HU Students Respond to Debate

            According to most Hampton University students, Sen. Barack Obama came out as the solid winner of the first 2008 presidential debate. Despite the initial reluctance of the two candidates to face each other, the overall outcome of the debate was pleasing to most students.

            Senior, Rashad Drakeford says, “Barack Obama definitely crossed the threshold”. Drakeford continued to say, “I expected him to come out [even] with McCain, not blow him away”. Drakeford’s opinion was supported by senior Byron Johnson, who expressed the defense that Sen. Obama gave as “amazing”.

            Many criticized Sen. McCain for constantly attacking Obama through out the night. A CNN.com poll concluded that 60 percent of people thought that Sen. McCain did better than expected.  Although, 58 percent of people felt that Obama would handle the economy better than McCain.

            Not all HU students were satisfied with what they witnessed on Friday night. Senior Ashli Lincoln said, “ I don’t feel like I got anything out of the debate that I didn’t already know”. Students such as Lincoln were concerned because they felt as though the questions asked to the candidates were not answered either clearly enough, or even at all. 

            Due to the ineffectiveness of the candidates to answer questions, senior TJ Smith boldly expressed that he feels both of the candidate are telling lies. While senior, Shanté Steward felt as though Sen. Obama was not being realistic. Steward is referring to Obama’s claims that he wants to make it possible for every American child to attend college. According to Steward, “reality is that everyone cannot go to college and everyone cannot be rich”.

            It is safe to say the word from the sea was a mixed one. HU students shared different opinion in most cases but overall agreed on the final verdict. Many are anxious for Thursday nights debate between Gov. Palin and Sen. Biden. 

By Christopher Swails 

Who Knows Best?

By: Jessica Pumphrey

On Friday, September 26, 2008 Presidential candidates Barack Obama and John McCain squared off for there first debate. As we all know this is a time of crisis for the United States as we attempt to fix the financial hole that could cause turmoil within our country for many years to come.

Debates are vital to any Presidential election for the sole fact that it is an opportunity for the public to see the candidates in raw form. Debates bring a certain spontaneity that helps the American public really decide who they feel can lead our country. So as we venture off into the first out of three debates of the 2008 Presidential election, we must examine who had the better debate.

Barack Obama was in polled by cnn.com viewers to have the better debate, but did he really? I think so. When candidates where asked to explain there stand on the financial crisis Obama’s five point plan definitely stood out. Obama understood the concerns of Americans. He also expressed that our money should be managed in different ways making sure that we get whatever money back and in gain once the market returns. “We also have to make sure that none of that money is going to pad CEO bank accounts or to promote golden parachutes,” Barack Obama.

When the same question was presented to McCain he stumbled and attempted to give light to a situation he and his Republican friends don’t really understand. “I want to emphasize that this is not the beginning of the end of this crisis. This is the end of the beginning,” said McCain.

After McCain attempted to answer the question, Jim Leher asked Obama if he agreed with McCain’s somewhat unclear plan. Obama recognized that the language had not yet been reviewed but that he was optimistic. Obama also wanted the media to know that it is important to acknowledge the failure within the crisis as a whole. “We’ve got to ask ourselves, how we got into this situation in the first place?” said Obama. As Obama began to explain what he saw within the economy 2 years prior to this point it was clear that this candidate had a better understanding of the issue than McCain.

Barack Obama said “we’ve got to solve this problem in the short term.” That is exactly what American’s need to hear. Though the debate went on for some time after, and each candidate touched upon some very good issues, I felt it necessary to cover there opinions on the financial crisis. In my opinion I believe the McCain didn’t go as in depth with the topic as Obama did. I believe that McCain really doesn’t want to accept the Republican failure in this issue. As Jim Leher brought a close to this issue I was a became even more so of a believer that Obama was the man to bring a Change We Can Believe In.

The First Presidential Debate

By Ashli Lincoln

 

Debate or not to debate? Was the question on most people’s minds Friday night. Just days before the first presidential debate, Senator John McCain announced that he was canceling his campaign to join President Bush in hopes of fixing the financial crisis that the country is facing. For a while, it seemed like the debate might not even take place, because McCain said he would not show up unless Congress came to an agreement on the government’s proposed $700 billion bailout plan. Many individuals felt uneasy about McCain’s decision before the debate. Ashlee Pickeet, a senior psychology major states that, “I think that John McCain made this decision simply because he is not prepared to debate against Senator Obama. I also feel like this is just another publicity stunt for him to gain attention.” While some feel like this was a publicity stunt, others felt like this was a clear sign at the similar tactics Bush and McCain have in common. “I think that McCain made this decision expecting for Obama to just give in, he expected Obama to follow his lead and go along with the cancellation of the debate and when Obama didn’t McCain was the one who had to give in” senior Shana Pope. Although many individuals were disturbed by McCain’s decision the debate went on. Many individuals anticipated that Barack Obama would be the one to come out on top, and according to polls he did just that. According to CNN.com, a national poll of people who watched the first presidential debate suggests that Barack Obama came out on top, but there was overwhelming agreement that both Obama and John McCain would be able to handle the job as president if elected. Many individuals expected many of the issues regarding the economy to get answered. “My main reason for watching the debate tonight is to see exactly where each candidate is standing on their different views, I want to know exactly how they plan on reversing the terrible situation that we are in now into a positive one”, senior Catherine Richardson. During the debate Senator John McCain criticized Senator Barack Obama as a candidate who “doesn’t understand” the key issues the country faces, and Obama linked McCain to President Bush on several issues. Throughout the debate McCain continued to draw on his experiences overseas as he tried to portray himself as the more qualified candidate. “During the debate I was paying a lot of attention to McCain’s body language and I felt like whenever he would address a statement toward Obama he would never make eye contact, as for Obama he would look directly at McCain and address the question. For me that shows a sign of weakness on McCain’s half.” Senior, Ashlee Pickett. During the first 30 minutes of the debate, the candidates focused on the economy, even though the debate was supposed to be centered on foreign policy. “Even though they veered off topic I enjoyed hearing the debate about the economy because that is the main issue at hand right now” Shana Pope.

Obama vs. McCain: Round One

By: Melva N. Lloyd

The nation’s most historic presidential election to date has given American citizens more than enough to discuss at the dinner table. Both Senator Barack Obama and Governor Sarah Pailn have dealt with numerous questions about their experience to lead, while many are left wondering if Republican nominee, Senator John McCain, should even consider running the country at his age. With more drama surrounding this election than an episode of The Hills, it came as no surprise when Senator McCain made the decision only two days before his first presidential debate with Senator Obama to postpone the event so he could focus on the nation’s economic crisis. McCain’s decision left most people questioning his motives and wondering if a lack of preparedness was the real reason he chose to delay his debate with Senator Obama. Just like many of those concerned citizens, twenty-one year old Corin Wells was not buying Senator McCain’s excuse.

“I just think he wanted to make it seem as though he was doing the right thing by focusing on the economy and turning all of the attention towards him.” Although Senator McCain wanted to push his political rival to do the same, Obama refused and even said that he would show up to the venue with or without the Republican senator.

When September 26^th did come around, both presidential nominees were in attendance on the campus of the University of Mississippi, ready for any question that moderator Jim Lehrer would throw at them during the scheduled 90 minutes.

The debate, which was supposed to focused on foreign policy, veered off topic during the first 30 minutes and it was made clear that because of the country’s trying times, many of the questions would deal with the turmoil on Wall Street, and the proposed 700 billion dollar bailout plan; all topics that hit close to home for much of the country. Senator McCain made it a point to display his emotions stating that he was “heartened to see Democrats and Republicans working together on the plan.”

Senator Obama holds special sentiment about the fiscal crisis as well, saying that once this is resolved he hopes that American homeowners will receive assistance to avoid foreclosure and if the market returns, taxpayers will get their money back. The Democratic nominee also pointed out that this economic catastrophe will more than likely affect the nations’ young people, ultimately making it harder for college graduates to find jobs because of the slowing economy.

Most voters are looking towards either candidate to make their specific financial situations a lot less stressful.

Glenn Lloyd, a sales associate for Brooks Brothers in Greenwich, Connecticut, just wants to be able to relate to the next president of the United States. He watched the debate to get his own views on the nominees’ policies.

“I just wanted to watch it so that I could see for myself what the media would try to spin in terms of where [Barack] Obama stands. I’m not too much of a political person, but I know how much this election is going to affect me and my children.”

