Dr. Terri Massie-Burrell: More Than Just Your Average Speaker

On Wednesday, February 27, 2013 Frostburg State University hosted a session in Compton 226 titled ‘Academics and Greek Life’. The speaker, Dr. Terri Massie-Burrell spoke with students about balancing life as a student with involvement in Greek Life. The session allowed students to learn about the different problems often associated with students’ academics while involved in Greek Life as well as solutions.

Dr. Massie-Burrell serves as the assistant provost for Student Success and Retention at FSU. According to FSU’s website, her focus is on “assessing FSU’s current issues and challenges relating to retention and graduation rates.” Her background in aiding students with their academics makes her an obvious choice to speak about a successful balance of school and extracurricular activities.

As the event started, many students trickled into the room. Some wore their Greek letters proudly while others seemed to be interested in just learning the lesson. Janine Fields, vice president of Greek council, said that she “looked forward to hearing how she can balance all of her responsibilities.”

            Shortly before 7pm, the time at which the seminar started, Dr. Massie-Burrell entered the room and it was obvious that students took note of her presence with both respect and anticipation.

            As Dr. Massie-Burrell’s presentation began, it became obvious that she was more than just your average speaker. As she spoke on the issues that most students have such as procrastination, she would ask for input form the audience, prompting participation from many people in the room, including Fields. “It was a very funny conversation,” she explains. Dr. Massie-Burrell’s ability to add humor in her voice made her a hit with students.

            Rebecca Reid, senior psychology major, agrees. “She kept it all so entertaining,” she explains. “It was entertaining and informative all at the same time,” she continues.

One point made by Dr. Massie-Burrell was that no one has free time but instead flexible and inflexible. She explained that flexible time was when one was able to do other things and inflexible was not. Another point she brought up was that many students consider time that they could be doing work as time that they can’t, such as in between classes.

“How many of you all think that an hour in between classes isn’t enough time to do anything?” Her question prompted many students in the room to raise their hands with bits of laughter. “See, and what you guys don’t realize is that is time that y’all could be studying or at least sending a few emails.”

            Her ability to relate to students is what made her so well received by many. Edwin Holandez, senior Information Technology major, agrees. “It’s like she got us.”

            In the end, many students walked out with lessons that they felt they could take with them into their own lives. Fields goes on to say that “she motivated me to re-evaluate my priorities.”  With Dr. Massie-Burrell’s effective and relatable speaking styles, there is no doubt that other students felt the same way.

            

Edgewood Commons Activities

Edgewood Commons Apartments has events for their residents every week. These events are usually movie nights, game nights, fitness club, and many other activities. During this week, there was an Avengers game Tuesday night, a movie on Wednesday night and had a came called “Name That Tune” on Thursday. On Tuesday, the Avengers game dealt with tossing beam bags threw a corn hole. Also, people had to throw Frisbees on couches which were placed in a vertical line. The couches represent one point, two points and three points. The residents had to try to throw the Frisbee and make it land on one of the couches. “I had fun, I got to show off my skills” said Derek Kreamer. The person that had the most points at the end of the night won the Avengers movie on DVD. On Wednesday, they played the movie “Here comes the Boom” the Edgewood’s game room. “The movie was good, Miguel which was one of the people in the movie was funny as shit” stated Daniel Faison junior. The main event that I covered was the Name that Tune activity on Thursday night starting at 8:00 pm. The event was hosted by four RA’s Rasheed, Brittany, Veronica and Sarah.

            On Thursday night, many residents gathered in the main lounge of Edgewood Commons Apartment. These residents and some of the RA’s sat in the couches and started the activity. The people listened to a clip of a song and had to write down the artist and name of song on a piece of paper. “We decided to have this event because it was Black History Month and we wanted to celebrate it yet, plus everyone loves music” said Resident Assistant Veronica Morris. The RA’s put a playlist together of songs that were from African American artist or groups from the past. Some of these people were Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Salt & Pepper and many other people. Before starting the activity I asked a few people why they decide to come to this event they responded:  “I decided to come because I listen to a lot of music from the 60s up and I want to win a prize” said Brooke Greenstreet. “I came because Brooke did not want to come alone so I came with her, but it also seemed interesting. In the first round, Brooke Greenstreet came in first place and Jasmine Brantch came in second place. They both received prizes of Now 45 CD’s. “I’m so happy I won” said Greenstreet. Some people arrived after the activity begun and wanted to play but it was too late. “I would have felt confident if I played the game” said Greg Giles. After the first round of the activity, the group continued to play the game but they played all genres of music for fun. “I feel like I cannot match lyrics and songs” stated Rosemary Rosser.


