The Corsair Spring 2024 - Issue 1

Editor-in-Chief

Cebelihle Hlatshwayo

Managing Editor

Reneé Bartlett-Webber

Photo Editor

Danilo Perez

Design Editor

Alejandro Contreras

Copy Editor

Taylor Smith

Arts & Entertainment Editor

Ava Cyr

Culture Editor

Carolina Romero

News Editor

Sohrab Pourjavady

Multimedia Editor

Amber Guerrero

Assistant Multimedia Editor

Gio Sosa

Opinion Editor

Brianna Johnson

Social Media Editor

Megan Meadows

Assistant Social Media Editor

MyDari Baker

Sports Editor

Ryan Abazari

Staff Photographers

Chavez Keirin | Dondonyan Maya Anna | Florencio Soares De Souza

Libna | Martinez Luca Francisco | Nosov Alexey | Rahn Laurel Speir |

Shotomide Jamael Rashod | Williams Saiya Rena

Staff Writers

Abazari Ryan | Agustin Annabel | Almeida Manuela | Avila Genesis |

Berrios Jeffrey Imanol Fierro Ash Eve | Fujimoto Makaela Elle Harris

Blake | Johnson Brianna | King Bunker | Lighton Catherine Carole

Lopez Karen | Elaina Mendez Sara Namala Karuna Kristina | Reyes

Hazel Alejandra | Seals Caylo | Song Sofie Clemente | Washington

Chrissy Tierra | Wolf Jeremy Nathaniel | Mccall Nicholas

Faculty Advisors

Sharyn Obsatz | Journalism Adviser

Gerard Burkhart | Photo Adviser

Samantha Nuñez | Social Media Adviser

Front Page

Santa Monica College English Professor Wilfred Doucet poses for a portrait in his office on main campus in Santa Monica, Calif., on Monday, Feb. 26, 2024. (Caylo Seals | The Corsair)

Back Page

Guillermo Bert’s Sound Bites series showcased at the Convention Center in Los Angeles, Calif. on Feb. 16, 2024. The artist is paraphrasing the U.S. Miranda warning - the legal reminder of one’s rights to encourage one to use their voice. (Photo by Maya Dondonyan | The Corsair)

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

RESILIENCE

As we delve into the pages of the first Issue of the Spring Semester, I, like many others, am reminded of the profound significance of history. History is far more than a collection of events from the past; instead, it serves as a tool of reflection on the enduring spirit of resilience that runs through the stories of our ancestors and continues to help shape our world today.

With each turn of the page, stories of struggle and triumph are held up with perseverance as their foundation. This resilience has been passed down through

generations, nurturing a legacy that refuses to be extinguished.

But this legacy is not just continued by the heroes of history books; It is the people like our educators who work tirelessly to inspire us, the young dreamers who overcome obstacles in pursuit of their dreams, and the activists advocating for justice in their communities that weave the fabric of our everyday lives.

Every generation embodies this spirit in their own unique way. They may not always make headlines or receive recognition, but their contributions are no

less deserving of recognition and admiration. They are the unsung heroes whose quiet strength sustains our communities.

The subjects of these stories and the people who wrote them continuously choose to forge a path ahead despite the limitations imposed upon some of us. Their courage and determination place within us a sense of duty to honor their sacrifices and carry forward their dreams.

In the spirit of resilience that runs through me and these pages, I am proud to introduce myself, Cebelihle Hlatshwayo, as the

Editor-in-Chief for spring 2024. It is with humility and determination that I serve the Santa Monica College community. During this semester, I hope to instill in our readers the joy and sense of belonging that we all deserve to experience.

Cebelihle Hlatshwayo Editor-in-Chief

Cassio Dias celebrating reaching first place in the Championship round on Saturday, Feb. 16, 2023 at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, Calif. This photo perfectly illustrates the gift that comes from resilience. (Danilo Perez | The Corsair)

"Giving up is never an option"

Cebelihle Hlatshwayo | Editor-in-Chief

Wilfred Doucet, affectionately known as the "professor with dreads," has been a staple on the Santa Monica College campus for the past 24 years.

As a lifelong advocate for equality and justice, he has dedicated his life to teaching the stories of those who have come before him and inspiring future generations to continue the fight for a better world.

