the famuan: 11-21-2011
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Read The FAMUAN's Monday, November 21, 2011, edition online.TRANSCRIPT
3 A Florida A&M student and
drum major, Robert Champion, died late Saturday night on International Drive in Orlando, Capt. Angelo Nieves, Unit Commander with the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, reported.
The 26-year-old male was unconscious when OCSO and paramedics arrived on the scene, and was found on a student bus.
He was then transported to Dr. Phillips Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
No foul play is suspected, according to Deputy Ginette Rodriguez, Public Information Officer for OCSO.
After the game, the band returned to the Rosen Plaza Hotel at 9700 International Drive in Orlando where the victim reportedly vomited in the parking lot and started to complain about not being able to breathe.
Those on the scene called 911 and administered CPR. He was transported to the hospital where he was pronounced deceased. The victim’s mother was contacted by university officials and notified of Champion’s death.
“We are in shock,” said FAMU Director of Bands and Chairman of the Department of Music Julian White.
“He was a very fine drum major who was of excellent character and very trustworthy. I had not told him yet, but he was slated to be the head drum major next year.”
Champion, a music student from Atlanta, served as one of six drum majors for the 375-member
Marching “100” band who traveled to Orlando this weekend for the Blue Cross Blue Shield Florida Classic. A drum major since spring 2010, Champion had performed in the Classic’s half-time show earlier in the day.
Bereavement continues throughout the university community and among others who knew Champion.
“Robert was an extraordinary
guy and was very determined to be a leader. When I found out, I was in shock, disbelief,” said Ronald Sandridge, a former clarinet player in the band who said Champion was his section leader and drum major.
“I had just seen him performing on Saturday and before the band
Florida A&M surpassed its goal of 14,000 students in summer 2011 by more than 700 students, just 300 shy of 15,000 students enrolled.
Finishing its fiscal year ending (FYE) in July 2011 with 14,702 students, enrollmenr increased by 1,418 from Fall 2010.
With an official head count of 13,209 for fall 2011, the enrollment rate has dramatically declined due to increased admissions standards and new preparatory requirements for students who have been admitted through the profile assessment process.
FAMU has turned down nearly 2,000 applications but plans to enroll more students in spring 2012, including many new community college transfers,
President James Ammons told the Board of Trustees.
“It’s great to see our school growing,” said Matthew Greggs, a fourth-year political science student.
Ammoms has stayed committed to achieving his goal of 15,000 students since taking over the presidency in 2007. The enrollment rate increase plays a crucial role in stabilizing the university’s budget.
By the end of this year, FAMU plans to enroll more than 900 new students, according to the university’s integrated postsecondary education data system.
“Improving the economic outlook will require a legislative commitment to ensure proper funding of higher education,” said Florida Auditor General David W. Martin applauding FAMU.
With the holiday season in full swing, the demand for cheap transportation is higher than ever for college students looking to save money.
There are a few websites that aim to help students find discounts on airfare. Additionally, there are two different bus transportation services in Tallahassee available to help take students home for the holidays.
Studentuniverse.com is one of the websites that help students save money on plane tickets.
Before purchasing a ticket, the website allows you to fill out a form and answer questions to confirm
the user is, in fact, a college student.
“Our goal is to help college students save money on plane tickets so they can go home to see their families,” said Student Universe Sales Associate Douglass White.
Another student discount website is called startravel.com. The website helps students save at least 30 percent on all travel fares. There are student agents who work for the company who are available to take phone calls with questions throughout the day.
“I have to take a plane to see my family in Maryland, and I am always trying to find the cheapest way to save money,” said Emily Baron, third-year psychology student.
Greyhound is a bus service in Tallahassee that serves everyone, not just students, but there are student deals available. Students can purchase a student advantage discount card for $20 to start saving money.
“Usually students save up to 20 percent off their bus trip and it helps them a lot during the holiday season,” said Richard Archibold, Greyhound sales associate.
Traveling home over the holidays may seem costly, but if you choose to following one of these transportation discount sites or bus services you may save money.
Florida Coach Connection is a quality bus transportation openend in Tallahassee in 2008.
SOUTHWEST RANCHES, Fla. (AP) — In one of South Florida’s upscale, rural enclaves, where peacocks roam and horse trails are as common as sidewalks, town leaders decided to bring in much of their money from an unusual business: a prison.
Only the leaders of Southwest Ranches kept their plans quiet from residents for almost a decade, and the project has now ballooned into what would be among the federal government’s largest immigrant detention centers. The town would have to pay $150,000 each year to
keep the prison, but officials say the town would turn a profit by getting 4 percent of what U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement pays the company operating the prison to hold inmates there.
Many residents finally caught wind of the idea this year, when the immigration agency announced a tentative deal, and they’re angry. They’ve held protests at public meetings, contemplated whether to recall the mayor before his March election and whether to amend the town charter to make it easier to fire the city attorney pushing the deal.
The objection over the prison has created an odd set of allies
among the town’s affluent residents, many of whom are wary of illegal immigrants, and longtime activists who fight for immigrants, legal or not.
“I don’t want my town built on the back of the detention of illegal immigrants,” Bramhall said. “I think there are better ways to make money.”
Residents say they are waiting to see the final deal. They have successfully fought off far smaller development efforts, including plans for streetlamps and a toddler playground.
The National Conference on Women in Information Technology has selected FAMU’s African-American Women in Computer Science Scholarship Program to receive the Return Path Student Seed Fund Grant. The grant, valued at $500, is to be applied toward activities designed to recruit and attract women to computing.
