The Hofstra Chronicle November 17, 2020

T H E HOFS T R A

HEMPSTEAD, NY VOLUME 86 ISSUE 4

CHRONICLE

TUESDAY november 17, 2020

KEEPING THE HOFSTRA COMMUNITY INFORMED SINCE 1935.

Joe Biden elected 46th president of the US

By Marjorie Rogers

A S S I S TA N T N E W S E D I T O R

The contentious 2020 presidential election between former Vice President Joe Biden and incumbent President Donald Trump finally came to a conclusion four days after Election Day, with key states Nevada, Pennsylvania and Georgia determining the results.

The Associated Press called the race on Saturday, Nov. 7, projecting that Democratic candidate Biden had won the presidential race with 290 electoral votes. In New York City and across the country, people took to the streets to celebrate the election results.

“My first reaction was to call my mom,” said sophomore biochemistry major Will Germaine.

“We shared a happy moment because we knew that true change was now tangible.”

Germaine is looking forward to Biden’s plans to establish a COVID-19 taskforce and hopes to see the new administration take action on student loans and education, as well as work against what Germaine sees as damage that Trump has inflicted during his four-year term.

In some cases, a positive outlook crossed party lines.

“I’ve never really been a big

Trump fan, so I always take the opportunity to see the bright side of everything that happened even though I’m [a] Republican,” said Maxwell Clegg, a sophomore public policy and public service and economics double major. Clegg, who is the

NEWS

Kamala Harris shatters precedents with vice presidential victory

By Ahjané Forbes

an undecided freshman. “It says that a woman can hold office A S S I S TA N T N E W S E D I T O R that high in the land.”

Sen. Kamala Harris will be At the Chase Center in Wilmthe first Black and South Asian ington, Delaware, the daughter American woman to hold office of Indian and Jamaican immias vice president of the United grants gave her victory speech, States after The Associated thanking all the women who Press declared former Vice shaped her into who she is today.

She praised her mother, Shyamala Gopalan, for believing in the American dream.

Gopalan came to the U.S. from India at the age of 19. With the help of her family, she enrolled in the University of California at Berkeley as one of the few immigrant students Anthony Roberts / The Hofstra Chronicle in her class. “[S]he beJoe Biden and Kamala Harris will make history as the next president and vice president of lieved so deeply the United States. They are set to take office on Wednesday, Jan 20, 2021. in an America vice president of the Hofstra where a moment like this is posPresident Joe Biden the winner sible,” said Harris, regarding her College Republicans, said he exof the 2020 presidential election mother’s triumphs in the U.S. pects a moderate Biden adminon Saturday, Nov. 7.

She continued her speech with istration that will seek to restore “Kamala Harris’ win is [hisan address to all women, no decency and kindness across the toric] and can provide hope for matter what race, to believe that United States. young women and girls across this moment can be possible for the country,” said Alice Patry,

CONTINUED ON A3

them as well.

“Every little girl watching tonight sees that this is a country of possibilities,” Harris said. “And to the children of our country, regardless of your gender, our country has sent you a clear message – dream with ambition, lead with conviction and see yourself in a way that others may not see you, simply because they’ve never seen it before, and we will applaud you every step of the way.”

At Hofstra, some students of color feel inspired by Harris’ historic victory.

“Being able to say my vice president is Black is a thing of pride,” said Joshua Omolola, a freshman history major. “It also re-instills the ideal that America is the land of opportunity. Through oppression and pain, African Americans have progressed together as a society and it’s amazing that this year, of all years, we are able to see ourselves in the highest seats of government.” Omolola added that this election has played a role in America’s continuing story with civil rights.

“Although for the last four years there [have] been attempts to silence the voice of African Americans, we have been

CONTINUED ON A3

A&E

‘Jeopardy!’ host Alex Trebek dies at 80

By Eleni Kothesakis

A RT S A N D E N T E RTA I N M E N T EDITOR

Anthony Roberts / The Hofstra Chronicle The legendary Alex Trebek of “Jeopardy!” died at the age of 80 due to complications from pancreatic cancer on Sunday, Nov. 8.

Alex Trebek, host of syndicated quiz show “Jeopardy!” died on Sunday, Nov. 8, at the age of

80. Trebek had been the host of “Jeopardy!” since it first aired in 1984, and he was a permanent fixture in the homes of families across the country ever since.

“Jeopardy! is saddened to share that Alex Trebek passed

away peacefully at home early this morning, surrounded by family and friends. Thank you, Alex,” read a statement shared on the official “Jeopardy!” Twitter and Instagram accounts.

