The News Argus - Page 2 TMC Jamita Griffin -- Editor Traci Tiera King - Managing Editor Dr.Valerie S. Saddler — Advisor Editorial Brown Hall: A Clean Place To Stay? Most students who attend Winston-Salem State University know that Brown Hall has the reputation for being a nasty place. Lately this reputation has taken on a new meaning. It has become even nastier, if that is possible. It is sad to say that conditions haven’t improved. In fact, some of the conditions have gotten worse. Intelligent African- American men stay in Brown Hall. Yet, the residents behave like a group of men living in the woods, or children or immature teenagers . It is a horrible sight to see future lawyers, doctors, teachers, journalists, engineers and businessmen keep the place where they live in such disarray . Brown’s halls can often be found full of trash and various discarded items from student’s rooms. People throw trash from their own floor down to the next floor rather than taking the time to use trash cans. The trash’s bad odor smells up the hall. This trash is left for the housekeepers to pick up. As fast as the housekeepers daily clean the residence hall, the faster the halls fill with more filth created by the residents. Various forms of garbage such as: dish washing liquid, laundry detergent, beer, leftover servings of food, empty liquor bottles, soda cans, paper cups, lotion, dirt, and students clothes are left in the halls. Some residents have even discovered urine in the hall. As disgusting as it may sound, it’s all true and it all happens in Brown Hall. Nasty bathrooms are also a problem in Brown. Most people want to use clean bathrooms. Clean bathrooms are a rarity in Brown Hall. Most of these men didn’t grow up in homes with dirty bathrooms and they were trained to leave a bathroom clean and neat. Brown residents leave toilet paper on the floor, hair in the sink after shaving, soap on the shower floor, mildewed dirty and clean underwear outside the shower area. Spaghetti, doughnuts and other forms of food are often found floating in the urinals and toilets. This doesn’t say much for Brown Hall residents. What will parents and relatives say when they visit Brown and see gunk lining the halls? What will women say about the condition of Brown when visitation begins? What will high school students say when they come to visit WSSU and tour Brown Hall? What will “alumni” say when they return to campus for Homecoming 1994? Adult African-American men live in Brown Hall. Adults don’t generally throw trash and debris around their living quarters. Adults usually don’t leave bathrooms in filthy condition. Perhaps this is one of the reasons why visitation hasn’t begun in Brown Hall. There are not many females or males who would want to visit this messy, dirty and smelly place! The discouraging part about this situation is that students that live in Brown, as a whole, don’t really care about the problem. There have been bulletins posted and the Resident Assistants have held meetings and posted more bulletins, but nevertheless Brown Hall is not kept clean. We Don't Need Another Hero Too many African American male heroes have been on the firing line of mess! Since the rise and fall of champion boxer Mike Tyson, many other well known figures have followed in “his footsteps.” Michael Jordan, Michael Jackson, Snoop Doggy Dog, Arsenio Hall, Tupac, Benjamin Chavis, the NAACP’s former president; and now former professional football star, O.J . Simpson. These men and many others have stood and are still standing, at the brink of heroism. These famous men have captivated our children’s minds with their charm and flash. Our children too often look to these figures as role models and leaders, yet these men are mere mortals with many faults and shortcomings. When we encourage our young black men to set goals and strive for the best, most often entertainers, music artists and professional athletes are presented to them as positve role models. When searching or looking for a role model, African-Americans must keep in mind those strong men in our families that help make a difference. Was it Great Uncle Calvin? Or Grandpop Phil? Or Great-Grandpop Ike? Or could it be that big brother or cousin who was always there for you, encouraged you, believed in you and was the only male ever present in your life that made you believe in yourself? The preservation of African American men is a main factor in the 90s. Staying alive, staying out of jail and slaying employed is easier said than done especially when a large number of “hero” brothers are not setting good examples themselves. There are many gocxl Black men out there, many heroes in ihcir own right, so maybe the next time you look into a mirror you’ll see that hero in you! COLUMNIST Traci Tiera A. King Taking A Stand RAMS in the House! 2900 Deep! That’s right, 1994-95 will be the year of transformation at Winston-Salem State University. When 1 say transformation, I sp)ecifically mean all the new changes and modifications WSSU is making for the student body. The new residence hall is one transformation which will be occupied to its entirety. Another transformation will include the new mandatory Black Studies course which has been included in the General Education core. The Student Government Association along with the Counseling Center will be making a tremendous attempt to establish a new service for students. I hope that we will see an increase in Ram Spirit by supporting the mighty Ram Football team and cheering them on to a winning season. I also hope that as young educated students, we will become socially and politically conscious of what is going on in the WSSU environment. Our campus is becoming more diverse year after year. This type of change is a positive one. It is excellent to know our campus and academic curriculum is becoming attractive to a wide variety of people. However, we must always remember that Winston-Salem State University is a historically black university in the UNC-system. You (the students), we (the student body), are totally responsible for acknowledging and preserving the WSSU heritage. The legacy of this university is one which can be shared with all students. It should become something that we can boast about and be proud of. Rams, we owe it to the founders of this prestigious university, our parents, and especially to ourselves; to make the best efforts we can to graduates, we must demonstrate that we are just as prepared as others. We do have a sense of direction. I sincerely request that as students we take full advantage of the academic social, political, and economic opportunities which are available at the institution. I want ihe student body to pursue what our school motto states: Enter to Learn, Depart to Serve! achieve. We are the products of an institution; however as WSSU COLUMNIST Joelle Davis, SGA President Staff Writers Tolly Carr Joseph Duncan Sabrina Becton-Gibson William Horton Victor Jackson Kenyatta Jennings Devona McPhatter Kimberly Terry Vince Woodings Queyanna Woods Kimberley Williams - Office Manager Ramona Williams - Assistanpt Advertising Manager The News Argus is a student Newspaper at Winston-Salem State University we welcome your views on any public issue. Faculty, adminisU'ators, staff, students and alumni are encouraged to share their ideas and opinions. Letters should be type written and no ino’'e than 200 words in length. The wiite' must clearly sign the letter gi' ig tli‘ ^ name, telephone number and depending on the content of the letter, proof of identity may be requested. The editorial staff reserves the right to edit material for grammar, taste and clarity. 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