The Signal Vol. 88 No. 6

VOL. 88 | NO. 06

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At 9:22 a.m., a nonGeorgia State offender was arrested for fighting on Auburn Avenue.

SEPT. 20

“It’s game day! Wait, huh?”

A non-Georgia State offender criminally trespassed the GSU Sports Arena at 9:45 p.m. The case was exceptionally cleared.

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

SEPT. 21

A case of the Mondays.

At 5:23 p.m., a nonGeorgia State offender was arrested for a liquor law violation.

It’s dope at the dorms... literally.

A non-Georgia State offender was arrested at 6:48 p.m. on a drug law violation at University Lofts.

SEPT. 23

“My dog’s cat lives here, let me in!”

At 11:44 p.m., a non-At 1:04 a.m., a non-Georgia State offender criminally trespassed University Commons. The case was exceptionally cleared.

SEPT. 24

“It needs more color.”

A Georgia State student was a victim of vandalism at 9:05 a.m. The case is still active.

LOCAL

NATIONAL

GLOBAL

President Trump campaigns in Atlanta

Protests follow Breonna Taylor’s case decision

South Korea returns remains from the Korean War

On Friday, President Trump landed in Atlanta to host his campaign and win over the Black population. With less than two months from Election Day, President Trump introduced the ‘Platinum Plan’ that intends to provide Black economic empowerment. The plan includes a pledge of 500,000 new Black-owned businesses and 3 million new jobs for the Black community.

After Breonna Taylor’s death in March, the grand jury made a final case decision on Sept. 23. Out of the three officers involved in the shooting, only one was indicted on first-degree wanton endangerment charges.

Louisville, KY, and other cities across the nation, have been protesting the decision.

Two officers were shot on the first night of protests and 28 people were arrested during the fourth night.

The Korean War was fought between North Korea and South Korea from 1950 to 1953. On Sunday, the remains of 117 Chinese soldiers from the Korean War were returned to China. The remains were found in the Demilitarized Zone that separates North and South Korea.

This seventh annual repatriation was the largest since the first one that returned 437 remains in 2014.

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NEWS

September 29, 2020

WWW.GEORGIASTATESIGNAL.COM/NEWS

GSUPD uses new strategies this fall The department remains partnered with GILEE OLIVIA NASH News Editor

W

ith Georgia State being in the heart of Atlanta, the campus has been in the vicinity of countless protests throughout the summer. Georgia State’s involvement with Atlanta protests even extends to its police department.

During the summer, the Georgia State University Police Department played a significant role in managing the Black Lives Matter protests, working as traffic control and detaining rioters.

From the Aderhold building’s vandalization to the everyday crimes on campus, the GSUPD prepared to take extra precautions for the fall semester.

According to Georgia State’s 2019 annual report, the GSUPD is the state’s largest campus police department.

Yet, GSUPD Chief of Police Joseph Spillane still planned to amplify the police presence this semester.

According to The Signal, the police department was preparing to have “new strategies.”

The GSUPD’s website states that they have prevailed on their promise to the Georgia State community.

“To bolster campus security, Georgia State has doubled the number of police officers on each shift patrolling campus [and] installed additional security cameras on campus,” the website states.

As of Friday, there are 171 officers across all campuses, but the GSUPD plans to recruit individuals with the help of the Georgia International Law Enforcement Exchange program, or GILEE. GILEE partners with police departments across the nation and works to train law enforcement.

Their mission is to improve law enforcement training and development while also being involved in international affairs and

public safety “through the protection of civil rights.”

But human rights activists in Atlanta and at Georgia State oppose the GILEE program believing that its methods exacerbate racial tensions in the community.

When Black faculty sent a letter to Georgia State University President Mark Becker over the summer, they addressed concerns about the university’s relationship with GILEE. Becker and the faculty had a conversation, and Akinyele Umoja, a professor of African American studies, asked about the university’s standing with GILEE. “Events this spring and summer have brought to a head greater public awareness of systemic racism and its relationship to policing in Black communities,” Umoja said.

Faculty emphasized the inconsistency of Georgia State’s involvement with GILEE while having a large number of Black students on campus.

“If… [Georgia State] is an institution committed to understanding complex challenges of cities and developing effective solutions,” Umoja said, “we urge you to convene a community conversation to provide more transparency regarding the university’s standing on policing and structural racism, and the role of GILEE.” Becker is aware of the community’s opposition and allegations but says no one has brought forward any evidence of discrimination.

“This conversation has been had before, not necessarily in terms of violence against Black people, and every time I’ve asked for evidence, none has been forthcoming,” he said.

As of now, Georgia State remains partnered with GILEE and Chief Spillane did not respond to The Signal’s request for comment.

The Georgia State Police Department plans to recruit new individuals with the help of the Georgia International Law Enforcement.

PHOTO BY MATT SICILIANO-SALAZAR | THE SIGNAL

Panthers push to make the university more diverse

Task force recommends a police advisory and accountability board J.P. IRIE Staff Reporter

O

n June 9, Provost Wendy Hensel announced the Task Force for Racial Equality, composed of faculty and students. It intends to look deeper into Georgia State’s race relations and recommend an action plan.

Now it’s nearly October, and the task force has already made preliminary recommendations to tackle discrimination at Georgia State. The task force will investigate the issues more closely this month, and its final recommendations will come this November.

According to the task force’s first report, they must identify three things: • “Ways in which [Georgia State] … can address and reduce systemic racism and police violence.”

• “Important conversations for [Georgia State’s] campus community to … understand … police violence and racial discrimination.”

• “Ways in which Georgia State may best support our Black and other underrepresented students, faculty, staff and community.”

The task force hopes to become a model for other universities’ responses to racial tension.

“These recommendations [are] an early step in a series of actions that … will position [Georgia State] as a national leader and exemplary institution of higher education in its actions … to

protect and affirm the lives of Black and other marginalized people at the university, the community, the state, the nation and the world,” the report stated.

The task force’s roster is diverse, including African American studies professors, law professors, social work professors, deans, Student Government Association representatives and administrators.

“I selected strong leaders from around campus,” Hensel said. “Many of whom have been engaged in these issues or have scholarly expertise in relevant areas. The two students were elected by the student body and thus were the appropriate representatives.”

Both SGA University-Wide President Kaelen Thomas and Jessica Siemer, former president of the Graduate Alliance, are the student-elects within the task force.

Hensel selected Jonathan Gayles, associate provost and African American studies chair professor, as the task force chair. He produced an award-winning documentary, “White Scripts and Black Supermen,” which deals with Black heroes’ presence and stereotypes in comic books. He was also the submitter of the initial report.

Members of the task force agreed that Gayles would be their public spokesperson. Gayles has not yet responded to a request for comment by The Signal.

The task force, in its initial report, presented a list of at least 23 preliminary

recommendations, like“ensuring racially diverse perspectives in decision-making among senior leadership” and “creating a [Georgia State] Police Advisory/ Accountability Board composed of… community representatives.”

These recommendations identified key strengths and weaknesses of the school when it comes to racial relations.

While Georgia State’s student diversity is a strength, the task force believes that faculty diversity, community involvement, transparency and reputation all need improvement.

According to College Factual, Georgia State’s student body is highly diverse compared to other schools. Almost 25% of students enrolled at Georgia State in 2019 were non-Hispanic white, compared to the 42% national average in 2018.

Despite this, Georgia State University President Mark Becker said in a 2019 interview with The Atlanta JournalConstitution, faculty diversity is still lagging.

The recommendations put forth by the task force and the analyses to be done in October may help the situation, among other concerns.

“As we identify next steps in the coming days and begin our conversations,” Hensel and Becker said in their announcement of the task force, “we’ll engage our university community to help create vehicles for sustained change.”

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2020

4

NEWS

Georgia State Night at Six Flags Over Georgia was canceled after raising concerns around the COVID-19 pandemic.