CONTINUED ON B2

A2 • NOVEMBER 17, 2020

203 Student Center hofstrachronicle@gmail.com

Editors-in-Chief Melanie Haid Drashti Mehta

Managing Editor Gab Varano

Business Manager Robert Kinnaird

News Editor

Annemarie LePard

Assistant News Editors Ahjané Forbes Marjorie Rogers Samantha Sivert

A&E Editors

Victoria Bell Eleni Kothesakis

A&E Assistant Editor Jacob Huller Kat Salmon

Sports Editors

David Lazar Anthony Roberts

Assistant Sports Editor Mike Senatore

Features Editors Betty Araya Audra Nemirow

Assistant Features Editor Micaela Erickson

Op-Ed Editors

Visvajit Sriramrajan Jessica Zhang Daniel Cody

Assistant Op-Ed Editors Yashu Pericherla Aja Ward

Copy Chiefs

Elizabeth Turley Odessa Stork

Assistant Copy Chiefs Antonia Moffa Julia Razzante

Multimedia Editors Robert Kinnaird Adam Flash Talha Siddiqui

Social Media Team Elizabeth Turley Gab Varano Tori Licata Tino Pattigno Anthony Roberts

Editor-at-Large

Sarah Emily Baum The Chronicle is published on Tuesdays during the academic year by the students of Hofstra University. The Chronicle is located in Room 203 Student Center, 200 Hofstra University, Hempstead, N.Y. 11549. Advertising and subscription rates may be obtained by calling (516) 463-6921.

The Chronicle reserves the right to reject any submission, in accordance with our written policies. All advertising which may be considered fraudulent, misleading, libelous or offensive to the University community, The Chronicle or its advertisers may be refused. The products and opinions expressed within advertisement are not endorsed by The Chronicle or its staff.

NEWS

THE CHRONICLE

Pfizer coronavirus vaccine is one step closer to global production

By Annemarie LePard NEWS EDITOR

[Centers for Disease Control and Prevention] ... I’m not super [trusting] of big pharmaceutical companies.”

The distribution of Pfizer’s vaccine will be complex, as it has to be stored at around minus 70 degrees Celsius (minus 94 degrees Fahrenheit) until shortly before it is injected, according to The New York Times. The vaccine must also be given in two doses, spaced three weeks apart.

“The challenge is the number of doses that need to be delivered, and we can imagine that

Hackett said the majority of the population will not have access to the vaccine until “this time next year.”

Rosner does not believe a vaccine will be readily available to the public within the next year, claiming it will take three to five years to get a vaccine that is as obtainable as the flu shot. “A vaccine that has logistical issues like [this one] that needs two doses and needs to be cooled is just not an equitable one,” she said.

Exactly who will qualify for the initial doses has not been

Pharmaceutical company Pfizer announced on Monday, Nov. 9, that an early analysis showed its COVID-19 vaccine was more than 90% effective.

Pfizer is currently in Phase 3 of its clinical trial, which consists of nearly 44,000 participants. Testing began in July, where half of the participants got the vaccine and the other half got a salt water placebo. So far, 94 volunteers have gotten sick with COVID-19, according to The New York Times.

“It’s very promising,” said associate professor of health professions Dr. Martine Hackett. “The next steps now are for final approval from the Food and Drug Administration, and then once that takes place, the real work begins on the distribution of the vaccine.”

The vaccine may be ready as early as the end of this year, with “30 to 40 million doses of the vaccine” available, accordPhoto courtesy of Dado Ruvic / Reuters ing to Pfizer’s Chief Executive Albert Bourla.

The first coronavirus vaccine could be available as early as the end of 2020, Some people are thrilled and following the success of Pfizer’s clinical trial. “can’t wait to be the first in line to take the vaccine when this would be a challenge in the decided, but groups that are at offered,” and others are “more United States [alone],” Hackett a higher risk for infection or cautious,” according to Hackett. said. “But ... since this is a panare more vulnerable to the virus “It does seem promising, but demic – it’s a worldwide virus are likely to be prioritized. That ... I personally don’t feel like I – this also has to be the case in could include “first responders, would be comfortable taking the other countries and developing medical personnel, the elderly vaccine that was just produced,” countries, that they need to have and educators,” Hackett said. said Erin Rosner, a junior similar access.”

The question is whether geographic information systems Up to 1.3 billion doses of the Americans will resist getting major. coronavirus vaccine could be the vaccine. “We certainly know Maya Palmer, a senior biology produced annually, according to that for even a very simple major, is also skeptical of the Pfizer and the company’s Gerprevention measure like maskvaccine’s rapid development. man partner BioNTech. They wearing, there is a lot of “I just think it’s really too early expect to generate 50 million resistance in different places and to say,” she said. “I’d take it doses and potentially vaccinate levels of compliance,” Hackett if it was endorsed by the CDC 12.5 million Americans. said. “There was already vac-

cine resistance among certain populations for well-developed and successful vaccines like for measles.”

The resistance to the vaccine may stem from its side effects.

Scientists anticipate that the shots will cause “enervating flu-like” side effects, including “sore arms, muscle aches and fever,” according to NBC News.

Since COVID-19 vaccines are developing quickly, there is limited data available on the side effects, which is a concern to Rosner.

“I might not be interested in taking a vaccine [for COVID-19] until it’s like a couple of years old, mostly because ... the long-term effects are not apparent yet,” Rosner said.

Hackett said side effects should not be a deterrent to getting the vaccine, as they are not worse than the possibility of contracting the virus.