Obama, who referred to his opponent as ‘John’ during much of the debate, did his best to prove critics wrong by seeming more forceful and less laid back when answering the tough questions. Even after Lehrer pushed the candidates to direct their answers towards one another, Obama remained stern and repeatedly brought up the fact that McCain has agreed with the Bush Administration’s tactics over 90 percent of the time. Wells, who is a first time voter, felt that both Obama and McCain did not direct their answers towards one another simply because they wanted to please their viewing audience.

“Before I even sat down to watch this debate I was hoping for some back-and-forth action between both candidates. Obama seemed more personable, which ultimately makes him more relatable and that’s what I want in a president.”

After the “testy” debate was over, the main point was made clear: the nation is ready for change and Senator Obama is hoping that his message will resonate amongst his supporters, “John McCain has promoted the same policies of George Bush, and people know they’re not working. They understand we can’t continue four more years of doing the same thing.”

 

Friday’s Debate Slow Moving

By Septima Glenn

Students on Hampton University’s campus were ready for the showdown between Barack Obama and John McCain. However, many of the students were disappointed with what they saw. According to the Nielsen Report, about 57 million people tuned in. Some students on campus wonder if anybody was entertained.

“I stayed in on a Friday night just to see the debate,” senior Krystle Medlin said. “I fell asleep before it was over with.”

Moderated by Jim Leher, the debate lasted about an hour and a half. McCain and Obama went through their views on the war in Iraq, the struggling economy and other foreign policy issues.

“Maybe I was expecting too much,” Racquel Vassel said. “This election has turned into some type pop culture event instead of election. Every aspect has been exciting, except for this debate.”

Some thought the debate was lackluster, others thought it was commical.

“I was just lookin’ at John McCain tryin’ to raise his arms,” senior Yaphet Cross said. “That’s what kept things interesting for me.”

Presidential Debate

Last night wast the Presidential debate between John Mccain and Barack Obama. I asked three Hampton University students what they expected from the debate and their opinions about it afterward. My three interviewees were Randi McClain, Tristen Graves and Brittany White.

Q: So what do u expect from the debate tonight?

Randi: “I expect to see Barack represent! I know he’s gonna show out and make us proud, I can’t wait!”

Tristen: “Well, I hope Barack focuses on his policies and doesn’t let McCain get the best of him. I just want him to do a good job.”

Brittany: “Honestly, I’m not that interested in the debate but since everyone else is watching it I guess I’ll watch it too. I don’t need to watch the debate, I already know who I’m voting for in November.”

After the debate was over, I asked the same girls their thoughts about the debate….

Randi: “Well I was suprised that the audience didn’t cheer after everything they said. I like that they changed the rules and only allowed them to cheer at the beginning and the end. I also think Barack did a good job, he’s such an awesome speaker. I love to hear him speak!”

Tristen: “I thought it was interesting. I always like to see McCain speak because I never really focus on him. They both had valid points but I think Barack made his points clearer and did a good job.”

Brittany: “Well I wasn’t really paying attention to most of it but from what I saw Barack handled himself very well. I think Barack kept his composure but if that would’ve been me….Wooooo! I probably would’ve went off on John McCain!”

-Danielle Canada

Presidential Candidate

Tiffani Haynes

Presidential Debate

Word Count: 394

 

            On Friday, Sept. 26 all eyes turned to watch the most anticipated debate of the year taking place. Presidential candidates Sen. John McCain and Sen. Barack Obama faced off in a debate on the University of Mississippi campus in Oxford, Miss. The debate was centered on foreign policy and the economic crisis.

            Yet the debate almost didn’t occur as McCain was pushing for a halt on all campaigning, including the debate. McCain stated that all attention needed to be turned to the $700 billion bailout deal in the works for Wall Street companies. The House of Representatives will vote on the deal Monday, Sept. 29.

            Two full days after the presidential debate Obama has raised in the polls and many students can understand why he’s claimed the lead.

            “I thought Barack did better than McCain,” Benjamin Carter said. “He also was much more respectful of McCain’s views than McCain was of his. At times, McCain was extremely rude.”

            The senior broadcast journalism major from Pasadena, Calif. was not alone.

            “I was looking forward to the debate because I felt it was a chance for Barack to sway the independents,” said Marcus Davis, a sophomore English major from College Park, Ga. “And I thought he did just that.”

            While most agreed that they believed Obama had done well, they all had high expectations for the Illinois Senator.

            “I was expecting Obama to chew out McCain, to better him in the sense of policy, everything,” Carter said.

            Britney Littles, a senior business administration major at the University of Michigan, agreed.

            “I thought Barack would be dominant and McCain would look weak,” Littles said.

            Yet all agreed that the debate outcome faired even.

            “I thought Barack did better but as far as addressing the issues, they were equal,” Littles said.

            Though most haven’t declared a winner of the debate, many believe this debate alone won’t clinch the election for either.

            “The race has always been close. I thought the debate was important but I didn’t think it was going to make or break anybody,” Davis said.

            The race has been too close to truly call anyone a winner, but both presidential hopefuls plan to debate their ways to Nov. 4 to earn the title.

            The next scheduled debate for Obama and McCain is Oct. 7 in a town hall style meeting at Belmont University in Nashville, Tenn.

Presidential Debate

Kwasa Mathis

Presidential Debate

Word Count: 522

Edited by: Tiffani Haynes

 

            The first presidential debate of the year between the two running mates occurred Friday, Sept. 26 at 9 p.m.  Yet, before the debate even aired there was controversy.  Republican nominee, John McCain wanted to hold off on the debate to discuss the bailout for Wall Street.  The scheduled topics for the debate were foreign policy and the economy.

            While Democratic nominee Barack Obama expressed that McCain would pick up where Bush left off, McCain played on Obama’s lack of experience in Washington.  Most people who watched the debate could not say for certain who won. Twenty-one-year-old Malcolm King, an English arts major was unsure if McCain was prepared for the debate.

 “McCain would be a little less prepared than he was, but he had a lot of information and statistics,” King said. 

He also mentioned that he was impressed by Obama he was “brilliant because he never lost his cool,” even when McCain talked about his inexperience.  After the debate, King felt that Obama won but admitted that the Republican had presented himself well.

 “McCain had many opportunities to show his side,” King said.

            Ayanna Dean, a 21-year-old criminology/criminal justice major at the University of Maryland in College Park, didn’t even think that there would be a debate with McCain trying to delay the meeting. 

“I really wanted him not to show up, but he knew he couldn’t do that,” Dean said.

  She went on to say that there were so many people who paid good money to see the two candidates square off and he might have lost supporters if he didn’t show.

            Some people who are avid Obama supporters felt a sense of respect for McCain after the debate, but this came with a lack of respect also. 

“McCain held his own and used his age as an advantage rather than a disadvantage,”  said twenty-three-year-old Margel Overton, a jazz piano performance major at the University of the Arts.

Overton went on to say that McCain had some good points about foreign policy, but he is “out of touch with American citizens,” while Obama comes across as, “caring for the real people of America.”

            Both Dean and Overton felt that McCain should have chosen another running mate for his vice president because Gov. Sarah Palin was not the best candidate for the position.  Dean refers to the fact that Bush made a law against teaching sexual education in school and Palin’s teenage daughter is pregnant out of wedlock. 

 “If Obama’s daughter was pregnant, he would be disqualified from being voted in as the President of the United States,” Dean said.

            According to the Associated Press, shortly after the debate there was a draw, but other polls suggested that Obama won the debate.  Regardless of the polls, both candidates faired well in the debate against one another.  If people were using this debate to decide on their candidate, they may have to watch more than just one to make up their minds.  Many thought that McCain would come unprepared, but this was simply not the case. The vice presidential debates with Sarah Palin and Joe Biden are next on Thursday, Oct. 2.

Presidential Debate

Michele Byrd

Hampton students weigh in on debate

Word Count: 472

Edited by: Tiffani Haynes

The first presidential debate of 2008 was held in Oxford, Miss. Friday, Sept. 26 between contenders Republican Sen. John McCain and Democratic Sen. Barack Obama. As many college students at Hampton University got ready to kick off the weekend, a select few settled in the front of the television to watch one of the most anticipated events of this year’s presidential campaign.

“I want to watch because I care about what’s going on,” said Daniel Thomas, a senior engineering major from Chicago.    “I’m voting for Barack, but I want a more well-rounded opinion. I want to be able to defend my decision.”

