The Signal Vol. 88 No. 21

VOL. 88 | NO. 21

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HONORS COLLEGE WINS AWARD AND ANNOUNCES TRANSITION SCHOLARSHIP PG. 03

GEORGIA STATE’S BIG THREE LEADS THEM TO TOP CONFERENCE SEED PG. 12

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In Opinions: Setting the Tone

Trump is acquitted in historical second impeachment trial.

What does this mean for future presidents?

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BLOTTER FEB. 22

“I’m here for a good time not a long time!”

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The Georgia State University Police Department arrested a nonGeorgia State offender for a drug law violation at 6:51 p.m. at 85 John Wesley Dobbs Ave. FEB. 23

“Hey! Give that back! It was a gift!”

At Piedmont Avenue and Gilmer Street, a Georgia State student was a victim of an attempted robbery at 6:25 a.m. The Georgia State Police department arrested the offender.

NEWS BRIEFS

EXECUTIVE PRESIDENT & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Brooklyn Valera signaleditor@gmail.com MANAGING EDITOR Sharayah Davis signalmanagingeditor@gmail.com MARKETING MANAGER Franky Huang signalmarketingmanager@gmail.com

Party all day. Party all night.

At 8:44 p.m. on Broad Street, the Georgia State University Police Department arrested two Georgia State students for a drug law violation.

FEB. 24

Good thing Amazon has a decent replacement policy.

A Georgia State student was a victim of theft at 3:24 p.m. at Piedmont North.

The case is still active.

FEB. 25

“I was going to return that!”

At Student Center West, a Georgia State student was a victim of theft at 11:01 a.m.

The case is still active.

Apple Maps street view is a bit confusing

At 7:49 a.m., the Georgia State University Police Department arrested a non-Georgia State offender for trespassing at M Parking Deck. The police department exceptionally cleared the case.

LOCAL

NATIONAL

GLOBAL

Rental assistance for eligible Fulton County residents

AG rejects review of Cuomo’s sexual harassment claims

French president sentenced to jail for the first time in history

Monday, eligible Fulton County residents could begin applying to receive up to $1,500 in rental assistance if they were impacted by the pandemic. The Fulton County Board of Commissioners decided the money will come from the $18 million set aside for the U.S. Consolidated Appropriations Act. “The plan will prioritize households affected by unemployment for 90 days or more and households whose incomes dropped by 50 percent or more,” according to FOX 5 Atlanta.

New York Attorney General Letitia James rejected a proposal to select an investigator to oversee a review of Cuomo’s sexual harassment claims, according to ABC News on Sunday. Cuomo’s team initially chose former federal Judge Barbara Jones to lead the review, however, she is said to have a conflict of interest. As a result, Cuomo’s team announced a plan to have Jones and James select the investigator, but James declined.

On Monday, former president Nicolas Sarkozy became the first French president to be sentenced to jail. He was sentenced to three years in prison by the French court.

Sarkozy was “found guilty of trying to illegally obtain information from a senior magistrate in 2014,” according to CNN. The French court that sentenced the 66-year-old suspended two years of his sentence. The judge said he could serve the sentence on house arrest.

ILLUSTRATION OF THE WEEK

Illustration by Adam Montes

NEWS

March 2, 2021

WWW.GEORGIASTATESIGNAL.COM/NEWS

Honors College announces Transition Scholarship Georgia State receives Beckman Scholars Program Award LEAH LI Staff Reporter

T

he Georgia State Honors College has created the Perimeter Transition Scholarship to relieve the financial burden for two-year Perimeter Honors students transferring to the downtown campus to pursue a fouryear bachelor’s degree.

According to Georgia State News Hub, the scholarship program will start in May. There are 20 Trustees’ Scholar spots available every year for two years, and the Honors College will grant $1,000 to spot recipients.

Georgia State Foundation’s Board of Trustees and the Honors College co-funded the program, granting $20,000.

To be eligible for this scholarship, interested Perimeter students need to complete more than four honors courses at a Perimeter campus and keep good standing within the Honors College.

In the 2019-2020 academic year, 36 Perimeter Honors College students transitioned to the downtown campus Honors College.

Twenty-one of them came from Pell Grant eligible families, but they still have significant financial needs. The average amount needed is almost $12,000 per person.

For the current 2020-2021 academic year, about 50 Perimeter Honors students have already transferred to the downtown campus.

Georgia State Honors College commits to serving both four-year and two-year degree-seeking students after the consolidation of Georgia State and Perimeter College in 2015.

Georgia State News Hub states that the Honors College provides students with “smaller, more engaging classes, dedicated advisers and priority course registration and unique opportunities for academic and career development.”

Honors College interim dean Sarah Cook told Georgia State News Hub that they “have worked to ensure that we have one Honors College for the Georgia State community.”

She thinks that the Perimeter Transition Scholarship program can help them “make further progress on that goal” by making it easier for interested Perimeter students to transfer to the downtown campus.

Associate Dean of the Honors College Lauri Goodling said that financially assisting Perimeter Honors students to transfer to

the downtown campus “has always been a goal.”

“We have worked hard to make the honors-to-honors transition as seamless as possible for Perimeter students looking to continue at the Atlanta campus,” Goodling said. “The Trustees’ Endowment Scholarship is a huge piece of that work, and we are so happy to finally be able to offer honors students financial help with their next big step.”

Many Perimeter students are delighted to hear the transition scholarship announcement, like first-year student Ashley Park.

“I believe that the scholarship will actually encourage students to trans[fer] to Atlanta and complete a four-year degree,” Park said. “There are many factors that can go into this, however. I think that this will help a lot of students financially. College is very expensive, and the fact that Georgia State can provide a scholarship like this is really great.”

Nonetheless, she thinks that scholarship does not have enough spots available for students in need.

The application process is simple, and Goodling said that students who complete their transition application from Perimeter to Georgia State’s Atlanta campus are eligible for the program.

“Eligible students must have completed four honors courses at Perimeter, have been accepted as transition students to the Honors College at the Atlanta campus and be in good academic standing with a minimum 3.3 GPA,” Goodling said. “Priority consideration will be given to students receiving the Pell Grant, though all transitioning honors students are encouraged to apply.”

She noted that the Honors College is opening the application in early March for the first round. The candidate pool will be students who made their transition between spring 2021 and fall 2021.

“Once the application becomes available in March, it will be shared directly with eligible students. Any student interested in joining the Honors College at Perimeter should contact perimeterhonors@gsu.edu,” Goodling said.

She encourages all scholars to “take advantage of the unique experiences afforded to them at the Atlanta campus.”

Various beneficial resources are available at the downtown

Georgia State Honors College creates a transition scholarship for Perimeter students who want to transit to Atlanta Campus.

campus. Resources and opportunities include paid research, work-study assistantships and academic and career exploration workshops.

Goodling is looking forward to seeing how this scholarship will benefit honors Perimeter students.

“We are thrilled to be able to offer these one-time awards to students who have stayed committed to honors education throughout their time at Perimeter and hope it helps to make the transition to the Honors College at the Atlanta campus even smoother,” she said.

In other recent news, the Georgia State Honors College will host the Beckman Scholars Program.

According to Georgia State News Hub, the Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation has chosen Georgia State to receive the Beckman Scholars Program Award. Georgia State is among 12 higher-education institutions nationwide to receive this award in 2021.

