Chic Spring styles on a student budget

Goodbye booties, boots, and coats! Flowers will be blooming when spring break rolls around the corner. With trips to Miami, D.C., Los Angeles and even Atlanta it's a must that we ladies begin to prepare ourselves fashionably. Spring 2012's runway looks were definitely hot, From Cynthia Rowley, Jason Wu, to Nanette Lepore, top designers had several wearable looks to choose from. However, as a college student runway prices are completely out of our budget!

Zumba workout makes fitness fun

Fitness program embraces multiple approaches to health

Do you like to dance? Do you enjoy learning new moves? Are you trying to get in shape or lose weight? The latin inspired dance-fitness program called Zumba is an entertaining option. They are led by Erica Dixon, choreography specialist, Zumba fitness contractor, and director of physical fitness and wellness for N.C. Central University.

Theatre piece written, performed by cast

Voice matters when an actress takes the stage. It matters all the more when she is speaking her own words. "Black Mama Monologues" comes to University Theatre Feb. 10.The play is written by cast members — a group of N.C. Central University actresses — and directed by Stephanie "Asabi" Howard, assistant professor in the NCCU Theatre Department.

Hood picks up the mic

New music video is made by fellow NCCU student

If you ask N.C. Central University history junior, Nigel Hood, where he sees himself five years from now he'll tell you that he expects to be one of the country's leading artists – one that all people – not only black people, will look to for good music. Hood was born and raised in Charlotte, NC. His parents had a major influence on his musical inspirations. He recalls listening to The Temptations regularly with his father. Hood describes his upbringing as the traditional "suburban family" with a mother, father and two brothers.

Resistance exposed

Photographs document storied history of struggle

Resistance is necessary. It is the source of human discourse and many times the sole supplier of truth. "Let Your Motto be Resistance," a photography exhibit at the N.C. Central University Art Museum, features iconic images of African American resistance leaders. On Nov. 10, a collaborative art event connected to the exhibit and spearheaded by NCCU and Duke University students — playfully titled "Double Exposure" —  showcased the resistance exhibit.

Dorm turns studio

N.C. Central University boasts a wealth of talented students. Some are good actors, others are great dancers, but T.J. Bah -- also known as "Pyro the Producer"—is an experienced music producer who raps, plays piano and makes beats. Bah grew up listening to all genres of music. The business sophomore has been making beats, rapping, and mixing down tracks under the alias "Pyro the Producer" since eighth grade.

Dance group lives

Nov. 25 will mark the N.C. Central University Dance Group concert. Since its beginnings in fall 1968, the NCCU Dance Group has grown in membership and advanced as an organization. Nancy Pickney, assistant professor of physical education, recreation and dance, presently serves as director of the NCCU Dance Group.

Campus Crossing’s queen crowned

Durham's Campus Crossing residents have crowned their queen. The Winner of the 2011 Miss Campus Crossing Pageant is Alexandria Smith. Campus Crossing held its second annual Miss Campus Crossing Pageant on Oct. 21. Smith is a criminal justice sophomore at N. C. Central University. "I was a bit shocked but so happy," Smith said. "I'm an outgoing person, but not pageant-oriented. Most girls are bubbly and fun and dedicate their time to pageants, but it's unexpected for me."

NCCU Trumpeter sounds off

The tap-tap-tap of drums folds against the high walls. A smattering of bass inhabits the void. The soft plink of piano lofts into the air. On the B.N. Duke Auditorium stage, a pianist, an upright bassist and a drummer hold down a jazz rhythm. Out front, trumpeter, composer and N.C. Central University graduate student G.A. Kadir Muhammad blows the expressive notes of Dizzy Gillespie's medley "I Can't Get Started / ‘Round Midnight."

Step show delivers

Fraternities and sororities face off

This is probably the first time in years that N.C. Central University homecoming step show attendees have witnessed the entire divine nine stepping under one roof.  The Gamma Gamma Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc. pulled off a clean win

‘Homegrown/Under 35’ unveils local talent

 Being an artist involves ceaseless passion. Painting, sculpture, mixed media, photography; these media require pursuit in the face of disproportionate financial reward. Making a living — in the standard sense of feeding oneself — as an artist is a tough business.   As the economic battle rages, artists soldier on.  "Homegrown/Under 35" — an exhibit at Craven Allen Gallery in Durham — features 16 young artists educated in Durham public schools.