Born and raised in Los Angeles in a tight-knit community, Doucet learned from an early age the importance of standing up for what is right. "My parents always taught me to be proud of who I am and where I come from," he recalls. "They instilled in me a sense of pride in my heritage and a determination to preserve it."

It was this sense of purpose that led Doucet to pursue a career in education.

After earning his degree in English literature, he began teaching at Santa Monica College, where he has spent the past 24 years inspiring students to think critically and question the world around them.

But his impact extends far beyond the classroom. He is also a passionate advocate for social justice, using his platform to raise awareness of the issues facing the Black community and to push for meaningful change.

One of the professor's most powerful messages is the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity. "Giving up is never an option," he often tells his students. "No matter how difficult things may seem, we must always keep pushing forward, always keep fighting for what is right."

This message is especially relevant in the context of Black history, where generations of people have faced

unimaginable hardships with courage and determination. "Our ancestor's resilience is our legacy, and it is up to us to carry it forward."

Doucet's commitment to honoring this legacy is evident in everything he does. Whether he's teaching a class on African American literature or mentoring students in programs across campus, he is always striving to educate and inspire others to learn about how history can better our future.

He is also quick to acknowledge that despite the progress that has been made, he knows that there is still much to be done to achieve true equality for all people. "But as long as we remain steadfast in our resolve and refuse to succumb to despair, there is always hope," he said.

Doucet also emphasizes that true progress toward equality requires solidarity and support from those out-

side the community facing discrimination.

"Diversity is not enough; we need true allyship," he said. "It's not just about being present; it's about actively advocating for change and amplifying the voices of those who are marginalized."

Allyship goes beyond performative gestures and requires a genuine commitment to challenging systemic injustices and dismantling oppressive structures.

"True allies are those who listen, learn, and take action," Doucet explained. "They acknowledge their privilege and use it to uplift others. They stand alongside us in the fight for equality, not as saviors but as partners."

The professor encourages individuals to educate themselves about the history of racism and discrimination, to confront their biases, and to actively work towards creating a more in-

clusive and equitable society. He believes that allyship is not just a moral imperative but a practical necessity for achieving lasting change.

"In the struggle for justice, we are stronger together," Doucet emphasized. "It's only by recognizing our shared humanity and working towards a common goal that we can truly create a world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive."

As we commemorate

Black History Month and reflect on the struggles and triumphs of the past, let us honor the resilience of those who came before us and commit ourselves to carrying their legacy forward into the future. And let us never forget that, as Doucet reminds us, giving up is never an option.

Santa Monica College English Professor Wilfred Doucet poses for a portrait in his office on main campus in Santa Monica, Calif., on Monday, Feb. 26, 2024.(Photo by Caylo Seals)

Santa Monica College English Professor Wilfred Doucet, a Los Angeles Dodgers fan, poses for a portrait in his office on main campus in Santa Monica, Calif., on Monday, Feb. 26, 2024. (Caylo Seals | The Corsair)

Sherri Bradford has been a pivotal figure at Santa Monica College (SMC) for more than 30 years, curating the evolution of the Black Collegians program, which she has fervently nurtured into a home away from home for students of color. Bradford's journey is a testament to the transformative power of mentorship, empathy, and inclusive lead-

ership.

Reflecting on her journey, Bradford shared, "When I started as a part-time counselor in 1997, I didn't anticipate the profound impact the Black Collegians program would have. However, as Dr. Robert Adams entrusted me with its coordination, I realized it needed to be more than just academic support. It had to be about creating a family."

Her deeply personal approach is rooted in her upbringing and the values instilled by her mentors. Bradford emphasized, "I knew it needed to be more than just an academic kind of program. I wanted students to feel the love and sense of belonging I experienced in my family."

Through prayer, dedication, and a commitment to fostering a familial atmo-

sphere, Bradford and the staff she calls family transformed and continue to uphold the Black Collegians program into a haven for students seeking support and guidance. "I prayed every night, hoping to co-create something meaningful for students," she recalled. "I wanted them to feel that love, especially if they didn't come from a family like mine."

