The News Argus, December 2003
inions
& EDITORIALS
FERGUSON
From the Editor
Mr. Ram, Alan Brown,
doesn't fit stereotype
In our last issue we celebrated
Winston-Salem State University's
Homecoming. There were plenty of col
orful pictures and stories that proved
how much Ram
Pride we all had.
There was just one
damper put on the
celebration. That was
the editorial piece in
the Winston-Salem
journal written by
former WSSU
administrator, Nat
Irvin.
In his editorial, Irvin basically told
WSSU students that we disgraced our
selves by promoting the image of Mr.
Ram, Alan Brown. The image, as
described by Irvin, promoted "pimp"
antics and questioned the values that our
students possessed by noting that Brown
appeared to portray this negative, ghetto
image decked out in fur and other
"pimp" attire.
I was enraged, as many of you were. It
wasn't because of Irvin's opinion,
because everyone is entitled to one. But
what Irvin claimed we immortalize as
far as images are concerned, was not
true. I hate to see or hear of our students
being viewed in a matter that questions
our intellect and ability to recognize
trends in society meant to demean us as
young African-Americans. Most of ail I
felt sorry for Brown. Anyone who is
familiar with his gracious character
knows that he is one of the most intellec
tual, articulate, well-mannered Mr.
Ram's in WSSU's history; not to mention
he's got a killer sense of style.
The buzz on campus has died down
since the article has been published, but
I hope we've learned an important les
son. If you didn't know before, now it
should be evident that society as a whole
views our generation as incompetent
and unintelligent, unable to stand for
something. We know otherwise, and the
graduates of this great university prove
otherwise. If you didn't like what was
being said about our students, you
should take a stand in some way. Groups
such as Black Men for Change wrote
intelligent letters in defiance of Irvin's
views. We should all take that lead.
Stand for something and pursue what
ever action possible.
The News Argus hopes that everyone
enjoys this issue and has success in final
examinations. Have a great holiday. We
look forward to your feedback next
semester.
'HORflTjr upf Keep MoviNsr HosiLfi -HusrLe! i ve 0ot a
Re-ELecrioN can\paign -r> cser Ttjr hurrv up.'HusTLe Husrtef...'
to the editor
Students should answer the call
Dear Editor:
Was it really the picture of Alan Brown that was so dis
turbing to Mr. Nat Irvin, or was it just that our genera
tion is out of touch with others?
Whether it has been realized or not, our generation has
a culture of its own. A culture in which we speak, think,
and socialize differently.
We are often ridiculed, and often classified under
stereotypes that are highlighted in all types of media
including TV, magazines, newspapers and radio.
This controversy comes as a way to show that our
accomplishments in the eyes of some are small and limit
less. Still students from across North Carolina and the
surrounding states come to Winston-Salem State
University to attain something that countless others in
their communities might not be able to gain — an educa
tion.
Many have said that we have no movement, but we
believe we do have a movement.* Our movement is the
same one of the 60's or 70's, a movement that is forced
upon us by a society and that is the individual move
ment.
It seems that this generation can do no right. Needless
to say we are mimicking the generation which has come
before us. A generation that has created a problem and
has yet to find a fitting end.
We believe that our generation will have positive
movements, as well as negative. But we must realize
with whom we are in a constant war. Is it ourselves or
with the other generations before us that simply do not
understand?
We do not disagree with Nat Irvin, or his remarks,
however, the problem could have been dealt with in a
more professional matter. As is the case with many peo
ple, he judged a book by one element of its cover. Mr.
Irvin challenged students at WSSU to observer the
stereotypes that the media has placed on us. This chal
lenge should be taken seriously and with a fervor that
will ultimately raise our consciousness and our aware
ness of the world we are living in.
We believe that we should not only discuss the many
problems in our culture, but also discuss the solutions.
In the years to come our generation will stand-up and
fight for our beliefs. It is the birth of new organizations
such as Black Men for Change that will foster the new
ideas of black thought which we hope will extend into
new political and governmental involvement. We must
challenge ourselves and accept the challenges of others.
For it is so easy for us to be seen as sideline students.
Argus Photo by Keith Caesar
Members of Black Men for Change say don't judge the
book by its cover.
and armchair intellects.
There is a need that must be filled and we must fill it.
It is time for us to accept our purpose in this world and
set forth a plan of action that will insure that we are seen
as more than just another societal problem.
Through the publication of the photo and comments by
Mr. Irvin, it goes to show that our voices need to be made
a little louder.
If we remain silent, if we do not say what is going
through our minds, if we do not have a voice, then we are
ultimately giving into the very principles which have sus
tained for so long.
As young people we have been placed in a box and it is
the actions of the few which many believe is reflective of
the whole. One question raised by Mr. Irvin is interesting.
Are the students at WSSU really celebrating the "pimp"
culture? Or are we unfairly being judge by someone who
does not know us?
We are always picked at for everything that we are
doing wrong how many pictures and articles are written
from the standpoint of everything we are doing right?
We did not invent this culture, we simply exist in it.
Take offense to this article, like this article, but do some
thing about it.
Remember this is the Golden Mile, Golden opportuni
ties, Golden People and Golden Memories.
From our differences, come our ideas, from our ideas
come change. Repaving the Foundations for Future
Generations — BLACK MEN FOR CHANGE.
Sincerely,
The members of Black Men For Change
Explore opportunities through the Student Leadership Institute
It is once again a pleasure to
share time with you during the
Chancellor's Comer. I trust the
year has continued in a success
ful manner as defined by
achieving goals, surpassing
milestones, and progressing as
talented students. We must
remain committed to working
together on initiatives that will
continue to provide you with
the tools for the aforementioned
success. The Wmston-Salem
State University Student
Leadership Institute is one such
tool for success.
The Student Leadership
Institute started three years ago
as a weekend leadership
comer
with Dr. Harold L Martin
development seminar con
ducted in the spring semester.
Students were selected to par
ticipate in leadership develop
ment workshops that focused
on leadership skills such as
interpersonal skills, leadership
type assessment, management
training, and detailed problem
solving. Students also gained
from national lecturers who
shared insight on topics that
ranged from politics, business.
entrepreneurship, and educa
tional topics. The student par
ticipants have clearly gained
from this extra-curricular train
ing initiative.
Yet, as our campus commu
nity has grown and transi
tioned, we must continue to re
shape initiatives that prepare
you for your collegiate and post-
collegiate experiences. With this
in mind, the leadership institute
has been a focal point of
increased development. We are
transforming the leadership
institute into a year-long insti
tute that will have far reaching
effects on the entire WSSU com
munity. One responsibility of
the institute is the exposure of
all students to quality lectures
and leadership development in
specific disciplines of the uni
versity. This may include lec
tures in the health sciences,
career development, or mathe
matics. Another area of focus
is for the training of a specific
group of students that will be
selected for the leadership
institute starting in January.
This group will go through a
rigorous training program for
leadership development. This
will include a lecture series, a
travel series, leadership train
ing coursework, and a special
leadership project in the
community. The WSSU
Leadership Institute will serve
as a key element to the devel
opment of future leaders.
Yet, developing leaders
requires commitment from stu
dent participants as well as the
institution. Hence, 1 encourage
all of you to explore the
Leadership Institute and it's
many opportunities; opportuni
ties that will enrich your lives
and enhance your ability for ser
vice through leadership. I look
forward to your continued
growth as outstanding leaders.
Send all questions and comments
to chancellorsoffice((hossu.edu.