A Letter from the Editor: Meet Chris

I am Chris Hart-Williams, 2014-2015 Editor-in-Chief of the Nubian Message.

I will be graduating in the Spring of 2015 with a degree in political science and a minor in journalism. It is a privilege to serve the N.C. State community in such a capacity. To be given the responsibility to lead something so valuable to the University is more than a pleasure. Serving as the Nubian Message’s Editor-Chief will be a defining aspect of my undergraduate career.

I consider the Nubian Message N.C. State’s alternative newspaper. In its earlier years it served as a voice for African-American students who pushed and succeed in creating a meaningful publication.

The Wolfpack’s African-American newspaper is how most would define the Nubian Message, even me at times, but if someone lends me their ear for more than 30 seconds I would explain that the Nubian Message is far more than that. “African-American paper” often implies that the Nubian Message is just for African-American students.

The Nubian Message is unique in that it provides a platform to invoke conversations at N.C. State that wouldn’t happen otherwise. These are conversations that we all should be having, not just African-Americans of the University but students of any and every background represented.

My goal this year is to continue Nubian Message’s legacy as a voice for students and a catalyst for unity within the student body.That means using this platform wisely and seeking to expand set limits of the past.

We have the Nubian today because founding-editor Tony Williamson, along with other students, looked beyond the difficulty of the day and took action.

They are and will continue to be an inspiration to me and students to come. I hope to keep their struggle and success in the forefront of my mind as long as I am the Editor-in-Chief.

I have many plans for the paper this coming school year and I can’t wait to get started and see them materialize. I haven’t been here long, but I’ve felt welcomed every day. I’ve met so many people who have been instrumental in getting me to where I am.I encourage any and everyone to voice their opinions, suggestions, or concerns about the Nubian Message in the coming semester. I am here to serve our readers, while making an effort to reach out to those people who may not have even heard of the Nubian. I am fortunate to be taking the reigns from someone who has had a special place in her heart for the Nubian. Kierra Leggett refers to the Nubian as her “baby,” as she rightfully should. She has taken care of it as Editor-in-Chief for two years.

When I recently sat down with Chancellor Randy Woodson in his Hollady Hall office, he answered questions concerning the latest about N.C. State and what students new and old  should hear the answers to. In our interview “A Word From the Head of the Pack” (page 8), he opens up about diversity at N.C. State and other concerns students might have, such as cost of tuition, finding community, and diversity. He reinstated his commitment to embracing diversity and it’s importance to him.

As someone of the dwindling eight percent of African-Americans at N.C. State I myself am concerned about the picture our student body reflects.In the Fall of 2013 the Nubian Message reported on the historic low African-American Acceptance rate of 20 percent and, that while 493 black students were accepted into the university, only 215 enrolled. According to Woodson, the number of enrolled African-Americans has increased this year. He said the number of African-American students in the incoming class is about 20 percent higher than last year’s class. During our interview Woodson also shared some advice he has for all students joining the Wolfpack this Fall.

With that, I would like to say welcome back to everyone. Let’s all make it a great year.

CHRIS HART-WILLIAMS

Editor-in-Chief

@CHartWilliams