The Signal Vol. 88 No. 19 by The Signal

VOL. 88 | NO. 19

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MEDICAL DIRECTOR DISPELS MYTHS ABOUT THE COVID-19 VACCINES PG. 03

GEORGIA STATE SOCCER WILL BE REPRESENTED ON THE INTERNATIONAL STAGE PG. 12

Independent, impactful & impartial

BLACK

HISTORY PLAYLIST

Songs that reflect the work of prominent activists

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BLOTTER FEB. 6

We found you now.

EDITORIAL NEWS EDITOR Vacant signalnewseditor@gmail.com ASSOCIATE NEWS EDITOR Vacant OPINIONS EDITOR Kenneth Lockett III signalopinions@gmail.com ASSOCIATE OPINIONS EDITOR Callie McNorton ARTS & LIVING EDITOR Jada Jones signalliving@gmail.com ASSOCIATE ARTS & LIVING EDITOR Isa Cordona SPORTS EDITOR Andrew Freedman signalsport1@gmail.com ASSOCIATE SPORTS EDITOR Erik Indrisano COPY EDITOR Miro Georgiev signalcopyeditor@gmail.com PRODUCTION PRODUCTION EDITOR Monique Rojas signalprod@gmail.com ASSOCIATE PRODUCTION EDITOR Myah Anglin PHOTOGRAPHY PHOTO EDITOR Matt Siciliano-Salazar signalphoto2@gmail.com ASSOCIATE PHOTO EDITOR Harry Wyman DIGITAL DIGITAL EDITOR Caitlin Whisby signalmanaging@gmail.com ASSOCIATE DIGITAL EDITOR Vacant VIDEO EDITOR Andre Walker signalvideoeditor@gmail.com ASSOCIATE VIDEO EDITOR Vacant PODCAST EDITOR Timo Clark THE SIGNAL BUREAUS ALPHARETTA BUREAU CHIEF Vacant CLARKSTON BUREAU CHIEF Chris Bryant DECATUR BUREAU CHIEF Vacant DUNWOODY BUREAU CHIEF Vacant NEWTON BUREAU CHIEF Vacant ADVERTISING STUDENT MEDIA ADVISER Bryce McNeil bmcneil1@gsu.edu BUSINESS COORDINATOR Wakesha Henley whenley@gsu.edu PERIMETER STUDENT MEDIA ADVISER Zoana Price zprice@gsu.edu ADVERTISING The deadline for all advertising is 5 p.m. on the Tuesday prior to the desired issue of publication. Ads must be printready and in PDF format; files must be delivered via e-mail at signalmarketingmanager@gmail.com. Please visit our website at www.georgiastatesignal. com/advertise for more information, including rates and payment methods. MISSION STATEMENT The Signal shall provide, in a fair and accurate manner, news of interest and significance to the Georgia State community and serve as a forum for the expression of ideas of members of that community. Furthermore, The Signal shall provide an opportunity for students to pursue experience within a professional newspaper environment. The Signal shall also provide truthful and ethical advertising of interest to the Georgia State community. COVERAGE REQUESTS Requests for coverage and tips should be subwmitted to the Editor in Chief and/or the relevant section editor. SUBMIT LETTER TO EDITOR Letters must be submitted to the Editor in Chief via e-mail and must include the text of the letter in the body of the message. Letters should be 400-500 words maximum. The Signal will allow longer letters, but only in rare circumstances. Letters must include the full name(s) of the writer(s) and include their year and major. If the writer is a faculty member, they must include their title and department. Letters will be fact-checked prior to publication. The writer may be obligated to make changes to the letter for publication. Letters will be edited for grammar, clarity, length, factual accuracy and adherence to The Signal’s policy. The Signal reserves the right to modify and/ or reject letters at the discretion of the editorial staff. DISCLAIMER Opinions and Letters to the Editor expressed in The Signal are the opinions of the writers and readers. It does not reflect the opinions of The Signal. OFFICE INFORMATION The Signal Student Center West, Suite 250 P.O. Box 3968 Atlanta, GA 30303 Phone: 404-413-1620 Fax: 404-413-162

At 4:22 p.m., the Georgia State University Police Department arrested a non-Georgia State offender for trespassing and outstanding warrants at Langdale Hall.

I was holding this for a friend.

The Georgia State University Police Department arrested a nonGeorgia State offender for weapons law violations at 8:32 p.m. at Patton Hall. The police department judicially referred the case.

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

FEB. 8

Late-night jump shots anyone?

At the Georgia State University Football Practice Facility, the Georgia State University Police Department arrested a non-Georgia State offender for a drug law violation and trespassing at 7:29 p.m. The police department cleared the case.

FEB. 9

I was transferring ownership… to myself.

At 1:32 p.m. at Student Center East, the Georgia State University Police Department arrested a non-Georgia State offender for burglary in the second degree and trespassing.

Three’s a crowd.

The Georgia State University Police Department arrested two non-Georgia State offenders and one Georgia State student for a drug law violation at 7:51 p.m. at 112 John Wesley Dobbs Ave.

LOCAL

NATIONAL

GLOBAL

Walmart adds 50 pharmacies that offer COVID-19 vaccines

Trump acquitted in historic second impeachment trial

Ebola cases found in Guinea after five years

According to WSB-TV on Saturday, Walmart added 50 more locations offering the COVID-19 vaccine. Georgia is one of 22 states where Walmart is offering the vaccine to eligible people. Initially, the retail giant announced that it would offer vaccines to Georgia residents in rural areas. Now, Walmart has 14 locations in the metroAtlanta area providing the vaccine.

Saturday, Democrats fell 10 votes short of the two-thirds majority vote needed to impeach former President Donald Trump, according to The New York Times. Senators voted 57-43, with seven Republicans voting guilty for Trump’s impeachment trial. The vote resulted in Trump’s acquittal on the federal level. Now, Democrats are looking to the investigations in Georgia and New York to hold the former president accountable for his alleged actions while still in office.

Health officials confirmed three Ebolarelated deaths in Guinea, ABC News reported on Sunday. According to the ministry of health, an additional four cases were found, bringing the total to seven cases in Guinea since the epidemic ended in 2016. The seven people showed Ebola symptoms after attending the funeral of a nurse in Goueke on Feb. 1. The government has declared the epidemic once again and began contact-tracing.

NEWS

February 16, 2021

WWW.GEORGIASTATESIGNAL.COM/NEWS

Pharmacist preps COVID-19 vaccine.

PHOTO COURTESY OF UNSPLASH.

Georgia State’s medical director explains Phase 1A plans

Dr. Ijeoma Azonobi dispels myths about the COVID-19 vaccine and encourages students to get tested JADA JONES Arts & Living Editor

s Fulton County’s COVID-19 cases exceed 80,000, Georgia State students should be aware of helpful and accessible resources to do their part in minimizing virus spread. These resources include multiple testing sites across campuses and COVID-19 vaccinations for students who meet eligibility requirements. Georgia State’s COVID-19 testing methods, availability and scheduling process evolved since the university began offering tests in August 2020. Previously, Georgia State only offered testing via nasal swab, and they now offer less invasive saliva tests. In the past, saliva tests were less accurate than nasal swab tests, but now their accuracy rates are almost equal. Last semester, students had to schedule an appointment through the Student Health Patient Portal to receive a test. Now, students can walk into any campus testing facility to get tested for COVID-19. Georgia State offers PCR testing, which is considered the “gold standard” of COVID-19 testing. PCR tests detect genetic material specific to the virus, but not all COVID-19 tests are PCR tests. “If it’s a rapid test, it’s not a PCR test,” Dr. Ijeoma Azonobi, Georgia State’s student health clinic director, said. “Be sure to ask what kind of test you are receiving.” PCR test results take hours, and sometimes days, to process. There are two testing sites on the Atlanta campus for all staff and students. Testing is also available once a week in each residence hall. Every Perimeter campus has one testing site. Before receiving a saliva test, the student must not eat, drink or smoke anything for 30 minutes prior. But it is advised to hydrate as much as possible before the 30 minute fasting period to facilitate saliva production. Luckily, saliva tests are more accurate and require less saliva than they did in their infancy. Upon arrival at the testing site, a nurse will guide the student to a socially distanced seat with a saliva test kit. The equipment contains a QR code that will prompt the student to fill out personal information and whether they’ve experienced any COVID-19-related symptoms. Then, spit in the tube to the fill line, replace the tube cap and mix the spit in the tube with a liquid. Once the sample is thoroughly mixed, the student will place