Cebelihle Hlatshwayo | Editor-in-Chief

Santa Monica College(SMC) Black Collegians Program Leader Sherri Bradford holds African American Male Education Networks & Development Leadership Award. Bradford poses for a portrait in the Student Service Center at SMC in Santa Monica, Calif,. on Monday, Feb. 26, 2024.

Photos by Danilo Perez | The Corsair

Sherri Bradford: Cultivating Belonging and Empowerment at SMC

Bradford emphasizes that she is shaped by her determination and the mentorship she received from influential figures like Dr. Robert Adams and Dina Hearn. Dr. Adams, the vice president of student affairs, played a pivotal role in Bradford's career trajectory, entrusting her with coordinating the Black Collegians program. His guidance and unwavering support empowered Bradford to embrace her role with confidence and vision.

Similarly, Dina Hearn, the creator of the Black Collegians program, supported Bradford, providing invaluable insights and guidance as she navigated her path in student affairs. “ I exist because they existed and entrusted me to continue on a legacy. And so I feel like the privilege I have been given by being in this space, number one, as a lead for a program such as this means I have to pour into it what was poured into me.” Bradford's journey is a testament to the profound impact of mentorship, highlighting the importance of supportive relationships

in fostering personal and professional growth.

The impact of Bradford's efforts resonates through the testimonials of countless students. One student expressed, "The Black Collegians program gave me more than just academic support. It gave me a future I didn’t ever see for myself."

As echoed by those she has mentored, Bradford's legacy lies in instilling a belief in oneself and fostering a sense of belonging that transcends the college experience.

Beyond her role in student affairs, Bradford works to exemplify allyship and inclusivity within the SMC community. Bradford believes engaging in challenging conversations gracefully and empathetically is important in building common ground. Bradford remarked, "I believe in having dialogues where everyone feels respected and heard. It's about creating spaces where all voices are acknowledged and empowered."

As she celebrates Black History Month, Bradford reflects on its significance

and the need for authentic allyship beyond performative gestures. "It's not just about celebrating during Black History Month," she emphasized. "It's about sustained action and dialogue throughout the year. Institutions like SMC must fulfill their commitments to equity and inclusion."

Bradford remains a beacon of hope and resilience in the face of adversity. She encourages students to persevere and find joy amidst challenges. "It's crucial to

keep fighting and finding joy," she affirmed.

Bradford's impact at SMC over the years transcends measure. Bradford’s evidence of the dedication to the legacy of the Black Collegians program will live on in the countless students who have been counseled throughout her journey at Santa Monica College.

Santa Monica College (SMC) Black Collegians Program Leader Sherri Bradford leans towards Black Collegians President Leisha Smith (L-R).

Protests on Anniversary of Invasion

Bunker King | Staff Writer

Alex Denysov knew Russia was going to invade his home country before it happened. On the two year anniversary of the Russian campaign, he led a protest in front of Los Angeles City Hall to demand increased support for his besieged home.

Denysov, a native Crimean, he watched his home be taken by a foreign power a decade ago, and vowed to do everything he could to prevent it from happening again. He helped found the Stand With Ukraine Foundation just weeks before the conflict in Ukraine began, hoping to send humanitarian and military aid to Ukraine.

Denysov now works as Head of the foundation’s Activism Department, and was the main organizer behind Stand With Ukraine’s protest Saturday on the steps of Los Angeles’s City Hall.

Before Denysov took the stage, two motorcades paraded down Sunset Blvd. and Wilshire Blvd simultaneously. The majority of the participants of the motorcades were Ukrainian,

The cars were decorated with Ukrainian flags, but also with flowers, posters, and memorials to family members who have died during the Russian invasion.

One of the organizers, who only identified herself

as Ina, said that she got involved with the Foundation after coming to one of the rallies. “I met the organizers, and it clicked. We found that we have the same motives, same goals.” Ina’s table with flags and directions had a line that stretched nearly fifty people long at one point.

After the motorcades, the drivers assembled in front of City Hall, forming the bulk of the crowd. Denysov took the stage first to kick off the next phase of the event as the crowd filtered closer to his podium.

Denysov’s speech decried not just Russia’s acts of military aggression but also the destruction of the Ukrainian

way of life. “They’ve been destroying Ukrainian culture for centuries. More importantly, [in] the last ten years they took away my Crimea.”