This program “creates research and mentoring opportunities for exceptional students majoring in biology, chemistry and neuroscience.”

Honors College interim associate dean Marise Parent told Georgia State News Hub that this program provides talented students plenty of professional development opportunities, leading them to be “well-positioned to pursue their graduate educations and careers.”

Being a neuroscience and psychology professor, Parent will supervise this program together with a couple of other departments, including the Center for the Advancement of Students and Alumni, the Neuroscience Institute and the biology and chemistry departments.

The Honors College will select two exceptional students and name them Beckman Scholars every year for three years, beginning this coming summer. The program will grant the two scholars $21,000 for undergraduate research support, and their faculty mentors will receive $5,000 over 15 months.

In addition to the money awarded, Beckman Scholars will also attend a three-day scholar event called Annual Beckman Symposium to introduce their newest research accomplishments and meet other scholars.

PHOTO BY MATT SICILIANO-SALAZAR | THE SIGNAL

NEWS

TUESDAY, MARCH 2, 2021

4

Nonprofit told to stop serving homeless in downtown Atlanta Justice Alliance continues to serve the homeless community LEILA DAVIDSON Staff Reporter

O

n Jan. 30, the Atlanta Downtown Improvement District Ambassador Force served a letter to the Atlanta Justice Alliance telling them to halt their service toward the homeless community in Woodruff Park.

“In light of the need for each of us to adjust our behaviors to positively impact the course of the viral pandemic, we are making you aware that public feedings are not welcomed throughout the City of Atlanta,” the letter states.

Atlanta Justice Alliance posted the letter on their social media, where it gained feedback from their online followers.

“Our mutual aid group was just served. They are demanding that we stop feeding the houseless and providing them with necessities,” the post states.

The letter advised Atlanta Justice Alliance to partner with one of the Atlanta Downtown Improvement District’s approved nonprofit organizations since the Atlanta Justice Alliance is not on the corporation’s list of approved nonprofits downtown.

“Failure to conform to this health notice may result in enforcement actions to ensure the health and safety of the general public,” the letter states.

The Atlanta Justice Alliance is a local non-profit mutual aid group in Atlanta that frequently distributes essentials to downtown Atlanta’s homeless community.

They are in Woodruff Park most Saturdays, providing the homeless with food, blankets, clothes and other necessities.

According to their recent Twitter posts, the organization still plans to visit Woodruff park to serve the homeless community this upcoming Saturday.

“We refuse. We will be there next Saturday, just like we have been all along. Respectfully, kiss our a---s,” the Alliance’s Twitter response states.

Atlanta Justice Alliance was at Woodruff Park the Saturday following the notice’s distribution, and they have yet to receive repercussions.

“The intention of our letter is to encourage support for more comprehensive services through established homeless service agencies,” the Atlanta Downtown Improvement District’s Twitter response

states. “Through our social impact program, ADID is committed to assisting vulnerable populations with critical needs.”

The letter referenced the dangers of distributing goods during a pandemic, even though the members are outdoors, wearing masks and gloves when serving the food to the patrons.

“Public feedings do not conform to social distancing requirements and pose an immediate threat to not only those you intend to serve but to all members of the community,” the letter states.

Atlanta Downtown Improvement District is a nonprofit, charitable organization with many initiatives to improve downtown Atlanta.

They were incorporated by Central Atlanta Progress in 1996, encompassing 220 blocks in the Atlanta area, including North Ave on the north, Memorial Drive on the south, Piedmont Ave, Downtown Connector on the east and the Norfolk rail line on the west.

Their services include the Ambassador Force, capital projects, public space maintenance and social impact.

The organization maintains Woodruff Park, and their Ambassador Force frequents Georgia State’s campus.

The Ambassador Force is a public safety initiative

by Atlanta Downtown Improvement District that provides locals and tourists with a safe environment.

They patrol the streets on bikes and Segways, but they also have surveillance cameras all around Atlanta. They hire off-duty cops to be a part of their operation. They also provide a cleaning service for the Downtown area, vacuuming trash and cleaning out trash bins.

They work closely with Woodruff Park to provide continual solutions for those experiencing homelessness.

“The letter that our Ambassadors distribute is one small part of a much larger effort by our organization to provide comprehensive assistance to individuals in need,” the Atlanta Downtown Improvement District said in an email response. “In fact, we launched a very effective pilot program last fall called the Social Impact Safety Team, or ASIST.” In September 2020, they launched the ASIST pilot program to assist the homeless community downtown

Local mutual aid group asked to stop serving the homeless community in Atlanta.

to get the services they need, from food to medical assistance and social workers who specialize in crisis management and de-escalation.

The corporation says they have enhanced and improved their food insecurity and homelessness programs, encouraging the Atlanta Justice Alliance to partner with one of their nonprofits rather than allowing them to work separately. The organization requires a permit for public feedings and gatherings, and permits are not currently available due to COVID-19 guidelines in the Atlanta area.

Atlanta Downtown Improvement District is serving the homeless community through indoor feeding programs.

They have administered signs around the Atlanta area, prioritizing long-term hunger solutions and advising people to support “sanitary kitchens, safe shelters, and services that address hunger, housing, and mental health. Redirect your generosity to an organization that works daily to improve the lives of the people in need.”

The corporation is advising people to avoid these feedings and donating to the homeless in the streets.

“Many people become dependent on these activities and stay on the street instead of seeking long-term support,” Atlanta Downtown Improvement District stated on their signs posted around Downtown.

The Atlanta Justice Alliance posted a photograph of the sign on their Twitter with the caption, “This is a sign they put up, that reads a lot like ‘don’t feed the bears.’”

Atlanta Justice Alliance has continued to serve the homeless community every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Woodruff Park since they received the notice.

They are accepting donations of shoes, clothes, and blankets to distribute to the homeless.

The organization has a CashApp and a Venmo available for patrons to donate, and they are looking for volunteers to help them distribute essentials to the homeless community and ask people to direct message them on social media if interested.

PHOTO BY MATT SICILIANO-SALAZAR | THE SIGNAL

5

THE SIGNAL

TUESDAY, MARCH 2, 2021

Girls Who Code is a new initiative group where they will teach problem-solving through robotics.

PHOTO SUBMITTED BY GROW

Girls Who Code expands their outreach on campus Sub-club ‘GROW’ challenges gender equality in robotics KARA MARTIN Staff Reporter

G

eorgia State’s Girls Who Code (GWC) is determined to include young girls in coding. With the help of robotics professor Dr. Ashwin Ashok, GWC created the sub-club “GROW,” shortly after GWC arrived at Georgia State. GROW is a women’s robotics club that President D’Anne Anthony described as being not just about robotics but also about solving problems.

“You have a problem, but how can you solve it is the bottom line,” Anthony said. “With computer science, you can solve anything with coding.”

With this huge step they are pushing for in the tech business, GROW is more focused on website development while still working on different coding types. With the help of GROW and GWC, Anthony and Vice President Melanie Gipson want to pave a path to success for girls in their program.

“We want to make sure to get project experience for them as our two biggest principles are sisterhood and product development,” Gipson said. “I think that the group program especially encapsulates these principles because it’s a sisterhood who’s working together to build these products for our community.”

Anthony and Gipson shared their dedication to making sure the future generation of women in tech are well equipped and qualified for the world they are about to face.

