SPARTAN ECHO| Norfolk State University 700 Park Avenue Norfolk, Virginia 23504|NEWSROOM: 757.823.8200 E-Mail: spartanecho@nsu.edu

08.29.14Vol. 62, Issue 1

Vol. 63, Issue 1 08.28.15

VMAs expectations | Page 8VMA ExpectationsPage 8

Spartans Football PreviewPage 4

As enrollment declines at Norfolk State Univer-sity during its probation, some students worry about the status of the university, but not Inter-im President and CEO Eddie N. Moore, Jr.

Norfolk State is “total-ly caught up” on issues that led to its probation, Moore told the Spartan Echo in an exclusive in-terview on May 1. Moore said he is “complete-ly confident” that the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) will remove the probation when they revisit Norfolk State in December.

From the SACSCOC point of view, “we fell be-hind,” said Moore.

Regardless of the pro-bationary status, Moore says the university is in compliance with every Virginia state rule and regulation that they are required to uphold.

“(Prospective students) should not be concerned about the probationary status,” said Moore.

Even if the universi-ty remained on proba-tion and didn’t fix the violations outlined by SACSCOC, students who earned their degree at NSU would not have to

President Moore addresses probation, low enrollment and forging ahead

by Danielle Kirsh

worry because their de-gree is still valid.

Once the SACSCOC visit is completed in De-cember, the results will be released to the public. This means the universi-ty will learn the results at the same time as every-one else.

Even though Moore

says the university is on track with having the pro-bation removed, enroll-ment continues to drop. And a drop in enrollment means budget cuts across the board.

Continued onpage 3

NSU mourns the passing of

studentby Richelle Hammiel

Most summers are supposed to be filled with the thrills summer fun or either the stress of summer jobs. However, this summer brought upon us a tragic event that is left in the minds of our students as well as families and friends.

On June 25, we lost one of our fellow Spartans, Calnesha Brown, due to a tragic car accident that took place in her home-town of Suffolk, Virgin-ia. Brown was a soph-omore and a business/entrepreneurship major.

Gone too soon at the early age of 19, Brown left many people behind who were devastated by the news of her pass-ing. Showing just how much their dear friend’s life meant to them, a

Continued on page 2

Welcome class of 2018Page 2

Freshman survivalPage 6

The full length interview with President Moore can be viewed online at SpartanEcho.org or on the Spartan Echo’s YouTube channel. Photo by Tykhari Coles

208.28.15spartan news

SPARTAN ECHO| Norfolk State University 700 Park Avenue Norfolk, Virginia 23504|NEWSROOM: 757.823.8200 E-Mail: spartanecho@nsu.edu

few friends, also from her hometown and from NSU, willingly shared their condolences.

“Nesh was always in good spirits! Ready to crack a joke and didn’t care if you cracked one back…she reminded me of myself with the type of energy and vibe she had…always happy and believed in herself and what she wanted to do! Had an amazing future ahead of her! Ima miss baby girl,” Devin Taylor, Junior and health fitness major, said.

“A Spartan truly gone too soon. We appreciated all that you’ve done. A friend, mentor, volunteer, and sister, you will truly be missed,” Chante’ An-ders, Junior and psychol-ogy major, said.

Though Brown was put to rest by her family and friends on July 2, NSU held its own memorial service a few weeks later for those who may have been unable to attend her funeral.

There should always be unity among the stu-dents, especially for un-fortunate event. Instead of continuing to mourn, everyone should stand side by side to remem-ber the good that Brown brought to campus and to many lives.

Volunteering on cam-pus was just one honor-able deed that Brown was widely known for. That being said, many can view what she did and appreciate the time and effort she contributed to serve a better cause.

Norfolk State University mourns the loss of their fellow Spartan, Calnesha Brown, who passed away this past July in an automobile accident. Photo by Storm Calder

Continued from front page

Spartan Reflections Yearbook returns

by Richelle Hammiel

A major part of the col-lege experience is meet-ing new people and mak-ing new memories that will live with you forever. Not that those memories will ever be forgotten, but why not place them in the palm of your hands or on your computer screen so they can physically last forever?

