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Panther 2012 Clips
Panther 2012 Clips
The Panther
VOLUME 23 NUMBER 3
Atlanta University Center students cheer as they watch results come in on the big screen during an election night watch watch party in the Multipurpose Room.
By Jasmine Rodgers Contributing Writer Loud cheers erupted from the Bishop Cornelius Henderson Student Center multipurpose room, as students celebrated President Obamas re-election, at the Clark Atlanta University Election Viewing Party, on Nov. 6. Students eyes were fixed on the screen, as they watched the headline on Fox News that read, Obama Re-elected for Second Term. Clark Atlanta University students were joined by students from other schools in the Atlanta University Center and they sat anxiously watching CNN and ABC News on the projection screens in the BCHSC multipurpose room. During the four-hour-long event, students cheered and booed loudly as CNN projected the candidates winning or losing states throughout the night. The vast majority of students in attendance were Obama supporters, and shouted loudly as CNN showed Obama winning the popular votes in some of their home states. Students especially cheered when it was projected that Obama had won New York, and other key states in the north, on the east coast. News coverage was not just seen on the screens, but at the actual event as well. Channel 2, Atlanta s local news station, was livestreaming the event, while reporters from the
Atlanta Journal-Constitution took pictures and spoke to students about the election. CNN also showed highlights from the past year on the campaign trail, reminding viewers of past candidates, like Republican candidates Herman Cain, Newt Gingrich, and Rick Perry. Journalists Anderson Cooper and Chief National correspondent John King manned the touch screens as polls, and election results from battleground states came in throughout the night. Among the festivities and surprises of the night, was the in-house DJ, DJ P for Real, and host KJ Switched. DJ P for Real and KJ Switched created the same enthusiastic atmosphere as they had at homecoming earlier in the year. Throughout the night, DJ P for Real played new and old hits from 2 Chainz and Rick Ross, to Bell Div Voe, and Frankie Beverly and Maze, to which students danced the electric slide. Although students were anxious throughout the night, fraternities and sororities strolled and various refreshments from pizza, to pastries, and drinks were available to students, all of which made the event a party. Halfway through the program, a talented singer and CAU student came on stage to sing the Star Spangled Banner. It was a moving performance, as students stood, and listened in silence to a song that couldnt have
been more appropriate for the occasion. Taj Infinity, who also performed at homecoming, sang her song Invincible. She wore an American flag printed vest and expressed her support for President Obama during her performance. Another surprise came when Dr. Brown, who was out of town on business, skyped students. The whole room cheered as Dr. Brown greeted students, and gave an inspiring message. During Dr. Browns Skype session he told students that, Whatever the outcome of this election is, the hard work that you do tomorrow, and how you live your life will determine how you change this world. Dr. Browns support of the event was made clear on November 5th, when he decided to cancel classes on November 6th, for CAU students. Dr. Brown formally announced his decision in a school-wide email. In his email, Dr. Brown explained his decision to cancel classes, saying, To support the high level effort being expanded by our students and to facilitate the work which they have committed, I have decided to cancel classes for November 6, 2012. After the party, students were screaming the Presidents name and cheering as they walked down the promenade. Two girls in the CAU Suites were equally excited. One of the girls jokingly said, I was worried about my loans the whole night, while the other said, I Continued on page 2
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Clark Atlanta University The Panther Nov. 13-Nov. 27 2012
witnessing history. President Carlton Brown cancelled classes on election day to help ensure that students, faculty and staff could get out and vote.
