Page 1......Ammons faces BOT Page 4......Students voice there opinions about Ammons Page 6...... Local art exhibit Page 6...... Strikers. A profile Page 6......FAMU recreation center Page 5......Importance of the vote Page 5......Iowa starts it all off Page 5......Obama is human too Page 8......Men end losing streak Page 8......Track wins five events WWW.THEFAMUANONLINE.COM VOL. 114 ISSUE 17 MONDAY, JANUARY 9, 2012 Following the death of Florida A&M drum major Robert Champion, Gov. Rick Scott requested FAMU President James H. Ammons to step aside while the Florida Department of Law Enforcement conducts two investigations. This gesture sparked the interest of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. SACS-COC, according to its website, is the regional body for the accreditation of degree- granting higher education institutions in the southern states. SACS-COC has 80 principles that schools must adhere to in order to maintain its accreditation. Standard 3.2.4 reads, “The governing board is free from undue influence from political, religious, or other external bodies and protects the institution from such influence.” Scott’s intervention was a clear violation of this standard. Belle Wheelan, president of SACS-COC, sent a letter to Scott’s office, Dec. 16, 2011. The letter was sent to inform Scott that his intervention with the school was approaching “sensitive territory,” said Maurice Edington, the QEP Director and SACS Accreditation Liaison. “Should the board decide Between Bronough and Duval streets you can find people discussing issues they feel lawmakers need to address. They make up Occupy Tallahassee Occupy has several committees that meet weekly as well as a general body meeting that meets twice a week. The group began meeting at All Saints Café Oct. 15 and were later able to acquire a permanent spot. Essentially they wanted to find a place that the city was comfortable with. Protesters and police have been civil and no arrests have been made. Occupy Tallahassee not only has protesters, but people to entertain and educate others of the movement. Since the organization’s start, many have chosen to stay and camp out in Florida A&M President James H. Ammons will face a task force for his annual review in February conducted by the FAMU Board of Trustees and several outside consultants. The review will look into his role as president and how he has handled himself and events that surrounded FAMU in the last year, both good and bad. Faculty Senate President and board member Narayan Persaud said although he was unsure exactly what would be under review in February it would be an overall look at “his performance with regard to the administration.” The end of 2011 was a tumultuous time at FAMU and for Ammons. His evergreen contract agreement was called into question and revised by an Ad-hoc committee of members of the BOT, Chief Financial Officer Teresa Hardee was investigated and repremanded due to misuse of paid leave time, FAMU vice president of Audit and Compliance Charles O’Duor resigned abruptly failing to submit thorough audit reports that complied with the offices goals and the issue of hazing following the death of Robert Champion has hit the university very hard with the image of the administration and the university at the center of controversy.Board member Rufus Montgomery said although this review will be his first as a board member, the board’s process in reviewing Ammons has been followed in the past and should be followed in this instance, always looking forward. Things were not all bad for Ammons in 2011. Enrollment at FAMU was on the rise again; he was named by HBCU Digest as one of the five most visible presidents in America in July. Students organized a march in Dec. 15 in mostly in reaction to Gov. Rick Scott’s recommendation to the BOT that Ammons be suspended. They rallied around the endangered president and showed Scott and anyone else critical of FAMU’s support system that in fact, the students do care. FAMU alumni president Tommy Mitchell said, “There are some things that will come up that will probably not give him the review that he would Friday night, a settlement of $2.6 million was reached between Irv Hoffman and Margie Weiss and the City of Tallahassee. In the agreement, Hoffman and Weiss, parents of deceased Tallahassee informant Rachel Hoffman, will receive assistance from the city in the legislative approval of a claims bill and an immediate payment of $200,000. In City of Tallahassee news release, City Attorney Jim English stated he acknowledged the mistakes in the case and agrees the city must always be accountable for their conduct. “In reaching this settlement, the City wishes to express our Ammons to face evaluation Accreditation under review City settles Hoffman civil suit Occupy Tallahassee still demonstrating Index Teaser High / 78ºF Monday Partly Cloudy High / 69ºF Thursday Partly Cloudy Photographic Jeffrey Morris and Ashley McCray The Famuan In February, James H. Ammons, faces his annual review for his role as Florida A&M president. The Famuan Gov. Scott’s actions prompted review from SACS COC Keenan Doanes The Famuan Protestors Echo Railton and Chris Byrd paint a mural mimicking U.S. cur- rency on the side of a school bus at the Occupy Tallahassee site. The Florida A&M women’s basketball team defeated the North Carolina Central Aggies Saturday afternoon to extend its winning streak to six games. It now looks to keep that momentum going on Monday against conference rival North Carolina A&T. Welcome Back Rattlers! High / 76ºF Tuesday Partly Cloudy High / 59ºF Friday Mostly Sunny High / 70ºF Wednesday Showers High / 59ºF Saturday Sunny High / 69ºF Sunday Sunny Occupy 4 Ammons 4 Gov. Rick Scott is scheduled to deliver his second annual State of the State address at the House Chamber Jan. 10 at 11a.m. He will discuss his “jobs creation package” during the first portion of his address. Local OCALA, Fla. (AP) — A judge has placed seven central Fla. teens on home detention after they were charged with punching and kicking a 13-year- old girl until she was unconscious. National MAIDUGURI, Nigeria (AP) — Gunmen from a radical Muslim sect attacked a town hall Friday in rural northeast Nigeria, killing at least 20 people who had gathered for a meeting of a Christian ethnic group, police said. International Courtney Wallace Correspondent Janay Cook Staff Writer Chakiara tuCker Staff Writer Karl Etters news editor News Opinions LifeStyles Sports Sports Southern 4 Hoffman Trial 4
Transcript
Page 1......Ammons faces BOTPage 4......Students voice there opinions about Ammons
Page 6...... Local art exhibitPage 6...... Strikers. A profilePage 6......FAMU recreation center
Page 5......Importance of the votePage 5......Iowa starts it all offPage 5......Obama is human too
Page 8......Men end losing streakPage 8......Track wins five events
WWW.THEFAMUANONLINE.COM VOL. 114 ISSUE 17MONDAY, JANUARY 9, 2012
Following the death of Florida A&M drum major Robert Champion, Gov. Rick Scott requested FAMU President James H. Ammons to step aside while the Florida Department of Law Enforcement conducts two investigations.