Student Activities has made all of this possible by continuing on with the publication of the Spar-tan Reflections Yearbook, which dates back from 2006 to the present. It’s then up to the students to put their creative minds and skills together to make the yearbook run smoothly.

When looking for specif-ics as to what the students can expect to see in this year’s yearbook, advisor of the Spartan Reflections Yearbook Zia Felder pro-vided some insight.

“[There will be] high-lights of student leaders, major events and candid photos of students on campus. There will be comprehensive detailing from the students’ per-spective,” Felder said.

Some of those major

events range from home-coming activities to the Mr. & Mrs. NSU Pageant. The organizations, clubs, and teams on campus have also played signifi-cant roles in shaping the yearbook as they ulti-mately bring the campus to life. Not only does the Spartan Reflections Year-book need people to star in the yearbook, but also new people to help run it.

As of summer 2015, Felder, began accepting applications for new staff members. The deadline to apply was officially August 1st, but luckily, this was a rolling dead-line which means it is never too late to apply.

Mass communications, journalism and fine ars majors are preferred, but any other students willing to be trained are also welcome. A mini-mum 2.5 GPA is a major requirement as well as other skills outlined by Felder.

“Our staff would ideal-ly be students trained in Graphic Design, Writing and Journalism to include the Adobe Creative Suite, Photography, Copy Edit-ing and Writing,” Felder

said. Student Activities is

considering the possi-bility of paid positions toward tuition, but this is not yet guaranteed. However, this is still an opportunity to build up some experience.

With the help of the staff, the next yearbook is expected to be published and ready to go around the month of October. There is no charge for stu-dents, which is even more of a reason to support.

Unlike the typical pa-perback yearbook, the Spartan Reflections Year-book has expanded be-yond print editions and is now online and can be viewed electronically on the NSU website. On the other hand print copies are available if preferred.

“They can be mailed to graduates of that year and other students can get them from the office as re-quested,” Felder said.

2015-2016 will bring new memories for our school that everyone can cherish before and after graduation that can all be captured and viewed in the Spartan Reflections Yearbook.

It’s not too late to get involved with the Spartan Echo!

If you enjoy writ-ing, graphic design or photography, it’s not too late to get involved with the Spartan Echo.

The Spartan Echo wel-comes any and all ma-jors to join us. Previous journalism experience is not a requirement.

Our meetings are held every Tuesday and Thursday in the Student Center, room 344 at 12:30p.m.

308.28.15

SPARTAN ECHO| Norfolk State University 700 Park Avenue Norfolk, Virginia 23504|NEWSROOM: 757.823.8200 E-Mail: spartanecho@nsu.edu

spartan news

Some of the cuts will be seen in academic areas, but Moore added that administrative and man-agement positions will not be immune. He did say, however, that the ar-eas of finance and polic-ing or security will not be cut since they are areas of critical importance to the university.

Students and faculty were consulted before the budget cuts were decid-ed, Moore said.

President Moore added that 7,000 students would be an ideal enrollment figure to work toward in order to maintain current programs and market po-sition within Hampton Roads and the Common-wealth of Virginia.

To reach these numbers, Moore said the university is “broadening our reach” by talking to faith leaders in the community to en-courage students to vis-it and enroll in Norfolk State.

“We would like to in-crease our mix of out-of state students,” said Moore.

wwOut-of-state tuition is slightly higher than in-state tuition, so stu-dents paying out-of-state tuition rates would help with the university’s fi-nancial operations.

In addition, plans for university improvement will continue and extend into the summer and throughout the fall se-mester as Norfolk State University brings the pro-bation failures up to code and the university into a new era.

The ongoing renova-tions of Brown Hall will continue through the summer as the university plans to have a fully com-pleted building by 2017 and occupancy by spring 2018.

In addition to com-pleting the academic quad that comprises the student center, nursing building, library and Brown Hall, the univer-sity will also close a resi-dence hall for the fall 2015 semester.

One of the Bab-bette-Smith towers will undergo renovations in the fall since the drop in fall 2015 enrollment means fewer students will be living on campus.

According to Moore, the university is also expand-ing their mission to give more focus on athletics since the athletic depart-ment doesn’t usually get the credit they deserve.

continued from front pagePresident MooreNSU welcomes the

class of 2018

As our students have arrived on campus and have prepared for this new year, we’ve had the chance to embrace the class of 2018 and intro-duce them to what many consider a home away from home.