Ranked by percentage of residents 25 years old and older with college degree or more
Top 10 Best (and Worst) Educated States and How They Voted
Best Educated
39.1% 36.9% 36.7% 36.2% 35.4% 35.3% 35.1% 33.4% 32.9% 32.4%
% over 25 with college degree
1. Massachusetts 2. Maryland 3. Colorado 4. Connecticut 5. Vermont 6. New Jersey 7. Virginia 8. New Hampshire 9. New York 10. Minnesota
Obama Obama Obama Obama Obama Obama Obama Obama Obama Obama
Worst Educated
1. West Virginia 2. Mississippi 3. Arkansas 4. Kentucky 5. Louisiana 6. Alabama 7. Nevada 8. Indiana 9. Tennessee 10. Oklahoma Romney Romney Romney Romney Romney Romney Obama Romney Romney Romney
18.5% 19.8% 20.3% 21.1% 21.1% 22.3% 22.5% 23.0% 23.6% 23.8%
Research statistics provided by FoxBusiness.com, based on education data from U.S. Census Bureaus American Community Survey. 24/7 Wall St. identified the U.S. states with the largest and smallest percentages of residents 25 or older with a college degree or more. http://www.foxbusiness.com/person-finance/2012/10/15/ americas-best-and-worst-educated-states/.
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Clark Atlanta University students rank first among HBCUs in debt from loans
By Adam Vann Contributing Writer
University has more support from government funding. She added that a lot of the alumni donate money. She said that Clark Atlanta University students donating money helps tremendously with are among the top 10 colleges that have providing funds for students to pay for the highest student loan debt. school. U.S. News & World Report did a Christina King, financial adviser at study of colleges and universities on stu- Clark Atlanta, said, Every college students graduating with the most and least dent has a different situation. King said debt. The average debt for class of 2011 certain students may have high student graduates at Clark Atlanta is $47,066. loan debt because they use their refund The University ranks third on the list of check to fulfill other financial obligations colleges with most debt and first amongst during tough times. HBCUs. Ninety-four percent of stuShe added that some students may dents borrow money to attend the school. take out more than they need with refund However, Howard University checks. King said, The Universitys ranks sixth on the list of colleges or financial aid advisers suggest to students universities whose graduating students to take out only whats needed. received the least amount of debt at an While many state colleges and average of $15,080. HBCUs have less student debt, King Junior Shaunise Nelson, at Clark said that the schools that have a lower Atlanta, said, I take out student loans debt rate have a lot of help from alumni, and if I get more than I need I use it togovernment and state funding. She addward paying for books and rent. ed that alumni who give back to schools She added that since the amounts of help with the student loan debt because it her loans are accumulating she is going provides more financial aid funding and to stop accepting them. Im going start institutional scholarships. trying to pay for tuition by working. She also said that the University Some students are selective about is trying to get more alumni and employaccepting more loans than needed. I ees to give back. refuse to take out any private loans to She recommended that students who pay for tuition, Shayla Nesbitt, junior at look to go to school and students who Clark Atlanta, said. She said her cousin, already attend should prepare to pay for an alumna of the University, advised certain expenses by searching for jobs. her not to take out private loans because Students should be prepared by obtainshe would have a big price to pay once ing summer or part-time jobs to help she graduates. Nesbitt said she and her lessen the load of college debt, she said. father work to pay for her tuition. One hundred percent of the stuJennifer Thomas, alumna of Howdents who graduated from Johnson C. ard University and adjunct professor at Smith University in 2011 took out loans, Clark Atlanta, said that part of the reason according to the school. They left with Howard may have less debt is that the an averae debt of $46,673.
available to advise the at all times, she added. While the system will help eliminate many previous problems student have had with the advisement process, students still must take responsibly by coming prepared to be advised. For example, students should come to meetings with transcripts to give their adviser a better look at what they have already done. How can I tell you (the student) what you should take if I do not know where youve been? asked Gibson. Degree Works is still in the testing phase and will begin by starting with a few departments first. Because of the large enrollment, Mass Media Arts students will be among the first to use the new system.