the kit in a biohazard envelope that the nurse will send to a lab. Georgia State recommends every student on campus to receive a COVID-19 test every week, even in the absence of symptoms. “Don’t let my tests sit there and rot,” Dr. Azonobi said. “Please use the tests; we encourage people to get tested. Just walk in, show up and get your test done.” Though mask-wearing, hand washing and social distancing are the foundation of limiting virus spread, Azonobi explained that those methods do not fully protect someone from contracting COVID-19. “None of those are 100%. They’re very good, but they’re not 100%,” Dr. Azonobi said. “Even if people are checking all the boxes, it’s still possible for them to get the disease. As we know, the rates of COVID[-19] have been so high recently, the estimates of how many people actually have the infection are really high, which is why everyone should get tested.” Dr. Azonobi explained Georgia State’s COVID-19 vaccine distribution plan, vaccine side effects, Georgia State community members who qualify for a vaccine right now and when the rest of the Georgia State community can anticipate receiving a vaccine. Georgia is following a vaccine plan that occurs in phases, per the Georgia Department of Public Health. Georgia State is only authorized to distribute vaccines to its community, faculty, staff and enrolled students, based on this plan. Right now, phase 1A+ is in effect, meaning only first responders, healthcare workers, adults 65 and older and longterm care residents and staff can receive a vaccine. “Because Georgia is only in Phase 1A+, we can only vaccinate those in our community who fall within phase 1A+,” Azonobi said. “For example, if you are a police officer who takes classes at Georgia State, you can get vaccinated.” Georgia State’s Health Clinic sent targeted emails to those who currently qualify to receive a vaccine. They included information about where to get vaccinated, how to schedule an appointment and what kind of required documentation to bring. Unsure of when the state health department will move to the next vaccine distribution phase, Dr. Azonobi explains who will be eligible to get the vaccine in phases 1B and 1C. “[Phase] 1B includes faculty and staff. So we’re preparing to give vaccines to faculty and staff,” she said. “Phase 1C includes those

aged 16-64 who have a medical problem that puts them at risk.” Misinformation about COVID-19 vaccine side effects run rampant across the internet, making some people skeptical about getting a vaccine when it will be available to them. Most concerns center around the vaccine’s rapid development. Global research, an unlimited amount of funding and new technology allowed for the speedy production of COVID-19 vaccines. “We’re really good at vaccines,” Dr. Azonobi said. “Every year with the flu vaccine, it’s a new combination. In this particular case, the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines use[d] a new type of technology to come up with the COVID[-19] vaccine.” Many people have concerns about the vaccine’s side effects. Dr. Azonobi explained that vaccine reactions occur in two categories: local and systemic. Symptoms like soreness and pain at the injection site or a sore arm are local reactions, and fatigue, headaches, muscle aches and fever are systemic reactions. But those reactions are completely normal. “All of those reactions are your immune systems doing the work it needs to do in order to develop that immune response that will protect you later on,” she said. “So when you get [a] fever and inflammation, that’s your body’s response to the injection, not the injection itself. So you know it’s working when that happens.” Everyone is ready to regain a sense of normalcy and return to the crowded, bustling lives COVID-19 took away. “A lot of us are experiencing COVID[-19] fatigue,” Dr. Azonobi said. “But, please, we’re getting there, the light at the end of the tunnel is coming with vaccinations, it’s coming. We have to hold on to what we already know we should be doing, so please wear your mask, double mask and avoid large gatherings.” Understanding that many people, especially college students, are social beings that want to congregate, Dr. Azonobi has some advice. “If you’re going to gather with people, social distance and keep your masks on. These are our greatest weapons against COVID-19,” she said. “Staying at a distance from one another and using our masks as well as washing our hands and being cognizant of our hand hygiene are going to be the best tools in terms of prevention and, of course, get tested regularly.”

NEWS

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2021

Kaelen Thomas reflects on 91st administration SGA university-wide president says virtual meetings caused less engagement LEAH LI Staff Reporter

aelen E. Thomas served as the 91st university-wide student body president during the 2020-21 academic year. From the COVID-19 pandemic to the presidential election and racial justice movements, the Student Government Association faced many difficulties and challenges in 2020. Now, Thomas reflects on the year’s challenges and how they managed to thrive. “This past year as SGA President has been the most challenging year, for both myself and within the SGA,” Thomas said. “This year, we had so many competing demands. We had a global pandemic, worldwide response to racial injustice, multiple sexual misconduct cases, high turnover and a sharp decrease in student engagement across the university.” The pandemic is undoubtedly the primary cause for the drop in student engagement. Many courses are online, activities are virtual and gatherings canceled. “Quite frankly, there has never been an administration of SGA which has had to deal with as many compounding issues as the 91st Administration,” Thomas said. “However, we did not shy away from any of the challenges that we faced and have even gone much further than any administration before us.” Though they are away from each other, SGA continues to listen to the student body and fulfill their needs. They hold senate meetings every Thursday at 7:15 p.m. Nonetheless, meeting online feels very different from meeting in-person. “The most challenging aspect to represent the student body virtually has been engagement. While moving virtually has made meetings and events more

accessible to the student body, it also presented some additional challenges,” Thomas said. Attendance is a big issue with virtual meetings. SGA has held senate Microsoft Teams meetings since summer 2020, but they never received as many attendees as in-person meetings. Thomas said many students might not realize there are virtual senate meetings taking place, so they are easy to miss.

“

Quite frankly, there has never been an administration of SGA which has had to deal with as many compounding issues as the 91st Administration.

Kaelen Thomas is proud of their progress on major issues amid COVID, and he thinks that they can do better at keeping students feel engaged.

— KAELEN THOMAS

”

SGA University-Wide President

Technology issues also trouble students since some students do not know how to access Microsoft Teams and often have trouble using it. On top of all these issues, the student body’s campaign promises still needed to be fulfilled. Thomas’ job as SGA president consists of various aspects, including meeting with university representatives and managing day-to-day operations for SGA, such as projects and recruitment. Thomas is proud to announce that SGA successfully followed through on many of their promises with his leadership, even without seeing each other in-person. “Amidst all of the hardships we faced this year, I am most proud of the work we have been able to achieve,” Thomas said. “We have been able to continue to make progress on major issues like restructuring our organization, introducing ranked-choice voting in our elections and transitioning from a universitysponsored student organization to a recognized student organization.” Despite COVID-19 and related challenges, SGA managed to organize events for students’ convenience. For example, at the Downtown Atlanta campus, SGA partnered with Lyft to provide ride codes for students to rideshare to voting locations during the 2020 Presidential Election. It also organized a socially distanced election-watching party on the General Election Day for students to experience the historical event together. There are always some kinds of SGA-organized activities going on. Students can find them easily on the SGA official website and join via the Panther Involvement Network. Most students are satisfied with what SGA has done this year. Senior Paul Bourlet said, “The SGA didn’t mess anything up even if this year is so hard, so I think they are doing good.” However, SGA was more silent in 2020 compared with past years. “The SGA has been quiet all year. I have not heard many things about them,” senior Josh Mancin said. Unlike in-person meetings, online meetings tend to have less social presence, a sense of unfamiliarity and less motivation to attend. As a result, SGA’s online meetings cause many students to feel less engaged and motivated to participate in meetings, preferring the in-person meetings’ past social interactions. Thomas maintains that SGA accomplished much this term, but he also said that there are some things that SGA should have done better. He noted that they could have taken more initiative to increase student engagement and involvement. “We should have done a better job at learning how to let students engage virtually amid the pandemic,” Thomas said. “Regarding the issue that many students missed our senate meetings, I think advertising the meetings more is a good idea so that more students will learn about it and know how to access it.” Thomas also noted that SGA plans to survey more students to plan future events and fulfill their needs and expectations.