However, as the days leading up to the debate ticked off the calendar, there was much confusion about whether there would even be a debate. Days before the event was scheduled to take place, McCain suspended his campaign citing the need to return to Washington, D.C. to help with the economic bailout bill making its way through Congress.

“I figured [the debate] was going to happen because McCain’s excuse didn’t have fuel,” said Thomas.

Junior broadcast journalism major Joyce Farley agreed.

“It’s not so much that I didn’t think it was going to happen. I didn’t believe in McCain’s antics,” said the Hackensack, NJ native.

 Andrea Thornton, a senior marketing major from Atlanta, said she needed to hear McCain talk more about his role in economics.

“I want him to account for his recent activity,” Thornton said. “I want him to tell me why this $700 billion bailout is so necessary.”

Despite rumors and questions about the looming debate, both candidates showed up Friday for the big night. Although the debate was supposed to be centered on foreign policy, candidates sparred over economics for the first 30 minutes of the hour and a half debate. McCain criticized Obama as a candidate who “doesn’t understand” many of the key issues the country is facing. Obama called the current economic crisis the “final verdict on eight years of failed economic policies promoted by George Bush and John McCain.”

At the end of the night, CNN analysts reported that neither candidate was a clear winner, but the polls told a different story. Obama gained ground in both the CNN poll and the CNN electoral map. Michigan, which was originally projected as a tossup state by CNN, was moved to the “lean Obama” column. Michigan has 17 electoral votes.

“Barack definitely won,” Thomas said. “There were times when McCain bashed. I didn’t appreciate that. I wasn’t looking for that.”

Farley agreed.

 “Obama did win. McCain’s points weren’t strong enough,” she said. “He hurt himself when he started cutting Obama off or the host off.”

Yet, Thomas said he had expected more from the contest.

“I want more details from both candidates,” he said. “I want specifics.”

The next presidential debate is scheduled for Oct. 7 at Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee.

 

 

 

 

 

Onna Woods Profile

Unbeknownst to many, Senior Psychology major, Onna Noelle Woods is a one of a kind character. If you ask her, she’s weird. If you ask others they’ll say she’s different. Nonetheless Woods, is unique. This Dover  Delaware native is opinonated, smart and …..Marching to the beat of her own drum, Woods gladly took time out of her day to answer a few questions.

Q: So Ms. Woods tell me, four years ago what made you choose to come to Hampton University?

A: Well Hampton was not my first choice, I wanted to go to the University of Delaware but my brother went here and he convinced me to come to high school day my senior year….

Q: Oh so high school day changed your mind?

A: Yeah it did, l thought Hampton was like that every day but CLEARLY I was wrong.

Q: Well I’m sure a bunch of people thought the same thing. So tell me, what do you think will happen with this upcoming election?

A: I think Obama will win but there really won’t be any change. I personally consider myself a conservative, I voted for Bush last time but this time I’m voting for Obama.

Q: You consider yourself a conservative

A: Yes. I don’t agree with alot of the things that liberals say and do. So I consider myself more conservative than liberal.

Q: Wow, so what exactly made you vote for Bush in the last election?

A: I voted for Bush because I didn’t like John Kerry

Q: What was wrong with John Kerry?

A: I didn’t like his ideas and I don’t think he would have made a good president.

Q: Do you stand by your decision to vote for Bush now after all that’s happened?

A: Yes I do

Q: Why?

A: Because no matter who you vote into office, things are going to happen. That’s just the way things are. You can’t blame Bush for everything that’s happened while he’s been in office

Q: You can’t?

A: No! Even though he’s the president he has a cabinet of people that help him make these decisions. He cannot be the only one to blame. I’m tired of people putting everything wrong in this country on him. I’d like to see one of us get in office and do a better job.

Q: So what’s different about Obama? Why are you voting for a liberal this time around.

A: I don’t know, Obama’s just different.

Q: How?

A: He’s real. He can look at the man and tell that he really wants to try and change this country. Will he be successful at it? I doubt it, but I think we should at least let him try.

Q: So you’re not just voting for him because he’s black?

A: No, but that does help.

Q: Does it?

A: Yes, that’s history. Who doesn’t want to see history be made in our lifetime.

Q: So you’re a conservative voting for Obama? What do you think people think about that?

A: I really don’t care what people think about me. I’m my own person, anyone else’s approval is not needed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Real HU: Hampton vs Howard Football Game

Kwasa.Mathis

Sunday, September 14, 2008

 

Friday, September 13th, at 6:00pm, marks the first home football game of the season for the Hampton University Pirates.  They are battling it out with the Howard University Bison to distinguish who is the real HU.  As the crowd grows there are a number of college students, alumni, friends and family, and faculty and staff of Hampton University and Howard.  Drawing closer to kickoff Hampton’s Blue Lightning squad rallies the fans by singing, “I’m So Glad I go to HIU,” while others are dressed or painted from head to toe in blue and white.

Howard starts the kickoff as Hampton receives the ball.  One of the first plays of the night results in an out of bounds pass.  Both defensive lines are holding strong throughout the first quarter.  With about five minutes left in the quarter the Bison move the chains and score a touchdown making the score 7-0.  This does not seem to deter the Hampton crowd as more people continue to fill the stands only leaving standing room on the outskirts of the stadium.  The first quarter ends with the Howard Bison leading the Hampton Pirates.

Into the second quarter, Shaun Harvell, a Hampton University architect major, is not pleased about the current outcome of the game, but remains, “optimistic and full of school spirit,” that Hampton will win the game.  While Jennifer Jolly, a math major, feels that Hampton “has a really strong team this year,” and she believes in them.  However, further into the second quarter, Hampton still has no points on the score board, but continue to hold off the Bison from scoring more touchdowns until half time.

Five minutes into the third quarter, Pirates run the ball about forty yards into Howard’s in zone.  At about six minutes left in the third quarter, the lights in the stadium go out, which delays the game for about 20 minutes or so, but it does not delay the crowd from having a good time and dancing in the bleachers.  With only about two yards to go for a touchdown, the Pirates opt to punt and put three points onto the score board with about six minutes left in the third quarter.  The ball is now Howard’s, but Hampton intercepts a throw and the ball is overturned. 

The Pirates then run the ball for a touchdown and kick a field goal which brings the score to 10-7 and Pirates now have the lead.  The Howard Bison then receive the ball and score another touchdown bringing putting them back in the lead with only about two minutes left in the third quarter.  But in a spring of irony, number 16, Kevin Teel, ran a touchdown and changed the score to 16-14 and with a good field goal kick the score is now 17-14 points.

The fourth quarter became a back and forth challenge for both teams, but in the end Hampton kept their lead winning the game 38-27.  In the second half of the game Hampton scored all of its 38 points and was able to prove once again, that Hampton University is the real HU.

It’s Icee!

When one may hear her name they will probably refer to her as the girl with the name after the once popular Gucci Mane song ” I’ am so Icee” But that is far from the reason. Icee Greir holds the name of her great grandmother and she carries that name with pride. “People are always questioning me about my name, they can’t believe that people actually had names so unique as mine back then but they definitely did.” Icee is a sophomore at Hampton University, where she is majoring in psychology. Her plans after graduation will be to return to her home town of Atlanta, Georgia to peruse a Masters Degree in Psychology. “I want to become a family and marriage psychologist because I am fascinated with the way individual interact within their relationships.”

Icee is a very opinionated individual who has strong beliefs in keeping the black family together and teaching others so that they can reverse the negative connotations that are targeted toward blacks. “With my degree in psychology I want to conduct research that will help us further understand the issues that we face within the black community.” One issue in particular is the high pregnancy rate among African American females. “I feel like young girls no longer aspire to become successful, they tend to fall into peer pressure and make the wrong decisions.” To some teenage pregnancy is now more like an accessory than a responsibility. Not only does Icee plan on counseling individuals, she plans on using her skills to educate and inform individuals.

In relation to the black family Icee is particularly in favor of our Democratic Presidential Nominee Senator Barack Obama. “I completely agree with his views and I also think that this is exactly what African Americans need.” For some Barack Obama and his family are the ideal image of black love and success. Icee believes that by having positive role models for African Americans to look up, will only help to inspire and motivate African Americans to strive for nothing but the best.  

 

Profile of Ashley Thornton

Corrine Gray-Staples

Profile of Ashley Thornton

Word Count: 266

Edited by: Tiffani Haynes

 

With the most historical election of the century on its way, the minds of Americans have been consumed with the people and issues that will soon shape the future of their lives and the country they live in.  Some are concerned with social security, others with homeland security, taxes, the environment or health care.

