Students want more classes addedThe Miles College Student Publication March 2010, Edition 1

By Ronald Gaines JR., Milean reporter

From rappers to basketball players, tattoos are all over the world. They express the owner’s personality, style and individuality.

At Miles College, there are a lot of students who have jumped on that tattoo wave and never looked back.

“Tattoos are addictive,” said Autumn Spraggins, a business management major. “Once you get one, you’re gonna want another one, and another one and another one.”

Already, she has three tattoos and is looking forward to getting more soon.

“I want about eight more!” Spraggins joked. She is aware that with more tattoos, she has to be careful about placing them, because she is more concerned about her future in the

professional world. Communications major

De’Anna Francis said that her first tattoo experience wasn’t as bad as she expected. She got a butterfly on her right wrist and was careful not to ruin the ink. Francis’ only worry was that the tattoo was peeling, causing it to itch. To remedy this problem, she gently pat the site to end the irritation. Joycelyn Watford, a commu-nications major, got her first tattoo at 16-years-old. Her family nicknamed her “Juicy,” and that became her first tattoo, which is on her upper back right shoulder. She continues to get more tat-toos because “they tell my story, they are pretty, and I love art.”

Other people get tattoos to

See Classes, page 2

Needle and the ink, tattoo crazeBy Monique estes, Milean reporter

PHOTO/ PATrICk BrAxTOn; While Miles offers a wide range of courses for students, many would like the school to add more courses.

See Tattoos, page 3

Index

If I were President of the U.S 2

New Year’s Resolutions 2

Short film 3 Byron Pitts, renown journalist 5

William Bell 5

Black History Month 4 Editor-in-Chief letter 6

Miles College has six aca-demic divisions within its curricula. Those divisions include Business and Accounting, Communications, Education, Humanities, natural Sci-ences and Mathematics and Social and Behavioral Science. Like other four-year colleges and universities, Miles offers bachelor programs, certification and specialize programs. known for its cultural rich-ness, Miles graduates approximately 180 students each year. Although, a wide range of courses are offered at the college, many students would like to see Miles expand its course lists, to offer more educational opportunities for students. Stormie Boddie, like other stu-dents, has learned a lot from her core courses and electives but wishes Miles would implement additional programs

and opportunities for students. The sophomore communications student wants to take constitu-

tional reform classes at Miles. “The purpose of a con-stitutional reform class is that there are guidelines and rules that people have to follow in each state,” she said. “This class would be great for communications and criminal justice majors.” Some students would like pre-med and finance classes added to Miles’ existing programs, “so students can expand their options,” according to Brandon Young, a senior manage-ment information sciences major. He added that such classes would help Miles’ students to remain competitive among other schools. A nursing program is some-thing Jelisha Wiggins wants added to Miles’ divisions. The senior business administration and accounting major

said a nursing program would definite-ly help expand the college’s opportuni-ties. “I strongly believe that nurs-ing is a vital career that many indi-viduals seek…,” she said. “Due to the lack of opportunities here at Miles College, students are forced to look

“If I Were President of the United States, I Would...

CLASSES From Page 1

New Year’s ResolutionsBy Ronald Gaines JR., Milean reporter

at other institutions for (nursing) assistance.” Wiggins explained how having a nursing program at the college would give students “the chance to pursue their career,” but also the school would greatly benefit by “having a nursing staff on duty.” It’s no surprise, for Dean of Academic Affairs kenneth Jones, that students are interested in taking a nurs-ing course at Miles, because it “is an interest (of) the college as well.” He explained that in order to implement a nursing program at the school, an articulation agreement has to take place. The agreement is some type of contract between two institu-tions. “There have been talks be-tween Miles and Tuskegee University about a nursing program,” Jones said. “The talk has been set aside due to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.” Miles has researched and con-sidered adding additional classes and programs. For example, Jones talked about how the college now offers psy-chology as a major. Physical education was formally a major. Already, Miles offers International Studies as a minor, but the college is close to offering it as a major, as well, explained Jones. Accounting Instructor Linda

