71- j'2.
Campus ^fio
No.3
Published by and for the students of North Carolina Central University in Durham, North Carolina 27707
October 16, 1981
At Fall Convocation
Whiting supports decree‘gains,’ rebukes re-appointment terms;
Massey challenges chancellor ‘to speak out’ against decree
Supporting the consent decree for its “obvious gains...for the minority
institutions” hut opposing certain aspects that appear “unsettling, if not
threatening,” N.C. Central University Chancellor Albert N. Whiting ad
dressed a crowd of 700 faculty, students, staff, and visitors at the annual
convocation held in McDougald Gymnasium on Oct. 1.
While Whiting termed the decree “a compromise and therefore not com
pletely satisfactory,” he stressed its benefits for the predominantly black
schools: additional undergraduate and graduate programs; continued ef
forts at integration of faculty and staffs and insurance of salary equity at
minority institutions; insurance of educational opportunities for black
students; increased enrollment of whites at traditionally black schools and
increased enrollment of blacks at traditionally white schools; and equitable
flnancial support for black schools.
Vowing to preserve “what is good in the old and to (protect) the faithful
servants of this institution who through the years have helped to make it
what it is,” the chancellor strongly criticized the re-appointment clause of
the decree as “troublesome and punitive.” He called for change that is
“done humanely and with sensitivity to the individual.”
Positive Steps for NCCU
The chancellor mentioned several new plans and programs the university
is undertaking. He spoke of a master’s program in criminal justice and
public administration and an undergraduate program in computer and in
formation science.
Calling the review of the General Education Program a way to “enhance
literacy across the major areas of learning,” Whiting spoke of the new pro
gram as a means of producing “thinkers and leaders for all realms of life.”
Also mentioned were the allocation of over,$10 million for a new physical
education complex, the completion of the Health Science Building, the
planned construction of the Criminal Justice Building, and renovations
either underway or soon to start on campus.
While the chancellor was pleased with the university’s positive news, he
was concerned over the August fire in the Hoey Administration and the Spr
ing 1981 bomb threats.
Urging A Recommitment
Disturbed by “the fact that too many Americans, including black
Americans, have lost the incentive to take education seriously and respon
sibly,” Whiting called for “an investment of self, a commitment by student
and teacher that cannot be manifested in the philosophy of ‘Let the good
times roll.’ ”
After stressing the desperate struggle of blacks after the Civil War for
Low attendance criticized
Convocation draws
mixed student views
By Leslie Hill
Student reactions were mixed but generally positive concerning the an
nual convocation.
Graduate student Scherrye Williams called Curtis Massey s speech
“forceful (with) great impact on the audience.” Williams, an instructor/-
counselor for the College Outreach Computer Consortium, felt Chancellor
Albert Whiting’s address discussed many relevant issues concerning the
campus, including the consent degree and new facilities being built to
upgrade the university.
Cynitha Gary, a sophmore biology major from Anderson, S.C., saw
Whiting as a “politican” who needs to become more involved with the stu
dent body and campus. She praised the speech by chairman of the Board of
Trustees, Hiliary Holloway. “You could tell he believed in NCCU and what
the institution stands for., He came straight to the point and said what he
had to say without dressing it up,” she said.
Timmy Jones, a senior Media-Journalism major from Durham, was
moved by the chancellor’s address. “The speech gave one the motivation to
study and become deeply involved with the university, our education and
what it will mean in the future,” he said.
Valarie Barrett, a junior business major from Aurora, felt that the con
vocation was sucessful although the audience was small. “Things where
finally brought out into the open such as former Dean James Blue’s resigna
tion. I only wish more students were present,” she said.
Tina Pinnix, a sophmore biology major from Gibsonville, blamed the
poor attendance on “apathy and lack of faith in the administration.” She
called the chancellor’s address “colorful and elaborate.” Although Pinnix
is glad about the new programs being offered and construction of new
buildings, she wonders when a new dorm will be built to accomodate the in
creasing enrollment at Central.
