Nubian Message

Wednesday, Aug. 27, the African American Cultural Center (AACC) welcomed new students and old into the building that has become a second home to most of N.C. State’s African American population. This open house introduced students to the vibrant, active cultural side of African American campus life. Not only did students meet faculty members, but they also became acquainted with committed students, as the presidents of several different organizations lined the floor of the stage in the Washington Sankofa Room in Witherspoon.

The Beta chapter of Theta Nu Xi Multicultural Sorority Inc. in conjunction with Drumstrong hosted Drum Circle: Beating Cancer Thursday August 28th in the Bragaw Activity Room to bring a variety of students together and raise cancer awareness.

How black is “too black?” How does one know if they are not “black enough?” Does race completely define how someone should act? These questions of personal identity have been with me for quite sometime and I have recently decided to create my own meaning to them. People always say “Be yourself” and “Be comfortable in your own skin” but sometimes society makes it hard to fit the skin you’re in. Family, friends, the media and etc. have influenced our perception of what being black is. I believe some of these ideas have hurt more than they helped. Those people we do not understand we tend to push away and force them to seek comfort somewhere else.

After Solange Knowles released her very first album, “Solostar,” it was deemed a failed attempt at trying to step out of the shadow of her famous sister, Beyoncé Knowles. However, she has returned with a sophomore album “Sol-Angel and the Hadley St. Dreams” that has a psychedelic feel, and, in my opinion, is lyrically, beautiful. She enlisted the help of big names in the industry such as the Neptunes, and Cee-Lo to create this retro work of art. It seems that Sol-Angel has truly found her voice by taking the reins of her career.

Higher education-education beyond the grade school years-has been in existence for many years; people have used it to further their careers, to network with various people, to develop creativity and talent in various areas of life, and the list goes on. At different points in time in our nation’s history, including many people, especially the minority populations, really had to endure many struggles and hardships to be able to attain a higher level education. Now we have the resources and tools to become more educationally successful than ever. The question is this: In this day and time, are we really tapping into the resources that allow us to get involved with higher education?

As of July 1st, what was formally known as the Office for Diversity and African American Affairs was renamed to suit a larger group of students and staff and is now the Office for Diversity and Inclusion.

Last year was a good year, but this year has to be better. Last year was filled with many great programs and activities, especially in the African American community. However, as great as these programs were, not very many were as successful as they should have been. There is a great need for more participation from the African American community, particularly Black males, in the programs that are done for us. Last year had a great start, just like the start of this year, with many new freshmen willing to get involved in our organizations. But hopefully unlike last year, this willingness will not die off as the year progresses, leading to too many empty seats in programs, and clubs suddenly searching for lost members. There needs to be a change from last year, more Black students need to be actively working in their own community.

Do you know there is a reading room featuring a myriad of books by African American writers right here on campus? This is a very special room that has many readings from the African American race, and it is waiting for you to grace it with your presence.