For Ashley Thornton, a senior computer science major at Hampton University and San Diego, Calif. native, immigration is an issue that hits close to home.  Thornton feels it is not necessary to impose strict and weighty provisions on immigrants who wish to come to America as immigrant reform legislation advocates.  As long as they follow the necessary procedures, she feels they should be able to come and make a new life for themselves and their family.

Living in California, where the Mexican race is quickly becoming the majority, she has noticed that they are less prideful than other races and are ready and willing to take on jobs that others will not.  Thornton believes that it concerns those of other races who feel they may begin to be forgotten when it comes to employment.

Thornton plans to go to graduate school after her receiving her degree from Hampton.  She hopes to sharpen her degree in graphic and web design to design advertisements for companies such as Apple and others of the same caliber. However, she is aware that with the immigrant population on the rise, the competition will be extremely tough.  Yet, she is confident that she will graduate college with the knowledge, confidence and experience that will shape her own future.

Profile on Kirby Mullins

Michele Byrd

Profile on Kirby Mullins

Word Count: 541

Edited by: Tiffani Haynes

 

Dressed in an oversized yellow button-down shirt with a striped tie wrapped around the waist and topped off with a Fedora tucked over braided pigtails, Kirby Mullins walks the halls of Hampton University in an outfit only she can pull off.  And let’s face it, with a name like Kirby, who can blame her for being different?

“When I was little, I hated my name,” she said describing the constant teasing from kids. “They said it was a white name or a boy name or a video game name.”

Now, at the age of 21, she says she is glad her parents passed over the very ordinary names like “Courtney” and “Lisa.”

“Now I like it,” said Mullins. “It’s unique.”

Many people call Kirby unique, but she describes herself as artistic, evolving and a dreamer whose lofty aspirations are reflected in her confidence and style.

Born in Chicago, Kirby nurtured her creative streak as a dancer and a majorette. In fact, it was her desire to dance that motivated her original college choices.

“I love dancing so I wanted to go to a school with a band,” she said. She finally chose Hampton after some prodding from the man that would later become her fiancé.

“I met Josh in 2002 and he came to Hampton. I had never even heard of Hampton before Josh, but I applied, and here I am,” she said.

Last year, Kirby and Josh became engaged. According to The U.S. Census Bureau, the median marriage age for women is 25. Some say that the age 21 is too young to consider marriage, but Kirby disagrees.

“Relationships can make you change for the better. Being young and committed, you can grow together,” she said. “Is it scary? Yes, but I’m with a great guy that I’m not afraid to go there with.”

She said sometimes she is bothered by the critics of her decision.

“It’s aggravating. People get on your nerves,” she said. “There are people who think we should already be married and they’ll say ‘make sure he sticks around.’”

Despite the critics, Kirby said her education is what is most important.

“He has that piece of paper in his hand, and I want that piece of paper in my hand,” she said. “I don’t want to make that sacrifice. My education is extremely important to me.”

As a technical theatre major, Kirby has participated in several productions on campus and is also an active member of the Hampton Players, HU’s theatrical organization. She hopes to one day become a makeup artist or costume designer.

As for now, she is concentrating her creative skills on a new entrepreneurial venture.

“I was bored in the house looking up pictures of Obama, and I found a picture and painted a bag,” she said.

Now, the tote bags with painted images of Barack and Michelle Obama are catching the eyes of several people in the community. She now has so many orders that she is having a hard time keeping up with the demand.  She said she hopes this venture will be the start of something new.

“I want to own my own cosmetics line, but I need something to put me out there,” Mullins said. “This could be it.”

Profile of James Barron

Profile of James Barron

By: Kwasa Mathis

Word Count: 415

Edited by: Tiffani Haynes

 

Twenty-one-year-old James Barron, is a student of Hampton University and admits that he is “excited about graduating.”  His plans after graduation include going to dental school. 

Barron is a native of Atlanta and was also a victim of Hurricane Katrina.  He lost almost everything and for the first half of the first semester of his freshman year, Barron wore the same three pairs of outfits.  All of his family resides in Georgia and he has a younger brother back home.  As a big brother Barron feels that he is more or less the “guinea pig.”   “I make all of the mistakes first before my brother has the opportunity to,” he said.

  As a biology major, Barron understands, more than most, how HIV/AIDS affects the black community.  He says that HIV/AIDS is possibly a “man-mutated disease…because it popped up out of nowhere.”  Barron goes on to explain that the disease was first found in monkeys and cats and for the disease to mutate into a human disease, “there is a bit of randomness that goes along with it.”

Another issue Barron feels will affect not only the black community, but the entire country as a whole, is the presidential race.  The Democratic nominee is a black man, Barack Obama.  Barron admits that he was not an “initial supporter of Obama,” but he feels that America is ready for a black president.  He also feels that Obama is an “idealist who if elected, might accomplish half of what he has set out to do.”

This graduating senior spends his free time reading such books as Robinson Caruso and The Count of Monte Criscoand he also practices martial arts.  Apart of a Greek fraternity on campus, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Incorporated, Barron was first introduced to Greek life when he was in high school.  He went to Xavier University in Louisiana and his group leader was also a Sigma who encouraged Barron to look into many extracurricular activities once in college.

When Barron came to the campus of Hampton University and saw the Sigmas, he was “impressed that everybody was different.  You never find two Sigmas who are the same.  There is no stereotype that is attached to us and yet we all get together and function as one cohesive unit.”  So whether Barron is reading, learning martial arts, involved in his fraternity, or just walking around campus, on thing is for sure; he is smart, educated, down to earth, and a force to be reckoned with.

            

ANNOUNCEMENT…

NO 8 a.m. class on Monday Sept. 22. 

Profile on Lawrence Talbot

From first glance, you would have never thought that this 6 foot 4 inches tall, brown skinned disc jockey was so passionate about educating people on prevention of HIV.  Lawrence Talbot, a 26 year-old graduate of Virginia State University, is on a mission to educate as many people as he can about HIV and AIDS.  “My aunt has been living with HIV since I was 17 years old…so I know how it affects people’s lives.  I just want to help prevent other people from going through what I [have] seen her go through,” Talbot explains.  Talbot has spoken at a number of functions, focusing on HIV and AIDS.  His main goal is to teach people about the disease, as well as ways to protect themselves.  “HIV and AIDS is not a discriminating disease, at all.  It affects young and old people, black and white people, and everybody in between.”

When asked about how HIV is hitting the African American community so hard, Talbot got a little emotional because that question hit so close to home.  “It’s crazy how many black people are infected and it’s even crazier that there are so many black people that are infected and just don’t know that they are.”  When Talbot found out about his aunt’s condition, he made a promise to himself that he would stay protected.  It is important for people to know their status, so Talbot is proactive in getting tested for HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases. 

Talbot is a self-proclaimed musical genius, but from a listener’s point-of-view his music backs up his claim.  He has been into music since he was very young, and learned to play the piano, the saxophone, and taught himself to play the guitar.  Talbot uses music as a scapegoat from life when things are get too stressful.  He also uses music as a way to express himself,

             “Music is my life!  I love everything about it, from the way it sounds to the way it makes me feel,” Talbot proclaims. 

Finding out about his aunt’s condition had an affect on his music.  Talbot says he now writes about real issues that people need to hear rather than about the things that people are already exposed to when listening to the radio. 

Talbot has a lot of potential to become a professional musician, and his life experiences have definitely impacted his outlook on life in a positive way.  Talbot plans on pursuing a music career as well as continuing his mission of informing people about HIV as well as encouraging people to stay informed about their health.

Profile on Carlethia Funny – Melva N. Lloyd

“Respect My Vote”

            With the most historic election steadily approaching, it is no surprise that young adults entering the polls for the first time are paying close attention to the nominees.  Everything from the war in Iraq to the nation’s economic crisis has been discussed among America’s youth and most adults have no idea the kind of impact that the 18-24 year old age bracket will have.

            Carlethia Funny, a Virginia Beach native and fourth year architecture major at Hampton University never thought she would live to see the day when the country would become one step closer to having an African American as commander-in-chief.  She admits that this election has been “a lot to take in” but that has not deterred her from following any type of news dealing with today’s politics.

            Funny has huge plans once she graduates from Hampton University; she hopes to attain her license in architecture, attend graduate school and move to Charlotte, North Carolina.  But to make those dreams a reality, Funny understands the importance of an election such as this one, and she doesn’t want to see the wrong person determine her already bright future. 