“We like to build up their confidence and build up their skills so that they are able to imagine their confidence and know that they are not alone in this journey,” Anthony said.

“Beyond college, it’s still very male-dominated, so it’s good that we have these connections so we can build a better society for women.”

Formed in August 2019 and chartered in November of the same year, Girls Who Code gained a lot of interest from the Georgia State community. GWC, among other organizations, had to move its meetings to an online setting. Luckily for the tech program, the switch was easy.

Fearful about the “withdrawal in attendance,” the leaders of GWC made their meetings more interactive and comfortable so people would be more willing to attend meetings in their entirety.

Following the impact of COVID-19, Gipson knew that the girls would need extra support from the organization’s leadership.

“There was no face-to-face communication with each other over food or anything, and many people were really

just depressed in general,” Gipson said. “In some ways, this pandemic has made us stronger because we all lifted each other up, and we’re there to support each other.”

Because club meetings consisted of food, personal and tech talk, the team knew they needed to spice up their program to

“

Woman power is always good, so when we team up, everything is so well done and makes me so happy and motivated.

”

— D’ANNE ANTHONY

Girls Who Code President

keep the girls’ spirits alive.

“Usually, bringing food is a big push for people to come out to the meetings, but not having [food] due to meetings being virtual makes it hard to get people there,” Anthony said. “We started doing icebreakers because we want it to be fun and interactive instead of having to be bored for two hours.”

Regardless of the turnout, the pair is still content with “a consistent number of people coming without food and drinks.”

Now that Girls Who Code is in full effect online, they want to continue to reach the same amount of prospective members, if not more. With more students taking their courses online, getting the message to the right crowd is difficult.

This virtual semester, GWC often took their advertisements to various organizations and clubs that didn’t specialize in the same thing, but they still joined forces and made a reliable

team.

“Throughout the year and a half, we have really enjoyed partnering with other clubs like Girls++, Women in Technology, Panther Hackers and Blockchain,” Anthony said. “Woman power is always good, so when we team up, everything is so well done and makes me so happy and motivated.”

Gender inequalities run rampant in the tech world.

According to ISE, women make up nearly half of the entire workforce, while only 25% have jobs in the tech industry.

Anthony and Gibson both recall moments when male counterparts made a woman feel inferior in the workplace.

Gipson explained that every time she made a better grade than her male classmates, they would accuse her of cheating.

“Whenever I would make a better grade compared to a male classmate, they would ask ‘How did that happen?’” Gipson said. “Then they’d usually accuse me of not actually learning real skills or cheating.”

Anthony recognizes that one of the few ways to close this gender gap in the tech world is to teach women to stick up for themselves.

“The problems I do see are not enough women being confident enough to speak up for themselves,” Anthony said.

“You don’t have to be extra about it, but don’t allow other people to take your success.”

Anthony shared that the book “Brave, Not Perfect,” by GWC founder Reshma Saujani, is something that both Anthony and Gipson encourage through the program at Georgia State.

“When she came out with ‘Brave, Not Perfect,’ that was exactly our goal,” Anthony said. “But the first initiative is to be brave and get out of your comfort zone.”

In GWC’s future, a schedule full of events and workshops for this semester online will keep their members engaged.

On March 8, GWC is holding an event called Tech Career Prep. This event will answer any potential questions about internships or any other tech-related opportunities and how to apply to them.

The following week, GWC will hold a Python workshop to begin building projects and allowing their sub-club GROW to take over. All events will be virtual until further notice.

In a career field that is already competitive and intense, Anthony shares some lasting advice to encourage women.

“Push yourself to see things you’ve never seen before and explore,“ Anthony said. “You never know what you’re able to do without doing it yourself.”

OPINIONS

March 2, 2021

WWW.GEORGIASTATESIGNAL.COM/OPINIONS

Politics vs common sense and law

The Republican Party set a dangerous new political precedent by acquitting Trump KENNETH LOCKETT III Opinions Editor

W

e are now over a month into the Biden Administration, yet the previous administration still holds an overwhelming power over the Republican party. On Feb. 13, the U.S. Senate voted to acquit former President Donald Trump on the charges that he incited the insurrection on Jan. 6.

Despite it being the most bipartisan impeachment trial in history, this was the likely outcome, with seven Republicans joining all 50 Democrats in a vote to convict. Even with all of that support and the seemingly overwhelming evidence, the prosecution still could not reach the 67 votes needed to convict.

The question becomes, even with all of that evidence, why did 43 Republicans vote to acquit? The simple answer is politics. Take what Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell said right after the vote was taken.

“Trump is practically and morally responsible for provoking the events of the day,” McConnell said on the Senate floor.

And yet, he still voted to acquit. Why? Because he has to answer to his voters back home. Whether people like it or not, Donald Trump is still extremely popular among Republican voters. This popularity forces many Republicans to play nice, so their supporters will not vote them out during next year’s midterms.

Many senators made a beeline for the door after the vote, ready to make it home for their break from Washington.

Many of them returned to phone calls from angry voters that their president is once again on trial. Not because Republicans are holding up financial relief, but because Donald Trump’s many lawyers have to answer to his actions.

Many Republicans are hiding behind the idea of, “well, he’s not in the office.” Leader McConnell said as much. But little do they know, this vote set a dangerous precedent for future presidents. Using this particular trial, presidents will now have more leeway to break the law during their lameduck sessions.

Donald Trump got away with inciting an attack on the legislative branch because he was no longer in office during

“

If Congress cannot forcefully respond to an intimidation attack on Article I instigated by the head of Article II, our constitutional balance will be permanently tilted.

— BEN SASSE

”

U.S. Senator Nebraska

the trial. He was in office while his actions, and lack thereof, took place. But because the trial occurred while he wasn’t president, many Republicans voted to acquit the man who put their lives at risk.

The Republicans further set a new precedent by allowing the impeachment process to be turned into a political showdown. Trump’s lawyer did little more than gaslight and lie about what occurred on that day. They acquitted Trump despite evidence showing that he endangered the senators’ lives, including his own vice president. His actions led to the

deaths of five people, including a Capitol Police officer.

Look at what Republicans were saying after tallying the vote on Feb. 13. Many said that simply because he’s not in office anymore, he shouldn’t be convicted of actions during his presidency.

This vote will open the door for future presidents to act in their self-interests during the last January of their administration.

Republicans have made it crystal clear that no matter what someone does, you must stick up for members of your party, even if their argument is lousy. This vote also now opens the door for Donald Trump to run again in 2024, which he all but confirmed at this point. Well, that’s assuming he’s not in jail for one of the many charges he faces in New York and Georgia.

Even knowing that, even with Trump completely fumbling a global pandemic, somehow making the U.S. hated even more on the world stage and spouting dangerous rhetoric and policies, the Grand Old Party continues to give him a platform.

They continue to fundraise off his name. And despite losing at least two elections with candidates that supported him, Republicans continue to support him.

But maybe Republicans are right to be scared. After Sen. Ben Cassidy voted to convict, his state’s Republican Party sanctioned him, possibly setting him up for blowback come his reelection time in six years. By then, many voters will forget this even happened.

But the most dangerous consequence of this vote has to be the balance of power.

The constitution is written in a way that provides checks and balances between all branches of government. This is a fundamental concept that American students learn in middle school. But with this vote, the halls of Congress have given up their power to check the White House.

