DePaulia
The
Volume #108 | Issue #7 | Oct. 23, 2023 | depauliaonline.com
CHICAGO
NEW YORK CITY AP PHOTO/JOHN MINCHILLO
AP PHOTO/ERIN HOOLEY
FILE - Migrants sit in a queue outside The Roosevelt Hotel that is being used by the city as temporary housing, July 31, 2023, in New York.
Run by a private firm hired by the city, migrants stay in a makeshift shelter at O’Hare International Airport, Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2023, in Chicago.
NYC, Chicago migrant responses compared By Lucia Preziosi News Editor
As two of America’s largest cities take in vast numbers of newly arrived migrants every day, Chicago mayor Brandon Johnson and New York City mayor Eric Adams are taking different approaches to address the crisis. Since spring 2022, New York has seen the arrival of more than 188,000 migrants and asylum-seekers, with that number growing by the hundreds daily. More than 18,500 migrants have arrived in Chicago since Aug. 2022. Adams expressed the exasperation New York is facing, asserting in a Sept. 7 town hall meeting that he sees no end to this crisis. As New York officials
attempt to find housing for migrant families, Adams said he fears “this issue will destroy New York City.” A condition unique to New York City is the long-standing “right to shelter agreement,” which requires the City to guarantee temporary housing for every person facing homelessness. Similar to New York’s right to shelter, Chicago is a self-proclaimed sanctuary city, pledging to protect immigrants from federal agents. Supported by New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, Adams drew back on this decades-long policy as the city struggles to house migrant families. Adams announced a 60-day
limit for families living in shelters on Monday, Oct. 16, calling upon them to return to an intake center and reapply for shelter every two months. In an interview with New York’s WABC radio, Adams said the right to shelter does not apply to a migrant crisis.
New York versus Chicago: the language of support
Adams’ language and characterization of migrants is controversial and differs from Johnson’s approach in Chicago, according to Kathleen Arnold, the director of the Refugee and Forced Migration program at DePaul. “What Adams is saying is completely problematic because obviously he keeps using the
words ‘burden’ and saying this is an emergency, and Johnson hasn’t used that language,” Arnold said. Johnson utilizes building coalitions and working with communities, differing from Adams’s approach, said Shailja Sharma, a professor and chair of International Studies at DePaul. “I think the attitude of Brandon Johnson and his cabinet is very open to building coalitions and providing help – that’s a positive,” Sharma said. “What I’ve heard about New York is that’s not true.” Adams’ choice of language, identifying migrants as a burden to the city, could also pose a direct threat to migrants, according to Arnold. “Rhetorically, I would imagine in New York, people perceive
it as a green light to be prejudicial or discriminatory to Venezuelans, whereas Brandon Johnson has not done that and I think that’s valuable,” Arnold said.
Chicago’s Approach
High numbers of migrants arriving in Chicago has led Brandon Johnson to appoint Beatriz Ponce de León as deputy mayor of immigrant, migrant and refugee rights in July 2023. “She has been going to different organizations and also came to DePaul to find out what DePaul could do to help and find out how they can collaborate with us,” Sharma said.
MIGRANTS, page 5
‘Coffee, Hip-Hop, & Mental Health’ finds new ways to normalize therapy OPINION: By Eli Smith Contributing Writer
SOFY MYERS | THE DEPAULIA
Nick Henderson performs at Coffee Hip Hop and Mental Health’s concert fundraiser.
Christopher LeMark stood on stage in front of a full crowd at The Promontory the night of Oct. 11 and led the room through a simple call and response: “The city … of Chicago … will heal.” LeMark is the founder of Coffee, Hip-Hop & Mental Health, an organization located in Lakeview that is working to make talk therapy more accessible, particularly for Black communities. He began going to therapy himself in 2018 following what he describes as a “mental and emotional breakdown” at a coffee shop. LeMark went to the coffee shop on his break from work because he couldn’t afford lunch. “Because of the way I grew up, it sent me down a path of living
in poverty and survival by any means, so [I was] working a deadend sales job,” he said. LeMark said that he felt like a failure as a hip-hop artist, a career he has pursued since 1998, and that he felt disappointed about his life. Through therapy, LeMark said he is working through his traumas, like childhood abuse, abandonment and sporadic homelessness. His personal growth motivated him to help others get the same opportunity to heal. So he decided to use his experiences as a musician to spark conversations about his newfound passion: mental health. “I know what it’s like getting up every day [wondering], ‘how am I going to get through the day?’” LeMark said. “So we approach [therapy] from an em-
powerment standpoint.” The organization’s free therapy program currently provides 250 individuals a year with five months of free therapy. They fund the program with events like the recent concert at The Promontory and through sales of drinks and merchandise at the Coffee, HipHop & Mental Health cafe. However, LeMark said there is more to making therapy accessible than overcoming the costs. “The barriers are not just financial,” LeMark said. “There’s shame, there’s embarrassment. … It’s our own self-bias.” These barriers are very real systemic issues for Black people seeking mental health treatment. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Ad-
COFFEE, page 12
My underwear doesn’t serve me By Molly Tinkey Contributing Writer
My backpack is on. I tie my shoes using the bunny ear method. I do my hair in pigtails and admire my outfit in the mirror. I’m ready to step out the door to go to elementary school. The only thing standing between me and getting to school was my underwear. I couldn’t put my hand on the front door without my mom asking, “are you wearing underwear?” I have never been a good liar. My mom eventually gave up
UNDERWEAR, page 6
2 | News. The DePaulia. Oct. 23, 2023
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Oct. 11 (1) A Disturbance was reported on the third floor of the Richardson Library. The offender was issued a criminal trespass warning.
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Oct. 12 (2) Graffiti was discovered on the exterior of the 1150 W Fullerton building. Oct. 13 (3) A Burglary report was filed regarding money taken from a room in LeCompte Hall.
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(6) A Theft report was filed regarding supplies taken from the Steans Center. (7) A Theft report was filed regarding an unattended backpack taken from the Holtschneider Performance Center.
Loop Campus Crimes: Oct. 12 (1) A Criminal Trespass report was filed in the CDM Building. A previously trespassed individual was asked to leave the building. (2) A Disorderly Conduct report was filed in the DePaul Center Barnes & Noble. Offender was issued a criminal trespass warning.
Oct. 15 (4) A Theft report was filed regarding hubcaps taken from a vehicle parked on the 1000 block of Fullerton Ave. Oct. 16 (5) A Criminal Damage report was filed regarding pry marks found on the door to Faculty House.
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Protest in downtown Chicago calls for cease-fire and support for Palestine
News. The DePaulia. Oct. 23, 2023 | 3
By Lucia Preziosi News Editor
Editor’s Note: The DePaulia’s fundamental commitment to truth means it must report without fear or favor. We are dedicated to reporting stories that affect the lives of DePaul community members and Chicago residents. This duty means we will report on topics that a single story cannot capture. We are steadfast in our commitment to earnestly seek out and faithfully represent competing voices. Therefore, our coverage of this story will continue. Thousands of protestors flooded the streets of downtown Chicago Saturday, Oct. 21, to call for the immediate cease-fire of Israeli airstrikes in Gaza after Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared war more than two weeks ago. The rally was held at Michigan Avenue and Ida B. Wells Drive where families, college students and community organizers voiced their support for Palestine and to pressure the U.S. to call for a cease-fire. The Israel-Hamas war has claimed 4,385 lives since a Hamas attack on Israel Oct. 7. Several hostages were taken in the initial attack. On Friday, Hamas released two of the hostages, a mother and daughter from the Chicago area. A former DePaul student, who was granted anonymity by The DePaulia because of safety concerns, came to the march to protest what the former student called the long-standing oppression against Palestinians. The former student is a Palestinian community activist from Plainfield, a Chicago suburb where a 6-year-old Muslim boy was killed Monday, Oct. 16. This attack is being investigated as a hate crime. The killing of Wadea Al Fayoume heightened tensions in the Chicago area, but the DePaul alum said the reasons for attending the protest were long standing. “Why we’re out here today has been why we’ve been out for the past years and years. The reason hasn’t
UNA CLEARY | THE DEPAULIA
Protesters march at the Chicago Coalition for Justice in Palestine’s “Stop the U.S. Backed Genocide against Gaza rally on Oct. 21, 2023, in Chicago.
changed, we all want a free and liberated Palestine,” the DePaul alum said. Participants carried Palestinian flags and banners, repeating chants as the crowd
began to multiply. College students from the Midwest area also convened downtown on Saturday to participate in the protest. Aya Khayati, a Marquette University student, made the trip to Chicago to protest. “I feel like there needs to be more awareness because a lot of college students don’t
know what’s happening and don’t really care to inform themselves,” Khayati said. Khayati took the opportunity to come to Chicago because her university has not been holding protests, she said. “I wish there was a protest happening at my school,” Khayati said. Jewish Chicagoans also came to stand in solidarity with Palestine. Caren VanSlyke, the chair of the committee for a just peace in Israel/Palestine, an Oak Park organization, has been supporting this cause for over 20 years. “I’m here in solidarity because I believe in basic human rights, and I think that Palestinian people have been deprived of their basic human rights,” VanSlyke said. “I think Jews need to stand in solidarity with Palestinians.” This latest war in the Middle East has divided people not only there but across the globe. News reports have documented a rising fear of hate crimes against both Jewish and Muslim Americans because of the conflict. A recent NPR poll also found that two-thirds of Americans say the United States should publicly support Israel, though younger Americans are less likely to hold that view. As thousands of people took to Michigan Avenue, many voiced their support for the federal U.S. House Resolution 786, which calls for an immediate cease-fire and de-escalation in Israel and occupied Palestine. For VanSlyke, this is the most important aspect. “Call your representative and have them support Resolution 786,” she said. “The most important thing right now is to have a cease-fire, then we can have humanitarian aid.” As Chicagoans and residents from neighboring Midwestern cities came to gather in solidarity and support for Palestine, many said this is not the end for the fight for liberation. “We will come out with 25,000 people, we will do it tomorrow, we will do it every single day until someone listens,” the DePaul alum said.