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Sheila Johnson, co-founder of Black Entertainment Television, says she regrets the direction that the network has taken since she sold it in 1999. According to an article on eurweb. com, while speaking at the Conversations and Encounters program, at the Carmel Art and Film Festival, in Carmel, Calif., Johnson gave her honest opinion about the present state of programming on B.E.T. Jonson said, I think we squandered a really important cable network when it really could have been the voice of black America. Were losing our voice as a race as a result. Her comments not only addressed the networks programming, but viewers as well. She said, Im really worried about what our young people are watching. Johnson didnt offer any further comments about how to change the direction of the network. Despite Johnsons comments, B.E.T has adopted the slogan, We Got You, and has
begun to incorporate more politically focused shows into its programming. This year, the network created a new politically oriented show called, Dont Sleep! hosted by former CNN broadcast journalist, T.J Holmes. On the show, Holmes discusses political and social issues with different guests. B.E.T is responsible for some of the most popular shows on TV. Some of their most successful shows, like The Game, and 106 & Park: BET Top 10 Live have gained mainstream recognition among more than just black audiences. Many critics have argued that B.E.Ts programming doesnt reflect all aspects of African-American culture. Some have even accused the network of perpetuating stereotypes. For over 30 years, B.E.T has been one of the major sources of TV shows and films featuring all African-American casts, and spotlighting important issues in the AfricanAmerican community. Other TV networks, like TV One, whose motto is, Where Black Life Lives,
have created shows that showcase AfricanAmerican actors and issues, but offers more reality programming than scripted TV shows. Regardless of the controversy surrounding B.E.Ts programming, the network has made a significant impact on society. It has been the source of national and international entertainment, showcasing black actors and producers. While Johnson may be disappointed by the current programming on B.E.T, students are well aware of the boundaries that TV creates. In an interview with Charlean Walls, a senior at CAU, she said that B.E.Ts programming does not accurately represent AfricanAmericans. Instead, Walls believes that the issue comes down to How you view yourself, rather than what the network presents about blacks. She also addressed the issue of other races watching B.E.T. saying, Although other races may see a show on B.E.T. and think certain things about black people, its all fiction, its not real.
STUDENT LIFE
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he performed included the more recent, Kiss Me Thru the Phone, and his earlier song, I Like It. Some of the other performers of the night included a few new Loud cheers erupted from Panther Stadium when singer Monica took CAU rappers, singers, and songwriters. One of the first singers was CAU student Chakara Taylor, who sang her the stage as the last act for Clark Atlove ballad, Love Affair. lanta Universitys 25th Homecoming Another CAU student, Damon Harris took concert on Wednesday, October 10. the stage to perform a couple of his raps, Despite the chilly night air, accompanied by DJ P For Real. students filled Panther Stadium to CAU student and singer, songwriter Lyric celebrate the first day of homecomWright also performed a medley of raps, ing. and love songs. Wrights act ended to After 13 acts and much anmuch deserved applause, and seemed to be ticipation, Monica came on to pera favorite act students. form some of her latest and greatest Another singer, Taj Infinity also gave an songs. She opened with some of her electrified performance. Her backup dancclassic hits, Angel of Mine, and ers were perfectly synchronized as she sang So Gone, as well as a song from her upbeat pop song, Invincible. The act her new album, New Life. was packed with energy, and was exciting Halfway through her performance, to watch. Monica took a moment to sing a trib The shows hosts, CAU alumnus ute to Whitney Houston, one of her Simone Kennedy, and KJ Switch kept the self-proclaimed musical idols. excitement level up throughout the night, During the tribute, she perConcert headliner Monica Brown sings one of her hit songs along with the DJs, who played a great mix formed three songs, which included during homecoming of music. some of Houstons greatest hits, Overall, the Homecoming conlike You Give Good Love, and I cert seemed to live up to many students Have Nothing. Monicas backup standards. It was a night filled with new raw talent, and award-winning singers also gave a solo performance in which they sang and danced to talent. In the words of a group of CAU girls leaving Panther Stadium, 90s hits, like Bell Div Voes Poison. It was so much fun! Before Monica took the stage, singer Sammie performed three songs to an enthusiastic audience of CAU students. Some of the songs