The sitting president sent an armed and angry mob to the Capitol to prevent the certification of an election that he lost. And instead of reminding future presidents that they can’t just do whatever they want, they practically said you could do whatever you want as long as you are about to leave the office.

And mind you, this show of weakness comes from Republicans who spent eight years under Obama trying to show that the two government branches are equal.

But this has been a regular occurrence for Trump. I think we all remember when he said that he could walk in the middle of 5th Avenue in New York and kill someone, and he’d get away with it. I think we all remember that 16 women since the 2016 election have accused Trump of sexual misconduct.

If someone like me, a 21-yearold black man, did something like

this, he’d be arrested on the spot. Meanwhile, Donald Trump received a headlined spot at the Conservative Political Action Conference.

Sen. Ben Sasse said it best: “If Congress cannot forcefully respond to an intimidation attack on Article I instigated by the head of Article II, our constitutional balance will be permanently tilted. A weak and timid Congress will increasingly submit to an emboldened and empowered presidency. That’s unacceptable. This institution needs to respect itself enough to tell the executive that some lines cannot be crossed.”

We are in a unique time in politics. It seems if you are too politically influential, you can do whatever you want, even if that thing is sending an angry mob to intimidate or even kill members of another branch of government

ILLUSTRATION BY OLIVIA MADRZYK | THE SIGNAL

OPINIONS

TUESDAY, MARCH 2, 2021

7

It is time to debunk vaccine myths You should get vaccinated when the time comes

CALLIE MCNORTON Associate Opinions Editor

T

o vaccinate or not to vaccinate? Is that the question? It shouldn’t be.

From the initial vaccine distribution in December, there has been pushback.

Many Americans are still unsure of the vaccine, with 1 in 3 saying they probably will not get the vaccine, according to an AP-NORC poll.

Georgia is currently in Phase 1A+, which includes healthcare workers, residents and staff of long-term care facilities, adults aged 65 and older, law enforcement, firefighters and other first responders. As more and more Georgians get vaccinated, we need to understand the vaccine’s importance.

The vaccine is not something to be skeptical of, and it is the best step toward normalcy.

Many are scared of crazy side effects. A viral tweet claimed over 30 side effects, including loss of memory and crossing of the eyes. In reality, six real symptoms can last for a day or two. Side effects are a good thing; they indicate that your body is

more severe side effects, the CDC has created a health check-in app.

“V-safe is a smartphonebased tool that uses text messaging and web surveys to provide personalized health check-ins after you receive a COVID-19 vaccine.

Through V-safe, you can quickly tell CDC if you have any side effects after getting the COVID-19 vaccine.

Depending on your answers, someone from CDC may call to check on you and get more information,” the CDC website states.

Millions of people have contracted COVID-19, and one of the arguments against the vaccine is natural immunity. While there is not enough information to fully understand natural immunity, we know it may not last very long. So after 90 days of a diagnosis, it would be optimal to get vaccinated.

The risk of illness and death should outweigh a false sense of immunity.

Once enough people get vaccinated, then there is a possibility of achieving herd immunity. Herd immunity refers to the protection offered by enough people who have been previously infected or vaccinated. After this point, the virus is more difficult to spread; even then, not impossible. It is better to get vaccinated until we reach that point, even if you have already had COVID. Many facts and myths bounce around on social media, and it is hard to keep track.

“I think people reflect what they read on social — CALLIE MCNORTON media, and nowadays it is Associate Opinions difficult to decipher truth from myth. Often when that Editor happens, it means people responding to the vaccine. lose trust in all information,” “I had an extremely sore Foster said. arm in the hours following There are so many the injection and the day resources on and off-campus after. I could not lift my arm to learn what is happening even to shoulder height, so I with COVID. If you are still suggest getting it in the arm waiting to get vaccinated, that you use the least. I also make sure to get tested had a little bit of nausea that often at one of the campus quickly subsided,” physical facilities. therapy technician Sydney When the time comes, Foster said. please get vaccinated; it Even if you experience the shouldn’t be a question.

“

In reality, six real symptoms can last for a day or two

”

ILLUSTRATION BY KENNEDY CONWAY | THE SIGNAL

‘Nomadland’: An unfiltered journey through the American West Oscar-winner Frances McDormand stars in ‘Nomadland’ DORIAN ROSENBURG Staff Columnist

D

ue to reduced demand for sheetrock, the company US Gypsum laid off more than 800 employees, imposing the central character Fern (played by Frances McDormand) to live a minimalistic and uncertain life in the film “Nomadland.”

Through breathtaking cinematography and a visionary look into the lives of America’s “Nomads,” director Chloé Zhao provides audiences with a new world to wholeheartedly experience.

From the first shot of “Nomadland,” an unfiltered aesthetic seems to visually flesh out the characters through the camera work and color tones behind each shot. The audience, at times, can see the pores of certain characters when up close, showing how raw and liberating the journey out west can be.

Within the beginning sequence of the film, we see Fern urinating in the open wilderness as she embarks towards her new life on the road. The film utilizes its R rating to depict what life in a van would look like — making for an authentic and personal representation that speaks with audiences on a personal level.

Zhao strategically uses the follow shot to give audiences a second-hand perspective of the uncharted lands Fern visits

throughout the film. She couples this with gorgeous landscape scenery, making one of the most visually stunning films of the year.

“

“Nomadland” will leave an impression on our outlook toward the beauty of life and all of its troubles.

”

— DORIAN ROSENBURG Staff Columnist

The heart of the film lies within the characters that make up the long road out west. What truly makes the movie so realistic to its subject matter is the people portraying nomads across the nation. Instead of using actors, Zhao values real-life people with pertinent stories and experiences to aid Fern throughout her journey.

There is a particular scene in the

film where members of the camp share accounts about why they decided to leave society and begin a life of uncertain travel. The scene is crucial in conveying the film’s message because each story is rooted in death and a profound rebirth through life and adventure.

This speaks closely with Fern because she recently lost her husband and began her journey out west mindlessly. Their testimonies help Fern grasp precisely why she has chosen this path and give audiences a new outlook on life and how people choose to live it.

Frances McDormand gives one of the most authentic and genuinely polarizing performances of the year. Her account’s nuance and subtlety truly connect us with her character and the people she meets throughout the film.

McDormand and Zhao are sure to do well during awards season as they have already received much acclaim throughout the festival circuit.

Zhao can fully illustrate her vision through her cinematography alone, connected with a narrative that chooses happiness over the dubious structures of society. “Nomadland” will leave an impression on our outlook toward the beauty of life and all of its troubles.

This Week’s Spread: Sports WWW.GEORGIASTATESIGNAL.COM/SPORTS

Hello, March Madness Eliel Noseme headlines end-of-season awards Malikai Collins

Staff Reporter

W

ith the Georgia State men’s basketball team wrapping up the regular season Saturday night, they have reached postseason play, where one win ends the year. Their 14-5 record tied the second-best start in program history through 19 games, including six straight wins to end the year.

Through these 19 regular-season games, the Panthers made their presence felt in the Sun Belt Conference, losing just one home game and ending the regular season by winning their final six. The Panthers had all five starters average double-figures in scoring this season and may have found their rhythm at the perfect time.

On their way to a 14-5 record, these 19 contests helped this team find its identity and have allowed them to establish its leaders, difference-makers and players for the future. Five awards will recognize players for different criteria, including their overall performances and improvements on both ends of the floor.