The goal of a coronavirus vaccine is to improve people’s immune systems, so if they are exposed to the virus, they will have “less severe consequences or perhaps not even get the disease at all,” unlike somebody who did not receive a vaccine, according to Hackett.

The coronavirus is not over yet and restrictions are still being upheld as cases are on the rise – and are expected to continue rising – during the winter months.

“We have to be vigilant and keep up our attention to wearing masks and social distancing, especially indoors,” Hackett said.

“The potential of the vaccine is very exciting because it [is] sort of a light at the end of the tunnel, but we are not there yet.”

Generation Z comes out to the polls in record numbers

By Samantha Sivert

A S S I S TA N T N E W S E D I T O R

Recent election data shows Generation Z is more likely to be progressive and politically active than older generations.

The Pew Research Center de-

fines Gen Z as individuals born between 1997 and 2012, which means many people in this age group got their first chance to vote in a presidential election this year. Approximately 15 million young voters were registered to vote since 2016, accord-

ing to Tufts University’s Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement (CIRCLE).

Nassau County Legislator Josh Lafazan, who in 2017 became the youngest person ever elected to the Nassau County

Legislature at 23 years old, said he has seen “a tremendous amount of young people registering to vote” in recent years.

He added that this year, “Young people were the largest voting bloc in the country.”

CONTINUED ON A4

THE CHRONICLE

NEWS

Kamala Harris: A woman of color changing the face of democracy

CONTINUED FROM A1

resilient in the form of a new president and vice president.”

Even though many people expressed feelings of gratitude and joy, they are still hoping that this administration will be committed to doing what they have promised.

“I hope that the Biden-Harris administration will improve ... prisoners’ rights and provide them with the health care and medical care that they need while they are working on creating a new system,” Patry said.

“Along with this I would like it if they would address [a woman’s] right to get an abortion.”

After Justice Amy Coney Barrett’s confirmation to the Supreme Court, many Americans fear that Roe v. Wade, a Supreme Court decision that protects a woman’s right to an abortion, will be overturned.

During the vice presidential debate, Harris shared her stance on the issue.

“I will always fight for a woman’s right to make a decision about her own body,” Harris said. “It should be her decision and not that of [President] Donald Trump and Vice President Michael Pence,” Harris said.

In the wake of the Black

Lives Matter Movement and the push for police reform, many Black Americans are demanding change within every police department. Harris was asked during the debate if Breonna Taylor, who was killed by Louisville police officers in March after they forced entry into her apartment as part of a drug investigation, was given justice.

“We need reform of our policing in America and our criminal justice system, which is why Joe [Biden] and I will immediately ban chokeholds and carotid holds,” Harris said. “George Floyd would be alive today if we did that. We will require a national registry for police officers who break the law.”

Many Hofstra students believe that the Biden-Harris administration will soon bring this to fruition.

“In terms of civil rights, I’m confident the administration will work to improve relations in the Black community and ensure there’s a change in police relations,” Omolola said.

Harris’ win is also a push to strengthen course curriculum and acknowledge more women of color in high-ranking positions.

“A crucial glass ceiling has finally broken,” said Cindy Rosenthal, a professor of drama

and dance and co-director of Hofstra’s women’s studies program. “We can now teach women’s studies from that knowledge and perspective Kamala Harris brings to the office of the vice president of the United States: a background and a journey that many Black women, South Asian women, children of two immigrant parents, those raised by single mothers and graduates of historically Black colleges share. These factors will undoubtedly shape the content and the trajectory of our courses going forward.”

The election results, while pleasing to some Americans, left others feeling disappointed.

Some feel that more work needs to be done beyond this election to reunite the country and address stark divisions in its political sphere.

“No matter which way you voted, our democracy is bigger than us, and we are the keepers of it,” Omolola said. “Having conversation and dialogue is the only way to keep our democracy alive and well. Keep on challenging and holding our political officials accountable.”

Photo courtesy of Alexander Tamargo / Getty “While I may be the first woman in this office, I will not be the last,” Harris said during her victory speech on Saturday, Nov. 7. “Because every little girl watching tonight sees that this is a country of possibilities.”

NOVEMBER 17, 2020 • A3

Biden breaks voter turnout record CONTINUED FROM A1 The 2020 election, in many ways, was an unprecedented one. It broke the record for the most expensive election in U.S. history, costing roughly $14 billion, which is double the total cost of the 2016 election. Biden not only won the popular vote with over 77 million votes and counting, but he also broke the record for the most votes ever cast for a presidential candidate in U.S. history, surpassing former President Barack Obama’s previous record of 69,498,516 votes. Biden also flipped more than one traditionally red state this year, including Arizona, which has not voted blue since 1996, and Georgia, which has

the election. “I’m actually not too excited about what I’ve seen out of people like Ted Cruz and other Trump fanatics.”

Clegg said that while Trump has the right to try to contest the election results in court, he personally does not support the idea that the election results were fraudulent.

“It has been called. It’s been called for a while, and he kind of just has to accept that fact,” Clegg said. “That’s just disingenuous and [Trump] shouldn’t be throwing out the norms of our republic like that.”