It has always been a mission of NSU to pre-vent all feelings of uneas-iness. Freshmen move-in a few days earlier than upperclassmen. This al-lows more time for mak-ing friends and for them to become more comfort-able with their surround-ings.

President Eddie N. Moore Jr. was also a huge help as he sought to pro-vide his positive words of wisdom in order to start the students off on the right path of success.

“Welcome to the Spar-tan family! At Norfolk State University, you will

find that we promote a nurturing and safe learn-ing environment and also have high academic ex-pectations of you,” Moore said.

The number one goal for those attending the university is that they get that degree.

It is advised that all stu-dents sign up for a tutor at the Spartan Success Center to stay on track with classes and to find classmates who could be-come study partners.

If there are misunder-standings in classes, speak with professors during their office hours.

Studying may be a dreadful part of school, but it is an essential part of this learning process. The university has provided more comfortable study-ing spaces. There are labs on the first floor of dorms and study rooms in the li-

brary. “My advice to you as

you continue your educa-tional journey is to learn as much as you can and enjoy your experience at NSU. Participate in stu-dent clubs and activities, and establish a short term and long term goal. Share these goals with your family and friends--and set out to achieve them,” Moore said.

President Moore wel-comed all students to contact him or meet with him upon arriving on campus, whether they just want to get acquaint-ed or have any questions about the campus.

“... Stop by to chat whenever you see me in the student dining room. I look forward to see-ing you around campus and always remember to Behold the Green and Gold!”

Freshmen in the S.P.A.R.C Summer Bridge program learns some useful advice about Norfolk State Univeristy classes, people, and activities before entering the school for fall 2015 semester. Photo by Storm Calder

by Richelle Hammiel

“(Prospective students) should not be concerned about the proba-tionary status.”

- President Moore

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spartan sportsNew coaching staff looks to turn

around NSU football program in 2015by Jason Gill

With the 2015 season a little over a week away, most Spartan football fans are anxious to see if this year will be any different from the agonizing sea-sons they’ve witnessed recently.

Over the past three sea-sons, the Spartans have failed to register more than four wins with their last winning season com-ing in 2011 when they won the MEAC.

Last November, head coach Pete Adrian an-nounced his retirement from the team after post-ing a 54-60 record over 10 seasons. Head coach La-trell Scott will now take over the responsibility of leading the NSU football program after coaching Virginia State Universi-ty (VSU) for the past two seasons.

Scott, who went 19-3 in his two seasons at VSU, will be tasked with trans-forming an offense that lacked the versatility and creativity necessary to keep up with a defense that finished last season ranked 2nd in the nation among football cham-pionship subdivision schools (FCS).

Many NSU fans became increasingly frustrated with the redundancy of a Spartan offense that at times made fans feel as though they were watch-ing a bad re-run of their favorite television sitcom.

“We need to make sure we are putting the kids in the right situations,” said

Scott. “I think it is on us as a coaching staff to run things that will allow us to be successful. We want to improve in every area. Its tough to put your fin-ger on just one thing.”

A major issue that has plagued the program over the last few seasons was the inability to establish a starting quarterback. It seemed the Spartans fi-nally found an answer in sophomore quarterback Terrance Ervin.

Ervin, who started nine of the 12 games for NSU last season as a fresh-man, completed 102-of-180 passes for 1,310 yards and eight passing touch-downs. He would have been the clear-cut choice to start under center this season, but it was an-nounced early in training camp that Ervin would be leaving the team and school for what the pro-gram described as “per-sonal reasons.”

NSU now turns to junior transfer quarterback Greg Hankerson as its starter. Hankerson, who came to NSU from Florida At-lantic University, has im-pressed with his ability to execute the new offense.

“It came as a surprise. I didn’t know he was leav-ing,” said Hankerson. “I came here with the inten-tion of playing. I just have to keep getting reps and looking over my play-book.”

Highlighting a talented receiving corps is senior Isaac White, who was

named to the Preseason All-MEAC 1st team. The Portsmouth native, who was named the team’s Offensive MVP, led the Spartans with 48 catches for 664 yards and seven touchdowns last season.

