Jessica Stubbs | Staff Writer
As we grow older, wiser, and more like our parents with every year, there is a very special and important year that you normally wouldn’t hear about until you’ve reached your twenties.
Yes, we all know of the “Sweet 16”, “Legal 18”, “Nasty 19” (we all say it, but never really know what it means), and the “Drunken 21”; however, what about your “Jordan Year.” For those who don’t know, the “Jordan Year” is your 23rd year of life. It’s called the “Jordan Year” because Michael Jordan shot to fame playing for the Chicago Bulls, with jersey number 23.
The “Jordan Year” is supposed to be a year of greatness. Like how Michael achieved much success with 23 on his back, turning 23 is the time when you start your path to success or you begin to reap the benefits of your hard work. November 30, 2015 marks our “Jordan Year.”
The Nubian Message was first published on November 30, 1992. In that first edition, the Editor-in-Chief, Tony Williamson, said the formation of the paper had been something long overdue at the university and also spoke about the goals of the student newspaper.
Cordera Guion, –
How has the Nubian, in any way, changed since you began your position as editor-in-chief?
One of the big things that changed with the Nubian Message since I began position as Editor-In-Chief is that the newspaper has focused more on an online presence. Before that, it was primarily focused on print, but in these times, news is delivered 24/7, and if there’s breaking news you have online to rely upon, as well as Facebook and Twitter.
What is your favorite piece that the Nubian featured during your run as editor-in-chief?
My favorite piece that Nubian featured during my time as editor would probably have to be a tie between the visit from President Obama to campus (which was historic), as well as Trayvon Martin, because it was good to see the younger generation mobilize and unite for justice for a time, which is much similar to what’s going on around the country today connected to Mizzou.
What has been your most valuable lesson/skill learned while being editor-in-chief?
Most Valuable less learned while being editor was patience in having to rely on a team to get things done. Sometimes people didn’t realize how much it took to get the Nubian Message done on a weekly basis, and the number of hours that students put in each week. There’d be times when the paper would be sent to the printer at 1 or 2 AM, and then you’d have to get up at 7 or 8 AM to drive to Durham to pick it up and place it around campus.
Kierra Leggett, May 2012 – May 2014
How has the Nubian, in any way, changed since you began your position as editor-in-chief?
During my editorship the Nubian Message really made an effort to get back to its “founding roots.” My staff and I studied the content of the original papers and tried to restore its original essence as a cause newspaper. The content shifted from black popular media to what was really taking place and happening in the black community on campus.
What is your favorite piece that the Nubian featured during your run as editor-in-chief?
The Nubian Message featured many great stories during my tenure, so it is very hard for me to pick just one! For me, it was always an accomplishment when the stories we published caused a buzz or stir, especially on social media. “Profiled: Student’s Sneakers Laced with Controversy”, the August 2013 Symposium Edition of the Nubian that had the headline “Welcome, Black Pack” and #NCSUBrickYardBeLike were some of our most talked about or tweeted articles.
What has been your most valuable lesson/skill learned while being editor-in-chief?
The most valuable thing I learned from my time as Nubian Editor was the importance of having a guide or mentor and, that you can’t do it all alone. Mama Thorpe and Dick Reavis (a former associate professor of English at NC State) both offered tremendous help to me during my time as Nubian Editor. Mama Thorpe always had words of wisdom and Mr. Reavis was always supportive and encouraging me to push the envelope with the content we published!
Happy 23rd Birthday Nubian!!!