One of the issues up for discussion at Washington’s Committee on Health hearing today is whether states should be allowed to mandate that the Human Papillomavirus vaccine, Gardasil, be administered to preteen girls.

Several reports have been made that girls, after receiving the vaccine, became ill or died. Merck, the manufacturer of Gardisil, has countered these claims saying that there is no sufficient evidence to prove any correlation. Emily Tarsell, whose daughter Christina died days after receiving the vaccine will be at the event to share her

testimony. Freelance journalist

Peter Tucker, who opposes the mandated vaccine, will also be present along with medical experts, concerned citizens and parents who will be testifying against the vaccine.

“Requiring the HPV vaccine is great for Merck…but it may not be great for girls. In fact, one of the country’s leading researchers of the HPV vaccine, Dr. Diane Harper, has called the HPV vaccine’s use in girls under the age of 16 ‘a great big public health experiment,’ due to the complete inadequacy of the testing for girls, as opposed to women,” Tucker said.

For more information, visit NoHPVshots4me.com.

THE HILLTOPVOLUME 93, NO.112 WWW.THEHILLTOPONLINE.COM

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

WEATHER6149

Tomorrow: 71

HOW WILL OPRAH REACT TO BOOK?

47 The Daily Student Voice of Howard University 1924Established

E&P PAGE 9

NotebookWednesday’s

WELLNESSREAD ABOUT COURTNEY YOUNG, A SOFTBALL PLAYER, WHOSE POSITIVE ATTITUDE AND DILIGENCE CARRIED HER TEAM TO SUCCESS.

PAGE 7

SPORTS

PAGE 5

READ WELLNESS TO LEARN ABOUT THE DANGEROUS EFFECTS THE SUN’S ULTRAVIOLET RAYS CAN HAVE ON YOUR SKIN.

BREAKING NEWSACCORDING TO CNN.COM, AFRICAN-AMERICAN WORKERS IN TEXAS WERE REGULARLY SUBJECTED TO RACIAL SLURS AND NOOSES IN THE WORKPLACE.

INDEX Campus 2 Wellness 5 Sports 7 Editorials & Perspectives 9 Hilltopics 10

Redskins Safety Drops in on Bison

Washington Redskins safety LaRon Landry headed toward the football field to pay a surprise visit to the football team yesterday, causing students to peer at the gate and watch Landry’s every move.

Landry, dripping with sweat and out of breath, was stretching and demonstrating different exercises and stretch patterns to the Bison football players that were present.

Landry’s image consultants, Joe Hawthorne and Brad Burris, both Howard alumni, coordinated the visit with Howard’s strength and conditioning coach and long time friend, Travis Coleman.

Burris and Hawthorne are the CEOs of a sports imaging and marketing company based in Maryland called Encore Sports Consulting LLC. They brought

Landry to the field to show and share with players, tips on the road to success in the NFL. The players were permitted to observe him workout and to ask any questions they desired, which added to a better learning experience. The star’s friendly, approachable and humble attitude enabled a comfortable and relatable experience for the nearby viewers, especially the players.

While Landry ran around the track, Burris and Hawthorne shared the significance of Landry’s visit. The football star, entering his fourth season, insists on spending time not only on the field, but also off the field, giving back to young athletes, particularly African-American college football players. Burris and Hawthorne believe that Howard University is a prime place for Landry to give back because of its prestige, and because it is home

HU Mourns Loss of Dorothy I. Height

> See LANDRY, page 3

A woman of many hats, literally and figuratively, Dr. Dorothy Irene Height died early yesterday morning at Howard University Hospital. Having been admitted in mid-March, Dr. Height is thought to have died of natural causes.

Those who knew her simply as “Soror” gathered yesterday on the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. plot, holding single red roses to pay their respects to the educator, activist and author. Dr. Lawanda Peace of the College of Engineering, Architecture and Computer Science was present to show her love and pay tribute.

“Dr. Height was a pillar of the Civil Rights Movement, especially for women... I don’t think anyone could replace her,” Peace said. When the tribute ended, the women released white balloons into the air, symbolic of a freed spirit.

An adviser to every president since Dwight D. Eisenhower, Dr. Height was able to help propel the forward movement of women and

minorities in this country.“She has always said

her life is a life characterized by service,” Alexis M. Herman, Height’s confidante and former U.S. Secretary of Labor, told the Howard University News Service. “She is the ultimate statement of what it means to be a public servant. She’s given back; she’s always given herself to worthy causes, always.”

Known as the “Godmother of Civil Rights,” Dr. Height was one of the most influential figures, male or female, to fight for the rights of not only black people but all minorities. Perhaps her most widely recognizable work is serving as the president of the National Council of Negro Women from 1957 to 2007.

Spanning over 50 years, Dr. Height was the longest-serving president of the organization and made substantial contributions including the institution of the National Black Family Reunion. She also served as the president of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. for 11 years and remained an active member throughout the entirety of her life.

