Winter AIDS Walk 2009

Tuesday, December 1, World Aids Day is a day to promote awareness and safety precautions about HIV/AIDS and STD’s throughout the country. The Student Union Advisory Board at North Carolina A&T hosted free testing and an AIDS Awareness program for the students.

On Sunday December 6, the Civic and Service Education community service group had a Winter AIDS Walk. Students and student organizations were able to participate in this walk to gain community service hours to fulfill graduation requirements.

Students began walking at War Memorial Stadium and walked three miles through downtown Greensboro for those who have lost their lives in a struggle with HIV/AIDS.
AIDS Walk participant and A&T student Briana Cook explains “I felt obligated to come out and participate in this event. The rate of AIDS is rapidly growing and it is important for students to take part in this.”

Because there was an incentive for the students that participated, some people expected it to be flooded with people trying to gain their community service hours. However, it was not about the hours at all.

“I would feel ridiculous knowing that I only came out for the community service. Although this does count for two organizations I am a part of, people have lost their lives and people are still constantly struggling with AIDS. I could never see myself participating in an event with such deep meaning only to fulfill a graduation requirement,” said Kendra Pleasant.

Many students came out and participated in the walk even though it was very chilly on this Sunday afternoon. It was also surprising to see so many people awake and active after a huge Black Party hosted by NXLEVEL Entertainment took place the night before.

A&T Student Nate’ Elliot says, “I went to the black party last night and even stayed the night at the hotel where it was held. I’m very tired, but I feel like I should be here to be a part of this walk.”

“I am not personally affected by this disease, nor do I know anyone with it, but it is a rapidly growing issue that needs to be solved soon. I am from Washington, DC, and it recently came out that D.C. has the highest AIDS rate in the United States.”

With that being said, many of the students are beginning to practice safe sex methods or abstinence so they will never be personally affected by the disease.

The 2009 Winter AIDS walk was a big success. It is great to see students showing their concern for growing issues in the world.

Student Preparation for Finals Week

As the end of the semester is nearing, students at North Carolina A&T State University are locking down and focusing more than ever. Although some students have probably remained on task the entire course of the semester, others use the time before finals to try to learn everything.

The library and student resource and tutoring centers have been filled with students who are trying to go the extra mile to ensure they will pass all their courses. On the other hand, some students have waited until the last minute and now they are using the tutors and academic resources as a last resort.

Sophomore Computer Science major DaNae Grubbs explains, “I have been using the study rooms in my dorm more than ever. I am able to use the dry erase boards in there and it is easy to pull all-nighters because I am not in the comfort of my own room.”



“If I am using my computer to study, I easily get distracted by going to popular sites like Facebook and Twitter. I also watch TV to keep from doing my work.”

Normally, most students do not study in their rooms or homes because of the distractions. Because of this, the library stays open for 24hours beginning on Sundays at 2p.m. and ending Friday at 8p.m.

“The time I spend in the library has been worthwhile,” said DeCario Allen, a junior here at A&T who has been spending extra time in the library for the past three weeks. “I’ve been pretty much on task the whole semester, but I want to end with a strong push.”




“I have been able to get my assignments done as well as some extra credit. I have also gotten a lot of studying done. Although I live off campus, I prefer to come to the library to study because there are fewer distractions here than there are at home. When I study in my house, it is so easy for me to get off track.”

While most students are studying hard, some students took advantage of a rest from studying by attending the “Stress-Free Zone” event that took place last Thursday in Moore Gym. The event included moon bounces, laser tag, and music.

“It’s a good idea for this event to happen. Most students have been spending this time studying and stressing out over last minute work and exam week. I came to let go of the stress for a couple of hours before I have to get back to business,” said Reginald Cherry.

It seems that many of the students are keeping focus in order to ensure that they will pass their exams and courses. Extended hours on tutoring and supplemental instruction sessions is both helpful and encouraging to the students. By using these resources, the students will definitely succeed.

Black Friday in a Recession

The most popular shopping day of the year, Black Friday was a booming success for many of the country’s big name retail and department stores this holiday season. Black Friday is a time when stores have sale prices lower than ever for electronic items, home goods, and even clothing.

Tyson’s Corner Center, a very popular shopping mall for citizens in the DC Metro Area had “Midnight Madness.” Shoppers were able to catch early sales starting at midnight on Friday, November 27.

Although taxpayers have been feeling an overwhelming financial burden, it seemed to have no effect on the crowds that participated in camping out to get an early start on shopping.

“The experience was shocking and exciting. I knew it was going to be packed but I had no idea it would look like a regular Saturday at the mall," said Kara Crittenden, one of the local shoppers at Tysons Mall.