WASHINGTON (AP) — The House votes Friday on whether to adopt a constitutional balanced budget amendment as a means of forcing Congress to come to grips with its inability to deal with spiraling deficits. The amendment, dictating that Congress not spend any more than it takes in any given year.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — Juveniles convicted as adults cannot be sentenced in Florida as habitual violent offenders. The 1st District Court of Appeal issued that ruling Friday in the case of Kirby Sylvester Shingler. He was 16 when convicted in Pensacola of armed robbery and related crimes in 1991. Shingler initially got a life sentence as a habitual offender.
Felicia Thomas is an award-winning Florida A&M alumna who is busy inspiring readersthat there is no limit to what you can achieve as long as you are determined with her latest book “80 proof lives”. Thomas shares the struggles she faced to become who
Twenty five senior football players ended their career with a 26-10 loss in the Florida Classic. Linebacker D.J. Folsum and defensive end Joshua Newkirck led the Rattler defense with 13 tackles. Anthony Shutt contributed 10 tackles to round out the Rattlers with double-digit tackles.
WWW.THEFAMUANONLINE.COM VOL. 114 ISSUE 17
The Student Voice of Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University Since 1900
Clarece PolkeEditor-In-Chief
Roscoe ThompsonDeputy Lifestyles Editor
LAURA WIDES-MUNOZAssociated Press
Danielle AvitableCorrespondent
Student dies on band bus
Ammons is closer to enrollment goal
Companies offer cheap travel options
Residents of South Fla. town oppose prison
LAURA WIDES-MUNOZAssociated Press
Roscoe [email protected]
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2011
Champion 4
Holiday 4
Lifestyles pg.6
Sports pg.8
DAYFORECAST
High / 81ºF
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Partly Cloudy
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Isolated Storms
Keenan Doanes/The FamuanRobert Champion, an Atlanta native and Marching ‘100’ drum major, was found unresponive Saturday night just hours after the Florida Classic in Orlando.
WWW.THEFAMUANONLINE.COM [email protected]
BOATWRIGHT BAIL BONDS“This Rattler Has Your Back”Specializing in Student BondsBonds for all OffensesMobile Bonding Services AvailableSpeak to me directly 24 hours/7 days a Week850-559-2601
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Events and AnnouncementsAnnouncements
Employment
November 2011
The PRodigy Public Relations Firm is challenging the entire FAMU com-munity to participate in a campus-wide holiday “GET CANNED” Food Drive. On Monday, Nov. 21 from 9 a.m. - noon, students, faculty and ad-ministrators may drop off canned goods and non-perishables at the Journalism Gallery (temporary parking directly in front of the Journalism building and helpers on hand to help donors unload their goods). All donations will be taken to Second Harvest Food Bank on Tuesday, Nov. 22. For more informa-tion contact PRodigy Faculty Adviser Professor Gina Kinchlow at 850-412-5389 or [email protected].
PRodigy PR Firm is inviting students from all majors and disciplines to au-dition to be the next host of J-School Journals. Auditions will take place on Nov. 28 at 6 p.m. in the School of Jour-nalism and Graphic Communication Lecture Hall. A 2.5 GPA is required at minimum. The preferred audition attire is business professional but appropriate dress is acceptable. For more informa-tion, please contact PRodigy’s faculty adviser Professor Gina Kinchlow at [email protected].
General
Classifieds
To place an announcement in the Calendar, email your submission to [email protected] at least two days prior to the desired publishing issue. All submissions must include the student organization along with information in paragraph format to include “who, what, when and where.” A contact number and e-mail address is required to correspond with the individual submitting announcements. If you do not desire that number to be published with the announcement, indicate so in your e-mailed submission and provide an alternate method for readers to obtain more information. If you do not follow the paragraph format then your submission will not be able to be published.
The National Society of Pershing Angelsis searching for a less fortunate family to help for the Thanksgiving holiday. To nominate families, email [email protected].
The Florida A&M University Graduate Student Association (GSA) is hosting a Graduate Student Town Hall Meeting. The meeting will be held Friday, Dec. 2 in the Perry Paige Auditorium.The event will run from 4:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. and will feature representatives from various departments within the university.
Have you received a ticket that you felt was unjust? Know your rights, with these easy tips:
1. Students have five days after receiving a ticket to appeal with Student Parking.
2. If found guilty, students have the right to appeal and go before the SGA Traffic court.
3. If the SGA Traffic court finds the student guilty, they can appeal at level 3. A decision will then be made by student parking services.
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2011
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from Florida A&M University, you can do anything.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is looking
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Opportunities include positions in law enforcement,
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WWW.THEFAMUANONLINE.COMMONDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2011
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4.news
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2011
SEATTLE (AP) — An 84-year-old woman in Seattle has quickly become a face of the national Occupy Wall Street movement after she was hit with pepper spray during a march.
A Tuesday night photo of Dorli Rainey with the chemical irritant and liquid used to treat it dripping from her chin went viral soon afterward, becoming one of the most striking images from the protests that have taken place in cities across the globe.
“It’s a gruesome picture, I’m really not that bad looking,” Rainey said in an interview Wednesday with The Associated Press.
The photograph shows Rainey, wearing a scarf and jacket, being helped by two people. One man is cradling her head in his arms as they walk away from the area.