If the Panthers win the Sun Belt Conference Tournament, they automatically punch their ticket to the NCAA Tournament.

So, let’s look at a few names who helped guide them to such a prime position.

Most Valuable Player: Eliel Nsoseme

Nsoseme went on a tear in the regular season, averaging nearly a double-double and taking the Sun Belt Conference by storm. He posted up 11.7 points and 9.9 rebounds per game on an astounding 61% from the field. He may very well be one of the most skilled rebounders in program history.

In his first season with the Panthers, the Cincinnati transfer recorded eight games with ten or more rebounds and tallied four double-doubles. He recorded his career-high 20 rebounds against Mercer, and his tenacity on the boards is unmatched by anyone on the team.

After redshirting last season, he is dominant performance on the boards topped anything the program ever saw before.

Nsoseme’s season saw him post the second-best defensive rebound percentage in program history and average the fourth-most rebounds per game.

He also etched himself into second place all-time in PER and win shares. With great skill on the court, he translates the skills of being a leader off the court.

“Not just what he does on the court, but when he’s on the bench, he is the number one cheerleader, he motivates guys, he gets in guys’ faces [and] the guys on the team respect him,” Associate Athletic Director Mike Holmes said.

ELIEL NSOSEME

The sophomore forward came out with the mindset of knowing his role and using that to thrive under head coach Rob Lanier’s system. Thomas took a while to get going, but he upped the ante once the new year started. He posted games with at least two blocks, including two games where he had four blocks.

His team-high 1.6 blocks per game rank ninth all-time for the Panthers in a single-season and were 67th best in all division-1 this season.

But the Michigan native does not just block shots; he causes turnovers all-around.

Thomas averaged nearly one steal a game, leading all forwards on the team. He knows the importance of being accustomed to adaptation in the modern era of basketball.

“With the way the big man is evolving, I have to become more adapted to playing and defending on the wing, as that is essential in today’s game. I have to become more accustomed to defending quicker guys with my footwork and rotation,” Thomas said.

JALEN THOMAS

Defensive Player of the Year: Jalen Thomas

Honorable Mention: Justin Roberts

Roberts came out of the gates aggressive this year and looking to make a statement.

He is averaging a team-high 1.6 steals a game, as he has eight games this season where he has multiple steals, including a five-steal game, in a tight matchup against Coastal Carolina. He uses his quickness to play the passing lanes and generate fast breaks.

“He’s gotten comfortable with the leadership role, once he learned coach Lanier’s system, he understood what it took to elevate his game to the next level, and he’s embraced it so far this season,” Holmes said.

COREY ALLEN

Most Improved: Corey Allen

Allen went from averaging 13.5 points a game on 40% shooting from the field and 34% shooting from deep in the 2019-20 season to averaging 14.9 points a game on a much more efficient 46% field goal clip and 42% from beyond the arc.

He finished the season on Saturday night against South Alabama with three three-pointers, his twelfth time doing so this season.

Aside from scoring, his rebounding and assists have improved from last season in a game that continues to evolve.

The junior scored in double digits in 15 of the 19 games this season, his second with the team. He also scored 20 or more three times in a season where he put the Sun Belt on notice after not receiving a Preseason All-Conference roster spot.

Allen is currently number three in Effective Field Goal Percentage at 60% and number five in Three-Point Field Goal Percentage in a season for the Panthers. Allen is also sixth in offensive box plus/minus and seventh in true shooting percentage in a season at 62%. “[Allen] used the offseason as a reset. He was able to clear his head and come out this year and in a normal 32 game season would have been on pace to set a school record for three-pointers made,” Holmes said. “He came in with a clear conscience and went out and played ball just like he knew how.”

The freshman guard has given the Panthers decent production off the bench this season and has been steadily improving as the season progresses. Johnson has scored in double figures in four contests off the bench this season, including two 20-point games against Carver College and a monster 28-point outing in a crucial conference matchup against South Alabama.

Johnson scored seven points per game on 44.% shooting from the field, 37% from three and 75% from the line. He also averaged averaging nearly two assists in 16 minutes per game off the bench.

“The beauty of [fellow freshman Collin Collin] is the depth he and Evan give us. They’re mature enough that they know if they make quote-on-quote freshman mistakes, [and] they don’t get down on themselves,” Holmes said. “They want to get back in there and prove they can make the next shot or knock down the next free throw.”

COLLIN MOORE

Freshman of the Year: Evan Johnson

Bench Player of the Year: Collin Moore

Moore found his rhythm in Coach Lanier’s system early and looks to be a vital team member for the foreseeable future. The freshman averaged 5 points a game on 43% shooting from the field and 72% from the charity stripe and pulled down nearly three rebounds per game.

But where Moore really thrives is the ball’s defensive side, as he’s third on the team in steals and has seven blocks on the season. Moore has four games where he has scored in double figures and five games with multiple steals, including a five-steal game against Carver College.

This Panthers team has the tools to make a run at the Sun Belt Conference title, with their depth, big man play, shooting and chemistry. Players are stepping up to the plate and realizing the importance of being a leader. If this team continues to click, look out for a potential Cinderella story in the NCAA Tournament.

PHOTO BY MATT SICILIANO-SALAZAR, PAGE LAYOUT BY EVAN KOENIGS & ILLUSTRATION BY ROE GASSETT | THE SIGNAL

ARTS & LIVING

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As the true crime genre becomes exceptionally popular, its content flourishes on various platforms, such as YouTube and podcasts.

March 2, 2021

PHOTO SUBMITTED ALYSSA GEORGE AND BROOKE GADDY

Exploring the public’s fascination with true crime The genre’s adaptability lets podcasts and streaming sites thrive ISA CARDONA Associate Arts & Living Editor

T

he public’s fascination with true crime is not a recent phenomenon and is prevalent in entertainment industries following a reinvigoration of the genre’s interest.

There is a recent influx of new content available due to the genre’s adaptability, allowing it to thrive on various media platforms. From streaming platforms like Netflix to countless podcasts, the true crime genre is flourishing in correlation with public interest.

Georgia State psychology professor Sarah Cook does not consume true crime content herself because of how the genre can sensationalize.

Though women are the largest demographic of true crime fans, they are also often the victims. While her area of expertise is violence against women, Cook questions the accuracy of the portrayal of some true-crime content.

“One thing to consider is that in television and film, depictions of crime represent women as victims in a much higher proportion than they are victims of those crimes in real life,” she said. “And the crimes that are represented in film and media against women are most likely not the crimes that women face.”

Many studies try to explain the public’s interest in true crime, and it can stem from a fascination with the macabre or a way to learn how to protect oneself. Cook mentioned that some viewers might study true crime cases as a form of protection to avoid potentially dangerous scenarios.

Sophomore Caroline Griffiths agrees that her interest in true crime fuels her knowledge and makes her more aware of dangerous and suspicious activity.

“To know things is to have power over things in a way,” she said. “I feel like to know what could happen to you, or what other people have done to women because I feel like they are often the victims in the true crime. It makes you feel a little bit in control.”

Like sophomores Blakley Stone and Keelin Unger, others find the mystery and the psychology behind true crime captivating. This sense of curiosity sends fans deep-diving into the genre.

Stone wants to understand the psychology of people who commit these types of crimes because she considers herself

very different from people like that.