            “I don’t think that this [election] has anything to do with race, it’s more about who is best for this country.  I truly believe that [John] McCain and [Sarah] Palin just aren’t the best choices for my generation.”

            When Funny makes her way to class on Hampton’s campus, her sketches aren’t the only thing on her mind.  Like most of her classmates, she is living through history and in a matter of days she will add to the number of first time voters who have the power to ultimately change this nation. 

            Politics aside, Carlethia Funny is looking forward to the day when she can walk across the stage and proclaim herself an alumnus of Hampton University.  What will probably be one of the proudest moments of her life will only confirm all of the hard work and dedication that she has put in as an architecture major.  Years down the line, Funny will be able to tell the story of a history defining moment in her life.

           

Profile of Kayla Emile

Kayla Emile: Strength Personified.”

By Tiffani Haynes, editor

Word Count: 421

 

            Kayla Emile has seen life’s ups and downs and she’s determined to enjoy the ups. The 21-year-old Boston native is a senior at Hampton University and her road to reaching the final year hasn’t been an easy one.

            After experiencing two hospital trips in less than six months, she knows the importance of persevering. In her junior year she survived on it.

            “You have to keep going. Don’t ever give up,” Emile said. “There’s been plenty of times that I just wanted to stay at home but I stayed on track and continued school.”

            In August 2007 Emile was diagnosed with auto immune hepatitis and encountered her first surgery, gall bladder removal. She returned to school a week after it began and started her junior year.

            Five months later, on January 1, she was involved in a car accident that left five people injured, Emile incurring the worst injuries. After two fractured pelvic bones and a set of crutches, she returned to school injured again, twice in one academic year.

            But Emile hasn’t let it hold her back. She has plans and she’s on the move. The communicative sciences and disorders major has plans to work as a speech language pathologist after graduation. She wants to work in a hospital and a private practice with children and patients with swallowing disorders.

            She knows the importance of helping others and has advice for others looking to follow her path.

            “Stay focused and determined,” Emile said. “It’s so rewarding in the end to know that you’re helping someone communicate. After all, communication is everything.”

            Emile won’t let anything deter her. “As an African-American female, I’m going to have to work harder than a white male. But I know that I have the knowledge to do just as well as anyone else.”

            Yet she explained that there would be challenges along the way, specifically racial bias and discrimination in the workplace.

            “You’re based on your appearance,” she said. “Although we try to deny it, we still stereotype based on race, height, weight, gender, everything.”

            Her wisdom, she explained, came from the same experiences at Hampton that have tested her.

            “I’ve learned a lot about myself. I learned to be more open-minded, to try to be more patient,” Emile said. “I also learned a lot about other people. I’ve grown to appreciate other people’s ideas even if they’re different from mine.”

            Emile was faced with obstacles and overcame them, presented a trial and triumphed and managed to learn the valuable lesson involved in it all.

           

Announcement: NO CLASS ON MONDAY!!!

The Real HU_Ivory Jones

School spirit was heavy in the bleachers of the Hampton University football Stadium on Saturday when Hampton and Howard fans were watching the battle for the title of the real HU. Over 14,000 pirates and bison were rooting for there team during the most anticipated game of the year.

For more than 80 seasons, Hampton University and Howard University went head-to-head, competing with their football players and marching band members. This season was no different, yet it was nothing like before. It seems, every year the school spirit grows along with the fun and excitement.

Howard was leading the first half, but that did not stop Hampton from showing spirit. “I love, I love, I love my HIU” flowed through the crowd, as young and old stood up and showed there support.

At the half-time mark, the game was looking a little unstable for Hampton, and by looking in the stands, it was written on all the crowd’s faces. For the past 11 years, Hampton has swiped the title from Howard, and has made it look quite easy.

Once the half time show started, the crowd gained back its momentum as both Hampton and Howard’s marching band and dancers performed. After the half-time show, the crowd was not the only ones whose energy was back in full-effect. Hampton University was ready to steal back the game, and demand the title of the “Real HU”

During the 3^rd quarter, just after half-time, some technical difficulties occurred, effecting the lighting in Armstrong Stadium. However, neither school let that affect their game as they kept their composer.

As the game continued, Hampton showed its true colors as they stole the show. With a win of 38-27 over Howard, Hampton University definitely earned the title of the “Real HU.”

LOVE… another four letter curse word?

When contemplating the age old questions concerning that four letter word one may wonder “what exactly is the big deal?” To say it aloud may not offend but in the wrong context it is sure to curse. The reference here ladies and gentlemen is love, or more specifically romantic love.  

As a 23 year old African American woman in modern America I am faced with the realization that biological clocks are ticking inside of me. “Oh Lord…” you might say “You are too young for all of that.” But let’s throw out a tentative blue print for life.

I want a fairly simple fairytale- nothing too extreme, just bills paid on time, soccer practices with fresh cut orange slices, a puppy, comfy home/vehicle, beautiful kids and a prince charming to share it all with but the state of Black America ( to which I belong) is throwing some serious road blocks in my way ya’ll!

The birth of the “video vixen” has made the beauty of the average female seem way too regular. Objects of desire are now half-clothed Barbie dolls of undistinguishable ethnicity with loose morals and a vampire thirst for material possessions that depreciate in value as soon as they get their sugar daddy to fork up the cash to buy them.

A great amount of our men are disrespectful. Lyrics to our hip hop love songs are explicitly detailing lewd sexual acts and our children are watching all of this on television when their not tuned in to radio stations and taking notes. Yes music is a form of self expression but no one is singing about mommy and daddy in love and married anymore…like marriage is not an option. Why are men more apt to ask us to have their baby than to marry them?

I want it back…the Heathcliff Huxtable, the dependable, kind, sincere man with ambition and drive. I want my future daughter to love her daddy more than any man she ever meets, not wonder if she’ll ever meet him. I want my future son to have the support of a strong man he looks up to not a boy, two or three years older than him that he met on the corner.

Do not misinterpret my angst. I know they exist. I know there are many Positive Black Men, strong and beautiful inside and out- it’s just all these frogs out here standing in front of the princes and the overly sexed song on the radio making them horny enough to procreate . So in the words of Al Green let’s stay together Black America. Love each other, have faith and work on real relationships, give and take and support one another. Protect your health for the good of your community and remember when love was “drifting on a memory” and “staying in my corner”.

By: Ambre Tomlinson

The Real HU: Hampton vs. Howard Football Game

Kwasa.Mathis

Sunday, September 14, 2008

 

Friday, September 13th, at 6:00pm, marks the first home football game of the season for the Hampton University Pirates.  They are battling it out with the Howard University Bison to distinguish who is the real HU.  As the crowd grows there are a number of college students, alumni, friends and family, and faculty and staff of Hampton University and Howard.  Drawing closer to kickoff Hampton’s Blue Lightning squad rallies the fans by singing, “I’m So Glad I go to HIU,” while others are dressed or painted from head to toe in blue and white.

Howard starts the kickoff as Hampton receives the ball.  One of the first plays of the night results in an out of bounds pass.  Both defensive lines are holding strong throughout the first quarter.  With about five minutes left in the quarter the Bison move the chains and score a touchdown making the score 7-0.  This does not seem to deter the Hampton crowd as more people continue to fill the stands only leaving standing room on the outskirts of the stadium.  The first quarter ends with the Howard Bison leading the Hampton Pirates.

Into the second quarter, Shaun Harvell, a Hampton University architect major, is not pleased about the current outcome of the game, but remains, “optimistic and full of school spirit,” that Hampton will win the game.  While Jennifer Jolly, a math major, feels that Hampton “has a really strong team this year,” and she believes in them.  However, further into the second quarter, Hampton still has no points on the score board, but continue to hold off the Bison from scoring more touchdowns until half time.

Five minutes into the third quarter, Pirates run the ball about forty yards into Howard’s in zone.  At about six minutes left in the third quarter, the lights in the stadium go out, which delays the game for about 20 minutes or so, but it does not delay the crowd from having a good time and dancing in the bleachers.  With only about two yards to go for a touchdown, the Pirates opt to punt and put three points onto the score board with about six minutes left in the third quarter.  The ball is now Howard’s, but Hampton intercepts a throw and the ball is overturned. 

The Pirates then run the ball for a touchdown and kick a field goal which brings the score to 10-7 and Pirates now have the lead.  The Howard Bison then receive the ball and score another touchdown bringing putting them back in the lead with only about two minutes left in the third quarter.  But in a spring of irony, number 16, Kevin Teel, ran a touchdown and changed the score to 16-14 and with a good field goal kick the score is now 17-14 points.