On behalf of Alpha Chapter, Delta Sigma Theta

Sorority, Inc., President Victoria Phifer said, “We respect the work and service of Soror Height. Members of our chapter had a chance to interact with her personally and she was always so peaceful and reassuring. Something that we will never forget is the fact that she takes the time to interact with people personally and learn about each person. She rose to the occasion when no one else would, and when it was not the popular thing to do. And even at 98 years old, she remained as zealous for her cause as she was on day one and for that we thank her.”

Dr. Height’s extensive career in public service is precisely why, in 1993, she was

awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and in 2004 the Congressional Medal of Honor; the highest American honors bestowed upon civilians.

Those who knew Dr. Height knew her for her tenacity and sharpness, qualities that she maintained until her death. Dr. Lorraine Fleming, a civil engineering professor, recalled meeting Dr. Height at a Founder’s Day celebration.

“She told us that she wasn’t

feeling well, but she said that she knew coming out with her Sorors would make her feel better... She was truly a great woman.”

Dr. Height was one of the remaining Civil Rights figures, and the loss means a significant amount to the black community. Peace referred to Dr. Height’s passing as a call to service saying that “no one person will ever be able to replace a woman as sharp and witty as Dr. Height. It will take all of us to come together to

keep fighting for her cause.” Having gone on record

many times by saying that she was dedicated to and passionate about service, Dr. Height was influential in the lives of millions through her work for not just civil, but human rights. Many hope that her vision can live on in the lives of those for whom she worked and fought so hard.

BY MARQUIS H. BARNETTNation & World Editor

Jonquilyn Hill - Contributing Writer

Members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. were among those on The Yard who gathered in remembrance of Dr. Dorothy I. Height. Height served as the 10th national president of the sorority for 11 years.

See Campus for more.

BY SIMONA NOCHEContributing Writer

Photo courtesy of sportsreport.com

Redskins safety LaRon Landry surprised Howard’s football team in a recent visit to the campus.

BY MACY FREEMANCopy Editor

Committee on Health Discusses HPV Vaccine

May 8, 2010 is less than 20 days away and is a day of greater anticipation than a birthday or even a child’s birth for some. It is the date of Howard University’s 143rd Graduation Commence-ment Exercises.

Nevertheless, while hun-dreds of students prepare for jobs, internships and travel following graduation, countless more are saddened by the fact that although this should be their time, another semester or even year of classes is required.

Aaron Jacobs, a senior film major, is one such student. As a first semester senior, although his original plan was to be graduate in May, he will have to wait until December 2010.

Jacobs began as a freshman

at SUNY Plattsburgh University and realized that he was “a big fish in a small pond.” After much de-liberation, he made the decision to transfer to the University of Mary-land at College Park and after one year and an expensive, constantly increasing out-of-state tuition cost, decided to transfer to Howard Uni-versity.

“Howard is a private institu-tion and although some students think it’s too expensive, compared to the out of state tuition some stu-dents pay (at other universities) it’s not that bad.”

Now, Jacobs is only one se-mester behind and optimistic.

“Howard has been sup-portive of me graduating on time. I don’t have nightmare stories like others do.”

Senior psychology major Shamora Merritt knows of several people with those nightmares, and

predicts nearly half of the 2010 senior class is not graduating this May.

When asked why she thinks so many Howard students aren’t graduating on time she offered, “A lot of people say that Howard is trying to hold them down, not a lot of support from advisers and other stuff make not graduating on time easy.”

Issues such as financial aid, grade changes, pre-requisites and advising are common explanations as to why certain academic night-mares occur.

When asked if her adviser is supportive, Merritt replied, “Yes, she’s very supportive. I just got one. As a freshman, I had one in the College of Arts and Sciences, but a lot of people don’t know that af-ter sophomore year you have to ask someone else to be your adviser. I asked quite a few people and finally

got a good one.” Former nursing student Lau-

ren Rodgers decided to leave How-ard University last semester in fear that the changes within the nursing program would cause her to stay at Howard an extra year.

“The only way I could’ve graduated from Howard on time in Spring 2012, according to my ad-viser, was that I change my major from nursing to physician assistant or biology – that’s not what I want-ed to do; it wasn’t fair. Just because Howard had problems with their nursing department doesn’t mean students should have to pay.”

Rodgers, now a sophomore nursing major at the University of Texas at Arlington, misses Howard and is even considering re-enroll-ment.

Several non-graduating se-niors are indifferent.

They feel it would’ve been

nice to graduate but are dealing with the fact that they aren’t none-theless.

Jacobs looks on the bright side of things. “Think about it, God willing, you will graduate from college,” he said. “So as long as it’s not costing you an arm and a leg, graduate when you graduate. College is about learning as much as you can while you’re there, so it’s not something you should try to rush. Hopefully, these words will act as bittersweet encouragement for those who have more time. If not, what can you do?”

Summer courses are cur-rently offered for students who need to catch up and graduate next semester. The light at the end of the tunnel may be dim, but ap-parent nonetheless. Be proactive in striving to meet your department’s graduation requirements.