UNA CLEARY | THE DEPAULIA
A young protester holds up a sign at a rally in Chicago Oct. 21, 2023.
4 | News. The DePaulia. Oct. 23, 2023
NEWSBRIEFS
House of Representatives in turmoil as Speaker stalemate enters third week By Rose O’Keeffe Asst. News Editor
JAKE COX | THE DEPAULIA
File- Brandon Johnson speaks to a crowd at Credit Union 1 Arena on March 30, 2023, ahead of the Chicago run-off election on April 4.
Unpacking Mayor Johnson’s environmental goals and transition report By Samantha Moilanen Online Managing Editor
When Mayor Brandon Johnson took office in May, many of his campaign promises involved combating Chicago’s long-standing history of environmental racism on the South and West sides. Most notably, Johnson plans on making Chicago a leader in sustainability while also creating and implementing a city-wide Green New Deal during his time in office. Johnson released a series of transition committee reports in July, outlining his environmental goals, among other plans. An environmental justice subcommittee made up of community organizers and activists drafted the report to determine six overarching goals and over 100 recommendations for environmental justice in Chicago. These goals aim to expedite the removal of lead in public water lines and to enforce a quick transition to clean energy. The Johnson administration also hopes to make utilities more equitable and to protect communities most affected by pollution, also known as environmental justice (EJ) communities. Johnson’s first goal is to ensure “effective environmental justice oversight and responsiveness,” which involves delivering on commitments required by an environmental justice executive order issued by former Mayor Lori Lightfoot just days before her term ended. This executive order calls for completing a baseline cumulative impacts assessment by Sept. 1. On Sept. 18, the city publicly released an impact assessment report following through on Johnson’s campaign promise to complete the draft within the first 100 days of taking office. “In the months to come, we will work to build support for a new ordinance that protects all Chicagoans from the cumulative impact of air and water pollution, climate change, improper land use and other stressors so that residents share directly in the benefits of creating healthy, sustainable communities throughout our city,” Johnson said in a Sept. 18 press release. However, Johnson’s most ambitious goal is to bring back Chicago’s Department of the Environment (DOE),
which was disbanded in 2011 under Rahm Emmanuel to reallocate funds in the city’s budget. Lightfoot also promised to reinstate the DOE but was unable to do so during her four years in office. With the relaunch of the DOE, Johnson’s administration claims the department’s focus is to “embed the voice of communities in the decision-making process related to environmental decisions,” according to the environmental justice transition report. Another major goal outlined in the report is to create Green New Deals for Chicago water and schools. This includes recommendations for substantially accelerating the replacement of lead water lines with the goal of changing out 40,000 lines by 2027. Under the current plan, the city has 50 years to replace all lead water lines in Chicago, meaning by 2027, the city would have only started removing 2% of those lines. Other recommendations under this goal involve rebuilding Chicago’s shoreline, building more green stormwater infrastructure and installing solar rooftops and gardens at city schools. Utility justice is also a focus of Johnson’s administration. One of his goals is to ensure all Chicagoans have equal access to electric, gas and water services and to work on crafting agreements that ensure low-income communities of color are provided with sustainable, long-term means to afford their utility bills. To achieve utility justice, the report outlines centering community input in the ComEd franchise agreement, protecting low-income households from utility shut-offs, exploring the municipalization of ComEd and ensuring the city’s electrical supply is decarbonized by 2040. While many remain hopeful Johnson’s administration will fulfill its environmental campaign promises, reporting by Mother Jones reveals activists are closely monitoring the city’s progress and are prepared to hold Chicago leaders accountable should those promises go unmet.
The House of Representatives has been without an elected speaker for nearly three weeks after far-right Republicans and some Democrats voted to remove former Speaker Kevin McCarthy Oct. 3. Rep. Patrick McHenry (R-NC) will remain acting speaker after Freedom Caucus Republican Jim Jordan (R-OH) fell short after three rounds of House voting last week. Jordan is no longer his party’s candidate for speaker. House Republicans have a 221 to 212 majority over Democrats. However, factions within the Republican Party have stifled attempts to unify. DePaul political science professor Wayne Steger called it a “serious division between anti-establishment MAGA Republicans and traditional conservatives.” The House Speaker is third in line to the presidency and wields significant power within Congress by acting as chief negotiator between the House and the president. The speaker also controls what legislation is brought forward for a House vote. However, as the nation witnessed with McCarthy’s 10-month term, “The Speaker’s power basically disappears if the majority party does not unify,” Steger said. Heightened pressure for the GOP to reach a consensus comes from the government’s imminent shutdown slated for mid-November if Congress cannot pass spending bills to raise the debt ceiling. “The longer this drags out, the more dangerous it is,” said Scott Hibbard, DePaul political science professor. Jordan, a loyal supporter of former president Donald Trump, opposes raising
the debt ceiling, which Hibbard said would raise nationwide interest rates and ultimately cost taxpayers billions of dollars. “We are not able to get our fiscal house in order, we’re not able to pass basic appropriation bills, and we’re not able to do the basic functioning of government,” Hibbard said. With chaos and a stalemate in the House, Hibbard said America’s international credibility is suffering. “The inability of the Republican caucus to come together to elect a Speaker is a sign of the internal dysfunction that limits the country’s ability to act overseas, and other countries clearly recognize this,” Hibbard said. American foreign policy is currently dedicated to continued support for Ukraine and Israel, as President Joe Biden explained in his Oval Office speech Oct. 19. However, spending bills must be passed in both the House and the Senate. Hibbard said the money Biden has promised to Israel and Ukraine could not be allocated until the speakership is fulfilled or until the power of the acting speaker is expanded. “We cannot legally provide the kind of support that Joe Biden has just committed until we get a functioning house,” Hibbard said. Steger said Biden’s trip to Israel last week was an attempt to demonstrate that America is not irrelevant in international politics. “The signal is no American leadership here, which means Americans can be ignored,” Steger said. The House will reconvene Monday to effectively start from scratch after a majority of Republican representatives eliminated Jordan as their nominee.
News. The DePaulia. Oct. 23, 2023 | 5
Students are losing hope in Biden’s student loan plans By Kiersten Riedford Staff Writer
In June, President Joe Biden’s student loan forgiveness plan was shot down by the Supreme Court due to the Biden administration overstepping its powers. On Oct. 11, the Biden administration met for their first meeting to try again at canceling student debt. While the Biden administration is fighting back, many college students have lost the spark that once lit their fire to fight alongside the administration. Natalie Aguilar, senior, said Biden’s initial student loan forgiveness plan brought a large number of people a sense of relief but since the Supreme Court blocked it, she has been losing hope in the Biden administration making any student loan forgiveness plan a reality anytime soon. “As much as I would like to have hope, I think this will not be a possibility especially now considering the fact that the U.S. government will always havehas other international relations as a priority over education and no doubt student loans will get glossed over,” Aguilar said. “It is unfortunate our own government does not see the value of educating and aiding its people, as we are the future generation that will keep our economy running.” On Aug. 21, Biden and his administration announced the newest plan for canceling student debt, the Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) plan. The SAVE plan is “an income-driven repayment (IDR) plan that calculates payments based on a borrower’s income and family size – not their loan balance – and forgives
MIGRANTS, Continued from front challenges the city is facing to house and support families. Sanctuary designations, whether it be on a city, county or state level do not comply with ICE and do not comply with what Arnold calls “unconstitutional policing” in an interview with WBEZ. In a July 3 news release, Johnson voiced his sympathy for asylum-seekers. “Together, we will ensure that Chicago embraces immigrants and asylum seekers, remains a safe, welcoming home to all, and that anyone seeking sanctuary in our city can have a prosperous life and future,” Johnson said. Johnson inherited the migrant situation from Lightfoot’s cabinet upon being elected in April, 2023. Chicago saw its first arrival of migrants under Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s administration in Aug. 2022 and communicated with New York and Washington, D.C., to formulate an approach to the emerging situation, according to Nubia Wilman, the director of the Office of New Americans in Lightfoot’s cabinet. Wilman pointed out that Chicago looked at New York for guidance and preparation but adopted a different approach. “New York had given money and deputized a larger community organization to kind of lead everything, everything was really shelter and out-migration,” Wilman said. “Here in Chicago, we wanted to have more of a holistic approach.” New York’s focus on out-migration prioritized moving migrants from temporary shelters to more permanent conditions.