This gesture sparked the interest of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. SACS-COC, according to its website, is the regional body for the accreditation of degree-granting higher education
institutions in the southern states.
SACS-COC has 80 principles that schools must adhere to in order to maintain its accreditation.
Standard 3.2.4 reads, “The governing board is free from undue influence from political, religious, or other external bodies and protects the institution from such influence.”
Scott’s intervention was a clear violation of this standard.
Belle Wheelan, president of SACS-COC, sent a letter to Scott’s office, Dec. 16, 2011.
The letter was sent to inform Scott that his
intervention with the school was approaching “sensitive territory,” said Maurice Edington, the QEP Director and SACS
Accreditation Liaison.“Should the board decide
Between Bronough and Duval streets you can find people discussing issues they feel lawmakers need to address. They make up Occupy Tallahassee
Occupy has several committees that meet weekly as well as a general body meeting that meets twice a week. The group began meeting at All Saints Café Oct. 15 and were later able to acquire
a permanent spot. Essentially they wanted to find a place that the city was comfortable with. Protesters and police have been civil and no arrests have been made. Occupy Tallahassee not only has protesters, but people to entertain and educate others of the movement.
Since the organization’s start, many have chosen to stay and camp out in
Florida A&M President James H. Ammons will face a task force for his annual review in February conducted by the FAMU Board of Trustees and several outside consultants.
The review will look into his role as president and how he has handled himself and events that surrounded FAMU in the last year, both good and bad.
Faculty Senate President and board member Narayan Persaud said although he was unsure exactly what would be under review in February it would be an overall look at “his performance with regard to the administration.”
The end of 2011 was a tumultuous time at FAMU and for Ammons.
His evergreen contract agreement was called into question and revised by an Ad-hoc committee of members of the BOT, Chief Financial Officer Teresa Hardee was
investigated and repremanded due to misuse of paid leave time, FAMU vice president of Audit and Compliance Charles O’Duor resigned abruptly
failing to submit thorough audit reports that complied with the offices goals and the issue of hazing following the death of Robert Champion has hit the
university very hard with the image of the administration and the university at the center of controversy.Board member Rufus Montgomery
said although this review will be his first as a board member, the board’s process in reviewing Ammons has been followed in the past and should be followed in this instance, always looking forward.
Things were not all bad for Ammons in 2011. Enrollment at FAMU was on the rise again; he was named by HBCU Digest as one of the five most visible presidents in America in July.
Students organized a march in Dec. 15 in mostly in reaction to Gov. Rick Scott’s recommendation to the BOT that Ammons be suspended. They rallied around the endangered president and showed Scott and anyone else critical of FAMU’s support system that in fact, the students do care.
FAMU alumni president Tommy Mitchell said, “There are some things that will come up that will probably not give him the review that he would
Friday night, a settlement of $2.6 million was reached between Irv Hoffman and Margie Weiss and the City of
Tallahassee. In the agreement, Hoffman and Weiss, parents of deceased Tallahassee informant Rachel Hoffman, will receive assistance from the city in the legislative approval
of a claims bill and an immediate payment of $200,000.
In City of Tallahassee news release, City Attorney Jim English stated he acknowledged the mistakes in the case
and agrees the city must always be accountable for their conduct.
“In reaching this settlement, the City wishes to express our
Ammons to face evaluation
Accreditation under review
City settles Hoffman civil suit
Occupy Tallahassee still demonstrating
IndexTeaser
High / 78ºF
Monday
Partly Cloudy
High / 69ºF
Thursday
Partly Cloudy
Photographic Jeffrey Morris and Ashley McCray The FamuanIn February, James H. Ammons, faces his annual review for his role as Florida A&M president.
The FamuanGov. Scott’s actions prompted review from SACS COC
Keenan Doanes The FamuanProtestors Echo Railton and Chris Byrd paint a mural mimicking U.S. cur-rency on the side of a school bus at the Occupy Tallahassee site.
The Florida A&M women’s basketball team defeated the North Carolina Central Aggies Saturday afternoon to extend its winning streak to six games. It now looks to keep that momentum going on Monday against conference rival North Carolina A&T.
Welcome Back Rattlers!
High / 76ºF
Tuesday
Partly Cloudy
High / 59ºF
Friday
Mostly Sunny
High / 70ºF
Wednesday
Showers
High / 59ºF
Saturday
Sunny
High / 69ºF
Sunday
Sunny
Occupy 4
Ammons 4
Gov. Rick Scott is scheduled to deliver his second annual State of the State address at the House Chamber Jan. 10 at 11a.m. He will discuss his “jobs creation package” during the first portion of his address.