2 CAMPUS

THE HILLTOP

BY MONTRELLE T. GREENContributing Writer

HU Students Not Walking Across the Stage, Make Other Plans For Getting Their Diploma

Soror i ty Mour ns Loss of Civ i l Rights Legend and Soror Dorothy Height

Students received an op-portunity to receive extra credit points in their Spanish classes by attending a panel entitled “Reali-ties and Perspectives of Afro-de-scendants in the Americas: New Afro-descendant Leadership, Tendencies, and Challenges.”

The panel took place on Friday in the Founders Library Browsing Room.

Although some students were motivated by the ultimate boost they would receive to their final grades, they left with some-thing entirely more pivotal – knowledge.

It is common for Latin American culture to be perceived as one entity by those who are un-aware of the history and impor-tance of the culture. The students also left with a better understand-ing of Colombian culture.

Throughout the panel, the primary focal points were poverty, education and race relations in Colombia.

Individuals from Benedict College, Bowie State University and other universities came to speak at the panel to further en-lighten the Howard students in attendance.

Bowie State University Professor Msomi Moor (J. Santia-go Mauer), who earned a doctor-

ate in Latin American and Carib-bean History, said, “We need to reflex our citizenship. We need to get up in government positions and flex citizenship. If you’re not going to be there to speak for someone, they will not be spoken for.”

“We need to become pro-fessional,” Moor said. “We need to be the ones who get the money (generate) and apply it to where it is needed. We become doctors, lawyers, bankers, financial people and people who work on Wall Street.”

Moor also suggested that students get involved with study abroad programs.

“Get in study abroad pro-

grams and take advantage. Learn the language and use education to get educated on,” Moor said.

Howard University Spanish Professor Algris Bolton attended the panel and was avid about her students devoting their undivided attention to the discussion.

When asked what she want-ed her students to take from this panel discussion, Bolton wants students “to realize the problem for African descendants is not just in the United States, it’s all around. More than anything, we have more similarities than differ-ences, therefore we need to be-come aware and stick together.”

Concluding the panel, many questions and comments

were made, regarding the current state of Colombia and what can be done to better the country.

Some of the responses were based upon firsthand ac-counts, which had a different af-fect on the audience.

Nelson Jackson, a junior political science major said, “I did not know a lot specifically about it [Colombian Culture]. I have connection with D.C. Latinos and the more I know them, the more we can understand one another.”

BY ALEIA WOODSContributing Writer

Latin American Panel Gives Students A New Look At The Culture, Language

Bree Gant - Photo Credit

“Dr. Dorothy Height was a very inspirational woman, especially for me being a student who enjoys mentorship and also as a Delta member because she was a soror. She was very connected with everyone that she worked with and I think that is very important when you are working with people. I appreciated everything she has done for NCNW. My sophomore year, I joined NCNW then I started doing work down at the headquarters on a project called Global Girls. It was an amazing and influen-tial project. She had a youthfulness about her that allowed her to connect with the younger girls. She has definitely left a legacy, and there are many people that will be honored to carry on her legacy.”

- Rogi Banks, junior musical education major

“Dr. Height was such a phenomenal woman and I am truly blessed to have known her. I think of her legacy as change – a reason for me to keep working hard and effect change in the work around me.”

- Korene Jones, senior marketing major

April 21, 2010

“Dr. Height was a jewel and a beacon for women of every race, culture and profession. I had the pleasure of meeting and talking with Dr. Height on various occasions and her wisdom and zeal for life and service were unforgettable. She let nothing slow her down. Even at 97 years of age, when I last saw her, she was sharp, articulate and serious about her work. She had a determination and a commitment to activism, education and service that is incomparable. She left a lasting legacy through her work as the 10th Past National President of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated and the Chair and President Emeritus of The National Council of Negro Women. She was fearless and if we can strive to do even half of what she’s done for humanity and women’s rights, we’d all be a better people. The world lost a hero today, but I’m sure Dr. Dorothy Height and Dr. Benjamin Hooks’ vision will live on. They’ve both blazed a trail that, as Howard Students and alumni, we have no choice but to take the helm and continue the journey.”

- Hayley Mason, senior broadcast journalism major

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Live music pulsed through the floor in the lower level of Cramton Auditorium as students sat on blankets and pillows listening to live artists perform at EPPlugged Tuesday night. EPPlugged is an annual event sponsored by Endustry Power Players (EPP) that serves as a student showcase for Howard University artists to display their talents to the student body.

“This is a chance for people to feel the music in a more intimate setting,” said Kai Lawson, president of EPP. “It’s not for people to get hype over what someone is wearing like in a bad music video. It’s more about musicianship than popularity.”

Students sat on the floor blankets and pillows while neo soul singers, rappers and poets performed such as Ashton Travis, Glen Jones, and Group Without a Name (GWN). Hal Linton, a 24-yr old pop/soul artist from Barbados also performed at the event to promote his first album “Return from the Future.”

Hal Linton played his own guitar while singing songs off his album. By the time he started singing “Lifetime” by Maxwell, everyone in the room

was bobbing their heads to the sound of his guitar.

