The Bent Tree - April Edition

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www.benttreenews.org April 2012CSU’s Student Newspaper

Volume 46 • Issue 02

Photo taken from “Olivia’s Song” by Clay Parker“Olivia’s Song” was one of the submissions to Loch Fest Film Festival

BENT TREEthe

CSU hosts 1St Annual LOCH Film

Festival Page 2

HomecomingHighlight

Recap

Page 6

Students Sound Off about

Trayvon Martin

Page 8

Veteran’s Center Photos

Page 7

Jagged Edges Teams Up With TWLOHABy Shyilik A. Adams

Jagged Edges is a student organization whose goal is to promote self- harm awareness. They service the community by making the public aware that there are others who go through depression, drug abuse, peer pressure, physical and verbal abuse (regardless of sexual orientation) and that they are here to help. On February 29th Jagged Edges joined another or-ganization, To Write Love on Her Arms (TWLOHA), which is a growing organi-zation that allows people from everywhere to tell their life stories overcom-ing life challenges. TWLO-HA gives advice, provides avenues for assistance to

those dealing with life chal-lenges. Denny Kolch, speaker and promoter of TWOLHA, told us his story. While in high school he suffered from social anxiety. He was scared of what people thought of him and feared public speaking which lead to depression. He started taking steroids, which led to drug use. By the age of 19, he was using multiple drugs. At 22, his mother gave him the option of go-ing to Central America as a Christian missionary. He hated the thought of it but at that time in his life he was tired and ready for change. During his time in Central America he started to open up and tell people

his story. Then he met a friend who went through the same things. With the love and care that this new found friend and his fam-ily showed, he was able to become drug free. With stories like Denny Kolch’s, I believe that TWLOHA’s goal for more open communcation about crisises will be real-ized instead of people just try to cope with all their problems alone. It’s not until one person tells their story that allows others to come forth.

On Friday, March 23,2012 CSU hosted the first Loch-Fest film festival. The event provided filmmakers with the opportunity to submit and showcase their films for competition. The festi-val’s inaugural run includ-ed five film submissions by two artists, Graylin Taylor and Clay Parker. Parker is an Art In-stitute of Atlanta graduate whose submissions in-cluded “ The Borderline,” “Olivia’s Song,” and “Im-mersed.” The film, “Ol-ivia’s Song” based on Jon Simpson’s song “Olivia” addresses the very wide-spread issue of human sex trafficking worldwide and particularly child sex traf-ficking in the city of Atlanta. The film tells a story of a young woman

who was able to free her-self from the grasp of com-mercial sexual exploita-tion. The film which was not only artfully shot, but sparked much conversa-tion from the attendees who were unaware of just how prevalent this crisis is in their own city. The cover photo is a still shot from “Olivia’s Song.” You can view this film along with a collection of Parker’s other films on his website: www.riotshark.com. I had the opportunity to speak with Taylor, the winner of the competition, whose two submissions were “ Stanger 2 Stanger,” and “Mystery Girl.” Taylor is currently a senior ma-joring in Film and Video at Georgia State Univer-sity. He shared that he has

been making films since the age of fourteen. He first started competing in film festivals in 2006. The underlying theme of both his submissions is relation-ship dynamics. The artist shared that “Stranger to Stranger” is based on his own personal experience. It depicts the timeline of a romantic relationship from the “honeymoon” phase to its eventual end. You can follow Taylor on Vimeo.com (username gtpro) and on YouTube.com and Twit-ter (username jadugadig for both). Loch Fest will ; stay tuned for details regarding submissions.

CSU Hosts First Film Festival: LochFestBy Tamika Galanis

As a student run publication, our goal is to entertain, educate and inform the campus, while also providing an opportunity for students to develop and enhance their journalistic skills. We strive to promote balanced reporting, while offering a platform for students to share opinions and concerns

with the student body.

M i s s i o n S t a t e m e n t

The Bent Tree Newspaper encourages letters to the editor, as well as story ideas and

submissions.

To do so, submit your letter in 200 words or less in an email to [email protected].

The Newspaper Office is located in the Student Activities Center, Room 205. You can reach us

at 678-466-5436.