LocalOCALA, Fla. (AP) — A judge has placed seven central Fla. teens on home detention after they were charged with punching and kicking a 13-year-old girl until she was unconscious.
NationalMAIDUGURI, Nigeria (AP) — Gunmen from a radical Muslim sect attacked a town hall Friday in rural northeast Nigeria, killing at least 20 people who had gathered for a meeting of a Christian ethnic group, police said.
Bartenders Wanted!!!$250/day potential. No experience necesary.Training provided age 18+ okay.Call (800) 965-6520 ext. 189
Events and AnnouncementsAnnouncements
Employment
Jan. 12
Thursday, Jan. 12 at 1 p.m., Boren Scholarship and Fellowship will be hosting a crafting competitive essays webinar. The essay is a criti-cal part of their application pack-age. During this webinar, Institute of International Education staff will focus on the two essays that are required as part of the Boren application. The webinar gives tips and suggestions on how to ensure a competitive essay. It will also examine common writing pitfalls and ways to avoid making them. Interested scholarship and fellow-ship applicants should preview the eligibility requirements, award preferences and National Security Education Program service require-ment prior to the webinar.
•The 2012 Boren Scholarships Deadline: February 9, 2012 (FAMU’s Office of International Education & Development sets an earlier campus deadline.)
•Boren Fellowships Deadline: January 31, 2012
Jan. 17
The opening ceremony for The Cour-age to Remember: The Holocaust 1933-1945, will be held at 6 p.m. on
Classifieds
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Jan. 17 at Tallahassee Community Col-lege in WD Building Room 105. This special event is free for community mem-bers to attend. The exhibit will be on dis-play through Jan. 31 and be available to the public to see from 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Jan 20.
The FAMU Concert Choir will be host-ing its first variety show, “Blast from the Past.” Come hear your favorite music from the ’60s - ’90s performed live. The show will be held in the Grand Ball Room on Jan. 20. Doors open at 7 p.m. The show will start at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $5 in ad-vance and $7 at the door. Find any Con-cert Choir member for ticketsor call 850-524-3731.
Have you received a ticket that you felt was unjust? Know your rights, with these easy tips:
1. Students have five days after receiving a ticket to appeal with Student Parking.
2. If found guilty, students have the right to appeal and go before the SGA Traffic court.
3. If the SGA Traffic court finds the student guilty, they can appeal at level 3. A deci-sion will then be made by student parking services.
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that will come up that will probably not give him the review that he would want. I do think some of those things will make it difficult for him.”
Mitchell said that communication between the administration and others at FAMU has been and would be a topic that is sure to be addressed.
Vallery Agen, a fourth year computer and information sciences student from Ft. Lauderdale said, “they need to seek the opinion of the students. They need to seek the students’ advice. I feel like before a review even occurs a student survey should occur so that there can be a direction.”
One outside consultant, Edward Penson, a nationally known education consultant for higher learning and a lead faculty member for the President’s Academy for the American Association for State Colleges and Universities, will be returning as member of the review board.
T.J. Legacy-Cole, a FAMU activist and
25-year-old political science major said, “going forward they need to look at the full body work…the state of the schools and colleges that we have here at FAMU as well as the state of the campus. We cannot afford to have someone in that position who is going to be detrimental or a distraction to the educational and academic progress of students.”
With the BOT divided when deciding in December to publicly reprimand Ammons for his handling of the Champion case, they voted eight to five, it is unclear how each will feel or what will come under the scope of the review.
Mitchell said the Alumni Association was in full support of FAMU, regardless of who the president is. “If you look at where FAMU was prior to Ammons’ tenure and where FAMU is now, obviously it has improved,” said Mitchell, “I don’t know what the tone will be considering the board has been divided.”
is free from undue influence from political, religious, or other external bodies and protects the institution from such influence.”
Scott’s intervention was a clear violation of this standard.
Belle Wheelan, president of SACS-COC, sent a letter to Scott’s office, Dec. 16, 2011.
The letter was sent to inform Scott that his intervention with the school was approaching “sensitive territory,” said Maurice Edington, the QEP Director and SACS Accreditation Liaison.
“Should the board decide to suspend the president that is well within their role as members of the governing board. If, however, they do so at your direction, they will jeopardize the accreditation of the university as well as its ability to provide federal financial aid to
their students,” reads the letter.At the Dec. 19, 2011 meeting,
FAMU’s BOT voted against Scott’s request to suspend Ammons.
Edington said that if the BOT would have suspended Ammons FAMU could have been under review by SACS-COC.
Some recent graduates aren’t too pleased with the predicament FAMU is in, believing it will hinder their chances of gaining employment.
Casey Probus, a 26-year-old from Rahway, NJ, received her bachelor’s degree in physical education, last year.
“I think it can have an effect (on finding a job). When you step out for employment and they ask you where you graduated from, and you say FAMU, the first question isn’t about your education, “said Probus.
Current students seem secure about the situation.
“I feel like it’s (the school’s accreditation) not threatened. The school has so much historical value, we won’t lose our accreditation,” said Michael Taylor, a 20-year-old engineering student from Panama City, Fla.
Taylor’s mother, however, wasn’t pleased with FAMU’s situation. She was nervous about her son’s education.