PHOTO BY MATT SICILIANO-SALAZAR | THE SIGNAL

THE SIGNAL

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2021

OpenStax stays true to #Freethetextbook by providing college students with access to free textbooks.

PHOTO BY MATT SICILIANO-SALAZAR | THE SIGNAL

#Freethetextbook helps students get free textbooks College textbook costs increase and negatively impact students JANELLE JAMES Staff Reporter

ollege in the U.S. can be one of the most expensive decisions in a person’s lifetime. On top of tuition, universities force students to pay high prices each semester for textbooks, and that price is only increasing. #Freethetextbook is a movement that aims to make textbooks free for college students. This hashtag, created by the non-profit OpenStax, calls for free books for college students and cheaper alternatives to physical copies. OpenStax’s managing director, Daniel Williamson, talked about its success with providing students access to free textbooks. “We currently have 42 titles available, and those are used by over 4.7 million students for this term alone,” Williamson said. “Since we’ve published our first title back in 2012, we have saved students over $1.2 billion.” OpenStax receives investments from foundations and philanthropic societies to continue to support students as much as possible. Although the amount of textbooks for each subject is limited, OpenStax is on track to continue its expansion and availability to more students in the future. “We are currently on track to double the size of our libraries, so we’ll have close to 100 titles over the next four years,” Williamson said. “We are currently in a really [good] position to build up new digital courses and new textbooks so that we cover all of those really high enrollment college course titles, so that’s great news.” OpenStax offers both digital and physical copies of textbooks to students. While online editions are easily accessible, OpenStax also acknowledges the need for physical textbooks by providing more affordable options. “A small, good proportion of students still want physical books, and so those students will go and buy relatively inexpensive textbooks in between 30 and 50 dollars. When students buy those books from us, it helps us keep the books up to date.” Williamson said. “That’s one way we continue to provide for students [as well as] get some earned revenue.” The College Board reports the average American student spends around $1,200 every year on textbooks and class supplies alone. CEO of Cengage, Michael Hansen, said that “the industry is out of touch with students’ thoughts on textbook affordability.” College textbook prices increased by 67% from 2008 to 2018. As the costs increase, students have to make hard decisions about where to spend their money.

Just to afford textbooks, 43% of college students in the U.S. said they skip meals, 69% work a job during the school year, and 31% register for fewer classes. Over 80% of students delay textbook purchases or choose not to buy textbooks or access codes due to the high costs. When students opt out of buying textbooks for courses, they miss out on important course information. To be a full-time student and be eligible for financial aid at Georgia State, the student has to take a minimum of 12 credit hours per semester. Students have to take a full course load to get the financial aid to afford college, potentially purchasing four or more textbooks.

“

Instead of asking students to pay more than they can afford, the company allows students to go in without that fear of how they are going to be able to afford it. — DANIEL WILLIAMSON

”

OpenStax Managing Director

Access codes also contribute to the rising costs of textbooks. Because access codes and textbooks sell in bundles, students must pay the price, no matter how expensive. For many classes, students can only access

graded assignments by purchasing an access code. So, if students can’t afford to pay for the codes, they cannot take the class. Because many providers bundle textbooks and access codes together, returning textbooks with access codes is no longer possible. “This change … represents part of a corporatization of education, where the sharing of knowledge has become another business opportunity, and maximizing profits come above the will to foster open intellectual discourse,” the Harvard Crimson editorial board states. Instead of helping students become more knowledgeable about their studies, textbook sales have become a business that takes away more money from students when many are already in debt. The #Freethetextbook movement combats that problem and gives more power back to the students. OpenStax chose the hashtag to help students and to spread more awareness. “We are the underdogs, constantly working to get better [and] constantly working to make sure that faculty who need and want our resources to have access to them and know about them,” Williamson said. “We’re doing well, but we’re still young, and we still have a ways to go.” OpenStax’s website states that textbooks should be free because that is the only affordable and accessible price for all students. “Every school should have free (actually free, not free with an asterisk) textbooks and OER now, allowing every student to succeed,” OpenStax’s website states. Since the movement is still in its infancy, they need to reach out and network with more students and administrators so that, one day, it will be possible for all college students to have access to free textbooks. “Instead of asking students to pay more than they can afford, the company allows students to go in without that fear of how they are going to be able to afford it,” Williamson said. Williamson believes that change must occur before all students could have access to free textbooks and course materials. “The question is, are we willing to change? Are we willing to step away from the traditional publisher model that includes services and support? That’s a big question, and it requires a lot of motivation,” Williamson said.

OPINIONS

WWW.GEORGIASTATESIGNAL.COM/OPINIONS

February 16, 2021

Social media: the good, the bad, the ugly Our digital world can be toxic, but we can’t escape it CALLIE MCNORTON Associate Opinions Editor

PHOTO BY HARRY WYMAN | THE SIGNAL

Students can schedule meetings for assistance with anger management at the Counseling and and Testing Center, located inside 75 Piedmont.

Anger Management Helps You keep your cool

How anger management helps you in your day-to-day lives GABBY MILLER Staff Columnist

veryone experiences a time when they are angry about something. It could be someone cutting you off while driving or getting into an argument with your significant other. Anger management can help relationships become less toxic. We all feel it from time to time, but some people cannot control their anger. We need to look for extra help so anger will not ruin our lives. Anger can come from constant stress, which can affect your physical health. High levels of anger can cause you to be susceptible to heart disease, diabetes, a weakened immune system, insomnia and high blood pressure. These can affect your performance in daily tasks, especially if you suffer from a weakened immune system and insomnia. Your mental health can also be significantly affected. Chronic anger uses a considerable amount of mental energy. It can cloud your thinking and make things harder to concentrate on. It can also prevent you from enjoying your life, leading to stress and possible mental illnesses like depression because of how draining it can be. In a work environment, getting angry is the last thing you should do. Constructive criticism and creative differences can be helpful in a

workplace. But, lashing out in anger can create a distance between you and your co-workers, supervisors and customers.

“

Chronic anger uses a considerable amount of mental energy. It can cloud your thinking and make things harder to concentrate on.

”

— GABBY MILLER

Staff Columnist

Lashing out in anger can also hurt the people you have a relationship with.

Explosive outrage makes trusting you harder. Anger can become a toxic trait in many people. It is normal to be angry now and then, but it becomes a part of your personality if it is a regular occurrence for you. Anger management can help you understand what is behind your anger. Sometimes it is hard to understand your feelings, especially if they are so extreme. Anger management enables you to explore what is behind your anger and why you behave a certain way. Anger can also stem from what you learned as a child, from stress or feeling out of control. It is helpful to understand your triggers with your anger to avoid embarrassing yourself or hurting others. Motivations can stem from stressful situations, trauma or negative thoughts. Anger management is hard to deal with, but you get so many benefits if you put the steps in. Some people can control their emotions better than others, but anger management proves that anyone has the chance to do it.

he world around us has slowly turned into a two-by-five screen that we can fit in our pocket. In 2020, there were 3.6 billion social media users and a projected number of 4.41 billion by 2025. While the majority of the world is online, it has become a toxic environment. Comparison is the thief of joy, and we do it day in and day out. On Instagram or Facebook, we see influencers and people around us living picture-perfect lives. On LinkedIn or Twitter, we see others’ achievements and thoughts. We begin to feel underqualified, boring and anything but picture perfect. However, we can’t live without it. “The association between social media and well-being is complex and reciprocal ... higher use of social media predicts decreases in life satisfaction; and decreasing life satisfaction also predicts subsequent increases in social media use,” Our World in Data states. Social media had an almost two-decade-long journey to get where it is today. There is finally a conversation about ethical products, or a lack thereof.