“He really knew how to engage the crowd,” said Tavion Shelton, a freshman in the audience.

Linton was signed to Universal Motown two years ago and is trying to evolutionize the music game with his own creation of rock ‘n’ roll soul. Linton described performing live as an “out of body experience. It’s a place where people get to make contact with the artist.”

EPPlugged started in 2006 by Endustry Power Players with the purpose to have an event that allowed students an opportunity to interact and connect with Howard artists through live performances. Endustry Power Players is a student organization for people interested in working in the entertainment industry.

EPP started planning the event in January and estimated about 200 people attended the event this year.

“The whole event was very moving,” said Lawson, “better than I ever imagined.”

EPPlugged consisted of 12 versatile performers including freshmen like Attalah Sheppard, Christina Howard, and Ashton Travis. Ashton Travis recently

released his debut album “Mr. Freshmen” and said he liked doing the live performance with a band, because it allowed him to feel the music more. Travis also said, “I’m glad EPP is doing this, it reminds me of MTV: Unplugged and how Lauryn Hill changed the game.”

Group Without A Name, also known as GWN, is another band that’s changing the game. They have gone from small performances to playing with Hal Linton at Epplugged to playing at Bison Ball this weekend. GWN just released their album “The Definition” that is available for download online.

When asked about their newfound success, the drummer Justin Frazier, a sophomore audio production major replied, “I can’t do anything but smile. We didn’t expect it to come this fast and from every angle like this.”

EPPlugged was an opportunity for artists to get exposure and let their student peers hear their musical talents. The intimate setting was a great chance for the university to see the talent that Howard has to offer.

“It’s all about having fun, it’s all about love,” Linton said. “We’re just trying to inject something people can live with.”

Concert Highlights Talent

BY ALYSSA MCLENDONContributing Writer

EPPlugged showcased Howard musicians in annual event

to them.“This is still home for us, we

are Howard all the way, so it’s only right to come home and give back and share and inspire,” Hawthorne said. “These are our boys. You always have to come home.”

Taking his break from running, Landry sat on the field and explained why the visit was of high importance to him.

“It is a privilege for me to come and work with the football team. In this short period of time I have learned much from them, and from their coach,” Landry said.

Landry expressed his goal to inspire the players and share the knowledge he has attained during his years of playing on how to get to the next level, knowing that some of them have goals to play in the NFL. He gave credit to his role models who did the same for him at his Alma Mater, Louisiana State University (LSU), and did not neglect to mention that academics should be on the priority list. He mentions that his foundation, LaRon Landry Leadership For Life, is established to open a gateway for him to reach out to and inspire young athletes.

“I want them all to have a passion, then follow through with it academically,” he said.

“You can have the passion and the skill, but without academics, you have nothing to fall back on. Also, I want to teach them how to give back, because it improves the image, work ethic and stature of minority athletes.”

Players on the football team were filled with gratitude for Landry’s spontaneous visit. Keith Pugh, sophomore linebacker for the team, admires Landry for reaching back to the community, and is thrilled at the visit because he has observed Landry’s performance since his time at LSU.

“He inspires me to work harder. I want to make it to the NFL, and not just make it, but make my mark like LaRon,” Pugh said.

Martin Corniffe, senior safety for the Bison team was also delighted to have the opportunity to witness Landry’s exercise and was surprised at the safety’s unexpected visit.

“It has been a great experience, because he has always been my favorite safety,” Corniffe said. “He inspires me to work harder, because now I see what I have to do to get on his level.”

Professional Football Player Visits Howardcontinued from FRONT, LANDRY

THE HILLTOPTHE HILLTOP THE HILLTOP

4 ADVERTISEMENT April 21, 2010

As classes end, papers are turned in, and summer plans are finalized, most people are planning to enjoy the summer to its full extent. While the summer is a great time to relax and enjoy the weather, there is also a silent killer that can no longer be ignored: the sun.

Although it can be very helpful in securing a nice beach tan, the sun gives off ultraviolet rays, which are most harmful to the skin. In fact, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation, by age 18, most Americans are exposed to 22.73 percent of their lifetime sun exposure, and by age 40, it is estimated that this number increases to 46.53 percent.

Be it summer vacation, playing sports or just going for a walk, these are the stages in life where the average American is most active. The longtime exposure to the sun can create a mutation effect in the layers of the skin, causing a malignant cell to grow.

Because most skin cancers start in the epidermis, the top layer of skin, the tumor is visible and the cancer can be easily detected in its early stages. This means that, in most cases, it can be cured through chemotherapy and other related treatments.

According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, each year there are more than 3.5 million new cases of skin cancer; more than breast, prostate, lung and colon cancer combined, with over 90 percent of those cases being linked to longtime, dangerous exposure to the sun.

It is virtually impossible to avoid the sun, but there are ways to protect skin without staying inside all summer. Applying sunscreen simply is not enough, it has to

be done right and it has to be accompanied by other important techniques.