Denysov said he believes that the most significant way to help the citizens in the Ukraine is to provide arms and armor to the soldiers at the front. “Right now, we’re getting less and less support. Less weaponry… How is that possible? How are we repeating the same mistakes?” Denysov also called for people to send letters to their representatives and urge them to approve a new bill to provide that support to Ukraine.

U.S. support for Ukraine

Two children look at the moving art installation during a protest organized by Stand With Ukraine Foundation outside Los Angeles City Hall, Los Angeles, Calif., on Saturday. The protest was held because it is the two year anniversary of the start of Russia-Ukraine War. (Photo by Caylo Seals | The Corsair)

Protesters listen to a priest from St. Andrew Ukrainian Orthodox Church speak during a protest organized by Stand With Ukraine.

(Photo by Caylo Seals | The Corsair)

Protesters place flowers on a moving art installation. (Photo by Caylo Seals | The Corsair)

Mother and son wear the colors of the Ukrainian flag to take part in the Ukrainian war protest. (Photo by Danilo Perez | The Corsair)

Protestors get ready to drive in the motorcade. (Photo by Bunker King | The Corsair)

has lessened, not just in the percentage of Americans who believe in providing support, but also the amount of financial and material assistance that has arrived. According to a report from ABC News, $75 billion of financial aid has gone to Ukraine from the United States alone over the last two years. As the war’s dragged on, however, only 45% of Americans still support sending money and resources to Ukrarine.

In an interview after his speech, Denysov lamented the loss of attention and revenue that his and other organizations had at the beginning of the Russian invasion. “At the beginning of this war, we had thousands, tens and hundreds of thousands… millions of people involved, being passionate.” Denysov said that support for Ukraine started to drop off as early as a few months after the initial invasion. “For people, it’s like a show. It’s fun, and it’s kinda entertaining, and it’s kind of unusual for now, but then everyone gets used to it.”

Denysov said he hopes to see a massive resurgence in public demand for aid to the Ukraine., forcing politicians around the world to send any and every kind of military support that Ukraine needs, but he also believes that it shouldn’t be so difficult to inspire that kind of support. “The faster it’s done, the faster this war is over, the less people are dying and suffering, and the sooner freedom, democracy, and just world order is restored.”

Paul Krekorian, the President of the Los Angeles City Council, took the stage after some Ukrainian speakers and musicians performed and spoke in Ukrainian. Krekorian introduced himself as the first Armenian member of the City Council, and pledged his support to the cause of Stand With Ukraine. “The Ukrainian people have stood up to [Russian] aggression, and the rest of the world draws inspiration.”

Krekorian’s Armenian heritage was cited as another point of why to defend Ukraine from Russia. The Armenian Genocide, a key moment in history that directly inspired both the term genocide and the 1948 UN Genocide Convention, was a major component of Krekorian’s speech. Krekorian’s final thoughts in the speech were, “Wherever we fail to stand up against genocide, we are inviting the next genocide.”

A protester holds a sign which reads “Arm Ukraine Today So Your Kids Won’t Have to Fight Tomorrow” during nized by Stand With Ukriane Foundation outside Los Angeles City Hall, Los Angeles, Calif., on Saturday. The because it is the two year anniversary of the start of Russia-Ukraine War. (Photo by Caylo Seals | The Corsair)

Two protesters attending second year Ukrainian war protest. (Alejandro Contreras | The Corsair)

during a protest orgaThe protest was held Corsair)

Flower vigil honoring the soldiers and firefighters who lost their lives in Ukraine. (Photo by Maya Dondonyan | The Corsair)

Alex Denysov gives the opening speech to kick off the protest in front of City Hall. (Bunker King | The Corsair)

A mass of protesters attending the two year anniversary of Ukrainain war on the streets City Hall of Los Angeles Calif. Saturday February 24,2024. (Alejandro Contreras | The Corsair)

A person walks past signs and flags which will be used in the upcoming protest outside Los Angeles City Hall, Los Angeles, Calif., on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2024. The protest was held because it is the two year anniversary of the start of Russia-Ukraine War. (Photo

by Caylo Seals | The Corsair)

Artist Brittney S. Price from neighbors of Next-door featuring her art: Sankofa and Ours to Be [Paintings] at the LA Art Show in honor of Black History Month to celebrate the power of community and art at the four day LA Art Show Showcase presented at the Convention Center in Los Angeles, Calif. on Feb. 16, 2024.