The million dollar question that everyone wants to know the answer to is, “Will FAMU lose its accreditation?’’ According to Edington, “FAMU’s accreditation remains in very good standing.”
“The board clearly demonstrated they are in control of the university,” said Edington.
He is glad to see the Board of Trustees “exert their influence.”
Repeated attempts to contact
in downtown Tallahassee in hopes of shedding light on the 99 percent of Americans who own the smallest share of wealth. Their goal is to protest economic injustice.
Ralph Wilson has recently been camping out and has been a passionate supporter of the movement since day one. He said its importance in Tallahassee is substantial, especially because it’s the capital of Florida.
“It’s really important that there be a sustained presence of people who are really involved in making their voices heard. It’s actually trying to change the way that the state responds and hears people,” Wilson said while watching the Mickee Faust Academy for the Really Dramatic Arts perform a skit.
The Mickee Faust Academy performed Saturday night for Occupy Tallahassee. Their skits were created specifically for the movement. People watched while they joked about the Tea Party, other “Occupy” movements and the one percent.
Barbara Roberts is one of the performers with the Mickee Faust Academy. She is still fighting for the 99 percent.
“I’m one of the little people. I bust my behind. I’m working three jobs to make ends meet. I don’t have health insurance and I’m barely getting by. I deserve the same things that the one percent has. I just wasn’t born with a silver spoon in my mouth and it’s ridiculous to withhold things because of that. It’s more about equalizing the playing field. It’s not a fair playing field
at all. There’s one percent that have the higher ground and they expect us to be content with that.”
While many supporters have been there since the beginning, almost all vow be there as long as it takes and that it is not always about the numbers but getting support.
People have driven by shouting ruthless comments baffling the supporters. Bonnie Calhoun is among those who wish to promote awareness among the 99 percent. People have walked past her not knowing this affects them too. C a l h o u n does not believe they are being heard. She’s asked people why they aren’t occupying Tallahassee some have never heard of it.
“Their like brain dead. It’s for everyone. I’m shocked that the numbers aren’t huge,” Calhoun said.
December 9 through the 11, protesters from across the state gathered in Orlando, Fla for the People’s Convention of Florida. It was the first statewide occupy convention. They drafted a list of legislative proposals. The proposals were taken back to their respected cities to be passed and ratified through the general body. They are building to the first day of session.
“What I would like to accomplish is to have our state officials become accountable to the will of the people instead of the people with wealth,” Ernie, a protester who did not want to give his last name, explained.
deepest sorrow for the loss of Rachel Hoffman,” English said. “We once again want to offer our most sincere condolences to her parents. Each of us knows that no amount of money can soften the grief and pain that comes from losing a child and our sympathies will forever be with them.”
In May 2008, Hoffman was murdered during an undercover drug bust.“We stand by and have the highest regard for the men and women of the Tallahassee Police Department,” said City Manager Anita Favors in a press release. “Within TPD, procedural changes have been implemented to help ensure something like this never happens again. We
have steadfastly vowed to live up to our obligations both to Rachel’s family as well as the taxpayers of this community. Today’s settlement marks an equitable agreement by all parties in this matter with an eye towards moving forward.” Weiss said she will remember her daughter’s spirit through the blossom of purple orchards and sight of colorful butterflies.“I love my daughter so much,” Weiss said. “I believe she died so her spirit can touch other lives and help with the creation of social reform to prevent this from happening.”After Rachel’s funeral, a double rainbow appeared in the sky for about an hour. Weiss said this was one of the highlights of the burial.
A f r i c a n -A m e r i c a n s dreams of v o t i n g weren’t fully r e c o g n i z e d until 1965,
only 46 years ago. Since voting is still a
relatively new process for African-Americans, one could assume voting would be at an all time high. However, statistics show that African-Americans have inconsistent voting patterns.
In the 2008 presidential election, according to the U.S Census, the number of African-American voters went up 5 percent, or 2.1 million from the 2004 presidential election. However, according to CBS News’ preliminary national exit poll 10 percent of blacks voted in the 2010 midterm elections compared to the 13 percent in 2008.
Yes, politics may not be the most exciting thing to listen to or talk about, but inconsistent voting numbers will continue to hurt the black community.
Voting education may have something to do with it. In 2008, the first African-American president, Barack Obama, was elected. Not only were African-Americans united but the nation was united. Two years after President Obama was elected the excitement came down, therefore voter numbers decreased.
What some don’t know is without a Senate, or a House of Representatives a president can do nothing. It’s separation of powers. A bill must be passed from the House and then the Senate just to make it to the president’s desk.
These are the people you elect that have no real media buzz around them. These are the individuals that are calling your house phone tons of times to see if you will participate in their election. These are the people who have others canvas for them, and possibly stick a sign in your front yard saying that you have their vote.
However, most Americans, in general, never pick up that phone, never stick that sign in their front yard, and never even pick up a newspaper to see who the candidates are and hear their policies.
We must do better. Our ancestors did not die for our voices to be unheard. If we do not improve our voting habits, needs will not be met, and those needs will simply be overlooked. And that is not something any community can afford.
The Famuan, an Associated Collegiate Press Association non-daily finalist, is published on Monday, Wednesday and Friday during the fall and spring semesters. The opinions do not reflect the administra-tion, faculty or staff of the University. The editorials are the expressed opinions of the staff and columnists. The Famuan is funded partially by activities and services fees.