PHOTO BY MATT SICILIANO-SALAZAR | THE SIGNAL

A spotlight on Georgia State’s Six Flags Spotlight event Mass disapproval prompts cancellation of Georgia State day NIDA MERCHANT Staff Reporter

G

eorgia State’s Spotlight alarmed many students at the start of the university-promoted Six Flags Day. Spotlight is a department that is driven by the Georgia State community. Their role is to engage students and faculty alike with programs that encourage community bonding on campus.

However, the organization received backlash following its Aug. 17 announcement of the annual Georgia State Night at Six Flags Over Georgia. Initially planned for Sept. 18, the event would offer students tickets to the amusement park at a discounted rate of $20 and $5 for a meal, parking not included.

The CDC notes that large-crowd events, such as amusement parks and carnivals, must be avoided at all costs due to the impossible nature of maintaining social distancing.

Six Flags Over Georgia is a prime example of a “higher risk” activity.

In fact, as Six Flags reopened in July, they announced “mask break zones” near water attractions or pools.

Though face masks will be sold at the gate, they are not required in pools or water rides.

The Spotlight organization promised temperature checks for each student and mandatory masks to mitigate the COVID-19 threat. But Panthers were less than impressed.

Students immediately took to social media to express their anger at the “recklessness” of Spotlight’s decision in the middle of a global pandemic.

Georgia State junior, Kayla Osman, expressed skepticism towards the safety measures that Spotlight planned to implement for Georgia State day.

“I’m sure they had good intentions, but checking temperatures and wearing masks isn’t going to cut it when there could be tens or even hundreds of people,” she said. “There are individuals with COVID-19 who are asymptomatic, and hosting a large event like this, especially with college students, is just asking for trouble.”

Many commented that, despite the extensive amount of classes taking place online, seeing such a risky university-sponsored event is unsettling.

Young Democrats of Georgia State President Libby Seger said, “WE ARE IN A PANDEMIC… this is such a

disappointment to see. Shame on you all.”

She asked the student body to voice their concerns by contacting the Spotlight office and emailing Georgia State University President Mark Becker to terminate the event. She even mentioned plans to start a student petition to argue against the event.

Osman expressed criticism, commenting that it seemed like Spotlight “forgot about the pandemic.”

“I was disappointed honestly. As much as I’d love to have a Six Flags day, it’s not necessary, especially during a time like this,” she said. “I wasn’t surprised, however, because I see a lot of people trying to live life normally right now, just with masks on.”

Many students even criticized the Student Government Association and their approval of the event. However, University-Wide President Kaelen Thomas spoke against the event as well.

“Not only is this reckless, but [they] are using student fees to do it too,” he said.

Thomas said that when it comes to Spotlight event approval, “Spotlight and SGA have no such relationship.” Senior Director Boyd Beckwith and Student Life Director Gail Sutton oversee the organization.

According to the Spotlight Home Page, the organization receives funding from student fees used “for programming that meets the diverse needs of the university community.”

After the extensive backlash from students, Spotlight canceled the Georgia State day and instead offered discounted tickets to students throughout September.

Six Flags will still honor students who purchased the tickets prior to the cancellation.

“I feel like it comes across as [Georgia State] prioritizing their partnership and the financial aspect over students’ health and safety. ... discounted tickets will encourage students to be in a public place with lots of people,” Osman said.

According to Sales Representative of Six Flags Sharda Williams, Spotlight annually submits a proposal to determine the cost of the event.

“Whenever groups reach out and request a quote, what we typically do is ask for a proposal,” she said.

“That proposal would need to include how many guests, what time of year, would you like a catered

event, do you want parking?”

After a proposal is sent to a sales representative, Spotlight receives around four different price plans to choose from. This particular event usually costs thousands of dollars.

Though the event is canceled, student discounts are valid until the end of the year and students will not see any sort of refund in their fees.

Spotlight has declined to comment to The Signal on the matter.

Despite the cancellation of most in-person activities throughout the semester, Spotlight’s decision to host the event raised questions on how Georgia State is mitigating the virus’s spread across the university, especially since they are in direct control of Spotlight and their event coordination.

Georgia State News Hub reported that the Georgia State community has created over 50,000 coronavirus test kits, sewed thousands of face masks for frontline workers and raised emergency funds for more than 2,000 students in less-than-ideal situations.

Fiona Fung-A-Fat, a sophomore at Georgia State, believes that the university has taken adequate precautions despite student pushback.

“I think [Georgia State] has done their part trying to keep things clean and safe for us; now it is the students’ turn to play their part,” Fung-A-Fat said.

Though many students are taking the initiative to prevent spreading, Osman noted that she has seen many students who are not taking the pandemic seriously.

“I know so many people who still go to huge parties and clubs - and they aren’t social distancing and keeping their masks on the whole time,” she said. “I guarantee there would be students who would pull their masks down at Six Flags when given the chance.”

Many students are relieved that the event was canceled and concerned about the potential impact that the Six Flags event could have had.

“It’s impossible to know, but COVID-19 could have easily spread in an environment like that,” Osman said. “It would have been really unfortunate if that happened and students had to be displaced from campus - especially when the event wasn’t necessary and was preventable.”

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2020

5

THE SIGNAL

ILLUSTRATION BY BROOKLYN VALERA | THE SIGNAL

Cyberattackers hack one of the university donor systems Georgia State IIT provides training for faculty to prevent future attacks SAMARIA CLAIR Staff Reporter

A

major cyberattack targeted donors from Atlanta colleges and non-profit programs. The attack occurred through one of Georgia State Foundation’s third-party vendors, Blackbaud.

Blackbaud is a computing company used by Georgia State alumni donors that provides donor record-keeping services. The company stores donors’ personal information, including their full name, address, phone number, email address and Social Security number.

“The Blackbaud system was compromised by ransomware back in May,” Tram Vu, Georgia State’s Instructional Innovation and Technology engineer, said.

During the attack, cybercriminals attempted to lock companies out of their own data and servers.

According to Blackbaud’s summary of the incident, the cybercriminals removed a copy of subset data from Blackbaud’s self-hosted environment. Though the cybercriminals breached the system, they did not access Social Security numbers, credit card information or other sensitive data.

Blackbaud paid the cybercriminal to make sure they destroyed the information. Therefore,the donors from the university and

others that are associated with Blackbaud have not lost any personal data.

Blackbaud declined to disclose how much was paid to the cyber criminals. However, it was done using Bitcoin, according to The NonProfit Times.

The Georgia State Foundation’s President Jay Kahn sent emails to students on Sept. 3, addressing the cyberattacks and fraudulent situation.

The email that was sent to students about the attack, ensures that the cybercriminals did not steal their personal information.

The email also recommended that students be aware of any suspicious activities in cyberattacks.

Georgia State’s Technology Services offers valuable information on security software and advising resources to keep technology secured.

IIT provides training for security awareness to practice for the workplace. They also teach students to detect modern-day internet scams.

This online training will help students recognize a scam email and protect them against increasing cyber threats that can obtain personal and financial information.

The University System of Georgia requires faculty and staff members to complete cybersecurity awareness training twice annually, according to the Board of Regents Policy Manual.

The online training is conducted by using the KnowBE4 training system. It consists of interactive video modules and quizzes and will help protect against cyber threats.

Georgia State is a large institution often targeted for phishing attacks.

Phishing is the cybercrime of obtaining personal information by posing as legitimate institutions.

Therefore, the university also provides faculty with email fraud training that teaches how to recognize fraudulent emails and phishing techniques.

To avoid being a victim of a cyberattack: • Never download PDFs from emails you don’t recognize.

They can be malware, which can damage your system mail (log into the account directly instead).

• Check the email address and look up the “@” address to see if you can find anything on it.

• Check grammar. Incorrect grammar and syntax are a dead giveaway of fraudulent emails.