“The chemistry be-tween Greg and all of the receivers has been good on and off the field, so it helps translate that to the field,” said White. “I’m just working on making explosive plays down the field after I catch the ball.”

On the defensive side of the ball, NSU hopes to return to its dominant self but will depend on a different cast to do so. With the departures of linebackers Lynden Trail, who was third on the team in sacks and tackles and

Marcell Coke, who led the team in tackles, senior linebacker Deon King will be looked upon to carry an even bigger load.

King was second in tackles and sacks for NSU last season. He has also been named to the Presea-son All-MEAC 1st team as well as the STATS FCS Defensive Player of the Year Watch List.

“I think I need to fill that role now with him [Lynden Trail] gone,” said King. “I switched posi-tions this year from out-side to middle so just get-ting acclimated to middle linebacker is the biggest thing. I’m just working on my reads.”

The Spartans open up the season on Sept. 5 at Rutgers University.

Norfolk State Football prepares for the upcoming season with intense workouts throughout the sum-mer. Photo by Storm Calder

KEY NUMBERS

2: The Spartans were ranked second in the nation in total defense last season among FCS schools.

7: The Spartans are picked to finish 7th in the MEAC this year. There are also seven Spartans named to preseason All-MEAC teams. NSU’s turnover mar-gin was -7 last season. They will need to shore up that part of the game if they want to have their first win-ning season in four years.

11.7: The Spartans man-aged to average just 11.7 points-per-game which ranked 9th out of 11 teams in the MEAC. They also reg-istered just 16 total touch-downs which also ranked

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SPARTAN ECHO| Norfolk State University 700 Park Avenue Norfolk, Virginia 23504|NEWSROOM: 757.823.8200 E-Mail: spartanecho@nsu.edu

spartan sports

Spartan volleyball knows health isthe key for a bounce back season

by Jason GillNSU’s volleyball team

comes into this season trying to make amends for an abysmal 2-22 re-cord from last year. While there were many vari-ables that factored into the team’s struggles last year, injuries proved to be the most significant one.

Key players, including seniors Jasmin Flowers and Noelle Eagles, were expected to make huge contributions, but were unable to get on the court much due to injury.

“It was a weird year last year,” said head coach Brandon Duvall. “I talk-ed to a lot of coaches and they said that we’ve all been there. I guess it was just my time to be there. We thought those two se-niors would be leading the way and they both ended up having surgery prior to the season.”

Jessica Johnson, who is a senior this year and led the team in points-per-serve last season, also struggled to stay healthy. With a clean bill of health and the experience she has gained throughout her career, coach Duvall expects big things from her this season.

“Jessica just needs to improve with her physi-cality. She was one of the ones that really struggled to stay healthy,” said Du-vall. We saw her as some-one that should be 1st team All-MEAC. She has struggled with consis-tency in the past, but we look for her to be one of the best all-around play-ers on the floor.”

The Lady Spartans didn’t shy away from the tough competition last season and the same can be said for this season.

Facing one of the toughest non-conference schedules in the country could prove to help NSU in the long run.

“We want to be success-ful, but we purposely tried to compete against some very tough competition,” said Duvall. “In the scheme of things we’re not vying for an at-large bid [into the NCAA tournament]. The only way we can make the tournament is to win the MEAC.”

The key statistical catego-ry that the Lady Spartans know they must correct this season is the amount of errors committed. Last season NSU committed 600 errors compared to just 357 by their opponents.

“That was 100 percent the issue…the only thing that separates the starters from the non-starters is the level of execution,” said

Duvall. “When we start-ed to lose our starters we realized that the people who did get a chance to play didn’t execute as well. That’s where we suffered the most was the amount of errors we were committing. We had a lot of inexperience on the floor.”

The success of this year’s team will bank on the level of improvement from several players. Ev-ery season coach Duvall looks for several women to take the next step.

“One of the big ones is Dominique Parker. She is going into her junior year and she has been a starter on this roster for a cou-ple of seasons now. We’re really looking for her to come out and showcase her stuff.

“Another one, which is tough to say she strug-

gled, but we watched her play well until she got hurt is Hope Forsythe. She is a rising sophomore. The deal with her is she didn’t really get a chance for anyone in the confer-ence to see her play. We saw her in the preseason and she did really well,” said Duvall.