Rainey said she was on a downtown bus when she heard helicopters and thought, “Oh boy, I’d better go show solidarity with New York.” Occupy Seattle protesters had gathered Tuesday evening following police actions in New York City
that cleared a Manhattan park of people there.
The Seattle activists were blocking downtown streets. Rainey said police told the group they had to move.
“They picked up their bicycles and started shoving them at us and confining us in a very small place and they started to pepper spray,” she said.
Seattle police on Wednesday referred reporters to a statement they released late Tuesday. Officers gave multiple verbal warnings and only used pepper spray against people who were “refusing a lawful order to disperse
or engaging in assaultive behavior toward officers.”
Six people were arrested. Rainey said she was not among them.
In a statement Wednesday afternoon Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn said police were reviewing the incident and that procedural changes would be made.
“To those engaged in peaceful protest, I am sorry that you were pepper sprayed. I spoke to Dorli Rainey (who I know personally) to ask how she was doing,” McGinn said. “I also called in Seattle Police Chief John Diaz and the command
staff to review the actions of last night. They agreed that this was not their preferred outcome.”
Rainey is a former school teacher who is well known in local political circles. A self-described “old lady in combat boots,” she briefly entered the 2009 Seattle mayoral race. She quit that contest, saying she was too old.
She said Wednesday she’ll still be taking part in the local Occupy Seattle movement.
“I’m pretty tough, I guess.”
The Tallahassee Police Department has released holiday safety and security tips to help keep crime and traffic accidents from spoiling the spirit of the holiday season.
With Thanksgiving and Christmas break right around the corner, many students from Florida A&M, Florida State and Tallahassee Community College will be traveling to visit loved ones for the holidays.
To ensure safety, TPD offers the following tips:• Make sure your home or apartment is left secure. Check all doors and windows to make sure they are closed and locked. Put interior lights and radios on timers.
• Remove all valuables from your car and park in a highly visible, lighted area. Don’t forget to lock your car.
• Have a trusted neighbor or friend check on your place and pick up mail and newspapers.
• Tell a friend or relative where you are going, when you will be back and how to reach you. Do not post this information on social networks such as Facebook or Twitter.
Crime rate indexes for 201 for measure robbery risks at 225, burglary risks between 175-200 and motor vehicle theft at 125 in Tallahassee.
The crime rate index can be accessed on TPD’s website.
Watson Germine, second-year business administration student from Miami, is one of many students planningto leave town.
Germine isn’t taking this trip lightly though, because he became victim of a home invasion last summer.
“I left during the summer for only two weeks when I found out someone broke into my apartment and stole my TV,” said Germine,
“I am very scared to go out of town and leave my belongings this time around.”
Along with holiday safety tips,
TPD reminds residents that they also offer extra patrol for your home or business anytime you are away, including during the holidays. Germine did not know about the free service but now plans on using it.
“I’ll even spread the word about it,” said Germine.
According to the Florida Traffic Crash Statistics, Thanksgiving traffic crash fatalities in 2010 reached 38, with alcohol related fatalities at 15 and Christmas traffic crash fatalities reached 24, with eight being alcohol-related fatalities. These numbers were all recorded within a four-day period.
“I always see at least one accident when I’m on the road,” said health care administration student, David Harris from Daytona Beach. The Tallahassee Police Department has tips for drivers as well.
• Have a mechanic service your car. Plan your route and keep a map, cell phone and extra cash on hand in case of an emergency. Don’t forget your
cell phone battery charger.• Allow yourself plenty of
travel time. Don’t drive when you are tired or have been drinking.
• Be careful of what and how much your drink. Never lose control of your situation and surroundings. Don’t leave a bar alone or with a stranger - only go with friends.
Harris plans on driving home this year as he does every year. Harris said that he takes the normal precautions when preparing his vehicle for the drive home.
“I always go get my tires serviced and make sure my brakes are working right,” said Harris. Although his drive to Daytona Beach isn’t very far, Harris still takes precautions while driving. “I always wear my seatbelt, and never drive too fast,” he said.
Florida A&M’s Graduate Student Association (GSA) is hosting a Graduate Student Town Hall Meeting Friday, Dec. 2 at Perry Paige Auditorium from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Representatives from different departments will attend to hear feedback and questions from students. The meeting is a part of a series of meetings hosted by the organization to get students more involved in the happenings of the university and community.
“Come out and make sure your concerns are heard and addressed,” said a a press release by Nathaniel Williams, a graduate senator.
Recently, the GSA hosted a Town Hall Meeting about the StarMetro bus routes and problems students were facing with the new system.
Students were welcomed to come to the meeting to discuss the problems they face with transportation as a result of the changes.
GSA is aimed at bridging the gap between the different departments in the university. It was established to help students build and maintain a healthy collegiate network.
GSA works to bring students together from all the different departments under the FAMU School of Graduate Studies to discuss and improve the different aspects of graduate student life on campus.
Chris GryGielAssociAted Press
Olivia [email protected]
JOrGe rOdriGuez-Jimenez
left on Friday. I wished him luck, before we departed,” said Sandridge who heard the news while in Orlando for the
game. A memorial has been reportedly scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 22 at 6 p.m.
Circumstances surrounding the student’s death are still being investigated. This story
will be updated as more information is received.
ClareCe [email protected]
Champion
in 2008. “Taking a bus home is the
cheapest way for me and I can relax on the way home and not worry about driving,” said sophomore Joey Labelle.
This bus service is purely for
college students and travels throughout the state. Each bus is equipped with restrooms, WiFi, latest movie releases, and luxury seating.