“I could not imagine just killing somebody in cold blood or like planning to murder or hurt other people,” she said.

“I always wanted to know, ‘Why do people do this? Or what makes people do things like that, especially after struggling with mental health?’”

Stone’s consumption of true crime started at a young age when she watched documentaries like Dateline with her mother. Her long-term interest in true crime does affect how she approaches the world.

“I don’t think [being a true crime fan made] me think of the world as a scarier place. [It’s] already scary,” Stone said.

“It’s probably made me more paranoid and aware of my friendships. I make sure to understand social cues more.”

Unger enjoys the community aspect of true crime. There are thousands of people who dedicate time and money to sharing the stories of victims and examining the crimes of the most infamous people around the world.

“There’s a lot of respect in the community for the cases and the people involved,” she said. “The interest is a little morbid because obviously, it involves murder and pretty graphic stuff … and the possibility of solving a case is exciting.”

Unger prefers watching true crime YouTube videos because she likes the visual aspect. Many channels dedicated to the topic gained fame over the years, such as Kendall Rae, Stephanie Harlowe, Eleanor Neale, BuzzFeed Unsolved and John Lordan.

“Sometimes I wonder why I like [true crime] because I have to take breaks because it’ll make me super anxious, but I cannot stop watching it,” Unger said. “I will say that once you start, it’s really hard to stop.”

Another popular way to engage in true crime content is through podcasts, and Parth Parashar has been an active listener since summer 2019. He listens to them very often, especially when he’s working out or driving. He suggests “Crime Junkie,” “Small Town Murder,” “My Favorite Murder” and “Serial” for podcast suggestions.

In Parashar’s opinion, a good podcast contains captivating storytelling and is more conversational. He plans on starting a podcast with his friend because they want to talk about a

topic they’re interested in and share it with the world.

Alyssa George and Brooke Gaddy are hosts of the popular podcast “For God’s Sake, Don’t Drink the Jones Juice.”

The podcast comically discusses some of the most famous true crime cases along with lesser-known ones.

George researches unsolved cases and survivor stories, focusing on older events. On the other hand, Gaddy has a particular interest in more recent cases, focusing on family annihilators and female serial killers.

The two started the podcast in the summer of 2020, and in only six months, they are in the top 5% of podcasts across all platforms, including Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

George is an avid podcast listener, typically in the true crime genre. She and Gaddy talked about true crime and paranormal stories often, so George asked Gaddy if she was interested in starting their podcast, to which Gaddy agreed.

George says that she’s interested in older cases because forensics was not a perfected science, which is one factor as to why serial killing seemed so prevalent in the 70s through the 90s.

“Some of the most notorious serial killers came around this time, which, nowadays, you don’t hear about that kind of thing,” she said. “I think that’s what fascinates me. It’s like, ‘What was going on in that time to create these monsters?’”

Gaddy is interested in female killers due to psychology and how uncommon these killers are. She wants to understand why those women did what they did and delve into the circumstances that led to their crimes, like their upbringing.

They choose to utilize the podcast format to discuss true crime, among other topics, because of the ease of listening.

People can listen to podcasts the same way as music and enjoy while driving or doing chores.

George and Gaddy think listeners enjoy their podcast because they’re empathetic and relatable, and their personalities shine throughout the recording. “[People should listen] because we’re hilarious,” Gaddy said. “We’re not just like a scripted podcast that just gives you the information. We’ve had people say, ‘It’s like sitting around with girlfriends.’”

ARTS&LIVING

TUESDAY, MARCH 2, 2021

11

Now introducing the main act 2021: COVID-19 Atlanta concert venues face mass show reschedulings GRACE BRASWELL Staff Reporter

I

ndependent venues across Atlanta closed their doors in March 2020 due to COVID-19, and they rescheduled canceled shows throughout the current 2021 concert season.

With acts eager to get back on tour and venues struggling to find the funds to stay open, the 2021 concert season faces mass cancellations—again.

Independent venues are a crucial part of local artistry that gives rising artists space to land gigs and play music.

Atlanta venues such as the Coca-Cola Roxy, The Masquerade and Variety Playhouse host several concerts a year, showcasing many artists.

Because of the close proximity of concerts, the pandemic severely affected live music.

“

There was a day where I literally had a hundred emails of shows being canceled.

off the bat back in March.

There was a day where I literally had a hundred emails of shows being canceled.”

Georgia State students, including Eathan Terry and Maddie Bass, await concerts to be back in full swing. Both students purchased tickets from local venues to see shows that the venues canceled or rescheduled.

Terry, a freshman, said that he bought tickets to see Yung Gravy at the Coca-Cola Roxy in March 2020. The venue rescheduled the concert for January 2021; however, they canceled the day of the show. Terry was on the way to the concert when one of his friend’s sisters called to tell them the show canceled.

“We didn’t know what the deal was. We haven’t gotten a refund because we’re waiting for the [Roxy] to reschedule again. We want to go to the show,” Terry said.

Bass, an avid concertgoer, patiently waited since March for live shows to return.

After seeing that several of her favorite bands would return to Atlanta in 2021, she jumped at the opportunity and bought tickets immediately. Bass bought tickets to see The Drivers Era, The Lone Bellow and Weathers, all of whom canceled their shows.

“I was scrolling through Spotify, and I saw where they [had] shows at the Variety Playhouse,” Bass said. “I literally got so excited and bought tickets to several of the concerts they were going to be having in March.”

Warren says he believes concerts have the potential to make a comeback next year.

“We are optimistic for next summer, maybe late fall,” Warren said. “It’s really just going to be dependent on the vaccine and when it gets to the general public.”

”

— JOE WARREN

Promoter at The Masquerade According to Joe Warren, a promoter at The Masquerade, there is a yearning within the music industry to bring live music back, but it is just not safe yet.

“It’s a very day-by-day situation. The amount of vaccines available and stuff like that is the main reason why things keep getting pushed back,” Warren said. “A lot of the tours were canceled right

Georgia State students share their experience with concert cancellations.

PHOTO BY MATT SICILIANO-SALAZAR | THE SIGNAL

Atlanta’s Slutty Vegan draws attention

Slutty Vegan aims to redefine veganism DEENA KAYYALI Staff Reporter

V

egan food isn’t what it used to be. The days of simple salads and bland food are out, and delicious burgers and fries are in. Slutty Vegan, an Atlanta-based Black-owned restaurant, offers a fun twist on plant-based alternatives.

Because of limited veganfriendly takeout options, founder Pinky Cole created Slutty Vegan to facilitate a unique, vegan fast-food experience.

First-time diners, or “virgins,” are greeted at the door with cheers. Slutty Vegan has a diverse menu, serving vegan options such as vegan shrimp, bacon and sauces. With its unique name and attention-grabbing burgers like the “One Night Stand,” “Sloppy Toppy” and “Super Slut,” Slutty Vegan regularly has lines out the door.

In a 2020 interview with CNN, Cole spoke about what her business’s unique and progressive energy brings to the food industry and the support she receives from the Atlanta community.

“We noticed that we just got an influx of people wanting to support small, Black-owned, women-owned businesses,” she said. “We have amazing vegan restaurants in Atlanta, but I tagged on an experience to help people reimagine food. If I would have named it ‘Pinky’s Vegan,’ I

probably wouldn’t have had lines out the door.”