The Next Steps
Wilman emphasizes the inclusion of le-
AP PHOTO/EVAN VUCCI
President Joe Biden speaks on student loan debt forgiveness, in the Roosevelt Room of the White House, Oct. 4, 2023, in Washington.
remaining balances after a certain number of years,” according to the White House’s website. The plan intends to cut many borrowers’ monthly payments to zero, save other borrowers around $1,000 per year, and would prevent balances from growing because of interest. Ultimately, the Biden administration claims this plan will help students with loans get “closer to forgivenessforgivess faster” by canceling more than $116 billion in student loan debt for over 3 million Americans. This time around, the Biden administration is assessing the proper ways to go about making this plan a reality, according to R. Craig Sautter, editor and publisher of “College Bound: Issues & Trends for the College Admissions Advisor” and part-time faculty member at DePaul. He said the announcement of the SAVE program and the initial set-up meetings are steps in the right direction, especially since the plan has not yet been challenged. Though the initial steps being taken are
good for the set-up of the program, Sautter said the Republican party will always be more likely to challenge this issue than accept it not only at the Supreme Court level but also on a Congressional level. “If it’s a really broad program, it’ll be challenged again by Republicans, for sure,” Sautter said. “It’s going to cost $600 billion or more, and (then) taxpayers have to pay off student loans. So that’s the objection here.” Sautter said critics of the student loan forgiveness plan say there are three possible outcomes of having this plan. “One, (it’s) just a burden to people who didn’t even go to college,” Sautter said. “Two, this is the big criticism of the Republicans, is that the student loan program gives colleges sort of a green light to keep raising their tuition, because they know that it will be covered by the federal government (...) The third that some economists have pointed out is that it could also add to inflation.” Sautter said that while there are these
gal aid partners, as access to legal aid is vital to understanding one’s immigration status and next steps. As both cities struggle to find adequate housing for the growing number of newly arrived migrants, Sharma believes that Adams did not give proper attention to the increasing crisis at its conception. “I think the pattern in New York was that the mayor ignored the enormity of the situation for a very long time, and then basically used it as a populist gimmick to attack the migrants instead of helping them,” Sharma said. “I’m so glad Chicago is not doing that.” Migrants in New York reside in shuttered hotels, vacant office buildings, former jails and tented dormitories. The newest arrivals in Chicago find themselves in shelters, police stations or airports as they await placement. As the weather gets colder and shelters reach their limits, the cities are scrambling to erect more temporary housing. “Every shelter space is now filled,” Arnold said. “It is an incredibly bad situation.” Johnson entered a $29 million contract with GardaWorld to construct winterized base camps for migrants living in police stations. GardaWorld holds a controversial reputation, allegedly having ties to migrant labor trafficking schemes at U.S. military bases overseas, according to reports by NBC News. GardaWorld is also allegedly one of the groups involved in the mistreatment of migrant children at the border. The inspector general for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services identified insufficient training for staff at GardaWorld’s Fort Bliss military base in El Paso.
Along with substandard living conditions, children allegedly suffered panic attacks facing long waits to see a case manager. Wilman said the Lightfoot administration immediately opposed the idea of tent camps. The location of the proposed base camps also poses a problem, according to Sharma. “The city is really struggling, it doesn’t help that the areas that have been chosen as temporary housing already have very few resources to begin with,” Sharma said. One proposed location for a base camp is a lot at 38th Street and California Avenue in Brighton Park, between downtown and Midway Airport. Many Brighton Park residents are protesting this proposal, stating the city did not give enough warning and that their input was not considered. As the number of newly arrived migrants increases daily, Chicago has begun communicating with St. Louis nonprofit groups, unions and philanthropic leaders to possibly relocate migrants to St. Louis to reignite their workforce amid a population decline. Solutions like these signal new ways cities can properly aid migrants, but there are solutions on the local level as well. Sharma suggested that collection centers for donations, clothes and food established at post offices or local libraries offer a good way to get people involved. Ensuring access to legal support is also a vital resource for newly arrived migrants, said Wilman, Lightfoot’s former cabinet member. As migrants continue to arrive in Chicago and New York, Wilman says city governments should formulate a concrete
criticisms, he thinks the real problem is the cost of college. Isabella Hansen, senior, said she had to take out government loans to pay for her tuition. She said the cost of college is the root problem. To some extent, Hansen said the forgiveness plan should depend on the student’s financial status. “To get this passed (the forgiveness) will not be able to be more than $20,000, but I think that it should be more,” Hansen said. “I don’t think there should be a set number as the highest amount, but more a percentage due to financial status. Therefore people who make less money would have a higher percentage of their loans forgiven.” Even though the Biden administration is starting again from square one, Hansen said the administration should keep pushing the new plan until they are successful. “I do think eventually it will become a reality for students, but I do not think it will be a reality in the very near future,” Hansen said. “I think that it will become such an issue that we will have to give students loan forgiveness, but I can’t say I think it will get passed before I graduate.” Aguilar said she is still pessimistic on the issue but she hopes there is a way for the plan to see the light. “As much as I would like to hope Biden and his administration would fight for the student loan forgiveness program, I don’t think it will even pass congress again.” Aguilar said. “But I hope an agreement can be made in order to help students our with their loans.” Sautter said if students feel strongly about this issue, they should make sure to engage in local and national elections to make change. “The future is yours, but you’re gonna get what older people are dictating for you unless you can get in there and vote,” Sautter said. For loan borrowers looking to sign up for the SAVE program, they can go to StudentAid.gov/SAVE.
“Rhetorically, I would imagine in New York, people perceive it as a green light to be prejudicial or discriminatory to Venezuelans,”
Shailja Sharma
Professor
strategy in case federal aid does not materialize. “I think it is really important for folks in charge to review this and think, ‘What is my plan? What is my solution if they don’t get that federal support?’” Wilman said. She also calls upon city officials to be more transparent and communicative with Chicago residents as the crisis continues. “Oftentimes that necessary kind of work is really dismissed to make sure folks understand what’s happening,” Wilman said. At the same time, she said Chicagoans need to offer compassion for migrants. “We really need fellow Chicagoans to tap into their empathy and understand what these folks are coming from.”
6 | Opinions. The DePaulia. Oct. 23, 2023
Opinions
LIZZIE MILLER | THE DEPAULIA
UNDERWEAR, continued from front asking if I was wearing underwear and began to check for herself before I could accidentally moon the kids on the playground. The only thing that has changed since then is that Mom can’t stop me before leaving the house. Underwear is a scam — uncomfortable, tight, loose, too high-rise, too low-rise, scratchy and bulky. Sometimes, I question whether there’s even enough fabric to consider it underwear. I am not the only person who feels this way. I ran an informal poll on my Instagram story and found that 45% out of 78 people surveyed dislike wearing underwear. “It’s so freeing,” said DePaul senior Noël Bentley. Once she went without underwear, she could never “turn back the clock.” I rarely indulge in a conversation about my undergarments with the public, but now I no longer feel I’m the odd one out. My underwear is not serving my needs. The origin of underwear is debated between groups but we know underwear as a barrier between your genitals and outside elements. Underwear can help with chafing, discharge, leakage and protection
from bacteria. Underwear can give people confidence and the ability to feel secure. While all this is true, Reader’s Digest said two things can be right at once. Going without underwear can be more comfortable and allow your genitals to breathe. Therefore, going without underwear can prevent bacteria growth, UTIs and yeast infections. OB-GYN Brittany Noel Robles told Bustle, an online magazine for women, that wearing tight underwear is one of the most common causes of outpatient gynecological visits. Many individuals believe going without underwear is dirty; some DePaul students disagree. Sophomore Emma Higgins believes going without underwear is only dirty if you are doing it unhygienically. Going without underwear also can relieve dampness, avoid chafing and rashes and improve circulation, according to Bustle. Women’s underwear often focuses on fashion over function and is made with fabrics such as lace and spandex. “It looks pretty, but it is not healthy for your vagina,” Bentley said. Synthetic fabric is bad for your genitals because of the chemicals and lack of breathability. If you are to wear underwear, cotton is the best option, according to Healthline.