By Lauren Martinez Contributing Writer The freshmen residence halls of Clark Atlanta University took the stage and stepped the night away at the annual Homecoming Residence Hall Step show. The event was hosted by CAUs Terrence White and Delisha Huff, who kept the crowd entertained throughout the night. The show began with a groundbreaking performance by the GSL Gems, a local step team of metropolitan Atlanta. Grabbing the audiences attention in their garments of green the men of Phieffer Hall kicked off the competition setting the mood for a night filled with surprises and excitement. Their performance was inspired by Toy Soldiers and was well received by the audience. Next to take the stage was Holmes Hall, dazzling in its Egyptian attire, the ladies shimmered in black and gold with hands glazed in glitter. Merner Halls Snow White themed performance was quite enchanting as the seven dwarfs took to the stage and stepped with much enthusiasm and pride. Later on, the CAU Suites took the stage with Aladdin themed costumes of blue and gold, giving the audiences a taste of the Suite Life. Lastly, The Beauties of Beckwith Hall captured the audiences attention with their all black Cat Woman attire. The comPhieffer Hall celebrates its first place win backstage. petition results are the follow-
The 2012 CAU homecoming was completed by the annual Greek step show. CAU student, K.J. Hunter hosted the show. Delta Sigma Chapter of Sigma Alpha Iota opened the show. The sorority consisted of five ladies whose musical talents wowed the crowd as they performed their personalized version of Beyonces Party song. Following the AI chapter came The AKAs (Alpha Kappa Alpha), who performed a creative piece by calling themselves Aka Bots. Their show caused the crowd to go wild. Throughout the routine they created a human robot and had many add libs giving the audience information about their sorority and using Apples SiRi to score points with the judges.The ladies had all silver uniforms, makeup and hair, with a touch of their infamous pink and green. Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity created a theme of an All-Star basketball team winning the Olympic Gold Medal. A part that caught the eye of many people was when an Alpha was on top of the table while stepping and his brothers picked up the table with him still being on it. After the Alphas performed, K.J. gave the audience a little comical relief with his interlude called The regular people. This consisted of four people who are not affiliated with any Greek organization and formed a fake fraternity. In this piece the men introduced themselves using fake line names as they strolled together. The audience was then experienced a flashback to the 1960s when African Americans petitioned for their rights and freedom in the Omega Psi Phi performance. Switching it up from their normal purple and gold they decided to wear all black. With the days festivities coming to an end, all that was on everyones mind was who the winner was. For the sororities the AKAs took the trophy and for the fraternities the Alphas won, although originally Omega Psi Phi were announced as the winners.
ing: Pheiffer Hall dominated the competition and took home first place, Merner hall placed second and the CAU Suites in third place.
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A&E
needed to be for her and how she wanted to make a more emotional connection rather than a physical one. In a track entitled Slower, her bedroom secrets were revealed as she walked listeners through what she prefers to take place during her special encounters. In her track Put it Down featuring singer Chris Brown, Brandy shows her up-tempo side. Brandys newest album cover Two Eleven The instrumentals provided in this track have a hip-hop she feared the truth more Rock, Fashion Police on E! feel. In her track, Scared than the truth. She revealed etc.), fan reaction has been of Beautiful, Brandy tells how she gave fear and inmore than inviting. about her struggles with securities too much power So, according to her insecurities. But she and she now has it back. the numbers and according reveals that she has learned She also has her fans back. to the fan reactions, Two to become a self-motivator. In every perforEleven didnt disappoint. She insinuates how mance and cameo shes With that, its only she was scared of the light been a part of (Wendy right to repeatBrandy is more than the dark and how Williams Show, Black Girls back! By Sequoyah Armour times to allow for freedom of imagination. We Managing Editor attempted to bring all of these different themes together in a collage-like arrangement through The unique blend of live instruments out our record, the band said. that are better described as post rock elec Almost Human challenges what listentronic music comes from the four-member ers view as humans The band admits that they group Sonmi. arent creating music for monetary support but This bands sound matches no other if it permits, it would be a great opportunity. group in the new millennium with its edgy The members of Sonmi all have solo projects tunes that keeps the audience energized. yet they perform as a group on stage so staying We make our own rules and our own as a group isnt a struggle they face. sound, Sonmi said. We all believe that feeling is special The band, whose name is derived from the and couldnt possibly be recreated by a solo character Sonmi in David Mitchells book performance. It doesnt make the best business Cloud Atlas wants to point out the ironies model for a struggling music industry, but it and complexities around the world. Each definitely creates the best energy, said Sonmi. member, David, Nigel, Michael and Robert Besides making additions to their live bring a different intensity to the group durshow, Sonmi ultimately wants to become better ing their live performances. Their improv musically speaking. sessions and collective writing sessions gave We would rather make music that stays birth to their newest album Almost Human. with you for a long time than music thats going Its heavy, uplifting, emotional, edgy, to be a flash in the pan and be forgotten about thematic, and intentionally ambiguous at while it wastes away in its convention.