It is the beginning of 2012 and while there are many u n c e r t a i n t i e s about the coming year, i n c l u d i n g
whether or not the world will end, one constant is the near-manic coverage and behavior of those involved in the Iowa Caucus.
For those uninitiated with the workings of the Iowa caucus, it is not that hard to see why; there is a lot of differing opinions involved to make a complete understanding of the caucus something of a hassle for casual observers of politics. For one thing, the caucus is a relatively new concept for American politics, with the first being held in Iowa in 1972, and even then Iowa is one of the few states to have a caucus – excluding a majority of states from this unique, sometimes-
cluttered election process.What is perplexing though
is that the Iowa Caucus is not that fundamentally different from other states’ primaries system, with the purpose of both involving the selection of a delegate to send to a party’s national convention where a presidential nominee can finally be decided for that party.
What makes presidential candidates and voters place so much importance in the Iowa Caucus is the fact that it is considered something of a litmus test for candidates to see whether his or her campaign for president is worth continuing. A number of candidates, such as Rep. Michelle Bachman, even retire from the race if he or she feels that their message has not reached the public.
There are a number of explanations people have as to why Iowa is considered a proving ground for candidates, including the fact that it is the first state to hold any political activity as far the presidential
election. According to HowStuffWorks.com however, a number of political analysts suggest that the news media has had a significant role to play in the caucus’ reputation, particularly during the first Iowa Caucus when presidential candidate George McGovern received a surprising showing and the media began to place more focus on the state.
This explanation seems wholly possible as there does not seem to be any other distinguishing feature from Iowa that would suggest that its “voice” needs to be placed over any other state.
Ultimately, the importance placed on the Iowa Caucus seems to be a self-fulfilling prophecy bloated by presidential candidates and the media. And while the opinions of the Iowa public should be heard, the level of hype built up around the caucus is questionable.
First Lady Michelle Obama is the epitome of class, elegance, grace, style and, most of all intelligence. At least she is to me.
To others she is just something to be ridiculed.
In 2009, Michelle accompanied President Barack Obama on a trip to Europe. During this trip she met Queen Elizabeth II, of Britain.
During a conversation the queen touched the lower back of Michelle and she responded by touching the queens back.
This gesture sparked a media frenzy. Everyone, for some reason, thought it was disrespectful to touch the Queen of Britain. Her action caused people to make some very negative comments.
The funny thing is a spokesperson from The Buckingham Palace issued a statement to the Associated Press:
“It was a mutual and spontaneous display of affection,” he said. “We don’t issue instructions on not touching the queen.”
So let me get this straight. The queen touches her then she touches the queen. And somehow she is not fit to be a first lady?
Lets not mention this was the first time the queen ever showed anyone public affection. And she told Michelle that she wanted to stay in touch with her.
I don’t know about you but that doesn’t seem disrespectful to me.
Sadly, that would not be the first incident or the last where Michelle would receive such harsh criticism.
In Feb. 2009, Michelle stepped into to the public eye with bare arms, and months later on a vacation trip to the Grand Canyon she wore shorts.
Now does this sound abnormal or disrespectful to you? It doesn’t to me. The day that the first family arrived to the Grand Canyon it was 106 degrees. Well, I don’t know about you and the rest of America but in 106 degree weather I would
only have on a bikini.Recently Michelle was criticized
for dancing on iCarly, a show on Nickelodeon’s “Teen Nick” block that has substantially high ratings.
On the show there is a segment called random dancing. So I guess since she is the first lady she shouldn’t dance. Let me guess why… because she is the first lady?
I wish some people would learn the difference between what is important and what is not. And Michelle’s wardrobe just isn’t important, at least not to cause an uproar.
The war in Iraq, economic crisis, foreign policies and bullying that leads young teenagers to take their life, now that is serious.
The upcoming presidential election, very serious.
As long as Michelle is not sabotaging America’s image, which she is not. Then why constantly criticize her? It just shows some people don’t have anything else to do with their time.
P e d e s t r i a n s need a reality check. A cross-walk does not warrant a free pass to carelessly proceed into or hold traffic to a stop for blocks.
Everyone has seen it and at times everyone has done it. With a car coming down Wahnish Way, and with barely enough time to make it across the street, you step out into the street without even batting an eye or even glancing.
It’s troubling to see people at an institution of higher learning that have such a disregard for their own safety to the point of willingly stepping out into moving traffic.
I can’t tell you how nervous it makes me to see people more attuned to their cell phones while walking around campus. But more importantly, while crossing the street. I have honked at a few; you may have heard me. With the number of traffic incidents involving pedestrians that occurred on campus in the fall semester, you would think more caution would be taken.
The solitary pedestrian, may
cause a momentary hold up and put themselves and the driver of a vehicle in danger, but the group of pedestrians in a constant stream pose another risk: Traffic coming to a halt.
I commute to FAMU and anyone else who does and has passed through the intersection of Wahnish Way and Gamble St. knows exactly what I’m talking about. It makes me lose my sanity for a brief moment.
When the traffic is backed up to the FAMU Child Care Center, you’re already 10 minutes late for class and you finally make it to the light after sitting through three cycles, it’s frustrating to
see people who don’t return the respect that drivers offer them by stopping to allow them cross, and give the lane that has the green light the right-of-way. Waiting for a minute to let a few cars pass will not be the end of the world.
I think cross-walks across campus could all use “Don’t Walk” signs that are in sync with the traffic signals that would provide more safety for pedestrians and allow for a more fluid movement of traffic. Then maybe we could all gain a little sanity back.