2

www.benttreenews.org

April 2012 / VOL. 46 • ISSUE 02

NewsEditors

Editor-in-ChiEfTamika Galanis

Managing Editor

Michel Zambo

assignMEnts Editor

Jacinta Ragland

PHOTO EDITOR“Blake” White

staff WritErsShyilik A. AdamsAlexander Brown

Mario FelizIndia Jordan

Brittney RobinsonAshley Storey

PhotograPhErs

Mike McCrayBrittnEy roBinson

ContriButors to this EditionJoseph EcholsNick KilburgKevin LilesClay Parker

Dorks Textbooks

faCulty advisorDr. Randy Clark

[email protected]

studEnt MEdia advisorJennifer DeMond

[email protected]

BENT TREEthe News

The Department of Campus Life hosted its annual Student

Leadership Conference March 30 - April 1 at Lake Lanier. 60 Clayton

State University students attended

this weekend of intense program-ming, which pro-

moted student lead-ership. This year’s theme was “Call of Duty: Learn, Em-power, Achieve,

Deliver.

Empowering, strong, and determined, these are the key components that make up a successful woman. The Caribbean Student Associa-tion feautured the financial columnist and empower-ment speaker Elaine Bryan in the Student Activity Center on March 15, 2012. Many people gathered to hear the success story of a small Jamaican girl who grew up to be a powerful leader. Bryan discussed her trials and tribulations which motivated her to strive for excellence. She spoke to the young people

in the audience with words of advice and inspiration. Throughout her presenta-tion, Bryan stated some of her motivational quotes such as, “What you do with what you have determines what you become.” Bryan discussed how one has to be proactive about their education and future in or-der to achieve success. She gave key points on what actions should be taken in order to start your future on the right path. Bryan paid homage to the people that helped her along her journey to success. She

stated that, “No one would be anyone without some-one else.” Toward the end of Bryan’s presentation she allowed some of the members in her audience to state what their dreams and goals are in life. Surprisingly many students stood, wait-ing to reveal their goals. Professions from doctors, lawyers, to philanthropist were shared amongst the crowd. While finishing up Bryan stated, “Dream big.” Her words not only touched the minds of the younger generation, but

they also touched their hearts. After the event was over, there was a spread of delicious Jamaican food. Three tables where aligned with jerk chicken, Jamai-can patties, sausages, fried plantains, cookies, bread, and Jamaican beverages. After people ate their deli-cious meal they gathered round Bryan in order to take pictures with the tal-ented speaker. The night ended well with the scent of Jamaica lingering in the air and a touch faith left in everyone’s hearts.

Caribbean Student Association hosts Financial Columnist Elaine BryanBy Brittney Robinson

Clayton State Hosts Annual Student Leadership Confer-encePhoto By: Bent Tree staff

Newswww.benttreenews.org

3April 2012 / VOL. 46 • ISSUE 02

4 April 2012 / VOL. 46 • ISSUE 02


“To charge or not to charge” is the dilemma facing Florida judges right now. The case of Trayvon Martin has sparked na-tionwide outrage and even prompted a statement from the President of the United States. On February 26, 2012 Trayvon Martin was killed by George Zimmer-man. Martin was a Florida high school student and was 17 years old. George Zimmerman is 28 years old and was a self-appointed neighborhood watch cap-tain. On the 26th, Martin left his home to get snacks while watching a NBA game. Zimmerman called the police after seeing Martin because he thought there was something “sus-picious” about Martin. At the time of the incident, Martin had on a sweatshirt, although he did not have on his hood. Zimmerman began to pursue Martin, though the police told him to stop his pursuit. From this point the details of the shooting begin to get fuzzy. Zim-merman claims that Martin attacked him, and began beating his head upon the sidewalk. He also claims that Martin broke his nose. Due to this, Zimmerman claimed self-defense when the police arrived.

The local police did not see a reason to doubt Zimmer-man, and he was promptly released. The public was already beginning to rant about the faulty investiga-tion, and the possibility of racial profiling. After Mar-tin’s family pressed local police to release the 911 recordings, the tapes were finally released on March 16th. These recordings were filled with the sound of Martin’s voice begging and asking for help. For

some, hearing the tapes was all the evidence they needed. Protests and rallies have begun to sweep the nation. As the above photo illus-trates, our very own Clay-ton State University was the site of a rally where professors and students alike spoke in support of charging George Zimmer-man with murder. This story has begun to infect mainstream media, and various reports are begin-ning to surface. Martin’s

story has even been com-pared with the story ofEmmett Till, a 14-year old brutally murdered in 1955. It seems clear that America wants justice for Martin and for his family. As of March 29th, Zimmerman still has yet to be charged. Demonstrations have spread all over the nation, so the public can only hope that the local government of Sanford, Florida will soon answer.