The Spartans, who are using the fact they’ve been picked to finish 6th in the MEAC as motiva-tion, open up the season on August 28 when they travel to Williamsburg to face La Salle in the Tribe Invitational.

“I actually kind of like that we are picked so low. A lot of that is based off of what happened last year. If we are mentally prepared and physical-ly healthy, the MEAC doesn’t know what we have,” said Duvall.

2 0 1 5 N S U F O O T B A L L S C H E D U L ERUTGERS Sept. 5@PISCATAWAY, N.J.

OLD DOMINION Sept. 12@NORFOLK, V.A.

MARSHALL Sept. 19@HUNTINGTON, W.V.

HAMPTON Sept. 26BATTLE OF THE BAY@NSU

HOWARD Oct. 3@WASHINGTON D.C.

NC A&T Oct. 10EDUCATION APPRECIATION DAY@NSU

BETHUNE-COOKMAN Oct. 24@DAYTONA BEACH, F.L.

N.CAROLINA CENTRAL Oct. 31@DURHAM, N.C.

SAVANNAH STATE Nov. 7HOMECOMING@NSU

S.CAROLINA STATE Nov. 14MILITARY APPRECIATION/SENIOR DAY@NSU

MORGAN STATE Nov. 21@BALTIMORE, M.D.

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spartan lifestyle

College students’ guide to money

Every student could use a little extra money in their pocket. When it comes to college, there are always times when money is needed, wheth-er it is for food, books or even a party. There are many job opportunities that are available right from the comfort of your dorm.

Many students sell items, whether it is snacks, hair, party tickets and even the occasional service such as a photo shoot session. Selling old textbooks to sites such as eBay, Amazon, or even Chegg can put some change in your pocket. Another new paid op-portunity is taking online surveys. Some sites offer cash, gift cards and even other gifts as a bonus.

Tutoring is widely needed on college cam-puses and can be a ful-filling job when done. Of-fering to tutor students in classes and subjects that you are successful in can not only put cash in your pocket, but the feeling of knowing that you helped someone will also come as a bonus. Tutoring ses-sions can range from $20-$50 depending on the course difficulty. Anoth-er alternative is to seek tutoring employment at on-campus tutoring cen-ters.

Technology repair is great for those who are tech savvy. For those who know how to navi-gate computers offering

computer repair ser-vices can be a good way to earn money and is a great way to test your skills hands-on.

Party promoters are always needed on col-lege campuses to get the word out about the next “party of the semester.” Most promoters earn money for tickets sold and can usually score a free ticket themselves. This can be done online through social media and as well as campus wide when hard tickets are being sold.

Uber is the newest way to make money by doing something that is regularly done anyways. Becoming an Uber driver is easy as long as you have a car and some time. You can set your own schedule and possibly meet some cool people along the way.

Applying for work-study is an easy way to earn money on campus. Working right where you study and working with friends is always great.

Lastly, getting a part time job is always an option. Whether it be retail or fast food, these jobs are a guaranteed check. Most employ-ers are flexible and will work around your school schedule and coordinate work hours with what best works for you.

by Shareen Nicholson

Starting your college career can bring a whirlwind of emotions. Photo by Storm Calder

Freshman Survival: Life at NSUby Shareen Nicholson

Setting foot on a col-lege campus can be an exciting and scary time. Most freshman are excit-ed about being in a new environment, but the feeling of being lost and unsure can be unsettling.

When it comes to Nor-folk State, there are things every incoming freshman should know. Keep in mind that some choices made during ones fresh-man year can impact their entire college career.

Coming in with a posi-tive attitude can make for a great semester, espe-cially with goals in mind of what one wants to achieve. Here at Norfolk State anyone will tell you that your experience is what you make it. If you choose to stay in your room and not enjoy all that campus has to offer, you will not enjoy your time here. Getting out and making friends is a great first step to getting involved on campus.

When it comes to friends, your roommate is usually the first friend you will make. Having a positive rooming situation will help you to adjust to living with someone else and will help support a positive environment. Be-ing respectful and mind-ful of your roommate’s space and things is also very important.