our thoughts. “[It] made me feel I should stay away from social media... but here I am tweeting about it on social media,” a Twitter user said after watching the docu-drama. How can we know how awful social media is yet continue to use it? For starters, we get to experience the pure intent of social media: connecting. Whether with family across the sea, friends from your hometown or your favorite singer on tour, it is a unique experience to be a part of. Even though it is through a screen, we are plugged into the world. Another significant advantage of social media is networking and careerbuilding. There are 500,000 active influencers on Instagram. Marketers use influencers for brand deals, ads and promotion. Aside from the small group of influencers, almost all careers can be built from social media. There are 500 million users on LinkedIn, which is a great way to share your resume, refine your portfolio and network with professionals. Also, social media is the first impression to employers. In the last year, social justice has risen to the center stage on social media. Without all of the resources made available through circulating posts, it would be difficult to feel engaged. Important movements like Black Lives Matter were widespread, with “where to buy Black” and “Black-owned” searches doubling in 2020. The world as we know it relies on social media. It is so easy to compare — CALLIE MCNORTON ourselves to past generations and reflect on the negatives of Associate Opinions social media. It is important to Editor remember that technological advancements are a part of the “The Social Dilemma” fabric of the human race. on Netflix was a big We just so happened to turning point, revealing the be the guinea pigs for social effects of data collection, media, and we can’t live misinformation, and the way without it. social media can manipulate

“

The world as we know it relies on social media.

”

OPINIONS

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2021

Don’t eulogize the movie theaters just yet

Movie theaters are still an essential part of our social lives ABIR ODEH Staff Columnist

he phrase, “I’ll see you at the movies,” is starting to feel more like an ending to a eulogy, a goodbye, rather than a confirmation to your friends about plans for the weekend. It’s no secret that movie theaters aren’t doing well, and this past year was especially crippling. Theaters rely on high-grossing box-office movies throughout the year. During 2020, the films that would’ve kept companies like AMC and Regal Cinemas afloat went straight to streaming. Disney’s “Mulan” and Pixar’s “Soul” and “Onward” are some of the movies that would’ve grossed highly had they gone to theaters. When they went straight to streaming platforms, they might as well have signed movie theaters’ death certificates and nailed the coffin down tight. But taking these movies straight to streaming was the safest way to continue creating content without jeopardizing the lives of thousands.

“

But taking these movies straight to streaming was the safest way to continue creating content without jeopardizing the lives of thousands.

”

— ABIR ODEH

Staff Columnist In this case, the means did justify the ends, albeit the end is the last shuddering breath of our favorite movie theaters.

Rush in the emergency ventilators because I am not ready to say goodbye to movie theaters just yet. Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and Disney Plus are great, but they aren’t movie theaters. There is something magical about the dark auditorium and the loudspeakers that you can’t find at home in your living room. Like so many of you, I grew up going to the movies. It was my place to hang out with friends, a way to celebrate birthdays and generally a getaway for two or three hours. Movie theaters encourage the unspeakable: they ask you to turn off your phone and turn your attention to the giant screen and state-of-theart speakers for a few hours. They are a place to celebrate and appreciate the art of filmmaking. Movies are a place of memories, culture and friendship. It’s one of the few places where strangers from all around are willing to sit together in a closed auditorium and respect each other’s boundaries and preferences to watch a film. Turning your phone off for uninterrupted entertainment while leaning back with your buttery popcorn is the best feeling. Everyone knows that the prices are highway robbery, but there is nothing like movie theater popcorn. In August 2020, AMC made news headlines with 1920 admissions ticket prices, just 15 cents. But as tempting as 15 cents a ticket sounds, the safe allure of my living room and flat-screen won out. But at home, for some strange reason, we are more inclined to watch TV shows than we are to watch a movie. So again, movie theaters are still a necessary part of American social life. I feel like I am saying goodbye to Blockbuster repeatedly, but unlike Blockbuster, I don’t think it is quite the time to mourn for movie theaters. Someday soon, I’ll see you at the movies.

ILLUSTRATION BY MONIQUE ROJAS | THE SIGNAL

2021 Oscar nominee predictions for the big six

David Fischer’s “Mank” could win four of the big six categories DORIAN ROSENBURG Staff Columnist

ith Oscar nominations approaching and the Golden Globe and SAG ballots already in, the awards race is heating up as we near the biggest night in Hollywood. The ongoing pandemic created much uncertainty around films in 2020. With most notable films being pushed back, the 2021 awards race seemed to lack any real contenders. Nonetheless, some astounding films were brought to life within the past year and will assuredly be nominated for an Academy Award.

Best Picture

Streaming services produced six out of the ten movies listed as predictions for Best Picture nominations this past year. This is an excellent representation of how the film industry adapted to the pandemic by releasing artisan and blockbuster hits on streaming platforms instead of theaters. “Mank’’ seems to have the most buzz around its campaign with several nominations and a likely nod for director David Fincher. Golden Globe critics poorly received “Minari,’’ but it was genuinely registered by the SAG awards, making it a probable underdog. 1. “Mank” 2. “Promising Young Woman” 3. “Nomadland” 4. “Judas and the Black Messiah” 5. “Minari” 6. “One Night in Miami…” 7. “Soul” 8. “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” 9. “The Father” 10. “The Trial of the Chicago 7”

Best Director

Audiences have scrutinized the Best Director category over the years for its lack of female representation. Most recently, audiences took issue with Greta Gerwig’s snub for “Little Women.”

I am delighted but still wary that three out of the five predicted nominees are women. I am worried that the Academy may be dumping all of their female representation into one year, resulting in no representation whatsoever after this triumphant season. After all, they did it before after the “Oscar so white” ordeal. Two promising names from this list include Emerald Fennell and David Fincher. With Fincher late into his career, he is likely to receive the nod. 1. Chloé Zhao - “Nomadland” 2. David Fincher - “Mank” 3. Regina King - “One Night in Miami…” 4. Emerald Fennell - “Promising Young Woman” 5. Aaron Sorkin - “The Trial of the Chicago 7”

Best Actor

Chadwick Boseman’s filmography and soon-to-be Oscar win will cement his legacy forever. The predicted nominations for Best Actor are quite impressive, to say the least, in terms of their diversity and estate. However, with the recent loss of Chadwick Boseman, he will undoubtedly secure a nomination and win for his remarkable work in “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom.” 1. Gary Oldman - “Mank” 2. Chadwick Boseman - “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” 3. Anthoney Hopkins - “The Father” 4. Tahar Rahim - “The Mauritanian” 5. Riz Ahmed - “The Sound of Metal”

Best Actress

The most competitive category on this list, the Best Actress nominations, saw some of the best work done within any category this year. Carey Mulligan had an outstanding awards campaign and truly has the performance to back it. However, the breakout performance given by Vannessa Kirby is sure to win over several votes.