“Studies have linked sleeping without underwear with a reduced risk of developing vaginal infections.” Dr. Himali Maniar OBGYN
According to FemiClear, a vaginal health company, “sleeping without underwear can be beneficial for vaginal health,” OB-GYN Himali Maniar said. “Studies have linked sleeping without underwear with a reduced risk of developing vaginal infections.” Wearing underwear sometimes makes sense, like if you’re menstruating, experiencing heavy discharge and/or leakage or are wearing tight clothing. Any other time, I will choose to go without. While that’s a personal choice, many people lack options that suit their needs. Underwear is a piece of
clothing we all wear. Yet, not everyone is able to find underwear in their size. Companies with inclusive sizing tend to have higher prices and fewer options. If you don’t fit into Victoria Secret, your chance of finding underwear that makes you feel confident and comfortable decreases significantly, Higgins said. The lack of inclusivity in underwear also extends to a lack of gender-inclusive options. Underwear is one of the most gendered pieces of clothing. Examples of gender-inclusive underwear could be gender-neutral underwear and variations of types of underwear: thong, bikini, boy short and brief, made separately for types of genitals. Our undergarments are meant for us to feel comfortable and secure. Everyone deserves to have underwear they feel confident in. Parade and Savage X Fenty, for instance, make underwear for different body types with various identities in mind. “Be supportive of your friends because their body is their own,” Higgins said. Whether or not you choose to burn your undies, I support whatever makes you feel confident. But I’ll be saving my cash for something else.
The opinions in this section do not nessecarily reflect those of The Depaulia Staff.
Opinions. The DePaulia. Oct. 23, 2023 | 7
Focus 8 | Focus. The DePaulia. Oct. 23, 2023
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s proposes a $11 Million Incr By Una Cleary Focus Editor
Mayor Brandon Johnson proposed his first city budget, including $76 million for youth jobs, an $11 million increase from last year, Oct. 11. After School Matters (ASM), a Chicago nonprofit that offers teens stipends for differentiating arts, STEM, communication and sports program participation, could receive benefits from the funding. Serving nearly 19,000 teens across Chicago, ASM partners with Chicago Public Schools, the Chicago Parks District, Chicago Public Libraries and One Summer Chicago, a youth employment program. Johnson’s $11 million increase in funding comes after the administration worked to boost One Summer Chicago, according to Chalkbeat. One Summer Chicago partially funds ASM’s summer programs, with fall and spring funding from the City of Chicago’s Department of Family and Support Services. Additional funding comes from corporate, foundation, and individual donors. “I think these programs are really designed to help add on the foundation that children need,” said Pierre Lockett, executive director and teacher at Forward Mo-
mentum Chicago, a dance company that partners with After School Matters. “It really allows us to utilize this as a tool to help children develop skills they can use beyond the program.” The push for an increase in youth jobs funding comes from the 45,000 teens and young adults who are not in school or working, roughly 15% of the city’s 16-to 24-year-old residents according to Chalkbeat. Stephanie Avudzivi is an After School Matters student who takes a 45-minute train ride from Simeon Career Academy in the Southside to the Loop on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays after classes. “My favorite part is performing,” Avudizivi said. “It’s so important because it gives teens something to do and it’s good for college resumes.” Gallery 37 for the Arts on Randolph Street, which hosts After School Matters events, is where Avudzivi rehearses dances from 4:30 to 7 p.m. — all part of Forward Momentum’s partnership with ASM. The best part: she’s paid to dance. Started by the late Maggie Daley and Lois Weisberg, ASM began as a summer program at Gallery 37 and expanded to two more locations: the Lutz Center located in the Belmont Cragin neighborhood and
Gately Park situated in the far South Side. Programs range from performing arts, communication, leadership, sports instruction and STEM. Lockett believes that ASM provides teens with an opportunity to receive money for after-school programs and prepares them for a career and college. “Simple things I think that we as adults know that are common in the workplace, a lot of students have not had an opportunity to experience,” Lockett said. Beyond dance numbers, Lockett aims to teach his students time management skills and learning to collaborate with others. “One of the things about this program in particular is that we have a very high level of expectations around what participation is,” Lockett said. “For the most part, for the students who decide to stay in the program, they go on to excel beyond this.” Stipends for students enrolled in ASM are received in three payments through the duration of their program. They range from $66 to $1,375, depending on the length and experience needed for the various program positions. “The money does help, it’s something on the side,” said ASM member Vyolla Coleman, who is a part of the Forward Mo-
Students from After School Matters stand in a dan schools all over the city. mentum dance collaborative program. “We really do need it. It gives us something to do after school.” As a former middle school teacher, Mayor Johnson got elected with support from the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) and continues to receive support from them. In a statement from the CTU applauding Johnson after the release of the first major budget, CTU stated, “In contrast to prior mayors, Mayor Johnson’s budget recommendations demonstrate a clear commitment to partnership and a willingness to uplift forgotten communities.” Increased funding for youth jobs would allow the funding expansion in programs like ASM and One Summer Chicago. “This stipend allows them freedom,” Lockett said of students. “Having financial means is really what allows you that, having the opportunity to learn the value of a dollar and understand what it means.”
UNA CLEARY | THE DEPAULIA
An After School Matters bag hangs at a gift shop at the Gallery 37 for the Arts in Chicago Oct. 18, 2023. All proceeds help fund the After School Matters programs.
Focus. The DePaulia. Oct. 23, 2023 | 9
UNA CLEARY | THE DEPAULIA
Members of the Forward Momentum Chicago dance collaborative practice at Gallery 37 for the Arts in Chicago Oct. 18, 2023. The group meets after school several days a week. 4:30-7 p.m.
rease in youth jobs funding, benefiting After School Matters After School Matters Information:
In 2022 there where: 1,635 ASM Programs 24,678 Chicago teen opprotunities filled 338 Program sites across Chicago
UNA CLEARY | THE DEPAULIA
nce studio at Gallery 37 for the Arts in Chicago Oct. 18, 2023. Students join from CPS high
I think these programs are really designed to help add on the foundation that children need.” Pierre Lockett
Executive Director of Forward Momentum Chicago
After School Matters flagship locations:
Gallery 37 for the Arts: 66 E Randolph St. The Lutz Center: 3435 N Cicero Ave Gately Park: 10201 S. Cottage Grove Ave.