Two launches to address the pressing issues of 2020 OLIVIA NASH News Editor

G

eorgia State students and faculty began many projects over the summer that are now influencing and changing the fall semester’s trajectory.

The Public Health Preparedness Task Force launched on March 4, and the Task Force for Racial Equality was announced on June 9. Among these efforts, Georgia State continues to create programs and find members within the community who will help improve recent issues plaguing the university.

The Website

On Aug. 26, Provost Wendy Hensel announced a website that centers around diversity and promoting racial equity.

The emailed announcement reiterated that Georgia State University President Mark Becker and Provost Wendy Hensel were developing a new “digital hub.”

“During the national reckoning over continued racial injustice, especially following recent police violence against Black civilians in the past week, it has never been clearer that Georgia State must be part of the solution,” the email stated.

The “digital hub” corresponds with the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion announced

by Becker on July 27.

Beginning as a page on the Provost website for DEI assistance, the website includes information and resources to address racial inequality and injustice better.

“There, you will find a myriad of resources

about the actions Georgia State is taking to advance DEI at the university and in our society, as well as information about how you can get involved in creating change,” Hensel said.

Resources include information about upcoming activities, updates on the Racial Equality Task Force and a diversity database.

“Key to this site is our new, unique Diversity Database,” Hensel said. “There, you will find a searchable repository of nearly 140 DEIrelated programs and initiatives from across the university.”

The repository enables students and faculty to search by keywords, programs and more.

The DEI website informs students who is working on what project, where students can find information and how they can help.

Students with a new initiative for the Institute of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion can submit their ideas to the survey.

The Campaign Along with addressing racial inequality issues, the Georgia State community has been tackling COVID-19 since the start of the outbreak. On Sept. 9, the Georgia State School of Public Health announced a 7-step Public Health Campaign.

The Student Emergency Response Team, or SERT, is responsible for leading the campaign.

According to the School of Public Health’s website, “SERT is a part of the Campus of Care Committee, a collaborative effort between the School of Public Health and the Division of Student Success.” These students are considered COVID-19 ambassadors for the Georgia State community.

SERT ambassadors are to create a 7-step public health campaign that provides COVID-19 information while empowering students to wear masks and “act on public health knowledge to address health disparities.”

The campaign includes COVID-19 information modules, student-created videos and more.

The 2020 SERT Ambassadors are: • Khadija Munye • Fernanda Carlosama-Ruiz • Jake Coldiron • Daria Dozier • Richie Perry, Jr. Richie Perry said that the ambassadors meet once a week to discuss new methods of assisting the Georgia State community through these times.

“We have meetings on Friday,” he said.

“We are supposed to be helping Georgia State handle emergencies, right now coronavirus.”

Students can submit a SERT ambassador request form to discuss COVID-19 and the university’s 7-step campaign with an ambassador.

OPINIONS

September 29, 2020

WWW.GEORGIASTATESIGNAL.COM/OPINIONS

Did burning California get you enough likes?

The pursuit of likes is destroying our society JENELLE RYAN Staff Columnist

I

ILLUSTRATION BY MONTENEZ LOWERY | THE SIGNAL

nstagram likes, Facebook reactions and retweets are some of the highest valued currencies of this day and age.

Social media users capitalize on life events: proposals, weddings, gender-reveal parties and promposals, users are always trying to outdo one another in an attempt to gain their 15 minutes of internet fame.

Social media has created a positive feedback loop that is exacerbating these insecurities.

People will do anything for clout, and this endless chase has resulted in real-world destruction.

The El Dorado wildfire began when an expecting couple lit a “smoke generating pyrotechnic device” to celebrate the reveal of the sex of their unborn child. The couple put an incredible amount of forethought into the event, bringing four whole water bottles in case their pyrotechnic device would ignite the dry field.

What, may you ask, could have compelled these individuals to believe lighting an incendiary in a dry field during wildfire season would be a good idea? Social media validation.

In recent years, people have drowned and accidentally burned down their apartments while proposing to their partners in overthe-top ways.

Teens have

used racist signs to ask their peers to prom, hoping the shock value would get them more attention.

COVID-19 outbreaks have stemmed from weddings that some couples, and the social-media-wedding industrial complex, refuse to put on hold.

For example, gender-reveal parties have escalated from colored cakes and confetti to airplane flyovers, deadly DIY pipe bombs and mass arson. Most recently, the El Dorado wildfire in California has burned over 22,000 acres, caused the evacuation of 3,467 citizens and claimed the life of firefighter Charles Morton who was only 39.

In his book “The Gospel of Technology,” neuroscientist and author Abhijit Naskar writes, “Humans are lamentably insecure creatures, and often they pick up their modern devices to alleviate that insecurity, in a subconscious attempt to receive some thrill and reward.”

Naskar states that this behavior is often habitual and addictive, causing users to lose their mental stability.

Social media has created a positive feedback loop that exacerbates these insecurities. When someone

makes a post that gets likes, they feel validated and want to post more. Increasingly over-the-top posts receive more likes, and more positive feelings of validation, allowing users to quantify their popularity amongst their peers.

Instagram was met with backlash last year when they tested the removal of like counts on posts.

CEO Adam Mosseri stated that the company “will make decisions that hurt the business if they help people’s well-being and health,” publicly acknowledging that the visibility of likes allows users to quantify their popularity among their peers.

Without considering the consequences of their actions, this expecting couple and their peers have caused millions of dollars’ worth of damage from this wildfire and, most importantly, the life of a first responder. How far will someone have to go before our society takes a step back and realizes the horrors this positive feedback loop can create?

Nobody cares about your life events more than you do. If you feel influenced by social media to pull off a grandiose, over-the-top celebration that could potentially risk the lives of yourself and others if something were to go wrong, it’s time to reevaluate your priorities.

For the love of all that is good in this world, just get a cake next time.

The racist roots of interracial fetishization The fantasies and stigmas around interracial couples KENNETH LOCKETT III Staff Columnist

S

ince being legalized on June 12, 1967, interracial couples are perceived as trendy, desirable and sexy.

Interracial couples are frequently fetishized, with commenters going to the extreme of suggesting that their mixed babies will be beautiful. This so-called compliment is, in fact, one of the prime examples of fetishization.

We shouldn’t still be experiencing this in 2020.

Interracial couples are looked at differently purely for being of different races.

In an interview with senior Kimberly Jones, she clarifies that she doesn’t like all the comments.

“My boyfriend is white.

I’m Black. In 2020 this shouldn’t be an issue,” she said. “But all the time, I get weird comments like, ‘Oh, your babies are gonna be so cute being mixed.’ Like, that is so rude.”

But her boyfriend, Arron Williams, often gets other comments.

“People say ‘Oh good on you getting a Black girl,’ or saying she’s a gold-digger and stuff. It’s heartbreaking,” he said.

Often when you look in popular media, you’ll see interracial couples, such as in “Love Actually,” “Focus” and even “The Bodyguard.” Many movies and shows put interracial couples in the spotlight.

Yet, at the same time, there are just as many movies that paint Black couples in a terrible light. Take seemingly every Tyler Perry movie.

It seems to be the same trope.

The dark skin husband treats his Black wife with a lack of care. And then the light-skinned, almost white friend comes in and swoops her off her feet.

Think I’m lying?

Take “Diary of a Mad Black Woman.” The

Black husband kicks out his Black wife for a white mistress. The wife eventually falls for the light-skinned UHaul driver.

It’s a repeated stereotype shown in movies: Interracial relationships are more stable and more successful than Black relationships.

That is a little known racist concept. Think about it for a second.

Many people think that the Black person in the relationship, typically the female, is a trophy partner, someone who’s not doing much but sitting there and looking exotic. Meanwhile, the white partner, invariably a man, is seen as the one making the money, the controller — the master, if you will.