 

By: Desiree Allison-Towson

Age is Just a Number When it Comes to Coaching

14-year-old Hunter Mallow leads his team to victory!



Playoff action for local youth basketball teams tipped off last night in the heart of the igloo at Northern Garrett High School. The first game of the night was the 4^th seed Mountaineers against the 6^th seed Bearcats. The Bearcats had not won a game all season, so it came as no surprise that the Mountaineers won handily 25-5. The Mountaineers will face the Cardinals tonight at 7:30 p.m.

The game of the season is what followed. The 3^rd seed Hoyas faced the 5^th seed Wildcats. The Hoyas had only lost two games all season entering the playoffs, and that was to the top two seeds; whereas the Wildcats had only won two games all season. The Hoyas were projected to blow the Wildcats away.

Coach of the Wildcats
Hunter Mallow

The young, spirited coach of the Wildcats, Hunter Mallow (pictured at left), had a different plan in mind. When asked about the game before tip off, he said,” Number 10 is going to be our only real problem. He has dribbling skills of most varsity players, and rarely misses an open jump shot. If we stop him we stand a chance.” When asked how he planned on stopping number 10, Justin Cox, Mallow just smiled and said, “I have a few things in mind.”

As the players were announced and the game began, it was easy to see the excitement in all the players faces, as well as the parents and fans.

The Hoyas jumped out to an early 6-0 lead in the first quarter. Coach Mallow then called a timeout to rally the troops. He sent his team back onto the court in a triangle-and-two defensive set up, which means that two players double team the best player and the remaining three stay in a triangle zone formation.  This defense quickly proved successful with a few quick turnovers forced by the Wildcats, and within three minutes the score was 8-6, which is how the first quarter ended.

In the break between quarters the Wildcats were filled with enthusiasm about their comeback, and Mallow assured them that if they kept up what they were doing, they would win the game.

The second quarter started off ugly for the Wildcats. Within the first three minutes the Hoyas were winning 14-6. It seemed as though the Hoyas coach had figured out the defense, and they were cracking it every time down the court. Mallow kept encouraging his players from the bench to keep in the same formation defensively, and at half the score was 16-8.

At the half, parent of a Wildcats player Christy Funk stated that, “The kids just look dead right now. They came out ready to play, but it looks like this one is about to get away from us.”

As the second half began, there was no sign of surrender in the eyes of any Wildcats. It was obvious that Coach Mallow had made some adjustments at the half. Within the first two minutes of the third quarter the Wildcats had scored six points, and held the Hoyas to 0. The score didn’t change, and the quarter closed with a score of 16-14, in favor of the Hoyas.

The fourth quarter began with more intensity than ever anticipated in a youth league basketball game. The players were diving on the floor for every ball, and playing great defense. The entire quarter was a back-and-forth battle. With 30 seconds left on the clock, the score was 20-18 in favor of the Hoyas.

Coach Mallow called a timeout, and got his players together for one last speech. He said, “Play with everything you have guys because the next 30 seconds determines the end of your season.” With one last chant of “1-2-3 Wildcats!!!” the team headed back to the floor.

The ball was inbounded to the Hoyas, and as their best player began dribbling down the court, the ref blew the whistle. There had been a traveling violation called on the Hoyas, so it was now the Wildcats ball with 16 seconds left, still down by two.

The ball inbounded to 6^th grader Katie Bittinger, and she quickly dribbled up the court. By the time she reached half court the clock was at ten seconds. You could have cut the tension in the room as a knife, and the crowd began to count down.

That’s when 4^th grader Carder Durst set a screen for Katie at the 3-point line allowing her to dribble into the paint. With time winding down Katie threw the ball up towards the basket. Everyone in the stands held their breath as the ball traveled through the air. The ball went through the net just as Katie was thrown to the ground by a defender. The basket was good and there was a foul on the play, so Katie got a free throw attempt.