tured in the new film Silver Linings Playbook co-starring Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence. Bradley Coopers character and I meet at a mental institution. My character just influences his character to stay positive, he revealed. When asked who his favorite character to play was, he replied, I love Smokey! Smokey was iconic. But Smokeys icon status isnt enough to make this movie want to reprise his roll as the pot smoking funny man in the last Friday movie, which is rumored to be filming this year. Im grateful for that role because it was my first starring role. I had to prove myself, but now I think Smokey should rest. One of Tuckers goals is to help young people achieve their dreams and become what ever they want to be. He believes that with much focus and dedication, people can manifest anything it is they desire. Check out Chris Tuckers live filming for his first stand up comedy movie on November 9th and 10th at the Fox Theatre. Also, follow him on Twitter @realctucker.
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EDITORIAL
The Panther
Chivone Smith Editor in Chief Sequoyah Armour Managing Editor Sequenza Williams News Editor Rashida Dodson Photographer Demitria Sanders Copy Editor Kiyonna Anthony Nia Testamark Jasmine Rodgers Staff Writers James D. McJunkins Sr. Faculty Adviser
there some students who are ungrateful and destructive or was the quality of the furniture substandard in the first place? All of the tables are completely off balance and people find it hard to share space with one another when tables are wobbling from one side to another. These problems are irritating to students, and may reflect deeper issues. How can it be that the brand new tables are already falling apart after less than a years worth of usage? If the tables could be fixed then that would be greatly appreciated, but if they cannot be repaired then they should be replaced. Buying cheap tables is only encouraging a culture for cutting corners. The blame may not be solely with administration, students must take better care of the facilities and show more respect for each other. All students who patronize the Wow have to share a lot of common area and it hurts all when even just one person chooses to treat something carelessly.
he Panther is published by students at Clark Atlanta University. The opinions expressed in The Panther reflect only the positions of the student writers and editorial staff and not the ideas or opinions of the University or its governing board. The Panther has both the right and responsibility to report news of student interest from on and off campus, to editorialize on matters of student concern and to provide a forum for the free expression of opinion and exchange ideas in the community. Reprints by permission of the editor and adviser. All rights reserved.
