45 Years Later

From its very start, students have played an integral part in the civil rights and social justice movement. Arguably, the horrific kidnapping and murder of 14-year old Emmett Till at the hands of an angry white mob in Mississippi was one of the catalyst that motivated thousands to fight for change.

Forty-five years ago, sitting at a Woolworth's lunch counter, four A&T college freshmen changed the course of American history. This sparked a revolution that would inspire similar sit-ins across the state and the South. With the 50th anniversary fastly approaching, this movement does not only effect the African-American students of A&T, but the minorites as well. "Many people should use the Greensboro four as a reason to set an example and continue to make change. They fought for us to never give up on what you believe in", says Ashley Stewart. Stewart, a freshman this year, is Caucasian who was adopted by an African-American family.

Many minorities at A&T feel a sense of abandonment when it comes to things that are relateable to the civil rights movement. Although the movement's primary focus dealt with African-Americans and women, it essentially affected everybody. "It regards everyone, not just African-Americans. Fighting for what you believe in applies to everybody" says Greg Bodmer, another Caucasian student at the university. Kristina Clayton, a sophomore, is biracial and identifies with both races, but agress that this part of history has an impact on all students and should be treated as such. "When its all said and done, we are all one at this school."

No good deed is put to waste. Woolworth later integrated all of its stores and the Greensboro four have become icons of the civil rights movement.

The Aftermath

Known as "The Greatest Homecoming on Earth", North Carolina A&T State University encountered many complications in preparation for the eventful week. Because of this, opinions which were once positive were interchanged with those that were more adverse.

Although events during the week were a success, things slowly began to take a toll for the worst as news emerged that one of the headlining artist for the Homecoming concert would not be in attendance. Later it was confirmed that not just one, but two headlining artist would not be present. During a sit-down interview, I asked a few students how they felt about the overall experience.

Q: Overall, how was your 2009 Homecoming experience?

A: "It was the worst one since I've been here. I think it was bad timing also. It was too late in the month and it was at the same time as other schools' homecoming." -Lavonte Kendrick

A: "Honestly, it was wack." -Maurice Tory

A: "There was too much drama behind it, but it was pretty good despite the rain." -Rob Hill

A: "The concert was very unorganized and people made too much of a big deal out of it which was unnecessary." -Kelley Byrdsong

A: "This Homecoming was one that will never be forgotten." -Mia Fenell

A: "The best one since I've been here. Better than last year." -Ashley Mack

New Mayor in Town

Former Mayor, Yvonne Johnson, loses election to Bill Knight as Aggies dismiss the polls, causing an overwhelming defeat after the unofficial final vote count was 17, 580 to 16, 616.

After news hit the Greensboro community that Johnson lost the 2009 Mayoral race, it was more than a complete suprise. Johnson, alumni of NC A&T State University, was short almost 970 votes in order to reserve her seat as mayor. Voting turnout was low in exact parts of the city where Johnson drew her strongest support in an easy victory two years ago. No one in her camp expected defeat.

Unfortunately, the number of Aggies who showed up to vote did not outweigh the number of votes Johnson needed to gain for her win. The attendance and support shown was not only an upset, but a great disappointment as only a mere 100 students voted. "We can't keep complaining and not voting", said former A&T SGA President Marcus Bass.

This marked the first time in Greensboro history that an incubent has lost their seat. Johnson was the city's first black female mayor.