1. Viola Davis - “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” 2. Carey Mulligan - “Promising Young Woman” 3. Vannessa Kirby - “Pieces of a Woman” 4. Frances McDormand “Nomadland” 5. Andra Day - “The United States vs. Billie Holiday”

Best Supporting Actor

Creating the list for Best Supporting Actor nominees was the most challenging out of each category. The Best Actor position traditionally overshadows any coverage the supporting actor may receive during the awards race, making it an underdog category. This group’s standout performance deservedly goes to Daniel Kaluuya, with Jared Leto sneaking into the awards race with two nominations. Daniel Kaluuya - “Judas and the Black Messiah” Jared Leto - “The Little Things” Leslie Odom Jr. - “One Night in Miami…” Sacha Baron Cohen - “The Trial of the Chicago 7” Bill Murray - “On the Rocks”

Best Supporting Actress

The Best Supporting Actress predictions are filled with heavy-hitting veterans and newcomers who stand their ground through exceptional supporting roles. The awards race seems to center around 12-year-old Helena Zengel and Bulgarian actress Maria Bakalova. 1. Olivia Coleman - “The Father” 2. Jodie Foster - “The Mauritanian” 3. Amanda Seyfried - “Mank” 4. Maria Bakalova - “Borat: Subsequent Moviefilm” 5. Helena Zengel - “News of the World”

This Week’s Spread: Arts & Living WWW.GEORGIASTATESIGNAL.COM/ARTSANDLIVING

Online persona vs. real-life presence

An OnlyFans creator and an entertainer discuss their online presence ISA CARDONA Associate Arts & Living Editor

n the age of technology, social media has transitioned into a tool for promoting someone or their work. Still, it’s difficult to understand whether someone’s profile represents them accurately in their real life. Sophomore Bailey Underwood came across an OnlyFans promotion circulating social media before deciding to join in August 2020. When the pandemic started, many people joined the content subscription site, trying to make an income amid widespread job insecurity. Underwood was in a tough spot: She was out of work, she broke her foot, and she needed to find a way to pay her school and medical bills. “Starting an OnlyFans was based on the money at first,” Underwood said. “I just opened up the app, and I was like, ‘Might as well just create an account and see what happens.’” Underwood works multiple day jobs and sees her work on OnlyFans as a mix between a side hustle and sex work. “I’m putting my body out there. I’m presenting myself a certain way, and I’m making money off of my body,” she said. “But then, for me, it’s like a hustle because you have to be smart about it and do things that would get you more followers or more likes and more money.” Underwood’s online persona, called “babyplutoxxx,” comes from a name influenced by the rapper Lil Uzi Vert. She uses the alter ego to get in touch with her more sexual and confident side. On Instagram and Twitter, Baby Pluto takes control of OnlyFans promotion, as she posts censored pictures to give potential subscribers a glimpse of her content. There are many misconceptions and presumptions about any form of sex work, but there’s a higher level of exposure when that work is online and easily accessible. Sophomore Manni Lawerence, also known as Manni Supreme, is the “World’s Most Energetic” entertainer who’s equally outgoing online and in person. PHOTO SUBMITTED BY MANNI SUPREME & PAGE DESIGN BY EVAN KOENIGS | THE SIGNAL

Because Underwood uses her social media to promote her content, many people believe that she’s always like her persona and willing to have sex at any given moment. “I’ve had a lot of issues with guys, and I would say one of the main impacts [of having an OnlyFans] has been my dating life,” she said. “You know, guys will hit me up on Instagram and say really nasty, disrespectful things.” She’s also mistaken for someone who has sex in exchange for money and receives numerous messages with these kinds of offers. “The point of OnlyFans is that I’m not meeting up with anyone,” Underwood said. “I’m in control of it. It’s just me and whoever I’m shooting with.” A primary concern with having an OnlyFans is maintaining privacy. Underwood’s mother became aware of her OnlyFans early in her career due to a privacy breach. “Someone who knew me, like a college student, sent all my content to my sorority president and my mom’s work email through an anonymous message,” she said. Underwood explains that it’s tricky to balance promoting her content and exposing too much on social media. She believes it’s important to separate her real life from OnlyFans. “Both lives can intertwine, but I think that having a separation is good because you still want to keep

Manni Lawrence, better known as “Manni Supreme” on social media, is known as the “Most Energetic Entertainer.” His presence is everywhere, from radio shows to student news reporting, and Lawrence’s YouTube channel has over 10,000 subscribers, with his most popular video exceeding 200,000 views. When Lawrence started his YouTube channel, people used to joke and ask him why he had so much energy. During an impromptu rap battle with friends over PS4, Lawrence came up with the lyric, “I’m the most energetic entertainer.” The name has stuck since then. As an entertainer, he often hosts parties and helps to organize live events. His skill in the entertainment industry tied with his outgoing personality gave him the chance to create a robust, online presence that matches his real-life personality. Social media dramatically affects the way Lawrence promotes himself and finds opportunities. He received a spot on MTV’s “Revenge Prank” due to his online presence. A representative from Gobstopper TV sent him a direct message with the offer. “I thought it was a hoax when I got the DM at first. I’m like, ‘Why would you be reaching out to me?’” Lawrence said. In Lawrence’s opinion, social media allows him to showcase his energy to the masses. “[With social media, I can show] who I am and how I act regularly. Like how even the furniture in the room and I just get along, you know?” he said. “Just showing that energy has helped put me in a position that I can only thank God for.” Lawrence is only a sophomore and has gained a lot of success as an entertainer in a short amount of time, including interviewing rappers like Mulatto and attending high-end events like

your sense of identity in a way,” she said. In her regular, day-to-day life, Underwood is just like any other college student. She’s a fulltime student, juggling 15 credit hours as a business marketing and computer information systems double major. She’s also working towards getting into law school. Underwood is connected to her spirituality and loves simple things like cooking and hanging out with friends. While she uses the site to make money, Underwood sees the endeavor as an opportunity to have fun and gain confidence. “OnlyFans is my way of expressing myself in a feminine way,” she said. Sex work is not easy money, and Underwood wants anyone interested in pursuing this type of work to be aware of the pros and cons. It takes a good support group, tough skin and a strong sense of self-worth to succeed on the platform. “Don’t be worried about other people because no matter what you do or post on social media, someone is going to say something,” she said. “Someone is not going to like what you’re posting, and it doesn’t matter what. OnlyFans made me realize you do not need the approval of everyone, which I think I was striving for so long.”

rapper Lil Baby’s birthday party. At Lil Baby’s birthday party, he met DJ Drama, a record executive who Lawerence believes is the most famous person that follows his content. “He came up to me, and he was like, ‘Hey man, I’ve been following your YouTube, keep doing what you’re doing,’” Lawrence said. “There were a whole bunch of celebrities at this event, and I’m just there…it was crazy. Like it was surreal.” Lawrence’s typical day looks just as busy as it does on his Instagram stories, from meetings with GSU Spotlight as a live event director to hosting the Atlanta Hawks Talon GC live Twitch stream. He’s usually hosting, doing schoolwork, working on YouTube or helping people manage their social media accounts. “My life is continuous. I feel like I’m a hamster on a wheel,” he said. “You know, how the world is just spinning. That’s my head on a continuum, but it’s good. I like to be productive.” Despite the more extravagant events Lawrence hosts and attends, he believes his coolest event was being a kids’ summer camp counselor. As a counselor of many years, Lawrence hosted summertime conferences and planned activities for the children. These conferences were one of his first experiences hosting large amounts of people. “It was just very thrilling to me to see the kids’ faces, responses to different things that I would have them do at the conferences, and it just made me feel so good,” he said. In the future, Lawrence’s dream is to host a latenight show of his own. “I’m going to take over for Jimmy Fallon,” Lawrence said. “I want ‘The Tonight Show with Manni Supreme.’ That’s my ultimate goal.”

ARTS & LIVING

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February 16, 2021

Top music picks in honor of Black History Month

A modern-day take on Black History Month’s musical influences KARA MARTIN Staff Reporter

Refuge Coffee Company aims to provide an inclusive and diverse community in their hometown, Clarkston, Georgia.

PHOTO BY HARRY WYMAN | THE SIGNAL

Seeking refuge and community in a warm cup of coffee

Refuge Coffee Co. provides employment and education for refugees DEENA KAYYALI Staff Reporter

he life of a refugee is challenging. Forced to abandon their entire lives to flee war and disaster, refugees create an entirely new world for themselves and their families. By recognizing the struggles of starting over, Refuge Coffee Co. operates to build unity and a supportive community. Georgia has one of the highest intakes of refugees in the country, embracing 37,000 refugees over the last 25 years. The employees of Refuge come from around the world, including Sudan, Iran and Kenya. Many chose Clarkston county, the birthplace of Refuge Coffee Co., as their new home. Kitti and Bill Murray are the founders of Refuge. The couple didn’t see themselves as business owners, but after moving to Clarkston and witnessing refugees’ struggles, they knew they needed to do something to help. During an interview with Atlanta Magazine in 2017, Kitti Murray described the beginnings of her business.

