Makeover: Holly Tree Inn lot converted into parking spaces

By Brittany S. Brown

Hampton University has undergone a great series of transformations, ranging from new buildings, to new programs and modern technology. This week a dirt lot behind the Holly Tree Inn and across the street from the Scripps Howard School of Journalism and Communications was converted into a parking lot for a handful of vehicles.

Before the conversion, students and faculty members have walked about the area, kicking rocks and occasionally dragging gravel along the lines of their footwear.

Kanesha Brown, a senior architecture major from Hartford, Conn., describes it as “one of the most convenient transformations” she’s witnessed in all of her years at Hampton.

 “My feet would look like I came from the Flintstones’ era. I hated those rocks,” she said. “My shoes would always carry lots of dust when I would pass by that area.”

Janaia Smith, a junior nursing major from Seattle, recalls the time she would occasionally walk by. “When I stayed in McGrew [Towers], I would always take the same routes to class [and it] seemed as though that parking lot wasn’t being taken care of. Now it looks more clean and put together.”

“The lot looks really nice. said Omari Miles, a freshman, sports management major from Newtown, Conn. “I usually don’t walk that way very often, but in comparison to the last time I saw it, it looks so much better.”

Mark Hall, a freshman business management major from Northern Virginia, said he would walk with his friends who stayed in Holmes Hall: “We would always stumble over those rocks. One time, I even tripped. I’m so glad to see that the area is all fixed up. This is a really good look for Hampton.”

Holly Tree Inn, a campus dormitory and faculty dining room, has been known to attract visitors and tourists for its unique appeal as well as its delicious down-home meals. Now, visitors are free to park in appropriate spaces specifically designed for vehicles, and getting their cars muddy is no longer a factor.

Scripps Howard Faculty members are in the same boat. Along with students, there is literally a common ground for the faculty to comfortably walk over.

The newly remodeled parking lot serves as one of the many ventures to the transformation of Hampton University.

The writer is a junior in the Scripps Howard School of Journalism and Communications

 

Hampton U. students celebrate Easter at home, or away

By Kelli James

HAMPTON, Va. – Students, faculty and staff affectionately call Hampton University their home by the sea, and as Easter approaches, students are finding creative ways to celebrate here while being away from their actual homes.

As they do most Sundays, the Memorial Church on campus is holding a service, however this week’s message will also include a performance from the praise dance troupe, Psalm 149.

Michelle Walton, a sophomore nursing major, said that she would be in attendance this Sunday. As a member of Psalm 149 she’s excited about performing on Easter.

“We have worked really hard to produce a great show,” she said, “and I hope a lot of people come out to celebrate and see us.”

Although Walton will be on campus to celebrate Easter, she is skipping the cafeteria’s annual meal and is going off campus instead. Walton and a friend, sophomore psychology major Lesley Robinson, plan to dine out to supplement the meal they would have received at home.

Other students are opting to celebrate Easter this year away from campus.

Geena Piedu, a junior nursing major, plans to attend a church service in Virginia Beach, one she attends every Sunday. Afterward, she plans to share dinner with fellow Hamptonians who also attend the church.

“I’m attending a Catholic church in Virginia Beach,” said Piedu. “It is like the one I attend at home and it will be really good since I couldn’t make it home this year.”

While some students are too far away to visit their homes for the weekend, there are a lucky few that have been able to retreat. Domanique Jordan, a sophomore broadcast journalism major, was able to do just that.

Jordan left for her hometown Fort Washington, Md. Friday afternoon and plans to enjoy her entire weekend with family and friends. Because Jordan is heavily involved in her home church, she looks forward to being able to spend this special time with those closest to her.

“I wasn’t able to go home last year,” she said, “but this year I knew I had to.”

Easter is a special time for those practicing the Christian faith; there are also secular options for everyone. Hampton University hosted its annual E-G-GStravaganza, Saturday morning at Strawberry Banks.