Jeff Kirkman, III, an acting major, plans to stay in D.C. for the summer and realizes the importance of protecting skin from summer sun.

“You don’t want to overexpose yourself to the sun because, although I love being tan, sometimes you can get to the point of burning yourself and your skin will peel. It is important to keep your skin moist so that the sun doesn’t completely dry it out, which will also make it crack and peel.”

When choosing a sunscreen, it is best to take its Sun Protection Factor (SPF) into account. The SPF is the amount

of harmful rays that it will protect against. For instance, a sunscreen that says it is SPF-15 will protect up to 15 times the amount of deadly rays emitted from the sun. The Skin Cancer Foundation suggests SPF-50 for best results.

The next thing is to ensure that sunscreen is waterproof. This applies even if the activity does not call for water, because sweat is considered water and will wash away any sunscreen that is not waterproof. This leaves the skin susceptible to the harsh rays that the sunscreen was attempting to avoid.

Sunscreen should be applied to all exposed parts of the body. Head, neck and shoulders are not the only parts of the body that can be affected by skin

cancer. Lips are composed of skin, and thus should be taken care of accordingly, so find SPF-15 or higher lip balm that will serve as a means of protection for the oft-forgotten lips.

Another great way to avoid dangerous overexposure to the sun is to wear a wide-brimmed hat, or a hat with a visor that can help to shade the head and neck area.

Though summer rings in with the idea of “fun in the sun,” special precautions must be taken, especially considering the amount of environmental issues that are occurring. These very small, but very important tips can mean all the difference between resting on the beach and resting from chemotherapy treatments.

- Compiled by Naya Scarbrough,Wellness Editor

WELLNESS 5

It’s Not Always Fun Being in the Sun

THE HILLTOP

BY SHELTON J. MURPHYContributing Writer

Photo Courtesy of goldcoastaustralia.com

With summer rapidly approaching, too much fun in the sun can be hazardous to one’s health. It is important to take precautions, such as applying sunscreen with high SPF levels before getting out into the sun.

And just like that, the year comes to a close.

Tomorrow is really the last day of classes, and for some of you, the end of your educational career. It’s really over.

Think about this year. Think about how far you have come and how much you have accomplished. Don’t think about how much there is left to do. Just enjoy your achieve-ments for a moment. That event that you planned this year, you know, the one you put your all in and didn’t get enough credit for. That one. Think about how good it was!

Think about that paper that you really did research for. The one the professor didn’t even read. Pat yourself on the back. Good job.

Think about that class you hated, internship you didn’t want to go to, or other “obligation” you had that you never wanted to show up for. The year is over now, and you’re still here. You made it.

Take a moment and just look around on The Yard (get a good view from Douglass if your allergies are bothering you). Ignore the bleachers. Look at your institution. Remember the people who have walked here before you. Think about the people who walked around with you. Imag-ine the people who will walk here one day.

Reflect. Take a deep breath and think

about one (or more) memory from Howard that you never want to part with. Something that defines your Howard experience. Something that you would tell the high school senior who is on the fence about Howard.

If you’re thinking something negative right now, like how the A-building messes up a lot, start over. Clear those thoughts and truly think about the Howard that you love. The people you met, those late night par-ties in The Valley, the invaluable les-sons-anything that’s special to you.

Take your time ,but not too much time if you need to be studying right now.

If you’re a freshman, appreci-ate the year that you have had and finish it off with a bang. Prepare yourself for much more work and a little less play time. No year is like freshman year, make the most of what’s left.

If you’re a sophomore, think about the things that you have ac-complished thus far. Imagine your-self being amazing at the things you still want to achieve. You have to be-lieve it in order to achieve it.

If you’re a junior, think about the day you first stepped on How-ard’s campus. Think about who you are now. Think about the day that you came to Open House and thought Howard was like that every-day. Think about how you shake your heads at the poor, naive high school seniors who always seem to show up for a tour on First Friday or on the day of a probate. Think about how you got through these major classes this semester. Think about how well you will do when you get to start your career.

If you’re a senior. Excuse me. If you’re a graduating senior, congratulations! Think about how much partying you’re about to do! Haha. But really, think about where you started and where you are now. Think about all the people who are proud of you. Be proud of yourself. Cherish these last few moments because there will be no other mo-ments like this. Think about ALL of the good times you had. Think about how good it is going to feel to bring your kids here for a tour and remi-nisce about the night you climbed up the clock tower.

For those of you not graduat-ing, don’t fret. This is not the time to think about what could have been. This is the time to think about the things you can still accomplish, the fun you can still have and all that you have done thus far. Be at peace with what is happening and find a way to bask in it. Howard is the best 4 OR 5 years of your life, you know?

Appreciate the moments that you have had here. They have shaped you and you can’t get them back.

It’s been a pleasure writing for you all this semester. Stay alive. Stay well.

An Apple a Day

BY NAYA SCARBROUGHWellness Editor

The sun’s ultraviolet rays can be harmful to one’s health, so it is important to protect your skin

Have a SA

FE and

HE

ALTH

Y sum

mer!