Hughes spirit lives

Jazz, blues infuse operatic version of ‘Soul Gone Home’

The words of great writers extend beyond mortality. They burn on, stretching themselves until the end of time. The words of Harlem Renaissance writer Langston Hughes are still burning 43 years after his death. His soul may have gone home but his spirit is here to stay.

Rappers energize students

For weeks it was up in the air whether N.C. Central University was even going to host a homecoming concert. In the end, the event became something more: a concert and comedy show combined. Roland Reaves, student activities board entertainment chair and homecoming chair,  and the rest of the homecoming board spent part of their summer and first couple of months of school calling around to recruit artists to perform at homecoming.

Play celebrates NCCU

Eagle Pride honors NCCU legacy

Last week, history came alive onstage as Gil Faison's "Eagle Pride" was unveiled to homecoming attendees. "Eagle Pride" recounts the life of N.C. Central University founder James E. Shepard through the stories of 89-year-old Camille Dubois Pearson, an alumna played by Joan J.' Nathis-Nje.

Protests spur design outburst

Words, images mobilized by Occupy movement

A young woman lifts a pink sign high above her head. Black-inked, large block letters read, "On occupied land since 1492." A older woman stands outside the Chapel Hill Post Office. Behind her, the American flag curls against itself in the wind. She too holds a sign: A stenciled silhouette of two people waving a pennant that reads, "Solidarity, Students & Workers, take back our economy." A group of more than 100 people point their hands toward the clear sky, waving their fingers like pianists in symbolic affirmation. These are all scenes from "Occupy Together" demonstrations in Chapel Hill and Durham last weekend. All people communicating in some way: participatory democracy at work.

Students write memoir

Durham School of the Arts students publish work

It takes guts to write the truth, to get it out and put it down on paper. Especially when you're a high school freshman writing about yourself. "Other People + Me," a new collection of memoirs by students from Durham School of the Arts, is all about guts. Twelve students, members of the DSA Publishing Club, performed selections from the collection Wed, Sept. 28 at The Regulator Bookshop in Durham.

Philadanco shines

Company performs choreography by Durham native

Philadanco — a Philadelphia Dance Company — graced Memorial Hall at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Sept. 23. The modern dance company fused electrifying African-American dance with jazz, ballet and modern movement. The dancers practice "five days a week, Monday through Wednesday… And Saturday and Sunday," said dancer Alicia Lundgren.

Campus Crossing's queen crowned

Durham's Campus Crossing residents have crowned their queen. The Winner of the 2011 Miss Campus Crossing Pageant is Alexandria Smith. Campus Crossing held its second annual Miss Campus Crossing Pageant on Oct. 21. Smith is a criminal justice sophomore at N. C. Central University.

A little ‘Old Havana’ in Durham

Old Havana Sandwich Shop serves up traditional Cuban fare

Old Havana Sandwich Shop is more than a neighborhood eatery. It's now a community fixture. Owners Roberto Copa Matos and Elizabeth Turnbull — a married couple — envisioned a cultural experience for patrons and employees. "How nice would it be to have a restaurant where we could combine gardening, farming, and bring in Cuban culture and Haitian culture?" Copa Matos said.

Phonte does it big

Alumnus releases solo album Sept. 27

Phonte Coleman is doing big things. Raised in Greensboro and still a North Carolina resident, Coleman is an acclaimed MC, Grammy- nominated R&B singer/songwriter, and a 2001 N.C. Central University  alumnus.His long-awaited solo album, "Charity Starts at Home," is slated for release Sept. 27.

Dance group lives

Nov. 25 will mark the N.C. Central University Dance Group concert. Since its beginnings in fall 1968, the NCCU Dance Group has grown in membership and advanced as an organization.

Monumental voices

T.O.K.Y.O.-YMD brings in big name artists

Tahj Giles and James Hines are swiftly changing the voice of urban college radio at N.C. Central University. AudioNet Channel 9 broadcasts 24 hours a day from the Farrison- Newton Communications Building. Since NCCU is an HBCU and is a fairly urban campus, AudioNet is dedicated to playing non-stop hip hop. The purpose of the show is to reach out and draw in students of the urban college community.