Some students believe electing Biden is a good first step toward undoing much of the Trump administration’s controversial work. However, some

“The America that Trump has created in the past four years won’t just go away [on] Inauguration Day.” — Will Germaine not voted blue since 1992.

Trump denied the outcome of the election, claiming that widespread voter fraud occurred in several swing states without citing any concrete evidence. While some members of the Republican Party, such as Utah Sen. Mitt Romney, have denounced Trump’s claims of widespread voter fraud, others have stayed silent on the issue or even enabled his claims.

“Mitt Romney has it right ... You kind of just have to accept [the results],” Clegg said, adding that he does not support some other Republicans’ refusal to accept the results of

of those same students argue that Trump’s actions may leave a long-term impact on both the United States and the rest of the world.

“It’s going to take time, and it’s going to take everything in the political power of the government to try and undo a lot of what Trump has done, that has not only just create[d] more of a division within the U.S. alone but has caused so much tension between [our] allies and even some of our rival countries,” Germaine said. “The America that Trump has created in the past four years won’t just go away [on] Inauguration Day.”

A4 • NOVEMBER 17, 2020

Trends indicate Gen Z is more progressive than older generations CONTINUED FROM A2 In the 2016 presidential election, approximately 42% to 44% of voters between the ages of 18 and 29 cast ballots, while in 2020 it is estimated that 50% to 52% of voters in that age group cast ballots, according to CIRCLE. Lafazan added that young people have increased not only their voter turnout, but other forms of political participation as well.

“We’ve seen a staggering increase in participation ... young people [are] organizing rallies, attending town halls, reaching out to their elected officials and holding them accountable,” Lafazan said.

Rosanna Perotti, an associate professor of political science at Hofstra University, shared similar thoughts regarding activism among young voters, particularly when it came to organizing civil rights protests earlier this year following the murder of George Floyd.

“This summer was really [a] great example of young people’s ability to, first of all, organize civil disobedience but then also to participate in it, to get it all going, to get allies, to mobilize allies among older people, particularly older white people.”

Perotti said. “It was just a phenomenal effort.”

Gen Z students agreed that their age group is highly politically engaged in comparison to older generations.

“Gen Z is really unafraid to speak up and push for reforms for what they believe in ... We’ve seen it all, from gun control walkouts, climate strikes, women’s marches and Black Lives Matter protests,” said Lindsey Hill, a sophomore political science major. “And now that ... young people in this generation are eligible to vote, they are able to do more by voting for politicians that advocate

for what the majority of Gen Z has been pushing for.”

Gen Z also differs from older generations in the issues they see as most important.

“Gen Z voters are way more interested in the environment, women’s rights [and] reproductive freedom than older voters,” Perotti said. “You folks really do have opinions that are different than your parents’ generation.”

Perotti says the significant differences between Gen Z and older generations is based on the social and political environment they grew up in.

“Your generation is much more racially, ethnically diverse, and it includes a greater percentage of children of immigrants than my generation,” Perotti said. “It’s a really distinct difference in [demographic] composition as well as in opinions, and the change in opinions partly is a result of a change in composition.”

Since Gen Z tends to focus on issues of advocacy and activism, their political ideology gravitates toward one party that they perceive to be more open and supportive of their issues of concern, even on Long Island.

“There’s been a surge of enrollment for Democrats in Nassau and Suffolk counties, and a disproportionate share of them are people 18 to 29 years old,” said Lawrence Levy, the executive dean of the National Center for Suburban Studies at Hofstra University. “When you turn 18, you get to enroll for the first time, so you would expect some of it, but political insiders tell me it’s more than we’ve seen in a while.”

Approximately 61% of individuals between the ages of 18 and 29 voted for former Vice President Joe Biden in the 2020 presidential election, while only 36% of people in that age group voted for incumbent President Donald Trump, according to CIRCLE data.

NEWS

THE CHRONICLE

A short-lived journey left a lifelong impact

By Ahjané Forbes

A S S I S TA N T N E W S E D I T O R

My freshman year I did not know much about The Hofstra Chronicle, but I was given the impression that only people who were good writers could be involved in the newspaper. I was right. However, I did not know that getting involved with this paper would make me a better journalist.

In September 2018, my second semester of sophomore year, I got involved with this organization. I was nervous, to say the least. I submitted many articles that were never put into print. After a while, I took a hiatus from going to meetings and submitting my articles. Looking back, I should not have ever done that.

During my time away from writing for The Chronicle, I tried to get into entertainment and feature writing. I got an internship at Cupid’s Pulse, which is a website that mainly focuses on celebrity news, movie reviews, fashion trends, relationships and advice. None of that was me. Although that internship taught me so much, it showed me that I wanted to be a news writer.

After enduring several weeks of not being satisfied with the experience, I decided to come back to The Chronicle. This time when I did not get my article published in the paper, I asked questions. I sat with then-News Editor, Melanie Haid and Editor-in-Chief, Taylor Clarke, to discuss what I was doing wrong. Clarke pulled up my article on her computer and pointed out the areas that I needed to work on. Not only was I not being told these mistakes academically, but I would have continued writing this way professionally. Even though I knew my time here at Hofstra was running out, I still wanted to be involved for the remaining two semesters I had left.