“This is a company run by recent and current college students, whose aim is serving students’ needs,” said Anna
Dilernia, Florida Coach Connection representative. “There is a need for reliable, low-cost and safe transportation for students.”
danielle [email protected]
Holiday
Elderly woman maced in protest
TPD encourages safety for holiday break Grad students to hold town hall meeting
Chris GrygielAssociated Press
Olivia SmithStaff Writer
Special to The FamuanThe Tallahassee Police Department has crime index available on its online database.
Jorge Rodriguez-JimenezDeputy News Editor
Famuan News
WWW.THEFAMUANONLINE.COM [email protected], NOVEMBER 21, 2011
[email protected] Polke Managing & News Editor:[email protected] Lawrence Deputy News Editor:[email protected] Rodriguez-Jimenez Opinions Editor:[email protected] Meus
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Deputy Photo Editor:Britney Buchanan
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The Famuan, an Associated Collegiate Press Association non-daily finalist, is published on Monday, Wednesday and Friday during the fall and spring semesters. The opinions do not reflect the administra-tion, faculty or staff of the University. The editorials are the expressed opinions of the staff and columnists. The Famuan is funded partially by activities and services fees.
Recently, the Republican presidential candidates discussed the issue of waterboarding in a debate and it left me wondering what my stance was on the issue.
Before the debate, I had never really given it much thought. With issues like abortion, gay marriage and the economy being thrown around the most, I found this topic to be...refreshing?
Merriam-Webster defines waterboarding as an interrogation technique in which water is forced into a detainee’s mouth and nose to induce the fear of drowning.
To me, that is exactly what it is, an interrogation technique. Granted, the method is
harsh, I think the 2006 ban was a mistake. I know that many politicians, including President Barack Obama and Sen. John McCain R-Arizona, think waterboarding is torture, but I simply do not agree.
The use of waterboarding to extract information is not a new phenomenon and its mass attention leads me to believe that it is practiced in countries around the world to extract information. There are many groups around the world looking to harm innocent people, especially Americans.
A recent Gallup poll showed 81 percent of Americans do not trust the government. This is an astounding percentage of citizens who do not believe in a “government for the people, by the people.” As a citizen of the United States, I trust, and expect, my government to ensure that my fellow Americans and I are safe. If that means the use of waterboarding to secure national security, then I say, why not?
There is a bag on your head, you can hardly breathe, every breath you take burns, and every time you think it is over ,you feel the pressure from the water pouring onto your face, and you believe the end is near.
Waterboarding is not a technique, it is torture, and it is illegal. In waterboarding, water is constantly poured on your face and neck to induce fear.
Yes, our country has made some gains in getting information from terrorist using this “technique,” however where do we draw the line?
I am not saying we must stop defending our country but there is a way to do everything.
Last week at the Republican debate, one of the main topics was how the candidates feel about waterboarding and most confirmed that they were for the process.
Sen. John McCain, R-Arizona, a former soldier, once went through this same process and believes it is torture and something our country should not practice. For McCain to critique all the GOP candidates for agreeing with this, says a lot.
“Water boarding is torture. It’s contrary to America’s traditions, it’s contrary to our ideals, it’s not who we are, it’s not how we operate,” President Barack Obama said.
Most people don’t realize how horrible this process is until they go through it. This “technique” can sometimes kill the person. Too much water causes the person to drown. And like Obama said, we don’t need it to fight the war on terrorism. I mean, we got Osama Bin Laden without it.
JorgE [email protected]
KriStin [email protected]
Is waterboarding a representation of American values?If it keeps our country safe, then I am all for it Waterboarding is torture: where is the justice?
This wasn’t how I imagined spending my Classic weekend.
Hundreds of frantic phone calls to friends, countless tears shed and questions later, students all over the campus of Florida A&M are mourning the sudden death of Marching ‘100’ drum major and student Robert Champion.
This isn’t the first death of a FAMU student this semester,
and it never gets easier to report, or even talk about for that matter. Whenever my phone rings in the middle of the night from another editor, it’s never good news.
In this case, it was the worst news. Parents and other family members had to be notified that their child, during what was supposed to be a time of celebration after “showing out” against the Bethune-Cookman Marching Wildcats, was pronounced dead after allegedly suffering heart failure.
I’m tired, and hopefully enough students on campus are tired too. Too many Rattlers and former Rattlers are dying young and, sometimes, unnecessarily.
No parent sends his or her child to school to see them return in a body bag. College is supposed to be a place to receive
a quality education, form life-long bonds with friends and figure out who you are and what you want to do in life.
But even in our little niche on the Hill, where it’s so easy to forget what’s beyond campus, real life can slip in faster than the blink of an eye and remind us of what’s really important.
Sadly enough, it takes situations like that of Champion’s death to remind us of that. In the grand scheme of things, winning or losing a football game, joining one group or organization, clinging to a certain image for acceptance or power, and so many other instances that too easily distract and blind FAMU students, are irrelevant.
Because death doesn’t care how many awards you have hanging on your wall, how
much money you have in your wallet, or how many followers you have on Twitter. Like life, those things are fleeting.
Now is the time to begin shaping how we want to be remembered by clinging to the intangible.
I’m not naïve. I don’t expect everyone on campus to hold hands and sing “We Are the World.”
However, the campus shouldn’t just unify to honor the life of Champion. Every Rattler reading this story should unite to honor his death with truth, honesty and respect for each person’s life.
Pray for Champion’s family, that they find peace and justice in his death.