Not to mention the sexualization of these types of relationships. In a 2018 lawsuit, a Black pornstar sued his former employer for not only asking if his white co-star could call him the n-word but telling her to do so after he repeatedly said no.

The straight porn industry actually defines “interracial” as being between a Black man and a white woman. Therein lies the issue.

There is an industry definition because the stigma exists that women degrade their careers by performing with Black men. But there is enough of a market, namely from white men, that there are entire studios dedicated to the genre.

An entire genre of porn is dedicated to mixed couples. There is no “white couple” or “Black couple” genre section. But there is one for interracial couples.

Interracial couples are not your taboo fetish at which to gawk.

OPINIONS

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2020

Artists are free to redesign characters as Black people KELVIN COLLINS Staff Columnist

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to see Black Panther, which featured a virtually all-Black cast. One can conclude that this elation could result from not seeing much of themselves in the media since childhood.

If you are an active Twitter user, you may have noticed an influx of Black people, specifically Black women, being attacked for cosplaying fictional characters. Commonly, the hostile reception happens when they cosplay Japanese anime characters.

As many women may know, the anime community is infamous for having members that gatekeep the medium with their gross misogyny.

Racism, like in any other fandom, is present as well.

This problem with the cosplay community exists within the art community as well. Observers see Black artists drawing Black versions of white or pale characters as reflections of themselves and take offense. No one can control what another person finds insulting, but this completely disregards the history of oppression Black people and people of darker skin tones have experienced globally.

If you do not possess reading comprehension and still believe whitewashing isn’t racist, you will continue to perpetuate Black erasure in the media. Blackness has been limited and hidden for far too long. It is only utilized when it is convenient for a narrative.

In doing so, it strips characters that could be genuinely Black.

This is not to say people with melanated skin are somehow better. No one is drawing Black versions of your favorite Disney character or anime to prove any feeling of significance.

Those who take insult or are confused about why making Black characters white is a problem are simply ignorant of the bigger picture.

There are styles better suited for the texture of your hair v

ASHLAR BYLECKIE Staff Columnist

B

y now, you’ve probably heard of the term “cultural appropriation,” which is basically adoption an aspect of another culture and using it inappropriately or disrespectfully.

One of the most common forms of appropriation is white people wearing dreadlocks, Bantu knots and cornrows , all of which are protective hairstyles often worn by Black women.

This is really common in women’s fashion and with celebrities, the Kardashian-Jenner cult being a prime example. If you’re white and still need convincing that such styles are not for you, keep reading for a history lesson and

“

To do so and ignore their significance to Black women is to act on white privilege.

”

— ASHLAR BYLECKIE

Staff Columnist some race-appropriate hairstyle recommendations.

Cornrows and other protective styles have a cultural history rooted in oppression that white people who sport them will never understand.

When created, these certain styles represented age, marital status or even social rank.

In the 1970s, Black women repopularized cornrows as a style to reject the chemical relaxers that flooded the market. Their return to the style was also a rejection of the European beauty standard pushed onto Black women for decades.

With such a rich history stemming from the rejection of white culture, it makes sense that it is inappropriate for white women to wear these styles. To do so and ignore their significance to Black women is to act on white privilege. They are more than a style — they are history. A history that I will never be able to grasp fully.

There are plenty of styles better suited for white women’s hair with their own cultural significance and physical appeal. Feathered hair and Celtic braids are two great examples

of styles designed for the texture of white hair that also look incredible.

Celtic braids, created centuries ago by ancient Celts, often symbolized some of the same things as cornrows like age, social rank or marital status.

Since they stem from a culture not rooted in oppression based on race, it’s not disrespectful for white women to wear them. They are based on cultural history but one that is acceptable for white people to adopt.

Not to mention they are gorgeous and can be dressed up or down based on the occasion.

If you are simply looking for a cosmetic switch, then feathered hair is the way to go. Icons like supermodel Fara Fawcett were the blueprint for this style. Fluffy, bouncy and beautiful, it’s one of the prettiest styles ever created. It gives off fun, playful energy and is perfect for the texture of white women’s hair.

White women should steer clear of protective hairstyles because they are not designed for our hair texture. The process of getting cornrows or dreads can rip out or permanently damage our hair. It’s nature’s way of telling us not to get those styles.

If social conscientiousness and the possibility of ripping one’s hair out are not enough to convince you not to wear such styles, I don’t know what will. The next time you feel like experimenting with your hair, ask yourself, “Would fashion icon Fara Fawcett dawn such a look, and risk cultural appropriation accusations?”

If the answer is no, then maybe you should rethink

ILLUSTRATION BY MONTENEZ LOWERY | THE SIGNAL

et’s set the record straight: There is nothing racist about Black people and people of color cosplaying or drawing non-Black characters.

The context of the world we live in makes non-Black people drawing Black fictional characters as white people a racist offense. For centuries, Black people have been mocked and caricatured throughout multiple mediums for our looks and perceived mannerisms.

When the racist portrayals of Black people in entertainment media became immoral, Blackness’s erasure continued to prevail. Many originally Black characters have been either entirely whitewashed or had their complexion lightened.

Having a darker skin tone is erased as well, regardless of the actual race.

Many people still believe this is a hypocritical statement as many nonBlack artists have faced ridicule for drawing Black characters as people with paler, white complexions.

This phenomenon is called “Black erasure,” and it has dire societal and cultural effects on the Black community. Please note that it is completely fine for white people and other people of color to cosplay as Black characters as long as they don’t implement any kind of blackface.

Creating fan art and tributes of remixed characters with darker skin tones is also a response to erasure.

The yearning to be represented is a drive for its creation. Since the focus is on animation, it’s clear that Black erasure in cartoons affects Black children. Seeing proper and relatable reflections of yourself in the media is of critical importance. It can help inspire creativity and realize their place in society.

You may have noticed how excited adults were

To white women: Cornrows and Bantu are knot for you

ILLUSTRATION BY MONTENEZ LOWERY | THE SIGNAL

Race-bending and anime Black erasure

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Introducing The S WWW.GEORGIASTATESIGNAL.COM/FANTASY-FOOTBALL

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the showstoppers | najeh wilkins

Favorite Player:

The eight guys competing for a crown in 2020

Clyde Edwards-Helaire

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Edwards-Helaire had an excellent debut for the Chiefs, rushing for 138 yards and one touchdown.

What a pickup for Kansas City in the 2020 NFL Draft!

He adds a different dimension to this offense, making Kansas City dangerous if it keeps its game up. If Edwards-Helaire continues to average 20 fantasy points per game, everyone else should look out: My running back will continue to be elite all season.

Edwards-Helaire adds a consistent rushing attack to an already potent offense. The potential for this rookie is endless. He already has the

approval from Chiefs he superstar quarterback P Edwards-Helaire will c part of the offense in th Showstoppers. I think h the postseason and allo the league.

I also have a great stu Watson, who just got pa continue to produce as excited for the young re and Calvin Ridley, who l parts of their featured o

We’re Allen This Together | Michael Cuneo

Favorite Player:

Dalvin Cook

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I once drafted Jordy Nelson as my No. 1 fantasy pick (it was a different time). He tore his ACL a week later. That is the extent of my fantasy acumen.

This year, however, will be different (please).

Cook, my most admirable player, needs no introduction.

The fourth-year running back out of Florida State continues to flourish after his dazzling 2019 campaign saw him score 13 times and rush for over 1,000 yards.

Cook combines two crucial traits into one machine: He is a speedy running back who can catch passes out of the backfield while using his

209-pound frame to pun line.

He is already off to a g three touchdowns in jus fewer touches than expe Cook also works well a run-heavy Minnesota V multitude of explosive w His versatility makes adds to the risk of injury If Cook can stay healt would want in the runnin squad, and that’s why he fantasy team.

Teenage Newton Ninja Turtles | Erik Indrisano

Favorite Player:

Josh Allen

PAGE LAYOUT BY MONIQUE ROJAS | THE SIGNAL

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After an abysmal fantasy year last season, failure is not an option for me this year.

