The Signal Vol. 84 No.23 by The Signal

MARCH 7 - MARCH 14, 2017

VOL. 84 | NO. 23

The signal at georgia State University

@gsusignal

/gsusignal

@gsusignal

ILLUSTRATION BY SALINNA PHON | THE SIGNAL

Inside The right advisement

Supporting the arts

Georgia State is minimizing academic gaps for first generation students.

With Atlanta facing gentrification, the artistic community needs to be preserved.

News | Page 5

Opinion| Page 7

DAILY NEWS AT WWW.GEORGIASTATESIGNAL.COM

News 3

The purpose of the arts

Tournament Time

The debate between the arts and STEM is still here, but which one is more important?

The men and womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s basketball teams are headed to New Orleans.

A&L | page 12

Sports | page 16

opinion 7

Arts & Living 9

Sports 15

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NEWS

www.georgiastatesignal.com/news

Mayor Reed proposes

a sales tax increase to fund the arts FUNDING SO FAR The City of Atlanta pledged $1 million to the Woodruff Arts Center Transformation Campaign, with multiple grants dedicated to preserving the arts

Awarded more than

$350,000 to individual

artists

The Contracts for Arts Services program

Maintaining and preserving public art through the

$250 million

granted more than

The City of Atlanta also received

$1,000,000

from the

and small to midsize

organizations

to artists

$175,000

Renew Atlanta infrastructure bond program

National Endowment for the Arts

$12 million

has been allocated for

preservation, maintenance and repair of important public art throughout the city

PAGE DESIGN & ILLUSTRATION BY DEVIN PHILLIPS | THE SIGNAL EDEN GETACHEW Staff Reporter

t his final State of the City Address on Feb. 2, Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed announced that with the support of the Georgia General Assembly, his administration will pursue a one-tenth of a penny sales tax to create funding for the arts in Atlanta. “Organizations like the Woodruff Arts Center are thriving, but our small and medium-sized groups, our young and emerging artists, need additional support,” Reed said. “We need to give back to the creative community that gives so much to our City.” If voters approve the one-tenth of a penny sales tax, Atlanta’s sales tax would increase to 9 percent making it among the highest in the nation behind cities like Seattle with a 9.6 percent sales tax and Chicago at 9.25 percent. In an article with the Atlanta Business Chronicle, Reed said the legislation is modeled after a similar arts tax that is bringing more than $50 million a year into arts organizations in Denver, Colorado. There are three basic types of financial support for the arts, a direct public funding that come from the National Endowments for the Arts (NEA), other indirect and direct public funding, and private sector contributions that come from individuals, foundations, or corporations. According to the NEA fact sheet, the arts generate $22.3 billion in federal, state and local revenue tax receipts. “Simple fact, every dollar that the government spends on the arts generates $7 in tax revenue. So funding the arts is actually good business,” Georgia State performing arts lecturer Dr. Frank Miller said. But on Feb. 21, Reed also announced a $1 million investment to the Woodruff Arts Center Transformation Campaign, home to The Alliance Theatre, the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and the High Museum of Art. The campaign raised $110 million Nov. 2,

2016 since their announcement on April 2015 with the help from almost 700 donors. The campaign will go towards endowment funding, capital improvements and funding for expanded family-oriented programming and greater activation of the Arts Center’s campus, which will modernize the physical spaces, ensure the programs are sustainable, and allow children and families to participate in artistic experience at no cost to them. “We’re fortunate to have the Woodruff Arts Center, which has been bringing world-class art and arts education to Atlanta for nearly 50 years as a centerpiece of our thriving arts community. Providing this support to the Arts Center is both a privilege and a responsibility, and we are pleased to have been able to contribute to this vital campaign,” Reed said in the press release. The proposed tax, dubbed the Arts Special Purpose Location Option Sales Tax (SPLOST), will appear on the November 2017 ballot, and if approved, will take effect early 2018. The city is still in the early stages of designing the programs to be funded through the SPLOST. In its April newsletter, The Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs will circulate a survey to get more feedback and ideas from the public, Reed’s spokesperson said. “The survey asks the public to share their thoughts on what types of organizations and projects should receive priority funding, and how these funds could most effectively be deployed within the city,” a spokeswoman of the Mayor said. “Following this initial round of public feedback, we expect to develop a handful of different program designs and circulate these for additional feedback before finalizing the proposal ahead of the November election.” During his campaign, President Donald Trump announced expanding spending on military, roads, bridges and airports, but eliminating domestic spending like the National Endowments for the Arts and the Humanities. Professor Miller said the Mayor’s move might be in response to the federal government cutting back on arts funding. “My guess is that this SPLOST is coming from the talks since

Trump’s election that he is going to severely cut or eliminate the NEA, which if you think about it is really bad business,” Miller said. Georgia State political science professor Dr. Robert Howard also agreed. “The federal budget would have nothing to do with the city using a sales tax increase to fund the arts. My guess is that this is in some ways a reaction to Trump’s proposed budget- Reed is a Democrat and probably trying to demonstrate that he, and Democrats care about the arts,” Howard said. “If they cut the NEA, the biggest thing that it is going to effect is school arts programs and school arts programs are incredibly important. School arts programs cut teen pregnancies, cut drop out rates, cut gang violence, they lead to more kids graduating from high school and going into college, because it’s stuff they can get involved in and it’s stuff they can get passionate about,” Miller said. Most of the programs President Trump is looking to cut cost under $500 million, and a total amount of annual savings for the U.S. would be roughly $2.5 billion, a relatively small amount compared to the amount the $4 trillion the government is projected to spend this year, according to The New York Times. Budget cuts to arts organizations that give Americans the opportunity to participate in the arts are at risk. In 1965, when Congress established the Arts Endowments, the NEA was required to appropriate funds to any state that established an arts agency. In 2016, Atlanta received $175,000 from the National Endowments for the Arts. Reed’s spokeswoman said federal budget cuts from the arts would not affect the SPLOST. “The Arts SPLOST is a special purpose local-option sales tax; the funds are generated entirely through the one-tenth of a penny sales tax within city limits. Mayor Reed strongly supports the NEA and is hopeful that the program will remain intact, not only for programs here in Atlanta but across the nation,” the spokesperson said.

NEWS

TUESDAY, MARCH 7, 2017

university

Shuttle drivers fight for higher salaries

PHOTO BY TARILYN JOHNSON | THE SIGNAL

Organizing Director for Teamsters 728 Ben Speight believes that President Mark Becker could be the one to grant the requests of the Panther Express operators. However, if no change is seen a protest could be the next step.

DOMINIQUE TIMES Senior Reporter

anther Express shuttle drivers are requesting higher wages and said they are likely to protest unless negotiations bring the desired increases. The driver’s union contract – the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) – expires in April and covers wages and benefits. The CBA is under negotiation between MV Transportation, the company subcontracting drivers to Georgia State, and Teamsters 728, the union representing those drivers. Panther Express operators currently make $12 per hour after training and have a commission cap set at $15.20 an hour. In his seven years of driving Panther Express shuttles, Raymond Agard has driven every campus route and has gotten to know many of the students on campus. He makes the maximum salary amount, but the 72-year-old said his pay is not a livable wage. “We would like to have an increase because the cost of living is going up and, as operators, we don’t think that we’re being paid at the right rate,” Agard said. “The cost of living keeps rising, but our salary is stagnant.” Agard said his co-workers have gradually been leaving the job, because they cannot live on the salary. Many of them, he said, became bus operators for MARTA. According to glassdoor.com, MARTA bus operators make an average of $16.96 per hour. “The other bus companies start at much more and you don’t have to go around the route as often,” Agard said. “Our shuttles are constantly going around with only a few minutes break to go to the bathroom. It’s hard. A lot of the drivers here are going to MARTA because they can make $4 more and that’s a lot of money, that’s a meal.” Jeffery Davis, general manager of MV Transportation, said the comparison between MARTA and Panther Express is a faulty one.

In most metropolitan areas, where the U.S. economy and jobs are increasingly concentrated, the living wage is higher than the national median. According to Atlanta Business Chronicle, Metro Atlanta’s population reached the 5,490,000 milestone in 2013, making it the ninth most-populous metro in America.