ClarECE PolKE [email protected]
One more reason to unite
ClarECE PolKEEditor-in-chiEf
KriStin BronErdEputy opinions Editor
JorgE rodriguEz-JimEnEzdEputy nEws Editor
Larry Wright, The Detroit NewsSounds like a great idea.
Do you think the technique of waterboarding should be overturned?A. Yes B. No C. I don’t give a crap
Students and professors at Florida A&M and Florida State have been collaborating to revitalize the area between Gaines Street between the two universities .
Their plan is to fix up local alleyways and bridge the gap between both universities.
“We believe that this is a great area to try and join the two schools together,” said senior mathematics student, Erin Anderson. “We want to make the education community more cohesive and make the campuses more integrated.”
For those involved, the plan is to eventually put down sod and make the area more accessible to walk through. The area around Gaines Street is considered an “artists’ colony.”
The area is also an established location for the art community and those within political arena.
“We’re more focused on the community rather than the actual alley,” said Chris
Kenworthy, a fourth-year psychology student from Miami.
“We plan on making a presentation for the city council to educate them on the alley.”
FSU professor, Chris Robinson, has been working on the project since mid-2009.
“There’s a far bigger task for the Gaines Street district than cleaning the alley,” Robinson said.
“It should be a hub between both universities. It should be a local, unique, more youthful place that the students could share.”
Each semester holds a different task for the students and professors. This semester, the group is holding an art mural competition to be done on the side of a building to be judged next semester.
“We are going to build a multi-purpose kiosk,” said Kenworthy. “It will have seating, a planter and a bulletin board where people can put flyers up.”
The students are striving to infuse the community with art.
“It’s exciting to see the art community come together,” said Tonya Morgan, a third-year education student at FAMU.
“I love art and I know both colleges will benefit greatly from this merger.”
Another task students and professors are working toward is the promotion of local businesses.
“Students know where the mall is, but they don’t know about local shops,” said Robinson.
“College should be about the local spots like All Saints Café, Voodoo Dog and the local food trucks.”
Overall, the main goal is to make the region more accessible and friendly for the students of both universities.
“This area should be for the students,” said Robinson.
“It’s a little gritty and it’s where the ‘counter-culture’ can hang out. It needs to change and grow, but still keep its
WWW.THEFAMUANONLINE.COM [email protected]
6.LifeStyles
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2011
Award-winning author Felicia Thomas is living life and making her own rules, while doing so.
The Florida A&M graduate is the author of a book titled “80 Proof Lives”.
The book geared toward young adults takes place in the 1970s. chronicles the life of a 15-year-old girl living in Quincy, Fla., with an alcoholic mother.
While the young girl deals with the burden of empathizing with an alcoholic parent, she begins to find opportunities and various support systems that change the way she views life and also her destiny.
Thomas, also from Quincy Fla., and from what she calls one of Florida’s “best literary kept secrets.”
Thomas knew that she wanted to be an author at 11. She attended FAMU’s School of Journalism and Graphic Communication and later on attended law school at Florida State.
While “80 Proof Lives” began as a short story, it was
transformed into a book that has made Thomas the first African-American woman to win the “Florida Publishers Association Presidents Book Award” in the young adult category.
The book transcends age, race and gender and has been widely used in school systems across the country.
Using some of her life experiences, Thomas has incorporated a little bit of herself onto every page of her first of many publications to come.
“I always wanted to be an author, but always found myself looking at my obstacles instead of my opportunities. One day I just decided to take a chance,” said Thomas.
For 15 years, she practiced law and although she loved it, still found herself looking for fulfillment. A member of the Tallahassee Author’s Network, Thomas was constantly writing, keeping multiple notepads in her purse and jotting down every idea that came to mind.
Comparing herself to authors such as Toni Morrison and Maya Angelou, Thomas was afraid that her writing wouldn’t be accepted by her peers
and was apprehensive about exposing her writings for others to scrutinize.
She was forced to take a risk and has written a book that has ultimately not only changed her life but the lives of others.
Thomas has now paired with Amani Publishing and educators are using “80 Proof Lives” as a teaching tool, to get students who want to be more transparent about the issues that they struggle with daily.
“I want to have 10 books written in the next five years and I want to direct a stage play,”
said Thomas. I am also writing a sequel to “80 Proof Lives” and last but not least, I want the honor of being a keynote speaker at one of FAMU’s commencement ceremonies.”
Many FAMU students believe Thomas’ work should be commended.
“She is so inspiring,” said Jacara Melts, a sophomore English student. “For young girls who are wanting to follow in her footsteps, she has defiantly shined a light for us to dream big.”
“I love her work and I will
continue to read her books, said David Wilkerson, a third-year criminal justice student.
“She is the true epitome of a FAMU alumna success story.”
“This book has really changed my view,” said Deena Rails, a third-year biology student.
“I feel that anything is possible, no matter what your circumstances are.”
Courtney [email protected]
Author urges all to dream
Special to The FamuanFelicia Thomas received the Florida Publishers Association Presidents award.
Courtney BledsoeCorrespondent
Marissa HardgroveCorrespondent
The smell of peppers and ground beef fill the room as one walks in. The sound of laughter and applause marinate the air as the servers entertain their guests.
The newest El Jalisco’s location, a local Mexican restaurant has opened its doors for all to enjoy.
Business partner and manager, Ge naro Ramirez said business on Apalachee Parkway is not as prosperous as the one on North Monroe Street, but said he thinks business will grow.