Images of the African diaspora

60 photographers explore and reveal the black experience outside of Africa

Great photographs reach beyond portrayal to become the subjects they depict. This is the concept at the core of the current Nasher Museum of Art installation at Duke University — "Becoming: Photographs from the Wedge Collection." Collected by Kenneth Montague, a dentist and curator, the 110 photographs were created by 60 photographers representative of the African Diaspora.

Durham Blues free this year

Organizers want to thank the community for its support

Dancing, singing, food and fellowship are all good things on their own but when they come together they are incredibly powerful. Every September, blues fans and music enthusiasts from around the world unite in Durham for the Bull Durham Blues Festival, sponsored by St. Joseph's Historic Foundation Inc. Hayti Heritage Center. The event has become one of Durham's longest traditions.

Soriano’s sweet Bachata

Guitarist brings Dominican form to Triangle Sept. 23

Joan Soriano strums furious rhythms on his steel-string guitar. He croons bittersweet lyrics of heartache with a leather–smooth voice in his native Spanish. His style of music? Bachata, a folk music of the Dominican Republic that melds African, Caribbean, European, and various Latin American influences into a unique steel-string-guitar-driven style.

Cash Crop witnesses

Alum returns with artistic exploration of Middle Passage

If you take a trip to the N.C. Central University Art Museum, you'll see 15, 200 lb. cement sculptures of African men, women and children mounted onto wooden ships and placed in rows. The exhibit is called Cash Crop. And it's by NCCU alumnus Stephen Hayes. It will remain on display through Oct. 30.

Still Life: Wood, Water, Metal, Stone

Most photographers take pictures on eye level, focusing on the horizon; this is not the case for Lisa Carl, an assistant professor in the English and mass communication department at N.C. Central University, who has loved photography for a long time. Carl, who has been at NCCU since 2003, says that "photos can be found anywhere, even beneath your feet."

In living color

Moores’s poetry challenges readers

N.C. Central University graduate student Eddie Moore attempts to reclaim the identities of the souls forgotten during the most crucial times of struggle in his book, "Colored: Musing of The Pathologized Black Man." In his collection of poems and essays, Moore pays homage to the Black Arts Movement and demonstrates passion in his poetically, stylistic introspective look at black masculinity, thoughts on love, confronting racism, remembering but glorifying the triumph of pain, and encourages readers to embark on a road to discovery of self.

Gladiators & MPCs

Beat battle makes its first appearance in Raleigh

The Gladiator Beat Battle made its first appearance at The Brewery in Raleigh, April 8th and ended as a success. The battle was sponsored by NCCU alumnus and former instructor, Patrick "9th Wonder" Douthit's local record label, It's a Wonderful World Music Group and Native Instruments. The event was hosted by 9th Wonder and True School Corp. member Cesar Comanche and the judges were IWWMG production collective, The Soul Council.

Looking for the perfect beat

NCCU student produces a ‘breaking’ hit for national rapper

With everyday being a hustle, N.C. Central University students have the power to become something historical and mass communication sophomore Angelo Shepard, known on the beat as LoLo, is a prime example. Through the work of his fresh production company, Monumental Musik Productions, thriving young hip hop producer Shepard landed the perfect beat on  rapper Wale's latest mixtape effort "More About Nothing," and  his current hit single, "The Break Up Song."

King of the Throne

NCCU student wins local fashion competitions

Al Cobb, 22 year-old textiles and apparel senior at N.C. Central University, is a talented fashion designer, not by opinion, but by popular vote. Cobb placed first in the NCCU Fashion Inc. Fashion Design Competition and the N.C State University Fashion Expose. Cobb, originally from Lincolnton, N.C., began moving towards fashion at age 12.

Black Girls Rock NCCU

All of N.C. Central University's ladies will be replacing Keri Hilson's "Pretty Girl Rock" with the "Black Girl Rock." In support of Women's History Month, non-profit organization Black Girls Rock! will come to NCCU will come Thursday at 10:40 a.m. to the McDougald-McLendon Gymnasium.

PHOTO GALLERY: NCCU takes on SXSW

Campus Echo A&E Editor road trips to Austin for annual music festival

You may not have known what the letters stood for, but indeed it was flooding your Twitter timeline. Any music lover was lost in misery, staying off favorite blogs until the weekend was over. After 20 hours of riding in a 15-passenger van, I touched down in Austin for the 25th anniversary of the SXSW Music and Media Conference.