“We’re not a transit company, we run shuttles,” Davis said. “MARTA is a public transit so they’re paid a lot more under a contract with the city.” Agard said Georgia State “would probably push to add a percentage more onto our salary” if students showed the university that the shuttle drivers are providing good quality service. “We’ve been saying ‘OK let’s accept what we have right now’, we’ve been living in hope, hoping that one day they’ll say ‘let’s increase their salary’,” Agard said. “To have the students’ support would mean a lot. It would mean the students care.” Chris Connelly, director of Marketing and Operations for Campus Services at Georgia State, said that any outcry from the student body may be aimless, because the university “does not have any power over drivers’ salaries.” “We don’t employ them, we employ MV, so it’s up to MV how they pay their employees,” Connelly said. “It’s a mischaracterization to say the only way the drivers can get more money is if the university gives MV more money. We’re not involved directly with paying the drivers, so we’re not actually at the table.” Georgia State’s contract with MV Transportation is a 10year agreement with one-year renewables that started in July 2013. The contract is separate from the CBA, and Connelly said any expectation for university involvement would be a “misunderstanding of the roles.” “I understand why they would want to put pressure on all sides, but we’re not the pressure point that’s going to make the change,” Connelly said. “It’s total speculation to comment on what would happen if we were to say ‘MV, pay your people more money’. We would be going out of the normal confines of our role.” Ben Speight, organizing director for Teamsters 728, said a stipulation should be added to MV’s contract with Georgia State requiring any transportation contractor at the university to pay a living wage. He added that without “such basic worker and

human rights” the drivers are being treated like “second-class citizens.” “The problem is that one reason why they outsource employees to begin with is to try to get companies to compete for work by offering the services at the lowest cost,” Speight said. “The way to achieve the lowest cost is to suppress wages, suppress benefits. Where is the consideration for the workers?” Speight said the backing of the student body, such as calling on University President Mark Becker, could make the drivers’ request a reality. He said if operators’ pay does not increase, “the next step would be to reach out to the university in the form of a protest.” Agard agreed that is a possibility. Like Connelly, Davis also said Georgia State has no role in the CBA’s negotiation, and that the drivers are “putting on a show.” He said the operators’ choice to reach out to The Signal about the issue is unprofessional and unfair to students. “That is a great way to lose a contract,” Davis said. “They’re trying to make it look like the university is not doing their part and MV is just one of those low-wage companies, but that’s not the case at all.” Because the negotiations are private and ongoing, Davis said he could not comment on the likelihood of pay increases. He said part of the negotiation will be determining whether or not pay increases are within the budget. “Georgia State has a set rate that they pay. We can only request so much,” Davis said. “The union has a say-so as far as what the raises would be, so we can sit down at the table and they can present whatever they want and we can say what we’ll go with.” Speight and Agard met with students at the United Students Against Sweatshops (USAS) town hall on Feb. 2 and plan to have another meeting with students, before their contract expires to gather support. The agreement settled upon during MV and Teamsters’ negotiations next month will be in effect for the next three years.

HOURLY WAGES

1 ADULT

1 ADULT 1 CHILD

1 ADULT 2 CHILDREN

2 ADULT 1 (WORKING)

2 ADULT 1 CHILDREN

2 ADULT 2 CHILDREN

LIVING WAGES

$11.33

$22.40

$26.68

$18.02

$12.38

$14.62

POVERTY WAGES

$10

MINIMUM WAGES

$7.25

According to Living Wage Calculator

TUESDAY, MARCH 7, 2017

NEWS

university

Eliminating the academic gaps Last Week

Georgia State leveled the playing field for first generation students

PHOTO BY HANNAH GRECO | THE SIGNAL

Because of academic gaps, low income students tend to struggle in college. However, according to a recent study conducted at Georgia State, the graduate rates are increasing and the time spent on degrees is decreasing.

PERRIN WILLIAMS Staff Reporter

eorgia State recently conducted a research study that highlights and looks to resolve the academic gaps and institutional bias present in the university. Georgia State’s Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Success Dr. Timothy Renick introduced a research study in 2011 centered around eliminating academic gaps in institutions by alerting students as soon as they are seen to be in “potential trouble.” The study was recently granted a four-year $8.9 million grant from the United States Department of Education. One major gap Renick focuses on is “institutional bias,” which he defined as institutions unintentionally favoring some students over others due to socioeconomic and ethnic background. He said that financial aid is a prime example of this bias. “While applying for financial aid is complicated for all students, this fact disproportionately impacts low-income and first generation students who often lack a support system to help them navigate the system,” Renick said. Lower-income and first generation students have a harder time with academic progress due to the lack of knowledgeable relatives and peers to support and guide them. According to Renick, the study proved that if Georgia State can provide this support, low-income and first generation students would succeed at higher rates. The study included analyzing a total of 2.5 million grades, in order to identify specific patterns of students’ actions that correlated to their failing grades. According to the New Jersey Herald, students’ grades and test scores were analyzed to pinpoint those who were in academic trouble and get them guidance in a timely manner. “We found over 800 ‘risk factors’ for every Georgia State undergraduate,” Renick said. “The risk identified can be as simple as a student signing up for a course that does not apply to his or her degree program or a student underperforming in a prerequisite course.” Renick said that in most cases, many students did not signal for help until they had already received multiple D’s and F’s or were already on academic probation.

“In 2011, we conducted an analysis of student visits to offices of academic advising at Georgia State and found that many students were not reaching out for help until it was too late,” Renick said. “We wanted a system that would identify students who were having academic difficulties at the first sign of the problem, so that we could have a better chance of helping.” Renick and his research team seem to be making significant strides in helping improve student success at Georgia State as well as aiding in the eliminating of academic gaps. According to the Hechinger Report, more African-American students graduate from Georgia State with a Bachelor’s degree than at any nonprofit college or university in the United States. Renick also said that within the last year, Georgia State’s black, hispanic, first generation and lowincome students all graduated at rates at or above the rate of the total student body. “Since we launched the project five years ago, we are graduating 1,700 more students every year,” said Renick. “And the average student is taking half a semester less to earn their Bachelor’s degree.” With the system in place some current and past Georgia State students have said that they benefited from its implementation. First generation college student and Georgia State Alum Carl McCray said his academic advisors were the support system that he needed. “I do believe I had tremendous support from my academic advisors. They were usually a little more proactive,” McCray said. Sophomore and first generation college student Abigail Vanderwolf said the college process is a new and first-time experience for not just her, but for her whole family. She felt that Georgia State supplied her with the resources and support she needed. “In college, everything is your own responsibility, but my advisors and professors were always there to help, when I needed it,” Vanderwolf said. Georgia State is the lead institute for the fouryear grant research study, however according to Renick, at least 10 more institutes are involved in the study. In addition to Georgia State, Ohio State University, the University of Texas at Austin, Iowa State University, Michigan State University, Purdue University, Arizona State University, the University of Central Florida, the University of Kansas, Oregon State University and the University of California at Riverside are also a part of the research.

THE IMPACT LAST 12 MONTHS

52,000 MEETINGS BLACK MEN GETTING A DEGREE IN SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING AND MATHS INCREASED

100

PERCENT

HISPANIC STUDENTS

200 PERCENT RISE According to independent.co.uk

1,777 BLACK GEORGIA STATE STUDENTS NOW GRADUATE WITH BACHELOR’S DEGREES EVERY YEAR 2003 TO 2015 GRADUATION RATE FOR AFRICANAMERICAN STUDENTS ROSE FROM 29 TO 57 PERCENT FOR HISPANIC STUDENTS, IT WENT FROM 22 TO 54 PERCENT BY 2014, FOR LOWER-INCOME STUDENTS (Those eligible for a federal Pell grant) IT REACHED 51 PERCENT ITS GRADUATION RATE FOR FIRST-GENERATION STUDENTS WENT UP 32 PERCENT BETWEEN 2010 AND 2014.

According to Hechinger Report

Local

KKK making their way to Georgia for protest

Members of the Mississippi Ku Klux Klan planned to travel to Douglas County to protest the sentencing of a couple who terrorized a birthday party for an 8-year-old black child. According to WSB-TV, Jose Torres and Kayla Norton were sentenced to 13 years and 6 years respectively for driving past the party while waving Confederate flags and guns. The Mississippi Klan’s imperial wizard, Steve Howard, claimed that Torres and Norton were only making a flag run and that the court’s decision was unfair. The KKK were set to march to the Douglas County Courthouse on March 5 at noon but never arrived. In their place, supporters with Confederate flags and protesters of the KKK engaged in a heated exchange.

National

Trump accuses Obama of wiretapping without proof

President Donald Trump posted a series of tweets on March 4 claiming that his predecessor had been tapping his phones inside Trump Tower for some time, before the election without any proof. According to CNN, several parties have come forward claiming the accusations to be false. Two former U.S. officials called the claims “just nonsense” and “wrong”. A senior administration official in Washington said that the words of the president were a surprise to many in the White House, believing it to be in response to “how the Russia storyline is playing out.”

Global

United States engages in Secret Cyberwar with North Korea

North Korea’s missile program is under attack by cyber and electronic attacks conducted by the United States government. According to the New York Times, former President Barack Obama made this an order to the Pentagon three years ago in hope of sabotaging any of North Korea’s missile test launches. Interviews with officials and examination of public records conclude that the U.S. still does not have an effective method of countering the North Korea.

NEWS

6 University

TUESDAY, MARCH 7, 2017

Alpharetta campus constructs science labs MICHELLE TABRIZI Staff Reporter

eorgia State’s Alpharetta campus is constructing new science labs that are expected to be ready by January 2018. For the past two years, the campus has been renting out a Fulton County high school for students taking chemistry and biology lab courses, which has created some obstacles for teachers and inconvenience for students. “The arrangement we have with Fulton County and Chattahoochee High School has been phenomenal for our campus and allowed us to teach classes we otherwise wouldn’t be able to, but there are still challenges,” Jen Bon said, a lab supervisor at the Alpharetta campus. But Bon said because of high school hours, university lab courses are only limited to evening hours, which often don’t work for students. “Additionally there are some college level science labs that high schools don’t have the proper lab space or equipment to teach. Organic chemistry labs and microbiology labs are two of the big ones that our students need to graduate that we can’t offer,” Bon said. Tina Philpot, associate dean of Academic Services at the Alpharetta campus, said she feels very optimistic about the new addition to Alpharetta’s campus. She said she expects some positive impacts on the student population. “I believe this will increase student attendance now, since [students] will no longer have to travel off campus,” Philpot said. “It will definitely be a positive.” Besides the need for adequate lab equipment, another motive for building the new labs is to satisfy companies eager to get students with an understanding and capability to work in

PHOTO BY LAHAR SAMANTARAI | THE SIGNAL

Construction of the new science labs at Georgia State’s Alpharetta campus is set to be complete by spring 2018.