“Lunch time is slow for now, but dinner is picking up a lot,” Ramirez said. “Business will come.”
There are six El Jalisco’s locations, all within the state of Florida.
Owner Jesus Carranza opened the first El Jalisco’s in Eastpoint, Fla. As business increased locations did too. There are three locations in Tallahassee: Apalachee Parkway, Monroe Street and Kerry Forest Parkway.
Ramirez said El Jalisco’s needs to be in convenient places for all Tallahassee residents. Ramirez said even though college students are key customers El Jalisco’s wants to be available to everyone in Tallahassee.
“El Jalisco’s runs a lot on college kids, but we want to put one on every corner in Tallahassee,” Ramirez said. “We want to cover all the residents in the city, not only college students.”
College students occupy El Jalisco’s on weekends because of popular drink specials, some only $1. Mexican food, vegetarian meals, and lunch specials bring a crowd throughout the week.
The El Jalisco’s on North Monroe Street has a packed patio every weekend. Waiter Jorge Vargas, who serves at that location said he believes business is so good because it’s near college students.
“I think the location on Monroe is the busiest because it’s the gold mine of all El Jalisco’s,” Vargas said. “I’ve been to all the locations in Tallahassee and we’re the busiest.”
Employees said they support the owner’s decision to have a new location, no matter where the location is.
“El Jalisco’s is simply the best,” said Sharielle Johnson, a third-year education student from Tallahassee. “When it comes to restaurants, El Jalisco’s has a style and flavor that remains unmatched.”
Montrell [email protected]
Old restaurant reaps benefits of new location
Montrell FainCorrespondent
Special to The FamuanArtwork on Gaines Street is being used to bring Florida A&M and Florida State together.Students and professors are planning to fix alleyways, which will hopefully bridge the gap.
Marissa [email protected]
Gaines Street brings new ideas to life for local artists
Alvin McBean/ The FamuanLocal restaurant El Jalisco’s has opened a new location.
WWW.THEFAMUANONLINE.COM [email protected]
7.Lifestyles
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2011
This “Black Friday,” Governor’s Square Mall is giving people more of an incentive to come out and shop.
This year, not only will shoppers receive retailer discounts, but also free gifts from stores inside the mall is expected to draw even more shoppers. For every $100 spent that morning, the mall will reimburse shoppers with a gift card.
“We are giving 10 percent back for every $100 spent,” said Governor’s Square operations manager, Bill Justice. “Considering all the money people usually spend on Black Friday, most people will receive at least an extra 20 percent back to spend wherever they want.”
Gift cards will be redeemable in the lower level of Sears. To receive the card, a valid receipt dated Nov. 25 and identification are required. The redemption zone opens an hour after the mall opens and will stay open for an extra six hours.
“From Black Friday until the New Year, the mall will most likely be packed, so we don’t mind showing a little appreciation for what’s to come,” said Governor’s Square General Manager Eric Litz.
In recent years, there have been complaints that stores should open late Thanksgiving night as opposed to early Friday morning. This will allow those who have issues getting to the mall early the same opportunity to find good deals. So this year, most stores in the mall will be opening at midnight, including Charlotte Russe, Journeys and Finish Line.
Tallahassee Community College student Brittany Johnson said during her freshman year there was no way for her to get to the mall so early because most other students were gone and she had to wait on the bus.
“Since there are clubs and so many other things open Friday nights, hopefully I’ll be able to get everything I need before the rush starts,” said Johnson.
Claire’s and Icing will open at 4 a.m. and Wetseal will open at 5 a.m.
After Black Friday, the Governor’s Square Mall will offer the same incentive every Friday throughout the holiday season. Gift cards are redeemable at the same location from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. and receipts must be dated Dec. 2, 9, or 16.
Ashley [email protected]
Big sales in store for FridayAshley Kiah Correspondent
Special to The FamuanShoppers rush into stores to line up in anticipation at local Target for big sales on “Black Fri-day” after camping outdoors for store to open.
Mormons vary in clothing, race and color. Outside of Doak Campbell Stadium is the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Inside the church are Mormon members that transcend the common presumption. Black Mormons.
A black Mormon seems contradictory because of Mormon doctrine, but they have been around since 1832.
Black Mormons such as Green Flake served in Fort Union, Utah, which was a birthplace for black Mormons. Although The Book of Mormon says having black skin is a “curse,” blacks have been accepted and considered equal in the Mormon faith.
Marcia Neely-Bey’ is a 49-year-old is a member of the Church of Latter Day Saints on Stadium Drive. She has been a Mormon for 21 years. Neely-Bey’ grew up Baptist in Birmingham, Ala.
But, after two Mormons showed up at her doorstep and answered her questions concerning faith, she became a Mormon.
“I have an extremely strong Baptist background,” said Neely-Bey’. “When my sister died and I took in her two youngest children, I needed the Lord’s help to raise them.”
“It was a little strange at first because I never heard anything about the Church of Latter Day Saints,” said Neely-Bey’. “Isn’t that a white church?”
The two Mormons laughed and shook their heads no. Neely-Bey’ expected her family to be the minorities in Church of Latter Day Saints, but her experience in Birmingham changed her outlook.
“In Birmingham, the Church of Latter Day Saints was 96 percent black,” said Neely-Bey’. “I felt at home, and very comfortable.”
Neely-Bey’ didn’t receive criticism inside the church, but she experienced opposition outside of the church.