The fourth quarter became a back and forth challenge for both teams, but in the end Hampton kept their lead winning the game 38-27.  In the second half of the game Hampton scored all of its 38 points and was able to prove once again, that Hampton University is the real HU.

 

LOVE… another four letter curse word?

When contemplating the age old questions concerning that four letter word one may wonder “what exactly is the big deal?” To say it aloud may not offend but in the wrong context it is sure to curse. The reference here ladies and gentlemen is love, or more specifically romantic love.  

As a 23 year old African American woman in modern America I am faced with the realization that biological clocks are ticking inside of me. “Oh Lord…” you might say “You are too young for all of that.” But let’s throw out a tentative blue print for life.

I want a fairly simple fairytale- nothing too extreme, just bills paid on time, soccer practices with fresh cut orange slices, a puppy, comfy home/vehicle, beautiful kids and a prince charming to share it all with but the state of Black America ( to which I belong) is throwing some serious road blocks in my way ya’ll!

The birth of the “video vixen” has made the beauty of the average female seem way too regular. Objects of desire are now half-clothed Barbie dolls of undistinguishable ethnicity with loose morals and a vampire thirst for material possessions that depreciate in value as soon as they get their sugar daddy to fork up the cash to buy them.

A great amount of our men are disrespectful. Lyrics to our hip hop love songs are explicitly detailing lewd sexual acts and our children are watching all of this on television when their not tuned in to radio stations and taking notes. Yes music is a form of self expression but no one is singing about mommy and daddy in love and married anymore…like marriage is not an option. Why are men more apt to ask us to have their baby than to marry them?

I want it back…the Heathcliff Huxtable, the dependable, kind, sincere man with ambition and drive. I want my future daughter to love her daddy more than any man she ever meets, not wonder if she’ll ever meet him. I want my future son to have the support of a strong man he looks up to not a boy, two or three years older than him that he met on the corner.

Do not misinterpret my angst. I know they exist. I know there are many Positive Black Men, strong and beautiful inside and out- it’s just all these frogs out here standing in front of the princes and the overly sexed song on the radio making them horny enough to procreate . So in the words of Al Green let’s stay together Black America. Love each other, have faith and work on real relationships, give and take and support one another. Protect your health for the good of your community and remember when love was “drifting on a memory” and “staying in my corner”.

By: Ambre Tomlinson

Roneisha Corbitt Lady Pirate at the Home by the sea

During recent interview with Lady Pirate team captain Roneisha “RaRa” Corbitt the young collegiate basketball star divulged information on everything from why she decided to attend Hampton University to what occupies her time when no one is around to watch.

 

Corbitt, 21, is a native of Philadelphia, PA and has been playing basketball since the tender age of seven. She stumbled upon Hampton University as an option for college after she researched the academic standards. The scholarship to play the sport she loves did not hurt either. She admits college life has had its ups and downs and prides her self in being able to graduate on time now that she has picked up the slack and taken her destiny into her own hands. If given another chance to do things over she said “I would have perfected my listening skills early on rather than waiting till now.

 

Corbitt is currently a senior sociology major and aspires to one day be amongst the finest in blue and serve as an FBI agent. Fueled by hard work, determination and the occasional CSI episode Corbitt plans to don her cap and gown this up-coming May for commencement and hopes to fill her mother/ best friend with pride. The following questions were asked to get a better view into Ms. Corbitt’s Psyche:

 

A: If you were stuck on a desert island what four things would you need to survive?

R: A cell phone, my Teedra Moses CD, Love and Basketball the movie and a toothbrush

 

A: What do you do when no one is around to watch?

R: I dance in the mirror all the time.

 

A: If you could be anyone but yourself who would it be?

R: Michelle Obama or Oprah Winfrey

 

A: If you could relive one day what would it be?

R: I would have gone to my grandfather’s funeral when I was younger.

 

A: If you had superpowers what would they be?

R: The power to be in two places at once.

 

By: Ambre Tomlinson

A Pulse Check from the Life of the Party

 

         On the sweltering late afternoon of September 13, 2008, Armstrong stadium was infested with bodies and even more bodies, all in uniform. Some with cleats and helmets and others with t-shirts and signs, the feeling is in the air, the battle of the real HU’s has landed in Hampton. This isn’t your typical Saturday evening gridiron scuffle no sir! This ladies and gentlemen is the first meet between the Hampton University Pirates and their arch rivals the Howard University Bison. Hampton University senior TJ Smith describes the HU versus HU experience as, “two rival schools with one thing in common, to have fun”. Naturally tensions where high and ladies were plentiful just like the alcohol (for those 21 and up of course…laughs).

            In a nutshell, the HU versus HU experience can be best described as one big party, so who better to talk to than the life of the party, DJ Tay James. DJ Tay James is best known for distributing over 50,000 mix-tapes in Hampton Roads and surrounding areas. Furthermore DJ Tay James has been the host for over 100,000 downloads through his two websites www.djtayjames.com and www.collegeradiomusic.com .

            Along with that title, DJ Tay James (also known as “the boy wonder”), controls the maestro at D.C.’s premiere club “Love”, on Saturday nights. However, club Love would not be his final destination for this particular evening because he and his brothers of the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity teamed up with the Kappa Alpha Phi fraternity to bring the world “Ice Kream” (and yes, I checked the spelling). This highly anticipated event was held at the Hampton Convocation Center and served as the after-party to the HU versus HU game.

              Between record spins, Baltimore, MD native Taylor James is a full time student at Hampton University, more specifically; he is a part of the graduating class of 2009. So you can trust and believe that a man with this kid of schedule is quite busy. So busy that I was unable to sit down and share a cold one with him, instead I had to settle for a brief interview via telephone, enjoy.

 

CS: First of all Tay, how do you prepare for an event like this?

TJ: “I don’t”

CS: What do you like most about the HU versus HU rivalry?

TJ: “I love the excitement because you never know who’s going to win, and also it 

blows my mind how we both look the same, just in different areas”.

CS: How do you know when you have done your job?

TJ: “When I see the crowd and their reaction, its like I’m controlling them” (laughs)

CS: What is the hottest song in the club right now?

TJ: “The song [Whatever You Like] by T.I., definitely! Some nights I play it four times”

CS: Was there alot of hype leading up to the Ice Kream event?

TJ: “ Oh yeah, most definitely, we sold over 2,600 tickets before the day of the event and nearly another 1000 that day, the highest turnout in history”.

CS: With numbers like that, is it safe to say that you were pleased with the outcome?

TJ: “It was alright, it could be better”

CS: Is there anything else that you want to tell the people?

TJ: “Check out [www.collegeradiomusic.com] for free downloads and the latest news on issues that matter to US”!

Written by Christopher Swails

 

 

We’ve got Spirit! Don’t We? By Ashli J. Washington

“Rock the blue the white, rock the blue and white!” the crowd sang in unison and by class as each classification took its turn to prove how much school spirit they had. Hampton University’s colors of blue and white could be spotted all over the stadium, from hats, shirts, seat cushions and bags. The band played and marched during halftime and even received a standing ovation by some.

The smell of hotdogs, the feel of heat and the sight of helmets all means it’s time for Pirate Football again. Though autumn is near, the blazing heat coming down into Armstrong Stadium is unbearable, but not to the students, parents, alumni, faculty and community who filled Hampton University’s football stadium at last night’s game. The battle of ‘real HU’ was fought between the Howard University Bisons and the Hampton University Pirates.  There were plenty of spectators in attendance, but was there any spirit in the air?

The battle of the real HU wasn’t the first game of the season, but for many students, was the first one after returning from their summer breaks. Hampton University police were occupied by lower and upper classmen all week, trying to get new identification cards, even until Friday up until close, in order to get into the game for free on Saturday evening. Communicative Sciences and Disorders major, Nakeshia Wright, a senior, was surprised at how many students were planning on going to the game, “I usually don’t see this many students excited about going to a football game, our school spirit can be pretty low in spirit a lot of times.” Perhaps the premise of the game, finding out who the ‘real’ HU is, drove many students out to Armstrong Stadium. In fact, students and alumni from both institutions near and far, traveled to watch which university would come out on top this year or maybe even to watch something else entertaining.

Many Hamptonians pride themselves in being some of the best dressed students on any campus nationwide and also insist the games are nothing more than a “fashion show,” says student Amorde Brabham, “people parade around in their newest, freshest outfit during the game, like they’re on a catwalk.”

