Takala Williams
Staff Writer

The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) held its 75th Freedom Fund Banquet on Oct 11 at the McCamley Plaza Hotel in Battle Creek. Power, justice, freedom and voting were the major issues addressed at the NAACP Freedom Banquet. The night was a special night for the NAACP and was enjoyed by all that were in attendance. The entire crowd sang “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” lead by Je’Juante Worthy. There were many community leaders in attendance at the banquet including; State Senator Mark Schauer; Mayor Mark Behnke, and Battle Creek’s NAACP President Ms. Roberta H. Cribbs. Some of KCC’s staff members and organizations were also in attendance including the Legacy Scholars, Trustee Member Reba Harrington, and Dr. Marshall Washington. The night was filled with information, motivation, and empowerment.

Guest speaker Roslyn M. Brock delivered a moving speech about racial equality, community involvement, and youth empowerment. Brock has been a member of the NAACP for over 25 years. She is the first woman to become Vice Chairman of the National Board of Directors and also the youngest. “Not on my watch” was Brock’s proclamation to the citizens of Battle Creek to be, “Protectors of liberty and guardians of justice.” Brock urged Battle Creek politicians and citizens to keep our neighborhoods and streets clean of violence and to teach all children black, white, or other that we are all equal. She wanted the community to start taking responsibility for what was going on and take action to make Battle Creek a better place. Brock pleaded that, “We must be willing to dig deep and struggle hard to find the passion and the determination to stand guard across the community and say NOT ON MY WATCH.” Brock spoke on many issues bothering all Americans today including politics. She made very clear that “The NAACP’s National Board is proud to have Republicans, Independents, and Democrats in leadership.” Brock left the crowd with an African proverb she says she lives by: “Care more than others think is wise, risk more than others think is safe, dream more than others think is practical and expect more that others think is possible.”

Along with Brock, 16 year old Ebony Gray of Kalamazoo delivered a very important message to all that were in attendance. Gray wrote an original piece entitled “The things teens don’t talk about.” Gray’s speech brought the crowd to its feet. Her speech was about teen girls that have sex, STDs, and teenage pregnancy. Gray’s message to young girls was that. “What you have is special and you should not depend on a man to cosign that for you.”

The NAACP was founded in 1909 and will be celebrating a legacy of 100 years in February 2009. The national motto of the NAACP is just as important now and it was almost 100 years ago. “Power, Justice, and Freedom are our legacy, are our heritage, are our future, if we vote.” Remember all those who fought and lost their lives for us to have the right to vote on November 4.

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Jeff Droll
Staff Writer

The American flag is much more just a design on a piece of cloth. To many veterans, the decorated stars and stripes that ripple on top of countless flagpoles across America are a symbol of sacrifice. Numerous men and women have put their lives on the line for a cause greater than themselves--to protect human rights and to preserve our nation’s freedom. This act of unselfishness and heroism is the reason we honor these men and women on Veterans Day every year on November 11.

The end of World War I came to a close with the signing of the Treaty of Versailles in June of 1919. The fighting, however, actually came to an end much sooner. Armistice, or the end of hostilities, between Germany and the Allies took place on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day on the eleventh month.

Before November 11 became known as Veterans Day, it was given the name Armistice Day. During the first commemoration of the holiday, President Wilson said, “to us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory…”

Because of the wars that followed World War I, Armistice Day replaced the term Armistice with Veterans. This change was made to honor all the armed forces that were willing to defend the country they love in times of war and peace.

In an age where many Americans question the validity of the current war in Iraq, it is important to give our troops unconditional support. As well as soldiers of the past, the courage displayed by these men and women is undeniable. As November 11 approaches, remember to take time out to appreciate and thank the veterans and who made the decision to stand up for America. In honor of Veteran’s Day, the Kampus Activities Board (KAB) will be sponsoring two speakers at 11a and 3p in the Spring Lake Room. There will also be appreciation cards in the Student Center to write a short note to a current soldier or a veteran. Go to College Life for more information.

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By Alicia Fry
Staff Writer

Gas prices are unpredictable. The stock market is even more unstable. Americans’ wallets are being stretched to the max. Despite all this trouble, a fairly easy and reasonable aid tends to be overlooked. Recycling isn’t just something one does to ease the guilt of consumption. It can also conserve energy and lessen the strain on the environment.

According to DoSomething.com “recycling one ton (about 2,000 pounds) of paper saves 17 trees, two barrels of oil (enough to run the average car for 1,260 miles), 4,100 kilowatts of energy (enough power for the average home for six months), 3.2 cubic yards of landfill space, and 60 pounds of pollution.” Obviously, we could lessen the burden on our paychecks and the environment if we all made the effort to recycle more.

Even with the increased attention being paid to recycling, too few Americans are embracing the alternative lifestyle. “About 80% of what Americans throw away is recyclable, yet our recycling rate is only 28%” (DoSomething.com). Most of us have many opportunities to recycle, but we choose not to. This attitude needs to change if we want to have a positive impact on our present and future environment.

And it isn’t that hard. On campus, student organizations have worked to give students easy ways to recycle. Located next to almost every trash can and in almost every floor and building there are recycling bins. Use them. For the students who are rarely at the main Battle Creek campus, there will soon be similar options. Groups are working to bring recycling centers to all the KCC regional centers. Don’t overlook the recycling bins and throw your pop cans and bottles away. Make a small contribution to a greener, cheaper and more fuel efficient future.

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