“One co-worker told me that I was losing my blackness,” said Neely-Bey’. “People look at me strange, and they are always surprised because I’m an African American Mormon.”
Third-year music student, Patricia Battles is a Mormon, and a member of the Latter Day Saints’ Institute of Religion at FSU. Battles, from Orlando, cautiously invited two Mormon missionaries to her apartment.
“I would usually dismiss people if I was not interested, but they were really nice,” said Battles. “I had a ton of doubts, but they did some lessons with me.”
The two missionaries were white, but Battles felt accepted.
“I joined and met some really great friends,” said Battles. “They never looked at me differently because I was black.”
Alma chapter three verse six in The Book of Mormon states that black skin is a “curse of transgressions.” Battles was criticized because of her Mormon belief.
“They would say I was adopted by white people, and that there is no way you were born to black people being in this church,” said Battles.
The Salt Lake City Mormon Temple is the headquarters for the Church of Latter Day Saints. Sister Carter, a member of this temple, Mormons reach out to blacks, and do not discriminate.
“There were many pioneers in Africa who spread the Gospel,” said Carter. “We speak to everyone.”
“Hi…Remember me?” asks a familiar voice in a robotic monotone.
Definitely, Za, and welcome back.Gym Class Heroes finally released
“The Papercut Chronicles II” last Tuesday, several months after the chart-topping, and oddly catchy (more on that in a minute), “Stereo Hearts ft. Adam Lavine” debuted.
And, yes, GCH is back – for real, this time.
Forget “The Quilt (2008).” They have. This is a stronger a l b u m f e a t u r i n g the band’s t r a d e m a r k fun lyricism d e l i v e r e d by front-man Travis “ S c h l e p r o k ” McCoy. Fans will recognize the beats and fancy wordplay that first drew us to GCH.
F i n i s h i n g first is “Holy Horse****, Batman,” a musical rejection of contemporary religion. Warning: someone will be really offended. But it’s hard not to consider lines like “But I’ve heard The Devil wears designer clothes; so does God have a favorite brand and for that matter is He even a man?”
In true GCH style, most song titles are plays on words laced with some stinging criticism of society or relationships. In “Martyrial Girl$,” they take on the shallow, materialism of modern pop culture (Listen for the reference to an earlier song). In “Nil-Nil-Draw,” they talk about a relationship that went wrong.
There’s a lot to love on this album.I was disappointed with “Quilt.”
Too many collaborations; too much going on, and I could count all the lyrically deep and/or fun songs on one hand – minus two fingers. But if collaborations were the death of “Quilt,” they fuel “Papercut II” and earn it a cozy spot in GCH’s pantheon – above “For the Kids (2001)” and
below “The Papercut Chronicles (2005).”
I was initially turned off by “Stereo.” I like Maroon 5, but that Levine seemed to be the new presence among alternative hip-hop (See also: K’Naan’s “Bang, Bang”) was unsettling.
It really wasn’t that serious. While not the strongest GCH song, “Stereo” is an interesting transition from the introductory songs on “Papercut II” to the meat of the album. The powerful collaborations abound.
You will find yourself rocking to “Life Goes On ft. Oh Land,” the album’s second single. It’s burst of positive l y r i c i s m with a lot of p e r s o n a l i t y , like 2008’s “Shoot Down the Stars.” Two other singles – A** Back Home and The Fighter – are arguably the strongest
collaborations, with the latter featuring “One Republic” vocalist Ryan Tedder. It’s a motivational powerhouse that tag-teams well with “Life.” You fall, and then pick yourself because you’re a “Fighter” and you know that “Life Goes On.”
One glaring flaw is that the album is too short. Sorry, guys, but when your fans get used to 13-plus tracks on an album, serving up 11 just isn’t enough. I had also expected a third “Wejusfreestylin’.” Still waiting. But I’m definitely proud to call myself a GCH fan.
Note: when the last track seems to “end,” don’t eject the CD, change songs or start up a new playlist. There’s an end-credit Easter Egg, like “Band-Aids”, that rewards anyone who can withstand the two minutes of silence.
Why would they do that? Because they are GCH.
AAron TillmAn [email protected]
DuAne robin [email protected]
Fifth album brings ‘Heroes’ back to the top of the charts
True faces behind religion raises eyebrows for black community AAron TillmAnsTAff WriTerDuAne robin
online eDiTor
Special to The Famuan
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8.Sports
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2011
The 2011 Florida Classic didn’t go the way Florida A&M had hoped. As the final seconds ticked off the scoreboard Saturday night at the Citrus Bowl, jubilation was on one sideline while disbelief was on the other.
Bethune-Cookman snapped a three-game Florida Classic losing streak, beating FAMU 26-16. Last season, the Rattlers upset the Wildcats 38-27, handing BCU their only loss of the 2010 season.
It was a tough pill to swallow for faithful FAMU fans and players, especially for a confident group of Rattlers who were riding high after winning four games in a row. The team entered the Classic clinging to flickering playoff hopes.
“We let the game slip away from us,” tackle Robert Hartley said. “We came into the game with really high spirits. Maybe we were a little too high for our own good.”
Any dreams the Rattlers had were quickly erased as the Wildcats forced five Rattler turnovers, three of which were interceptions, and a safety.
FAMU looked as if it would take control of the game early after blocking a punt in the first quarter, but could only manage a 19-yard field goal by Trevor Scott to take an early 3-0 lead. That would be FAMU’s only lead of the afternoon.