THE HILLTOPTHE HILLTOP

6 ADVERTISEMENT April 21, 2010

Howard University student athletes have to juggle academics and their sport. With both demanding ex-treme attention, preparation before a game is essential to gain a win. Coaches of the Bison teams strongly suggest that their players find ways fitting for them to prepare before the game, so they can obtain a confident and focused mindset.

Most athletes tend to pre-pare mentally so their minds are clear and alert. Kyle Riley, junior sports management major and shooting guard for the Bison basketball team shares his method of getting pre-pared before he hits the court.

“I listen to music by Jay-Z or Lil Wayne right before every game,” he said. “It gets my energy going and gets me pumped up. It al-lows me to step into my zone and gets me focused. I want to be focused.”

Riley is not the only player on the team to share this need for music. He reveals that the team lis-tens to a stereo, blasting up-tempo music in the locker room right before game time.

Members of the Bison swim team, Omar McKenzie, junior biol-ogy major, and Brad Worrell, senior biology major share that mentally preparing for their swim meet is the most beneficial way to do their best.

“I use visualization to pre-pare; it’s a form of meditation,” Wor-rell said. “It’s almost like if I visualize my race in its entirety, by the time I’m done, I have a better idea on what I will feel like when I’m swimming.”

“I can’t take credit for it though; I watch Olympians and vi-sualization is a method they claim to use,” Worrell said. “Since they are

role models it makes sense to mirror their strategies.”

McKenzie explained the benefits of his methods and how it correlates with his motivation and dedication for the sport.

“It gives me a clearer mind, and focus,” he said. “It helps bring back to memory my goals, because my thought process is more precise. I use it as fuel when I am swimming and it works.”

Sara Hayden, junior physi-cal therapy major and player on the Lady Bison lacrosse team explores a less intense way that she considers the easiest and most reliable way to get her pumped up.

“Honestly, before each game I joke around a lot with my team,” she said. “It gets me ready and get’s my body loose. Lacrosse is a fun game. The energy should be high and I don’t want to be stressed out. I believe if I’m loosened up and not tense, it will transfer my energy to my teammates.”

Not all of the student ath-letes shared the method of solely mentally preparing. Anthony Penny, senior finance major and runner of the Howard track and field team shares that physically preparing does it for him.

“I do a dynamic activity, which consist of drills, running two laps and stretching before I run a race,” Penny said. “It helps in every aspect, mind, body and soul. It’s very important to me.”

With years of running under his belt, Penny boasted about the positive effects of his dynamic drills. He insists that all athletes must pre-pare before their game and explained that preparation sets the pace for a good performance.

SPORTS 7

THE HILLTOP

Sports Trivia!

What MLB Hall of Famer holds the record for the most switch hit

homeruns hit in his career?

Search the Hilltop for the answer!

April 21, 1996The ‘96 Chicago Bulls won their record 72nd win in a season. Ended season

72-10

ONLY 1 DAY LEFT OF THE HILLTOP SPORTS.

Affectionately nicknamed “Kuntry Kane” by her teammates, senior political science major Courtney Young is becoming the Lady Bison softball team’s very own “Ms. Congeniality.”

Playing the right field posi-tion all four years, she has achieved several titles, as well as being one of the captains on the team.

Continuing the legacy of her mother and grandmother, Young said there was no better idea than to accept the scholarship and honor for playing for Howard.

“I enjoy this game, every-thing about it,” Young said. “There are so many opportunities in the sport, and it is becoming a huge sport as well.”

Making an outstanding mark her freshman year, she was titled Rookie of the Year and MVP. Con-tinuing her successful path, her sophomore year she won recogni-tion as player of the year.

“Kuntry Kane” has main-tained her position in First-Team in

the MEAC (Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference), and maintains her title as the leading home run hitter in the past conferences, which has been her most outstanding accom-plishment.

Dexter Harris, Howard Uni-versity’s associate athletic director, expressed with excitement and af-fection for Young.

“Honestly, she’s awesome and I must say she’s one of the most confident hitters I have been around in all my years at H.U., and my career playing baseball. We ap-preciate her confidence rubbing of on her teammates,” Harris said. “She takes criticism well and makes visible adjustments in the game. I am truly proud of her.”

The friendly and confident player shared that she had no secret to her success, just different motiva-tors.

“Honestly, when people say Howard athletics suck, it motivates me to do my best and to encourage my teammates as well,” Young said. “Even if people think all the other teams suck, you wont say the soft-ball team doesn’t do well. It makes

me work harder.”Off the

field, Young is adored by her teammates and has contributed to building up and instilling a family atmosphere with-in the team.

Junior po-litical science major Chrissy Sborz, who plays the leftfield posi-tion on the team, said there weren’t words good enough to de-scribe how awe-some and caring Young is.

“ Y o u n g is great, she’s one of the most powerful hitters I ever met, and she’s a super pos-itive person. She just never puts you down,” Sborz said.

She went on to share how

Young’s non-judgmental attitude is appreciated, and how her uplift-ing spirit encourages them during game days.