In April, I applied to be an assistant news editor. With one semester left I had no idea if

I would get the position.

Little did I know I would not be doing this alone.

On Friday, May 8, I got an email with the subject line “Final Assistant Decision.”

The email said, “Hello Marjorie, Sam and Ahjané, congratulations, you all have been selected to be Photo Courtesy of JCPenney Portraits assistant news During her final semester at Hofstra, Ahjané has served as an assistant news editor and a college aseditors for sociate at Fox Nation, all while at home due to the the upcomcoronavirus pandemic. ing academic cation: Everyone’s journey is year!” I was so different. Not everyone is going excited that I would be a part of to get an internship at NBC, the Editorial Board. In addition, I was glad that I would be work- CBS, ABC or PBS. Be authentic and think outside the box. If you ing with two other assistants as know you want to be somewell. where, try to get there. Also, To Marjorie Rogers and don’t wait until the last minute Samantha Sivert, my wonderful to do your internship. Gainfellow assistants, both of you ing experience and knowledge have made my time as assistant is key. Don’t ever pass up the news editor the most enjoyable. opportunity to learn something Thank you for being a part of new. my journey and being there to Right now, reality is hitting help me. It has truly been an me.

My emails will no longer honor working with both of say, “Hi, I’m Ahjané Forbes, you! I really hope that you will an assistant news editor at The continue to thrive in your internHofstra Chronicle.”

I will not ships, future entry-level jobs have to announce at an event and overall careers. that I’m there writing a story To Annemarie LePard, my for The Chronicle.

I won’t be amazing news editor, please on Zoom calls helping our staff continue to be who you are. writers with their articles.

I You have taught me a lot in my won’t be up late editing arshort time here – I’m glad that ticles, falling asleep with the AP I’ve learned so much from you.

Stylebook in hand. This part of We’ve been through a lot as a my journey has sadly come to section this semester. I have an end. I’ll have to face the fact no doubt that this section will continue to grow. Thank you for that my new reality is outside of answering all my constant ques- Hofstra University.

I’ll end with the closing words tions and being there to help all I gave during my salutatorian of us when we needed it. This is speech at my high school graduone of the best work experiences ation: “Rise above all expectaI have ever had thus far. tions [and] blaze a trail no one Advice I want to give to jourelse has.”

And a reminder that nalism students at the Lawrence print journalism is not dying.

Herbert School of CommuniIt’s just evolving.

THE CHRONICLE

NEWS

NOVEMBER 17, 2020 • A5

President Trump refuses to concede after election results are counted

By Madeline Armstrong S TA F F W R I T E R

Former Vice President Joe Biden was projected as the winner of the 2020 election with 290 electoral votes on Saturday, Nov. 7, by The Associated Press.

But as many across America celebrate Biden’s victory, incumbent President Donald Trump and his supporters refuse to accept their loss. This is the first time that a modern-day president has not conceded after an election.

Many are concerned about Trump’s refusal to concede and believe that it is an important part of the election process.

“It signals to [Americans] and specifically [Trump’s] followers that [his] time as leader is done and it’s [Biden’s] time to be [the] leader of the country,” said Karys Tipton, a senior political

science and music major. “His supporters are refusing to listen to the results of the election.

They are doubting our democratic process.”

Along with signaling to the American people that they should listen to the presidentelect, conceding is a fundamental part of American democracy.

“It’s what our country’s based off of. That’s how our democracy runs,” said Alice McKay, a freshman drama major. “His refusal to concede leans almost toward ... a dictatorship.”

Although conceding after an election is the traditional protocol for a sitting president, there is no Constitutional requirement for Trump to do so.

“Constitutionally, he doesn’t have to concede,” said Leslie Feldman, a professor of political science, “but he does have to leave the White House, other-

wise he’s a squatter.”

Trump is making history by refusing to concede. The president’s primary reason for refusing to accept the election results is voter fraud from mail-in ballots. However, election officials have said that these claims lack evidence.

“It’s a little concerning that people so high up in the country are questioning the legitimacy of the election,” McKay said.

Some people are concerned that America is going to see a repeat of the 2000 presidential election, where a recount in Florida reversed the results in the presidential race between former President George W. Bush and former Vice President Al Gore.

“If you look back at the situation between George Bush and Al Gore, it was down to less than 600 votes ... [in this case]

Biden is ahead by thousands of votes,” Tipton said. “He’s still going to win. There’s no reversing this unless you take away people’s democratic right to vote.”

Although Trump’s claims of voter fraud may be false, his refusal to acknowledge Biden as the president-elect is halting the transition process. Typically, Biden would have been given transition intel and funds.

“If [Biden] doesn’t get the intel in the next couple of weeks, [some GOP senators] are going to step in and make sure that he does get it,” Tipton predicted.

Republican Sens. James Lankford and Josh Hawley said they believe Biden should be receiving intelligence briefings and that they will pressure the Trump administration to do so, according to an article in The Associated Press.

Although the next few months seem uncertain, many hope that once Biden is inaugurated, things will calm down.