Luckily, this year’s draft was dominated by yours truly, which is why I believe I will win the season.

I decided to go wide receiver-heavy in the opening rounds this year, drafting both Michael Thomas and Davante Adams.

I followed this up with two solid running backs in David Johnson and Chris Carson. I also made it my goal to draft a solid tight end, and who better than Mark Andrews to fill that spot?

I always draft quarterbacks late in the

draft and pick up as possible in a point-p draft night, I selecte to the dismay of othe Round this team of Patriots defense and Allen, and you are lo best draft, only behin So it is plain and s Teenage Newton Nin lifting the trophy th in advance for ruini Sundays when they and week out.

Robert’s BackWoods | Espen Indrisano

Favorite Player:

Daniel Jones

So, why will I be winning this year’s fantasy football league?

It’s simple: Danny Dimes. I could go on and on about how I drafted another point-perreception powerhouse, but I’ve got this season’s inevitable MVP. The New York Giants’ second-year quarterback is back and better than ever.

All those fumbles and interceptions from last year? A distant memory. Get ready for a superstar to emerge with elegant yet explosive grace.

Will the Giants make the playoffs? I wouldn’t say I’m that delusional of a New York sports

fan, but Jones will at l interesting in what is division in the NFL. But outside of my st at my running back an I landed Christian McC overall pick in our dra selecting Kenyan Drak Combine those cons Adam Thielen and Rob see any competitors in matching my team’s o Nothing more needs

Signal’s Fantasy Football

ead coach Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes. continue to be an integral he real NFL and with The he can propel my team to ow me to beat all the guys in

ud quarterback in Deshaun aid big money and will the star he is. Lastly, I am eceivers in Ceedee Lamb look to become essential offenses.

nish defenses on the goal

good start in 2020, with st two weeks despite getting ected. in fantasy. He benefits from Vikings offense that lacks a weapons. him dangerous, but it also ry. thy, he adds everything you ing back to your fantasy e’s my favorite player on my

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many flex positions as per-reception league. On ed Allen Robinson II and, ers, Sterling Shepard. ff with a dominant d a rising star in Josh ooking at the secondnd Andrew. simple why the nja Turtles will be his season. I apologize ng our writers’ get dominated week in

least help us keep things potentially the worst

tud quarterback, just look nd wide receiver depth.

Caffrey with the first aft and followed suit by ke and Austin Ekeler. sistent point threats with bert Woods, and I do not n our league capable of overall class. s to be said. It is on.

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Cape Cod Kittle-Cooked Chips | Andrew freedman

Favorite Player:

Jonathan Taylor

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I’ll be quite honest: When I drafted Saquon Barkley with the second overall pick a few weeks ago, I knew I signed up for one of two things: a historic season or a short and injury-plagued season.

Well, he tore his ACL on Sept. 21, which I blame this on the lack of preseason conditioning players had.

But, again, I drafted to prepare for such circumstances. Taylor, the Colts’ rookie running back, is off to an exceptional start, and Nick Chubb is back to his old Georgia Bulldog days.

Additionally, the Cape Cod Kittle-Cooked Chips were named after 49ers tight end George Kittle.

I hope he can play a vital role in my quest for a title, but I did not expect his backup to have a great game last week.

Jonnu Smith of the Tennessee Titans sits as a top-5 player at his position after going undrafted in our league.

Lastly, Erik alluded to an excellent point: I have a reliable team and other players to look forward to. All of my receivers have a high upside: Pittsburgh’s Diontae Johnson, Carolina’s D.J. Moore and Jacksonville’s D.J. Chark.

If these players reach their ceilings, I could be in for a great season and not sit as the eighthbest team in our league, where I rank now.

Adrestian Eagles | Aaron Wilson Jr.

Favorite Player:

Kyler Murray

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I think my team will do well thanks to our defense, and because we have playmakers everywhere.

Travis Kelce is a big boost every week, along with two focal points in Stefon Diggs and Derrick Henry. Henry was the focal point of a great Titans rushing attack. Now that the Titans are more balanced, the defense cannot just focus on Henry, so he should have solid weeks.

The Steelers defense is a stout turnover machine, so they should put up big numbers while keeping themselves off the field.

Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert and

Browns running back Kareem Hunt will help supplement my team. However, the expectations of Diggs and Henry are high.

Both versatile weapons bring a variety of scoring methods to my team. They also will have days of disappearing if their teams have a bad day, though.

The player I am most excited about would be my favorite player on the team is Murray.

He is dynamic, has a bunch of playmakers, and most importantly, he is supposed to take a big step forward in his second year, so I might as well pin my hopes on him.

East Point Droids | Julian Harden

Favorite Player:

Julio Jones

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The Droids are by far the best team in the league and will definitely bring home the championship. The offense is the strength of teams, boosting multiple Pro Bowl receivers such as Mike Evans of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Jones of the Atlanta Falcons.

Even the running game is strong with Alvin Kamara of the Saints and Green Bay’s Aaron Jones. The defense is solid, anchored by a very stout Indianapolis Colts unit that held Minnesota to 11 points in week two.

Jones undoubtedly is the best player on the roster, and how could you not love the best

receiver in football? Even when he is not having big games, Jones is always one catch away from a significant gain for the Falcons.

While he might not find the endzone due to being double-teamed, Jones is a yards machine, continually making big plays for the dirty birds.

With Jones as the Droids’ top receiver, other teams don’t stand a chance.

Marshawn’s Skittles | Xavier Triche

Favorite Player:

Marshawn Lynch

Why Marshawn’s Skittles? Well, Marshawn Lynch is the adopted son of the city of Seattle, which is the last place I could go before quarantine for a Christmas trip with the family.

Skittles is not only Lynch’s favorite candy, but it also represents the colorful and charismatic attitudes of the players I drafted, from Aaron Rodgers’ bravado to Lamar Jackson’s swagger.

My running backs carry the load, and both embody the word “toughness.” Raheem Mostert was an undrafted free agent who burst onto the scene last year, and James Connor fought and beat cancer to be the bell cow for the Steelers.

My wideouts embody potential. None of them were first-round draft picks, but all of them have made names for themselves. Tyreek Hill, Chris Godwin and Juju Smith-Schuster have all played better than any draft prognosticator could’ve guessed.

Being the football savant I am, there’s no way I was going to go skimpy on my defense, so I went with the New Orleans Saints.

Although I am an Atlanta Falcons fan, I know a good defense when I see one. With the likes of Cameron Jordan, Marcus Lattimore and Demario Davis, the New Orleans Saints defense will be a headache for any offense.

ARTS & LIVING

September 29, 2020

WWW.GEORGIASTATESIGNAL.COM/ARTSANDLIVING

Ebrik, one of the most favored coffee shops at the downtown campus, closes after the start of the pandemic.

PHOTO BY MATT SICILIANO-SALAZAR | THE SIGNAL

Ébrìk co-founder explains why the shop left campus Increasing rent, competition and a pandemic pushed Ébrìk off the edge

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JADA JONES Associate Arts & Living Editor

he Beginning of “Ébrìk” (ih-breek)

Ébrìk Coffee Room opened its downtown location in 2014 under the slogan “Comfort.

Community. Culture.” Ébrìk abided by this motto and intended to make quality and specialty coffee available to the Georgia State community, including all people regardless of their socioeconomic backgrounds. Ébrìk co-founder Abbas Barzegar envisioned the shop as having a strong involvement in the downtown community.

“We were the first independent and specialty coffee shop downtown,” Barzegar said. “We opened at a time when the specialty coffee community told me, ‘Nobody’s going to buy specialty coffee at Georgia State,’ and it was a low-key slight at the Georgia State and downtown community.”

Barzegar detailed his goal to dismantle the consumer’s bias against high-quality coffee.