Los Angeles features local and international art galleries in the city’s largest and longest-running art fair, the LA Art Show. Its 29th year was hosted at the Convention Center in Downtown Los Angeles on Feb. 15-18, and the show features a massive international and local lineup, including three galleries from Santa Monica: bG Gallery, Building Bridges Art Exchange, and Copro Gallery.

The city's longest-running art fair started at the Pasadena Convention Center in 1995 before moving to the John Wooden Center on UCLA’s campus. It then moved to Santa Monica’s Barker Hanger before making its current home at the Los Angeles Convention Center in 2009. With more than 180,000 square feet of exhibition space, LA Art Show hosts galleries from around the world that are testing the boundaries of new technologies, showcasing AI, as well as a major emphasis on cultural significance, including Black History Month as a key initiatives to support the next generation of artists.

The LA Art Show presented many artists from all over the world, with over 100 exhibitors from countries including Italy, Ireal, the United Kingdom, Philippines, Peru, South Korea, Taiwan, France, Japan, Australia, Switzerland, and all over California, New York, and Florida.

Produced and directed by Kassandra Voyagis, a Greek actress, the gallery was filled with galleries, curators, collectors, and celebrities. Opening night on Valentine’s Day was hosted by actress Lucy Hale. The art show’s

charity partner, the American Heart Association, received 15% of ticket sales in support of their Life is Why campaign.

One gallery highlighting black artists is Nextdoor Neighbor, a new gallery curated by Josiah David Jones with Valence Projects to celebrate Black artists in the Los Angeles neighborhood. He created a space for artists to share their work. Rod Benson, a former basketball player for the Pacers, attended one of Jones’ art shows and was captivated to share his own paintings featuring memories from walking around Los Angeles and enjoying what he could from around the city.

“My main goal is to continue to build a community of artists and to feature artists who are willing to share their voice and their visions in a Black-focused way, but not necessarily only with Black artists. My approach is to create positive impact art initiatives,” Jones said. “I believe that artists are the leaders of their communities, and if there’s money coming in to support anyone, it should be the community leaders, the artists.”

Jones started with street artists and building shows around them until the space grew, and they started curating more exhibitions. More artists came to the gallery to want to feature their work in community gatherings. They host 4 to 5 shows a year, and they started one exhibition series this year in January at the Andaz West Hollywood ‘Black in Every Color.’ He also curates an international exhibition series highlighting emerging black cultures and creatives.

L.A. ART SHOW

MAYA DONDONYAN Staff Photographer & Writer

Copro Gallery located at Bergamot Station Arts Center in Santa Monica presented work from artists in booth 1113 at the fourth day LA Art Show.

L-R curator Josiah David Jones and artist Rod Benson from neighbors of Next-door partnered with LA Art Show.

Photos by Maya Dondonyan | The Corsair

Museum of Contemporary Art in Bogota - Columbia showcasing the art installation Mythstories series on woven tapestries by artist Carlos Castro Arias at the fourth day of the LA Art Show Showcase. Featuring the Living Prophets (2021) a religious cult group in San Diego who believed making a sacrifice of suicide while wearing Nikes and a purple cloth gained them access to the gates of heaven.

Copro Gallery located at Bergamot Station Arts Center in Santa Monica presented work from artists in booth 1113. L-R paintings by Glenn Barr - Last Temptation, Jumpsuit, Rozalynn, Summer, City Girl, and Astro Ruins. Carl Dobsky - Birds of Paradise. Jim McKenzie - Giant Potato Face 7’ tall. Jeff Nentrup - Fugue. Mark Garro - Sax Puffin Pilgrimage Apocalypse. Coro - Night Dandelions. Peca - Anomaly V. And Robert Steven Connect - Hungry Eyes.

Jones is planning the official celebration of Juneteenth in Tokyo with the government and the embassy supporting their artistic efforts. “Tokyo has a very strong influence on black culture and vice versa,” he said, and he has noticed an influx of the black community growing in Japan. He said he plans to use his art platform to shed a bright light on that community and elevate his artists to an international stage.