"The crowd just made me enjoy it even more. I had so much fun. I caught some pretty good sales. It was definitely enough to make me not mind going back next year. Regardless of the recession the crowd was out and in full effect ready to spend. Almost everyone had a bag full of black Friday finds. I think a lot of people saved up to splurge on Black Friday."



The major department stores such as Macy’s and Nordstrom were not open for Midnight Madness. However they did get an earlier start than usual by opening at 5a.m.. The major chain Apple, which specializes in iPods and Mac computers, was filled with customers on the inside and outside of the store.

Most shoppers had to stand in lines for a minimum of two hours just so they could purchase their items at sale prices.



Jada Carter, another shopper had another opinion of the Midnight Madness event. “I didn’t feel like the sales were that great. I came here specifically for stores such as Urban Outfitters and H&M but their sales were normal. It seems to me like Black Friday is only for big sales on electronics. I was still able to get the same amount of things that I normally get when shopping for Black Friday. However, I do think the recession plays a role in the amount of people that came out to shop.”

“The crowds seemed larger than normal. I worked last black Friday and there weren’t nearly as many people as there are this year,” said Ashley Vaughn and employee at the clothing store Abercrombie.

Because of the economic issues within the country, the percentage of shoppers was larger than normal. The effects of the recession on Black Friday vary from person to person. Some people were severely affected and not able to shop at all, whereas others didn’t feel a difference from past years.

Whatever the case may be, I’m sure the retail stores are feeling no type of recession after the large amount of merchandise that was sold on this one day.

50 Years Later: Student Knowledge of the Greensboro Four

February 1, 2010 will mark the 50th anniversary of a historical event in civil rights. Four students, Jibreel Khazan, Franklin McCain, Joseph McNeil, and David Richmond (deceased), demonstrated a tremendous amount of courage and bravery. Since February 1, 1960, Woolworth’s lunch counter in downtown Greensboro, NC has never been the same.

Because North Carolina A&T has such a rich history, it would seem imperative for the students to have information on such events that opened oppurtunities for them. However, some students are unaware and unappreciative of the impact of this event.

“I don’t know much about the A&T Four. I have seen the statue, however I am not exactly sure of the significance of it,” says freshman journalism student, DeShawn Fleming.

Because the four students attended North Carolina A&T State University, they are known to the students and faculty as the “A&T or Aggie Four.” However, to others they are known as the “Greensboro Four.”


Sophomore Juston White, a computer science major explains his knowledge of the “sit-in movement.”

“I know that they sat in a restaurant and fought for what they believed. It means a lot to me because it shows how strong African-American individuals are. I feel like a celebration in remembrance of their acts is needed to inform the students about activists.”

February 1, 2010 will be a significant time on North Carolina A&T’s campus. There have been events planned as a celebration of the legacy these four men carry.

"The four African-American males decided they would take a stand against whites for themselves and others. The students went to the lunch counter and sat there demanding equal rights, refusing to leave until they were served. This later became known as “The Sit-In Movement,”" explained student Gwen Newell, a student at North Carolina A&T State University.

The celebration will also be a time for students to learn more about the history of their school. Although some students may know the history of the “Aggie Four,” there are others that know little or nothing at all about the historical event.

After speaking with students, I found that they know what happened on February 1st, but they do not know the importance or the impact the day actually has on their lives. In fact, they are looking forward to the 50th anniversary commemoration and new knowledge to come.

Gospel Choir Performs for Community Service

The North Carolina A&T Fellowship Gospel Choir is known for its oustanding performances.

Led by director Mr. Ronald Jones, the Fellowship Gospel Choir and its members have won several awards. Some of their achievements include 5 awards from the National Black Caucus Gospel Choir Competition which was held in Brooklyn, NY. The choir performs at various venues on campus, aroudn the city of Greensboro, and also other locations around the country. Most recently, the Fellowship Gospel Choir put on a community service concert in Harrison Auditorium on the campus of A&T on Saturday, November 7.

The performance was an informatice production for community service which focused on the disease Multiple Sclerosis. As audience members entered Harrison Auditorium, they had the option of taking information about Multiple Sclerosis as well as giving a donation toward research that could find a cure for the condition.

During the show, there was a video shown that gave information on the effects of MS as well as how to control it. There were 2 speakers, Becky Dolinger and Chris Roe, two women in their mid-60's who have Multiple Sclerosis. They spole about the disease and how it personally affects them. They also performed a piano piece. Among other people in attendance was Greensboro Mayor Yvonne Johnson who gave the welcome address, the Wake Artistry which was a group of violinist from Raleigh, NC also performed.

The North Carolina A&T Gospel Choir performed last, which to some audience members such as Keyana Shyrier seemed like forever. "The show started at 4p.m., there were performances from various local artists, and then there were was a Christian comedian. At first it was interesting, but then it got boring. I only came to see the gospel choir; I didn't know it was a show for a cause."