With three seconds remaining on the clock, Katie Bittinger stepped up to the line, took a few breaths, bounced the ball a few times, and shot. The ball swooshed right through the net, and the crowd went wild.

The score was 21-20 in favor of the Wildcats with three seconds remaining. The Hoyas inbounded the ball to their best player, and he fired up a half court shot, but it was to no avail. The Wildcats had upset the Hoyas in the first round of playoff action.

After the game I spoke with Katie Bittinger’s mom, Jodie Bittinger, about her daughters amazing performance. “I am just almost in tears right now. Words cannot describe how proud I am of not only her, but also this entire team this season. It has been a battle all season, but I have to hand it to Hunter Mallow. That boy never lost faith in these kids, and they needed someone like that.”

It’s amazing how the faith that one 14-year-old coach had in a group of kids not only inspired them, but also led them to victory. It just goes to show that you can have a positive impact no matter how old you are.

The Wildcats face the Panthers at 8:30 tonight for round two action.

Vagina Monologues: Comedy with a Very Serious Subject

            The Pealer Recital Hall in the Performing Arts Center at the Frostburg State University campus was absolutely packed this past Friday with students, faculty and members of the local community. They all had gathered to watch a performance about the vagina. The stage was brightly lit with fifteen chairs arranged in a semi-circle facing the audience. The performers all wore slightly outrageous clothes; many would call their outfits scandalous. All of the girls danced onto the stage, pumped for their opening night performance.

            The performance consisted of a series of monologues written by Eve Ensler. Each of the monologues featured a different character, ranging from a young African American woman to a former tax lawyer who made an interesting career change. Each of the women told their own story, filled with real details and sensory language. Each of the ladies clearly had a vested interest in relaying the story of their character's experiences. The comedic timing was excellent, and the show went on with only minor glitches.
            Near the end of the performance, a short video clip was played featuring a number of scenarios in which women were marginalized. Rape, assault, and other violent acts were displayed in this video. The end of the clip showed the women rising up against the violence and acting against their oppressors. Afterward, the performers joined hands, giving their own speeches concerning the sexual, verbal, and emotional abuse that surround the overall issue of female oppression.

            The message struck hard at the heart and soul of the crowd. At the beginning of the performance, the opening speech even acknowledged the resources of the counselors, in case any audience members were in need of psychological help. The director clearly anticipated some very powerful emotions to be evoked by this performance. The audience members certainly did react to the whole performance, the video in particular, when addressing the message of the performance. Celina Bevington described the performance as “amazing”, but the video “was too much on a down note and they didn't leave themselves much time to raise the audience back up.”  Rachel Clark thought the video “made a lot of people aware of problems like that.” Heather Wahl, however, thought that the video was a “little bit extreme. It had some stuff I didn’t want to see.” She did say that she thought, “the message about no violence against women should be out there, but it could be communicated in another way.”

            These overall conflicting views concerning the video and the message certainly emphasized the impact that the performance had. People each reacted differently depending on their perspective concerning the issue. This spectrum of responses speaks of the impact of the video and the performers. It was a soul wrenching experience that really puts you into a new perspective on the gender differences issue. The entire performance really struck at the heartstrings of the audience. For that fact alone, the performers should be proud of themselves and their performance. It was an excellent show, and it should be recommended to anyone interested in attending.

Bone Chilling American History

Monday, February 25, 2013, Frostburg State University held an event on the history of African- Americans.  This event was called “Black History 101,” it was a mobile museum of black history art held in the ARMAH at Frostburg State University. The event was said to have a distinguished guest speaker Professor Griff from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame nominated Hip-Hop group, Public Enemy.