To Charge or Not to Charge?By Ashley Storey

Photo By: Michel Zambo

The Student’s New Source for Clayton State University:www.benttreenews.org



Women’s History Month LuncheonBy Jacinta RaglandPhoto By: Brittney Robinson

Ribbons! Pink! And flow-ers! All these things showed like jewels in the Student Activities Center ballrooms for Clayton State University’s 2nd Annual Women’s Luncheon in cel-ebration of Woman’s His-tory Month. This event was sponsored by: Campus Life, Housing and Residence Life, D.E.E.P., and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc, it was an elegant and royal experience for the women of Clayton State University. The decorations took me in as soon as I stepped in the ballrooms with the sound of beautiful female gospel singers filling the air. The tables were ligned withpink and white tablecloths

and decorations of beautiful spring flowers. Each table also had nap-kins folded neatly and small dainty cups filled with sweet tasting juices. Hats with ribbons crowded the air as women walked through the doors being escorted by the Student African American Broth-erhood (SAAB) men who royally seated the ladies at the table of their desire. At the beginning of the lun-cheon, the ladies had an opportunity to mingle with one another and the staff honorees that sat at their tables. Students also had a chance to ask them ques-tions and get to know a little more

about who they are and the things they contribute to in their professional lives. I had the privilege of meet-ing Dr. Rhonda Williams a School Psychologist and a Professor of Psychology at Clayton State University’s Fayette campus. She talked to me about her profession as a psychologist and what inspired her to take on this profession to help college students adapt and warm up to the community of college. I felt very honored to have the chance to meet and talk to her while at the luncheon. After the min-gling at the tables, there was the presentation of the raffle that the ladies had the chance of participating

in. Eagerness and antici-pation filled the room as the ladies sat quietly wait-ing for their number to be called to go up and receive a book in honor of Wom-en’s History Month. Unfor-tunately my number wasn’t called, but still it was an exciting activity in which to participate. Ears and eyes were alert as the guest speaker, Ms. Jacquie Hood-Martin owner of J. Hood & As-sociates, approached the podium and gave a wonder-ful and powerful speech on what it truly means to be a woman here on this earth and what women stand for in today’s society. She gave a well presented speech on the history of great women from the past and their at-tributes and contributions. Ms. Hood-Martin highlight-ed women whose lives have especially benefited women here in the future. It was an exceptional speech to end the luncheon with and leave the ladies with smiles on their faces as their ap-plause filled the ballrooms. Clayton State, through this luncheon, provided a great example what Women’s History Month is truly all about.

By Brittany Bryan

Homecoming 2012 RecapCSU IdolMusic allows people to come together and enjoy a moment in time. That is exactly what “CSU Idol” did this year. The Office of Orientation and New Student Programs hosted the first ever CSU Idol, an American Idol spinoff, during homecoming 2012. It was an exciting way to start off homecoming week and the turnout was great! Students came out to either support their friends or see a great show. The seven fabulous Idol contestants were Andrea Caine(senior), Charles “Scooter” Ander-son (sophomore), Chris-tian Reynolds (junior), An-gelo Mirville (sophomore), Damoli Harris (freshman), Joshua Davis (sophomore), and LaDonna Williams (senior). Ciara Crowe Edge, Candace Henry, and Jerryal Pettigrew served as the event’s judges. The two hosts, Joseph Echols and Jessica Horton added a co-medic vibe to the show and interacted with the crowd frequently. There were three rounds of the show where contestants were voted off until one winner remained. The first round was the “wildcard”. Contestants got the chance to introduce their vocal abilities to the