First baseman Ciera Gordon

is in agreement with Sborz.“I admire her because she is

naturally a great player but she still works hard,” Gordon said. “I can boldly say she is the best captain that we have and I love that I can talk to her about anything without being judged.”

Young credits her family for her positive and encouraging per-sonality. Being an older sister, she is fully aware of the role she has to play.

“My teammates are my sis-ters,” Young said. “If one is down, it’s like I’m down too. Plus, we’re trying to get that win.”

Young has no regrets playing for Howard, and confidently ex-presses that she couldn’t have made a better mark anywhere else.

“Howard has taught me so much and although we don’t have the best facilities, it has taught me how to win and to overcome ob-stacles,” Young said. “Of course I could’ve gone to a bigger school, but I love the atmosphere and I love my teammates. It has been a rewarding experience.”

A Bison You Should Know: Courtney YoungBY SIMONA NOCHEContributing Writer

Simona Noche - Contributing Photographer

Courtney Young is swinging for the fences on and off the field as the Lady Bison softball teams right fielder.

Shaunie O’Neal is the creator and producer of one of VH1’s newest reality shows, “Basketball Wives,” which ex-amines the lives of eight women who are or were either married, engaged, in a relationship or were previously in a relationship with a professional basketball player.

VH1’s “Basketball Wives “airs every Sunday at 10 p.m. and introduces what many stu-dents consider an interesting plot of the lives, concerns and desires of women who have been emo-tionally connected to basketball players.

“I think it’s pointless, most of the girls aren’t even wives,” sophomore business market-ing major Kayla Boyea said. “They’re either girlfriends or ex’s, not actual, current wives.”

Shaunie O’Neal is tech-nically still married to former Los Angeles Lakers and cur-rent Cleveland Cavaliers player Shaquille O’Neal; however, they announced their separation and filed for divorce earlier this year following adulterous allegations.

The opinions of how oth-

er women view basketball wives, girlfriends and groupies are all too common topics for blog dis-cussion and general social com-mentary.

“I think they [professional basketball players] pick girls off of their looks so they can show them off,” Boyea said. “Most pro-athletes cheat on their wives anyway because they’re never home.”

“[The women are] stu-pid because they complain that they’re never home, so they’re cheating is inevitable,” Boyea added.

It would be assumed that men and women would have different opinions on the matter however; sophomore economics major Ishmael Herod had simi-lar opinions concerning the igno-rance women desiring relation-ships with these men display. “I saw it once,” he said. “I think it’s for publicity, and entertainment; it’s the basketball version of the ‘Bad Girls Club’.”

In Shaunie O’Neal’s in-terview with Wendy Williams, she introduced the show and de-scribed how the original vision was to show how women in bas-ketball relationships feel, live and

are treated.Nevertheless, Herod

doesn’t agree that vision is por-trayed accurately. “I feel like it may have been a meaning but with the characters they have now, it’s just another reality show,” he said. “They’re treated like tools for men. In the episode I watched, they competed in a ‘How Low Can You Go’ contest, and although entertaining for some, it didn’t show them to be as respectable as they claim they want to be.”

Overall, students agree, “Basketball Wives” are treated as such, and according to senior film major, Aaron Jacobs, they aren’t treated that bad. “They’re treated well,” he said. “They’re treated as trophy wives.”

The overall consensus is that basketball women are treat-ed as like prizes and are selected primarily based upon looks. “Basketball players are all busy,” Herod explained. “Sometimes, athletes end up marrying women who they’ve had long-standing relationships with before their fame. Otherwise, they go for the prize and then try to adapt. If I were a professional athlete, that’s what I would do.”

BY MONTRELLE T. GREENContributing Writer

Preparation Proves to Be Key for AthletesBY SIMONA NOCHEContributing Writer

VH1 Brings Attention to IssuePhoto Courtesy of vh1.com

VH1 is airing a new reality show that reveals the stress and issues of being a “Basketball Wife.”

THE HILLTOPTHE HILLTOP

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D a i l y S u d o k u

Sensational Author Looks to Expose

Our View:We’re excited to see what

secrets will be revealed, and how Oprah will react.

EDITORIALS & PERSPECTIVES 9

PerspectiveA Different Point of View

She’s traveled to the small town of Kosciusko, Mississippi, more widely known as the birthplace of Oprah Winfrey, one of the world’s most widely regard-ed public figures. She’s spon-sored lunches for members of Winfrey’s family, gently prodding them for secret and sensational factoids about her past. She’s documented over 2,000 interviews the media queen has given dur-ing her lengthy career, and interviewed as many ac-quaintances, old friends, and other information rich sources that she could get her hands on. In the last four years, sensationalist journalist and author Kitty Kelley has been hard at work collecting information for her highly antici-pated biography on the world’s favorite talk show host and philan-thropist, Winfrey.