Programs like these are available throughout Hampton Roads to celebrate the spring time and to commune with loved ones.

The writer is a student at the Scripps Howard School of Journalism and Communications

Hampton U. cleans up for High School Day

By Antoinique Abraham

As the flowers bloom and the temperature rises, Hampton University begins preparation for one of the biggest events of the year. On Friday, April 6, The Office of Admissions will host its 34^th annual High School Day.

High School Day is designed to give potential students a preview of collegiate life, both academically and socially. About 240 student leader representatives will be available throughout the day to provide information and to answer questions.

The Student Recruitment Team plays an active role in giving prospective students the opportunity to experience Hampton U. Throughout the week they have rehearsed chants and songs that will get high school students excited about admission and attending Hampton.

“We’ve been working extremely hard and I’m excited about participating in High School Day with the Student Recruitment Team,” said Courtney Smith, a sophomore computer science major.

There are many changes being made around campus in preparation of this event including, wet paint signs on walls and stairwells around campus, and the speedy construction of the new cafeteria. Maintenance workers and contractors were working hard to ensure that the university will be in tip-top shape by Friday.

 Some students believe this day is just a façade; that Hampton puts on a show to impress and win over the hearts of undecided parents and students.

“I am proud to represent my school”, said Tatyana Miller, a sophomore English Education major, “but there should be some consistency in the way that things are represented on High School Day.”

Other students, like Devin Wynne, sophomore computer science major, encourage the concept of High School Day: “It is important for students as well as faculty to represent Hampton University in a positive light.”

All high school students are invited to visit Hampton University for High School Day.

On-campus activities that day will include guided tours, an outdoor soundstage, an Administrative/Student Activities fair, and a Blue- and- White football game. Attendees will be entertained by The Force marching band, the Terpsichorean Dance Company, and the Hampton University choir.

Open houses hosted by deans will take place in all of the academic buildings, nine schools on campus.

The writer is a student at the Scripps Howard School of Journalism and Communications

Real-life ‘Scandal’ figure was special guest at Hampton U.

By Nakiya Morgan

Shonda Rhimes, creator and executive producer for hit shows “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Private Practice” is bringing a new drama to ABC-TV Thursday evening.

“Scandal” is based on a public relations professional named Judy Smith, and her team.

As a pioneer in crisis management for over 25 years, Smith has made her mark as a woman who is about her business. The show will highlight her communication skills as well as her legal input on various challenges that she has faced.

Smith represented Michael Vick, Monica Lewinsky and most recently the BP case and the handling of its cleanup of a Gulf of Mexico oil spill.

Smith is no stranger to Hampton University. On Oct. 19, Smith visited the Scripps Howard School of Journalism and Communications as part of a lecture series.

In hopes to inspire students, Smith discussed her experience in the world of public relations, crisis management and law. She stressed the value and importance of perfecting the craft and how important it is to mange crisis situations.

Paige Delaney, a sophomore, public relations major from Chicago, believed that “‘Scandal’ is a “must see for anyone trying to pursue a career in the public relations field.

“I am definitely going to watch the show. I believe that I can adopt a lot of skills that Judy Smith has just by tuning in every Thursday. The show can teach you a lot about her life, but most importantly how to react under certain crisis situations.”

Kerry Washington will play the invisible power force Judy Smith 10 p.m. EST, Thursday, April 5 on ABC-TV.

The writer is a student at the Scripps Howard School of Journalism and Communications

Hampton U. conf.: Hip-Hop, the black family and Liberal Arts

By Nya-Gabriella Peets

“And It Don’t Stop: Hip-Hop, The Black Family, and Liberal Arts” was the topic of discussion of the March 15 seminar of the 34^th annual Black Family Conference. The conference featured Issac Watson (also known as Native Son), Felicia Coleman, Curtis Stembridge, and Amiri Baraka, who spoke on African- American history and today’s condition of Hip-Hop and Rap.