In July 2008, Henry Hernandez and a group of ballet lovers had a vision to open a non-profit ballet company in Tallahassee.
A few years later the company is expanding, and on Saturday it hosted an open house and invited the community to take part in their beginning season.
Hernandez, artistic director and one of the founders, sought to develop a school that was accepting of all, but also challenging enough for the dancers to compete at international levels.
Samantha Sole, a first-year student at Florida State from Tallahassee, believes that only this ballet company could give her the opportunities to compete.
“It is very relaxed but you can still work hard and not feel threatened at this studio. There is no drama. I am lucky I have been brought to so many different competitions that I would have never been able to do anywhere else,” said Sole.
The World Ballet Inc. has
been praised for its diversity and relaxed atmosphere. Something Hernandez takes great pride in.
“I am from Venezuela, diversity is who I am. It is all I know. Where I am from it is a melting pot. There are no color divisions,” said Hernandez.
The company received great reviews for collaborating with the Florida A&M Strikers on developing a hip hop dance class, and for performances in World of Rock and The Nutcracker.
The Nutcracker performance drew an interesting conversation for many and a good look for the company. The company’s sugar plum fairy was an African-American and so was the nutcracker.
Hernandez wanted to ensure people that this decision was not just for “good looks,” but because the dancer Rachael Jones, a 23-year-old from Atlanta, Ga. and a student at FSU, was the best for the part. He believed that her 20 years of dance experience and dynamic dancing abilities made her the best candidate for the part.
Although the company has many great things about it, the
company lacks a venue to call home.
Hernandez said, “I would like to be a resident of one of the venues at FAMU. It will be a win win situation for both parties, a monetary gain for the school and a place that I can use for performances.”
Hernandez felt FAMU is a great community and he enjoys working with them, why not be a company resident.
In May, the company will unite with the Strikers and live rock band CommonZenZ at Lee Hall Auditorium to perform the annual spring World of Rock production.
“The performance is daringly different and promises to be a vivid and exciting mix of adventurous choreography and memorable live music by local rock band, and high intensity dancing,” according to the company.
For more information on upcoming events about the World Ballet Inc., visit their website at worldballetinc.com.
On Friday three artists showcased varied styles of artwork.
Artists Jelena Berenc, an Illinois-based artist, Andy Behrle, an Alabama-based artist, and Leighton McWilliams, a Texas-based artist and Florida State University alumnus, will have their artwork on display this month at 621 Gallery.
The Gallery is tucked away inside of Railroad Square Art Park, an art district filled with more than 50 studios, galleries and small shops.
Berenc’s exhibit features delicate drawings composed of lines. As it is mentioned in her exhibit, she draws inspiration from various life experiences.
One of Berenc’s pieces consists of seven sheets of paper on which she documented the change in her energy levels while she fasted for a week. The art begins with darker shading and changes to lighter shading. The work vividly displays her depleted energy levels.
Berenc’s artwork allows one to view a snippet of her life through her art.
The artwork of Behrle from Birmingham, Ala. is also on display at 621 Gallery. However, Behrle’s art is not what is typically displayed in galleries.
Behrle told the audience that one of his works was created by coating a wall with clay from Red Mountain in Birmingham, Ala.
He allowed the water to drip down the wall for a few hours onto steel panels on the floor, over time the minerals in the mud caused the panels to rust.
“The rusted panels that form the
exhibit symbolize the power of water and nature as destructive as well as creative forces. They also represent the ephemerality of architecture,” said Behrle, who also created an original piece just for the exhibit at 621.
“On a trip to Tallahassee I fell in love with all of the columns that adorned the buildings and homes in the area, seeing the columns inspired me to create one of my own.”
Using the same technique that builders used in the early 1900’s, Behrle created his own column that one can actually step inside of to view the wooden panels and the plaster as it dried in a fluid motion.
The final exhibit on display is a collection of photographs, titled “Stranger in a Strange Land,” by artist McWilliams.
McWilliams, an associate professor at the University of Texas Arlington, earned his Master of Fine Arts degree from Florida State University.
His photos capture images from Las Vegas using a 1960’s era plastic Holga camera.
However, his subjects are not your typical tourist attractions. He instead aimed his camera at the strange sights he ran across while in the Sin City.
McWilliams said his first experience of Las Vegas was quite unforgettable.
“The alien landscape of Las Vegas astounded me,” he said. “It’s so different from Florida and Texas, and I wanted to document the eeriness I felt while I was there, and using the Holga camera helped with that because they create dreamy and uncomposed photos.”
The exhibition is open Thursday through Sunday, 1-5 p.m., and on First Friday’s, from 6-9 p.m., 621 Gallery offers a chance to view and purchase amazing works of art by many local and non-local artists.
Keenan Doanes The FamuanFrom wall to wall, spectators and artist gathered in the 621 Gallery at “First friday,” in Railroad Square Art Park.
Bryce Burnettcorrespondent
Kristin BronerLifestyLes editor
In a ballet dance studio filled with mirrors and bars, students gathered to learn new dance moves from a Florida A&M Striker.
Marcus Bailey, 21, a fourth-year theatre performance student from Ft. Myers, Fla., is a member of the Strikers dance troupe, as well as a member of the Marching ‘100’.
Bailey has been a part of the arts his entire life but being a part of the Strikers gave him opportunities to not only perform with World Ballet, but also become a hip hop instructor for the company.