Chambers suggested the Business and accounting division introduce students to the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, a personality test. This particular test helps students gain self-awareness. Adding and or changing courses at any college require certain steps, including research or analysis by the faculty, according to Jones. The faculty then brings the idea to the Academic Dean. The Academic Dean brings the idea to the Instructional Council, which is a com-mittee made up by faculty from every division with representatives. The committee sits with the Dean in con-sultation on adding a class. If every-one agrees, a recommendation comes before the full faculty. The faculty will hear the same case for a new course and they will vote to approve or not to approve. It is the same process for majors as well. The only difference for majors is after the faculty approves for the major, the president of the institution must ap-prove the recommendation. The president must carry the recommendation to the Miles College Board of Trustees. If there is an addi-tion or substantive change to adding a major, it must be informed by SACS, prior to implementing the change in appliance with SACS.

2 THE MILEAn

With one year under his belt, Presi-dent Barack Obama has been widely talked about around the world. recently, ronald Gaines Jr., Milean news editor and reporter, interviewed a few students about if given the op-portunity to be President of the United States, what would they change and why?

Wannetka Jackson, senior communications major- If I were President of the United States, I would “change the amount of money that companies are allowed to put on interest for borrowers’, because the U.S. has so many citizens buried in debt.”

Celicia roddey, junior communications major- If I were President of the United States, I would “increase the amount of emphasis on education and what goes on inside the schools. Secondly, I would increase the amount of resources given to families less fortunate.”

Ishmiel McCormickjunior crminal justice major-If I were President of the United States, I would “change how the selection process is for the military. All males must do at least one year of service in the U.S. military. They can choose from the Army, navy, etc.”

We’re three months into 2010, and it’s not surprising that some people have already ceased their new Year’s resolution. What about you? Do you still have your new Year’s resolution? Ever wonder about resolutions? According to Webster, a new Year’s reso-lution is a goal or accomplishments that people try to achieve for the entire year and stick with it. Junior social work major natrisha Spencer has set a resolution to work on controlling her temper. “I believe that the new Year is a time for people to change the flaws about themselves, or at least attempt to,” she said. Freshman naura Guillaume said, “I believe the resolutions set goals for people. People who have goals/resolutions are motivated physically and psychologi-cally.” Guillaume’s new Year’s resolu-tion is to maintain a 4.0 G.P.A and grow

closer to God. new Year’s resolutions range from weight loss and healthy eating to debt management, stop using profanity and enrolling in school, like Tyran Allen, a junior communications major. Often times, people will set two or three resolutions. Although, people set these year-long goals, many people think new Year’s resolutions are silly, useless and even a bit worthless. “I believe that people make these silly resolutions every year and never accomplish them,” said Latress kenon, senior communications major. Dedication is the biggest problem, said David Berry, a junior communications major. “People tell themselves things all the time and don’t stick with it,” he said. People can learn and experience a lot of things by setting a new Year’s resolution.

Students work together to produce short filmBy Monique estes, Milean reporter

remember special people in their lives who have passed on, or to permanently mark their bodies with the name of the person they love. For those who decide to get tattoos, there are always ones who aren’t fans of the ink and needle.

Jonorzell Green never plans on getting a tattoo. The mathematics major isn’t afraid of getting tattoos, however, if he ever changed his mind he would get something religious to remind him of his faith.

“This is my temple, and I don’t want to put any writing on,” he said. “This is God’s body. Plus, mama wouldn’t like that!”

Though Green stands on his religious foundation as the reason he chooses not to get a tattoo, he doesn’t look down on those who are tatted up.

“I think they’re a nice piece of art, and that’s the way some people choose to express themselves,” he said.

no matter if you are for or against tattoos, they are always a great conversation piece; they create debates, tell stories and ignites one’s creativity.