With three locations and two food trucks, Cole is hopeful of expanding her plant-based empire to greater heights.

“

I truly enjoyed everything I ordered, and I can’t wait to go back...

”

— SAIF MURSHEFDI

Georgia State Student

Slutty Vegan isn’t cherished only by plant lovers. People of all diets love to indulge in the array of options and flavors provided by the restaurant.

Sasha Zubery heard about Slutty Vegan from her vegan roommate.

While hesitant at first, Zubery is now a regular customer.

“I didn’t know how good vegan

food could be until I went there and tried it for myself,” she said.

“I was so impressed by the flavor.

I didn’t think I could genuinely enjoy food with that many dairy and meat alternatives.”

Saif Murshefdi had never eaten an entirely vegan burger, let alone been to a fully vegan restaurant.

After trying Slutty Vegan’s food, he was pleasantly surprised and impressed by what they had to offer.

“It was quite the experience, to say the least,” he said. “The employees were super nice and knew so much about the food.

They had so many options and alternatives for every preference. I truly enjoyed everything I ordered, and I can’t wait to go back.”

With attention from major news outlets like The New York Times and Forbes, as well as shoutouts from celebrities like Offset and Snoop Dogg, Cole is confident that Slutty Vegan is on its way to becoming a household name.

Many once saw veganism as a bland diet with limited dining options, but it’s now beginning to change into the latest discovery in American diet and culture.

“We made it cool, which is the most beautiful thing of it all,” Cole said. “We’ve been able to infuse veganism and the food into the culture.”

SPORTS

March 2, 2021

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Allen, Roberts, Williams leading Georgia State to the top This Panthers backcourt could be the best in the last few years JASON RICHBURG Staff Reporter

C

urrently, the Panthers are 14-5 and averaging 81 points per game, and you can credit that to the play of the dynamic guard trio: Corey Allen, Justin Roberts and Kane Williams.

The three are giving head coach Rob Lanier outstanding performances each night. The first and maybe the best example of this comes from the Panthers’ thrilling quadruple overtime win against Georgia Tech to open up the season. Allen, Roberts and Williams combined for 69 points and nine threepointers made.

Yet, somehow they look even better individually than they do together.

Corey Allen: 14.9 PPG - 4.2RPG - 2.6 APG - 46.4 % FG - 41.7 3P% After not appearing on any Preseason Sun Belt All-Conference teams, the senior guard came out this season with a point to prove.

“I feel like I’ve been overlooked my whole life, so it’s not really a thing to me,” Allen said.

Allen is having a career year all across the board, averaging career highs in points, assists, rebounds, field goal percentage and three-point percentage. However, it is his shot-making from deep that stands out most.

Allen leads the team in three-point percentage, has had multiple games with over 15 points and hit a teamhigh 55 threes in the regular season.

When asked about the work he put in this summer to get to this point, Allen said he was “really locked in this offseason.”

“I put in a lot of work this past summer. Not knowing how the season would go during the summer, I just made sure that I was always ready no matter what,” Allen said.

One of Allen’s best games of the season came against the College of Charleston, where he scored 20 points, including a 6-7 showcase from the three-point range.

Justin Roberts 13.4 PPG - 3.6 RBG - 4.8 APG 1.6 SPG - 44.9 FG% - 36.2 3P% Roberts’ usage and numbers showcased why he was

selected to the Preseason Sun Belt All-Conference Second Team.

Along with his backcourt mate Allen, Roberts averaged career highs across the board in th irregular season in points, assists, steals and field goal percentage.

Roberts’ best game of the season was against Carver College, where he almost got a triple-double putting up 14 points, six rebounds and 10 assists. On the defensive end, he was a menace, snatching three steals.

There’s no denying Roberts’ active hands on defense.

He’s recorded at least one steal in 11 of 12 games and tied for the lead with 1.6 per game in the regular season.

On the other end, Roberts has put on a passing clinic this season. He’s dished out at least five assists in six games this season, each a win.

Kane Williams: 13.3 PPG - 3.6 RBG - 4.1 APG 1.6 SPG Team captain Kane Williams entered this week in a season-long shooting slump but reminded everyone why this is still his team last Tuesday.

He scored a season-high 24 points on 8-11, his most efficient shooting night of the season (with at least 10 field goal attempts), including 6-8 from three.

For perspective, Williams entered the game shooting 15-58 from three.

That said, the senior is still shooting a career-low 37% from the field and only 32% from three-point land.

Averaging 13.3 points per game, Williams’ 37/32/66 shooting splits don’t show his real impact on the court.

“The coaching staff and my teammates probably have more confidence in me than I do sometimes, so it’s easy for me not to focus on my shots falling,” Williams said.

“That’s always comforting when you’re struggling to make shots.”

Even though Williams is not having the most efficient scoring season, he still shows why he is a Preseason AllConference player with his complete guard play.

Williams is averaging four assists, a career-low 2.2 turnovers and 1.4 steals per game, and he collected at least one block in six games this season.

“I just try to focus on affecting the game in some way,”

Corey Allen, Justin Roberts and Kane Willams have brought the fire to the Men’s Basketball team this season.

Williams said. “On the defensive end, I keep my hands and feet moving and stay ready the entire possession, and it has paid off for me at this point.”

“

I just try to focus on affecting the game in some way,” Williams said. “On the defensive end, I keep my hands and feet moving and stay ready the entire possession, and it has paid off for me at this point.

— KANE WILLIAMS

”

Men’s Basketball Senior

Another notable game of Williams’ came in the season opener, as mentioned earlier, where he recorded 21 points, 11 rebounds and three steals.

Allen, Roberts and Williams have showcased exceptional talent this season, and at least two of the three are likely to appear on the All-Conference rosters at the end of the season.

With the three playing at a high level, the sky is the limit on what Georgia State can accomplish in the Conference tournament, which begins on Friday.

PHOTO BY MATT SICILIANO-SALAZAR | THE SIGNAL

SPORTS

TUESDAY, MARCH 2, 2021

13

Danilo Gallinari looks healthy and lethal Gallo’s shooting, and more from last week’s games NAJEH WILKINS Staff Reporter

T

he Atlanta Hawks finish the week .500 after going 2-2, picking up key wins over the Denver Nuggets and Boston Celtics.

However, they also filtered against the Cleveland Cavaliers and Oklahoma City Thunder, which brought us a few takeaways.

Even with Clint Capela, the defensive struggles continue

The Hawks kept their games close, but the defense impeded when they should have thrived.

Late game defensive mishaps and poor firsthalf play hampered the team.

A defensive breakdown allowed the Cavaliers to secure a late-game dunk to pull ahead with only a few seconds to go. A questionable substitution of removing Capela late in that game may have cost Lloyd Pierce a victory and a rise in the conference standings.

Entering Sunday, the Hawks currently sat at 22nd in points allowed.

Sure, the defense has improved inside, but they struggle to guard the perimeter. Atlanta struggles to close games out, evident by their 6-11 record in contests decided by five points or less.

The defense simply has to be better. Atlanta is much improved this season, but the better defense will allow Atlanta to create transition points and secure victories down the stretch.

Danilo Gallinari looks healthy and has the green light Gallinari scored 38 points, mainly due to a career-high and franchise-record ten threes against the Celtics.