STEM fields, according to Paulos Yohannes, Associate Dean of Sciences. These new labs offer opportunities, which will benefit both the students and the companies seeking them for work. “The science courses that we teach at Alpharetta are the basic courses that almost all STEM majors are required to take. We understand that there is a significant need of workforce in the STEM fields at Alpharetta. Those students that major in STEM fields will start taking our basic courses that will help them fulfill their B.S degree requirements,” he said. Yohannes said the university hopes that STEM majors will be recruited by local

industries in the early stages of their college careers. “I believe there will be great opportunity for our students to connect with the local companies that they will have future employment opportunity. Our students will have the opportunity to be able to do internship at the industries while taking classes at Alpharetta,” he said. The lab construction team, Albion Scaccia, will be trying their best to keep the noise and distractions to the minimum for students. Bon said the team is aware of the campus’ schedule and are making efforts to work around them. “On any addition like this there will be some unavoidable noise, but they’re aware

that the majority of classes and events on this campus are Monday through Thursday during the day and they’re respectful of that,” Bon said. “They’ve gone so far as to schedule some deliveries in the middle of the night. Albion Scaccia asked for the final exam schedule and will be trying to limit noise and vibrations during those times as well.” The school as well has made plans to move summer classes to their other building to decrease disruptions. “In order to allow Albion Scaccia to get their work done as efficiently as possible and to minimize disruptions to classes we’ll be moving the majority of summer classes from the AB building into the AA building,” Bon said.

SGA

Sen. Turner says CBA not ‘an easy issue to deal with’

Last week’s meeting covered Turner Field sale, USAS requests and Sen. Gray’s microwave bill CHRISTINA MAXOURIS News Editor

he Student Government Association (SGA) kicked off their March 2 meeting with a presentation on the purchase of Turner Field, and the Community Benefits Agreement (CBA) that students and Turner Field residents have been vouching for. Sen. Maxwell Turner who spearheaded the conversation was at the Turner Field Forum held by residents and students on March 1, which answered questions on both the sale of the former-Braves field and the CBA through a panel of speakers. The panelists were Turner Field Community Benefits Coalition (TFCBC) member Sherise Brown, student and United Students Against Sweatshops (USAS) member Patricio Rojas, ECO-Action executive director Dr. Yomi Noibi, Peoplestown resident Alison Johnson and resident Columbus Ward. “What USAS and the TFCBC are pushing [for] is that Georgia State sign a CBA, but responsibilities in CBA are not solely Georgia State’s,” he said, citing a stormwater requirement and saying, “there are many other programs we don’t have a responsibility to act on.” Turner said it’s a “great misconception” that Panther Holdings LLC has “some sort of

connection to Georgia State.” “Outside of this sales agreement these organizations do not work together. Section 16 of the sales agreement separates these two entities [Georgia State and Carter Development]. We [Georgia State] are not distancing ourselves from Carter, but we’re granting them assigned properties.” Georgia State, Turner said, is only assigning different sections to the Panther Holdings LLC’s different entities, which are “Georgia State University, Board of Regents, and Carter Real Estate.” SGA Sen. Markessa Walker added that even though USAS claimed that Panther Holdings LLC sited their address in Centennial Hall, in President Mark Becker’s office, that claim is false she said, as the address is Dale Palmer’s, the assistant treasurer and chief financial officer of the Georgia State University Foundation and assistant VP for development at Georgia State. In fact, in the sales agreement, Panther Holdings LLC site their office address as 100 Auburn Avenue, Suite 315 – which corresponds to Georgia State’s Legal Affairs department. But the problem might just be that USAS’ proposed CBA might not work after all, according to Sen. Markessa Walker, who partnered with Sen. Turner on the research. “One of the big comparisons USAS made is to Columbia University and what we found is that Columbia is still in lawsuits now over

PHOTO BY JADE JOHNSON | THE SIGNAL

Sen. Maxwell Turner addresses the SGA meeting about what he learned from the Turner Field Benefits Coalition and the signing of the CBA isn’t just Georgia State’s responsibility.

the CBA they signed, so we don’t know if a CBA really works,” Walker said referring to the 2009 agreement Columbia signed over the Manhattanville expansion project. “So really, what’s the point of a CBA since even someone who signed it can’t uphold it?” she said, adding that Columbia has yet to pay the full amount that they signed for on their CBA. Turner said the committee that SGA has created to work with USAS has not met yet

because every time they reached out to USAS, the group said they were unavailable. “My concern is that so far we’ve offered them a lot, [and] when they don’t hear exactly what they want to hear, you guys see what happens,” Turner said. The association also discussed Sen. Corey Gray’s “microwave bill,” discussing funding, branding and the possible partnership between the company that already provides Auxiliary Services with the microwaves.

OPINION

www.georgiastatesignal.com/opinions

PHOTO BY TARILYN JOHNSON | THE SIGNAL

Concerns are raised for the artistic preservation of Underground Atlanta. To solve this concern the “creative community” wish to be involved in the redevelopment.

WESLEY DUNKIRK Columnist Wesley is a sophomore at Georgia State majoring in English. Outside of his passions for writing and reading, Wesley rows crew with Georgia State and follows the American political scene.

Tweet Wesley @wesleydunkirk

tlanta’s artistic community is part of what makes the city such a culturally diverse city; however, as the city expands economically, that community faces threats that could undermine its ability to create. A recent surge in economic development projects around the city has raised concerns within the Atlanta arts community about the possibility of both artistic displacement and the exploitation of artists. Artistic displacement is a possible byproduct of gentrification. When neighborhoods are “revitalized,” the inhabitants of the neighborhood that contribute to its artistic culture may be driven out or subverted by new artistic installations brought in by developers. The artistic community in the current Underground Atlanta property is in danger of facing this outcome as the property is set for redevelopment over the next few years. At a recent public meeting with WRS Realty, the firm redeveloping the property, members of the community gathered to voice their concerns and seek resolutions to the problems that they are set to face. “Have you employed any historic preservationist or artist on your design table and do you plan to add them to your staff?” asked one concerned individual present. “As a member of that creative community, I would like to see you put your dollars and your employment energy into adding those people to your team, and quickly.” Redevelopment projects such as the Underground redevelopment are often unavoidable and can bring about legitimate benefits to the surrounding area. Members of the “creative class” which this woman described simply want reassurance that as projects such as this take place, their community will not be tossed aside in favor of more profitable developments. After Kevin Rogers, the development officer for WRS Realty that was questioned, responded to the question by saying that their team would take artistic input and expressing his hope that Underground could eventually become similar to

artistic neighborhoods in Atlanta such as Little Five Points and Westside Atlanta, the concerned attendee raised an issue which is tied closely with Atlanta’s cultural development. “Most of those examples … are neighborhoods that developed organically over time by the people that were there,” she said. “What you’re speaking of is coming down and doing a massive development, is not the same.” The point she raised is one faced by creative communities around the country: the elimination of organically developed art communities in an effort to construct new communities that support profit growth, often including fabricated artistic culture. Gentrification projects do not allow for artistic themes to organically develop within communities, they eliminate the unique quality that true artistic districts exude. While development firms such as WRS Realty, as forprofit organizations, bear no obligation to put any effort into preserving artistic communities within the areas that they redevelop, some consideration should be put into maintaining the artistic culture developed by community members who have no say in whether or not the area they reside in will be redeveloped or not. As economic development is pursued, an environment should be created that embraces organic art and allows for creators to contribute to Atlanta’s diverse web of culture. Even when the creative class is able to produce as it desires, though, it can often still face exploitation from groups motivated by profit. In 2014, one of Atlanta’s most iconic collaborative art fixtures, the Krog Street Tunnel, which is known for its diverse graffiti art, was used by The Atlanta Foundation for Public Spaces as a venue for a masquerade. The event was being held to make a profit, tickets were sold to individuals seeking to attend. During the week leading up to the event, a large group of about 100 protesters made a trip to the tunnel and painted over all of the captivating graffiti art with grey paint. The artists that left their mark in the tunnel

According to Huffington Post

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

7. 8. 9. 10.

felt as though the event organizers were taking advantage of their work by using it as a theme for a for-profit party that did not compensate the artists, specifically without the consent of many artistic community members who contributed to the iconic tunnel. Even when artists are able to organically create work as they please, it is very easy for them to be exploited for monetary gain. In the face of this ease of exploitation, those seeking to spark economic development through property redevelopment should keep the interests of the creative class in mind as they embark on new projects; doing so is necessary to maintaining the organic artistic fibers that build Atlanta’s creative culture.