For those who are considering getting their first tattoo, and those of us who aren’t first timers, here’s a few tips:

1. Make sure the tattoo artist is experienced and the needles used are

TATTOOS From Page 1new.

2. Consider a tattoo design and where you want your body marked.

3. Properly care for your new body art and follow the tattoo artist’s care instructions.

3 THE MILEAn

Full of talent, drive and creativ-ity, a small group of communication stu-dents are working together to prosduce a short film, with a powerful message behind it. Wannetka Jackson, Shadene Stewart, Carlos Gamble and Monique Estes brain stormed to create a short film entitled “Trust in Me,” which depicts the lives of four African-American friends all with complex lives. The storyline is filled with drama, juicy characters and a sprinkle of comedy. But behind the dramatic storyline, a strong and vivid message of responsibility, health and in-dependence looms throughout the film. Eagerly the foursome began working on the project a week before Christmas break. Communications instructor Stan Powell said, “It’s about it!” He has high hopes for the film, saying that he hopes to be pleasantly surprised about the project. The idea to create “Trust in

Me” was based on the students’ desire to show what they have learned thus far, within the communications division. With so much to be done and high ex-pectations looming, Jackson, a producer of the project, had plenty to say about the progress of the film. “I expect it to be (at) its best,” she said. “I know it will be a lot of hard work, and I will have to be patient, because I want it finished right away.” Jackson’s excitement about the project is obvious; she only hopes that fellow Mileans will share her excite-ment, too. “I think (‘Trust in Me’) will turn out good,” she said. “right now, I think the students don’t think we are serious. Once they see the finished prod-uct, I think a lot of feelings will change. Some…will be excited that we can do it, and (they) will want to see the final product.” negative comments are to be expected, too, but this won’t deter the foursome in their goal of completing the film.

Though “Trust in Me” is still in its creative stage, Jackson, Stewart, Gamble and Estes are hopeful that the film will create a buzz around campus, in anticipation of the film’s debut. Demetrius newton’s Script Writing class played a major role in the writing development of the storyline. Powell helps advise the crew to make full use of the equipment and blow off its dust. “We want to kick you out of the (lab) at 5 o’clock and trip over you at 8 a.m.,” said Powell. With the dedication, excitement and time the crew is putting into the film, Powell may get his wish. Because “Trust in Me” is a project that few students are driven to do on their own, the crew hopes this will inspire Mileans to try their hands at dif-ferent things. Although, Jackson, Stewart, Gamble and Estes don’t have real experience on a movie or film produc-tion set their inexperience isn’t stopping

See Film, page 5

PHOTOS/MOnIqUE ESTES Tatto craze: Pictured (bottom, left): Known as “Juicy,” Joycelyn Watford got her first tattoo at age 16. (Flower) A tattoo fan gets Japanese cherry blossoms on her left foot. (Top, left) Another tattoo fan gets Japanese cherry blossoms, up close and personal. (Top, right) This tattoo fanatic braves the pain of getting his zodiac sign tattooed on his stomach.

Black History is American History in a sense. The black man is the founder and father of morality, music, medicine and science. As a child, my grandfather taught me the importance of our history as people. He explained the struggles of pain, abuse and humiliation that our forefathers endured. One story was about Emmit Till, the 13-year-old youth who was kidnapped and murdered in Money, Miss., for allegedly whistling at a white woman. That story, along with the four little girls killed in the Sixteenth Street Chruch bombing and Medgar Evers, affected me deeply. Today, these stories along with countless others still haunt the American conscious. Black History will always be one of the most important lessons I’ve ever learned in life. -Justin Cunningham, a communications student