Vernessa Taylor, a secretary for the COCC program from Durham, said,
“Whiting touched upon issues which concerned the entire student body like
(the review of the GEP program) and the addition of courses to the cur
riculum on both the graduate and undergraduate level.” Taylor, also con
cerned about the low attendance, speculated that the “lack of student par-
Ruffin speaks
Ben Ruffin, special assistant to the governor, gave a
rousing speech to an enthusiastic crowd in the Alfonso
Elder Student Union Thursday, Oct. 8, as part of the
10:40 Series. Ruffin, a graduate of NCCU, spoke on the
need for students to acquire knowledge and understan
ding. “Don’t forget why you’re getting an education and
your parents who help to send you to college,’’ he said.
ticipation (was due) to the fact that students are not made aware of the pur
pose of convocation.”
LaVerne Tripp, a junior nursing major from Edward, was also bothered
by the absence of students. “There was no excuse for the gym not to be
overflowing with students. When will the student body come together as
one?” asked Tripp.
Debra Spencer, a junior business major from Belhaven, called Massey’s
speech “informative and thought provoking. He was looking for support
from the student body on his feelings toward the consent decree and the
resignation of former Dean James Blue, and he got it,” said Spencer.
Drama dept, musical comedy
rustles up legends of the West
By Thelma C. Henderson
Black cowboys will shoot it out in the University Theatre, when N.C.
Central University’s Department of Dramatic Art presents “Deadwood
Dick, Legend of the West.” The musical comedy runs from Oct. 14-18.
Show time is 8:15 p.m.
Karen Dacons, an NCCU drama instructor, is directing the play and
describes it as “a satire on western movies, specifically from the mid 1940s
to ’50s.”
The star of the show, Deadwood Dick, portrayed by Ivan Dixon Player
and former NCCU graduate Victor Lane, is in his mid-twenties and carved
from the tall, dark and handsome stereotype. He is shrewd, clever,
unbelievably “cool” and always in control.
Ben Hodges, one of Dick’s side kicks, is portrayed by Robert Beatty, an
^CCU undergraduate. Hodges is a Latin-lover stereotype, but born of
Black and Mexican parentage. He is a fast-talking con man. Hodges’ power
of speech is a cross between Shakespeare and a criminal lawyer.
Hodges’ accomplice Cherokee Bill, portrayed by Tonye Torrence, a
dramatic arts major from High Point, is a cowboy blend of Michael
Jackson, Rick James, and John Travolta.
Spelling trouble through out the play for Bill, Hodges, and Dick is Evil
Isom Dart, played by Ivan Dixon Player and NCCU undergraduate Dewar
ren Moses. Dart is a cruel, black desperado and cattle rustler. He is a
cowboy blend of “mean Joe Green” and the Tasmanian Devil.
Even though these characters may seem “out of this world,” Dacons
points out that Dick, Hodges, and Cherokee Bill were all real black
cowboys. “The audience needs to realize this as they laugh,” says Dacons.
The scenes may be fictions, but they parallel what these men did in their life
times.
Agreeing with Dacons, cast member Tonye Torrrence adds, “I didn’t
know there really were black cowboys, because the only ones I saw as a
child on television were white. Even though this play doesn’t shove a racial
issue down your throat, it educates the audience on the actual existence of
black cowboys in history,” says Torrence.
“It shows how ridiculous it was just to portray white cowboys as legends
and exclude the blacks from western history,” says cast member Bernitha
Jenkins. “The play also pokes fun at the type of white characters honored
over the years,” she added. Jenkins, an Ivan Dixon Player and dramatic
arts major, portrays Calinda, Dick’s girlfriend in the comedy.
The play was written in 1976 by W.B. Burdine Jr. as a two-act musical
comedy. Dacons points out that it is not an attempted biography of Dead-
wood Dick’s entire life. “It’s just plain fun, entertainment,” says Dacons.
Admission for students from any school and children is $1.50 in advance
and $2 at the door. Admission for adults is $3.50 in advance and $4 at the
door. Call the drama department for reservations to receive the advance
price at 683-6242. Tickets will also be on sale in the campus cafeteria during
lunch and dinner hours.
In this issue
The Coke Boycott (What boycott?), p. 2
Financial Aid director preaches trial sermon, p. 4
freedom and education, Whiting criticized current values and motivation,
asking, “Are we aware that a noble legacy and a worthy posterity require
that each generation makes sacrifices for the one to follow?”