It seemed as if members of the gospel choir also were unaware that the show was for a cause. Singer Marcus Walker explains, "We have been here since 10a.m., I am tired, hungry, and ready to leave. I invited some friends who are starting to complain. I didn't know the show was going to be this long. Although it is for a cause it needs to have a time limit."

Starting at 4p.m., the show didn't end until around 7p.m. which left a few people unhappy. the Gospel Choir put on an outstanding performance as usual. However, "for future references they should shorten the show."

Sample Soundslide

http://nori12.webng.com/

Rapper Gucci Mane is a No Show at Concert

The long awaited “Da Swag City Tour” sponsored by the Student Government Association at North Carolina A&T State University finally took place on Saturday, October 31, 2009 at the Greensboro Coliseum Complex. The tour was supposed to include rappers and R&B artists such as OJ da Juice Man, Nicki Minaj, Waka Flocka Flame, Trey Songz, Keri Hilson, Mario, Fabolous, FLY and GS Boyz.

The headliner of the tour Gucci Mane and his crew caused a major controversy among the administration at A&T. Officials were concerned about the negative reputation of the rapper and the audience that it could possibly attract. The rapper has been said to be gang affiliated and he also has a past history of trouble with the law which would be a “Compromise to the integrity of the University,” said Syene Jasmin.

Since the concert was open to the public and not only the students at A&T, police and security made the necessary arrangements to prevent any violent acts that could have possibly taken place.

After all the controversy, it was announced on Thursday, October 29 that Gucci Mane would not be in attendance at the show. The box office at the coliseum offered refunds to those who no longer wanted to attend the show.

The Rapper, who was recently arrested, was not able to attend the concert according to his probation officer because it would be in violation of his parole. Gucci Mane’s crew which includes Waka Flocka Flame and OJ da Juice Man did attend the concert.

Students at the university were upset that Gucci Mane was a no show. Many of them did in fact get a refund.

“I was mad, I wanted my money back,” said student Reginald Cherry, when asked about his feelings when he heard Gucci Mane was not coming.

Although it was not planned, rapper Fabolous also did not show up to perform as scheduled at the tour.

Homecoming Fashion Show to be Great

The Greatest Homecoming on Earth at North Carolina A&T State University is rapidly approaching. On Wednesday Oct. 28, 2009, Couture Productions and Verge Modeling Troupe will be performing in the Homecoming Fashion Show at Carolina Theatre in Greensboro, N.C.. Along with many other events, the 2009 homecoming fashion show is one of the most anticipated events of the year.

Not only are the students at A&T excited to see what this year’s performance will bring, but the performers are also ready to give the crowd what they are waiting for. After recently interviewing members from both groups, the theme of the show has not been revealed, but I do know that they plan to give a jaw-dropping performance that will be talked about until next year’s show.

Juston White, a sophomore computer science major here at A&T, and 2009-2010 Mr. Couture says that, “This year’s homecoming show is going to be amazing. Couture is working hard to bring the public what they want.” Here’s what else he had to say:

Noravia McCoy: Will this be your first homecoming fashion show?
Juston White: Since Couture was not on the yard in fall 2008; I was not in a homecoming show with them. However, I was a part of the fall 2008 show as a model with the local clothing line HTDOGWTR.

NM: What are you doing to prepare yourself for the show?
JW: Practice! Practice! Practice! One of things we say to each other in Couture is “Practice makes permanent.” Giving 100 percent every time we run through the show will assure that we will all give 100 percent when we go on stage.

NM: How important is it for you all to perform well?
JW: It is very important for us to put on a good performance. In order to uphold the title “The Greatest Homecoming on Earth,” every event that takes place must be outstanding, whether there are celebrity guests or just students who demonstrate exceptional amounts of talent.

The show is open to students as well as the public. Tickets are $7 for students and $10 for the public and are on sale in Brown Hall, the North Carolina A&T ticket office. The show will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2009 at 7 p.m. at Carolina Theatre.

Q&A with Matthew Duncan

Matthew Duncan, a junior Engineering major here at North Carolina A&T State University, is the President of Metro Aggies and also a member of the Beta Epsilon chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha, Fraternity Incorporated. He is currently focusing on reaching graduation as well as being sure he is an exceptional member in the community. Although community service is a requirement for both of the organizations Duncan is a part of, he makes it a point to go above and beyond the call of duty in order to be helpful to others. “Community service is an important aspect of life,” said Duncan, “I want to be a person who is exceptional in the caring and commitment to serving others.” After sitting down with Matthew, here are some interesting things I learned about his opinion on community service.

Noravia McCoy: What is your definition of community service?

Matthew Duncan: To me, community service is any act by a person that is beneficial to community. It is also when you do something for someone else without the intentions of getting a reward or money.