              

  The hall lights were dimmed to create the ambience of a museum in the hall. Students lined up outside to be greeted by the front door coordinators, who asked for signatures to benefit their event’s cause. Students lined up on the outside of the neatly decorated tables where historical pieces lay. The curator Khalid el-Hakim set up the artifacts as if you were walking through history, starting from the late 1800s to the early 1990s. The exhibit began with early slavery where slaves were being sold to the highest bidder. The table was filled with fliers, pictures, and bone chilling artifacts that were slavery oriented. There was a sign positioned at the top the table, with bold writing that said “to be sold and let by public auction, Monday the 18^th of May, 1829.” There were also a block of cotton and a pair of rusty, brown, and heavy shackles on the table. Mr. el-Hakim said that he “purchased this particular piece from an antique store. It was found in a barn on a plantation in South Carolina.” Faces began cringing as they continued down the exhibit. There was a picture of the KKK rallying themselves in a community basement, pictures of burning crosses, and pictures of African slaves hanging from trees. The atmosphere thickened as people held their chest in unbelief and shock. Sierra Messam says that she “cannot believe that our country was built on something so disgusting and terrible.”  There were also pictures of entertainment objects that ridiculed and mocked the African race.  Toys, gifts, cards, books, and music were being sold for the entertainment of the white race. Toys with black kids dressed in ridiculous clothing, books with derogatory statements; “black face” was a type of theatrical performance that mocked and stereotyped slave living. All of this was the beginning of America’s history.

                The exhibit moved on with the history of segregation and the fight of African- Americans freedom.  Posters of Malcolm X who spoke on black supremacy and advocated the civil rights movement; Martin Luther King who spoke on peace, equality in society, and lead the March on Washington; Muhammad Ali one of the greatest black athletes in history who out boxed whites and other opponents to reach the top; so may greats who fought for the civil freedom we have today. He also had a whole table dedicated to the Black Panthers and the “Black Power” movement.  Great black actors like Denzel Washington and Angela Bassett were recognized in the exhibit. Alexandra Lee pointed to the Denzel Washington picture saying “I just can’t get enough of Denzel.” There was one whole table involving black music and musicians that took a stand against racism in the early ‘80s and ‘90s; People like Ice Cube, NWA, A Tribe Called Quest, The Fugees and so many other great artists. Over all this was a great event and it taught students the relevance and importance of black history.  

               

               

NECESSARY! at Frostburg State University

Frostburg State University presented “Black History NECESSARY! Exhibit and Talk” with founding member of the hip hop group Public Enemy, Professor Richard Griff, on February 25, 2013 in the Lane University Center Alice R. Manicur Assembly Hall. Public Enemy started with five boys from Roosevelt, Long Island, New York, “thinking that we were going to be dead or in jail after three years for what we were trying to do” says Professor Griff. What the group was trying to do was change the music industry, speak truth to power and move people out of their comfort zone so that they could hold a mirror image to American’s to show what was really going on with racism, all through the medium of hip hop.

Before getting into his speech he says to the audience, “get out of your comfort zone and open up to have this particular dialogue”. February is black history month to learn, understand, and acknowledge where the black culture came from, “act like it is impossible to fail”, Professor Griff says, to help engage everyone in the “Talk” no matter your ethnicity.

What is viewed in the world today about black culture is distorted with the biggest help of rap music. Yes, rap music and not hip hop. As Professor Griff puts it, “you are looking at what is going on in the world through a distorted lens”. His goal was to clear that away so that the audience can view black history and view themselves through a lens very clear. Bringing humor to the room as he gets ready to present his visual aid the audience laughs, he mentions being technically challenged like his height, being 5’5”, and his goal in life was to be tall.

We all have two things in common, being humans and sharing the same universe. What we do not have in common is our opinions and views on history. Starting a dialogue, Professor Griff says to the audience, “When the story of the hunt is told, and it’s always told by the hunter, will the lion fail”? Professor Griff quotes an audience member, ‘as the conqueror you are the one that’s writing the history books’, commenting it was beautifully said. Getting to his point about history being told, he asks “Who would you want to tell your story”? The best person that could tell your story is you; black history “should be told to us by us”, he says.

Black history month derived from “Negro History Week”, started by Cater G. Woodson. There was a book written by Cater G. Woodson called The Mis-Education of the Negro to “educating young whites and blacks” says Professor Griff. History being told of black people being bought with manillas (bronze or copper formed into a horseshoe shape) sold to the highest bidder, such idea of auctioning.  A quote by Malcolm X, “We declare our right on this earth to be a human being, to be respected as a human being, to be given the rights of a human being in this society, on this earth, in this day, which we intend to bring into existence by any means necessary”. A different way to get Malcolm X’s message to people, Public Enemy put “by any, every, and all means necessary” into a song to get people to understand what Malcolm X was talking about. What is happening today is very different and distorted from where the black culture came from. There are lyrics being sung that are disrespecting black history instead of trying to get listeners to understand black history as Public Enemy did in their music. Professor Griff uses the example of the rapper Lil Wayne saying ‘beat that p**** up like Emmett Till’, “being very disrespectful to the legacy of Emmett Till, black people, and women”. Very eye opening to how music alone has changed and gone in another direction. Christine Parisi relates saying, “I think it was extremely eye opening and a rude awakening to our generation”.