audience. Joshua Davis and LaDonna Williams both gave us a glimpse of their outgoing personali-ties on stage. Davis came out in a hat singing a Lu-ther Vandross song and I admit he had a little GQ vibe. He even got on one knee near the end of the song. Williams sang, “Ain’t Nobody” and worked the stage. Anderson and Reyn-olds both serenated all the ladies with their soulful voices and charming looks. Mirville was such a cutie and his family gave adlibs every few seconds during his performance. His dad even shouted, “Sing, or you grounded !” Caine took the brave route and did her take on Beyonce’s , “Dan-gerously in Love.” Ms. Harris let her vocals take over the entire room as she sang, “Bleeding Love” by Leona Lewis. After that performance, I knew it was going to be a stiff competi-tion. The judges deliber-ated and Andrea Canine and LaDonna Williams were eliminated. The next round was dedicated to the 90’s. Anderson sang, “Back at One” by Brian McNight while Harris sang, “ An-gel of Mine.” Reynolds did his take on the 90’s song

“ Lately” and even spon-taneously pulled a girl up on stage. Sadly, Davis and Reynolds were eliminated at the end of round two. The last round was dedicated to an inspira-tional song. The best part about this round is that the audience was the judge. So, at the end of the show we texted our Idol choice and hoped for the best. Mirville shocked the house hit-ting a high note singing, “ Hero” by Mariah Carey. In the end, Mirville and Har-ris were eliminated, and Charles Anderson won. As the winner of CSU Idol, Mr. Anderson won a gift pack-age valued at $300. I must say that this year’s CSU Idol was an incredible experience. The contestants were great. Ms. Harris blew us away and strutted on stage like a true superstar, Ms. Williams showed us she was a diva, and Mr. Reynolds charmed the audience. The laughs, screams, and support from the audience, including my-self, made the experience even better. It was definite-ly another great memory to put in the CSU yearbook.

HomecomingKing & Queen

2012

By India JordanHarlem Ambassadors

CSU’s Homecoming Week was filled with events that kept students slammed with entertainment. One of the many activities that took place involved a pro-

fessional basketball show team called the Harlem Ambassadors. Put together by the Alumni Association, the co-ed team was invited to perform a family-

oriented and high energy show on Feb. 15, 2012. The Harlem Ambassadors set the tone for the night by entering the gym to the 80’s classic “Can You Feel

It?” by The Jacksons. As they trailed around the floor of the Athletic and Fitness Center, the Harlem Ambassadors geared up to challenge Our Hometown

Krystal Allen and Tony Yaa-coub were crowned Homec-

ming Queen and King recently. They are both

super active in campus life. Among other things, Krys-

tal is the President of CSU’s Sigma Sigma chapter of Al-pha Kappa Alpha Inc. Tony

is the founder of CSU’s International Student As-

sociation. He holds the title for CSU’s first international

Homecoming King. Congratulations from the

staff at The Bent Tree!

Photo by Kevin Liles

6 April 2012 / VOL. 46 • ISSUE 02


Heroes, which consisted of current students and recent graduates of Clay-ton State University. For those who are unaware of the phenomenon involving the Harlem Ambassadors, the origin is one that pre-cedes their first showdown at CSU by fifteen years. This organization of spirit filled athletes was started

by Dale Moss, a man who wanted to combine the two realms of professional sports and marketing to produce a successful com-pany that would appeal to all ages and not cause damage to the ever chang-ing economy. The constant traveling and high de-mands of the team results in different players every

few years, but there is one member who has been with the team since concep-tion. Lade Majic, a female basketball star who once played overseas in Italy, is the headliner of the unusu-ally dynamic sports team. The Harlem Ambassadors have traveled all over the United States and inter-nationally to such places

as Japan, England, and London. With numerous exposures to different cul-tures and lands around the world, the Harlem Ambas-sadors still navigated back to Morrow, Ga., where the excitement the team car-ries was still present.

Homecoming 2012 Recap continued

Photos by Michel Zambo

Clayton State Opens new Veteran’s Center



News

How Do You Feel About the Trayvon Martin Case?

“I don’t look at the Trayvon Martin case as a racial issue. It wouldn’t

matter to me if his killer was white or black. What does matter to

me, and what I feel should be the main focus of this tragic incident, is that George Zimmerman shot

and killed this boy and the police are aware of this but has yet to

be charged with any crime. What message does this send to society?

People will now think that they can go out and shoot people, claim

self defense and not be held ac-countable for their crime.”