“It’s very different. I expect them to be on the choreography that I teach, but with the students at the world ballet it’s a little different,” said Bailey.
“All their life these kids have been doing ballet and for me to be a hip hop guy trying to get them out of their element it’s a little tough but it’s fun; they really enjoy it,” said Bailey.
On Tuesdays, Bailey teaches a teenage class followed by an adult class on Wednesdays, and a young children’s class on Fridays.
“It definitely helps me grow as a dancer. I have to have at least two new pieces of choreography each week, so it keeps me on my toes; keeps me aware,” Bailey said.
His hard work and dedication to the arts landed him the role as the nutcracker in The Nutcracker: A Diversity Celebration that was performed Dec. 2-4, 2011.
“A lot of people were inspired by it because it’s usually a predominantly white performance but there were more minorities. The nutcracker was black and the pretty plum princess was black, as well.”
Henry Hernandez, artistic director of World Ballet, approached the Strikers with
the idea of teaching a hip-hop class after the success of the Rock the Diamond production.
Rock the Diamond was a ballet meets rock production with a local live band CommonZenZ.
The Strikers impressed Hernandez and his assistant.
“Hernandez’s assistant, Elizabeth Delancy, used to work with Mahogany and clean a lot of our dancers back in the early 90s. He brought her to one of our performances, he liked what he saw and asked to collaborate and I said yes,” said Shapiro Hardemon, Strikers founder.
Although Bailey plans to continue teaching hip-hop, the Strikers have big plans for this semester. They will be moving into their new studio, in The Southside Arts Complex.
The 25,000-square-foot facility will feature classes in dance, theatre and music, dance classes will be taught by professional instructors and some members of the Strikers and Mahogany dance theatre.
On Jan. 28, the Strikers will present Untied We Dance. A dance production that will feature dance troupes on campus and around the city.
With the semester just starting students are already looking forward to Spring Break.
With the help of the Hansel E. Tookes Recreation Center, getting those bodies ripped and into shape will be easy.
A schedule will soon be available for classes such as Zumba, Sweat & Sculpt, Marine boot camp and core training classes for Rattlers. Additional classes like yoga and pinning may be offered this semester, as well.
Zumba and yoga are fitness classes that are very popular among students and others around the world. Zumba is a Latin
music and danced based program that allows users to lose weight by applying simple steps from Salsa, Cumbia, Quebradita, Samba dances. Since its
start in 2001, Zumba has domineered other dance fitness programs.
Laura Gault, a first-year nursing student from Tallahassee, Fla., and a work-study employee at the Recreation Center says students enjoy workout classes for many reasons.
“Students love signing up for fitness classes here at the Recreation Center because they can have fun, get a great workout and be motivated to push themselves harder physically than they would on their own,” said Gault.
Yoga is a spiritual, mental and physical practice, which originated in India, that aims to relax the body and mind , but it is enjoyed by many universally. It incorporates meditation along with
stretching of the muscles. “It unites my mind, body and soul,”
explains Rupert Gamble, fourth-year from Ft. Lauderdale.
“It makes me calm and physically strong and gives me a positive outlook on life,” said Gamble.
If anyone is interested in the workout classes that will be offered in the Recreation Center this semester, classes are available Monday- Thursday from 8 a.m.-9 p.m., Friday from 8 a.m.-8 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. For further details, feel free to call
The Florida A&M women’s basketball team continues to do exactly what it has been doing for the last three weeks – win.
Posting a 27-point blowout, the Lady Rattlers (9-5, 2-0 MEAC) went on to defeat the North Carolina Central Lady Eagles (2-13) 78-51 on Saturday in the McDougald-McLendon Gym in Durham, N.C., extending their winning streak to six games.
FAMU controlled the tempo the entire first half of the game, entering halftime with a 44-22 advantage. Head coach LeDawn Gibson used the lead as a chance to give her starters leg rest, which she said would be needed during their upcoming matchup against conference-rival North Carolina A&T on Monday. Gibson relied strictly on reserves the entire second half.
“I felt pretty good about the game,” Gibson said. “We were able to get a big lead, so I was able to sit the starters for most of the second half to rest their legs for Monday’s game. That one is going to be a bit tougher for us.”
Qiana Donald led the Lady Rattlers into halftime with 13 points on 5-of-9 shooting, grabbing eight rebounds in the process. Tameka McKelton and Kimberly Sparkman assisted on offense with seven points each.
FAMU shot 41 percent from the field during the first half on 16-of-39 shooting, 25 percent (4-of-16) from three-point range, and 67 percent (8-of-
12) from the free throw line.The Lady Eagles concluded the first
half with 40 percent shooting (8-of-20) from the field and 46.15 percent (6-of-13) from the free throw line.
Reserves would control the floor for the Lady Rattlers during the second half. Team depth was a major factor in their point total as all 13 players saw game time.
Donald would post 20 points for the game, securing a double-double with 10 boards. McKelton would trail not too far behind, scoring 15 points on 7-of-12 shooting from the field. Bennett, the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference’s leading scorer, gathered 11 points, while Jasmine Grice chipped in 10.
“My teammates looked out for me today,” Donald said. “They looked for me, they believed in me, and my shots just continued to fall.”
The Lady Rattlers finished the game shooting 42.6 percent (29-of-68) from the field, 76.2 percent (16-of-21) from the line and 22.2 percent (4-of-18) from three-point range.
