FSU Blog

In the English department of FSU, Dr. Carole Weatherford is known as our resident children's literature expert. She is also a New York Times best selling poet and children's book author. She has written numerous children's books, including Becoming Billie Holiday, Freedom on the Menu: The Greensboro Sit-Ins, and Juneteenth Jamboree. Many of her stories give voice to unsung heroes of the Jim Crow era, such as her latest book on Wendell Scott, the first African-American stock car champion.

                                                         The book is entitled Racing Against the Odds: The Story of Wendell Scott, Stock Car Racing's African-American Champion, and it uses free verse and colorful illustrations to depict the struggles and triumphs of Wendell Scott and his family as Scott becomes the first African American in the white dominated world of stock car racing.

Weatherford says she hopes the story allows African American children "to see the fortitude of those pioneers who endured segregation." Her continuing goal as a writer is to "mine the past for family stories, fading traditions and forgotten struggles" in order to pay tribute to those who may otherwise be forgotten.

Weatherford's next children's book features what may be the most famous pet in the world: Bo, the Obama's Portuguese water dog. The book is entitled First Pooch: The Obamas Pick a Pet.

Ghana was the first African country President Barack Obama visited, Dr. Joseph Osei notes in the forward to his new book, The Challenge of Sustaining Emergent Democracies: Insights for Religious Intellectuals and Leaders of Civil Society.

Dr. Osei discusses the significance of President Obama's visit to Ghana, a country that has become a beacon of democracy and stability in a volatile continent, and the implications of the visit for the rest of Africa.

Dr. Osei covers a broad range of topics germane to emerging democracies in Africa and throughout the world, such as the importance of education and how to implement and sustain a stable government.

Dr. Osei is associate professor of philosophy here at Fayetteville State University, and his book is scholarly but accessible. It sheds light on a number of issues important not only to students of African studies, but to any student of history, sociology, philosophy, or economics. The Challenge of Sustaining Emergent Democracies is available for order at BooneBridgeBooks.com.

Film lovers take note. Dr. Chuck Tryon, assistant film professor at Fayetteville State University, examines society's transition to digital cinema and explores the cultural effects of this shift in his new book, Reinventing Cinema: Movies In the Age of Media Convergence.

From the use of digital technologies in film production and distribution to the multiple modes of film delivery, the book discusses the new ways that society is producing and experiencing films, and examines the effects of these changes on the culture of film.

Dr. Tryon analyzes the influences of DVD extras, home theater systems, video iPods, movie blogs and YouTube videos, as well as how this new digital framework influences the dynamics of film creation. With new digital venues such as YouTube and film blogs, the opportunity to create a film or become a film critic is now available to the masses. Dr. Tryon explains the effects-good and bad-of this phenomenon.    

Reinventing Cinema is not just for film buffs, but anyone interested in the question of who controls the distribution of images and information in our digitally revolutionized society. It is available for order at Amazon.com.

Fayetteville State University's Chesnutt Library is named after a man who pioneered the exploration of issues such as miscegenation and racial identity in the late 19th century. Charles Chesnutt's novels, short stories, and essays are reevaluated from a 21st century perspective in Charles Chesnutt Reappraised: Essays on the First Major African American Writer.

Editors David Garrett Izzo and Dr. Maria Orban collaborate to compile this list of essays, which include contributions from two of our own-Dr. Orban and Dr. Kim Kirkpatrick, both assistant professors of English at Fayetteville State University.

Dr. Orban provides a brief background of Chesnutt's professional and personal life in her introduction. She notes how Chesnutt went on to become the author of more than fifty stories, several novels, numerous essays, plays, letters, journals, and speeches.

Dr. Orban's essay is entitled "The Fiction of Race: Folklore to Classical Literature." She uses The House Behind the Cedars to illustrate Chesnutt's shift from folklore to classical literature.  Dr. Kirkpatrick's is called "Reading the Transgressive Body: Phenomenology in the Stories of Charles W. Chesnutt," and it gives new perspective to the multiple narrative structures in much of Chesnutt's work.