PAGE DESIGN BY SALINNA PHON | THE SIGNAL

OPINION

EDITORIAL

TUESDAY, MARCH 7, 2017

So… what’s the media’s role? When the media covers workers’ concerns, it’s not ‘unprofessional’

hether you identify as a Republican, Democrat, Independent, a Clinton or Trump supporter, there is one universal truth no one can deny: the media has been under attack. Despite attached tags that citizens have placed like ‘liberal media’, ‘conservative’, ‘biased’, the media’s loss of credibility is a crucial problem to address, because the press should serve as the fourth branch of government. Is it fair to sweep facts under the rug, because they make one political candidate or institution look bad, or claim a news outlet is ‘liberal’ simply for their choice of wording, despite their facts being accurate? The names that have been stuck on the media’s image have caused multiple outlets and the field as a whole to lose credibility, which is incredibly dangerous, because often times the media is the only fact-checker that’s actually accurate. But we won’t focus on such a subjective and neverending political debate. What are some issues that a university or local paper should be covering? The choice to write this editorial came, after reading the

THE SIGNAL

mistakes arise from human nature, not from our political leanings. In a recent interview with NBC, former President George W. Bush said the media is “indispensable to democracy.” “Power can be additive and it can be corrosive, and it’s important for the media to call to account people who abuse their power, whether it be here or elsewhere,” he said. The people in power have a lot on their side; our job is to make sure the public hears a combination of powerful voices and the voices of those who may not have the exposure guaranteed by power. The drivers did not raise any concern for the company violating laws, but instead they shared their grievances about their salaries. We fail to see how employees reaching out to us for their concerns is unprofessional and unfair to students; rather, it is an important issue that needs addressing. What are your thoughts on this issue? Email your Letters to the Editor at Signalopinions@gmail.com.

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quote on page 4, in the story about Panther Shuttle drivers’ salaries. Jeffery Davis, general manager of MV Transportation told one of The Signal’s reporters that the choice of the drivers to reach out to our newspaper and voice their concerns was “unprofessional”, saying it is a “great way to lose a contract.” Is it fair to threaten employees for reaching out to a news outlet? Is the media supposed to turn a blind eye to people who feel they’ve been treated unjustly? We would not be fair if all of our stories provided praise for the institutions we represent or if we chose to write only positive stories about companies associated with Georgia State and overlook their mistakes. What is best for the public interest? And who works on the side of lower/middle-class workers who don’t have the influence of money and power on their side? The media is not the enemy of the people. We strive to be their voice. If at times we misinterpret or misrepresent information, we’re open to corrections and criticism -

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ARTS & LIVING JALEN JENKINS Staff Reporter

here is no shortage of music in Atlanta. Through the years, Atlanta has bred some of the most creative and unique acts in multiple genres. From Outkast to Mastodon, Atlanta’s musical diversity in creators is a testament to the city. This diversity especially exists in its hardcore and punk scene, which is a little more tough to be recognized in, but sometimes that’s the way they like to do it. They like to keep it in the family, and whoever wants to come and see what it is all about, is more than welcome. This is the shared ethos of Brainstorm Records. Brainstorm Records has independently put out a few releases in Atlanta on tape and digitally, since 2013. Originally from Baltimore, the labels creator and CEO Dustin Roberdo felt as if Atlanta at that time had something that needed to be seen.

The Brainstorm Style

“I had seen several Atlanta hardcore bands play, come, and go over time and found it just came naturally to document,” Roberdo said. “I wanted to give Atlanta Hardcore a presence, when I saw the community around it get smaller and smaller.” Atlanta hardcore has a rich history. The city has bred bands like Foundation, Dead in the Dirt, Car vs. Driver, Portrait, Instilled, Deathbed, Paid in Blood and many more. The city has always been welcoming to the genre, with multiple venues like The Drunken Unicorn, 529, the Masquerade and more supporting shows as well as random houses over the years. Brainstorm operates at a very small level, having released material from 5 bands, since its inception. One thing

these bands have in common is their genre, hardcore punk. “There were no other contenders for a different music style,” Roberdo said. “I knew I wanted to do a DIY label especially after spending several years as a DJ, seeing how these labels work and how they promote their artists.” Bands such as, Dope Fiend, Know Your Rights, Full Measures and its newest addition, Pay to Cum all operate as a family. According to Hunter Pinkston, guitar player in Dope Fiend and Pay to Cum, Dope Fiend’s street smart sounds in the vein of seminal New York hardcore legends Madball hits hard, while Know Your Rights plays a fast brand of punk music is favored to the skaters. Full Measures has a tough sound, with slow breakdowns and very to the point vocals, while Pay to Cum, plays a hardcore punk akin to the Bad Brains. Pinkston is very thankful to have been part of Brainstorm. “Dustin has put a roof over our heads whenever we need it, offers great creative advice, and is not just a label, but a close friend who cares not only about his label, but about all the people in the bands on it. Everything I could ever ask for and more,” Pinkston said. The very first Brainstorm release was from Atlanta locals Know Your Right’s EP, “Closer to Death.” Roberdo said he keeps the label small to make sure that it is only good stuff. He believes not to step on anyone’s toes, but he also wants Brainstorm presence to be recognized. “We have promoted very slowly and cautiously as not to flood the city with bands or water down the quality of releases,” Roberdo said.

Influences and Operating in the City Since he operates on such a small scale, the key to Brainstorm is the promotion of the few artists that he

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chooses to represent. Brainstorm has an impressive graphic design output, mostly rips from old Hip-Hop groups like De La Soul and Mobb Deep. Dustin strives to keep designs natural, and makes sure that nothing looks forced. “A big influence for our designs come from the hip hop music I listen to, but also hip hop music that has historically run side by side with hardcore,” Roberdo said. However, being as small as Brainstorm is promotion can be a bit of a hassle sometimes. “Anyone that you promote to feels as if it’s a burden to check out something new, especially with venues and music writers,” Roberdo said. Brainstorm’s newest addition Pay to Cum have been able to catch the attention of some of Atlanta’s music columns and lists, including Immersive Atlanta’s 25 Local Artists to Watch in 2017 with the likes of Mutual Jerk, Art School Jocks and Kudzu Kids. “Atlanta is the only place doing stuff for the label that feels right,” Pinkston said. “The label will always remain local. It keeps things hands-on and representative of the City,” Roberdo said. Running Brainstorm is not such a selfless act though. Real relationships have been created through representing the artists and being an active part of Atlanta. “The friends I’ve made and the fun that’s been had at shows is a big part of the reward, but exposing new people to hardcore is my favorite aspect of representing the label in Atlanta,” Roberdo said.

PAGE DESIGN AND RECORD PLAYER ILLUSTRATION BY PHILIP DURAL | THE SIGNAL

GRAPHIC COURTESY OF BRAINSTORM RECORDS

Behind the art of graffiti and the writers who paint the town INGA MASIC

Arts & Living Editor

hen thinking about what solidifies the aesthetic of any urban environment, one could say it’s the existence of vibrant colors and distorted signatures on the walls of the city buildings that do it, and that is what we call graffiti. Graffiti has an unforeseen rich history behind its birth and the journey that lead to the contemporary expressionism seen on every block of the concrete jungle today. According to widewalls.ch, Darryle McCray aka “Cornbread,” developed a crush on a girl named Cynthia in the 1970s. In order to grab her attention, he began plastering “Cornbread Loves Cynthia” all over town. After doing so, he had the realization that tagging was an enjoyment for him, so he continued to do it. He even tagged a jet plane that belonged to the Jackson 5. However, the king of tagging went by the name of TAKI 183, and he made the art of tagging explode in cities everywhere during the 1970s. Once an article came out about TAKI 183 and his endeavours, kids decided to follow in his tracks and catapult graffiti tagging as the new trend. Soon, tagging became a competition to see who could put their names out in the world more, TAKI 183 started a movement. It’s been a few decades since Cornbread and TAKI 183, but the world of graffiti writing is still alive. That is the case for Atlanta. This city holds some charismatic and revolutionary artists in its midst, and day by day they display their pieces to the world.

THE UNDERGROUND WRITERS They are never seen, they are the hidden souls that transform walls into worlds, signs into messages and thoughts into viewable transcendence. They are the underground graffiti writers of Atlanta. Each one of them began their journey with graffiti in different ways, and they have all developed their own memories with the craft, sometimes with the law enforcement. For this Atlanta writer, who wants to be referred to as P.*, found their niche after realizing what not to do. “I got involved in graffiti as an early highschooler. I started just going around tagging things with shitty sharpies: signs, bathrooms...etc.,” P. said. “I just played around with my friends for fun. We slowly learned more about it. Eventually a few of my friends got caught writing on stuff. Ended up getting brought home in a graffiti abatement cops car, and got a talking to with their parents and the cop. All my

friends lost motivation. I just kinda kept going. I saw the mistake they made. Eventually I met other people and really started going out and painting a lot. I really just fell in love.” Other writers fell into the graffiti universe when recognition of their talent was made at a young age, and the access to the city and its inspirations were plentiful, whether it was previous work, other writers you meet within the realm or artists that most are utterly fascinated with. “I got into graffiti at a young age, my dad lived in the inner city, and I started noticing it everywhere,” Kiloz*, a local graffiti writer said. “My biggest focus has been graffiti, since I started. I do paint other things for private commissions or just to brush up on skills I feel like I don’t get to exercise, during graffiti. Lots of my inspiration comes from the writers I hang out with, who I see as more talented than me. More recently as I’ve been studying art history, I’ve been really interested in artists like Carvaggio and Van Gogh and the way they play with colors.”