He called for students “to renew that part of our legacy in which
discipline of the mind was entwined with the development of qualities such
as honor and honesty, prudence and oerserverance, fortitude and justice,
with gentility, culture and humaneness.”
Challenge to the Chancellor
Curtis Massey, SGA president, speaking before the chancellor, challeng
ed Whiting “to speak out” on behalf of black colleges and against the con
sent decree.
Massey, stressing the need for the campus to “come together as one,”
questioned how this would be possible in light of the consent decree and the
resignation of former dean of student affairs, James F. Blue.
Massey received enthusiastic applause from the small crowd which at
tended.
Prospective students
to visit campps Oct, 17
By Winfred Cross
N.C. Central will sponsor its second annual High School/Prospective
Student Day tomorrow to let visiting students “ask faculty, admninstrators,
and students about Central,” according to Nancy Rowland, director of
NCCU Admissions.
Ms. Roland said invitations have been sent to every high school, junior,
community and technical college and technical institute in North Carolina,
South Carolina and Virginia.
“The reponse has been wonderful,” she said. “We have students coming
from as far as New York.”
High schools that will participate include the Durham area schools, Clin
ton High School, high schools in the Concord area, Bertie County High
School, Bevard High and high schools in the Reidsville area. High schools
in the Goldsboro and Fairmount areas have given the greatest response with
25 and 55 students attending respectively.
Rowland said she has received full cooperation from the departments on
campus through their participation in the program.
“Each high school was asked to send us a list of students names and their
interests in order for us to direct them to the proper department,” said
Rowland. “When they arrive on campus, we’ll know exactly where to send
them.”
The students will be given tours of each department by volunteer students
starting at 10:15 a.m. The students will then be entertained by various cam
pus organizations.
“Kappa Alpha Psi was very helpful last year in entertaining the
students,” she said. “The students really enjoyed the step show they gave
last year.
This year other, organizations have been asked to participate. They in
clude the SGA, Alpha Phi Alpha, Alpha Phi Omega, and Delta Sigma
Theta.
All students who wish to help with the program may stop by the office of
student affairs and talk with Ms. Marion Covington.
Kathy McLaurin winner of
Miss Homecoming reelection
By LaWanda F. Hudgins
Naomi “Kathy” McLaurin is Miss Homecoming 1981, but it wasn’t easy.
The first Miss Homecoming election raised the eyebrows of many
students. Due to an error by the election board concerning nominations, a
re-election was held Oct. 14.
McLaurin won the re-election with 198 votes out of 800. Marcia Hill, the
previous election winner, recieved 152 votes.
Hill says she will shpport McLaurin because “she will do a good job in
upholding the title.”
Hill said she had considered a run-off, but will not put that plan into ac
tion because “this year has been filled with many disappointments” (no
homecoming show and the loss of her title).
McLaurin said that Hill has coped with the circumstances surrounding
the re-election like a “true queen and she will remain the dearest of
friends.”
Marie Gamble, chairperson of the election board, said that in the beginn
ing she received four nominations, two of which were not eligible for can
didacy because “they did not , have enough hours to be classified as
seniors.” The entire nominations were then re-evaluated. Terresa Tate,
Marcia Hill, Matrice Wilson and Kathy McLaurin were selected to compete
for the title.
Letisa Yates, a nominee of the first list of ineligible candidates, said,
“Gamble did not check with the Registrar’s Office. She checked with
another unofficial source (as to candidates eligibility).”
The Office of the Registrar called Dean Bryant to inform him that Letisa
Yates and Jamis Bostick were eligible for candidacy. Bryant called Gamble,
but Yates and Bostick were not informed to begin campaigning until the
night of the rap session.
The additions of Yates and Bostick increased the number to six can
didates competing for the title. This, in fact, was in violation of the SGA
constitution.
Dean Byrant, acting vice chancellor of student affairs, said under the cir
cumstance, he could not eliminate Yates and Bostick from the election
because they were found eligible for candidancy. On the other hand, he
could not eliminate the other nominees who were chosen as candidates on
the bases that Yates and Bostick were ineligible. “In the future, I am con
sidering not having a Miss Homecoming and letting Miss NCGU serve as
the university’s queen for all occasions,” added Bryant.