Scan the QR code to visit the After School Matters website:
10 | La DePaulia. The DePaulia. 23 de Octubre 2023
La DePaulia Profesora de DePaul proporciona recursos para abogados que representan a migrantes en Chicago Por Cary Robbins, Alyssa N. Salcedo Editor De Noticias y Escritora Contribuyente
Kathleen Arnold, una profesora de DePaul, está ayudando a abogados y otros trabajadores que representan a migrantes en Illinois al redactar documentos necesarios para las solicitudes de asilo. Arnold, con la ayuda de algunos estudiantes de la universidad, crea gratuitamente informes sobre las condiciones en los países nativos de los migrantes y también declaraciones juradas y para proporcionarlos a una organización sin fines de lucro que brinda asistencia legal a algunos de los miles de recién llegados a la ciudad. “Estamos proporcionando un recurso al que generalmente solo los refugiados más acomodados tienen acceso, y lo estamos brindando de forma gratuita”, dijo Arnold, profesora de Estudios de Refugiados y Migración Forzada. “Muy a menudo, es muy difícil obtener el estatus de refugiado”. Los informes sobre las condiciones en los países del cual están huyendo los migrantes y las declaraciones juradas son documentos legalmente vinculantes que demuestran, en este caso, violaciones de los derechos humanos en varios países. Se utilizan como evidencia en los casos judiciales de las circunstancias que obligan a los solicitantes de asilo a huir de sus países de origen. Arnold dijo que los informes cuestan miles de dólares, que la mayoría de los recién llegados no tienen. De hecho, la mayoría de las personas que buscan el estatus de refugiado “no tienen éxito”, especialmente si no tienen abogados, afirmó la profesora. En la declaración jurada para Venezuela, Arnold y sus estudiantes escriben sobre la brutalidad del estado, el feminicidio y la escasez de agua. Estos informes sobre abusos a los derechos humanos suelen tardar de tres a seis meses en redactarse, con un equipo de tres a diez personas. Después de redactar los informes, Arnold los presenta a la organización The Resurrection Project (TRP). Fundada en 1990, TRP es una organización que brinda servicios sociales a la comunidad de bajos ingresos en Illinois. También colaboran con otras organizaciones sin fines de lucro que brindan asistencia legal a solicitantes de asilo en todo el estado, dijo Marina Burka, gerente de programas de TRP. . Después de recibir las declaraciones juradas de Arnold y sus estudiantes, TRP distribuye los informes a las 50 organizaciones que prestan servicios a inmigrantes con las que trabajan. Burka dijo que no hay suficientes abogados y representantes acreditados por el Departamento de Justicia que puedan hacerse cargo del creciente número de casos de asilo. Por lo tanto, la ayuda de Arnold y
sus estudiantes, que pasan meses trabajando para proCARY ROBBINS | LA DEPAULIA p orcionar Marina Burka, la gerente del programa Proyecto de Resurrección en el Proyecto de Justicia para Inmilos docugrantes, trabaja en su escritorio el 10 de octubre. Burka apoya a organizaciones sin fines de lucro que mentos a prueban asistencia legal a solicitantes de asilo en todo Illinois. TRP y sus colaboradores, ha sido clave para sus esfuerzos por ayudar a los migrantes. “Es un proceso increíblemente detallado y prolongado, y requiere una gran cantidad de trabajo para ayudar a alguien que obviamente estaba huyendo de la persecución”, dijo Arnold. “Estamos ayudando a muchas firmas de abogados sin fines de lucro. Estamos ahorrando dinero y tiempo a su personal, y esperamos poder seguir haciéndolo”. Arnold y su equipo están trabajando en informes sobre las condiciones en varios países, incluyendo Colombia, Congo, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haití, Honduras, Irán, México, Nicaragua, Togo, Ucrania y Venezuela. El grupo opera gracias a subvenciones de DePaul Migration Collaborative y TRP. La subvención de DePaul se extiende durante todo el año escolar, dijo Arnold. La subvención recibida de TRP dura hasta el final del próximo año fiscal, dijo Burka. Hay tres estudiantes trabajando junto a Arnold, pero ella dijo que en el pasado ha tenido hasta 20 estudiantes trabajando en el proyecto. Brianna Ortiz, una estudiante de último año en DePaul que se involucró en el proyecto en noviembre del año pasado, es una de las estudiantes que ayudan a Arnold en el proyecto. La joven estudiante investigó sobre CARY ROBBINS | LA DEPAULIA Venezuela y Nicaragua debido al gran El Resurrection Project, ubicado en 1805 S. Paulina St., provee recursos a miemnúmero de migrantes que llegan a Estados bros de la comunidad que viven en los vecindarios del suroeste. La organización Unidos de esos países. Pero desde el inicio sin fines de lucro se asocia con otras organizaciónes para proporcionar asistencia del verano, ha trabajado en informes so- legal a los solicitantes de asilo en Illinois. bre las condiciones en los países de Méxiinvierno y los recursos limitados de la ci- preocupado por su caso de inmigración. co, Colombia, Togo y Benín. Encontrar un abogado no es fácil debido a Ortiz dijo que a menudo la gente pasa udad para los migrantes. Bayona también está preocupado por la barrera del idioma y financiera. por alto las experiencias de los recién Tener acceso a apoyo legal aceleraría llegados, lo que facilita que otros “se de- qué no ha podido conseguir ayuda legal la capacidad de los migrantes para obtensconecten” al leer titulares de periódicos para llevar a cabo su solicitud de asilo. er permisos de trabajo y ganar dinero para “… vemos que los días pasan... y dicen sobre las violaciones de los derechos husus necesidades básicas. La falta de apoyo que ellos no tienen información. Que no manos que ocurren en otros países. legal hace que sea más difícil para los mi“Vienen a un país que está tan divid- pueden hacer nada”, Bayona dijo sobre los grantes hacerlo, dijo Bayona. ido en este asunto”, dijo Ortiz. “Y ya sea agentes en la estación. “Nos dijeron que iban a darnos apoyo Casi 19,000 migrantes han llegado que lo sepan o no, siguen eligiendo venir en servicios legales pero nunca lo dieraquí porque es mejor que lo que está suce- a Chicago desde agosto de 2022. Según on...” dijo Bayona . “No vinimos a buscar funcionarios de la ciudad, alrededor de diendo en dondequiera que sean”. un millón que hay aquí en los Estados Jose Rios Bayona es uno de los mi- 11,000 viven en refugios administrados Unidos. Solo somos seres humanos que grantes venezolanos que vive afuera de la por la ciudad y 3,000 siguen esperando queremos trabajar como todos ustedes”. alojamiento en comisarías y aeropuertos estación de policía del distrito 19. Aunque dice que está experimentado de Chicago. Bayona dijo que necesita desesperadamejores que las condiciones en su propio país, Bayona dijo que teme la llegada del mente un lugar para vivir y también está
La DePaulia. The DePaulia. 23 de Octubre 2023 | 11
ANDREA RAMOS | LA DEPAULIA
María Arvizo, custodio de DePaul, limpia un baño de mujeres adentro de O’Connell Hall el 10 de octubre. Arvizo es conocida como “Doña María” entre los estudiantes del Latinx Cultural Center.
Doña María: una querida conserje en DePaul es una figura maternal para muchos estudiantes de primera generación Por Rodolfo Zagal Editor Gerente
Cuando María Arvizo comenzó a trabajar en la Universidad DePaul hace más de dos décadas, recordó que había menos estudiantes latinos en el campus. Pero cuando se encontraba con uno, siempre experimentaba un sentimiento especial: como madre mexicana, Arvizo se sentía orgullosa de verlos en esa prestigiosa institución, pero también podía percibir sus miedos y luchas, afirmó. Muchos eran los primeros de su familia en asistir a la universidad y, en la mayoría de los casos, eso significaba un sacrificio financiero para sus padres. Todavía sigue siendo así, dijo. Así que Doña María, como muchos la llaman ahora, no solo camina por el campus con su uniforme limpiando pasillos, salones de clase y baños, sino que se ha convertido en una figura materna para muchos estudiantes latinos que han asistido y siguen asistiendo a la Universidad DePaul, brindándoles palabras de apoyo, pero, lo que es más importante, proporcionándoles comida cuando más lo necesitan. Ahora ayuda a servir comida gratuita a estudiantes que luchan contra la inseguridad alimentaria en el Centro Cultural Latino (LCC), un espacio para que todos los estudiantes de DePaul aprendan sobre la cultura, el patrimonio y las tradiciones latinas. “A veces traigo tamales, galletas, lo que tenga conmigo. Se lo ofrezco a los estudiantes porque sé que estudian mucho y se esfuerzan mucho en la escuela”, dijo Arvizo. “Me entristece ver que no pueden traer su almuerzo o comer en casa, así que les ofrezco mi almuerzo. Los quiero como si fueran mis propios hijos”. Esto ha llevado a que los estudiantes latinos en particular la llamen “Doña María”, que es un título común que se le da a los adultos mayores latinoamericanos para honrarlos y mostrar respeto. Doña Maria dijo que muchos estudiantes vienen y van a lo largo de los años, pero “siempre estará aquí para proporcionar una comida”. Espera que las cenas ayuden a aumentar la asistencia al centro. Y también quiere dar más vida al espacio con comida mexicana y alimentos tradicionales de otros países lati-
ANDREA RAMOS | LA DEPAULIA
María Arvizo, custodio de DePaul, limpia el baño de mujeres adentro de O’Connell Hall el 10 de octubre. Arvizo es conocida como “Doña María” entre los estudiantes del Latinx Cultural Center. nos. “No muchas personas conocen el LCC”, dijo Doña María. “Traigo a nuevas personas al centro. No quiero que se cierre. Cada vez más hispanos ingresan a DePaul, es bueno ver eso, son el futuro”. Aunque el centro había organizado comidas gratuitas durante algunos años, se suspendieron durante la pandemia. Eso preocupó a Doña María. Jane Baron, Directora Asociada en la Oficina de Éxito Estudiantil Multicultural de DePaul, dijo Doña María quería volver a llevar a cabo las cenas gratuitas del LCC como se hacía antes de la pandemia. “María fue quien inició la reintroducción de las cenas semanales del LCC. Siempre traía tamales a la oficina”, dijo Baron. Hace cuatro años, el centro organizó una fiesta de cumpleaños para la querida conserje, quien trajo su platillo favorito, pozole, para compartir con los estudiantes y el personal. “Se ponen muy felices cuando traigo comida. Me agradecen, y les digo que si necesitan algo, me lo digan y prepararé comida para compartir”, dijo Doña María. “Si no traigo comida hecha en casa, ofrezco bocadillos solo para calmar el hambre. A veces, si hay eventos en el LCC, traigo flautas u otras comidas para compartir”.