It was for sure NESECCARY! for Professor Griff to acknowledge the change and distortion of black history and where is has gone. Jasmine Brown comments “Really informative, from earlier slave days to now”. I know that I learn new facts about black history and how today’s generation has changed and also did James Tyson saying, “I enjoyed the event overall. I learned that today’s generation need to step”.

When you have a chance take a look at Professor Griff website and also go to YouTube to hear his speeches.

-LaVonne Sauls

Clean Off Your Lens: Do You Really Know?

 

By: Kayla Miller

 

February should not be the only month when we acknowledge Black History Month. Last evening Frostburg State University had the honor to listen and talk with Professor Griff. Griff a lecturer and founding member of the hip hop group Public Enemy was inspiring.

Griff brought Frostburg a new look on black history with the mobile museum. The Museum is a collection of thousands of artifacts from slavery to the culture of hip hop. One artifact that Griff talked about was the currency used to purchase African Americans called the Manila. Griff expressed that the Manila has so much power and is a constant reminder of the history.

The entire presentation Griff showed so much passion and wanted everyone to speak up and get out of their comfort zones. Everyone views history differently and “we are looking at the world through a distorted lens,” said Griff. We are not really understanding history and what is going on in the world. Griff wants everyone to realize of the history and actually take grasp on it and see what is still going on in the world. “Rolling the past forward” is how Griff described what he is doing with the mobile museum.

Stated over and over again by Griff when explaining stories, points and to get his point across was simply “are you following me?” He explained that our generation now is being lost. Nobody talks about The Little Rock Nine anymore and what they went through. We now view history and the people in history as how the media portrays them by people today. There is still racism today in products even if that is not the intention.

For an example of racism in products today Griff explain was that of Disney Princess Dipping Stick Candy. Products that you can buy at the local Wal-Mart are selling racist products. Griff came upon this Dipping Candy on his travels. The packets of Dipping Candy have a yellow package on one side and a pink on the other. There is a white princess on the yellow side with the flavor of vanilla. On the pink side is a picture of a black princess with the flavor of watermelon. Griff asked everyone in the audience what was wrong with this picture. He said that a picture is worth a thousand words and this is a reason why it is important for Black History Month to tell the story.

One question that Griff asked the audience was what is one thing that is something that needs to change in the world? Jeremy Martin a senior here at Frostburg State spoke up and said, “We need communication.” Griff couldn’t have agreed more with him. This is the problem with the world today, this is Griff’s point. Communication is needed and we lack in that area.

Many students had about the same thoughts. Genesis Giselle stated that Professor Griff was “empowering and his mission is amazing. He opens eyes for students who are not aware of these artifacts and he just has a way of opening minds for new perceptions.”

More and more students need to take the opportunities given to them at Frostburg to listen to speakers such as Professor Griff. Christine Parisi said, “I thought he was excellent and really opened our eyes to what our generation is becoming.” Many if not all students enjoyed what professor Griff had to say you could tell by the looks on their faces and obviously by their comments.

If you want to hear Professor Griff speak or learn more about him and Public Enemy look him up on YouTube or visit http://www.publicenemy.com/

Vagina Monologues Has Done it Again

Saturday night’s performance of the Vagina Monologues written by Eve Ensler, at the Performing Arts Center, was a spectacular one that will never be forgotten. Having been in past productions since freshman year and seeing many actresses perform each monologue in different ways based on their own interpretations, this one definitely takes the cake. Each monologue had its own personal story behind it. All were either inspired by the stories of women or direct quotes from women who were brave enough to share them with strangers. Some stories were so moving they needed to let the world know about the struggles they faced so that many other women who can relate to them will also have the courage to share theirs as well.

