Crew integrates individuality, talent
Campus Times
May 21, 1999
Floor Two Crew members (left to right) Eddie Casarez, Danielle Cormier,
LaVelle Wilson, Maxine Mitchell, Ayana Brown and Ordell Williams share a
laugh at the Oaks Residence Hall. FTC is a group on campus seeking positive
recognition from the community. Some members have become Orientation Week
Leaders, while others work at local group homes. For its members, FTC has
provided a feeling of family away from home.
Originally started in Brandt Hall during the 1995-96 school year, Floor
Two Crew (FTC) was born out of what senior Eddie Casarez called "boredom."
Casarez, along with other founders like Liron Wilson and Carl Caston,
disagreed with the ideals of the organizations on campus. The clubs did
not suit their interests. They wanted to start something of their own.
"We were not founded on the blind faith that members of the greek
systems follow," said Casarez. "We brought our own ideals and
beliefs to a place that could express them freely. This can be seen through
our art, speech, poetry and rap."
FTC has no constitution, presidents, or advisers. In fact, it is not
even a recognized club on campus. Instead, the organization's strength
comes from its active participants. With over 30 members currently on campus
and about 60 collectively, it is one of the biggest organizations on campus.
Each member brings something different to the group.
"I bring leadership and rap," said junior David Edmonds.
Edmonds was an Orientation Week Leader and is currently the president
of Afrikan American Student Alliance.
"With my busy schedule, FTC is the basis of my sanity. I am relaxed
when I'm with them," he said.
Through its interaction, FTC's meaning is something different for each
member.
"It stood for Floor Two Crew in the beginning," explains junior
Clyde Weems. "To me, it means 'For The Cash.'"
"It means family, it means, friends, it means something for me
to do [rap]."
For senior Ordell Williams, "It means 'For The Cause'.
"It is a group of people hanging out doing what they think is fun.
It means that you have friends that are not bought."
As an organization, FTC raps, exchanges different political and social
ideologies, and otherwise has fun.
"Anybody could come and be a part of us. We don't discriminate,"
said Williams. "We are all about having a goodtime."
Williams along with Weems and Edmonds have currently produced a rap
CD, entitled "Nowhere," for the benefit of the group.
"We are storytellers," said Weems. "I rap about what
I see."
Besides rapping, members of FTC have assimilated themselves in many
other school activities.
"We represent everywhere," said Williams. "We had members
who made up track teams as members on two championship football teams and
leaders of other clubs on campus."
FTC also has alumni who work on campus. Prospective adviser, Jason Neal
and assistant coach to men's basketball, Gabe Duran, are former members.
With the past living on, and the present ever-growing, what does the
future hold for FTC?
"We want to be recognized as an organization on campus," said
Edmonds.
FTC, like other organizations on campus, has painted the rock and has
actively recruited students. Yet it lacks official club recognition from
the Associated Student Federation (ASF) Forum.
"An acknowledgment would make us stronger and give us access to
financial resources," said Edmonds.
Although an official recognition for FTC would be an added plus, the
lack thereof has not hindered its united effort on campus.
As a united group, FTC members even have clothing apparel that distinguishes
them on campus.
For the members of FTC, their significance goes above being a recognized
organization on campus. Instead, their significance consists of friendships
made. Rather, FTC brings a better understanding of a group on campus, with
different interests; strong as other organizations founded in years past.
"No matter what happens," said Weems. "I have friends
and family that are going to be there for life."