He only missed two shots from behind the arc and made 3-4 on twopointers. Gallinari was scorching hot 10-12 from three and 13-16 from the

field.

It was the third time in NBA history that a player made ten or more threepointers off the bench.

Gallinari’s historic night helped Atlanta secure a key win over the Celtics and pull within the Eastern Conference’s striking distance.

He averages 12 points a game, but if he can bolster that up to 18 points a game, Atlanta could have another great sharpshooter with the second unit.

The Eastern Conference standings are stagnant, and that’s OK

Even with the two wins this week against better competition, the Hawks lost two games they should have won. They didn’t move up in the standings but didn’t fall, so they are still on the outside looking in.

There are a few reasons for the lack of movement in the standings.

The defensive breakdowns and lack of offensive firepower in the second unit have failed Atlanta from moving ahead in a weaker Eastern Conference. Luckily the Hawks are only three games from the fourth seed.

With the East being more top-heavy this season and the playoffs next month, each game becomes more important than the last, and a winning streak would significantly help.

If the Hawks can pick up victories against Miami and Orlando, they can create momentum and move up in the standings heading into this weekend’s All-Star break.

The biggest thing for this team is to get consistency from crucial players and as a team. The main objective is within reach, but now is the time to make a move to secure a playoff berth.

Women’s Track and Field prevailed through the pandemic-ridden season and have the hardware to display.

PHOTO SUBMITTED BY GSU ATHLETICS

Georgia State’s track team survived and thrived in 2021

Even with just four events, the season brought many highlights ANTWANE WILLIS Staff Reporter

T

he Georgia State track team adapted to many factors while still attempting to put on impressive performances during the season. The Panthers recorded three wins in their season opener on Jan. 24 at the KMS Invitational in Birmingham, Alabama.

Junior Marine Garnier earned a couple of wins in the distance medley and 3K events. Junior Na’ilah Moore recorded a first-place victory at the triple jump.

In their return to the KMS Open, the Panthers met schools such as Troy, Alabama A&M, Jackson State, UTMartin and Georgia Southern.

The Panthers returned to KMS for another meeting on Feb. 31.

Georgia State faced athletes from Alabama A&M, Alabama State, Central Arkansas, Louisiana Tech, South Alabama, Southern and more.

Against stiff competition, 4x200 standouts Ashanti Tigner, Chelsea Tate, Morgan Manley and Imani Flanagan set a new program record.

Additionally, Na’ilah Moore, Emma Devis and Anouk Prop all took second place in their respective events, giving the Panthers three second-place finishes.

This season has been an entirely new experience for some of the track athletes, especially the seniors who had a typical student-athlete experience before the arrival of COVID-19.

Senior Jada Watson has cited 202021 as her most challenging year at

Georgia State between her duties as an athlete and enduring senior-level classes.

“It’s hard still trying to keep up with classes, and since we are online,

“

We’re becoming more and more motivated the more we get to compete at meets.

”

— JADA WATSON

Women’s Track & Field Senior

our professors expect us to have an abundance of free time,” Watson said.

“But since I am an athlete, I don’t have that free time.”

Watson has worked very hard to stay focused on her grades while continually maintaining her high level of performance.

“It’s kind of hard to stay motivated,

but I feel like our team has done a good job at that,” Watson said. “Trying to stay COVID-free has been hard, but we’re becoming more and more motivated the more we get to compete at meets.”

Head coach Kyle Stevenson was very adamant about making sure the players get their rest to stay ready and energized.

“The hardest part about adjusting to the pandemic is keeping the athletes engaged,” Stevenson said. “We’ve been at a point where we have had to delay or cancel competition one time too many, and not only have you seen it in their faces, but also their body language.”

Stevenson and his staff worked very hard to keep the athletes on a busy schedule to feel motivated throughout their days. Since the athletes also have academic responsibilities they must attend to, it can be easy for them to get into a cycle, which can cause mental burnout.

Evident of their previous performances, the pandemic did not deter the Panthers from having outstanding performances. Stevenson is very proud of the results he is getting from the team and understands how hard they continue to work.

Even though this season was somewhat grueling due to the odd situations, Georgia State’s women’s track team persevered, and they are excited to enter their offseason.

March 2, 2021

THREE BIG THINGS

GAMES SUDOKU

UNIVERSITY

STATE

NATIONAL

Across the board, Georgia State makes noise

An investment group with Renee Montgomery purchases Atlanta Dream

Major League Baseball is back

The Panthers’ baseball team knocked off the No. 3 Vanderbilt Commodores Friday night in a 4-2 upset win, which is the biggest in the program’s history. Hours later, the women’s and men’s basketball teams picked up big wins over South Alabama to end their regular seasons.

The men swept the Jaguars to clinch the No. 1 seed in the Sun Belt Conference Tournament, and the women also completed their sweep to lock up a second seed.

Both teams will play Saturday in the semi-finals; the women play at 3 p.m. and the men at 6:30 p.m.

After months of backlash and scrutiny, former Georgia Senator Kelly Loeffler sold the Atlanta Dream on Friday.

Joining Montgomery on the new ownership group will be Larry Gottesdeiner and Suzanne Abair of Northland Investment Corp. The WNBPA unanimously approved the purchase.

Montgomery will also make history, becoming the first WNBA player to hold an executive and ownership potion for a franchise. She will look to have a more active role within the team than other executives.

This past weekend’s warm weather provided baseball fans with hope: spring training is back. Games began on Sunday, and, with games slated for the next month, players will have a little time to prepare before Opening Day on April 1.

The Los Angeles Dodgers enter the season with the best odds to win the World Series, followed by the New York Yankees, San Diego Padres and Atlanta Braves.

THE KICKBACK

TUESDAY, MARCH 2, 2021

GAMES

15

COMIC

Your Comic Should Be Here!

UPCOMING EVENTS FRIDAY

Student Victim Assistance Coffee Chat 10:30 a.m - 1:00 p.m Virtual

Cultural Cafe: Womxn’s HerStory Month Celebration 12:30 PM - 1:00 p.m Virtual

GSU Community Garden Service Days 1:00 p.m - 4:00 p.m GSU Community Garden

Black Male Leadership Academy 1:00 p.m - 3:00 p.m Virtual

Golli Gabbay, Mindfulness Speaker 7:30 PM - 8:30 PM Virtual

Dear Stress: Let’s Break Up - Volume 1 3:00 p.m - 4:00 p.m Virtual

Love at the Drive-In 6:00 p.m - 9:00 p.m Green Lot

SUNDAY

MONDAY

Self-guided Street Art Walking Tour All day All around Atlanta

Six Flags Over Georgia 2021 Opening Weekend 11:00 a.m - 6:00 p.m Six Flags Over Georgia

International Coffee Hour - Featuring International Women’s Day 1:00 p.m - 2:00 p.m Virtual

Black Light Winter Activation: A Visual Ode to Hip-Hop and Black Resilience 1:00 p.m - 10:00 p.m Broad Street Boardwalk

2021 NBA All-Star Game 7:00 p.m State Farm Arena

MAR 08

SATURDAY MAR 07

Hot Topic Tuesday 1:00 p.m - 2:00 p.m Virtual

MAR 05

THURSDAY MAR 04

WEDNESDAY MAR 03

TUESDAY

MAR 06

MAR 02

THE KICKBACK

Music Monday 3:00 p.m - 4:00 p.m Virtual