All of the panelists had many thought provoking statements to add to the discussion, but Felecia Coleman was the lady of the hour.

Coleman is a student at Hampton University, in addition to being one of very few female recording artists on campus.  Being the only female on the panel, she added a perspective to the discussion which would have otherwise been neglected.

Coleman has four mix tapes and is currently working on her fifth. When describing her music, she says it is dynamic and aims not to sell sex. She repeatedly emphasized that sex is not the only thing women have to offer when it comes music.

 “With music,” said Coleman, “you hear with your ears, not seeing with your eyes.”

An audience member also brought up a point about the industry and the urgency for profession asking how can Hip-Hop be changed when people are more worried about wealth, rather than knowledge. Coleman said it is up to the listeners. They are the ones with a voice and should request substantial music, because there is music with substance out there.

Coleman was very passionate about music and the female image that is portrayed in the Hip-Hop industry.

The writer is a student at the Scripps Howard School of Journalism and Communications

Hampton U. examines the Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks

By Antoinique Abraham

The 34^th Annual Black Family Conference incorporated its theme, “Roots & Wings: The Road to the Future Runs through the Past,” into a panel discussion based on this year’s selected read-in book, “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks,” by Rebecca Skloot.

The panel discussion held on March 15, highlighted widespread issues concerning the black family.

Topics included were racism and discrimination, as well as individuals knowing their medical history.

 

Panelists included Denise Motley Johnston, human resources director for recruitment at Duke University; Karima Jeffery, associate professor in Hampton University’s English Department; Fredda Bryan, breast cancer survivor with the American Cancer Society; and Phill Branch, assistant professor of English and Cinema Studies at HU.

“The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks” is based on a poor black tobacco farmer, whose cells were taken without her knowledge or consent in 1951. This book tells the story of the collision between ethics, race, and medicine.

Johnston used the acronym R.E.A.D.Y to place the book into different categories: Respect, Ethics, Acknowledgement, Dignity, and the ability to say “yes,” she said, are all important factors that individuals should taken into consideration before allowing one to conduct research.

 “Where is our voice in research projects?” said Bryan, regarding the necessity and importance of being involved in your medical process. “What is meant for good can be turned into bad and ugly.”

Although HeLa – Lack’s cells – became one of the most important tools in medicine, she remains virtually unknown and her family can’t afford health insurance. 

Questions of race were prevalent in many of the inquiries to the panelists. A common thread was, would this book be relevant if it was written by a black woman, or if Henrietta Lacks was a white woman?

According to Branch, if this story was written by a black woman, the content would be same yet the publishing would have been different and her story wouldn’t have been heard.

The Hampton University Read-In was scheduled on March 27 and 28.

For more information about the Henrietta Lacks Foundation, visit rebeccaskloot.com or henriettalacksfoundation.org.

The writer is a student at the Scripps Howard School of Journalism and Communications

Hampton U. Black Family Conference closing luncheon

By Brian Sproul

The culmination of the 34^th annual Black family conference at Hampton University will take place Friday, March 16 with the closing luncheon in the Student Center ballroom from 12:15 to 2:15 p.m.

The luncheon will include a performance of the “The Immortal HeLa: The Life and After Life of Henrietta Lacks.” Performers include Billicia Charnelle Hines, Janine Jones, Shelia J. Maye-Thomas and Karla Crump Reaves. There will also be a musical selection from Dondre Jackson, a music major at Hampton University, said organizers.  

H.U. Professor of Humanities Olayemi Adeniyi has been a part of the conference committee which is responsible for all the events that are taking place over the course of three days. She expressed great excitement over her first experience with the conference: “I want to learn more about the black family and the different issues we are going through as black families; how we can address these issues, and make changes to help black families become united and healthy.

 “Through the conference, I will be able to learn how we as educators can make a good impact on the black family as a whole all over the nation and around the world.”

The price of the luncheon is $25.

