lete like his father. Should give quarterback Garcia some help in the receiv- Chad -My thoughts exacdy. Jeff - ing corp. 4. Which NBA team most dissapointed you the this season? 8. Atlanta Falcons Sean Taylor (S, Junior, Miami) Could be another Greg The Toronto me the most! With Vince - Raptors disappointed Carter, Jalen Hurricane star. The Falcons need to boost their secondary. Rose, Chris- Bosh being hurt and no big man on defense. Some people though this team would be back at the top. 9. Jaguars Roy Williams (WR, Senior, Texas) Pound for pound The Philadelphia 76ers disappointed me the most because they with- Jacksonville - Julius play one of the top receivers in the draft. Has size and speed to back it up. out any intensity- and let the Allen Iverson topics distract them. No distractions next though, because Iverson will be shipped out of Philly. year, 10. Houston Texans Kenschi Udeze (DE, Junior, USC) Udeze had 16.5 Chad The most disappointing team has been the Sacramento Kings since Chris - sacks last year for the National Champions. Webber -came back and started shooting jump shots. I wouldn't be surprised if Webber gets benched or he plays and the Kings get bounced out of the playoffs. Everybody knows you'll be trippin' out If you tap it, without! Get tested for HIV

Free HIV Testing Every Monday from 5-7pm ©Triad Health Project 801 Summit Ave 275-1654 'PI* www.triadhealthproject.com 12 Campus News April 8, 2004