In the corridor by the entrance, there were tables set up selling things like beautiful scarfs and buttons and other things to raise money for V-Day. Upon entering the theatre, there was some female empowering music by Beyonce playing through the speaker system. The show started off with a brief introduction stating the purpose of the play, making the school psychologists known to audience members who may be feeling emotional during the show, making V-Day and the 1 Billion Rising movement known, and of course asking audience members to silence their phones.

Not much later did the show grab the audience’s attention with a funny skit between four ladies talking about how the word “vagina” sounds like a medical instrument, let alone the ridiculous things it would wear if it could dress, like “An electrical shock device to keep unwanted strangers away” or what it would say if it could speak like “Where’s Brian?” (Full Cast). Soon after that, they dived right into the monologues starting with a woman that had an adulterous husband who complained about her hair “down there” and forced her to shave it in order for him to stop cheating on her. Unfortunately, things stayed the same. The next monologue was based off an older woman who had never really had a sexual experience was both sad and touching. She had cancer and had to get her whole reproductive system removed; the doctor told her that “If you don’t use it, you lose it” (Catey Mayhew). She was later grateful that she had a chance to tell her story with someone else.

In the midst of the show, there were also some disturbing facts that were shared. It was shared that female circumcision could lead to death and females who get circumcised can expect a glass shard or a razor to cut off their clitoris and get sewn up. However, the play did end on a HILARIOUS note. During one of the last monologues, a tax-lawyer turned sex-worker demonstrated the many kinds of moans she heard in her line of work. She would try to find the home of a moan, “sometimes I would make them find it in front of me…” (Beau Hartman). That one was fall-out-your-seat funny.

The video clip that was played toward the end of the show to promote awareness of the 1 Billion women around the world that are abused, sexually, physically, or emotionally each year, and their willingness to overcome it, was a nice touch and a good way to round up the play.

More like Black History Months!

Black History NECESSARY! Exhibit, Talk by Professor Griff

Malcolm X & Hip Hop

More like Black History Months!

By: Christine Parisi

Richard Griffin, also known as Professor Griff is a distinguished spoken word artist, and lecturer. However, you may know him best by the founder of the hip hop group Public Enemy.

Professor Griff came to Frostburg State University on February 25, 2013 to speak on behalf of Black History Month. Black History Month is extremely imperative for numerous reasons; and although we may think we are educated and give enough of our recognition, there is so much more to the story. Fortunately, those who attended were able to find out.

 In his opening lines, Professor Griff had the audience repeat this statement after him, “Act like it’s impossible to fail”. This quote carried throughout the entirety of his message. Griff began acquainting himself with the audience by starting off with some background information on Public Enemy. He explained the group’s overall goal of moving people out of their comfort zone through the meaning of hip-hop. Public Enemy highlighted the reality of politics, slavery, and racism; things that most artists only mocked. Griff transitioned by focusing on the negative revolution of hip-hop and how it has affected society. Griff stated, “Rap is distorting that lens even farther”.  Due to hip-hop and rap music today, society is unfamiliar with extremely important history; something that Public Enemy did their best to portray. Unfortunately, society will continue to become even more distant with history if something doesn't change. Professor Griff wants to make that change!

Along with Griff, were items from the Black History 101 Mobile Museum, founded by Khalid el-Hakim. The Black History Mobile Museum is a way to introduce schools, universities, and communities to slavery through hip-hop. Hakim curates his collection of black memorabilia in a 30’x12’ trailer. Griff spoke on the amount of racism in these items, such as Manillas; a pennanular armlet made from bronze or copper which was used to purchase black people. Not slaves, black people. Families would be auctioned off like prizes. Griff then spoke of the murder of fourteen year old Emmett Till, who was shot, beaten, and drown to his death for reportedly flirting with a white woman. There is endless history, but Griff wanted the audience to look deeper and realize that our generation is lost. Griff stated, “It is up to us from this moment forward to determine what’s going on”.

Famous artist today such as Lil Wayne are unmindfully rapping about historical moments.  In the remix of his song, Karate Chop, Lil Wayne decided it was a fine idea for his lyrical content to include, “Beat that pussy up like Emmitt Till”. This shocking statement led to extreme controversy, causing a media frenzy. Needless to say the verse ended up being pulled from the song.  But why are we so consumed by this music? Griff articulated on how society speaks of everything but the “real history”. Hip-hop music has diverged so far from its origin. It’s all about the money, the appearance, the sex appeal…and yet, we allow it. It’s up to us to make a change!

