2 THE COMPASS - SPRING 2008
EDITORIAL
Editorial
By: ShomonicWilhams
Is Oppression Relevant Today?
With much anticipation, this semester’s
debut issue of The Compass, is finailly out.
As this year’s editor, I not only wish to
ensure that this pubhcation spreads the word
of newsworthy events, but I also wish to see
it serve as a source which informs, educates,
and enlightens eill at once.
It’s a brand new yejir, and with the New
Year come New Year’s resolutions. Usually,
every December or so, we make resolutions
in order to bring improvement and self
satisfaction into our lives, especially students.
And although 2008 is nearly 4 months in,
most of our once sacred resolutions have
gone down the drain, abandoned, and now,
we re right back to our old, usual ways. But
it doesn’t have to always turn out this way
though. Creating strategic plans, keeping a
positive mind set, and taking consideration
of the consequences of our actions, good or
bad, should be used as fuel to remain faithful
and dedicated to our personjJ promises.
So I ask you: Are you living up to your
resolution?
Also, wdth this New Year, comes a new
presidential race. The 2008 election is on its
way, but in the meantime, keeping up with
the candidates, reviewing their platform,
goals, and truly taking the time out to
consider who we really want to vote for
is important. Two minorities are running
for the position of president of the United
States, a very big step in American History.
Being unbiased with this year’s election is
important. I often hear people say, “ I choose
to vote for Obama because he’s black!” or at
times, I hear femzJes state, “ I believe it’s time
to have a femzJe president.” But we have
to rezJize that it’s much more than race or
gender It’s the issues that reaJly matter, and
what each candidate can do to resolve some
of America’s most hard hitting issues.
As we all know, February was Black
History Month. In a recent discussion in my
Journalism II class, a question was raised, ‘Is
MLK Day still relevant to society today?” For
the most part, we as a group agreed on the
same thing: The day is very much overlooked
for its importance, and original start, and
nowadays, the day is viewed as just smother
day off from school smd work. But why is that
so? Dr Martin Luther King Day, along with
Black History Month, is one of the many
privileges that African Americans possess.
Celebrating and recognizing some of black
history’s most prominent figures, along with
their accomplishments are vital factors that
should be brought to our nation’s attention.
Knowing this, however, it is apparent that at
times, we fail to realize the importance of
the month and its true meaning. Although
greatly appreciated and respected, the usual
teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
and Rosa Parks, have been engraved in our
heads since grade school. However, there
are so many strong, prominent black figures
who don’t necessarily receive a lot of their
deserved publicity. There’s more to black
history than the Civil Rights Movement As
I stated before, I want to make sure that The
Compass informs us, and leaves us aware of
significant information. With that in mind, I
am privileged to include pieces, spotlighting
those overlooked prominent black men and
women who have paved the way for us. I wish
to see us, as African Americans, possess a
stronger knowledge of such things; no longer
should we neglect their accomplishments.
As editor, I admit this experience is still
very new to me, but all in all I expect to do
great things. There is absolutely no limit. I
am extremely optimistic and there’s always
room for improvement. I look forward to
hearing your feedback.
Ey: James C. House, Jr.
After watching the movie, “TTie Great
Debaters,” directed by Denzel Washington,
the subject of oppression came up. The defi
nition of the word oppression in Webster’s
dictionary states that it means to be heavily
bxu-dened, mentally or physically, by troubles
adverse conditions or anxiety. What I get
from that definition is nothing different than
what black people face in today’s society. I
care about what has happened to blacks Jind
know we are living in a society now where
a black person can rise and be whatever it is
that he or she chooses.
The excuse of oppression is just an excuse
in my eyes. I feel this way because we do not
live in a society where blacks have to walk
down the street with their heads hung down.
This is not a time where blacks have to fear
walking down the street late at night with
thoughts of possibly being lynched by a lynch
mob. That age and era is gone. Yes we can
remember it, but it was along time ago.
We should teach black children not to hate
and never to settle for less. We should go
out and buy our kids instruments of learning
and things that are going to help them cope
with life, not Playstation 3’s or X-box 360’s.