“The number one job refugees get [in Clarkston] is at a chicken processing plant one and a half hours away. It’s a survival job, not a thriving job,” Murray said. “Our goal is to provide jobs and job training for refugees, but it’s also to serve the community. We want to reflect the culture and flavors of the community, which is vastly varied.” Along with being an inclusive coffee shop, Refuge serves as a nonprofit organization. The company handles employees’ living expenses and provides career tools to begin a new chapter in America. They offer English classes, a business mentorship program and entrepreneur training. Coming from a refugee family, Omar Husseini described his appreciation for Refuge giving immigrants a fighting chance and opportunities to better themselves. “My grandparents were forced to become refugees at a young age, so this place makes me smile every time I see it,” he said. “As a son of two immigrant parents, I know how hard the transition coming to the [U.S.] is. My parents always told

me stories about the difficulties, and it can only be harder right now during a pandemic.” Junior Anna Rashid lives in Clarkston county with her family. Inspired by the cafe, they regularly find themselves with a cup of coffee at Refuge. “My first time experiencing Refuge Coffee, I instantly fell in love with the environment,” she said. “I immediately felt a warm welcome, especially after talking to the employees and learning about the purpose of the cafe.” With locations in Clarkston and on Auburn Avenue, the coffee company has created a welcoming haven for those who lost nearly everything they had. “The founders of the cafe have created a beautiful and safe environment for everyone who enters it,” Rashid said. “It’s a way to help refugees and immigrants get a job that can actually create a happy life for them and their families, as well as form a diverse community where anyone can go enjoy a cup of coffee.”

hile celebrating another year of Black History Month, it is imperative to acknowledge Black people’s contributions toward the music scene. Black History Month is a nationally recognized holiday whose observance began in 1976, and people continue to celebrate it and prominent Black figures every day. As a category of Black history, music continues to evolve over the years. No matter the genre, Black people always know how to make good music and a good time. This playlist, consisting of music from the 1970s and the 2000s, is a modern-day representation of Black history.

1. “Wake Up Everybody” by John Legend feat. The Roots, Common and Melanie Fiona.

Harold Melvin, The Blue Notes and Teddy Pendergrass created this song in 1975. John Legend’s modern and upbeat rendition of the song gives off positive and hopeful vibes. Both versions of this song gave Black people hope and motivation to keep on doing the best they can despite dealing with racial inequality in the world around them. With its cheerful chorus, it makes it hard to stay in a bad mood for long.

2. “Freedom” by Beyoncé feat. Kendrick Lamar. Given the title and the lyrics of this song, this track is not only a fight song but a cry for freedom. This song, released in 2016, is an anthem for many people who find every day to be a constant battle to make it through the world. Themes of perseverance, unity and racial discrimination charge through this song, as

Beyoncé calls for the Black community to come together and demand their long-overdue freedom. The song asks the same question Black people continually ask: “Freedom, where are you?” Beyoncé and Kendrick Lamar graced the stage at the BET Awards in 2016 to perform this powerful song. Lamar’s raw and bold feature with Beyoncé’s colorful vocals makes this a timeless song.

3. “Do It On The Tip” by Megan Thee Stallion feat. The City Girls.

Megan Thee Stallion has topped the hip-hop charts all year long and has yet to let up. She dropped her well anticipated album in November 2020, and this epic collaboration brought together people from different area codes to rejoice in yet another “hot girl” anthem. Megan Thee Stallion never fails to give Black girls the confidence they might need with her explicit lyrics along with the City Girls’ rhythmic bars.

4. “Good Days” by SZA.

Although SZA is known for her mumbling melodies, she has a voice that makes people want to take a breath of fresh air and smell the roses. With such grace and soothing tones, “Good Days” is one of the few songs that SZA published, and it became quite the fan favorite in the R&B world. SZA’s music creates an atmosphere for Black people to be carefree and fall in love with themselves and the world around them. Despite her dropping music at a moderate rate, she still manages to release beautiful works of art. Whether someone’s favorite music genre is pop, jazz or rock, Black people use music to heal, praise and cry through all of their experiences.

ARTS&LIVING

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2021

Demystifying Depop: Handmade treasures Depop is a trending social selling app for unique items COLE PODANY Staff Reporter

epop, a platform where people can buy and sell secondhand items, is remarkably similar to Instagram. Depop’s modern interface is a never-ending flood of edited photos that include colorful backgrounds, filters or bright stickers. Users curate a feed aesthetic and seek a specific style when making posts on their page. Unlike Instagram, though, users don’t just interact with others. They buy and sell items. Freshman Tessa Wessel started her Depop shop in the summer of 2019. “I was initially drawn to Depop because of the aesthetic-based nature of the app,” Wessel said. Wessel is a verified top seller on Depop and sold over 900 items. She sources the items on her store from thrift stores, storage auctions and friends. “One of the main goals of my shop, in particular, is sustainability through selling clothes to those who otherwise would’ve purchased them [at a] retail [store],” Wessel says. Freshman Emma Sullivan sells her used clothes to prevent them from ending up in a landfill. Sullivan joined Depop because a friend of hers found success thanks to the app’s communitybased atmosphere, which gives sellers opportunities to connect with customers. “Most of [the items in my shop] are actually from my own closet,” Sullivan said. “When I came to campus, I felt like I brought too many clothes … so I started selling the clothes I wasn’t wearing.” It’s common for sellers to post a biography on their account, also known as a “meet the seller” post. Sellers often put social media account handles in their shop biographies. Georgia State alum Emily M. Getsay and

senior Jay Haden co-own a Depop store, selling handmade items. “If [they’re reselling] at like a skyrocketed amount, I just feel like that’s taking advantage of the system,” Getsay said. “I do feel like I see a lot of folks in thrift stores... buying up all the trendy T-shirts, and then they’re going to be posting them on their Depop.” Sellers also frequently sell open and used products on Depop. One Depop user listed two “slightly used” eyeshadow palettes for $1.50 each, plus shipping. The seller did not mention sanitizing the products or taking other precautions. Another user listed a “rarely used” Naked 3 eyeshadow palette for $20. This price is a discount from the item’s retail price of $54, but the used palette’s real cost may be one’s health. Sharing eye makeup can cause eye infection and spread disease. Depop’s strong sense of community also creates an atmosphere where creative and handmade items thrive. Getsay and Haden’s shop is home to industrial chains and custom apparel that reflects the queer community. “My partner and I make everything in my shop. He’s a textile major, and I’m a photography grad, but I also do a lot of metalwork,” Getsay said. “I can make all of our jewelry, but we [collaborate on] all of the apparel together.” Sellers post handmade items on Depop that one can’t find elsewhere, like stuffed animal backpacks and clay meme earrings. “Other platforms are definitely different from Depop,” Wessel said. “Unlike other selling apps that focus on just reselling products, Depop has definitely built a community around photography, creating clothing and building certain styles for each shop.”

Playboi Carti’s release of “Whole Lotta Red” was polarizing, with some critics giving it high praise while others criticized it.