“I feel like what happened was wrong. It was a case

of racial profiling. He was killed out of hate not self

defense.”

“I’m outraged! I feel like Trayvon is a model for a movement just like Rosa

Parks was. We have to stop the violenItce in own race

before we start hunting for others.”

“Trayvon’s death is a com-plete travesty, a miscar-riage of justice. It should be further investigated. Those involved in his murder and the supposed cover up should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

“What happened to Trayvon was pretty bad. At the same

time it is a necessary evil because we as black people tend not to stick together until something like this happens. I side with the

child, not the justice system. This makes us , as a people,

stronger.”

“It raises an important justice issue in terms of

the fact that Zimmerman was not arrested for

murder.”

Youssef EltoweissySophomore

Christina Greenwood Senior

Taylor JacksonFreshman

Joshua DavisSophomore

Ian DowellSophomore

Ashley DanielSenior

Photos by Tamika Galanis

8 April 2012 / VOL. 46 • ISSUE 02


Opinion

Opinionwww.benttreenews.org


Need some Laker Bucks?Answer this question in detail. Then YOU can win those Laker Bucks.

The Question for the March 2012 Edition is:

How many presidents hasClayton State had since it first

opened?By: Michel Zambo

managing editor

All answers with your FULL name and Laker ID number MUST be submitted in the sugges-tion box outside the Bent Tree Office located in the SAC, room 205 (on the 2nd floor).

It’s not enough to have a superficial sense of fash-ion. A number of Clayton State University’s students have good taste. Designer labels don’t always ensure a successful attempt at expressing personal style. True personal style ex-presses the point of view of the wearer without any artifice. When we are met with someone who is in-

nately fashionable, it is instantly identifiable and cannot be duplicated. In making my first se-lection for my Fashion Feature article, I wanted to choose someone who stands out in a crowd with a striking consistency. It’s difficult not to notice the distinct style of Secondary Education major Cassan-dra Allen as she gracefully

Student Style Spotlight By Mario Feliz

Photo by Joseph Echols struts across our campus. Whether she is wearing her signature shoulder pads or a thrift shop blazer, Cas-sandra always looks effort-lessly chic. While beauty fades and trends come and go elegance is forever. Her style exhibits an apparent reverence for the feminine silhouettes and timeless glamour of the 1940’s. When asked where she likes to shop, Cassandra answered, “Value Village there is no telling and no boundaries to what you can find inside the store from vintage to mod. I never feel guilty about the money I’ve

spent when I leave. Eighty percent of my wardrobe comes directly from the thrift shop.” It’s no sur-prise that someone with such an unconventional sense of style feels com-pelled to shop outside the box. Those among us with true great style make an outfit composed of pieces selected after enduring hours on the hunt for the perfect garment look as if we’ve had it in our closets for years. Like most people who are truly good at what they do, the naturally styl-ish, like Cassandra, make it look easy.

Cassandra Allen (left) with her sister Krystal Allen (right).

Athlete Spotlight: Alexis GriffinBy Shyilik Adams

Q: How did it feel to receive your 1st championship ring this year?

A: The ring ceremony was long over due. My team-mates and I had been anx-iously waiting for months to get our rings, and the medals were definitely a plus. I was so excited be-cause the ring really made it official. The atmosphere was particularly unique for me because my whole fam-ily had come from Florida to witness and celebrate the ceremony.

Q: How was the whole ex-perience of going to Puerto Rico this year with the team and playing against the opposing team?

A: Going to Puerto Rico was an eye-opening experi-ence as to how blessed we are. Things are so different and I feel it was a humbling experience for the team and our coaches. The gym was basically outside with no AC, which was a chal-lenge while we played and practiced. It was also dif-ferent because the teams we played only spoke Span-ish, so we couldn’t under-stand what they were say-ing.

Q: What are some of your personal goals this year for being on the CSU girls bas-ketball teams?

A: Personally, I want for our team to be as success-ful as we were last year. We’ve accomplished the ultimate goal as a collegiate

program for women’s bas-ketball and I don’t see why we shouldn’t still strive for the same goal, to win it all again!

Question: Where do you want to see yourself at a year after you graduate from Clayton State?

A: I plan on going to gradu-ate school after CSU. So, hopefully I’ll still be in school in the Atlanta area with a possible coaching job on the side at

a local school while I con-tinue my education.