NM: How serious is it for you to spread the word to other students about the importance of community service?

MD: It is very important for me to spread the word about community service to other students. Not only will it help others, but it will also make the person lending the helping hand feel some sense of pride. Personally, each time I am able to help someone I feel like I have accomplished something, even if it is just a small duty such as donating to a canned food or clothing drive.

NM: How often do you plan or organize community service events for you organizations?

MD: Very often, although each of the organizations I am apart of has a person appointed to planning community service, I still take the time to find community service opportunities and present them with my ideas.

NM: What is your favorite type of community service project?

MD: I don’t have a particular service that I enjoy doing the most. However, I do like working with children. I currently participate in a lunch buddy program at a local elementary school. Every Thursday me and a couple of members from Metro Aggies go out to The Washington Montessori School to have lunch with the students and serve as mentors to them.

NM: As a leader, have you ever had to discipline or counsel a member? How did that make you feel?

MD: As president of an organization, I have had to discipline others. There was a time when one of the board members was not carrying out their duties. I consulted with him as about how we would fix the issue. We came to an agreement that he really couldn't devote the time that it took to carry out certain projects, and he ended up resigning his position, but he also stated he would help his replacement in whatever capacity he could. I felt as though we had come to the conclusion together, rather than him thinking I was criticizing his performance.

Q&A with Miss Couture 2009-2010

A Look into the 2009-2010 School Year with Couture Productions

Couture Productions is an organization on the campus of North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University that is known among other schools for its outstanding performances in dance, modeling, and spoken word. The team of students also includes a section for staff which has designers, stylists, make-up artist, and prop makers.

After an amazing performance at the 2009 Mr. 1913 Pageant, I decided to catch up with Miss Couture, Miranda Stanfield to talk about what the public can expect from Couture this year. Here is what she had to say.

Noravia McCoy: What is Couture Productions and how long have you been a member?

Miranda Stanfield: Couture Productions is a Production team of college students who specialize in the stylish presentation of innovative performance. Our organization consists of models, dancers, singers, poets and more. We also have behind the stage coordinators which consist of make-up artists, curtains, lights, paintings and drawings. We are the largest student organization on campus, second only to A&T's marching band. I have been a member of Couture since spring 2008.

NM: As a member with experience, what takes place in practices that make you all come out and give over the top performances?

MS: Dedication! Dedication is definitely the key to performing well. Members who join Couture must come in with a positive attitude and always be ready to learn. It is important for us all to work together so when we put on a show it is unified.

NM: There are a lot of rumors that about this organization that are spread around campus. Some of them include things such as everybody in Couture has a nasty attitude, you all practice until 8 a.m., and more. Would you like to clear any of that up for the students?

MS: Yes. Although Couture may have a bad reputation for attitude, that is not at all the case. We actually get along pretty well. At times we may disagree on certain issues but for the most part we all get along and treat each other as a family. As for the late practices, there are times when we may practice more than usual specifically when were a day or two away from the show, but 8 a.m. in the morning is outrageous.

NM: When is the next show and what can we expect?

MS: Our next big show will be the 2009 homecoming event. It will consist of performances from Couture, Verge and other local acts. As far as Couture goes, you can definitely expect a jaw dropping experience. This year we are coming very hard at homecoming. We plan to put on an unforgettable performance that will have everyone talking about it until our next show.

NM: How can students who are interested become a part of Couture Productions?

MS: If students are interested in joining Couture, they will have to wait until spring 2010. They will be a part of a selection process which includes an interview, an interactive workshop and an open try-out.

To see the next upcoming performance by Couture Productions, students can attend North Carolina A&T’s 2009 homecoming fashion show on Wednesday, October 28, at Carolina Theatre. The price is to be announced.

Fall '07 Homecoming Fashion Show

Fall '07 Homecoming Fashion Show(Pt. 2)

-Noravia McCoy

All About Me!!!

I am Noravia McCoy, a native of the nation’s capitol, Washington, DC. I live at home with my mother and younger sister. My dad lives in North Carolina, however, we are still very close.

I am currently a sophomore at North Carolina A&T State University. My major is Journalism and Mass Communication, and I am concentrating on Electronic Media and Film.

I found my interest in Media in the eighth grade when I was the head news anchor for our morning announcements TV show.

My ultimate career goal is to become a news anchor for WTTG Fox 5 news in the DC Metro area. Other career options I have thought about are becoming a radio host.

Because of my love for fashion, if my first option does not work out, I would like to combine my interests with my major by becoming the host/anchor of shows that are shown on stations such as E! or Style.

I do not have a lot of hobbies, however, standing at 5'10" I do enjoy modeling. I am currently a member of Couture Productions modeling at A&T.

There was a time I wanted to be a professional model, however as I got older I decided that it was not for me.