Dining times on campus vary, so it is vital that you become familiar with the times. Also, be mindful of how often you are eating based on your meal plan choice. Being aware can be the difference between using your “swipes” and using your dining dollars.

“Remember that dining dollars don’t start over every week like meal plan does, once the dollars are gone that’s it,” Senior La-trace Holland said.

Another thing to keep track of is your time. Most new college students learn the hard way that keeping

track of assignment dead-lines, campus activities and trying to have a social life can be difficult. Using a planner or calendar can keep you on top of what needs to be done.

Getting to know your professors is another im-portant tip.

“Talk to your profes-sors, have a relationship with them and send them thank you letters at the end,” Junior Ravin Vick said.

While there are count-less tips to be given about having a successful time in college, there is no spe-cific way to go about it.

“The best advice to be given to freshman is for them to remember why they’re here which is to get their education, be-ing here is the beginning getting out is the goal,” Senior Chelsea Simpson said.

e d i t o r s

Jason GillSports Editor

Danielle KirshEditor-in-Chief

Chantelle PoliteOnline/Managing Editor

Storm CalderMultimedia Editor

Mahogany WaldonEntertainment Editor

Shareen NicholsonLifestyle Editor

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SPARTAN ECHO| Norfolk State University 700 Park Avenue Norfolk, Virginia 23504|NEWSROOM: 757.823.8200 E-Mail: spartanecho@nsu.edu

Richelle HammielNews Editor

spartan lifestyleNew seasons, new fashions

by Shareen Nicholson

When it comes to the fall, most people feel that it is the best time to show off their fashion style. While trends come and go, some things just never go out of style and most people take advantage of that.

“I would say it’s the ability to have multiple different styles, like being able to accessorize with blazers, hats and differ-ent kinds of shoes. It’s the best season because it’s not too hot or too cold for most pieces of clothing so you can really expand your outfits in many ways” senior Robert Wil-liams lll said.

Fall weather usually brings out the newest trends and here on cam-pus, there is no doubt that these trends will be seen. This fall the fashion trends seem to be over-sized sweaters, double denim, dark colors, car-gos, and joggers. While many of these will be showcased on Instagram, Tumblr, and even your

favorite stores, many peo-ple will argue that it’s not what you wear but how you wear it.

While your favorite stores will carry all of the latest styles, thrifting has swept the nation allow-ing style to be “cool” and “old-school”. Most items found in thrift stores are old, have a vintage flair

and a one of a kind style that can’t be duplicated. With many thrift stores in the Hampton Roads area, there’s sure to be some-thing for everyone.

Boots are always a fall favorite because they al-low for versatility. They can be worn dressed down and dressed up and are a comfortable

footwear choice. A time-less favorite has been Timberland boots which can be found in a vari-ety of colors and styles to accompany any outfit choice.

“I love the fall because I can easily throw on a pair of jeans or leg-gings with some boots and a top and hurry off to class. They’re com-fortable to navigate in around campus and there are so many dif-ferent kinds; Short ones, tall ones, you just can’t go wrong,” sophomore Tiara Jacobs said.

Don’t forget your ac-cessories. No fall fash-ion style is complete without them. Scarves are always a go to item to add to any outfit and can add an extra layer of warmth on cold days. Chunky jewelry, gold watches and chains con-tinue to be an ongoing trend throughout the seasons.

A young model stops and turns at the end of the runway during a Ralph Lauren children;s Fall fashion show, Wednesday Aug. 5, 2015 in New York. Polo hosted a show to promote children’s litera-cy but also to promote the October film, “Pan,” which is Peter Pan’s origin story. Photo by Julie Jacobson | Associated Press

Our President’s Schedule

Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2:00-5:00 p.m.Student Office Hours(Student Center, room 331)

Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2:00-5:00 p.m.Faculty & Staff Office Hours(Student Center, room 331)

Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2:00-5:00 p.m.Student Office Hours(Student Center, room 331)

Student Office Hours: Current students can request a 30-min-ute appointment with the Presi-dent in his satellite office at the Student Center.

Faculty and Staff Office Hours: Current employees can request a 30-minute appoint-ment with the President in his satellite office at the Student Center.