PHOTO BY MATT SICILIANO-SALAZAR | THE SIGNAL

‘Whole Lotta Waiting’ for a Playboi Carti album

A look back at the hype behind one of 2020’s biggest albums DESMOND LEAKE Staff Reporter

tlanta native Playboi Carti’s long-anticipated sophomore album “Whole Lotta Red” dropped on Dec. 25, 2020. The album was his first full release following his 2018 album “Die Lit.” “Whole Lotta Red’’s reception was polarizing. Some outlets gave the album a high score, praising its experimental production. Others said the album was grating and uninspiring. Sophomore Guillermo Flores discussed how the album differed from his previous projects. “He’s changing his approach with his sound and taking more inspiration from emo influences,” he said. “It will not appeal to the general public but more toward fans of that aesthetic.” “Whole Lotta Red” marks a shift for Playboi Carti sonically and aesthetically. He embraces his vampire-themed aesthetic on tracks like “Vamp Anthem,” which would not sound out of place in a horror film. The album’s cover wears its punk influence on its sleeve, inspired by L.A. punk magazine Slash. For listeners like Carson Stanley, the album was a breath of fresh air. “I like the way he experimented with his vocal[s] and the attention to detail,” he said. “I think a lot of rap music over the next few years [is] going to mimic this album’s sound.” Others, like sophomore Lucy Luckovich, were not as impressed. “I was looking forward to the album, and while I did like a few songs off the album, most of them felt rushed and displayed a lack of intention or

craftsmanship,” she said. The album’s hype came off the heels of two years of teasers and a tumultuous production cycle. Playboi Carti began previewing snippets of songs that would be on the first version of the album while on tour for his debut album. In 2019, he featured on Tyler, the Creator’s “EARFQUAKE,” spawning memes about his highpitched “baby voice.”

“

He’s changing his approach with his sound and taking more inspiration from emo influences.

”

— GUILLERMO FLORES

Georgia State Sophomore

The baby voice would come to its peak in his appearance on the leaked Young Nudy’s song “Pissy Pamper/Kid Cudi.” “Pissy Pamper,” with its high-

pitched vocals and frantic enunciation, is probably the most well-known leak of Carti’s. A version uploaded by a fan to Spotify featuring only Carti’s verse made the number-one spot on Spotify’s United States Viral 50 Chart. For much of 2019, leaks defined Carti’s music as opposed to any solo music. Leaks like “Cancun” would be the only new music fans would receive aside from a few features. The leaks were widespread and numerous, with YouTube playlists containing over 100 leaked songs with millions of views. He teased that the album would drop within 60 days on July 28, 2019, but that was an empty promise. Carti released his first solo track since 2018 with “@ MEH” on April 16, 2020. Despite the anticipation of the album’s drop, Carti went silent on social media until Nov. 23 where he announced on Instagram that he “turned in” the longawaited album. The hype cycle for Playboi Carti’s album is a fascinating one. Fans on his subreddit posted memes every Friday to cope with the unreleased album. One of the most unexpected developments was when Atlanta rapper Mario Judah released his version of “Whole Lotta Red’’ due to Carti not dropping. Playboi Carti’s “Whole Lotta Red,” especially its hype cycle, is one of the most controversial topics in rap in recent years, and it will be fascinating to see where his career goes in the future.

SPORTS

February 16, 2021

WWW.GEORGIASTATESIGNAL.COM/SPORTS

Georgia State’s pitching staff on the rise What to expect from an exceptional 2021 class JULIAN HARDEN Staff Reporter

The GSU midfielder, Ana Diaz, looks to join the national team for World Cup Qualifiers in fall 2021.

PHOTO SUBMITTED BY ANA DIAZ

Ana Diaz slated to join the Puerto Rican Women’s National Team

Diaz’s standout freshman season put her on the radar ERIK INDRISANO Associate Sports Reporter

ne of the greatest honors for any athlete to achieve is getting to represent your home country, playing the sport you love. For Georgia State women’s soccer player Ana Diaz, this dream recently became a reality. The call to join the Puerto Rican national team came shortly after Diaz’s freshman season came to an end, which meant the world. “[Getting called up] meant a lot, especially because I love representing Puerto Rico. I’m happy they even considered me,” Diaz said. “I love the coaching staff. The players are really welcoming. I’m just really excited in general and really happy to have this opportunity.” While this is the first time Diaz will step into the official national roster, the Georgia State midfielder had the chance to play for the under-20’s national team before becoming a Panther. Diaz competed in the CONCACAF Women’s U-20 Championship, a first for the Puerto Rican National Team. During this tournament, Diaz had the opportunity to compete against some of the best women in her age bracket and even aided Puerto Rico to qualify for the knockout stages. “It was a really cool experience, in general, to just play internationally because you get to meet people from all around,” Diaz said. “It was nice to see a different level

of soccer from a different point of view.” Diaz got ready to begin her collegiate career and freshman year from here. For the Georgia native, it was a no brainer to choose Georgia State.

“

I think [Georgia] State has helped me a lot; I think I’m a completely different player than I was before I came in freshman year.

”

— ANA DIAZ

Women’s Soccer Midfielder

“I wanted something that was very competitive, but I also like the city environment,” Diaz said. “[I visited] and

loved the program; I loved the coach, and the style of play they have is the style I like to play.” Diaz took full advantage of her first season on the squad, earning a starting role and helping the Panthers amass a 10-3-2 record. The midfielder ended the season with one goal and one assist in 13 starts for the Panthers, with her one goal being a memorable game-winner against rival Georgia Southern. “[Scoring against Georgia Southern] was crazy, it was tied, it was overtime,” Diaz said. “[I scored] in the opposite corner, adrenaline came over my body, everyone was screaming, it was a great moment for me.” After concluding the season, Diaz got the notification she would be invited to join the Puerto Rican national team for a pair of friendlies set in the Dominican Republic on Feb. 18 and 21. The friendlies will allow the coaches to determine who will join them in the World Cup qualifiers set for fall 2021. For Diaz, she attributes this opportunity to her time at Georgia State. “I think [Georgia] State has helped me a lot; I think I’m a completely different player than I was before I came in freshman year,” Diaz said. “I see the game differently, so I definitely think that’s going to help me going into the national team.”

he 2021 season for Georgia State baseball is right around the corner, and the pitching staff is shaping up nicely. After the 2020 season ended abruptly, the new Panther rotation did not have a chance to show its full potential. Georgia State in the offseason added 13 talented recruits, including ten in-state products. Pitching is emphasized for the 2021 class as nine new arms will dawn Panther blue in the spring. “We are thrilled for the 2021 signing class and what the future holds for our program,” Stromdah, now in his second season as head coach, said. However, in 2021 the Panthers landed a reliable crop of new pitchers to its recruitment class. The most touted pitcher from the recruiting class is Will Cannon, a right-hand pitcher out of Central High School in Alabama. Canon is a Perfect Game Top 500 recruit and threw a team-high 30 innings while posting an exceptional 2.33 earned run average. Canon projects as a starter for the Panthers and head coach Brad Stromdahl is excited to see him throw. Since moving to the Sun Belt in 2013, the Panthers have struggled to gather a competitive pitching core. Stromdahl and the new coaching staff are tackling the pitching head-on in his second recruiting trip. Pitching will be a focal point of the new regime going forward at Georgia State. The Panthers also recruited Micah Underwood out of Cartersville. Underwood posted an incredible 0.34 ERA with an outstanding 30 strikeouts. “Micah has tremendous upside,” Stromdahl said. “His strike-throwing ability and current

strikeout numbers showcase someone who can contribute immediately in the Sun Belt.” The Panthers have their work cut out for them in an extremely competitive Sun Belt Conference. Coastal Carolina, Georgia Southern and Texas State will be challenging for this upcoming Panther squad. Making things more challenging are the reigning conference champions Coastal Carolina Chanticleers, who are poised to make another run to Omaha. The newly-minted recruits will have to grow up quickly with not just a tough conference but a rigorous schedule overall. The Panthers will play 13 ranked opponents in 2021, including five in their first 13 games. The recruits will pitch against the best the college baseball world offers, and the games will give the recruits much-needed experience. In the shortened 2020 season, the Panthers’ pitching staff showed early signs of improvement. The staff had solid outings against quality programs such as Cincinnati and St. Johns. The new Panthers rotation will also face off against their in-state rivals such as Georgia, Georgia Tech and Kennesaw State. With the Atlanta Classic canceled for the 2021 season, the new rotation is thrown into the fire, starting the new college season. However, with the talented crop of pitching recruits, Georgia State baseball is closer than ever to being competitive once again. Georgia State will begin the season at home against the West Virginia Mountaineers on Friday.