The question still remains, was there any true spirit? Sure there were many students in attendance at Armstrong Stadium, but were they there for the game, or the show? Maybe students were there because it was their first week back or because last night’s game was one of the most anticipated of the year. Will they be back in spirit and numbers next week?  Or through the rest of the season? With the Pirates’ win over the Bisons 38-27, maybe Hampton students will stick around a while longer as they reign as the ‘real HU’ this football season.

“The Real HU Reigns Supreme” by Melva N. Lloyd

“The Real HU Reigns Supreme” by Melva N. Lloyd

Scorching temperatures and unbearable humidity did not stop the massive amounts of Hampton and Howard University students, alumni and faculty from attending the Pirates’ first game of the 2008 football season.  The rivalry between the two schools is one that has been around for years and last night showed no end in sight. 

When the game kicked off at 6:00 PM the stands were filled with students claiming that they were from “the real HU.”  The extensive school spirit seemed to overshadow the reason why everyone came out to Armstrong Stadium.  By the end of the first quarter, the Pirates saw themselves down by seven but even that did not keep the crowd of over 14,000 away from the field. 

Twenty-one year old Andrea Jackson attended Howard University during the first year of her college career, and even though she has transferred to Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia, she still finds time to attend to the Battle of the Real HU when it returns to her home state. 

“It’s just one of those games that you can’t miss.  Even if you’re not a Hampton or Howard student, being apart of it is an experience in itself.”

With chants of “I love my HIU” and “I’m so glad I go to HIU, not Howard” ringing throughout the crowd, it was evident that Hamptonians wanted to make it known to the Howard University Bison whose turf they stepped foot on. 

The second quarter showed no change in score and by halftime the Pirates continued to trail the Bison 7-0.  If the fans were not entertained by what was happening on the field, the social atmosphere amongst the students made up for that; many were seeing each other for the first time as the beginning of the semester only started last Monday. 

Hampton University senior and California native, Ashley Thornton , admitted that since this game was taking place during her senior year, it was much more meaningful to her. 

“I realize that in a couple of months I [probably] won’t see most of these people again.  I have to enjoy this moment while I can.”

The Pirates pulled off a miraculous comeback during the second half, scoring 38 points to pull out a 38-27 victory over the Howard Bison.  Once the celebration of the victory was over on the field, it continued off the field when Hampton hosted the official HU vs. HU after-party at the Hampton University Convocation Center. 

When it was all said and done, this years’ Battle of the Real HU further proved why the Hampton University Pirates have been so successful throughout their MEAC tenure.  Not only did Hampton’s football team hail as triumphant, but Hampton’s students let everyone know who the real HU was.

 

 

 

Seniors make last stand at the Battle for the Real HU

With the reputations of two of America’s leading HBCU’s at stake, the line in the sand was drawn and the sides were chosen. Hampton University was on one side and Howard University was on the other, leaving no room for the impartial fan.

The Battle for the Real HU has historically coaxed even the most introverted students out of their dorm rooms. This past Saturday did not disappoint. This year, the Pirates and the Bison met for the 85^th time.

Just as any other year, this year marked the last time seniors would be a part of this game. While players feel their last game, seniors in the stands had their own emotions.

 “It’s kind of nostalgic when I think about all the time we spent at HU-HU games,” said Wayne Lawson, a senior marketing major at Hampton University, “It’s usually one of the first games of the year and people see each other who haven’t seen each other all summer.”

For some, this last game represented what they might have been taking for granted. Keren Davis, a senior English major from New York City, said she feels some regret for not taking part in the rivalry every year.

“I’m kind of sad,” she said. “I wish I had gone to more.”

Despite the bittersweet feelings that accompanied the game, for Hampton seniors, the Pirate’s 11 year tradition of overrunning Howard for the coveted title made the game that much better, and winning senior year that much more important.

“I definitely talk trash,” said Davis laughing, “We win so often it just makes it that much better. I go into every game with the confidence that we will win.”

This year, Howard threatened to make Hampton students eat their words by dominating the game with a 7-0 shutout for the first two quarters. In the second half, the Pirates’ prospects looked bleak until a blown fuse in the lights overhead lead to a recharged offense.

The Pirates scored 38 second half points including two explosive kick off returns for touchdowns by senior Kevin Teel. Hampton was able to pull out a 38-27 victory.

The half time deficit had students nervous about the outcome.

“It was frustrating at the beginning because I thought we were going to lose. I mean it’s my last HU-HU game,” said Erica Blunt, a senior sports management major from New York.

While undergraduates enjoy the experience as students, they do not forget after graduation. Many plan to attend as alumni.

“It’s my last game as a student, but I plan to come back as an alumna,” said Blunt. “It’s definitely not my last game at Hampton.”

Ashlie Gibbs, a 2008 Hampton graduate and native of Chesapeake, Virginia, seemed to put the event prospective.

“It’s the biggest game of the year. It’s not just about the battle between the football teams,” she said. “It’s about the battle between the pep squads and the band and everything. It’s about the entire school.”

-By Michele Byrd

 

 

 

 

 

Battle of the real HU

By: Karissa Feiton

On Saturday September 13, 2008, many gathered as Hampton commenced its first home football game against Howard University. Many watched as Hampton defeated Howard in the never-ending battle of “the real HU” with a score of 38-27.

“The battle of ‘the real HU’ has been going on since I went to Hampton,” said past alumna Gerald Roberts, a 1989 graduate of Hampton University.  Roberts said he is a proud Hamptonian and tries to attend as many home games as he can.

Before entering the stadium you could hear fans chanting, “I love, I love my HIU”. As you walked into the stadium you were faced with a sea of blue and white as students, alumni, faculty, staff, friends and family expressed their school spirit.

Though Howard lead the first half Hampton came back scoring quite a bit of touchdowns and improving both their defense and their offense.

During the game half the lights went out. Technicians came to assess the damage and soon realized they must replace a fuse to restore the lights. Due to technical problems in the 3^rd quarter, some of the crowd left while most remained in good spirits by taking pictures and making jokes.  

“Everyone has been looking forward to this game since the beginning of the school year so I’m sure this little lighting issue isn’t going to spoil the game”, said sophomore Ashley Roberts.

Next week Hampton faces North Carolina A&T as they continue the season, as for the battle for “the real HU” title Hampton, once again, is on top.

HU versus HU the competition starts before the game

 

By Septima Glenn

Long before any shoulder pads or helmets were put on, the Hampton University versus Howard University rivalry began. On Friday, students filled the Hampton University Student Center for music, fun and with a purpose. This year, Hampton University and Howard University had a voter registration competition. Each school competed to see who could register the most voters before Saturday’s game.

To get students motivated, the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity brought Marlon Waynes and Jurnee Smollett (from the motion picture Great Debaters) to inspire students to vote. Waynes, a former Howard University student, used humor to get his message across.

“You guys need to get out and vote because I’d love to see a black man on the next dollar bill,” Waynes said.

Smolett gave a brief overview of the Barack Obama’s platform and how it affected college students. From raising the Pell grant award amount to tax relief for anybody who goes to college, Smolett stressed that Obama was for everyone having equal access to higher education.

“Barack is for the college student, I know everybody could use some more money from that Pell grant,” Smolett said.

Using a mix of entertainment and information Hampton University students got the message. 

“It was really good to hear some of the things Obama stood for,” Hampton University senior Rachel Lewis said. “I haven’t been up on the specifics of this election so it really helped to hear what he would do for college students.”

The voter registration drive didn’t stop with celebrity appearances, volunteer students moved throughout the crowd asking people if they were registered to vote and giving them the proper paper work to fill out if they were not. They also had a help desk that provided students with answers about absentee voting and claiming residency in the state of Virginia since they were attending college.

The information given on Friday helped to empower students by giving them all of the facts of voting and registering to vote.  

“I didn’t know you could vote in Virginia if you attended school here.” Sophomore Margrett Harris said. “I thought I was going to have to go through the process of filling out an absentee ballott. I learned a lot today.”

Both Smolett and Waynes urged students to vote from the state of Virginia. When Smolett asked for a show of all registered voters, over 90 percent of the crowd raised their hands. When she asked for those registered in Virginia many of the hands went down.

“Virginia is a battleground state and we need all the votes we can get to win this state,” Smolett said. “Being registered to vote is good, but being registered to vote in Virginia is even better.”