“Most specialty coffee operates in a very gentrified and very elite space, and we always wanted to make coffee available to what we think Atlanta represents, which is a very broad and diverse community,” Barzegar said. “And we did that. We did it before anyone else.”

The Middle

Ébrìk stayed true to its goal of being an inclusive space that served its surrounding community. Poets, artists, students and faculty all felt like they belonged at Ébrìk.

Georgia State organizations and local creatives hosted art galleries and poetry open-mic nights at Ébrìk.

Emmy-nominated poet Jon Goode performed at Ébrìk’s poetry nights, as well as student poetry organizations such as the Ignite Collective of Agnes Scott College.

Local visual artists showcased their art at exhibits hosted at Ébrìk. Barista and curator Samiyah Malik curated two galleries at Ébrìk, featuring artists of all backgrounds.

“Not only was Ébrìk a coffee shop, [but] it was also an inclusive space that opened its doors to everyone,” Malik said.

As Ébrìk’s success as a specialty coffee shop began to

shine through the doubts, landlords and proprietors in the area noticed the financial gains coffee could bring to downtown Atlanta.

“Within two years, we saw this influx of coffee shops opening every few months, and it really cannibalized our market and it really hurts us,” Barzegar said. “Our own landlords opened up other coffee and espresso bars within our own building and buildings next to us.”

To a consumer, competing businesses are standard practice, but Barzegar describes this as “commercial gentrification.”

According to Barzegar, this happens when developers scope out a financially viable community and bring in well-known chains. Those big businesses eventually force smaller shops out, as they do not have access to the same resources to stay open.

Big chains like Starbucks and Kung Fu Tea opened on campus and forced the founders of Ébrìk to evaluate how to navigate the changing market.

“I was sitting there, towards the end [of Ébrìk] thinking, ‘Am I gonna turn this into a food cafe? Do I start selling breakfast and lunch?” Barzegar said. “There were all kinds of things. How can we keep up?”

Barzegar stressed the importance of consumers’ awareness of where they are spending their money. He believes local businesses need to stay open because they serve the community in a way large corporations cannot.

“You really have to be conscious about what you’re doing with your dollars,” he said. “The ‘support local business’ stuff is not a trend or a fad. It’s the livelihood of our communities.”

The End

Ébrìk closed the doors to its downtown and Decatur locations amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Most customers believed that the pandemic drove Ébrìk from Georgia State’s campus, but Barzegar explained that the store had been on the verge of closing for the last two years. Ébrìk’s downtown location was a two-story shop, which the owners of Ébrìk leased to accommodate the events held there.

Following the increasing market competition, Ébrìk’s

decreased sales and increasing rent put them in a poor financial situation. The COVID-19 pandemic solidified Ébrìk’s closure.

“Our sales decreased, and our rent almost tripled,” Barzegar said. “So, people didn’t notice, but Ébrìk had been on the ropes for a while, and I’d been paying out of pocket for two years trying to keep the place afloat.”

Barzegar had always been aware of Ébrìk’s importance to local artists and students who went to the coffee room frequently, whether it be to catch up with friends or have a cup of coffee while doing homework.

“To Georgia State students: we’re sorry, and we wish we could be open and be a part of the community,” he said.

The Next Step

Ébrìk’s only physical store is located in Emory University’s Michael C. Carlos Museum, open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. “[Ébrìk] is part of the museum, so it’s a much more symbiotic relationship with the university. If they’re open, then we’re open,” Barzegar said.

Barzegar has put most of his efforts into Ébrìk’s online store where customers can make one-time purchases of bags of coffee or “subscribe” to Ébrìk to have coffee of their choice delivered regularly. Ébrìk continues to host community events with a spin that adheres to COVID-19 precautions.

“We are trying to make sure our internet footprint still feels like the shop,” Barzegar said. “We’re doing virtual art exhibits where you buy a ticket, get a sample coffee and participate in the event.”

Barzegar wants to return to Georgia State soon and hopes Ébrìk will return to open arms.

“Our plan has always been to regroup through 2020,” he said. “We would like to find a place on Georgia State’s campus so we can remain a part of that community.” Ébrìk redefined high-quality coffee. For Ébrìk and its community, this isn’t just about where the beans are from or how expensive the coffee press machine is.

High-quality is about the space of inclusivity and community Ébrìk cultivated in a short time and its lasting impact on loyal customers.

ARTS&LIVING

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2020

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The Crown Jewels make moves with majorette Spreading awareness and positivity through dance ISA CARDONA Staff Reporter

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dorned in sequin costumes and matching white gloves, the Crown Jewels are dancing their way into history.

The Crown Jewels, founded by Danielle Holmes, are the first and only majorette dance team at Georgia State.

Holmes, an alumna who received a master’s degree in business administration at Georgia State, wanted to find a way to bring this richly Southern dance style to her university.

Majorette dancing originated as a carnival dance from Rhineland Germany, where dancers would twirl batons and strictly move their arms in an 8-count tempo.

Once this style reached the U.S, it was embraced by the South and transformed into the high-energy “hiphop majorette” style seen today.

Holmes began dancing in high school, where her love for majorette dance blossomed. After graduating, Holmes wanted to carry on with her passion and bring it to her college community.

Many historically Black colleges showcase majorette dancing. The style has many different dance elements, including technical ballet, West African, jazz, contemporary and hip-hop choreography.

The style utilizes call and response, as found in African American spirituals.

The choreography and technical movements that majorette dancers perform can be seen as unusual, but that’s what makes it unique.

Since she could not attend a HBCU, Holmes wanted to create a majorette dancing opportunity for herself and other students.

That motivation drove the creation of the Crown Jewels. “[Georgia State] being one of the fastest-growing diverse universities, it was kind of a no-brainer to bring this style of dance because many students are familiar with it and want to be a part of it,” Holmes said.

The team consists of

21 dancers who train under president and coach Kamaria Richards. Under her coaching, the team has continued to practice and perform during the pandemic safely.

“We have definitely been still trying to find a way to make sure that we’re prepared for this season, and that when it does come to game time, even though it was kind of in limbo, we’ll be prepared,” Richards said.

The Crown Jewels’ dancers continue to strengthen and showcase their skills while following COVID-19 precautions. They are determined to support Georgia State’s athletic and spirit programs.

“I will say the only difference is that we have been practicing outdoors like in parks,” Richards said.

“But other than that, we’ve not changed our practices and are getting ready for the season.”

Going forward, the Crown Jewels hope to become more well known on campus and to showcase Georgia State’s diversity.

“It will be a great opportunity for Georgia State, as a non-HBCU, to start to integrate some of this culture and accept it,” Richards said. “It’ll bring a lot of students here and it will definitely make a lot of our students feel at home.”

Richards believes having majorette dance at Georgia State lets students experience something they would have experienced had they gone to a HBCU. Current junior and cocaptain Rodnise Cinemulus emphasized the incredible sisterhood of the Crown Jewels. She’s happy to be a part of a team that focuses on spreading positivity and awareness. “[The Crown Jewels] teach me to make sure that we welcome women of all shapes and sizes as long as you love to dance,” Cinemulus said.

Antoine Manning and his brother represent the “words ive never said” Pop-Up located at Murmur Gallery.

PHOTO SUBMITTED CHINEDU NWAKUDU

Antoine Manning talks rebranding, pop-ups and the future Senior introduces new clothing line called Homage Year KARA MARTIN Staff Reporter

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he clothing brand Homage Year fully encapsulates streetwear, high fashion and style at an affordable price. The face and brains behind the brand is Antoine Manning, who recently introduced another Homage Year collection at the pop-up he led in August.

Manning’s pop-up showcased his new collection’s brand-new look and meaning. He continues to use the same skills and dedication to create a legacy for himself and those he has lost along the way.

Manning is no rookie to the art world or creative industry.