Chesnutt's work exposed the illogic of racial discrimination in the 19th and 20th century. With the election of our country's first African-American president, America's struggles with racial identity, then and now, are more relevant than ever. It is an appropriate time for a reexamination and discussion of Chesnutt's commentary on the dilemma of race.

After months of planning and weeks of preparation, the 2009 Homecoming Lineup was set. Student organizations, faculty, staff, students, alumni and the rest of the community awaited the beginning of one of FSU's great traditions. With decorations plastered throughout buildings and halls at FSU, the scent of Homecoming filled the air. It was time to put all ideas into action.

The 2009 Homecoming Week commenced with the FSU Making a Difference- CROP Walk. FSU students, faculty and staff showed their passion by participating in the CROP (Christian Rural Overseas Program) Walk which is held every year. Participants raise hunger awareness around the community, as well as raise funds for charity by walking to fight hunger.

Monday and Tuesday night featured the Black-Out Homecoming Dance and the Ballethnic Dance Company. The Homecoming Dance was held in the Capel Arena and The Ballethnic Dance Company, a professional performing company, performed in the Seabrook Auditorium. The Ballethnic Dance Company fuse traditional ballet with other ethnic dance forms to create its own style.

The Phantom of the Opera was the theme for Wednesday Night's Homecoming Coronation. In a ballroom setting, the Kings and Queens of various pageants, dormitories, and departments enjoyed a night dedicated to them. Mr. and Miss FSU, Rashad Hinnant and Amber Lindsay, performed a lovely rendition of the "Phantom of the Opera." The climax of the Coronation was the crowning of Mr. and Miss Homecoming, Mr Dexter Days and Ms. Angel Robertson.

The well awaited concert was the focal point of Thursday night. FSU students showed up in numbers to see Trey Songz and Pooh Bear in the Seabrook Auditorium.

The Step show took center stage on Friday in the Capel Arena. The competition grew fierce as the sororities of Alpha Kappa Alpha, the Delta Sigma Theta and Zeta Phi Beta went head to head as well as the fraternities of Kappa Alpha Psi, Phi Beta Sigma, and Omega Phi Psi.

Saturday was the main event featuring a lineup full of festivities. The morning started with the Homecoming parade. Hundreds of fans lined Murchison Road to see the parade that has become very popular during the years.

After the parade, fans crowded the Nick Jerald's Stadium for the Homecoming game featuring St Augustine and our very own FSU Broncos. With hundreds of screaming fans cheering the Broncos to victory, this Homecoming seemed to live up to tradition.

After the Broncos claimed victory, the last event of the night was held in the Capel Arena. The nightcap called for laughter by way of Kevin Hart as the comedy show ended a promising Saturday.

Homecoming officially ended with the United Voices of Praise Old School Gospel Concert in the Seabrook Auditorium. Voices rang, unity was heard, and satisfaction was guaranteed. We received the satisfaction of knowing that Homecoming exceeded expectations and left a memory that will never be forgotten.

A night that showcased the lovely Mr. & Miss Fayetteville State University, a magnificent ballroom setting, a stage of royalty, and a fairy tale feel made up the 2009 Homecoming Coronation. The Homecoming Coronation, held in the Capel Arena, was the one of the highlights of Homecoming Week. The Greek Pageant winners, the students who won the title of Mr. & Miss of their dormitories, and the winning representatives of various student organizations were recognized during the pageant. The Coronation's theme was "The Phantom of the Opera."

The night began with the opening of a dramatic love story between a phantom and a beautiful queen who stood in front of a ballroom backdrop. The characters in the story were played by Mr. & Miss FSU, and their royal court. The story was broken up into several segments. In between each segment, the announcer recognized different groups of Kings and Queens. The groups consisted of: the Kings and Queens of the Residence Halls, Greek-Lettered Organizations, Academic Departments, and Clubs & Organizations. Representatives strolled across the stage. They were introduced by their names, classification, major, and their future endeavors. Accompanied by an escort, each King and Queen displayed a sash which held their title. After a group of Kings and Queens were introduced, the story would continue. After the love story came to an end, the most anticipated element of Coronation was about to begin.