Video News Story: The Bon Jovi Experience

NCCU Lambda Pi Eta gets schooled on concert production

There are more than 400 chapters of Lambda Pi Eta worldwide, but last Monday the N.C. Central University chapter became the first historically black university to receive the Bon Jovi experience.

Beyond the physical

Harlem Renaissance sculptor explores human body and spirit

You've got until April 8 to witness the inspirational work of African-American Harlem Renaissance sculptor Richmond Barthé at the N.C. Central University Museum.

The Smugger takes off

NCCU alumnus co-founds urbane fashion online mag

N.C. Central University alumnus Jeff Toliver is co-founder and brand director of the online magazine "The Smugger," launched in August 2009. "The Smugger" is the perfect mash-up of "GQ" style, "Esquire" class, and "Complex" edge.  The online publication distinguishes itself by focusing on the unique and distinct, urbane, multi-cultural audience. "The difference between us and our competitors are, their main focus in on fashion, while our focus is on the lifestyle of a stylish individual," said Toliver. The publication's goal is to reach sophisticated urbane males from the ages 21-35 who are new graduate, students or who are just getting started in their career.

Audible bling

Team T.O.K.Y.O. releases new mixtape “T.O.K.Y.O Diamonds”

The crew that had all of N.C. Central University "swimming on haters" is back with a new mixtape, "T.O.K.Y.O. Diamonds." The mixtape was released digitally Jan. 14 via the free file-sharing site 4share.com. These young opportunists come together under the moniker Team T.O.K.Y.O., which stands for Togetherness of Konfident Young Opportunists. Their new effort combines club bangers, love songs, and pure soul.

In a Sentimental Mood

NCCU alum brings in 2011 with another musical success

Since the release of Carlitta Durand's "Doug and Patty" EP, the N.C. Central University alum keeps the music tradition alive with "Nostalgic Nights," released on Christmas Eve. While "Doug and Patty's" production had an eclectic and hip-hop feel, "Nostalgic Nights" brings more soul and R&B.

Waken & baken

Rapper Wiz Khalifa brings new tour through Carolinas

Herbal indulgers and abusers were in the place to be Nov. 10. Hitting the road for the second time this year, hip-hop's newcomer Wiz Khalifa brought "The Waken and Baken" nationwide tour through the Carolinas, stopping through Winston-Salem's LJVM Coliseum.

Vicky’s secret is out

NCCU student releases her debut EP

Yes indeed the secret is out — in case you missed the memo. NCCU's own mass communication senior Heather Gavin's — better known as Heather Victoria  — EP "Victoria's Secret" is a nod to the old school R&B substance that is missing now a days. The 14-track EP features production by the It's A Wonderful World Music Group — short as IWWMG —  and Jamla's 9th Wonder and executive producer E. Jones.

Finding beauty in tragic

NCCU students star in Lydia R. Diamond’s ‘Harriet Jacobs’

The audience rose to a standing ovation, hooting and whistling their approval for the captivating performances of this brilliantly produced version of Lydia R. Diamond's play, "Harriet Jacobs," which is based on the true events as written in Jacob's book "Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl". A cast of seven African-American actors performed all 13 of the play's character roles, both white and black. Many of the white characters are not immediately identified as white, yet the actors clearly demonstrate disassociation between slave characters.

Art Tatum: Piano Starts Here

Lengendary jazz pianist to be honored this upcoming month

American jazz pianist and virtuoso will be honored in a local musical titled "Art Tatum: Piano Starts Here" this upcoming month. N.C. Central University graduate Trevor Johnson will have the pleasure of taking up the only acting role of Doc Hanley, a fictitious character who closes his Harlem night club after the death of his friend, legendary jazz pianist Art Tatum in 1956.

Miss Crossings

Apartment complex crowns first Miss representer

The well-known student housing complex, Campus Crossings, held its first pageant titled Miss Campus Crossings 2010-2011 this past month. Coincidentally, all runners were from N.C. Central University and five young ladies ran for this position with snazzy campaigns. And the winner is —  LaShoney Frink.

NC Latin American film fest

The 2010 Latin American Film Festival will touch down at N.C. Central University for a feature screening this Wed., Nov. 3, and Thurs., Nov. 11, at 7 p.m., in the Alfonso Elder Student Union. Thirty-nine feature films, shorts, documentaries, video art and animation from 16 countries will be displayed. Six filmmakers will introduce their films and talk about their practices working in the region.