Doña María emigró a Chicago hace más de 40 años para escapar de la pobreza que experimentaba en México, según dijo. En 2011, comenzó a trabajar en DePaul y hace siete años, comenzó a trabajar en los centros culturales como ama de llaves. Ahora también ayuda a supervisar a nuevos empleados, dijo. Gracias a su trabajo, ha podido criar a cinco hijos en Chicago. Sin embargo, Doña María considera a muchos de los estudiantes también como sus hijos. A menudo, los estudiantes acuden a Doña María en busca de consejos y apoyo emocional. A veces, incluso acuden a ella cuando se sienten enfermos o con dolor y no pueden comunicarse con sus propios padres. “Veo a mi mamá en ella también. [María] es una de esas personas que constantemente pasan desapercibidas hasta que la conoces personalmente”, dijo Jessica Soriano-Villada, una estudiante de DePaul que se mudó a Chicago desde un pequeño pueblo en Carolina del Norte. Soriano-Villada dijo que nunca había volado en un avión ni se había alejado de su familia, por lo que le resultó difícil mudarse a Chicago. “Conocer a María realmente hizo que la transición fuera mucho más fácil; saber a
quién acudir y saber que hay personas que se preocupan por mí aunque no lo demuestre”, dijo la estudiante. “Ella lo hizo más cómodo, más fácil, porque fue una de las personas que interactuó conmigo cuando me mudé aquí”. En su primera interacción con Doña María, Soriano-Villeda hablaría sobre de dónde eran sus padres, dónde vivía y cómo le iba en Chicago. La estudiante dijo que no era solo una conversación superficial, quería una conversación más íntima. “No es solo conmigo, a [Doña María] le gusta establecer conexiones con todos los estudiantes. La llamamos nuestra ‘abuela’ porque le encanta cuidarnos. No es solo superficial, le gusta hacer conversaciones con nosotros. Es muy amorosa y cuidadosa, realmente se ve el instinto maternal en ella”, dijo. La relación con Doña María “llega al corazón” porque su madre solía ser conserje también. Doña María también está vinculada a DePaul a través de su hija menor, Aileen Ramírez, quien estudia enfermería en la institución. “Mi madre es muy generosa”, dijo Ramírez. “Porque ve a sus hijos en otros estudiantes y no querría que pasen hambre”. “Cuando estoy demasiado estresada o abrumada por la escuela, pierdo el apetito de alguna manera. Estoy demasiado ocupada para preocuparme por la comida. Más tarde, por la noche, cuando finalmente me relajo, es cuando mi cuerpo comienza a reaccionar. Me duelen la cabeza y el estómago comienza a gruñir”, dice Ramírez. Arvizo siempre le dice a Ramírez que coma; es una cuestión cultural, dijo Ramírez. “La mayoría de las madres hispanas siempre han contribuido y dado más de lo que tienen a la próxima generación”, agregó. Ramírez dijo que ella y sus hermanos están persuadiendo a su madre para que se retire, pero Doña María se rehúsa. Ella cree que esto se debe a que su madre es muy extrovertida y le encanta interactuar con los demás. La primera cena del trimestre se celebró en septiembre y se sirvió comida puertorriqueña. Estos eventos continuarán con la próxima cena el 8 de noviembre a las 3 p.m. en el LCC. Durante las cenas, los estudiantes también pueden participar en discusiones sobre temas dentro de la comunidad latine.
Arts & Life 12 | Arts & Life. The DePaulia. Oct. 23, 2023
COFFEE, continued from front
ministration, 39% of Black people in the U.S. received mental health services in 2021 compared to 52% of non-Hispanic white people. Aurin Woods, an artist who performed at the recent fundraiser, said that these events are particularly impactful for the Black community. “Black people need more spaces especially curated for mental health conversations and vulnerability,” Woods said. “It matters so much, not just on a personal level, but on a cultural level.” The Coffee, Hip-Hop & Mental Health cafe is designed as a space to have these conversations and provide other services that a traditional coffee shop does not. Every Friday, the cafe also serves free coffee to anyone who cannot afford it, breaking down the financial barrier that keeps some individuals from receiving service at an average coffee shop. “We want to be able to give people a space to be seen, to be heard and not to make them feel like [they’re] not going to walk in there because [they] can’t afford it,” LeMark said. When they are not making drinks, the cafe serves as a space for individuals to embark on their own mental health journey through weekly men’s and women’s group therapy sessions. LeMark said these sessions help individuals become more comfortable exploring their mental health in ways one-onone therapy cannot. “When you’re in a room with a group of people who are on a healing journey, to know that you’re not the only one is therapeutic in itself,” LeMark said. LeMark and a therapist lead these therapy sessions each week, and sometimes, they invite another moderator to speak with the group. According to LeMark , music is another medium that helps inspire discussion. “Music is the bridge,” LeMark said. “That’s how we connect the community to the psychology space.”
SOFY MYERS | THE DEPAULIA
Christopher LeMark (right) and Aurin Woods serenade the audience at a concert Oct. 11, 2023, in Chicago. Coffee Hip Hop & Mental Health frequently organizes fundraisers for Chicago mental health organizations To make this connection, group leaders often play an album during the session and break down its content to spark conversation. Going forward, LeMark plans to explore new ways to connect music and mental health. “The next phase of the organization is to use music for healing,” LeMark said. This phase began this month at the organization’s first concert at The Promontory, which served as both a fundraiser and an opportunity to talk about mental health within the community. Nick Henderson, another one of the concert’s performers, also attends the organization’s group therapy sessions. “Events like this [are] really giving
language to folks,” Henderson said. “People are going to leave from this event, and they are going to have something to ponder about … prioritizing their mental health.” The organization will continue to host concerts at The Promontory going forward. LeMark said the organization is also planning on producing a Coffee, Hip-Hop & Mental Health music album. He said an album and resulting tour could add a new revenue stream to expand the free therapy program to other states. Expansion has already begun in Chicago. Starting Nov. 5, the organization will begin hosting weekly group therapy sessions on the South Side of Chicago in
Hyde Park. LeMark, who grew up on the South Side, hopes to put another cafe there once the new location would be financially sustainable for the organization. “Putting group therapy back on the South Side where it all began, it just makes sense,” LeMark said. “But it’s also time to start building.” LeMark hopes that the organization’s multifaceted approach to normalizing mental health makes a lasting impact in the community. “We don’t know everything, but we do know people are struggling and we are doing our part,” LeMark said.
Embracing autumn: The Pumpkin Spice Latte By Avery MacNab Contributing Writer
As the leaves begin to paint the town in shades of amber and burgundy, a familiar feeling fills the streets of Chicago. The feeling of cool crisp air, Halloween cult classics, chunky knitwear and the always-anticipated return of the pumpkin spice latte (PSL). Fortunately, Chicago is abundant with coffee establishments eager to entice. For those who enjoy an urban ambiance, Sawada Coffee may be the shop you are searching for. Sawada is located at 112 North Green St. in the Fulton Market District Area. The interior is characterized by its industrial aesthetic with graffitied walls and clusters of dangling lights that infuse the space with a sense of creativity. Aside from its spirited ambiance, its espresso is remarkable. Its mature combination of chocolatey and nutty undertones perfectly complement the pumpkin. The beverage as a whole contributes a sophisticated take on the PSL, exhibiting the richness of the espresso more than anything else. Sawada Coffee is effortlessly enticing due to its dynamic space and irresistible espresso. For students wanting to stay local to Lincoln Park, there are two standout choices in the neighborhood: Cafe Deko and Dom’s Kitchen and Market. They are both located on Diversey Parkway right across the street
LINNEA CHENG | THE DEPAULIA
A pumpkin spice latte sits on a table at Cafe Deko in Chicago on Oct. 18, 2023. from one another. Cafe Deko has a vibrant and tropical Greek-inspired interior, exuding a warm and welcoming energy to its patrons. The combination of the exotic wallpaper, colorful furniture and rugged wooden accents meld together to create a sense of being on vacation. Cafe Deko’s PSL is exactly how you would anticipate it to be. The espresso base, the heart and soul of a PSL, is light and velvety, offering a smooth and accessible foundation. The pumpkin element of the drink is by no means extravagant but adds just the right amount of seasonal charm. Cafe Deko
offers a classic and archetypal PSL that will never go out of style. Dom’s Kitchen and Market offers groceries, a variety of meals made in-store and a cafe. The seating area is characterized by a clean black and white aesthetic and an abundance of light, with two full frontal windows harnessing daylight into the space. At Dom’s Cafe, they offer their own twist on the PSL, naming it a “Pumpkin Spice Draft Latte” and putting it on tap. Dom’s PSL proves to be distinctive in taste with its intriguing interplay of flavors. The espresso plays a supporting role, allowing the standout characteristic to
be the prominent presence of pumpkin. This pumpkin flavor is not overly sweet or artificial tasting but rather earthy and spicy. The spiciness delivers a gentle kick at the end, evoking a rustic sense of fall. For students who may find themselves on DePaul’s Loop campus, Hero Coffee Bar is right across the alley from the Richard M. and Maggie C. Daley building. They also have a location in the Lakeview area. Hero’s interior is covered in vivid murals and colorful lights dangling from the ceiling. The entire space is adorned with Halloween decor, which is enhanced by their carefully curated Halloween playlist, making the experience upbeat and energetic. Although the inside is modest, it is made up for by the festive atmosphere and stellar coffee. Hero’s PSL stands out by its strong notes of chocolate and cinnamon, creating the ideal warm and comforting beverage. The strong presence of cocoa and cinnamon make the beverage reminiscent of hot chocolate, invoking a distinct holiday feeling. Chicago is teeming with coffee establishments eager to serve their own rendition of the PSL, offering a unique experience with each cup and each sip. The culinary creativity within the city ensures that the pursuit of the perfect PSL is an invigorating and promising journey.