He established Homage Year in 2015 after several people in his community passed away. Turning his pain into passion, Manning aimed to create a legacy for his people.

“Ultimately, the whole goal of the brand was to immortalize those people in there and, in a sense, give them a legacy,” Manning said. “The brand is basically dedicated and committed to making sociopolitical pieces that are very fashionable, rare and, ultimately, just very good looking yet still affordable and meaningful.”

Manning has used quarantine to execute a project that has been in the works for quite a while. He dedicated his free time to designing a full collection for a pop-up show.

“Business has been good honestly because it gave me that

extra time that I needed … and it allowed me to focus on a lot of things that needed to be done,”

“

Even though there’s a lot going on during this time, don’t let the virus stop you from doing what you love.

”

— ANTOINE MANNING

founder of homage year

Manning said. “I got a better sense of direction and was able to design a full collection of the pop-up and basically rebrand and just tap into what I like to do and how I can make it better.”

Using the extra time and resources he had due to COVID-19, he was able to buckle down and perfect his craft, vision

and the pop-up.

“I had plans of dropping the new line in March. But due to some inconveniences in addition to COVID-19, I wasn’t able to do it then,” Manning said. “Finally, it launched in August, and even though things weren’t 100% how I wanted it, I’m still pleased because seeing how everybody loved it and how well it went makes me look forward to the next pop-up.”

Titled “Words I’ve Never Said,” Manning’s pop-up shop debuted a completely new look and brand for Homage Year. The pop-up was a week-long event hosted at Murmur, inviting the community to stop by.

“The whole goal of the pop-up was to have people come out and support, but also show people that even though there’s a lot going on during this time, don’t let the virus stop you from doing what you love,” Manning said.

As the face of a brand, it can be scary to think about how others perceive your business and where it will be in the future. Manning has put those fears aside with faith looking forward.

“Where it goes is up to me, but as long as my intentions are good and my heart is in the right place, Homage will go to good places,” Manning said. “Now, my main concern is creating things that are meaningful and true to me and the brand when I first made it.”

SPORTS

September 29, 2020

WWW.GEORGIASTATESIGNAL.COM/SPORTS

Men’s soccer is hanging with the big boys Coach Surrency’s team kicks off with two crucial games AARON WILSON, JR. Staff Reporter

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he Panthers are back on the prowl with some familiarity to start this season, which came in the form of a 2-1 win over the Mercer Bears on Sept. 18, led by the reigning Sun Belt Player of the Year, Aris Briggs.

The senior forward thrived last season, leading the Sun Belt in total points (33) and goals (16), scoring almost once a game.

He also had six game-winning goals during the excellent run, as well.

Briggs silenced those questioning his consistency when he scored early off of a beautiful Justin Guest pass in.

After falling in the Sun Belt Conference Tournament to Coastal Carolina, the men were out to atone for that ending and win the Sun Belt Tournament on their way to the NCAA Tournament.

The team enters the season sporting a healthy mix of veteran players and four seniors, Aris Briggs, Paul Tyson, Andrew MillerBell and George Proctor.

A testament to the skill that the Panthers bring are the preseason acknowledgments, goalkeeper Paul Tyson earned AllPreseason Sun Belt honors, and forward Aris Briggs was named the Sun Belt Offensive Preseason Player of the Year.

The men spread their talent well: Midfielder Rossie Finnie, defender George Proctor, goalie Paul Tyson and forward Aris Briggs were either first or second-team All-Sun Belt in 2019, along with the 2018 freshman of the year midfielder Logan Luque.

With that pedigree and a history of winning under head coach Brett Surrency, the Panthers started on the right track to achieve their championship aspirations.

Briggs was ranked seventh among all players in NCAA Division I men’s soccer with 16 goals last season and picked up where he left off. He put his team up early with a goal in the 10th minute off the assist from Justin Guest and saw the Panthers hold a 1-0 lead to end the first half thanks to the infallible wall that

was keeper Paul Tyson.

Tyson, a robust defense named Defensive Player of the Week multiple times, held the Bears scoreless until the 69th minute when they evened the score 1-1. That score held for less than 20 minutes before Briggs was back on the scoresheet with the go-ahead header in the 81st minute off the assist from George Proctor.

Tyson’s play gained recognition throughout the conference for his play in the opener, earning Defensive Player of the Week in the Sun Belt Conference for the fourth time last week.

“Senior goalkeeper Paul Tyson, who was named to the AllSun Belt Preseason Team, led the Panthers to a 2-1 victory over Mercer on Friday night in the season opener for both teams,” the team said in the announcement. “Tyson finished with seven saves, including multiple remarkable saves in the first half that kept Mercer off the scoreboard until after halftime.”

Not to be left out either, the leading scorer Aris Briggs received acknowledgment as the Offensive Player of the Week in the Sun Belt Conference for the second time in a row.

Next up for the 1-0 Panthers were the 1-0 South Carolina Gamecocks.

Coming off a win a week ago, the Panthers were likely happy with the result but knew there were adjustments to be made. One of those adjustments looked to be the aggressiveness as they kept the ball in the South Carolina territory for the majority of the first half.

Keeping consistent pressure on the Gamecocks paid off as the defenders slowly whittled under the continual passing. They stayed engaged with their mark and ultimately resulted in a goal

by Matthew Fearnley to make the game 1-0.

In case anyone had any misgivings about how well the Panther’s pressure was working, Jeryn Hodge made sure to hammer the point home. The freshman made his mark early, scoring his first collegiate goal 35 seconds after Fearnley,

Matthew Fearnley and the Men’s Soccer team up against the University of South Carolina during their second win at Stone Stadium.

increasing the lead to 2-0 for the boys in blue. That lead carried to the end of the 1st half as Georgia State just looked to be outhustling and out-playing South Carolina all across the pitch.

However, the South Carolina team also deserves credit for adjusting in the game as well. After the intermission, it looked like they ratcheted up the pace and started showing up to defend the home field. However, the Panthers wanted to take a more patient approach to open the second half.

Even with a sense of urgency displayed by South Carolina to open the second half, they still could not get past Paul Tyson until the 69th minute in a bit of an odd play. Kyle Guerrieri is credited with the goal, though it looked more like Tyson underestimated the ball’s power and let it trickle underneath him for the goal.

However, it seemed something went amiss as Tyson appeared quite upset. He seemed to take his frustration out on his Gatorade bottle, seeming to slam it down in disgust as South Carolina hurried back to the center of the pitch. That was the only aberration on a night where defense players hounded the Panthers scorers, going for tackles and frustrating the attack at every turn.

The Gamecocks kept Briggs out of the net for the day, but he still made his presence known as he helped his team close out the game.

Up 2-1 late in the match, Briggs started to pull away from his mark, forcing the foul to create a free-kick piece for State. The keeper deflected the free-kick, setting up Simon Carlson for the second-chance shot, which he converted in the 84th minute.

That was his first career goal and gave Georgia State the 3-1 lead it would keep for the rest of the game.

With that win, the Panthers, TopDrawerSoccer.com’s National Team of the Week, move to 2-0 on the young season. They play their first home game on Nov. 30th against the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

PHOTO SUBMITTED BY GEORGIA STATE ATHLETICS

SPORTS

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2020

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Georgia State football’s bizarre 24 hours Four test positive for COVID-19, 17 to quarantine ANDREW FREEDMAN Sports Editor

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his past Saturday was supposed to be a fun day. It was going to be an opportunity for Shawn Elliott and Georgia State to prove that last week’s nearupset over No. 19 LouisianaLafayette was no fluke.

The Panthers and Charlotte 49ers were slotted for ESPNU’s noontime kickoff to begin a star-studded day for fans.

And then, unfortunate news. The Panthers were scheduled for their second of four straight nationally televised games to start the season.

“Out of an abundance of caution, Georgia State has postponed its Saturday game at Charlotte due to COVID positive tests and contact tracing,” Georgia State stated in a press release.