Every year, the Homecoming King and Queen winners are announced towards the end of the Coronation.  When all of the female and male candidates assembled on stage, the results were revealed. The order of place started with the 2nd runner up in each category, followed by the first runner up in each category. After much speculation and high tension, the winners were crowned and given the title of Mr. & Miss Homecoming.

The evening ended with refreshments and dancing. 
 
 

 

  The sounds of DJ Rain intermixed with ice cream treats, contests, and a friendly environment introduced the start of SGA Week. The month of September has already held weeks by the sororities of Alpha Kappa Alpha and Delta Sigma Theta. SGA (Student Government Association) continues the excitement with a week of its own. On Monday, the students were presented with "SGA Week Kick-Off." Along with DJ Rain and the ice cream, students participated in voter registration at the Circulation Desk in the Student Center. Over 70 clubs filled the Capel Arena for "The Club and Organization Fair." Students had the opportunity to visit various clubs of interest and discover all of what FSU has to offer.

A group of 22 students, from Pauline Jones Elementary School, spent Tuesday touring the campus with SGA leaders as a part of the "Pauline Jones Leadership Academy" at FSU. The students learned first-hand about the opportunities FSU has to offer. The day ended with a night full of games in the RJSC Game Room. The operative word was "FREE." Students also enjoyed refreshments in a great social environment. The aim was to boost the morale of the students and give them the opportunity to meet with some of the SGA officials.

 Wednesday's slogan was "Dress For Success" and it gave students the opportunity to raise their level of attire to a more professional look. This University wide initiative was held in the RJSC; this effort, sponsored by the Greek letter organizations, was taken to help strengthen the image of Fayetteville State.  

On protocol for Thursday was Fall Election Speeches by the candidates. Students who are running for titles of their respective dorm halls, SAC (Students Activities Counsel) positions, and SGA positions delivered speeches to the audience gathered around the RJSC. The current Mr. FSU delivered a speech as well. The voting ballots were posted online as a 24 hour thing. The polls opened at 9am and closed at 9pm. Later that night, "Madea Goes to Jail" was shown in the Seabrook Auditorium as a part of SGA's "Drive-in Movie" version.

Blue-Ti-Ful Friday featured an array of projects by the SGA. Students took part in the "Broncos Going Green" initiative where students received a washable carryout plate which they would use throughout the semester. A clean-up process was performed by FSU students as they weeded and cleaned the University Green House. Blue-Ti-Ful Friday will continue every third Friday of each month. The purpose is to help transition the campus into a  more sustainable one. The students were welcomed to "A Night of Temptations," which was held as the night cap. This was an SGA Scholarship Reception marking the beginning of the SGA Scholarship Campaign. Jazz music filled the ears of the students during the formal evening. Highlights of this event included current students in the University giving process, some that have benefited from the scholarships, and also the importance of such campaigns.   

SGA Week concluded with a Saturday all about "Pull Up Your Swag." The program focused on the image of college students. It also stressed the importance of first impressions and how important it is when applying for a job. Students could also count this program as a cultural event for their respective classes. SGA Week brought innovative ideas to the forefront and established a new tradition for years to come.

The Delta Xi Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta sorority kicked off their "Delta Week" on Tuesday September 8, 2009. The entire week was full of events sponsored by the Deltas in order to raise awareness, familiarize the campus with the sorority, encourage activities, and promote self-esteem.

On Tuesday, the Deltas began their week with a Delta "Kick off." Students were informed about Delta Week and the Deltas showed their student appreciation in return. "What's done in the Dark" preceded the "Kick off." This evening program provided students with information on sex and STD's. Open discussions allowed students to voice their opinions on the topics and receive valuable advice in return. The first day of Delta Week concluded with "Delta Jam." This program centered on freshman girls and allowed them to get information about all aspects of college life. Wednesday marked the second day to Delta Week and the theme was physical health. The Deltas sponsored a health fair that highlighted the dangers of diabetes, heart disease, swine flu, and STD's. The Deltas organized a campus clean up during the afternoon. This event helped emphasize the sorority's public service focus. That evening, the Deltas served dishes from around the world in a program entitled "Flight 1913."

