Jan. 29. 2007
The News Argus
3
Opinions and Editorials
Oprah's new school
stirs up controversy
Erin C. Perkins
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
PERKINS
Oprah Winfrey recently built a $40 million Oprah Winfrey
Leadership Academy located on a 50-acre site just outside
the city of Johannesburg, South Africa.
The school is a manifestation of Oprah's dream to do
something for those less fortunate. It is a response to former
South African President Nelson Mandela's appeal for educa
tion — what he felt was a pressing need in
his country. Oprah's solution provides
young African females an opportunity for
scholarly success in a productive and
accelerating environment that once
seemed unreachable.
Despite Oprah's admirable efforts, her
humanitarian achievements have endured
the snarling skepticism of some. Many
Americans have questioned why Oprah's
not spending the money in the United
States. One female critic accused Oprah of
not being responsible to America, the
country in which she grew up and took advantage of its
privileges.
Since when has paying homage to the native land of one's
descendants been considered kicking sand in America's
face? South Africa is an underprivileged country that is a
nesting ground for improvement, unlike America, which
despite many of our current problems with the Sept. 11 and
Katrina aftermath, shll can afford to provide an education to
every single American child.
For so many critics to bash the good deeds and charitable
efforts of one of America's most instrumental humanitarians
is disturbing. It almost seems that these people failed to real
ize the whole importance of her accomplishment.
Oprah's money is Oprah's money. Unless she is taking our
personal donations and spending them where we would
rather she not, it is out of place to dictate what she should
do with her own money.
Americans should be more concerned with how the gov
ernment spends money, since most of its budget comes from
our wallets.
The efforts to insult Oprah's charity would be better used
toward fighting for lower gas prices, tax inflation and tuition
increases.
My advice to such critics: Put your money where your
mouth is, and if you do not have $40 million like Oprah,
then just put your hand over your mouth and be quiet until
you do.
f
WSSU students speak out
about Martin Luther King Jr.
Tamika Green
NEWS EDITOR
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was a remarkable forerunner in the area of black
rights.
He accomplished many achievements in his life, that although cut short, still
prove to shape the black community. People today, of all races and backgrounds,
admire and appreciate the sacrifices King made, and the precedent he set for future
civil rights leaders. This past Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and the upcoming
Black History Month causes WSSU students to reflect on the life and achievements
of Dr. King.
"I think Dr. King's image as an intelligent, decisive
leader gave blacks motivation at a time when they needed
it the most. In my opinion, I think that Dr. King was the
leader of a new American revolution, similar to the revo
lution America's founding fathers led against the British.
The ultimate sacrifice Dr. King made was his life, and that
surpasses any other sacrifice he could have made."
Terence Grant, senior English major, 22.
GRANT
"Dr. King helped us to integrate into the mainstream
public society. His sacrifices for the Black community
were that of a martyr; however, African Americans in
the 21st century oddly have failed to acknowledge his
sacrifices, and in turn carry on his dream." Melody
Mallett, junior rehabilitation studies major, 20.
MALLETT
"I think that we take the sacrifices he [Dr. King] made for
us for granted. Blacks don't vote, we don't take advantage
of all the opportunities that people fought so hard to give
us, so people need to stop reading 'I Have a Dream,' and
gel their own dream. I think that he was the forerunner for
many civil rights leaders." Ashleigh Taylor, senior mass
communications major, 21.
Ask La ’Chelle
Photo by MCI Wire Service
Nomvuyo Mzamane, a South African native, speaks to girls at the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls
that opened recently in South Africa. Mzamane resigned as assistant head of operations at Germantown Friends
School in Philadelphia, to prepare to become the academy’s permanent head.
to know how much experience you have
in your field. How many internships, co
ops and volunteer work have you done to
prepare you for a job? If you possess a
fair amount of experience, you may find
success in entry-level positions. If you
desire higher education and want to
teach, a master's degree is always a plus.
For more advice, I strongly encourage you
to speak with an academic adviser or visit
Career Services.
La’Chelle Lewis
Columnist
Q. The New Year is here, and many
people have made resolutions. What do
you think are the best New Year's
Resolutions?
A. I think New Year's
Resolutions are personal goals
people set for themselves.
Resolutions for the New Year
may be things that people want
to improve on from previous
years, or something that they
desire to do. Some resolutions
that I have heard are: make bet
ter grades, attend church more,
exercise, save money, find a job, LA CHELLE
pay off debt, and stop drinking
and/or smoking. In my opinion, the only
"good" New Year's resolution is one that
best fits you and your personal goals.
Q. Spring graduation is approaching,
and I don't know what I want to do yet. I
cannot decide whether I want to go into
the career world or pursue a master's
degree. I heard the pros and cons of both
areas. What's your input?
A. I am battling with the same decisions,
but I am leaning more toward graduate
school for my own personal reasons. You
have to decide what is best for you. Do
you think you are prepared enough to
enter corporate America? Most jobs want
Q. My roommate and I started
off last semester on a positive note,
but ever since we have come back
from break she has been distant
from me. She hardly speaks, slie is
never in the room anymore, and
when she does talk, it's always
short answers. I do not know what
the problem is, but I cannot stand
being in a room with someone
without communicating. What
should I do?
A. As I always say, communication is
the key. You have talked about all things
your roommate is and is not doing; but
have you asked her why? You can never
know what is going on in a person's
mind, but you can always ask. Asking her
what is going on with her will bring
about clarity or closure to the whole situa
tion. Maybe she is facing some challenges
in her life such as school, work or family.
These problems may have nothing to do
with you; maybe she just needs time to
open back up to you. If you were really
friends in the beginning, then you will still
remain friends.
TAYLOR
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