While the press release did not say which team contracted it, sources have confirmed that at least one member of the Panthers team tested positive for COVID-19. The school is yet to, and may not even, announce the names of those who contracted the virus.

Prior to the season, freshman quarterback Mikele Colasurdo tested positive for the coronavirus but the team cleared him earlier this month.

The Atlanta JournalConstitution learned through open records that the department tested 2,757 student-athletes and 360 athletic staff members.

According to those records, six staff members and 43 student-athletes tested positive.

Georgia State did not announce an exact number of cases but joins several other college football programs that recently experienced an outbreak.

Or so we thought.

Just 24 hours after postponing their game against the 49ers, Georgia State made another press release, this time, announcing that the previous positive test results “turned out to be the result of errors in reading the test results.”

Georgia State Athletics Director Charlie Cobb

explained the situation a bit more Saturday afternoon.

“Friday afternoon, as we were loading the buses to play a football game at Charlotte, we were informed that four individuals out of 135 had tested positive for coronavirus from our third test in four days as part of our protocol to play,” Cobb said.

As the school mentioned Friday, contact tracing turned out to be a reason for the canceled game. Cobb said that, in addition to the four individuals who tested positive during Thursday afternoon’s tests, Georgia State found 17 others, including a coach, who required quarantining.

“As part of our protocols, we tested the individuals again Friday afternoon and were informed by our lab Friday night that none tested positive,” Cobb said.

The athletics departments also retested the swabs from Thursday and all tested negative as well.

“It was at this point that the lab director informed our medical staff that a human error Friday morning caused the error in test results,” Cobb said.

The athletics department stated that it did not feel comfortable sending its newlook team to Charlotte. Now, it wishes it could have had the opportunity to rewind time.

Cobb sent a personal message to the 49ers.

“We appreciate the professionalism shown by [Charlotte Athletics Director] Mike Hill and Coach [Will] Healy throughout the past 48 hours,” Cobb said.

After a disappointing weekend, Elliott and his men will prepare for East Carolina on Saturday. The Pirates postponed their first two games of the season, a road game at Marshall followed by their home opener against South Carolina, due to a coronavirus outbreak late August.

Center Parc Stadium will either bring a Panthers home win, or Pirates road upset for a first win of the season. The only question: Who will come out on top at noon on ESPNU?

Coach Brett Surrency and Aris Briggs discuss their thoughts during a game in the 2020 season.

PHOTO SUBMITTED BY GEORGIA STATE ATHLETICS

Brett Surrency on the rise of Panther soccer

The preparations that went into this past offseason JULIAN HARDEN Staff Reporter

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eorgia State soccer is in a renaissance coming off great back-to-back seasons, and head coach Brett Surrency sees more great things to come for the program.

The Panthers are coming off a gritty 2-1 road win over the Mercer Bears that saw obstacles on and off the pitch.

“We’ve not been able to play full side, so that was our first rendition,” Surrency said. “It happened to be a game that mattered, and on top of that, Hurricane Sally came through making the field saturated.”

Aris Briggs was a one-man show for the Panthers, scoring both goals for Georgia State en route to their first win. The reigning Sun Belt Player of the Year is picking up right where he left off in 2019, where he scored 16 goals as a junior.

The Panthers will play every Sun Belt team twice, in addition to an exceptional out-of-conference schedule. Even in shortened seasons, the Panthers will need to pull out all the stops if they want to make another run at the Sun Belt crown this season.

Due to the pandemic, the Panthers are playing more regional games, including Mercer, the South Carolina Gamecocks, the UAB Blazers and Coastal

Carolina Chanticleers.

“I’m excited to finally have the season in stone,” Surrency said.

“We expect a very competitive Sun Belt Conference this year, and playing every team home and away will really make for a regularseason champion.”

“

Our guys have done the right things off the field to minimize the risk of COVID-19.

”

— BRETT SURRENCY

men’s soccer head coach

Georgia State will host the Sun Belt Tournament, giving the team the motivation to win in front of

their hometown fans.

“It really did feel like an accomplishment at that point, especially for the guys,” Surrency said. “Our guys have done the right things off the field to minimize the risk of COVID-19.”

Georgia State’s first conference game will be against Coastal Carolina, with whom they split in 2019. The Panthers will be looking for revenge against the Chanticleers after losing 6-5 in penalty kicks and losing the conference tournament.

With the expectations growing as the team’s performance gradually improves, look for the Panthers to play for the conference crown once again. Georgia State soccer is on the rise, and not even the current pandemic can stop the Panthers from another great run at a championship.

On Tuesday, they were able to knock off the Gamecocks 2-0. The win came less than a week after South Carolina’s win over Georgia Southern, who the Panthers play on Sunday.

For their next act, you can catch Surrency’s team tomorrow afternoon at 2 p.m. as they take on the University of Alabama at Birmingham Blazers from the GSU Sports Complex.

September 29, 2020

UNIVERSITY

STATE

NATIONAL

Georgia State does not travel to Charlotte

The Braves win the NL East in dominant fashion

The NBA Finals tip-off tomorrow night

The Panthers postponed their game last Saturday at Charlotte “out of an abundance of caution,” the school said in their press release Friday afternoon. The Panthers’ first four games of the season were all scheduled to be on national television. Their opponent for this week, the East Carolina, canceled their first game of the season against Marshall after an outbreak on the team. All signs point to the Panthers and Pirates still kicking off at noon on Saturday.

In front of no fans but showered by joys, the Atlanta Braves clinched their third consecutive National League East division crown. With five games left in the season for the franchise, they enter the postseason looking with hopes of being NL champions for the first time since 1999. Behind the brilliant work of Freddie Freeman, Ronald Acuna, Jr., Marcel Ozuna and Ozzie Albies at the plate, this team could finally breakthrough.

LeBron James, Anthony Davis and the Los Angeles Lakers face off against Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo and the Miami Heat tomorrow night, setting the tone for the 2020 NBA Finals. The Lakers steamrolled, eliminating the Portland Trail Blazers, Houston Rockets and Denver Nuggets. For Miami they swept the Indiana Pacers in the first round and only needed five games to eliminate the No. 1 overall seeded Milwaukee Bucks. That came after they swept the Indiana Pacers. They earned their spot on Sunday night with a 125-113 game six win over the Boston Celtics.

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Student STATEments Ada Wood, Former Editor-in-Chief

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THREE BIG THINGS

GAMES SUDOKU

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he staff at The Signal is doing amazing!

I’m so proud of you all. Can’t wait to see this weeks cover story!

THE KICKBACK

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2020

GAMES

15

COMIC

Your Comic SHOULD be Here!

UPCOMING EVENTS FRIDAY

Part-Time Job Hiring Sessions 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Virtual

Dialogues on Sexual and Gender Diversity 3:30 p.m.

Virtual

Leadership Essentials: Ethics, Integrity and Social Responsibility 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Atlanta Campus - Student Center West, Suite 474

Bias Awareness & Bystander Intervention 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m Virtual

OCT 2

THURSDAY OCT 1

WEDNESDAY SEPT 30

TUESDAY

SUNDAY

MONDAY

Old Fourth Ward Park Arts Festival: Day One 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Historic Fourth Ward Park

Gallery: Dark Houses Until Dec. 11 Clarkston Campus - Building F, Studio Gallery

Job search in the COVID-19 Environment 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Virtual

Georgia State football vs.

East Carolina 12:00 p.m.

Georgia State Stadium and Virtual Options

Old Fourth Ward Park Arts Festival: Day Two Sunday 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Historic Fourth Ward Park

OCT 5

SATURDAY OCT 4

OCT 3

SEPT 29

THE KICKBACK

You can register to vote now using your campus address.

You can vote early.

You can vote by mail.

You can vote

on Election Day.

Go to voteamerica.com/students

VoteAmerica.com

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