Thursday afternoon, the Deltas launched the program "Girls under the Hood" in an attempt to teach car mechanic/maintenance emergency procedures. Girls were informed on how to handle situations and learn how to avoid problems before they arise. The latter part of Thursday brought "Be Educated, Be Empowered" with Kady Anne Davy bringing the keynote message. Her focus was on voting and how to get peers involved in the voting process. The program taught the audience to pursue their dreams.

On Friday, a conjunction with the ladies of Alpha Kappa Alpha and Zeta Phi Beta sororities produced a "DAZzling Ice Cream Affair." The three sororities combined to show respect and love for the Bronco family. "Welcome to the Good Life" followed the Ice Cream Affair later that evening. This was an interactive physical health forum that introduced an array of topics including nutritional guidelines on food, healthy behaviors to incorporate in your life, and examples of effective physical exercises. The night ended on a solemn note as a candlelight vigil commemorated the 8th anniversary of 9/11. The candle was lit in honor of the victims, their loved ones, and our country.

The weekend brought on "Be Counted, Be Educated, Be EmpowerRED." In an effort to gain some family time and community empowerment, the Deltas also wanted to promote the co-sponsor of the event, the U.S. Census. The event also introduced other partners, including Campbell University and the Cumberland County Health Department. Later that afternoon, the Deltas hosted the highlight of the week, a scholarship pageant called "The Definition of Black Cool."  Six contestants competed in this scholarship pageant for the right to represent the Delta Chapter and be called "Mr. Delta."

"Church with the Deltas" seemingly was the cherry on top of an eventful week for the ladies of Delta Sigma Theta. As a Christian organization, the Deltas wanted to offer thanks for the week of events. The mission was complete and operation C.O.D.E R.E.D (Collectively Organizing Days of Excitement Reaching Everyone through Dedication to public service) was successfully accomplished.

There are plenty of ideas to improve the academics of college students. The ladies of Delta Sigma Theta took one of those ideas and put it into action. The idea has become "Geared Up for Success." The objective was fairly simple according to Delta Sigma Theta President Jerrie Thompson,

"The plan originally focused on the incoming freshman students as they make the transition from high school to college," she says.

After further thinking, the scope broadened to incorporate more people.

"We widened the focus to include all college students because studying skills are really important for college," she says.

The Deltas distributed surveys to the students for them to fill out. The survey included questions that hone in on the students studying habits.

"We wanted to stress the importance of studying at school so once they get the habit down, they can become more prepared for the world and all it has to offer," says Jerrie.

After the students filled out the survey, they were given pencils, notebook paper, binders, and highlighters to take with them.

"Along with the school supplies, we gave them little tips on how to study, where to study, and how much time needs to go into studying," she says.

The school supplies gave the students a sense of motivation. The supplies really showed the students how much the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority supports them in their success. With so many people showing up, the Delta's ran out of materials and had to re-supply their stock. The supplies that were left over went to the College Lakes Elementary School.

Another member of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Crystal Jones, really loved the event.

"The turnout was unbelievable," she says.

Thanks to the ladies of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, the students of Fayetteville State are really getting the tools to manage their lives.

"The students took full advantage of the opportunity," she says. "I would call "Get GeaRED Up" a huge success."

The Fayetteville State University Homecoming 2009 is the most anticipated event of the year; it is the week students have been waiting for. This year's Homecoming lineup features a plethora of events that will really bring out the FSU slogan, "It's all about you."

The week is highlighted by events such as the "Crop Walk," the "Homecoming Coronation," the "Hall of Fame Class Reunion Banquet," the "National Alumni Awards Recognition-Reception," and the "FSU Pan-Hellenic Council Step Show." These events are just some of the many programs that will bring out the spirit of bronco pride.

The 2009 Homecoming will be one to remember and it will show everyone that the FSU Broncos know how to continue a proud tradition.

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