Arts & Life. The DePaulia. Oct. 23, 2023 | 13
‘Frankenstein’: A beautiful and gothic ballet By Lauren Coates Staff Writer
From “Anna Karenina” to “Of Mice and Men” and everything in between, the Joffrey Ballet has a history of looking into classic literature to find dramatic, often heartbreaking stories to bring to life through dance. Their latest production, “Frankenstein,” continues this trend, combining gothic Romantic sensibilities with body horror to bring the classic science fiction story to life. Though the narrative frustratingly sidelines Frankenstein’s creature far too frequently, Joffrey’s “Frankenstein” boasts a keen eye for aesthetics and a capable cast who elevate what might have otherwise been one of the ballet’s more middling productions. Starring Dylan Gutierrez, Gayeon Jung and Stefan Goncalvez, “Frankenstein” is based on Mary Shelley’s classic novel. The story follows Victor Frankenstein (Gutierrez), a handsome young scientist who reluctantly leaves home and his childhood love, Elizabeth, after the tragic death of his mother. Stricken by grief but determined to make a name for himself, Victor throws himself into discovering the key to conquering death and, in doing so, brings to life an unsettling, deformed being simply called “The Creature.” Though the beast is of Frankenstein’s own creation, he is horrified by what he made and shunned the Creature, sending the fledgling life form on a murderous spree that ends up costing Victor the lives of his loved ones. For most patrons, the biggest hurdle to get past with “Frankenstein” is its runtime at a whopping two hours and 45 minutes. The production has not one but two inter-
YÙ YÙ BLUE | THE DEPAULIA
missions to break up the lengthy performance. Thankfully though, artistic director Ashley Wheather makes the nearly threehour affair feel breezy and remarkably fastpaced, primarily due to the sheer speed at which the narrative moves.
DePaul Center 333 South State St. Hand Tossed NY Style Pizza From scratch
Store Hours Mon - Thurs. 8 am - 5 pm Friday: 8am - 2 pm
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TODD ROSENBERG PHOTOGRAPHY | THE JOFFERY BALLET
Jonathan Dole and José Pablo Castro Cuevas in Joffrey Ballet’s “Frankenstein” at Lyric Opera House Oct. 16, 2023. Story-wise, “Frankenstein” follows very closely to the original novel, which means that a vast chunk of the runtime is spent exploring the romance between Victor and his adoptive sister Elizabeth (Jung). Certainly, Victor and Elizabeth make for an endearing pair (a clever number in act one sees a childhood version of Victor and Elizabeth dancing alongside their adult selves) and Jung, in particular, brings a luminous, instantly endearing quality to Elizabeth that makes her a delightful presence whenever she is onstage. Caught up in the romance and interpersonal drama of Elizabeth and Victor, Joffrey’s “Frankenstein” lets its star player fall to the wayside: the Creature. If last year’s “Little Mermaid” proved anything, it is that Joffrey excels in bringing stories of fantastical, inhuman creatures to the stage, and Frankenstein’s monster is no exception. As the Creature, Goncalvez brings a remarkable duality to role-playing a terrifying, violent abomination of a creature while never letting the audience forget that this is an innocent, newly-created soul whose violence stems from Victor’s cruelty and neglect. Though the Creature’s journey from birth to swearing revenge does feel a little rushed, there is an undeniable emotional
potency to Goncalvez’s performance that makes such a drastic change. It lends some much-needed depth and moral murkiness to the entire production. Opposite Goncalvez’s coltish creature is Gutierrez’s Victor, who is at times a frustrating protagonist whose tragedy-seeped life unravels at the seams after his greatest scientific achievement. Goncalvez brings a solid, almost stoic presence to Victor that makes him difficult to root for but he serves as a potent foil to the Creature, cold and world-weary in opposition to the ironically innocent beast. Their climactic act three duet is the highlight of the entire production, not just because of the spectacle of the lifts and athleticism but because of the sheer emotionality inherent in the number. Complete with resplendent, or in the case of the creature, deeply unsettling, costuming and steampunk-inspired scenic design “Frankenstein” at the Joffrey Ballet is the company at its aesthetically strongest. Though the narrative may feel remarkably romance-oriented for such a famous science fiction story, performances from Goncalvez and Gutierrez make “Frankenstein” yet another beautiful heartbreak at the ballet.
14 | Arts & Life. The DePaulia. Oct. 23, 2023
St.Vincent’s
D E JAMZ “SPINNING FRESH BEATS SINCE 1581” By Jonah Weber Asst. Multimedia Editor
Nu-metal holds many meanings to many people. To me, it’s the early 2000s older brother-core. It’s smelly and grimy. It’s getting thrown around the bed of a pickup truck on a gravel road with Disturbed blasting. It’s crushed cans of Monster. It’s Michael Bay. The metal subgenre of nu-metal came about in the late 1990s and early 2000s. It’s an odd blend of screamo and heavy metal, sometimes with hip-hop influences. I hope you enjoy this odd little blend of headbangers! “Y’all Want a Single” - Korn Would it be a nu-metal playlist without Korn kicking it off ? Absolutely not. This specific song never fails to get the blood pumping and mosh pits moshing. The whispering intro of the song that quickly leads into an explosion of heavy guitar riffs and banging drums is eerie, fun and so exciting. Korn is often considered one of the pioneers for the nu-metal genre and this song is exactly why.
There is a clear fusion of genres that creates this grimy and weird version of metal. “Faith” - Limp Bizkit In 1987, the legendary pop icon George Micheal released the song “Faith.” Around the world people fell in love with the iconic song and singer. But in 1997, Limp Bizkit covered the song on their debut album and for me at least, the original would never be the same. The band follows the lyrics almost word for word, with an added “Get the f*ck up” and a screamo solo. This song really emulates Bizkit as a band for me though, because Limp Bizkit is not that good. The band is super cheesy, has really bad album art, and the lyrics are mostly the lead singer talking to the crowd. But at the end of the day, Limp Bizkit is silly and fun. Just a silly little Nu-Metal band. “Violence Fetish” - Disturbed Every DePaul student should listen to a little Disturbed here and there because they’re from Chicago! A lot of their songs, this one in particular, go along great with intense activities. I’m sure a lot of Disturbed
Crossword
enjoyers listen to them at the gym, which is fine, but I think this song works with other activities like putting a fitted-sheet on a bed or parallel parking. Once you give it a listen, you’ll understand. “Get Off (You Can Eat a Dick)” - Kittie The title of this song kinda says it all. The magic Kittie used in the studio to create this song is out of this world. I’ve heard the opening riff of this song quite a bit on TikTok and it gives me hope that more people will learn about Kittie and give this song a listen. This is the perfect song when one person in particular is pissing you off. For me, it is often the Nissan Altima driver who just cut me off on my way home from work. “What I’ve Done” - Linkin Park I’ve been listening to Linkin Park since I was five years old. Chester Bennington is forever one of my favorite vocalists and artists. But one of my core childhood memories involving Linkin Park was in 2007, when the credits rolled for the first Transformers movie. It was insane. I was not only absolutely blown away by the movie I watched,
ACROSS
1) Group of eight 6) Combine, as resources 10) Composer Johann Sebastian 14) Eucalyptus-eating creature 15) Certain Hindu royal 16) “God’s Little_” 17) Edible heart 20) “Are we there_?” 21) Barnyard cluckers 22) Simple fellows? 23) Abstract painting style 25) Bowling division 26) Clever tactic 28) Give too much work to 32) Longest river in France 34) Cleanse oneself 35) Police officer 38) Things cast
from far away 42) After-expenses total 43) Thing to play 44) Large-eyed lemur 45) Builds a fire under 48) Announce online 49) Aria, e.g. 51) Freshly interesting 53) Excessive or irrational devotion to something 55) Call at home? 56) Place to park 59) It can cover your boo-boo 62) Astute 63) Lewis of track fame 64)_ firma 65) Blows it 66) “Trick” joint 67) More crafty
COURTESY OF WIKIPEDIA
sort of hyped by Optimus Prime’s speech, and then this beautiful banger of a song comes on. I am sort of a sucker for bad and mediocre early to mid 2000s action movies and that is partially due to the soundtracks.