“I think everything will quiet down,” Feldman said. “It was a love affair with Donald Trump, but ... it’s over.”

Other people believe the opposite will happen.

“I think our country is so polarized right now,” McKay said. “[T]here’s going to be so much conflict.”

In the next few months, many Hofstra students hope that the country can move past this juxtaposition and become united.

“We’re not two different countries. We’re not two different sides. We should be united,” said Iman Elshazly, a sophomore psychology major. “We’re basically going to be split from the inside out if we’re not.”

Just because I’m leaving doesn’t mean you get to use italics

By Elizabeth Turley COPY CHIEF

I really don’t want to write this, because it means acknowledging that my time with The Hofstra Chronicle is coming to an end. Working with The Chron has been one of the most consistent parts of my time here at Hofstra. I started copy editing the fall of my freshman year, back in 2017, and never looked back. Since then, I’ve written for news, collected and compiled the Public Safety Briefs, joined the Copy Board and even written my first op-ed.

This past semester has made me realize Hofstra students are so, so fortunate when it comes to our campus newspaper. Even during a global pandemic, The Hofstra Chronicle is known for maintaining editorial independence from the University as well as for top-notch reporting and journalistic integrity. You know if something big happens, we’ll look for the facts and tell you about it, even as we all balance

I promise to kick you all in the course of the semester. From a classes, homework and other kneecaps when I come back for consistent style for Instagram clubs. graduation. posts to killer 2020 Election To the staff of The Chronicle: graphics, we’ve done It has been such an so much and learned honor to serve on your even more about social Copy Board for the last media’s role in modern year. Because our job journalism. I cannot wait begins after articles are to see what comes next! submitted to each section, To the Copy Board: we don’t have much Odessa, Antonia, Julia interaction with writers, – you are three of the but we see you. We know people I most want to your names, and we’ve hug. We’ve had to go seen you improve – it’s through a lot of changes amazing to watch. since COVID-19 hit, and To the Editorial Board: you all have gracefully You are some of the most rolled with the punches inspiring, talented people as the entire paper I’ve ever worked with adjusted to remote in my life. Thank you work. Together, we’ve for tolerating me (and navigated the tricky sometimes even laughing Photo courtesy of Katherine Turley landscape of inclusive at my jokes) when I language, coronavirus, decide to be a comedian Elizabeth Turley is a journalism major with minors in American studies and integrated politics and social in the comments on your media who will be graduating from Hofstra in justice. I can’t thank Word docs, for putting up December of 2020. She has been copy editing for The Chronicle since 2017 and will miss putwith my nagging about the past copy chiefs ting snarky comments in the margins for section tiny AP Style things and enough for giving me editors. for sending the social the opportunity to join media team links even when I To the social media team: I this amazing team of fellow forget to ask for them. I love am so impressed by what you punctuation nerds. I’m going to you all a lot – keep in touch or all have accomplished over the miss you guys so much – please

don’t kick me out of the group chat!

I’d also be remiss not to extend heaps of gratitude toward my Hofstra Today team, as well as toward my ride-or-dies in Hofstra Ballroom and Latin Dance.

Thank you to Kelly Fincham and Carol Fletcher for teaching me about the many ways to be a journalist, and to Sophie Hawkins, whose wild imagination and affinity for not-knowing shaped some of the most amazing courses of my college career.

Finally, to Gab, Mel and Drashti: No one has ever done what you are doing right now – managing a completely remote staff of writers, editors and photographers, yet still producing four physical issues of the paper this semester – and I honestly cannot think of any trio I’d trust more to do it. I’m proud to call all of you friends as well as colleagues and am excited to see what’s in store for next semester.

A6 • NOVEMBER 17, 2020

FEATURES

THE CHRONICLE

CATCH UP ON CREDITS DURING JANUARY SESSION 2021!

Registration for January Session 2021* is currently open for all students!

• Earn three credits in just two weeks (January 4-19, 2021) or three weeks (January 4-26, 2021)!

• Choose from a variety of on-campus and online programs including 39 online undergraduate courses, from 31 different disciplines (24 that satisfy distribution requirements)!

• Limited on-campus jobs will be available.

• Dining facilities will be open in a limited capacity.

Visit hofstra.edu/january or email january@hofstra.edu for more info. *Note: January Abroad 2021 has been canceled; updated information for any international programs will be provided as soon as possible.

Additionally, the University will be closed January 18, 2021.

THE CHRONICLE

NOVEMBER 17, 2020 • A7

FEATURES

Spotlight on Jared Goyette: When frontline reporters become victims

By Annemarie LePard NEWS EDITOR

Freelance journalist Jared Goyette has been on the front lines of civil rights protests for years, reporting on the murders of Jamar Clark, Michael Brown and, more recently, George Floyd.

Over time, Goyette developed a sense of what the standard operating procedure is, how these events play out and what the expectations of the police are, but the resurging Black Lives Matter protests this summer presented the police with a new “animosity.”

“Journalists were not incidentally targeted, but deliberately targeted,” he said.