The writer is a student at the Scripps Howard School of Journalism and Communications 

Family values with a touch of Hollywood at Hampton U.

By Da’Reinn Stevens

The 34^th Annual Black Family Conference geared up for a great start Wednesday evening at the opening ceremony. This year the conference focused on issues black families face, with the theme “Roots and Wings: The Road to the Future Runs through the Past.”

Joan McMillan Wickham, president of the National Hampton Alumni Association, began the program by welcoming everyone in attendance. She also gave a brief history lesson on how the event came together.

“We have to make sure Hampton stays relevant in society,” said William R. Harvey, president of Hampton University.

The idea came from six black family court judges, said Wickham; the judges noticed the issues black families faced and knew it needed to be fixed. The judges challenged the Hampton University family to start a conference to help empower and educate families.

Before long it was time to introduce the keynote speaker Daphne Maxwell Reid; photographer, actress, mother and wife. As a woman who prides herself on her family and where she came from, Reid’s words would not be forgotten.

She is a native of New York where she graduated from Bronx High School of Science. She then went on to Northwestern University. There she earned her degree in interior design and architecture. This was also the place her career in modeling began.

Mostly known as “Aunt Viv” from the TV sitcom ”Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” Reid has also worked on shows and movies including but not limited to the “Cosby Show” and “Sister Sister.”

She is married to Tim Reid and together they operate the New Millennium Studios in Petersburg, Va. The studio is the first full service film studio in the area. When Reid is not busy working she enjoys traveling, photography, and sewing.

“Every lesson has a purpose and you should learn that lesson so you won’t repeat it,” said Reid as she encouraged students to do everything they aspire to do.

After Reid’s keynote speech, Harvey introduced the Newsome family. Their family was awarded the black family award for their heroic relative, attorney Joseph Thomas Newsome.

Newsome earned his law degree from the Howard University Law School and was very active in the Hampton Roads community, serving as editor of the Newport News Star. He was also the first African-American to practice law before the Virginia Supreme Court.

The week will continue through Friday, March 16 with numerous seminars and activities focusing on financial literacy, education, and health.

“During the program I stopped looking at this event as an extra credit opportunity and appreciated everything I learned,” said Rhyan Weller, a Hampton University sophomore.

The writer is a student in the Scripps Howard School of Journalism and Communications

HU campus prepared for ‘Anonymous’ threat, officials say

By Kathryn Kenny

Hampton University Chief of Police David Glover said, “the search continues” as local and federal investigators teamed up in hopes of finding the individual responsible for the “HU anonymous” YouTube videos that went viral nearly a month ago, causing a stir among students and faculty, and leading authorities to take precautions.

“Dr. [William R.] Harvey has made it clear to me in several conversations that he is interested in the safety of the campus. He has had us pull out all the stops,” said Glover. “We have spoken with the federal authorities and state authorities to assist us where they can. it a much bigger efforts than just us here.”

The videos created a buzz throughout campus after a masked individual adamantly expressed his/her concerns about the university, stating that their “identity and power will be revealed on March 15.”

Said Glover, “There are things behind the scenes that are being done — more Web based — in an effort to figure out who the poster of the video might be.”

Though the video did not directly pose a threat to the campus, [it] has prompted HU PD to take immediate action.

Yuri Rodgers Milligan, director of university relations, said that the amount of visible police officers on campus was set in place in the event of anything as well as to discourage behavior that is harmful to the student body.

“The information in the video was nonspecific,” said Glover. “It wasn’t pointed at any direct action that’s going to happen, but the date of the 15^th is in there and so we are taking the prudent measure, in terms of physical presence.

“We have folks in the right place at the right time.”

Police believe that the “anonymous” individual is a student at the university.

In 2009, Hampton University experienced a violent threat from a former student who shot three students in Harkness Hall. No one was killed in the incident.