Why buy them something that is not going
to help get them a job? The excuse of being
oppressed is what holds back some people of
color. It shows self-pity and weakness.
As a black man I stand to say that oppres
sion csinnot be an excuse anymore by any
of us. Even though someone may call you
a name or make a comment that you do not
like, it does not give another the right to lash
out. Every decision that a person makes has
a consequence whether good or bad.
I believe that we should throw the word
oppression into the grovind euid bury it.
Every time that word is spoken the nega
tive energy from hearing it takes away all
the positive thoughts that people may have.
We have each other in today’s world, and
once we start to help the next person get to
where they need to be in life, then life will
be a lot ejisier to live.
Why Obama for President?
By: Lenora Coley
Illinois Senator Barack H. Obama is a
democratic candidate running for president.
Obama's call is for “CHANGE” in America.
He plans to implement a 21st century
economic agenda to help ensure that America
can compete in a global economy, and ensure
the middle class is thriving and growing.
He also has plans to increase investments
in infrastructure, energy independence,
education, and research cUid development;
modernizing and simplify otu- tax code so
it provides greater opportunity and relief
to more Americans. Are you someone who
is wondering why this man is running for
president?
“I’m in this race because I want to stop
talking about the outrage of 47 million
Americans without health care and start
actually doing something about it I’m in
this race to end our dependence on Middle
East oil and save our plcinet from the crisis of
climate change so we cein give our children a
planet that’s cleaner and safer than we found
it,” Obama said.
1 say all yovmg voters, this is a world that
is going to be built for us. Obama is trying to
give us all a better place. He’s trying to build
a foundation for my generation and the next.
Obcima pays more attention to young people
than any other candidate. For example, he
blew off an American Association of Retired
Persons sponsored event to instead hold a
rally with Entertainer Usher. Obama wants
youth to know he’s here for them. From
the endorsements of Oprah Winfrey to the
Kennedy’s, some know and believe that
Barack Obama will bring forth “ Change" not
only to African-Americans and young people
but also other races.
Don’t vote for Obama because he's black,
vote for Obama for what he has on his agenda
for America: he’s trying to make sure we are
able to get good jobs, get an education and
health care. When you vote for your next
president, make siu-e you have the feeling that
the choice you make in voting is a right choice
because this will be an individual that we all
going have to live with as our president. Also,
make sure that you are registered to vote.
You can check online at NC Voter Seairch. If
you are not registered, register on campus or
online because your vote counts.
Whatcha Think?
Students were asked, “What do you think about the Athletic Fee that is taken out of
students funds?” *( The Athletic fee is a State Mandate, in other words Elizabeth City
State University has no control over this, it is required by the State. Also the funds taken out of each student account is determined by the number of credit hours taken. In addition
to this, the money removed is disbursed into all activities that take place on campus.)* As told to die reporter by personnel in Student Accounts. 3^ 7-^^ Friendly
“ I would feel more comfort
able with athletic, and similar
fees if I knew where the mon
ey was going. I feel like my
money is being spent without
justification. ”
Catlyn Campbell:
English Major
“I personally disagree because I
do not attend many of the sports
activities. I feel like the money
could go to the up keep of the
campus, and to building of more
dorms to accommodate the grow
ing student t>ody."
Candace Bolder:
Social Work Major
“If I am not affiliated with any
athletic, or school activities I
shouldn’t be charged a fee. Also
the amount is outrageous.” He
also relayed to the inten/iewer
that this thought is focused to
wards the State Mandate not the
University.
Nathan Large:
Criminal Justice Major
“It Is a State Mandate, everybody
has to pay the school has no reg
ulations on that, thus I can deal
with that, and think for the most
part it is fain"
Celeste Trahan:
Baskett>all Athlete
7 think that it’s unfair for the
students who have more credit
hours to have to pay more, with
less money. Thus with more
credit hours they have less time
to participate in the activities that
these fends are used for."
Christian J. Alva:
Business Major