DOWN
1) “Fine by me, I guess” 2) Apple leftover 3) Dermal decorator 4) “Rumble in the Jungle” fighter 5) Russian country house 6) “Now!” 7) Thousand_, Calif. 8) Word with “moment” or “sec” 9) Ad-_ (improvises) 10) The Caped Crusader 11) Respond to, as an opportunity 12) Witchy woman 13) Does a dress-making chore 18) Basil, e.g. 19) It brings joy when gushing 24) Combustible funeral heap 26) Prepare in advance 27) Brain or ear area 29) States of merriment 30) Apply gently, as hair gel 31) Eggs in a science
lab 33) Capture all of one’s attention 35) It follows naturally 36) Elevator man 37) Secretive “Check this out!” 39) The way ofLao-Tze 40) Australian outback runner 41) Easy type of run 45) All Martians 46) Render capable 47) Place to loll 49) Exodus commemoration 50) “A rose by any_ name ... “ 52) Lets off steam 53) Not real 54) Country bumpkin 55) Arid 57) Fairy-tale beast 58) Rip 60) Delivery vehicle 61) Costa_ Sol
Sports. The DePaulia. Oct. 23, 2023 | 15
What Messi’s arrival could mean for Soldier Field, Chicago Fire
YÙ YÙ BLUE | THE DEPAULIA
By Sarina Singh Contributing Writer
The Chicago Fire’s Oct. 4 match against Inter Miami CF drew the largest crowd in club history with 62,124 attendees. This record-breaking attendance at Soldier Field can most likely be accredited to Inter Miami recruiting of World Cup champion Lionel Messi, who joined the club this summer at age 36, adding to a growing list of global stars joining Major League Soccer (MLS). “I think Messi brought in the majority of the crowd based on the fact that the stadium was filled with people wearing Messi jerseys, including myself, even though I was rooting for the Chicago Fire,” said Brandon Olechowski, a DePaul senior and long-time MLS fan.
Soldier Field was a sea of Messi jerseys during the match, Oct. 4. Ironically, the superstar was nowhere to be found. He missed four consecutive contests prior due to a scar tissue alignment injury. Inter Miami released their lineup the day of the match, and Messi was not listed. The team later said Messi would not be traveling with the team either. Messi’s contract is set to run through the 2025 MLS season, the MLS said. Since then, fans everywhere have been excited to see their teams play against the international superstar, and Windy City fans were no different. Because so many tickets were sold for the Inter Miami game and Messi was a no-show, the Fire offered credit toward 2024 season memberships and future single games to ticket holders.
Many fans anticipated Messi would not play, since his injury had already spanned several weeks, but they still showed up. Although fans could hear discontented chanting about his absence throughout the stands, Chicago fans were happy with the Fire’s 4-1 victory. Precious McDonald, a long-time employee at Soldier Field, feels attendance is headed in the right direction on a broader scale for the Fire. “I have seen the crowd at Soldier Field increase every game,” McDonald said. “Although many people came for Messi this time, the last game was still very packed, and I wouldn’t be surprised if the next game is sold out too.” If the Chicago Bears football team does leave Soldier Field as indicated, it will be up to teams that play at the stadium consistently like the Fire to keep
ticket sales high enough to maintain a profitable venue, but some are skeptical. “I’d love it if the MLS had the power to save Soldier Field, but it is going to take a lot more than one game against a big name to save it,” DePaul sophomore Hayden Swader said. For now, Messi provides a strong boost the MLS may need to drive up the attendance and promote sustainable fandom. “I’ve been going to Fire games as long as I can remember, and I haven’t seen a crowd like that since [Bastian] Schweinsteiger was brought to MLS [in 2017],” Swader said. “It’s safe to say Messi’s influence definitely brings bigger crowds and more league recognition.”
One family’s history leads to the largest financial crisis ever in this epic theatrical event that the Chicago Tribune proclaimed “a masterwork.”
Supported in part by
BEGINS TOMORROW!
Richard and Diane Weinberg
SEPTEMBER 19 – OCTOBER 29 Reviews of Broadway production
Sports
Sports. The DePaulia. Oct. 23, 2023 | 16
Stepping Up: Brock Ash’s unwavering leadership in DePaul Hockey By Miranda Battaglia Contributing Writer
DePaul club hockey captain Brock Ash played a pivotal role in the team’s first regional qualification since 2009. A seventh-year law student who is also a left winger and captain, led his team to the top. Ash switches from his daytime activities of law classes and work to put on his hockey gear. As he touches the ice, his mindset is focused on the gratitude of not taking what is left of hockey with his teammates for granted. Ash, a native of Hoffman Estates, Illinois, is in his final year of law school at DePaul. A double Demon, he received a bachelor’s in political science in 2021 and noted the connections between his studies and his sport. “I wanted to find a profession that I enjoyed and fulfilled me and that would let me help other people,” Ash said. “I’m also really competitive and like to win, so the adversarial system of law and going to court, arguing one-on-one, reminded me of hockey.” Ash, who has been skating since he was 18 months old, began his collegiate club career at Illinois State University (ISU). However, Ash broke his collarbone playing hockey the summer before his freshman year. He chose not to get surgery in hopes of letting it heal naturally. Then he broke his collarbone in his third game at ISU and decided to get surgery. “Not being able to play hockey during that time was really, really tough for me,” Ash said. “My collarbone got infected after two weeks, got another surgery, went back to ISU… injecting antibiotics into my body. My mental health was bad there.” Ash felt isolated during his recovery as he couldn’t spend time with his team and was still far from home. “I felt no sense of community and missed my family,” he said. “They’re a huge part of my life and I’m happiest when I’m with them.” Ash said his family is also a huge reason for his caring mentality. His dad is his biggest role model, teaching him leadership skills that he uses to influence his siblings Bennett and Ellory. He loves being their big brother. He also said his mom taught him people skills. “I love helping people,” he said. “My mom is super empathetic and such a people person. Taught me and passed those skills just by how she acts and treats others.” Ash’s cousin, Bradley Spangenberg, knew Ash needed to reconnect with his family and home. Spangenberg was a DePaul hockey player and suggested he transfer to DePaul. He felt they had a good hockey club and a great law school, a program ISU did not have. Ash transferred to DePaul in January 2018 and began playing with Spangenberg and the Blue Demons. He said he immediately felt a sense of home again. “Playing with my cousin was one of the best moments of my life honestly,”
Ash said. “During the national anthem it hit me, took it all in, Brad’s been there for me my whole life. …You get through it, right? The bad times make you stronger. Couldn’t have done it without him.” Ash was named captain in 2022 after displaying what his teammates say are the ideal qualities of a leader. “I believe that Brock Ash has a ‘C’ on his chest for a reason,” junior defenseman Ryan Plotke said. “Both on and off the ice, this is someone who will always look out for you and your best interests. He sets an incredible example of what it means to be a leader, a great teammate and most importantly, to always have a smile on your face.” Fellow right wing junior Danny Mannarino agrees. “He’s the type of guy that says hi to everybody when he first walks in the locker room,” Mannarino said. “He’s always asking me how I am doing before I can ask him. He’s talking to all the kids in the locker room, asking how school is, very charismatic, good team guy, that is why he wears the ‘C.’” Ash expressed surprise at being named captain, but felt honored to take on the challenge. “I love being captain,” Ash said. “It’s a responsibility I embrace and really enjoy. You can lead whether you have a letter on your jersey or not. That has always been my philosophy at DePaul. It’s how you treat people.” As a Christian, Ash said his faith guides him on and off the ice. When voted captain, he put a cross with a “C” on his gloves and equipment. “I give it all up to God,” he said. “I wouldn’t be in this position without Him.” Ash’s pregame ritual consists of praying for his team’s safety during the national anthem to remind him what he feels is bigger than hockey. “I take the time to ground myself and feel grateful,” he said. “I’m just trying to live my life in accordance to His plan and be the best human that I can be,” Ash said. Ash’s teammates say every team needs a player like him. “You always need to have a positive, uplifting leader,” said junior linemate Matt Newton. “He’d be good on any team because of his attitude and the way he plays the game. It’s always fun passing to him.” DePaul coaches say his personality is what makes leadership come so easily to Ash. “Not just Brock the hockey player, you want Brock the human on your team,” head coach Dan Wood said. “He’s one of the nicest kids around.” As Ash begins his final season at DePaul, the goals for his team are stronger than ever. “I want everyone to be fulfilled and happy, looking back and enjoying their hockey career,” Ash said. “If that comes with winning, great, but it might be a different portion of their life, a new job opportunity, passion in career or just graduating. That would make me happy.”
NICKOLAS PARRA | THE DEPAULIA
Brock Ash, senior and caption of the DePaul club hockey team, awaits play at a Sept. 29 home game in Chicago versus Davenport. Ash has played an important role in securing the team’s first regional qualification in nearly 15 years.
NICKOLAS PARRA | THE DEPAULIA
Brock Ash fist-bumps junior defenseman Ryan Plotke on his way off the ice during the Sept. 29 game in Chicago. The DePaul captain is originally from Hoffman estates.
NICKOLAS PARRA | THE DEPAULIA
Brock Ash skates around his defender and looks to pass during the Sept. 29 game in Chicago.