Jones has created a membership with his gallery for artists interested in being featured and showing their work in their gallery spaces. By hosting shows throughout the year, including solo shows and duo shows, he works with artists to make curating a gallery of their work more simple. Rather than charging artists wall-hanging fees or multiple submission fees, he has created one submission fee for the year, and his artists are

considered for each show that is organized.

Another stand-out artist was Carlos Casto Arias, who was presented by the Museum of Contemporary Art in Bogota, Colombia, as part of DIVERSEartLA. In front of his gallery, he had an assemblage, a person lying on the floor, in front of a woven tapestry depicting an art piece called “The Living Prophets, Heaven’s Gate.” The story, he shares, is that this is a religious cult in San

Diego that asks members to make a sacrifice of their lives while wearing purple cloaks and Nike sneakers so they will be granted through the gates of heaven. The mythstory, as part of his bigger collection of famous myths, is a series that explores the relationship between myths and history woven in fabric tapestries. His medieval tapestries are the foundation of his series, even though some of his work captures events as recent as the pandemic.

Guillermo Bert’s Sound Bites series showcased in neon lights at the four day LA Art Show Showcase presented at the Convention Center in Los Angeles, Calif. on Feb. 16, 2024. The artist is paraphrasing the U.S. Miranda warning - the legal reminder of one’s rights to encourage one to use their voice.

Photos by Maya Dondonyan | The Corsair

Buckin' Wild

Professional Bull Riders being introduced in a circle of flames before the start pf the event in Los Angeles, Calif. at Crypto.com Arena on Saturday, Feb.16, 2023. (Danilo Perez | The Corsair)

As bull riders took home awards, animal rights activists protested. The Michelob ULTRA Professional Bull Riders (PBR) Los Angeles Unleash

The Beast, presented by Ariat, made their annual stop in Los Angeles, California, for a two-day event at Crypto. com Arena from Feb. 16 -17.

The best bull riders from around the world put on a thrilling display of bull rides as they took on 1,200 pounds for an intense eight seconds.

The event kicked off at 7:45 pm on Friday and resumed at 6:45 pm on Saturday. The booming sport has brought new sponsors that have doubled since 2020 and new fans as they came out to see the award-winning entertainment of man and beast.

Upcoming riders in their late teens lead the competi-

tion for almost the entirety of the event, with John Crimber (18) of Decatur, Texas, at the top. Crimber held on to first place for the majority of the Championship Round, where he would be overtaken by the top rider in the world who had the biggest ride of his life.

Cassio Dias (22) from São Francisco de Sales, Brazil, the best rider in the world, took on the best bull in the world, Man Hater, in an unforgettable event within the Championship round. Man Hater had a previous record of 30-0 before being broken by Dias after he held on for 8 seconds and jumped from fourth to first place with an aggregate score of 182 points.

Aside from their dominance in soccer, as uncommon as it sounds, Brazil also dominates in the bull riding world. Dias is one of the few

Brazilians that have dominated in PBR which as bull riding is very popular in Brazil and many dream of competing against professionals. This has left at least one Brazilian rider in the top three since 2019.

When asked how he managed the impossible by making it eight seconds on Man Hater after winning the Tournament, Dias said, “God gave me the strength to make this happen. Without his blessing, we couldn’t do all this, and I’m very happy, and I’m just doing my job”.

Despite the growing popularity of the sport, controversy continued as animal activists rallied outside Crypto to protest against the “cruel” rodeo. Organizations such as the Los Angeles Animal Defense League and Los Angeles for Animals came out in solidarity with Last Chance for Animals (LCA),

the organizers of the protest, to stop a “display of animal abuse.”

LCA issued an advisory on Wednesday stating, “Rodeos and stand-alone bull riding events, like PBR, glorify animal abuse as they masquerade as a family entertainment.”

On Dec. 5, 2023, the L.A. City Council unanimously voted for an ordinance defining and prohibiting rodeos and any rodeo-related events in the city. A draft of the ban is in the pipeline, and once approved, it could be the end of the annual PBR events in Los Angeles.