THE PROCESS For some writers it’s all about location, location, location. However, others factor in different aspects, when choosing where to bestow their talents and then there are those who are unpredictable with it. “A lot to finding spots is just walking around. [It’s] exploring and going to places where you wouldn’t go,” P. said. “Pieces usually end up under bridges, abandoned buildings and walls where it’s semi legal or legal to paint. I end up just looking for spots with visibility. You just got to gauge the amount of time you have to paint a spot, and paint what you can according to that. A large part of graffiti is walking or driving around, catching tags, throwies and just getting your name up.” “I never plan shit out too much. I get some colors I think might go together and roam around until I find a spot or remember one,” Lucy,* another Atlanta writer said. Kiloz, on the other hand, focuses on taking his time with his creations. He develops an understanding of the location, and then plans out what suits it best and what he is aiming for. “Normally I’ll see a spot I like, either it’s really visible from a busy part of town or the exact opposite and it’s somewhere I feel like I can really take my time. After I know what spot I want, I usually draw a rough sketch at home and think about the smartest time to paint it,” Kiloz said. When it comes down to deciding what the writers want for the end result, it requires tapping into their keen eye and determining what will look the most pleasing or make the most sense, design wise. “Well I’m mostly into painting full on pieces, I like going big and having my stuff look really clean, aesthetically pleasing and cool to look at for me,” P said. “I really like to

make sure that all my proportions are correct, my lines are straight and my colors are interesting. I like to try to change the game, make breakthroughs and do things that people don’t normally do.”

WHAT MAKES IT WORTH IT It’s no surprise that most graffiti is done illegally. The moments for writers to practice their art under permission is limited. However, the illegalness of the act doesn’t stop them from doing what they love. They have to put fear aside when becoming a graffiti writer, and embrace the rush. “Doing graffiti is a blast for me. I love it, it’s a lot of fun. Even if I’m painting a legal wall. Putting those lines on a wall is extremely satisfying, and seeing a blank wall turning into something beautiful is an amazing feeling. I do it for personal reasons, satisfaction, fun, relaxation and improvement,” P said. “I love my crew and being involved with the community, getting love from the community and seeing my paintings around. Sometimes I don’t even do it for fun, I have a need to do it. Like sometimes it turns into a chore, but most of the time I love it. I will paint my name regardless, rain or shine.” The probability of getting involved with the cops when being a part of this world is high, it’s a risk every time a writer scouts a location and takes out their spray can or brush. The danger can be exhilarating as well as burdening, because the writer devotes themselves to the profession with every law-breaking masterpiece. “[I’ve been through] so many chases, been arrested, talking my way out of handcuffs, painting commuter trains with a six to seven minute time limit and painting giant things streetside, with cars flying by,” P. said. “I have countless stories of exciting times painting solo or with my friends. [Grafitti] is probably not something you wanna get involved with to be completely honest. It will change you as a person.” With the sacrifice accounted for, the writers remain involved with graffiti for one main reason: It’s who they are. They have devoted their safety and time to their pieces, just for people in the city and around the world to be exposed to them. Every piece is a window to their thoughts, feelings and passions. “What keeps me in graffiti is the feeling of driving by something I painted and just knowing you put your heart and soul into, and now everyone can see it. There’s something to be said about the community too, everyone you’re with has your back and you have theirs, which I think is rare in today’s world,” Kiloz said. *Names in article have been changed to protect the identity of those in this story. Names used are aliases.

GRAFFITI LINGO Bomb: To bomb or hit is when one paints many surfaces in an area. Bombers go quick, so they do more tags than full-blown pieces. All City: When a writer is well-known and their work can be seen throughout the city. Burning: A piece that hasn’t been removed and is still burning in its location. Gallery: A location that is generally not seen by the public and is only known by other writers. Being that its secluded, pieces stay for awhile and it accumulates enough to turn into a gallery viewing. Hollows: The outline or shell of a piece, it contains no inside “fill.” Massacre: When authorities completely cover up a wall or collection of pieces, leaving it blank. According to graffitiknowhow.com and translationdirectory.com

PAGE DESIGN BY KHOA TRAN & PHOTO BY VANESSA JOHNSON | THE SIGNAL

A roller art piece by Atlanta graffiti artist “Kiloz” under a power plant in the local Atlanta area. “Kiloz” used an extension pole, roller and bucket paint to create this.

ARTS & LIVING

TUESDAY, MARCH 7, 2017

column

SYRINA MERILAN Associate News Editor

owadays people forget the importance of art in their everyday lives. They accredit more of what they do to science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), which is also a huge contributor, but leave the arts as something optional. I assure you, the arts are just as important and necessary to know and understand. Almost anything can be considered art; sculptures, drawings, written word, spoken words and music all fall under this category. Considering this, most people partake in several types of art each day and that is not by accident. According to Visual Arts, the first signs of art are recorded to be 200,000 to 700,000 years ago. Since then we’ve evolved to incorporate art into our culture and it has even been hypothesized that it is the reason why our brain has grown so much. Through the use of precise hand-eye coordination to make tools, which could be considered an art, our brain evolved to into more complex thinking.

According to Art Therapy, looking at and making art can discover underlying issues that may have never been found otherwise. “Art and art making are inherently perceptually and sensory based and involve the brain and the body in ways that verbal language does not,” the Art Therapy website said. “Art therapy provides an alternative means of communicating for those who cannot find the words to express anxiety, pain or emotions as a result of trauma, combat, physical abuse, loss of brain

Arts and STEM

Advocating for the arts does not make STEM any less important. If anything art complements that the findings in theses subjects. In December of 2016 Psychologist Alex Forsythe from Liverpool University discovered that art may be able detect early signs of dementia. A mathematical method called “fractal analysis” was used to compare handwriting and brushstrokes of artists. Over 2,000 works by seven famous artists were analyzed and they uncovered small changes in their patterns. “In artists who went on to develop dementia or Parkinson’s disease, the fractal patterns started to change in an unusual way,” Forsythe said in an interview with BBC. “So what we found was that up to 20 years, before they actually had a diagnosis of a neurological disorder, the fractal content in the paintings had started to decrease.” Arts can not only detect diseases, but they may also be able to cure or treat disorders. The arts for most is an outlet for the imagination to run wild and without the criticisms of the outside world, because it is usually only done for the artist’s own satisfaction. With that being said, it is no surprise that art is used to treat anxiety. Art therapy seems to be making headway in treating for disorders, after all else fails.

Should it just be STEM?

In 2014 the debate of whether or not STEM should be changed into Science, Technology, Arts, and Math (STEAM) was in full force. In 2017 the debate was still not settled, but we should heed the warnings of those from 2014. Anne Jolly, another teacher, stated that the STEAM should have a mission to apply art to the real world, and to not teach STEM to be creative. “Just one word of caution, though. Art is often touted as a method of adding creativity to STEMbut keep in mind that engineers are rarely lacking for creativity and ingenuity. Just look at the world around you for proof,” Jolly said. “The purpose of STEAM should not be so

• By 2018, the United States may be short by as many as three million skilled workers • In 2008, only four percent of bachelor’s degrees earned in the United States were in engineering; 31 percent of bachelor’s degrees awarded in China were in engineering. • In 2009, only 12 percent of STEM professionals were black or Hispanic. • STEM careers are male-dominated. A focus on STEM rather than STEAM in schools may shift the balance.

function, depression and other debilitating health conditions.” Art influences technology just as much. Although it is not directly used in the programing of software, it does affect distribution to the public. How many times do you hear, “I bought it because it was pretty/ it looked cool.” After the technology is made, in order for it to sell programmers rely on designers to make it look appealing, because people are attracted to things that look good. After the product is made and it looks good, it has to be marketed. The best features have to sell in a way that makes everyone, even people who don’t need it, feel like they want it. Being able to relate and get your point across swiftly to make others agree with you is an art all on it’s own. That is the art of communication.

much to teach art, but to apply art in real situations. Applied knowledge leads to deeper learning.” Now, the arts seem to still be thought of as an expendable aspect of society as President Donald Trump makes plans to cut spending for the arts by $10.5 trillion over the next decade. According to Washington Post and Hill’s reporter, Alexander Bolton, this means the National Endowment for the Arts Humanities will become nonexistent. This “plan” is ridiculous, because the arts are an essential part of society. The saying goes, “Earth without art is just ‘Eh.’” At the end of the day, the arts are fun. They allow you to express yourself in any way you feel comfortable. In a society where people are constantly judged on what they what they do or don’t do, it feels good to know that there is a subject where doing what you like is always the best answer.

• The need for STEM workers far outweighs the need for professional artists. • NASA, the National Science Foundation, and other prominent institutions host programs that promote STEM, not STEAM. According to Edudemic PAGE DESIGN BY TAISJAH WILKINS | THE SIGNAL

