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.