“You can never take anything for granted,” senior wide receiver Kevin Elliott said. “We missed too many opportunities out there. We pretty much gave this game away.”
BCU answered back in the second quarter on a four-yard touchdown run by Anthony Jordan to give the Wildcats a 7-3 lead.
The Wildcats would add another field goal before halftime to carry a 10-3 advantage into the locker room.
The Wildcats pulled away early in the third quarter on a 43-yard touchdown run by Johnathan Moment to give the Wildcats a 17-3 lead.
The Rattlers didn’t go away quietly as quarterback Damien Fleming connected with senior wide receiver Brian Tyms on a 62-yard touchdown pass on the next drive to close the gap to seven, but that’s as close as the Rattlers would get.
Bethune-Cookman coach Brian Jenkins said the victory would carry over in the years to come.
“This was the first win, but it won’t be our last,” Jenkins said. “That was a good football team we played out there and I’m looking forward to the challenge next season.”
Bethune-Cookman dominated the Rattlers on ground, outgaining FAMU 259 to 58.
Head coach Joe Taylor said the run game was the difference.
“If you can’t run the ball, then you won’t win the game,” Taylor said. “The better team won today, but our future is bright.”
The Rattlers had a little more success through the air, however, despite throwing three interceptions. Damien Fleming went 21 for 38 for 287 yards with two touchdowns, earning the Florida Classic Co-MVP award.
FAMU finishes the season 7-4, 5-3 in the MEAC, while BCU ends up at 8-3, 6-2 in the conference.
“Don’t take anything for granted because these four years fly by faster than you could ever imagine.”
Those were the final words senior wide receiver told Kevin Elliot to all underclassmen football players after Saturday’s 26-10 loss in the Florida Classic to the Bethune-Cookman Wildcats.
The game was the final appearance of 25 seniors and the beginning of a new era in Rattler football. Head coach Joe Taylor said the leadership of this team has set a standard for its next set of stars.
“When you have guys that go the extra mile to show people how to do things the right way, the message sinks in,” Taylor said.
Freshman wide receiver Lenworth Lennon said the knowledge passed down from
the seniors will be invaluable in improving his career as a Rattler.
“Guys like Kevin Elliot and Brian Tyms can’t be found every day. They taught us how you are supposed to work at the college level,” Lennon said.
He said he was disappointed that his mentors had to end their collegiate careers without the storybook ending.
“We came out here and tried to play this game like it was our last game,” Lennon said. “Those guys came out and did their best for us to be successful on this level and we wanted them all to have a happy ending.”
Elliot said hopefully the team learned a lesson from the loss. The lesson was simple: leave no stone unturned.
“You have to fight for anything you want, especially a football game,” Elliot said. “We let our guard down in
this game, and we paid the price for it.”
Elliot may be leaving this level on a sour note, but his quest for a championship will continue. He wants to pursue an NFL career.
“That’s the plan. I want to be someone people can look back and say ‘I know that guy’ and I want it to be with me doing something I love,” Elliott said.
Quarterback Damien Fleming said the loss inspired him to come back to the game more prepared.
“It’s tough not being able to give those guys the joy we received from them,” Fleming said. “We came into this game and we made both physical and mental mistakes. The only thing we can do is come back during the spring and work through the summer and fall, just like they taught us to do.”
Dwanye Scantlebury has been playing soccer since he was eight years old. He played almost every position on the pitch, but likes playing center midfielder the most. From that position, he said, he can control how the game goes.
“I can honestly play anywhere on the field,” said Scantlebury. “I was actually raised to play defense from a very young age.”
Scantlebury is a junior occupational therapy student from Orlando.
The 21-year-old Guyanese soccer player has played the sport for most of his life, and is team captain for Florida A&M’s Club Soccer team.
Scantlebury played soccer for Ocoee High School. He tried out for the team his sophomore year, and played at both the junior varsity and varsity level.
He started on a team that went to the state semi-finals his senior year. The team placed third in the state in their division.
Along with soccer, he played football and ran track in high
school. Scantlebury was not recruited
for soccer coming out of high school.
He did not get much exposure
because of lack of support from his high school coach.
Eventually, he decided to come to FAMU.
As starting center midfielder, he controls the flow of the game.
“I can have a big impact from the position. It puts me in a position to better help any team I’m on,” Scatlebury said.
He has helped lead the team to its 5-7 start and improve its defense as well.
“As the captain of the soccer team, I feel like he is a great example to the other players,” said Ebony Lamar, a sophomore civil engineering student from St. Petersburg. He also serves as the team’s manager.
Forward Nate Odiari also appreciates Scantlebury’s leadership.
Odiari is a junior political science student from Pembroke Pines.
“I feel like he is a good leader and he does a lot for the team,” said Odiari. “He is a great player and he loves the sport.”
Frank Peterman [email protected]
Rattlers drop the ball at Classic
Seniors teach big message off the field
Controlling the game from the middle Lady Rattlers lose conference title game to Maryland Eastern Shore
Vaughn Wilson/Sports InformationFreshman quarterback Damien Fleming leads the next generation of Rattler fooball players. Fleming was 21 of 38 for 287 yards.
Keenan Doanes/The FamuanBrandon Curry is one of the senior offensive lineman that played his final game in Saturday’s Florida Classic.
Dwanye Scantlebury
File PhotoFor full coverage on the game, check out thefamuanonline.com.
CurtIs FordstaFF WrIter
royal shePherdsPorts edItor
Frank Peterman IIIstaFF WrIter
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