PBR returns to Southern California in Anaheim for a three-day event at the Honda Center on September 1315 for their Camping World Team Series.

Danilo Perez | Photo Editor

Brinson James jumps through lasso during the entertainment section of the bull riding event on Saturday, Feb. 16, 2023 at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, Calif. (Danilo Perez | The Corsair)

(Bottom)Cassio Dias rides Man Hater in the Championhip round at Crypto. com Arena at Los Angeles, Calif. On Saturday, Feb. 16, 2023, the best bull rider, Dias, conquered the best bull in the world to break Man Haters record of 30-0.

Cassio Dias celebrating as he finishes the biggest ride of his life against the best bull in the world, Man Hater, to reach first place in the Championship round on Saturday, Feb. 16, 2023. Dias is currently the best bull rider in the world and did the impossible by conquering Man Hater who had a record of 30-0 before being broken in a memoriable ride at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, Calif.

Photos by Danilo Perez |The Corsair

Actor Neal McDonough drinking bear from his wife's boot in front of a sold out crowd at Crypto.com Arena.

(Above) Professional Bull Riders (PBR) being introduced at the start of the PBR Los Angeles Unleash the Beast event at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, Calif. PBR took on 1,200 pounds of beast for eight seconds for three rounds.

Brinson James performs with lasso during the entertainment section of the bull riding event on Saturday, Feb. 16, 2023 at Crypto.com Arena.

Shirtless man dancing to country music in the stans of Crypto.com Arena.

Jose Vitor being introduced at the start of the Professional Bull Riders Unleash the Beast show at Crypto.com Arena. Vitor came 24th in the tournament.

Harlem Globetrotter rookie Silk Burrell dunks the ball against the Washington Generals.

Hooping Around The World

The Harlem Globetrotters bring the fun in an exhibition basketball game for friends and family. Gloebtrotters take on long-time rivals the Washington Generals.

The world-famous basketball team, Harlem Globetrotters returned to Toyota Arena in Ontario, California for their 2024 World Tour, bringing an exciting performance for families. Fans of all ages came out to support the team by bringing an exciting atmosphere.

The Globetrotters took on their longtime rivals, the Washington Generals, on

Monday, Feb. 19 at 7 pm.

The Generals are famously known for having a long losing streak since 1971, the last time the Generals beat the Globetrotters.

The entertainment began as soon as the doors opened while the Globetrotters warmed up. They dunked and slammed and even Ddemonstrated slam dunks and shot from the stands. Kids were allowed to participate at the end of the

courts to freestyle with their own Globetrotter basketball. Throughout the game, random fans were given a giant card to call for a change of game which included one shooting a free throw.

While a majority of the exhibition match was set up for mid-game performances, the games themselves were not. That didn’t mean it was a normal National Basketball Game (NBA). This also included a four-point line 30

feet away from the basket which is not normally seen in the NBA. Globetrotters kept up their amazing antics throughout the game such as pretending to be a National Football League team towards the end of the game from snapping the basketball to reviewing the touchdown.

The Globetrotters 2024 World Tour in California continues Sunday, Feb. 25 at Los Angeles in Crypto.com Arena at 12pm.

Danilo Perez | Photo Editor

Harlem Globetrotter rookie Tree Douglas dunks the ball behind the back against the Washington Generals at Toyota Arena in Ontorio, Calif. on Monday, Feb.19, 2024.

Photos by Danilo Perez | The Corsair

Washington General player Johnson(23) dunking the ball for the point. Generals played an exhibition match against the Harlem Globetrotters at Toyota, Arena in Ontario, Calif.

Hot Shot Swanson, guard for the Harlem Globetrotters, hanging upside down from the net.

Two little Harlem Globetrotters fans holding up a pen with the basketball spinning on Monday, Feb.19, 2024.

Harlem Globetrotter guard Hot Shot Swanosn gets held up by showman Hammer Harrison at Toyota Arena in Ontorio, Calif. on Monday, Feb.19, 2024.

Photos by Danilo Perez |The Corsair

Harlem Globetrotter showman Hammer Harrison(31) holds up fan during a dance after giving him his shoe back at Toyota Arena in Ontorio, Calif. on Monday, Feb.19, 2024. (Danilo Perez | The Corsair)