Many parents were not taking this week’s matter lightly. A number of parents have contacted the university relations office and dorm facilities expressing their concerns insuring that their child will be protected.

“I’ve received several phone calls from parents about this,” said Denise Griffin, dorm director in Dubois Hall. “I got a call from a mom in Texas saying that she was afraid for her son. What I don’t like is that, this ‘Anonymous’ is spreading fear and I have to reassure parents because of it.”

As for some students, mixed feelings have emerged as to whether or not the video should be taken seriously.

“I laughed when I saw the video,” said Simone Curd, freshman psychology major from Indianapolis. “Half of the stuff in the video wasn’t even factual. Personally, I think it’s a fluke. He’s just trying to scare everybody.”

Other students are taking measures not to come to school to insure their safety.

“A lot of students fail to realize that just because we are a black college, it doesn’t mean things like this can’t happen.” said Lauren Foster, a senior political science major. “Stuff happens around here; actually a lot does, but most of it gets swept under the rug and that’s what scares me.”

Through the heat of all of the investigations set in place, Thursday marks the start of the 34^th Annual Black Family Conference. Many teachers are canceling classes to allow students to attend the informational seminars and events ranging from topics such as “Financial Literacy” and the “Evolution of Blackness.”

 “We will continue as we normally do,” said Glover. “As of right now, classes and events are going to go on.”

The writer is a student in the Scripps Howard School of Journalism and Communications

Hampton U. Lady Pirates take on No. 1 seed Stanford

By Kiara Dunston                            

Gutsy, resilient, well-coached, and constantly raising the bar is exactly how the Lady Pirates’ Athletic Director Keisha Campbell described the team. For the third year in a row, the Lady Pirates have won the MEAC, and this year they’re up against the No.1 seed, Stanford.

As many people gathered Monday evening in the Hampton University Student Center Ballroom to celebrate the Lady Pirates, those who’ve been there every step of the way spoke of their season thus far.

President William R. Harvey praised the Lady Pirates’ accomplishments, as well as their athletic director and faithful announcer. DJ Vince, who DJs at every home game, expressed happiness for the girls.

Fans sat around in anticipation for ESPN to announce the brackets. Prior to the announcement, the Lady Pirates were introduced and congratulated. They were supported by their fellow men’s basketball team as well as their cheerleaders.

The Student Center was packed and some fans had to stand or sit on the floor. Students and faculty accompanied the men’s basketball team and the cheerleaders.

As ESPN began to announce the brackets, to most people’s surprise, Hampton and Stanford universities were the first matchup announced; Hampton placed as the No. 16 seed and Stanford was seeded No. 1.

Most people were hoping to be a higher seed than last year’s No. 13 vs. No. 4-seeded Kentucky, maybe earning some respect due to a consecutive conference championship season. But the Lady Pirates and their coaches made it clear that it didn’t matter who they were matched up with.

The Lady Pirates will play Stanford at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, March 17 at the Ted Constance Center in Norfolk. The game will also be broadcast live on ESPN 2.

The writer is a student at the Scripps Howard School of Journalism and Communications

 

STUDENT ATHLETES: LOWEST SEEDING DISRESPECTFUL

By Chattan El-Webb

The Lady Pirates have won the MEAC [Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference] for the third year in a row and are now facing Stanford University in the NCAA tournament.

Students, faculty, and the Lady Pirates waited with anticipation Monday evening to find out who they were facing off.

When the results were announced, students cheered “We’re going to California,” but other members of the crowd did not seem to have the same enthusiasm.

“This sucks,” says cheerleader Brittany Bowers. “They should have been seeded higher. They have a good record and deserve a fair chance.”

Men’s basketball player Emmanuel Okorabo was shocked: “This was disrespectful to the girls, they had a higher record.”

 “This was just unexpected and shocking,” said Lady Pirate Keiara Avant. “Our record shows we should have had a better seat.”

The writer is a student at the Scripps Howard School of Journalism and Communications

 

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