 

 

 

Hampto VS. Howard Game

Bright lights, celebrations, food, blue and white, victory, laughter, fashion …. These words describe one of the most anticipated games of the year. Saturday night our wonderful “Home by the Sea” Hampton University kicked off its most anticipated game of the year against Howard University.

            Looking out into the parking lot was a sea of people celebrating and rejoicing the start of a new season. Many of the pre- game events were filled with tailgating parties.  Along with the tailgating party there was a host of different vendors selling food, Greek apparel, and other miscellaneous items in front of the stadium. Howard being the first game of the season has a big impact over the rest of the season. Hampton has consecutively beaten Howard University over the past three years, and this year was no exception.

            Some may see Howard as a big enemy even though they are our top rival, Saturday’s celebration felt more so like a reunion. Many individuals with friends who attended Howard came from Washington D.C. to see the game. Hiram Reed, who is a senior at Howard University, stated that, “I look forward to this game the most because not only do I love foot ball but I just love the friendly rivalry that exist between the two schools. I have a lot of friends that attend Hampton so whenever we play it’s just like a big reunion we go out and eat and just party all weekend, whether it’s in D.C or Hampton, so just having the opportunity to see everyone once again is great and I love it.”

To some football isn’t the only thing on people’s mind when we have games. To a stranger when they look at what most students are wearing they might think that they are attending a fashion show instead of a football game. At most traditional games the stadiums are filled with the school colors. But not the Hampton Howard game, (And all the other games of the season) along with the many major parties of the year one of the biggest decisions is what are you going to wear to the Hampton Howard game. The ladies are dressed in the finest clothes, everything from 3inch stilettos to cute little dresses. And the guys are just as bad. Kim Brown, a junior at Hampton University states that, “that’s why I love Hampton University; everyone has their own unique individual style and a style that they can call their own. I love see how fly everyone is and it’s a beautiful thing to see good looking black people.” While some may agree with the particular choice of style there are some who disagree. Shana Richardson, senior, states that, “ I think that we should definitely wear more of our school colors at our football games, I will promote more school sprit and it just looks better when you are sitting in the stands and you see a sea of blue and white.”   

~ Ashli Lincoln

HU v. HU game-Rivalry Style

HU v. HU game-Rivalry Style

By: Tiffani Haynes

JAC 307-Online Journalism

HU v. HU game article

Word Count: 539

 

 

            The two biggest rivals in the realm of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) faced off this weekend. Howard University squared off against Hampton University in Hampton’s first home game on September 13, 2008.  Hampton defeated Howard for the 13^th consecutive time with a score 38-27.

            Yet, the real battle of the HUs lies in everything outside of the football field. It seems the most anticipated game of the year has more to deal with good old fashioned rivalry than it does with the pigskin. “It’s all about proving who’s the real HU, who’s better than the other,” said Kayla Emile, a senior communicative sciences and disorders major from Boston and a Hamptonian.

            Both schools proudly claim the title of being the “real” HU. Howard students don’t consider Hampton to be the actual HU because of the fact that it started out HI. Hampton Institute was founded in 1868 and went through several name changes before finally ending at Hampton University in 1984. “Howard is the real HU, if you want to get technical. We were founded in 1867 as a university, Hampton become one years later,” said Nakia Hill, a 2007 graduate of Howard from Boston. Hampton students, however, argue that the name change is irrelevant and that Hampton holds the title.

            Yet Hill believes that the competition has another source. “It stems from both colleges being the best of the best,” said Hill. “From the students, to the school, to the alumni, both HUs are the best. No other HBCU is talked about as much as we are. So it’s only natural that the two most prominent HBCUs go at it.”

            So Hampton and Howard battle it out over everything, from the HU title, to the halftime show, to who outshines the other. Both universities attend the crowded games each year to hear the latest songs at the halftime show and see the newest fashion statements. 

            “The Hampton girls try to fulfill the stereotype of being the pretty girls and Howard girls try to keep up,” Shannon Cosby said. Cosby is a senior marketing major from Plainfield, NJ.

Yet Hill disagrees and states that the Hampton stereotype at Howard isn’t about being pretty. “Howard is more down to earth, more grassroots. I’m not sure if it’s because of the different locations, but Hampton girls are known for being really stuck up,” Hill said.

            While Hill supports the stereotype of Hampton women being cocky and arrogant, Cosby believes the stereotype of Howard being a party school. “When it’s the HU v. HU game, Hampton has to try to keep up by having a lot going on after the game, some type of big party. Howard’s such a party school and Hampton tries to keep up with that,” Cosby said.

            Another important aspect of the game is the halftime show, yet another competition. “The biggest point of rivalry is halftime because it’s about seeing whose band is better,” said Hill. “Even though Howard’s band is better. We’ve definitely got the best band.”

            Yet despite the differences and huge rivalry, Hill insists that it’s all fun and games. “It’s a love/hate relationship because you have both HUs battling it out but it’s there’s unity because we’re both HBCUs,” Hill said.

Hampton versus Howard

Yesterday the Pirates of Hampton University took on the Bison of Howard University. It was a slow game, with the Bison leading 7-0 in the first quarter. The Pirates struggled and continued on without scoring a single touch down even up till half time when the Hampton University “Marching Force” took the field for their half time show. The “Marching Force” gave a stellar performance playing the latest hits including Chris Brown’s “Take You Down” and Rick Ross’s “Here I Am”.  Howard University’s “Showtime” marching band also performed giving Hampton and Howard fans alike an energetic performance of fan favorites from artists like Soulja Boy and Akon. After halftime the Pirates seemed to be recharged until an unexpected power outage caused several of the lights at Armstrong stadium to go out. “I was suprised when the lights went out,” says senior broadcast journalism major Randi Mcclain, “I thought it was a joke at first!”.  The lights were far from a joke however, and after a brief 50 minute intermission to fix the problem, the Pirates proved themselves far from a laughing matter as well. Carlo Turvani scored a huge 19 yard field goal in the third quarter that seemed to spark the Pirates back to life. In just 3 minutes, the Pirates scored three more times leaving both Hampton and Howard fans amazed.  Herb Bynes scored a touchdown in the third quarter and despite a touch down for Howard University, Hampton University senior Kevin Teel came back with another touchdown for Hampton University.  ”I can’t believe the comeback we’re making,” exclaimed senior marketing major Alisha Glover from Dover, Delaware. “Im shocked!” The Pirates continued on to win the game beating the Howard Unviersity Bison, 38 to 27.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

-Danielle Canada

Hampton vs. Howard which HU makes the best burger?

Every year when the leaves begin to crisp and the chill in the air slightly stings the cheeks we are greeted with the excitement of the pigskin. Yes, for fans of the American past time of football this time of year comes in close second to Christmas and hand in hand with thanksgiving, apparently turkey tastes great with touchdowns. Football is more than a sport. It is an excuse to drink your weight in brews, eat good BBQ and scream with the people you love the most- family, friends and your favorite teams. It brings pride and competitiveness to the hearts of the meek.

If you happen to be a fan of the MEAC and follow the Black college football or if you are a part of the HBCU family you probably know about the annual standoff between Hampton and Howard Universities that consequently determines who indeed is the real HU. Though football offers several aspects to catch one’s interest one of the most famous is the tailgate. Tailgating dates back to the very first college football game between Rutgers and Princeton in 1869, when fans traveled to the game by carriage, grilling sausages and burgers at the “tail end” of the horse. Today tailgating is a part of most athletic events, especially college football. The tailgate party before or after the game provides the chance for the average Joe to become a regular Bobby Flay for an afternoon. An array of smoked meats and side dishes makes up the feast for this party and no formality is needed, feel free to cop a squat right on the curb in the parking lot and rest your can of soda between your knees. “The key to perfect BBQ is your sauce.” Said 47 yr old Jimmy Davis from Columbus, OH. Davis who is Howard alum and a football enthusiast says one of his many secrets is adding a dash of orange juice to the glaze for his chicken; he refused to disclose the rest of the recipe.

Daniel Brown commented “Tailgating at a big game gives my family and me an excuse to eat good food, laugh and enjoy each other’s company, and that can never be bad.” Brown 55 yr old native of Norfolk, VA tries his hardest to catch every Hampton University home game, “…though life sometimes gets in the way.”

Hampton University Convocation parking lot littered with lawn chairs and portable grills, children and elderly alike in harmony dressed in their best blue and white paraphernalia, rooting for their favorite team brings certain nostalgia to this little home by the sea. Dust off those jumbo foam hands football season is officially here again.

 

By: Ambre Kohl Tomlinson

 

 

 

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