During her colorful writing career, Kelley has penned some of the most melodramatic unofficial bi-ographies of public figures, with an astounding roster that includes Jackie Ken-nedy, the Bush Family, Eliza-beth Taylor, Frank Sinatra, Nancy Reagan, and the Brit-ish Royal Family. She’s now added Winfrey to her list of subjects, as the unofficial tell-all was released early last week to throngs of fascinated and eager readers.

Not surprisingly, Win-frey has made it abundantly

clear to her audience of view-ers and supporters that the book is in her opinion, trash, verbally referring to Kelley’s compilation of facts and information a “so-called” biography. Her rejection of the unofficial biography is understandable, as Kelley has secured and used exclu-sive interviews from some of the sources closest to the talk show queen, including her father and a close aunt.

In previews of the bi-ography, as well as a particu-

larly poignant photo spread and interview featuring Kelley with Oprah’s Aunt Katherine splashed across the Huffington Post’s Books section, Kelley attempts to move the icon “out of the moonlight and into the sun-light,” for an interested au-dience to observe. Accord-ing to her Aunt Katherine, although Winfrey’s done a world of good for countless people on an international scale, she’s been lying to the public about her traumatic upbringing and struggle to success. Her aunt even claims that Winfrey has confessed to

stretching the truth, because it’s what the people want to hear.

Although Kelley’s bi-ographies have often been re-ferred to by less than flatter-ing names like “Kitty litter,” and she’s often described as a “poison pen” author with questionable references and motives, she’s never been successfully sued for libel, or forced to publish a written retraction. She might be sen-sationalizing her stories for exposure, but no one’s been

able to prove that any-thing she’s written in her lengthy career was false. She’s been refused inter-views on popular shows such as “Larry King Live” and “The View,” because the hosts and producers don’t want to tarnish their business and personal relation-ships with Winfrey. But regardless of whether or

not she’s welcomed on their shows, her book is getting tons of publicity, simply be-cause it promises to expose the secrets of one of the world’s most renowned pub-lic figures.

It’s up to the reader to determine the truth in the sensationalist writer’s bi-ography, but we’re excited to see what potential secrets Kelley is going to depict in her book, and more impor-tantly, we’re interested to see if Winfrey will contest any of its contents.

Want to work for The Hilltop?

Be on the lookout for 2010-2011 staff applications,coming soon!

Something on your mind?It’s the last week to send

your perspectives to hilltopeditorials@gmail.com!

Sports Trivia Answer:Eddie Murray

Courtesy of The Chicago Sun-Times

The sensible argu-ment that you presented in your April 15 editorial re-garding a bulletin board in the Department of Modern Languages and Literature, is greatly appreciated. Howev-er, I view the issue a little bit differently. The seemingly of-fensive bulletin board can be viewed as a mirror to Africa’s development dilemmas. In a continent where primary education is considered a luxury in many places, the mode of transportation that children use is not consid-ered a priority issue. Many children in Africa walk sev-eral miles every day, under harsh road and weather conditions, to attend classes at dilapidated facilities. Con-

sidering the fate of these children, perhaps getting a ride on a dump truck is not a bad deal. As offensive as the poster seems, it also depicts the repulsive reality. Despite such circumstances, African children do strive and perse-vere to quench their thirst for knowledge. In a continent where the most basic hu-man necessities —food and clean drinking water— can be scarce, acquiring edu-cation is a challenging en-deavor that demands paying some heavy prices; thanks to incompetent African govern-ments, those children in a dump truck are paying such a price. On the other hand, I see the poster as a power-ful statement that compels

us to stand for the children of Africa. As members of the Howard University com-munity, each of us must take part in alleviating the suf-fering of our young African brothers and sisters. Let us all view the poster, that many might find offensive, as a call for meaningful actions —actions that lead to the improvement of children’s lives. After all, and based on its own legacy, that’s the type of leadership role that How-ard can offer to America and the global community.

Tewodros AbebeHU Alumni &

university employee

10 HILLTOPICS April 21, 2010

THE HILLTOP

Dont

miss

Spring Sizzle

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Come for

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April 22nd

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NPHC Week 2010

“We are Phamily”

All Students are invited to

attend.

Monday, April 19

Open Mic Night:Phamily

ShowcaseAnnex Seminar

Room7:00pm- 9:00pm

Tuesday, April 20Phamily Issues:

Caught Up in the System

Blackburn Digital

Auditorium7:00pm- 9:00pm

Wednesday, April 21

UGSA& NPHCLate Night BreakfastBlackburn Cafeteria9:00pm- 11:00pm

Thursday, April 22

Earth DayMain Campus9:00 am – 1:00

pm

April 22, 2010Neo-stroll 6:00 p.m. to 8p.m.

Burr Gymnasium

After-Party 9:00

p.m. until

Blackburn Ballroom

Cost: $5.00 ticket grants entrance into both events.

On sale at Cramton

Auditorium

Alpha

Kappa Psi,

EPP, COAS,

WHBC

presents

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Featuring J.

Cole”

April 21st

Meet and

Greet at 2pm

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Ending Violence Against Women (EVAW) will be

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assault . Through this international event, the HU

community can make our voices heard!