Goyette experienced this hostility firsthand on Wednesday, June 3, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, when he was hit in the head with some form of police projectile.

“I was trying to tell the story of a 19-year-old Somali kid named Ali Hussein who was struck in the face – injured more seriously than I was – while he was trying to film,” he said.

In a Twitter post from Goyette, he said Hussein sustained a “hairline fracture by his temple and had bleeding of the brain.”

Protesters frantically called for an ambulance that never arrived, so a friend took Hussein in his car. The next thing Goyette knew, he was on the ground after being struck by a projectile himself.

“I am hit from an officer firing from a roof – directly in the head – when I was not on the front line per se,” Goyette narrated, stating that he had stepped away from where protesters and police were directly interacting. “I thought I would not be a target.

Like, I was worried about getting hit by a stray [bullet] so that’s why I stepped off to the side.”

Goyette suffered an injury to his nose that could have resulted in loss of eyesight had he not gone to the doctor and taken

medication. But a few days later, Goyette was back on the streets documenting the protests.

“If there’s anything that I’m supposed to do in these situations, it’s record what happens to someone like that,” Goyette said, referencing Hussein. “I was naive to think that I wouldn’t be directly targeted, but that’s what I believed.”

Goyette predominantly used social media to display his interactions with law

had – I don’t know if they were beanbag guns or whatever – and then they pointed [the guns] at me.”

What the video does not show is the police approaching Goyette afterward. “An officer, like a police car, pulls up next to me ... rolls down his window and says, ‘I wish I could fucking peg you right now,’” Goyette said, explaining that the officer was expressing a desire to physically hit him. “I don’t think he understood the full connotations

photographer for Vice, was lying on the ground at a Minneapolis Stop & Shop holding his press ID above his head when an officer leaned down and sprayed his face with pepper spray.

In a more heightened incident, one journalist was left permanently blind in one eye by the acts of police aggression.

Linda Tirado, a freelance photojournalist, was reporting on the street protests in Minneapolis when she was struck in her left eye by a projectile appearing

Photo Courtesy of @JaredGoyette on Twitter "A doctor there told me that pressure in my left eye was at a dangerous level and that I might have permanently lost my vision within 24-48 hours had I not been treated. Now going back out with helmet and goggles," Goyette tweeted.

enforcement and other incidents where he was targeted.

“There’s a video where you can just hear me saying, ‘Press, press, press, press,’ and then my voice [gets] more frantic,” Goyette said. “The officers

of that verb, but [then] he just drove off ... if it wasn’t clear to me that they see us as the enemy, now it is.”

One of Goyette’s former colleagues, Michael Anthony Adams, who works as a

to come from the direction of the police. “I came to the Minneapolis protests to cover police aggression. Then I became the victim of it,” Tirado said in a personal essay for NBC News.

The growing animosity the

police have toward the media is “dangerous,” according to Goyette. “I’m afraid that there’s radicalized elements within the police that are very dangerous.”

There were more than 300 journalists wrongfully arrested or assaulted in the United States from May 26 to June 6, according to the advocacy organizations that compile the U.S. Press Freedom Tracker.

“It was a very volatile situation where I wasn’t safe and where if they could get away with it, they would hurt me,” Goyette said, describing what it felt like to be a target of the police. “That guy who rolled down his window ... he basically said, ‘I wish I could hurt you right now.’”

Goyette does not know where this animosity from law enforcement stems from, but it is affecting his role as a journalist. “[When we are] being directly targeted by police, we can’t do our jobs because it is not safe to be there anymore,” Goyette said.

“And then if we’re not there, what happens isn’t independently documented.”

If journalists are not covering protests, then the only voices are those of the protesters and the police. “I don’t think we can trust the police, or for that matter, the people opposed to the police to provide independent documentation of what occurs in those interactions.”

As a result of the ongoing infringement on journalists’ First Amendment rights by police officers, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) filed a class-action lawsuit in collaboration with Goyette against the “city of Minneapolis, the Minnesota State Patrol and the Minnesota police.” The case is seeking an order that will declare law enforcement’s actions “unconstitutional” and prohibit them from targeting and attacking reporters again, as well as seeking damages for the injuries sustained.

FEATURES

A8 • NOVEMBER 17, 2020

The Humans of Hofstra

THE CHRONICLE

Overheard Z oo m

on

By L e a h D e H a em er

“What was wrong with Cinderella’s prince? The shoe wasn’t on her face!”

“I wonder what it feels like to be shot out of a cannon.”

“We all have our own private tragedies, it’s fine!”

“New York City: Wherever you go, you will smell all the smells.”

Photo Courtesy of Anna Siefkin

Anna Siefkin

my fashion has always been very odd. Always. Last year, I spent a “lotBasically, of my time in suits, button-downs, very academic, businesslike attire. And I felt like, definitely while it reflected a very serious side of me, I was looked at as very masculine, very serious, very professional. And I kind of realized that, while I do like that side of me, there is another side of me that’s very feminine.

And that’s how I got into vintage clothing and cottagecore.