The Panther newspaper is looking for a team of writers, proofreaders and layout & design staffers. If you dont have the skills, we will train you. We meet Wednesdays at 6 p.m. in Room G30 in the Communication Arts Center located on the lower level of the Robert Woodruff Library. E-mail: caunews05@yahoo.com
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SPORTS
The Clark Atlanta University Panthers didnt disappoint Homecoming fans on Oct 13, when they played the Benedict College Tigers with a 14-10 victory.. The win moved the Panthers to 2-5 overall and 2-3 in the SIAC. The Panthers started strong with a 7-0 lead driving 93 yards on 10 plays in the first quarter and a 13 -yard touchdown made by Jay Carter. Following the touchdown Austin Casillas attempted to land the team a field goal and fell short. In the second quarter the Tigers took a 10-7 lead after Joshua Bradley recovered the Panthers fumble. The next play, Tigers player Marcus Graham threw a 15 -yard pass to Kendariss Brown to complete a touchdown, their
kicker Eduardo Hernandez adding to the score with a 28-yard field goal. The Tigers kept the lead through halftime all the way to the beginning of the fourth quarter. But, the Tigers punter Brian Curry punted 15-yards and gave the Panthers the field adPanther wide receiver David Grace catches a pass from quarterback Charles vantage allowing Panthers King to score for a 31-yard touchdown late in the fourth quarter for a win. quarterback Charles King Vauchard Goodridge was called to ball. But after their player Tyquan the opportunity to throw the field. Bazeman fumbled the ball, the a deep pass to David Grace, who Casillas, the original kicker, Panthers recovered it and let the completed a 31-yard touchdown. clock run Clark Atlanta University This gave CAU the lead. Trail- was injured in the first half and Goodridge, who is a defensive to a win. ing by four points the Tigers got The atmosphere was alive the ball back and received a call for lineman, was called in his place. Goodridge completed a perfect and in the CAU spirit and I believe offensive holding by their player punt at the Tigers one-yard line. the team felt it and fed off of it and Mujahid Assad. With a few minutes left on the brought us a great win, Panther Gaining back the ball, the Panthers managed to move the ball clock the Tigers regained control of Diamonds President Arieon Ford the ball and tried hard to move the said. 21 yards when the backup punter
News Briefs
Dr. James A. Hefner, a CAU alumnus, will serve as interim provost and vice president for academic affairs following the departure of Dr. Joseph H. Silver Sr. who began serving as president of Alabama State University Sept. 17. Hefner, who in May of 2005 retired from a stellar career in higher education, brings 21 years of experience as a university president to the office. He served as president of Tennessee State University for 14 years. Prior to leading TSU, he was president of Jackson State University, where he served for seven years. He also served as provost at Tuskegee University. CAU President Dr. Carlton E. Brown said, We are honored that Dr. Hefner joins CAUs leadership team as a national search begins. As well, we are immensely proud that yet another alumnus has returned to bring this depth and breadth of leadership experience to our institution. A true visionary, Dr. Hefner is prepared to guide Clark Atlanta University as we work to complete our 2010-2013 strategic plan, as well as with our new focus on preparing students for global leadership and entrepreneurship. We are grateful he has chosen to suspend his retirement at this critical juncture of our advancement. This also underscores the level of expertise and leadership found among our alumni ranks. Morehouse College has named Dr. John S. Wilson Jr., a 1979 graduate, as the 11th president of the school. Dr. Wilson is was also recently tapped by President Obama to serve as the executive director of the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Dr. Wilson will officially assume the role as Morehouses president at the end of January. Dr. Wilson is a former associate professor at George Washington University, where his research focused on finance in higher education and the role of black colleges and universities. He also worked for 16 years as the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, serving as the director of foundation relations and assistant provost. Florida A&M University has offered to pay $300,000 to the family of drum major Robert Champion, 26, who died after a hazing aboard a charter bus in Orlando a year ago. But Pamela and Robert Champion Sr. were insulted by the offer and have rejected it, said the familys attorney, Christopher Chestnut, who did not say what amount might be acceptable. The family remains concerned that FAMU is not taking this as seriously as it should, Chestnut said. Trustees of Florida A&M University directed their legal team a few months ago to try to settle the wrongful-death lawsuit that the Champions filed earlier this year. FAMU, a public university, can only offer a maximum of $300,000 without seeking approval from the state. Eleven former band members have pleaded not guilty to participating in the fatal hazing and are awaiting trial dates. A 12th band member involved in the hazing Brian Jones, 24, of Parrish, near Bradenton was given a community-service sentence after pleading no contest Oct. 9. Champion is a graduate of Southwest DeKalb High School.