As a child, my parents instilled in me black pride or more expressive, self understanding. My father and mother instructed me to be proud of my heritage, and to always appreciate the struggle of the African race. As an African-American woman, I am proud of who I am and what I possess on the inside. I am proud of people who I represent as a race and the diverse cultures all woven together. To me, Black History Month symbolizes the expressive power of a people. We have so much to tell about whom we are, where we have come from, where we are going and why we are going in the direction that we are going in. We should never need a month to celebrate ourselves and each other, but we

should celebrate each other daily. - Sybil Walker, a communications student

Black History Month was established by Dr. Carter G. Woodson, a black writer, historian and educator to honor the contributions and achievements of black people. Today, he is considered by many to be the “Father of Black History,” since he actively promoted black education during his lifetime. Black History’s significance today is the rich cultural diversity among black people to all parts of the world. There is no doubt that blacks from the Caribbean have played and continue to play an important role in the development of cultural and racial diversity of the U.S. As we celebrate another Black History milestone, let us always remember that as displaced Americans, the things that we have in common are more important than those that we do not. Remember: ours is shared by heritage, culture, history, and destiny. - Eddie Ishman, a communications student

As important as Black History is for blacks, it’s just as important for everyone, everywhere. As a kid what I saw on television about blacks I thought was true. I thought as black males we wore baggy clothes, talked slang, acted hardcore like they were from the streets and were good at dancing. In school they taught us Black History, but only about rosa Parks, Malcolm x, Martin Luther king Jr. and a little bit on slavery. I thought all of that was fine and that’s all I needed to know, until 6th grade

when I met my teacher, Mr. Wade. Whatever I learned in elementary school, I thought was 100 percent right, but he told me there’s more behind Black History than just rosa Parks and Martin Luther king Jr. He asked me questions I didn’t know the answer to; I felt bad thinking everything I knew about Black History was accurate. Mr. Wade taught so much about myself and the blood, struggles, tears, and even the good times that blacks went through. I learned to always get the history of something from more than two sources. To know that I came from a rich, proud, and sacred land with kings and queens is inspiring and a history that will live on for eternity. - Chris Holland, a communications student

Black History is very important to me. Without it, I would not be living my life as equal. My self-image has much to do with the history of my culture. The clothes I wear, the way I look, even the food I like to eat, would not be possible with the black struggles throughout the past. Thanks to our ancestors fighting for rights to vote and to be equal, I am able to see the country’s first black president. We have overcome many struggles that people thought would never happen. Some schools I may not have been able to attend if it were not for those struggles to desegregate schools for equal opportunity. Black History determines my path in life. This historically black college is important to me, because it helps me in preparation for the world. I don’t know what type of world this would be without Black History. I, too, am a part of Black History. -Michael Dunn, a communications student

Staff Reports

THE MILEAn 4

Reflections on Black History

Demetrius Newton,Communications Instructor

Q: What do you expect of William Bell?Newton: Honestly, I think the same from anybody. I don’t think anything is going to change.

Q: What did you think about the outcome of the election?Newton: I think the outcome of the election is a result of some negative ad campaigning and mud slinging.

Q: If you could be Mayor of Birmingham, what would be your first act of business?Newton: I would fix the roads.

Q: Do you believe that former Mayor Larry Langford would be satisfied with the outcome of the election?Newton: He doesn’t have much of a choice, more or less.

Q: What do you think Bell should accomplish first?Newton: I think he should improve the Film Commission, so I can work on film!

Q: Why do you think Bell won over Cooper?Newton: William Bell won because he had more experience and has served Birmingham longer.

William Bell, Only Time Will Tell

Crystal Cooper, Miles College communica-tions student

Q: What do you expect of William Bell?Cooper: I expect him to help better the Birmingham City School Systems.

Q: What did you think about the out-come of the election?Cooper: I was really happy he won.

Q: If you could be Mayor of Birmingham, what would be your first act of business?Cooper: Budgeting the Birmingham money.

Q: Do you believe that former Mayor Larry Langford would be satisfied with the outcome of the election?Cooper: I think he would be especially since he ran against Patrick Cooper. I’m pretty sure he wouldn’t want him to win.

Q: What do you think Bell should accomplish first?Cooper: Budgeting the money, fixing the roads and tearing down old houses.

