Volume 3 Number 4
The North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics
February 1984
AFRO-AMERICAN HISTORY CELEBRATED
By Kris Pusser
This month, for the fourth
consecutive year, the NCSSM
community will mark the
observance of Afro-American
History Month with a
presentation of poetry and songs
of noted Negro authors and
composers and traditional
African drama and dance.
Each year the United States
sets aside the month of February
to recognize the contributions
of Afro-Americans to its culture
and heritage. The celebration
this year is especially
meaningful since the last week
in February is designated as
Brotherhood Week.
According to Ama Shabazz,
NCSSM French instructor and
co-ordinator of the program, the
idea behind Afro-American
History Month is to create a
sense of awareness about other
cultures and ethnic groups, not
just Afro-Americans.
Afro-American History Month also
serves to make others aware of
the place of Afro-Americans in
American society. Other ethnic
groups are designated by the
geographic locations of their
ancestors, and Afro-Americans
seek to apply this to their own
recognition.
NCSSM students, under the
guidance of Shabazz, will
present a performance of
traditional * African dances,
poetry and writings of noted
published Afro-American authors,
and interesting and significant
historical contributions of
Af ro-Americans.
Another highlight of the
program will be a dramatic
presentation of an African
folktale. This project is part
of the work of the Third World
Literature class, which will
design and perform the folktale.
However, not all of the
works performed will be by
Afro-American authors or will
deal strictly with the
contributions of Afro-Americans.
Much of the program will center
around the theme of brotherhood.
Selections dealing with racial
awareness, civil rights, and
world unity will also be
included.
There is still time for
students who would like to
become involved with this
program to do so. The program
is open to students from all
backgrounds and everyone is
encouraged to participate.
Interested persons should
contact Shabazz as soon as
possible.
Math League Provides Practice
By Gaye Forren
The North Carolina Math
League was started three years
ago to give North Carolina
students more preparation and
training for the North Carolina
State Math Contest. This was
necessary because the top
scorers of the State Math
Contest went on to compete with
teams from other states at the
Atlantic Regional Mathematics
League. The lack of preparation
of North Carolina teams had
given the state a definite
disadvantage in this
competition.
For the past three years,
the Math League has simply held
contests in preparation for the
State Math Contest. This year,
however, the Math League is
bringing together ^ potential
members of the state team in a
series of training sessions on
the NCSSM campus. On January
28th, 36 top scorers in the 3rd
North Carolina Math League
contest met here for
problem-solving sessions and for
a lecture on problem-solving
techniques. The next training
session will be held on March
29th for top scorers from the
5th North Carolina Math League
contest.
The State Math Contest will
be held on May 3rd. The 17 top
scorers from that competition
will attend one last training
session on May 19th before going
on to represent North Carolina
at the American Regional Math
League in Pennsylvania.