Kabrina Truesdale (13) and Blaire Houston (10) each scored in double figures for the Lady Eagles. As a team, they shot 36 percent (16-of-44) from the field and 76 percent (16-of-21) from the free throw line.
FAMU will return to action Monday in Greensboro, N.C. to take on the Aggies at 5:30 p.m.
Florida A&M men’s basketball coach Clemon Johnson told his team at halftime that he was tired of watching them get “pushed around.” He simply told them to “show me.”
The team responded.Sophomore Reggie Lewis scored 22 points with six three-pointers and junior Amin Stevens added 15 points and 12 rebounds as the Rattlers defeated North Carolina Central 62-60, Saturday night.
The win ended a six-game losing streak as the Rattlers (3-13, 1-1 MEAC) opened up conference play. Johnson was happy to see the skid come to a halt.
“Any victory was good from what we were going through,” Johnson said. “Tonight we had the ability to put the ball in the basket and we didn’t have a three to four minute stretch without one.”
The game was hard-fought
and closely played by both teams. There were 14 lead changes and 10 ties. Neither team held a lead over seven points.
After NC Central’s Ebuka Anyaorah tied the game at 57 with a three pointer with 2:44 remaining, Lewis answered on the next possession with a go-ahead three pointer of his own. The Rattlers never looked back.
Lewis thanked Johnson for giving him a chance to produce.
“Coach (Johnson) ran a few plays for me in the beginning and I started knocking down shots,” Lewis said. “I just tried to stay focused and continue taking good shots.”
Johnson also praised the play of Lewis.
“He had the hot hand and we leaned on him,” he said. “He’s still learning but he’s now accepting his role on the team.”
The Rattlers played solid defense all game, limiting NC Central (7-8, 1-1 MEAC) to shoot 39 percent from the field. They also held the team under its season scoring average of 77
points a game.Stevens and senior Yannick
Crowder anchored the defense, which out-rebounded their opponent 38-31.
Stevens admitted that winning the battle on the glass was the key to the victory.
“It was important since we scored baskets on our second chances,” Stevens said. “I tried to go out there and keep the plays alive and give our team the best chance to win.”
After the victory, Johnson remained optimistic about the team’s chances of being a contender in the MEAC.
“I hope that we can keep the momentum like this,” he said. “We are going to enjoy it but not boast about it. We still got to go and get ready for the next game.”
The Rattlers will return to action on Monday in Greensboro, N.C., as they will face North Carolina A&T.
The men’s track and field team began the season on a high note, and judging by its performance during the Ed Temple Classic on Saturday, it is showing no signs of descending.
Florida A&M walked away from the Gentry Center in Nashville, Tenn. garnering first-place finishes in five events and qualifying eight athletes for the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Indoor Championship in the process.
Head coach Wayne Angel said he was pleased with the way his team competed.
“At this part of the season, we’re moving in the right direction,” Angel said. “As long as no one gets hurt, I think we’re going to be fine come conference time.
“I think by next week in Birmingham we’ll have our entire compliment in terms of team qualified. Then we just have to refine it in other areas.”
Steve Emere leaped to a first-place finish in the
triple jump with a distance of 52-06.00. Angel said
that distance ranks as one of the best in the nation.
Emere would later capture first place in the 55m hurdles in a time of 7.28. Elijah Owens followed closely behind at 7.54, which was good for fourth place.
Distance runner Shuaib Winters Blazed to a first-place finish in the mile run in a time of 4:18.00.
“The momentum we have going is definitely a confidence booster,” said Lamere Buchanan, who trailed not too far behind Winters in the mile for
a fourth-place finish (4:21.51).
Winters, who credits his team’s performance to “hard work,” would also go on to win the 3000m run in a time of 8:38.00.
“This is simply the result of hard work and determination. We all clicked really well and helped motivate each other,” Winters said. “And I feel like I’m on track to do big things this season. I raced some pretty good athletes.”
In a collective effort, the Rattlers won both the 4x400m relay (3:10.11) and the distance medley relay (10:28.38).
In the 800m run, Degion Craddock came in at 1:53, which was good for second place. Deji Owolabi (1:54.62) and McDaniel Oliver (1:57.65) placed fourth and seventh respectively.
Owens would later place second in the 400m dash in a time of 47.80. Derrick Morgan finished closely in third, which was good for a time of 48.02, while Jean Leon finished in 16th place (50.00).
In the high jump, Willie Johnson and Bryan Tyms both secured a leap of 2.04m, good for a third-place finish. Leon would finish in 17th place with a leap of 1.71m.
Xavier Mackey took 11th place in the shot put with a toss of 13.00m. He would later place seventh in the weight throw, matching his shot put toss.
FAMU will return to action on Jan. 13, as they will travel to Birmingham, Ala. to compete in the University of Alabama at Birmingham Invitational.
Brandon LeefamuanSportS@gmail.
FAMU keeps streak alive
Rattlers end six game skid, 62-60
Men’s track team continues its momentum
Keenan Doanes The FamuanQiana Donald posted 20 points and 10 rebounds, securing a double-double to lead the Lady Rattlers to their sixth straight victory.
Keenan Doanes The FamuanThe men’s basketball team used strong defense and efficient outside shooting to get back on the winning side of things.
Keenan Doanes The FamuanThe track and field is right where it needs to be as it makes a push toward a MEAC championship.
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