Legendary ‘boundaries’ come to UNC

August Wilson play debuts at UNC theatre for its 35th anniversary

They say there's a first time for everything, and what better than now? The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's PlayMakers Repertory Company continues its 35th anniversary season with the legendary play, "Fences," written by August Wilson. The play presents a story of a bitter ex-Negro League baseball player and his relationship with self and family. Emotional struggle and  misery are also displayed, on top of an inescapable load of generational and social limitations.

Duck Down Records 15th anniversary tour

This past weekend, I had the opportunity to witness hip-hop at its finest — underground and hardcore.Enough to give my Redman and Methodman experience a run for its money, this was one of the best hip-hop shows I've been to, hands down. And I'm glad I attended. Duck Down Records stopped by Carrboro's Cat's Cradle to celebrate its 15th anniversary as a part of its 14-city-run. The East Coast tour, which runs through October 24, features performances by Pharoache Monch, Boom Camp Clik artists Buckshot, Sean Price & Smif N Wessun, along with Skyzoo and music by DJ Evil Dee.

PARADYCE enters real world

Alumnus’ clothing line moves beyond acrylics to screen prints and embroidery

After enjoying some fame on campus for his acrylic painted palm trees, alumnus Pierre Batchler is advancing and taking a different approach with his PARADYCE clothing company. Some 65 percent of his sales come from N.C. Central University students and alumni. As well as having a great month, making $8,000, Batchler has a lot in store for consumers and future buyers of his company.

The legend of Foster

A lost legend leaves behind supreme legacy

It's been more than two months since historically black college and university marching bands lost their "godfather." Dr. William P. Foster, founder and former band director of Florida Agriculture and Mechanical University Marching 100, died August 28. Foster created what USA Today claims to be "the best known college band in the USA." Born in Kansas City on August 25, 1919, his music career began at age 12 when he learned how to play the clarinet. Foster graduated from the University of Kansas in 1941, received his masters degree from Wayne State University in 1950 and his doctorate from Teachers College at Columbia University.

PHOTO GALLERY: Sarafina!

The beat dropped, followed with "Freedom is coming tomorrow." With fists of rage in the air, backed up with vocals in unison and tribal dance steps … Sarafina! was moving. Sarafina was amazing. This past weekend, the N.C. Central University department of theatre started its fall season with the Broadway musical "Sarafina!" Kanye West says "No one man should have all that power," but I say it applies to this musical.

Beware of the ‘Swagg’

DMV sophomores form new go-go band on campus

N.C. Central University, be aware of the newest go-go band on campus called New Swagg. The band, formed in 2009, consists of eight members: theater sophomore Melanie Burwell as vocalist, mass communication sophomore Dwayne Allen as lead rapper, accounting sophomore DeAndre Carter as rapper, chemistry sophomore Davon Todd as drummer, criminal justice sophomore Stephen Liggon Jr. as keyboardist and business sophomore Charles Romeo III as hype man.

Down with creamy crack!

A new campus organization for women with natural hair

Do you prefer relaxed or permed hair, or the natural look? Well the ladies of K.A.P.,orKinky and Proud, prefer the natural look. K.A.P. is a new campus organization for women with various types of natural hair.

Such a vibrant thing

An abstract retrospective with bright hues and geometric shapes

One can adore pop art, but "Color Balance: Paintings by Felrath Hines" will take you on a fantastic voyage that will teach a whole new understanding of bubbly colors and odd shapes. This past Sunday, a new exhibition has come to N.C. Central University's Art Museum featuring the perfect example of various hues placed on equilibrium. The vibrant thing has touched down and has been pleasing to the eye.

Glimmer in the dark

I thought I knew everything there was to know about black history, but after reading Danielle L. McGuire's new book, "At the Dark End of the Street Black Women, Rape, and Resistance — A New History of the Civil Rights Movement: from Rosa Parks to the Rise of Black Power," I learned that there was so much unsaid on the discussion of black history.

500millionfriends.com

On September 13, select  college students were able to get a sneak peek of the movie "The Social Network" at the Carolina Theatre in downtown Durham. With the screenwriter Aaron Sorkin and featured stars Jesse Rosenberg and Armie Hammer in attendance, the audience got an insightful view of the movie's creation.