ARTS & LIVING

TUESDAY, MARCH 7, 2017

movie Review

‘Get Out’ crazy effective and wonderful ALEX GRAHAM Staff Reviewer

oooooo, “Get Out.” Wowzas. It’s great, and pretty much everyone knows it’s great and have already talked about its greatness, so it feels a bit fruitless to reiterate what everybody’s already saying. But I’ve got a deadline and this is what I chose to see this week, so sorry! It’s happening! (Now that I’ve written that, “Sorry! It’s happening!” feels like something writer/director Jordan Peele probably had to say to an ungodly number of sensitive white people while making this movie. But I digress). “Get Out” follows photographer Chris (Daniel Kaluuya) as he heads out with his girlfriend Rose (Allison Williams) to meet her family. But on the family’s secluded estate things start to get wacky real fast, and Chris finds himself the target of a terrifyingly believable cult conspiracy. Anyone who’s seen the trailer knows that race is the not-sosubtle motivator of this movie’s horror. Watching it made me feel

bad for the shit that Peele must have received and is certainly now receiving about the movie’s race politics. It directs its criticism to those pinnacles of smug uppityness, casually racist liberals. You know, the kind of people who lean left and have a couple of black friends so they claim to “get” the black experience? Yeah. It’s a stroke of genius, really, because clearly Peele knows his audience. Klan members aren’t going to see “Get Out,” but selfaggrandizing white liberals are! How clever of him to reel us in with the promise of self-congratulation and then turn the tables! It made me remember every ignorant or accidentally hurtful thing I’ve ever said, which sucked, on the one hand, but also reminded me that it’s important to have one’s head forcefully extracted from one’s butthole sometimes. It’s also hugely effective as a horror film. Peele has a great sense of atmosphere and timing that seeps over from his comedy career with Keegan-Michael Key— comedy and horror cross paths a lot formally so it’s really no surprise—, and Kaluuya grips with a controlled performance that perfectly conveys

all his confusion and terror. Williams is equally excellent, as are her parents, played with expert upper class Trying To Be Cool-ness by Catherine Keener and Bradley Whitford. It also masterfully snuggles its jokes right up next to the horror and lets it release us from all the darkness long enough for us to catch our breath. Comedian Lil Rel Howery takes a spin as Chris’s buddy Rod, a TSA agent who butts head with Chris about the trip even before the bad stuff starts happening. His presence is reassuring and allows us room to unload our tension, and most importantly, allows us to enjoy the film. That’s what “Get Out” comes down to, after all. Sure, it’s smart and worthy of attention beyond its enjoyment factor alone, but it’s political in its lovability too. In the end, me and the other selfaggrandizing white liberals in my audience laughed right along with the black viewers, and while we (hopefully) all walked away with a refreshed desire to grow our perspectives, nobody’s feelings were hurt. Unity win, Jordan Peele style.

Grade

Verdict Peele’s debut is smart, scary, funny and self aware in the best way.

Album review

Top 5 album covers with memorable designs DAYNE FRANCIS

Photo Editor: Perimeter

ust three months into 2017 and we’ve already had many great albums from established chart toppers like Future to Atlanta artists like Run the Jewels and The Migos, who are finally getting their shine. What has also stood out is the great album art that has accompanied the music. Here are just five of the best album covers that have been released thus far.

Big Sean: “I Decided”

“I Decided” is Big Sean’s third studio album released on G.O.O.D Music. This time around, the Detroit rapper’s album cover represents the deeper themes of the album. The two men on the cover represent Sean currently and Sean in a past life. The album tells the story of Sean struggling to balance fame and family by using the wisdom of an unfulfilled past life before him.

Migos: “Culture”

This year, the Migos released their most hyped album yet. Riding the success of their chart topping hit “Bad and Boujee,” the trio released a banger-filled album that dripped ATL. The album cover is an explosion of Atlantan culture, from the dome of the Capitol to the 85-North sign. It’s a collage of imagery immediately recognizable by anyone in our city.

Sampha: “Process”

Sampha Sisay, the English artist who’s collaborated with numerous chart-topping artists from Drake to Beyoncé finally makes his major label debut with “Process.” The cover features Sampha front and center. What makes it an interesting portrait is the fact that both sides of the cover are a reflection of each other, creating a beautiful design with his dreads.

Thundercat: “Drunk”

Stephen Bruner, also known as Thundercat, releases his third studio album “Drunk.” The album

has just as much humor as it does complex bass lines and rhythms. The cover of “Drunk” features Bruner rising from a pool of water with an intense stare. It’s incredibly unsettling and creepy, but it’s 100 percent Thundercat.

The xx: “I See You”

The British trio return with their third album “I See You.” The band is known for their minimalistic soundscapes and airy vocals and this album is no different. Each album cover from The xx features a large X directly in the center of the cover. It’s very interesting to watch see how new elements are added to the simple design with each new album. This time, the X is embossed in a reflective surface with the silhouettes of the band members seen in the reflection. These are just a few of the great album covers to be released this year. Even more great albums are expected from Kanye, St. Vincent, Drake and many more.

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calendar&games

TUESDAY, MARCH 7, 2017

Puzzle 1 (Easy, difficulty rating 0.45)

Campus & Downtown Events

Wednesday

Thursday

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Celina Jeffery

Young the Giant

Chocolate and Art

Daffodil Day

Shamrock Race

Jeffery is a curator, writer and associate professor of Art History and Theory. She will be coming to Georgia State to discuss her previous art projects and provide information for her profession. It will take place at 103 Library South at 3 p.m.

Young the Giant: Home of the Strange Tour is coming to Atlanta’s Tabernacle. The show will start at 8 p.m. and the doors will open at 7 p.m. Don’t miss this famous American rock band dominate the stage.

The Chocolate and Art Show are going to have artists, live body painting, facepainting, live music and endless access to chocolate, like chocolate fountains! Tickets are $15 and it will be only ages 21 and over.

It’s the greatest introduction to spring with the Daffodil Day happening at Oakland Cemetery. It will have plants for sale, garden walks, nature talks and activities for kids as well.

The Shamrock’ N Roll road race is a 5K, 10K and kids fun run that starts at Atlantic Station. It will be fun for all members of the family. Check in is at 7 a.m. and the race begins at 8 a.m.

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Quilt 1 Show

March 13

A large 2 amount 1 of locally made quilts will be on 6 display 1 in historic Bulloch Hall in 7 Roswell. 9 It’s a chance to see different designs 2 and styles of quilts. It will run through March 19.

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Tuesday 1 7 Science2Festival

March 14 The Atlanta 6 4Science Festival is coming to celebrate all forms 8 of technology. It will have4handson activities, performances and presentations. Plus, there will be tours of 30 tech venues within the city!

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SPORTS

www.georgiastatesignal.com/sports

Jeff Thomas and Jordan Sessions talk music TOBI ADEYEMI Staff Reporter

eff Thomas and Jordan Sessions’ appreciation for music has brought them almost as close as basketball did. They share quite a few similar sentiments on music. They like the same rappers and songs. They both believe music is impactful in life and tells a lot about a person. Yet their love for music comes from different places. For one of them, his music passion comes from an appreciation of his city. It’s what he grew up on and it shows in his favorite artists. The other hails from a city whose music scene isn’t as strong. He enjoys the nostalgia of music, instead opting for tunes from his favorite artists’ past.

Who are you comparing to your music?

Thomas: I like the vibe. I love my music just chilling. Not any “trap rap”. Old Kanye West, the old smooth music, I like that type of music. Sessions: I’m versatile. It really depends on my mood to be honest. I’m a Future, I’m a Thug guy [referencing Young Thug], I’m a Drake. It depends on my vibe and who can get me in my zone at the time.

Name your top three favorite artists?

Thomas: Sheesh... alright got it. Kanye, Drake, Future. Sessions: Um, that’s tough. Drake, Future…Thug. Yup, Thug.

We hear about Atlanta all the time. What kind of music is going on in Ohio Jeff?

Thomas: I really don’t know. I was listening to the radio the other day. It’s pretty much what everyone likes, the most mainstream type.

So no one coming up?

Thomas: I mean, Machine Gun Kelly, that’s the only person I can really think about. And there’s this one rapper coming up from Columbus, I wish I could think of it right now.

PHOTOS SUBMITTED BY GEORGIA STATE ATHLETICS PAGE DESIGN BY TAISJAH WILKINS | THE SIGNAL

Why Future?

Sessions: Because I grew up in Atlanta, I’m an Atlanta kid. I grew up on Future.

Who are you bumping before a game and why?

Thomas: It really depends how I feel. Any music can get me hype. Like really some R’ Kelly. I swear. It gets me in the zone. I start focusing. Sessions: Game day, it’s definitely Future.

Let’s say both of you go through your SoundCloud, who are the rappers not getting radio play all of the time? Sessions: Famous Dex. I like Lil Yachty, he’s mainstream but not too much yet. Thomas: Yeah, he’s not too mainstream, 21 isn’t too mainstream yet. Definitely 21.

If we were to go through your phone right now, what would be the weirdest song we would find in there?

Thomas: Chuck Berry. “Johnny Be Goode.” Sessions: Listen, I don’t play around there. Only bangers. Thomas: Bro, he was a huge icon. Like Pop music that nobody really liked, but all the kids love it for some reason.

Why do you appreciate music?

Sessions: Music is the culture. It represents who we are and how we move at the time. Thomas: Music describes who you are. The type of music you listen to is sort of the person you are.

Who are some underground artists you’re bumping right now? Sessions: It depends on how you would define underground.

So are you a beats person or into lyrics? Sessions: I’m about half and half. There’s a lot of guys out here with the lyrics that are real nice, but you gotta’ have a good beat too. So it makes me stuck in between.

SPORTS

TUESDAY, MARCH 7, 2017

Previewing the Sun Belt Tournament

Q&A

Sports Staff

Game Predictions

Thomas Jilk

George-Anne Sports Editor

eorgia Southern, like Georgia State, has a first round bye at this weekend’s tournament. The Signal asked the in-state rival’s student newspaper The George-Anne’s sports editor Thomas Jilk on his thoughts of this weekend.

Why should other Sun Belt teams fear to face Georgia Southern in New Orleans this weekend?

Jilk: I think Georgia Southern can be feared, because they are a potent offensive team. They can beat anyone in the conference if they defend consistently over a 40-minute game. Offensively, GS has the two top scorers in the conference in its backcourt. Sophomore guards Ike Smith and Tookie Brown are both versatile offensive players for guards, and they are both lethal scorers. Brown can attack and get all the way to the rim, but his vision allows him to find open teammates for good shots when he drives. Smith leads the conference in scoring, because he is a relentless attacker. He can pull up mid-range or shoot over anyone from three-point range with his high release point on his shot. GS surrounds Brown and Smith with shooters and rebounders to compliment the backcourt the best they can. Coach Byington likes to put junior Jake Allsmiller in positions to make open threes, which is his specialty. Forwards B.J. Gladden and Coye Simmons are the Eagles’ top rebounders. But back to your question — they should be feared, because they can score with anybody in the country.

