The News AT2US
Winston-Salem State University • April 1999
Bobby Seale visits WSSU
Black Panther founder shines light on the struggle
as a civil rights activist. The young
RASHEED GLUWA
Reporter
An energetic Bobby Seale recently
spoke on the campus of Winston-Salem
State University and talked about his
experiences as a member of the original
Black Panther party.
More than 100 people showed up as
Seale, 63, lectured about the impact of the
organization he cofounded with Huey P.
Newton in the 1960s. The legendary
Seale, who was once tied and gagged
during his trial in the famous Chicago
Eight Conspiracy Case, was far removed
from the garb he donned during his days
BY NICHE VEREEN
Guest Writer
Every year at Winston-Salem State
University, Ram Pride Dies. But why? Is
it because there aren’t enough student
oriented activities on campus or is it
simply because no one cares? College, to
most people, is a growing and maturing
period in their life. College is a chance
for students to be away from home and
experience new things. It’s a chance to
explore many different possibilities of life
because the decisions made now will
affect you for the rest of your life. It’s a
nonconformist who wore black boots and
fatigues was nowhere to be seen.
Despite the difference in appearance,
Seale’s fire was still present as he
commented on the factual inconsistencies
attributed to the party during it’s turbulent
run. One example Seale used was the
depiction of the organization given by the
in the movie “Panther”
“That film does such a great
disservice to people telling what really
happened,” said Seale. “They tell you we
where a bunch of thugs.”
Seale said that the nature of the party
was far removed from the ‘black
chance for you to learn more about
yourself and discover your true identity.
But what if this great experience was
dampened because of the lack of pride
you have in your school? What if the
school, that you couldn’t wait to go to,
was so dull that you find yourself at home
every weekend? For many students at
WSSU, this is their life.
School spirit does not exist on this
campus until homecoming, the CIAA
tournament, or a game against a rival
school like A&T, NCCU, or Johnson C.
Smith. What is it that these other
Historically Black College & University’s
militaristic hate group’ stereotype that the
group has been labeled with. Seale said
that the organization was progressive,
and that the hate group label was given
to the group government organizations
intent on destroying the party.
“It was about more than shootouts,”
said Seale. “We saw it as defending our
constitutional rights.”
Seale said that the Panthers were
more politically oriented. With racism
ingrained in many of the laws that existed
in the 1960s, vSeale said that the only way
for the party to effectively fight back was
See SEALE, Page 2
have that our campus doesn’t? Our
students may say other schools have good
football and basketball teams; but so do
we. Let’s not forget we were #1 during
football season and currently hold the title
of 1999 CIAA Basketball Champions.
Our students may say the other
HBCU’s have larger campuses and more
students, but should a larger campus or a
greater population constitute how much
school spirit a person should have? Since
none of these are good answers, why can’t
we have more school spirit year round?
See SPIRIT, page 6
WSSU
students
participate
in quiz bowl
CYNTHIA WEBB
Reporter
On March 11-15, the Honda Campus
All-Star team competed at the Honda
Campus All-Star college bowl in
Washington, D.C. This event, sponsored
by Honda, has brought students froin
HBCUs together for the past 10 years.
WSSU’s team comprised of four
team members and one alternate includes
Wendy Covington, Derrick Hargrove,
Patches Jacobs, Larkin Frasier and P.R.
White.
The team’s 4-3 record with wins over
Texas Southern University, Payne
College, Tuskegee University, and
Bethune-Cookman College performed
better than last year’s 2-5 record.
Marilyn Roseboro, the faculty
adviser for the team, credits the
improvement to the students’ level of
motivation. “The team worked hard and
were committed throughout the year,”
Roseboro said. “They faced stringent
competition and represented WSSU
extremely well.”
The competition is held annually and
this year’s competition included
performances by celebrities Kenny
Lattimore and Shanice. Guest choirs
from Morgan State University and
Howard University also performed.
Yolanda King, daughter of slain civil
rights activist Martin Luther King Jr.,
gave the keynote speech.
Each game, divided into 8-minute
halves, covers questions ranging from
current events to history.
Wendy Covington, the captain of the
team had nothing but positive feelings
about the team’s performance. “This
year’s team was wonderful, hard-working
and dedicated. The veterans and
newcomers all contributed to our
success,” she said. The team’s efforts
were rewarded with a trophy and a cash
prize.
Students with an interest in
becoming a member of the team can try
out during the campus competition.
Individual scores during a round-robin
game are the deciding factors. Since all
See HONDA, Page 6
Disney recruiter ■. .
offers internships ■ ’
JOY SCOTT
REPORTER
What is Walt Disney's middle name? When was
Disney World built? Who is the CEO of Walt Disney
World? If you can answer these questions you could be
on your way to spending a summer or semester internship
living it up in Walt Disney World with the big cheese
himself, Mickey Mouse.
On March 26, a Disney recruiter came to WSSU
seeking out those students for the Walt Disney World
College Program.
Two WSSU students were present.
This program is a unique internship opportunity for
college students to work at the Walt Disney World Resort
while gaining knowledge of the entertainment and
hospitality industries. Established 16 years ago, Disney
began recruiting students from three states, but now they
have recruits from over 600 colleges and universities
across the glol)e.
Photo courtesy of
Mickey Mouse encourages students to experience
Walt Disney
the magic
School spirit isn’t dead... maybe you are