Q: Why do you think Bell won over Cooper?Cooper: He won because he has already done a lot that has benefited Birmingham.

By Monique estes, Milean reporter

5 THE MILEAn

Byron Pitts, CBS Evening news chief national correspondent and 60 Minutes consulting correspondent, spoke to students and faculty on Feb. 15. He discussed the importance of dreams and embracing difficulties. Illiterate until 12, Pitts’ mother never gave up on an ill-fated diagnosis of mental retardation. Pitts shared his testimony of faith to Miles College, sharing his value of discipline and determination. He quoted a Chinese proverb: “If you sit by the river long enough, you will soon see the bodies of your enemies float by.” Tracey Hollis, a sophomore majoring in early childhood education, enjoyed Pitts’ speech. “Byron Pitts gave me a burst of positive energy for the day,” she said. “Pitts was as incredible speaker, and he showed that a young man with huge potential pushed (the) obstacles out of his way by simply ‘Step Out on nothing.’”

Byron Pitts: “Step Out on Nothing”

Finally, the battle for Mayor of Birmingham is over. Whether you voted for Patrick Cooper or William Bell, the fight for mayor reached the Miles College campus. Communications instructor Demetrius Newton Jr. and Communications Student Crystal Cooper shared their thoughts about the final results of the election through a Q & A.

By Michelene Billy, special to the Milean

Photo/PatRick BRaxton

FILM From Page 3

them one bit. With the help from other communications students, help from each other and maybe even help from a textbook from time to time, these students are revved up to debut “Trust in Me.” Besides creating a buzz for the upcoming film, the most

rewarding part for the group will be if they accomplish what they sought out to do, which is to educate, inspire and entertain all at the same time. The division of communications hopes that other students will want to learn more about what the division has to offer.

Editor-in-Chief Monique Estes

News EditorRonald Gaines Jr.

Copy EditorEddie ishman

Marketing and AdvertisingMarcus hackett

Reporters & PhotographersStaff

Advisor ava tabb

Interim Chairman, Division of Communications

Bala Baptiste, Ph.D.

The Milean is the Miles College student publication, produced by the Milean Lab, Division of Communications. The information contained in The Milean is provided as a public service with the understanding that Miles College administration, faculty and staff make no assur-ances concerning the accuracy, completeness, reli-ability, or suitability of its content. This publication reflects the views, attitudes, interests and tastes of student writers, editors and contributors—not those of Miles College at large. For more information, contact the Miles College Division of Communica-tions at 205-929-1609. The Milean is produced by the Division of Communications on behalf of the of-fices of both Academic Affairs and Student Affairs.

Fellow Mileans, I am thrilled to be this year’s editor-in-chief of The Milean! As editor-in-chief, I am dedicated to assuring you that each edition is filled with relevant, educational and entertaining information. I hope each Milean article challenges your mind and gives you something to talk about. It is also my hope that The Milean will become apart of your lives, and that you will look forward to reading it every month. It is my goal to give The Milean a makeover, and make it a better paper for all to enjoy. The Milean team and I have worked diligently to revitalize and improve the newspaper as best we know how. You will see new and different sections of the newspaper that I hope you will enjoy. However, this publication consists of more than the byline or the reporter’s name below the headline. We strive to welcome every Milean’s opinions, thoughts and views through our publication. Every student is invited to share his or her opinions about previous articles or to write articles that may be published in the next edition. Such additions will ensure a variety of stories included in The Milean and also open the gates of expression and creativity for any student willing to share. I graciously thank you for allowing The Milean team and I to share with you every month; we hope to live up to your expectations and beyond. While working on every monthly issue, we will definitely keep this goal in mind as we publish The Milean.

Monique Estes

From the Editor-in-chief

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Snow days: Covered in a blanket of snow, Miles College cancelled classes February 12. Shown here (left), some students played in the snow, building snowmen and throwing snowballs, while oth-ers warmed up on the inside. Photos/Ava Tabb

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