Down two with 15 seconds left, the ball for the Eagles goes into whose hands and why?

Jilk: The Eagles put the ban in the hands of their point guard Tookie Brown and look for him to make a play. He is composed and has developed into a real leader during his second season. He may take the final shot or he may find a teammate, but the ball should start in Tookie’s hands.

How far do you think Georgia Southern will make it in the postseason and why? Jilk: I believe that Georgia Southern can make a deep run in the tournament, but I think it comes down to defense and rebounding. Teams with dominant big men like UT Arlington give the Eagles trouble. I think the Eagles can win the Sun Belt, but as a journalist, I see both sides and understand that GS is not the best team in the conference, though it has two of the best players. GS is still very young. So I’ll say this year they make the tournament semifinals and next year - barring injury win the conference.

How was the regular season for Georgia Southern this season?

Jilk: GS’s season has been fun to follow. The team is thrilling to watch at their best, and Coach Byington is really improving the basketball culture at Southern in his fourth year. That said, there have been some letdowns, particularly on the road, and the team sometimes fades defensively in the second half of games. Overall, this season has been a winning one, but as I said, look for the Eagles to really improve and contend for another Sun Belt title next season. W ha t Tw are ee yo t u ur s @ ga gs me us p ign red als ict po ion rts s?

D’MITRI CHIN STAFF REPORTER

CHRISTIAN CRITTENDEN STAFF REPORTER

MEN: The Georgia State men’s basketball team has secured the No. 2 seed in the Sun Belt tournament, and that will be the reason why they will eventually be crowned the champions of the Sun Belt. Looking at the bracket, they will either face UL Lafayette or Little Rock. It’s worth noting that Georgia State annihilated UL Lafayette and also took care of business against Little Rock. Now, many may feel as if the Panthers will face a dominant team in UT Arlington that may knock Georgia State off their path to greatness, but let’s not forget that UT Arlington won on a three that was a few feet away from half court with under two seconds left on the clock. In other words, they got lucky. Also, Georgia Southern, who is considered to be a threat witnessed how tough it is to beat Georgia State when fully healthy. I expect Head Coach Ron Hunter and his experienced staff to get his team prepared mentally for the challenge ahead and ultimately win the Sun Belt championship.

MEN: The regular season ending win against Georgia Southern secured the No. 2 seed in the Sun Belt Conference tournament. Getting that No. 2 seed means they will have a first round bye, which coach Ron Hunter said was huge. Georgia State is also 2-0 in neutral site games this season. They will either face Little Rock or Louisiana. Georgia State beat both of those two teams rather handily this season. Exactly one week after Georgia State defeated Georgia Southern, the teams are likely to have a rematch for the third time this season. This contest should go in favor of Georgia State because they are the better team by a slight margin. That will set Georgia State up with a rematch against UT Arlington, Georgia State lost that matchup on a last second three, but they were up by as many as 15 in that game. This game will probably come down to a last-second field goal, but expect Georgia State to win and return to the NCAA tournament.

WOMEN: The Georgia State women’s basketball team ended the regular season off in winning fashion. I believe the Panthers will advance to the second round of the tournament, and unfortunately, their season will end there. The Panthers had a regular season record of 1217, with the majority of their losses coming by double digits. I expect that to continue as they seem not to be able to play consistent basketball. Also, UT Arlington, who the Panthers surprisingly beat in their only matchup of the regular season, is perhaps a better team and is seeking revenge. Let’s be honest here; UT Arlington ended the season with a 21-7 regular season record, and they were on a four-game winning streak. That’s impressive. I just don’t think the Panthers are disciplined enough to beat this team a second go around, especially in the playoffs. It would take another mental breakdown by UT Arlington for the Panthers to score another big win against a more dominant opponent. But first things first, the Panthers have to actually beat South Alabama.

WOMEN: The Georgia State women’s basketball team faces an uphill battle to reach the NCAA tournament this year. The first opponent is South Alabama. Georgia State won the only matchup between those two teams this season, 55-45, that game was played at South Alabama. Georgia State wins this matchup if their best team comes to play. They rank ahead of South Alabama in the major offensive categories. However, South Alabama is ranked 2nd in the conference in total defense giving up only 58 points per game. Georgia State is the better team, so expect them to win rather easily. The toughest test will come in game two of the tournament against UT Arlington. Georgia State did win the only matchup between the two teams this season. UT Arlington is the two seed, so don’t expect an upset here despite Georgia State’s previous win this season. I do think that Georgia State will keep it close, but in the end, UT Arlington wins the game and the Panthers season will end there. However, I would not be surprised at all if Georgia State pulls off the upset and moves on the semi-finals.

TOBI ADEYEMI STAFF REPORTER MEN: What a comeback season it has been for Georgia State. After a dropoff year last season, the Panthers have roared back in 2017. They closed out the regular season with a win against rivals, Georgia Southern, which not only secured them the two seed in the Sun Belt Conference tournament but also a first round bye. The Panthers are heading into this tournament with confidence and they should be. They have reason to believe they are the best team in the tournament; if not for a few late game collapses, they would have won the Sun Belt. Expect the Panthers to go all the way this year. They should easily beat whoever they match up with in the quarterfinals to set up another State vs Southern rematch in the semis. I’m predicting Georgia State to win that battle again for a place in the Sun Belt championship most likely against the number one seed, UT Arlington. Expect the Panthers to avenge their buzzer beating loss, and once again be dancing in March. WOMEN: It seemed like the Panthers’ season was going to be derailed before it even really started. Early in the season the Panthers lost Madison Newby, the reigning Sun Belt Conference Freshman of the Year and arguably their best player, for the season. That left a big hole for the team to fill, but they responded admirably. The emergence of three point sniper Makeba Ponder and freshman Jada Lewis helped the Panthers stay afloat on their way to a 12-17 season which secured them the seventh seed in the Sun Belt tournament. This matches them up against tenth seeded South Alabama, a matchup that should give them confidence because the Panthers won the regular season matchup against them. The Panthers should be able to take that first win, but that’s as far as I see them going. They have a shot against a strong UT Arlington side in the quarterfinals, another team they beat in the regular season, I just don’t see them being able to do it again.

Read full predictions online! georgiastatesignal.com

TUESDAY, MARCH 7, 2017

SPORTS

Redshirt Jordan Tyson pursues journalism D’MITRI CHIN Staff Reporter

f it weren’t for the NCAA rule of redshirting one year after you transfer schools as an athlete, redshirt sophomore Jordan Tyson would have, give or take, been an asset for the Georgia State men’s basketball team this year. Instead, Tyson spent this year viewing the game of Panthers’ basketball from a different angle, the sideline, where he has been able to develop more of a knowledge of the sport itself. Some players cringe at the sight of seeing their fellow teammates not have the opportunity to play the game they love, but for Tyson, the experience has been the total opposite. “My experience has been great,” Tyson said. “You know, just getting accustomed to the culture more than anything. What I’ve recognized is that this year isn’t really about basketball for me — it is, but it isn’t. When I say that I mean, I’m working on the mental aspect of the game. Like, being a spectator — like kinda sort of how a coach or scout would be. So, just learning from that angle has been a real challenge, but a good challenge.” Despite the fact that Tyson is unable to suit up for games this year, he is still able to participate in practices. Being able to do so allows Tyson to compete as if he were going to play in an actual game. He mentioned that he addresses practices as if he were competing against an opposing team. “Practices are like games for me,” Tyson said. “It gives me an opportunity to be competitive with myself more than anything.They’ve been a challenge, but they’ve been fun.” But what has also been fun for Tyson this year is writing. In fact, over this redshirting period, he discovered a newly developed talent, although he admits that he has somewhat had a knack for being a skilled writer. Tyson is the sole contributor for ‘A Redshirt’s Guide to College Basketball,’ a newly created blog that posts on georgiastatesports.com once a week. The idea of writing for this blog came from a suggestion by his mentor and Associate Athletic Director at Georgia State Mike Holmes. “Mike was actually the one,” Tyson said. “I actually came to him. We were in the Dominican Republic, and we were giving everyone’s different aspects of like, what they thought of the Dominican and what it was like. Then I gave him mine, well I asked him if I could write one and he said ‘sure.’ “And then I wrote it, and then he was like, ‘Man, this is really good. You’re a really good writer’. And I

was like, ‘Yeah, I kind of knew that’. But I didn’t know it in my heart, and he kind of gave me the confidence to believe I can. Then, he gave me this opportunity to do A Redshirt’s Guide to College Basketball.” Developing relationships is key in life, and perhaps the most significant relationship Tyson has developed thus far is the one he and Mike have formed. Holmes explained that the two ultimately established a rapport with one another during the team’s trip to the Dominican Republic, where ‘A Redshirt’s Guide to College Basketball’ originated. It was then when Mike sparked the idea of Tyson contributing to the blog himself. Being the writer that he is, Tyson stepped up to the challenge, and according to Holmes, “It was perfect. No errors, well-thought out — basically perfect”. Holmes also elaborated on the essence of Tyson’s writing abilities as a whole. “Jordan is an exceptional student-athlete who has the ability to craft his words in a way that many are not able to,” Holmes said. “It has been fun to get to know him this year and allow him to use his creativity to write blogs for our website and even our game program. He has a gift when it comes to writing, and hopefully, it can help him to a successful start in the communication or journalism field once his basketball career is over.” Although Tyson has a mentor in Holmes, he’s also been doing some mentoring of his own. Chris Clerkley, who is a freshman on the team, mentioned that Tyson has taken on the big brother role in a sense. “From the day we all moved in together over the summer, and our first day at practice, Jordan basically took me under his wing as one of the older guys,” Clerkley said. “He obviously has more experience than I do and has been through a lot more things in college basketball. He was able to coach me up on my post moves and show me how to handle certain situations while always maintaining a positive attitude. He is also strong in his religious beliefs, and I really liked that about him. Jordan is a good guy and great to be around.” Tyson is one of the youngest members of the Panthers basketball team, but he is also a wise man. He mentioned that his ultimate goal is to play basketball on the next level, whether it be in the NBA or overseas, but he also has a solid backup plan. And yes, it involves writing, which is why he is currently majoring in journalism. “I would probably get into writing radio — broadcasting, something like that,” Tyson said.