SPORTS

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2021

Panthers open golf season with a top-5 finish Freshmen Mugnier and Anger stand out in collegiate debuts AARON WILSON JR. Staff Reporter

Maxence Mugnier and senior Ashton Poole led the Panthers as each tied for seventh place at fiveunder-par. Mugnier was not the only freshman to make his debut (nor finish under par), as Elliot Anger made his collegiate debut in South Carolina. Returning senior Josh Edgar, however, did not find it so easy at the start. Though head coach Chad Wilson could get the team into many qualifying rounds, it still felt different for the Panthers. “Yes, there was some rust there as I got off to a slow start. After that, I felt like I played well but just couldn’t get the putts to drop,” Edgar said, but all was not lost as he rebounded on day two to finish even at the end of the tournament. “I got more comfortable on the course, being back in competition and tried to learn from the mistakes I made the previous day.” Edgar knows the future is bright for the team this year and the strong start emphasized that, adding to his excitement to begin his final run. “We have a lot of potential this year! We have an experienced team with three seniors taking the extra year of eligibility as well as two French freshmen (Mugnier and Anger) who have a lot of talent,” he said. “They were both under par for their first collegiate event, which is a great feat.” On a personal level, — JOSH EDGAR Edgar is grateful to the NCAA and Georgia State Senior Men’s for letting him and his Golf Player fellow seniors finish off Thanks to the their careers on their NCAA’s response to the terms after their futures 2020 spring season’s were left uncertain. dismemberment, they “It was a sigh of relief settled into form with a because I was unsure rich blend of youth and whether I wanted to seasoned golfers rather turn pro after college or quickly. if I was going to give it Two players in up,” he said. “This extra particular had great year has enabled me to weekends; one in his work hard at my game college debut and the and decide that turning other in his final opening professional is something tournament. Freshman I want to do.” eturning multiple seniors, the Georgia State men’s golf team opened their season on Feb. 6 in Florence, South Carolina. It was nearly 11 months — 331 to 334 days, to be exact — since the men’s team returners swung a club for Georgia State after seeing their season conclude unceremoniously. What did they do in their return, though? Only break par after the Raines Company Intercollegiate tournament and place fourth at the seasonopening event. The Panthers shot a oneunder-par 287 to finish the 54-hole event at 15-underpar in their return as the six-man team.

“

This extra year has enabled me to work hard at my game and decide that turning professional is something I want to do.

”

With an 8-5 record, Georgia State looks to keep the momentum going in the second half of the season.

PHOTO SUBMITTED BY GSU ATHLETICS

8-5 and unsatisfied: an update on the men’s basketball team

Jarvis Hayes on what the team’s next moves must be JASON RICHBURG Staff Reporter

he Panthers men’s basketball team has hit the midway mark of the season, and they currently have an 8-5 record. The team has already collected wins against Georgia Tech and conference rival Coastal Carolina. Panther assistant coach Jarvis Hayes credits the hot start to the top, head coach Rob Lanier. Hayes points out that coach Lanier has shown excellent leadership and guidance to the players and the staff, saying his leadership during the season has been “impeccable.” Hayes credits the entire roster and the system that Lanier has implemented for their solid play. “When you look at our roster from top to bottom, we complement each other well, and the system Coach Lanier employs plays to our players’ strength,” Hayes said. Hayes says the personnel is slightly different when asked what has propelled the team’s 81.6 scoring average, which is the 19th best in the nation. Hayes says the team played a lot smaller last year, but with big men Eliel Nsoseme and Jalen Thomas, they have significantly upgraded their frontcourt. “The style of play has changed a little bit, which now involves two bigs,” Hayes said. “We want to have drives to the basket, open lanes for shooters, kick out to the shooters and our big guys finish in the paint … The goal is still predicated on getting the ball downhill.” Hayes says he does not feel that

the Associated Press voters are disrespecting the team, referring to them not receiving a top-25 ranking. “Of course, everyone wants to be ranked and see their name in the top-25. But at the end of the day, we are not, and everybody has a job to do and what someone thinks of us as a program is none of our business,” Hayes said. “We try not to get consumed in rankings and polls.” Guard trio Corey Allen, Kane Williams and Justin Roberts have been a driving force for the Panthers this season. The trio combines for a whopping 41.9 points per game, which accounts for over half the team’s scoring. Hayes says the three guards’ play has been “extremely important” towards the Panthers’ success for the season. “The play of those three is unbelievable,” Hayes said. “They are just not able to make plays for themselves but can see the total development of the court and make plays for others.” Hayes also believes that Allen got snubbed from the Sun Belt preseason All-Conference team. Allen leads the team in scoring at 15.3 points per game and is peaking from an efficiency standpoint. “Corey did not get selected to any preseason all-conference teams, which I think is a snub because, in my opinion, we have three all-conference guards,” Hayes said. When asked about the Panthers’ expectations the rest of the season,

“

I don’t predict wins and losses, but you’re going to get a well prepared team and a team that gives maximum effort.

”

— JARVIS HAYES

Men’s Basketball Assistant Coach

Coach Hayes made it known he’d only focus on the present. “I don’t predict wins and losses, but you’re going to get a well prepared team and a team that gives maximum effort,” Hayes said. The team will look to keep it going as conference play heats up in the Sun Belt Conference in their final five games of the season.

February 16, 2021

THREE BIG THINGS

GAMES SUDOKU

UNIVERSITY

STATE

NATIONAL

Georgia State sweeps Georgia Southern on the hardwood

NBA to hold All-Star Game in Atlanta March 7

J.J. Watt out in Houston

The Panthers women’s and men’s basketball teams defeated the Eagles last week on back-to-back days. The men started things off on Thursday, beating their most significant rival 79-75 to bring their record to 8-5, entering tonight’s game at the Troy Trojans. Justin Roberts’ 21 points and Corey Allen’s 19 led the team. The women continued the winning trend on Saturday, defeating the Eagles women 71-66. Ten different players scored for head coach Gene Hill, led by Ashley Foster’s 11. They enter tonight’s game against Troy at 10-7.

After much anticipation, the NBA announced plans to hold the All-Star Game in Atlanta last week. After the delayed season began in December, the annual tradition did not seem like a reality. In addition to the All-Star Game, the league will also hold the slam dunk contest and three-point shootout. Initially, Indianapolis would host the 2021 events, but the league awarded them for the 2024 All-Star Weekend instead.

After a decade with the Houston Texans, NFL All-Pro defensive end J.J. Watt announced that he and the franchise mutually agreed to part ways. Reports indicate that at least a dozen teams are interested in Watt, including the Pittsburgh Steelers, Cleveland Browns, Buffalo Bills and Tennessee Titans as front-runners. The five-time Pro Bowler will impact a team and bring in immediate leadership both on and off the field.

THE KICKBACK

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2021

GAMES

COMIC

Your Comic Should be Here!

UPCOMING EVENTS FRIDAY

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

Health is Wealth 12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. Virtual

Black Men’s Dialogue 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Virtual

Student Speaker Series: Technology Behind the Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Virtual

Latinx Studies at Georgia

SGA University-wide Senate Meeting 7:15 p.m. - 9:15 p.m. Virtual

SUNDAY

MONDAY

Atlanta from the Ashes: Downtown History Tour (RSVP required) 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Virtual

Hamlet: Shakespeare in the Ponce 3:30 p.m. RoleCall Theater

Lunes con Éxito 11:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Virtual

February 2021 Feeding the Homeless Mission 11:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Hurt Park

Book Talk: “How To Be Cool” 4:00 p.m. - 5:15 p.m. The Wren’s Nest

FEB 22

SATURDAY FEB 21

State: The Series 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. Virtual

Making Better Moves: Decision Making Workshop 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Virtual

FEB 19

THURSDAY FEB 18

WEDNESDAY FEB 17

TUESDAY

FEB 20

FEB 16

THE KICKBACK

In The (State) Zone: Racial Justice and Allyship Training 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. Virtual

Happy Hour Bingo-Health Professions 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Virtual