“We need to define our necessities”, Professor Griff.

After the presentation I spoke with a few students who had attended and asked them what they thought of the message. Jasmyn Bullock said, “I think it was very educational and informal. I learned stuff that I didn't even know about my own race”. Another opinion came from Magdala Louassaint who said, “I think it was very inspirational and educational”.  My final conversation was with LaVonne Sauls who said, “It was powerful, and in depth. I like his attitude. He is easy to listen to, and so free spirited. He spoke to us on a level that we can understand”.

If you were unable to attend the event, you can always visit http://www.pgriff.info/, for more information and be sure to check out http://www.blackhistory101mobilemuseum.com/. 

Strolling Through The Party Walk!

By: Danielle N. Hill English 336

On, Saturday February 23, 2013 at five p.m., Frostburg State University’s (FSU) brothers of Iota Phi Theta Incorporated, hosted an event called the Party Walk. This event took place in the Armah, located in FSU’s Lane University Center and began promptly at 5 p.m. The doors opened at 4:30 p.m., allowing the guests to sit down early. Before the guests could enter they had to turn in their ticket and get their hands marked with a yellow marker. There were four sections of seating with six rows of black chairs, leaving a big space in the middle of the Armah. In attendance were FSU students and administration, family and friends of those in the competition, and fraternities from other universities including Bowie State University and the University of Pittsburg. 

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc.

The Party Walk was a stroll competition between four fraternities which included the 2012 defending champions, Phi Beta Sigma, Omega Psi Phi, Iota Phi Theta, and Alpha Phi Alpha. Each ticket was five dollars for students and seven dollars for general admission. FSU Alumni and member of Iota Phi Theta, Indiana Addison, was the host for the Party Walk. The judges of this stroll competition were one member from Alpha Phi Alpha, Alpha Kappa Alpha, Phi Beta Sigma, Iota Phi Theta, Delta Sigma Theta, Sigma Gamma Rho, Omega Psi Phi, and Kappa Alpha Psi. Competing in this year’s Party Walk stroll competition was Phi Beta Sigma (Sigmas), Alpha Phi Alpha (Alphas), Iota Phi Theta (Iotas), and Omega Psi Phi (Ques).

Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc.

Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc.

Iota Phi Theta Fraternity Inc.

The Party Walk began at 5 p.m. and each fraternity was given seven to 10 minutes to stroll two rounds. First up was the brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha, Omega Psi Phi went second, Phi Beta Sigma went third, and Iota Phi Theta went last. For the first round, the fraternities were dressed formally, showing off their swagger. Each fraternity incorporated their steps into a dance of some sort and strolled to a variety of songs. As they strolled, the crowd was cheering, dancing, and singing along to the songs they strolled to. You could feel the energy moving through the Armah. After the first round, there was a 20 minute intermission to allow the fraternities to change into their comfortable, but casual paraphernalia.

Adranisha Stephens 20, a junior Mass Communication major, said, "It was very exciting...there were a lot of good performances and I really liked the energy of the crowd." Stephens was not the only one who enjoyed this stroll competition, junior Liberal Arts major, Essence Mosely 20, says, "It was a good way to kick off the semester because you know classes are getting harder, the work load is getting heavy, and this gave the students an opportunity to have fun and chill." Everyone in attendance appeared to be enjoying themselves Saturday evening.When the second round ended, the judges said they would announce the winners of the 2013 Party Walk at the after party later on that night. Sophomore Athletic Training major, Terrell Littlejohn 19, says, "Performance wise, my favorites were the Iotas and the Ques." When asked who did the best strolling, Quentin McSwain 20, a sophomore Business Administration major with a concentration in Marketing, enthusiastically says, "I feel that the Iotas put on the best show of the night!"

At the after party the brothers of Omega Psi Phi were announced  the winners of the Party Walk. This was one of the first events that kicked off the spring semester at FSU. According to Naode Meshesha 20, a junior Marketing major, "It was off the chain!" If you missed it this time, then be sure to come next year.












For more information, please visit: http://involvement.frostburg.edu/sci/student-activities/greek/fraternities-and-sororities/