Newspapers / Elizabeth City State University … / March 25, 1986, edition 1 / Page 4
Part of Elizabeth City State University Student Newspaper / About this page
This page has errors
The date, title, or page description is wrong
This page has harmful content
This page contains sensitive or offensive material
Page 4 The Compass Elizabeth City, N.C. March 25.1986 Gordon Parks addresses conference by Dreena Birdsall Before addressing a standing room only luncheon at Howard University’s 15th annual Com munications Conference, Gordon Parks, award-winning photogra pher, author and film-maker, mingled in a crowded anteroom, sipping wine from a plastic cup and exchanging quips with his colleagues-the visage of an ag ing cavalier amid the pomp and prep. Kansas-born Parks, most known for his photography in Life magazine, and critically ac claimed book and film. The Learning Tree, told the crowd that when he came to Washing ton to work for Farm Security Administratrion in 1942, it was “discriminatory hell.” He said motivation was the key factor in his success, even though he did not finish high school or college. Parks recounted several of his experiences in the early days of his career. He said when he left photos with Harper’s Bazaar magazine, the interviewer said, “Mr. Parks, this is a Hearst or ganization, and they do not hire Negroes.” Parks said, “Fine, give me my pictures,” and he left and went to Vogue magazine where they reluctantly hired him. Parks recalled another inci dent in which a writer said that Parks was quoted in a Paris newspaper as saying his accom plishments were achieved be cause “I forgot that I was black.” Parks retaliated with “You don’t walk around saying you’re a white writer. why should I say I’m a black artist? If I called up the Hearst organization and said,‘I’m a black photogra pher,” they might say,‘Fine, why story on Black Muslims. He w»s don’t you come around in Feb- asked if he could do a story with a ruary, we can use you in Black white reporter, and he said. History Month.” Parks said, “No.” He was then asked if he “You don’t wear your blackness could do it with a black reporter, on our shoulders.” he said, “I don’t know.” He He attributed his newly discov- ultimately convinced them to let ered creativity in the 1960’s to his ^im write and photograph the living in Paris, an area relatively story, and his expose of events free of racial prejudice. He said surrounding Malcolm X, El be found himself composing dridge Cleaver, and the Black prose and poetry, something he Muslims have became history- had never done before. Parks stressed the importance of “universality.” He told the £it- tentive audience to not confine their accumulation of knowledge to the black culture, but learn as much as possible about other as pects of the world in which we live. Upon his return to America in the turbulent 60’s, a confident Parks was approached to cover a Parks told the SRO crowd he would like to have 10 of the brightest and most intelligent young blacks for a year, and teach them everything he has learned. One cannot help but believe that the 73 year-old salty, tena cious Parks, with his face lined with tempered character, could do just that. Your Horoscope by Edith Taylor Aries: March 21 - April 19 A new year has begun and things wiU start looking up fi^n- cially and romantically. But, keep a low profile when ttangs seem to get above your head. Taurus: April 20 - May 20 Your charms will open many dooi:s for you. Be careful not to involve your friends in any prob lems wmch you should handle yourself. Libra: Sept.24 - Oct.23 Enourage a climate of close ness with your mate. Avoid quar rels over any financial situation and curb your spending habits Scorpio: Oct.24 - Nov.22 Romance will blossom this time at its highest peak. Enjoy it and make it last. You won’t re gret it. Cancer: June 22 - July 22 Sagittarius: Nov.23 - Dec.2l Family problems may arise but you will work them out if you Money is the key to your sue- take the time to do so. You may cess. Don’t take any friendly ad- have to stretch your energy to vice, but handle any problems meet demands, yourself. Mayor Gantt provides positive steps by Dwight D. Sharpless Founders’ Day guest speaker Harvey B. Gantt believes that ECSU must strengthen the edu cational system to insure the suc cess of tomorrow’s leaders. Gantt told the audience that he was always intimidated by the academic commmunity since it gives him a strange sense of power. “Faculty and staff members are the people that shape the thoughts and minds of students, our future leaders,” said Gantt. He listed several concerns he has for the future. Gantt wants to increase the number of black tea chers and administrators, but this cannot start until one real izes how many black children leave school at a fifth grade read ing level. “We must be assured that the student comes out with the best training the school can possibly offer,” Gantt said. “There is a lot of work to be done and a lot of miles to go, but I have no doubt that ECSU will succeed.” He believes ECSU faces many of the problems the black com munity also faces, but had many positive thoughts and sugges tions to offer: “Try harder to achieve excel lence and enlist the support of the people in this region. Do not fal ter in your efforts to speak up and support ECSU....do what ever it takes with courage, dig nity and perserverance,” said Gantt. He urged high standards for “everyone who has something to do with ECSU from the janitor to the chancellor.” Gantt is a long time friend of the institution. His architectural firm has designed several build ings for the ECSU campus. He presented Chancellor Jimmy R. Jenkins with a $7,500 check for the Chancellor’s Advancement Scholarship Fund, to help realize many of the goals he set forth in his speech. Gemini: May 21 - June 21 Take hold of your emotions, be cause an old love may turn up. Don’t worry, just let your mind be your guide. No serious misun derstandings will arise. Leo: July 23 - August 22 A nice trip will be ^ood for you at this point when thmgs may be a little hectic. Enjoy life instead of letting things get the best of you. Virgo: Aug.23 - Sept.23 Be co-operative with everyone you can. You may run into some frustrations but you can handle them. Capricorn: Dec.22 - Jan.20 Romantic encounters are espe cially meaningful at this point in your life. Avoid arguments. If loved ones let you down, try to handle it yourself. Aquarius: Jan.21 - Feb.ig Relatives or neighbors help you make important decisions. Don’t let domestic arguments in terfere with pleasures at home. Pisces: February 20 - March 20 Be more confident and enthu siastic about yourself. Spend any extra money you may encounter on yourself. Splurge! WEU PAY YOU TO GET INTO SHAPE THK SUMMER. If you’re a sophomore, six weeks at our Army ROTC Basic Camp can earn you approximately $600. It could also earn you the opportunity to enter our Z'Year Program this fall and begin receiving up to $1,000 a year. For more information, contact your Professor of Military Science. ARMYROTC BEAUYOUCANBL FOR FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONTACT CAPTAIN FISHER OR MAJOR ALLEN AT THE ROTC ADMINISTRATION BUILDING OR PHONE 335-3490 ,TODAY
Elizabeth City State University Student Newspaper
Standardized title groups preceding, succeeding, and alternate titles together.
March 25, 1986, edition 1
4
Click "Submit" to request a review of this page. NCDHC staff will check .
0 / 75