Photo by Joseph Echols

Sports

10 April 2012 / VOL. 46 • ISSUE 02


Who says you need to sign a pre-nup in order to be married? Katy Perry and Russell Brand got married with no strings at-tached; I am so proud of them. Sadly, the married couple recently got a divorce. The California Girl singer and British comedian are still great friends to this day. Russell was entitled to 20 million dollars of the entire 40 million Katy Perry has made in the course of their marriage. Isn’t Russell a sweetheart? I pray that they will both be blessed in everything that they do. I want to see another divorce that ends the way theirs did. Maybe I am asking too much for the rest of humanity.

No Pre-Nup Involved

We All Deserve Second Chances

Who says that domestic violence is the farthest a relationship can go? Those that want to live to see another day that is! Well Rihanna and Chris Brown feel otherwise. Apparently during the rehearsal for the Grammy’s, the two were in the same dressing room for four hours. I am not curious to know what they were do-ing because I am pretty sure I know what went down in that room. After that, Chris Brown performed a magnificent performance for his rehearsal in the Grammy’s. He is slowly getting his fame back and he deserves it. As being a part of the #RihannaNavy I feel that regardless of my feelings I will not give Rihanna a hard time for her decision. If they do decide to get back together, publicly or not, I wish them both the best of luck. I hope they both find fame the way they want it and the way they deserve. Whatever happens will happen.

By Alexander Brown

CELEBRITY GOSSIP

By Alexander Brown


11April 2012 / VOL. 46 • ISSUE 02

Entertainment

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Contact us at [email protected]

Listen LiveAnytime

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Clayton State TelevisionWatch Them

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12April 2012 / VOL. 46 • ISSUE 01

Is it True, a Good

Textbook Company?

By: Sam Camp

That is exactly the question Brad Faulkner,

Owner of DORKS College Text-books, asked

himself when he was a sophomore at North

Georgia College and State University. In his

quote, “I felt stuck when it came to buying and

selling textbooks, I wondered if it was possible to

find a good and caring textbook store. When I

saw the need for one, I thought I could do

something about it while helping other students

in the process.” And that is exactly what he has

brought to Clayton State, his ‘Doing Good’ model

of an off-campus bookstore that specializes in

used books. And it did not stop at that. They

found more offers and more options that will

save the students money. DORKS is a well-kept

secret at the moment but not for long. When I

checked into their options this is what I found:

They work with Financial Aid through a payment

deferred program, offer cheaper prices on used

books and their whole inventory is available for

rent. When asked how they had all of the Clayton

State books, they told me about their year-round

buyback.

Not only do they help you when you buy

books, but when you sell your textbooks as well.

There are always going to be those books that

have no value at the end of the semester but

when it comes to selling your books at DORKS;

they buy more titles for more dollars year-round.

When I asked how they paid more cash for books

(one of their slogans), they said, “Basically, we

have 6 of the best companies fighting for your

books; we pit those companies against each

other, and the one that wants your textbook the

most offers the highest bid. We then pay the

student the highest bid. We have found it is the

best way to really get the student the most cash.”

What is also interesting about DORKS is

their support in giving back to this world. Their

last major contribution was donating the money

needed to build an orphan house in Busia,

Uganda. They work with an organization called

“Helping Hands Foreign Missions” to build

houses, employee widows, give shelter to

orphans, education for both orphans and

widows, and a future for orphans in Uganda.

Several of the officers of the company go on

regular foreign mission trips. In fact, this

October, the officers of DORKS Textbooks plan

to travel to Uganda to do onsite building,

bringing further relief for these orphans. DORKS

is good to the students and good to the world. No

wonder they have made their slogan, “The

Students’ Choice for College Textbooks.” In this

issue, they have even provided a coupon for an

extra $5 when you sell your books, so be sure to

take that with you when you go there to sell your

books. For more information about your local

DORKS Textbooks you can visit their store

located at 5890 Jonesboro Road or visit their

website at www.dorksbooks.com.

*paid advertisement for Dorks Textbooks*

The Bent Tree - April Edition

Documents

film submissions

lochfest film festival

clay parkerolivias song

olivias song

drug abuse

drug free

jon simpsons song olivia

jagged edges teams