Words Run Deep

Local journalist and flimmaker takes hip-hop to the screen

Over two decades ago hip hop pioneers such as Grandmaster Flash, Run DMC, Public Enemy and many more started a movement through music that now influences our generation. Hip-hop isn't just about the music; it's about the style, the fashion, the beauty, and the content.

BET’s Black College Tour

BET’s hip-hop college tour makes its return to NCCU after a four year hiatus

Eagles, put on your freshest gear because BET's infamous "Black College Tour" is coming this Friday, Sept. 24th. It has been four years since the BET visit and thankfully it's making its return back to N.C. Central University.

Heather Victoria can’t “Slow Down”

NCCU senior’s video with David Banner & 9th Wonder premires on BET

Over the past years, N.C. Central University has produced students whose talents have been showcased in such shows as BET's 106th & Park. Recently, NCCU mass communication senior Heather Gavin — better known as Heather Victoria — scored her singing debut in Mississippi native David Banner's recent music video for the hit single "Slow Down," produced by former NCCU student and super producer 9th Wonder.

Big bands leap to Raleigh

This week The Independent Weekly will bring jazzy sounds to the city of Raleigh in the form of Hopscotch. Hopscotch is a local annual music festival which brings national and international bands in the Triangle. Hopscotch is sure to satisfy any type of fan with more than 120 bands and 10 venues from September 9 to September 11.

Ode to the record

When vinyls and contemporary art clash for eccentric aesthetics

Musically inclined  locals showed up on August 25 at the opening of "The Record: Contemporary Art and Vinyl" at the Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University. "The Record" makes everything a reality, showcasing sound work, sculpture, installation, drawing, painting, photography, video and performance.

Mandela, the artist, featured at NCCU Museum

When most people think of Nelson Mandela, they may associate words like South Africa and apartheid. But few may know that Nelson Mandela is also an artist. N.C. Central University is currently hosting: "Spirit of Freedom: Drawings and Narrative from Nelson Mandela Imprisonment at Robben Island." The exhibit features about 20 sketches of various views of Robben Island where Mandela spent 18 out of 27 years in prison. "It has been such a great turn out," said Christine Perry art production specialist.

Introducing Thee...

Q&A with local about hip-hop, record deal and inspirations

Known to the hip-hop masses as "Thee Tom Hardy," Thomas Hardison is a local artist whose musical influences are reflected in his style.
Hardy discusses his aspirations for music and his recent project, "The Hardy Boy Mystery Mixtape Volume 1: Curse of thee Green Faceded."

Hit ‘em with the funny

Shequan "Quan Acapella" Wiggins has taken the stage and gained a buzz around North Carolina with his stand up comedy act  that is leading to other great ventures. Wiggins, who started doing comedy in November of 2009, has always wanted to perform, but never thought he could do it. "I was always the funny friend." said Wiggins, mass communications senior.

Lil’ shop, big laughs

Campy Off-Broadway favorite opens April 10

The University Theatre has set the stage to bring on a singing, man-eating plant from outer space. The production of "Little Shop of Horrors" is set for next month, April 10, 16 and 17 at 8 p.m. and April 11 and 18 at 2 p.m.

Student film to explore domestic violence

Looking for a film to watch that is packed with action, suspense and romance but also carries a strong message? Well N. C. Central University has its own resident director/producer grinding away in the studio to fill the bill. Mass communication junior Demetrius Phillips, aka Dede, is filming a drama that delves into the domestic violence that springs from sticky romantic relationships.

Out with the old in with the new

I want to write a letter, but I have several recipients in my mind. I'm tired of the same ol' same ol' b.s. Jay-z would call it being "off that" — a good friend of mine would say "over it." Why is it that most people are complacent with the same routine way of life or satisfied with modeling their existence after a popular entertainer or local entity?

Former Campus Echo editor hits primetime

1987 NCCU graduate to appear on "Are You Smarter than a Fifth Grader?"

It is a long way from N. C. Central University to Los Angeles but NCCU graduate and former Campus Echo editor Wyllisa Bennett has not forgotten her roots. The University family will be able to see Bennett test knowledge as she participates in an episode of the game show "Are You Smarter than a Fifth Grader?" on Tuesday, Sept. 29 at 7 p.m. on CMT-69 and at 8 p.m. on WRDC-12 in Durham.