HOW TO REQUEST AN APPOINTMENT TO MEET WITH THE PRESIDENT

Appointments to meet with President Moore can be requested by completing the APPOINTMENT REQUEST FORM 2015-2016 form at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/BLH9CZY. Identify at least two (2) dates and times at least three (3) business days in ad-vance of your preferred date and time. The request will be forwarded to the President’s Office for review and scheduling. Reason-able efforts to provide a confirmation of the appointment date/time or an alternate with-in 48 hours of the request will be made.

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SPARTAN ECHO| Norfolk State University 700 Park Avenue Norfolk, Virginia 23504|NEWSROOM: 757.823.8200 E-Mail: spartanecho@nsu.edu

spartan entertainment“Good Kid” with

some “Bad Blood”by Mahogany Waldon

After taking a look at the nominations for this year’s Video Music Awards presented by MTV, one gets the feel-ing that “we gon’ be al-right!”.

Compton Rapper, Kendrick Lamar is up for several nominations including a few for his feature on Taylor Swift’s “Bad Blood.”

The “Good Kid” has come a long way from his hit album “Good Kid, Maad City,” but his vers-es are still true to his so-cially controversial style.

Lamar’s song “Alright” has three nominations in-cluding Best Male Video and Best Hip-Hop Video. The politically charged video that focuses on police brutality across the nation was dropped earlier this summer af-ter Lamar’s performance of the song at this year’s BET Awards. The song “Never Catch Me” by Flying Locust, also fea-turing Lamar, has a nom-

ination as well.Lamar is also up for

nominations for his song with Swift “Bad Blood.”

The heroine of Hol-lywood Swift has five nominations for the hit that was supposedly written as an ode to her beef with former BFF Katy Perry.

Swift has also caused some bad blood over the summer with fellow art-ist Nicki Minaj.

Minaj took to Twitter to announce her disdain for her video “Anacon-da” not receiving the nomination she want-ed due to what she be-lieves is a lack of Black female artistry repre-sented by the awards. Swift reacted to Minaj on Twitter by defending the Awards Show and saying it wasn’t about race and women should stand together.

This year’s VMA Awards will be hosted by Miley Cyrus on Aug. 30.

Miley Cyrus announced via her twitter account that she would be hosting the 2015 Video Music Awards. Photo by Jack Plunkett | Associated Press

This summer, First Lady Michelle Obama traded in her boogie shoes and dance moves to plan her newest initia-tive, the Beating the Odds Summit.

The event took place late July at the White House.

The First Lady invited 140 students who are pre-paring to attend college who came from back-grounds in either special needs, low income, un-der served, homelessness and foster homes, the students who have de-fied the odds that were stacked against them.

The Press Office of the White House said that “the event will focus on sharing tools and strate-gies students can use to successfully transition to college.”

The only invited musi-cian to the Summit was DMV rapper, Wale.

Known to speak on is-sues including education, misogyny, and being the “one” who made it, Wale was the perfect perform-er for the students. Wale has had his own journey with higher education.

Born Olubowale Vic-tor Akintimehin, rapper Wale is of Nigerian de-scent. He attended Rob-ert Morris University and Virginia State University on football scholarships, but he dropped out of school to pursue his mu-sic career.

Wale has one of the most poetic rap styles in the industry, staying true to the mantra that rap is “rhythm assisted poetry.”

Wale was also on the panel of speakers for the Summit.

Despite not finishing school, Wale’s partner-ship with the First Lady on this initiative is admi-rable.

Rapper Wale and the First Lady team up for Beating the Odds Summit

Michelle Obama has been a champion for the youth who are the future history makers.

She has made history in her own life being the first African American First Lady of the United States.

“I wouldn’t be where I am without education. And I say that time and time again. I was bless-ed to have parents who didn’t go to college, but they knew that an in-vestment in education was the best gift they could give me,” Michelle Obama said at the Beat-ing the Odds Summit.

For students who prob-ably never dreamed of being invited to the White House, seeing two people who also beat var-ious odds in their lives at this event was sure to give them the drive they need to reach higher.

by Mahogany Waldon

First Lady Michelle Obama is joined by rapper Wale in the White House for the 2015 “Beating the Odds Summit.” More than 100 students learned new techniques and straegies to help their transition from high school to college. Photo by Cliff Owen | Associated Press