PHOTO BY JADE JOHNSON | THE SIGNAL

Redshirting Sophomore Jordan Tyson is not expected to play this year because of NCAA rules, however Tyson takes his time on the sidelines to learn the game of basketball from the aspect of a coach.

A writer of his own right •

TYSON IS A JOURNALISM MAJOR

•

HE HAS WRITTEN THREE “A REDSHIRT'S GUIDE TO COLLEGE BASKETBALL” BLOGS

•

HIS DAD PLAYED COLLEGE BASKETBALL AT OHIO STATE AND KANSAS STATE

•

RETIRED NBA BASKETBALL PLAYER GLEN RICE IS TYSON’S COUSIN

Well, it sounds as if Tyson has been thinking of a master plan. But for now, prepare yourselves for Tyson to make his appearance on the court for the Panthers next season; He has big plans. “My goal for next year is to win the newcomer of the year award,” Tyson said in

KNOW THE SHORTCUTS?

response to what are some of his goals for next year as a basketball player. “Another one of my individual goals is to be the defensive player of the year in the conference.” For the time being, Tyson continues to prepare himself this redshirt year so that he can be a dominant player for the Panthers next year.

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SPORTS

TUESDAY, MARCH 7, 2017

Megan Litumbe is ready to hit ‘dingers’ CHRISTIAN CRITTENDEN Staff Reporter

egan Litumbe wrapped up two stellar seasons, and was on her way to having a strong junior season when she tore her ACL after just four games. During her freshman season, Litumbe had a .255 batting average with nine home runs and 26 RBIs. During her sophomore season, she really took off; she started all 60 games and had a .357 batting average. On top of that she added 61 hits, nine of which were doubles, 21 home runs and 60 RBIs. She had a 1.000 percent fielding percentage. Litumbe’s 21 home runs were second in team history, and one shy of the record for homeruns in a single season. Now almost back to full strength, Litumbe has picked up where she left off, she has three home runs on the season.

How long have you been playing softball and what got you interested in softball?

Litumbe: I’ve been playing softball since I was about 5 years old. My parents introduced it to me, when my dad came here he turned into a Braves fan, so I guess I kind of liked it.

Who is your inspiration?

Litumbe: My parents inspire me to be a good person on and off the field so I think they would be a pretty big inspiration to me.

What was your initial reaction when you got injured?

Litumbe: I’ve never been injured before like

this so my initial reaction was, ‘Am I going to be able to play softball again’? And how the rehab process would affect me mentally and physically. Will I ever be as good as I was the year before? I’m still working on overcoming the mental aspect of it, but I’m just trying to work hard and help my team win a few games.

What’s been the bigger hurdle? The mental aspect or the physical aspect?

Litumbe: Mental for sure. Physical it just takes time, and the doctors said they weren’t going to clear me until nine months, so I thought that I had nine months to get back right physically but mentally I’m still working on it and it’s almost been 12 months on March 14. So I think mental is the hardest thing to overcome.

What is the hardest part to get over mentally?

Litumbe: I think just trusting my body and trusting my knee knowing that I can actually perform like I know that I can and trusting myself to do things that I haven’t done in over a year. Yesterday at practice I had to slide and I still was a little scared, and I didn’t do it, so I’m still working on trusting myself knowing that I can do it.

Was there ever a point where you thought that you couldn’t do it?

Litumbe: I don’t think so. I think my thing was being patient and waiting for my knee to heal physically, like me thinking that I’m ready and knowing that I physically and mentally wasn’t ready. I don’t think I couldn’t do it, just me

PHOTO SUBMITTED BY GEORGIA STATE ATHLETICS

Georgia State softball player Megan Litumbe steps up to the plate at bat for the Panthers during a game. Litumbe played four games in the 2016 season before suffering a knee injury.

waiting for nine, ten months was the hardest part for me.

What was the biggest physical hurdle that you had to overcome?

Litumbe: The biggest physical hurdle was losing muscle. I did lose 10 pounds after surgery, and I guess gaining a lot of my quad muscle back because it was substantially smaller than my right and that kind of brought me down a little bit.

Were you excited to be able to do leg day again?

Litumbe: Yes! [I’m] pumped, I still have to do modified squats, but I’m still trying to get big in the weight room, I’m very excited and thankful to be able to do leg day again.

What is the one thing that you want to improve on?

Litumbe: Taking it serious enough, but not taking it too serious and not getting so down on myself. I put a lot of pressure on myself because I was hurt, I have to do better, I need to step back and say that I’m a good player and don’t get too hard on myself when I’m not doing well.

What accomplishment are you most proud of?

Litumbe: My sophomore year, I guess I was on a bit of a roll, because I hit about 21 home runs, which was unexpected for me and everyone else, because I wasn’t really expecting that, and it was one short of the season record.

PANTHER OF THE WEEK

SPORTS

TUESDAY, MARCH 7, 2017

SPORTS CALENDAR *CONFERENCE GAME

SPORTS EDITOR’S NBA PREDICTIONS RASHAD MILLIGAN | THE SIGNAL

Celtics vs. Warriors WOMEN’S BASKETBALL Tuesday March 7

GEORGIA STATE ATHLETICS

South Alabama

Makeba Ponder Women’s Basketball

at Oxford, Mississippi 7:30 p.m.

Sun Belt tournament

MEN’S BASKETBALL Friday, March 10

The sharpshooting junior guard hit five three pointers in the second half, including the game-winner with 4.9 seconds left to give the Panthers a 63-62 victory against Georgia Southern on March 4. Ponder also contributed five assists, two rebounds, one steal, and a block in the winning effort.

Louisiana/Little Rock Sun Belt tournament

SOFTBALL Tuesday, March 7

PANTHER OF

Clippers THE vs. WEEK Grizzlies

Clippers

Rockets vs. Bulls

Rockets

Cavaliers vs. Rockets

Cavaliers

Michigan State

at Heck Softball Complex 5 p.m.

@gsusignalsports

BASEBALL

Standings

BASEBALL Tuesday, March 7 Ole Miss

Warriors

SOFTBALL

MEN’S TENNIS

Twitter

WOMEN’S TENNIS

1st

Georgia State 0-0 | Overall: 6-3

South Alabama 0-0 | Overall: 21-7

South Alabama 0-0 | Overall: 13-2

ULM 0-0 | Overall: 6-1

2nd

Coastal Carolina 0-0 | Overall: 8-5

Georgia Southern 0-0 | Overall: 19-7

Georgia Southern 0-0 | Overall: 13-4

Georgia Southern 0-0 | Overall: 9-2

3rd

Troy 0-0 | Overall: 6-4

Louisiana 0-0 | Overall: 16-11

Louisiana 0-0 | Overall: 11-4

Coastal Carolina 0-0 | Overall: 8-2

4th

South Alabama 0-0 | Overall: 6-5

Texas State 0-0 | Overall: 18-9

UTA 0-0 | Overall: 8-3

South Alabama 0-0 | Overall: 10-4

5th

Appalachian State 0-0 | Overall: 5-5

ULM 0-0 | Overall: 16-9

Georgia State 0-0 | Overall: 9-6

UTA 0-0 | Overall: 6-3

6th

Georgia Southern 0-0 | Overall: 5-5

UTA 0-0 | Overall: 13-15

Appalachian State 0-0 | Overall: 5-5

Georgia State 0-0 | Overall: 4-4

7th

Arkansas State 0-0 | Overall: 8-4

Appalachian State 0-0 | Overall: 12-15

Coastal Carolina 0-0 | Overall: 4-4

Texas State 0-0 | Overall: 2-5

8th

Louisiana 0-0 | Overall: 6-3

Georgia State 0-0 | Overall: 11-17

Troy 0-0 | Overall: 5-6

Appalachian State 0-0 | Overall: 3-9

Little Rock 0-0 | Overall: 5-6

Troy 0-0 | Overall: 10-17

Troy 0-0 | Overall: 2-7

Texas State 0-0 | Overall: 4-6

Georgia Southern 0-0 | Overall: 6-22

Louisiana 0-0 | Overall: 1-6

9th 10th 11th

Arkansas State 0-0 | Overall: 1-7

ULM 0-0 | Overall: 4-7

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ON STANDS MARCH 21

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