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Hunt commutes
'^Ten^ sentences
By ALLEN JOHNSON
Co-Editor
Gov. Jim Hunt announced that he would
commute the sentences of the Wilmington
10 Monday night, but with not nearly as
substantial a commutation supporters of
the group had hoped.
“There was a fair trial,” Hunt said in a
televised message from his office. “I have
confidence in what our courts and justice
system have done. I can not and will not
pardon these defendants."
The governor reduced the sentences
thusly: Joe Wright, a study-release inmate
who attends North Carolina State
University, will serve a 13-year sentence
instead of 20.
Jerry Jacobs, Marvin Patrick, Reginald
Epps, Willie Vereen, and James McKoy
will serve 14 years instead of 20.
And Rev. Ben Chavis, perhaps the most
f mous co-defendant, will serve 17 years
iastead of 25.
The tenth co-defendant, Ann Shepherd
Turner, will continue to be free on parole.
Hunt noted that the decision bore in
mind the “atmosphere and tension” which
prevailed in Wilmington at the time of the
1971 fire bombing with which the 10 are
charged. He also noted that defendants’
ages and the fact that the alleged crime
was their first offense were prime factors
of consideration.
Hunt said that he had given “long and
prayerful concern” to all of these points.
“I have made the decision that I think is
right,” he said. “It is time for all of us to
turn from the bitterness and rancor of the
past."
In obvious response to individuals from
Tther states and abroad who have
criticized the North Carolina criminal
justice system. Hunt added, “I would
invite those who have criticized us to look
at North Carolina and look at people who
are working side by side to accomplish
common goals.”
Freshmen promising
Renwick cites academic success
By RICKEY WALTON
Staff Writer
Black freshmen this year showed sub
stantial improvement in comparison with
the previous two classes, according to
Hayden B. Renwick, Special Assistant to
the Chancellor.
Although high school grades and SAT
scores for Black freshmen this year were
lower than the scores of the class two
years ago, Renwick notes, their first
semester’s college work was much better.
There are 223 Blacks in the freshman
class. Of this number, 32 had QPA’s of 3.0
or better a mounting to 14.3 percent. Last
year, there were 194 Blacks in the fresh
man class, 14 of which had QPA’s of 3.0 or
better, only 1.2 percent
As a claM, only 43 (19.3 percent) Black
freshmen this year had QPA’s below 1.5 as
compared to last year’s class in which 75
(38.7 percent) were below 1.5.
Renwick sees the increase in the number
of Black freshmen in the freshman class
and the increase in overall QPA’s as a
“definite improvement”. He attributes the
improvement to the general attitude of the
freshman and to the Minority Advisory
Program.
“The minority advisors have reported
that the freshmen this year are more
enthused about their counseling than the
freshmen of the past,” says Renwick.
Renwick says that the program should
be continued into the sophomore year. But
due to a lack (rf funds, he adds, it is im
possible to do this.
Renwick also credits the parents for part
of the increase in the students attitudes.
This year, as in the past, Renwidi has sent
letters to the parents of all students whose
QPA’s were below 1.5. In the past, he says,
there was practically no response. This
year, however, he has already received
many responses and is looking for many
more
Black faculty members have also
become more involved with Black
academics, Renwick says. In addition, he
notes, there has been a large increase in
the number of participants at freshmen
meetings.
“Generally, the overall picture looks
very encouraging to me,” Renwick says.
“Black freshmen should be commended
for their first semester’s work at Carolina
and I urge them to keep up the good work.”
A Time for Contemplation
When the rigors of the still-young semester begin to take their toll,
it’s not such a bad idea to pause for a moment or two, and settle into
that brief but refreshing state of mind called daydreaming. Staff photo
by Nelson Goines.
Thirty-two on honor roll
In order to reward academic achievement in the Black campus
community, Black Ink unveils its first Honor Roll, citing those fresh
man students who achieved at least a 3.0 grade-point average last
semester.
The honor roll idea was conceived by BSM Academic Affairs
Chairperson Karen Stevenson.
Hwior roll members alphabetically are:
Charles E. Allen, Melodee Alvees, Michael Bagley, Rita Bell,
Rhonda V. Bennett, Terrence Burroughs, Teresa Costner, Kim
Curry, Denise Dempsey, Gloria Hargett, Clintm Hicks, Rickye
McCoy, Beryl McLaughlin, DeVonne Mitchener, and Andra Moore.
Also Freeman Moore, P.R. Moseley, Evelyn Owens, Cynthia
Peace, Gregory W. Pittman, Daniel Richardson, Phyllis Saunders,
Cynthia L. Seagraves, Cynthia A. Smith, Curtis Sutton, Dorothy
Thomas, Pamela Thorpe, Marlon West, Fohliette Williams,
Sheryletta Williams, Monica Wilson, and James C. Woodley.
Local reactions
governor’s decision a just one?
B) VANESSA SIDDLE
NewB Editor
Reaction to Governor Hunt’s decisicn
regarding the Wilmington 10 brougtt a
consensus of ofxnion among the Black
populace of UNO that the govemor
avoided the real issue and took the
easieit way out
Was the
“It was an escape, a middle of the
road stand," said Debora Bryan, a
senior in speech communications, “He
was obviously afraid to make a move."
Bryan’s comment came on the heels
of Hunt's 12-minute explanation of his
decision not to pardon the Ten. Many
students supported her view.
Sophmore Rita Brackeen saw the
whole situation as “messed up." “He
obviously wanted to satisfy the con
servatives," she said, “I didn’t expect
him to do any more than he did.”
Freshman Vanessa Lea agreed.
“Gov. Hunt just did enough to satisfy
some people,” soe said.
Other students viewed the situation
more reflectively.
“It would have been the end of Hunt’s
political career if he had pardoned the
Ten,” said Charlie Wall, a senior
political science-Afro-American studies
major. “More people were against the
Ten than for them. Hunt’s decision
made less enemies.”
“If he had let them go," echoed
(Continued on page 6)