I really just enjoyed having that soft side of me, and that escapism. Escapism is really important to me, feeling like you can just transport yourself ... I think my motto is all about escapism and escaping this ... how do I put it ... prison of society.

I found the [vintage and cottagecore] trend I think on TikTok, and just instantly fell in love with it. And at first I would just watch the videos; I’d see people dressed in these clothes – there’s another [trend] called ‘fairycore,’ just very magical, fluffy and just, I fell in love ... People say, “Dress for the job you want, not the job you have,” and I think it’s the same thing with anything. Dress for the way you want people to see you. And I want people to see me as this very feminine, almost magical kind of personality.

One of my favorite outfits, I actually just wore it for Halloween, is this very much pilgrim-looking outfit, with a corset – I wear corsets almost every day – and, I don’t know, it looks very, very vintage, like I’ve been transported right from the 1700s. So, I definitely like that one a lot ... Since I was a kid, [I’ve] been interested in Victorian fashion, and there’s something very nice about being able to put that on, and you know you’re one of the only people who you’re meeting who is probably wearing a corset. And it also corrects your posture a lot, which is nice. You’re constantly like, ‘Back straight!’ which is very, very helpful – I have horrible posture ...

[If you’re looking to dress vintage,] I’d say just go for it. I’d say the biggest thing that holds people back is wondering what people will think. And if you kind of just look at yourself one day and you’re like, ‘I don’t really care how others look at me,’ and you just do it for yourself, I found – like when I was dressing, for example, in my, like, blazers and stuff like that, I knew it was very much for ... what I wanted people to perceive me as. And cottagecore is the complete opposite of that. It’s ‘Who am I?’ and ‘Who do I want to embody?’ And I found ... it was like a switch being turned off. I was significantly happier not caring.

”

“It’s the U.S. government, we’re supposed to laugh.”

“Imagine if you went into your kitchen in the morning and your breakfast said, ‘Meow.’”

“Futurists put their money on the wrong horse ... Mussolini is not the guy to carry you into the 20th century.”

“I just feel like if somebody told me they were repulsed by me, I’d be offended!”

“Do they still have music videos?

Where are they?”

“I don’t know what happened to Mickey in the lab that his voice is so high.”

THE CHRONICLE

NOVEMBER 17, 2020 • A9

FEATURES

Environmentalism on campus: Turning over a new LEAF

By Becca Lo Presti STAFF WRITER

Like many student organizations on campus, Hofstra’s Leaders for Environmental Activism & Fellowship (LEAF) is adapting to functioning remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We just wanted to be a space where people could educate each other on what’s going on with the environment, figuring out ways that we can make changes in our lives to make it more environmentally friendly,” said Annalisa Peña, a junior public relations major.

Peña is the president of LEAF, which formed in the spring of 2019. The club works to make changes in the lives of Hofstra students as well as in the surrounding Long Island communities. Prior to COVID-19, Peña explains, LEAF had already accomplished several successful in-person initiatives.

“One of the sustainability professors who works with the greenhouse came in and educated us about farming, and she brought in some food from her own farm,” Peña said.

The event was so popular

By Micaela Erickson

among LEAF members because the mainstream agricultural industry produces over 25% of the world’s yearly greenhouse gas emissions. Home-based farming provides more opportunity to control the environmental costs of production, as well as waste management.

Peña believes that seeing examples of progressive change is the best way to inspire similar change among individuals. “One of the most impactful things in making people change their habits is seeing how easy it is, or seeing other people doing it,” she said.

Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic severely limited opportunities for in-person events. In order to reduce contact between students, the Hofstra Office for Student Leadership and Engagement mandated that all clubs become virtual for the fall semester.

Remote meetings limit the crucial exposure to everyday environmentalism that Peña found to be so successful for students.

“It’s so much easier to get people to go to experiences where they can touch and see and feel things,” Peña said. She

expressed the common sentiment that Zoom meetings tend to be less engaging and exciting for participants. “It’s not as accessible for a lot of people, it’s not as interesting.”

Moreover, holding Hofstra accountable for a lack of environmental awareness is difficult when many LEAF members are not on campus for the semester.

Peña explained that prior to the remote meetings, “[LEAF] was able to be more active in student life. So, in the dining hall for example, there is absolutely no initiative from Hofstra to become more environmentally friendly.”

LEAF would meet for lunches throughout the week to teach members how to avoid single-use plastics in the Student Center.

Peña believes that LEAF’s physical presence on campus forced more conversations to be held about environmentalism at Hofstra. Now, Peña finds it has become easier for Hofstra to not be held accountable because they’re not seeing these things firsthand due to digital learning.

However, Peña and the rest of the LEAF executive board are taking the remote requirements in stride. For example, freshman

engagement has skyrocketed since the meetings became virtual.

Peña is happy that LEAF has been able to fill a gap in the social lives of new Hofstra students that are remote.

Photo Courtesy of @hofstraleaf In addiLEAF members at a DIY planting event in February 2020. tion, LEAF has moved to the murder of George Floyd, to Instagram and Twitter as a LEAF reposted several visual new form of education. “Social calls to action, with the caption, media activism kind of took off “Fighting for climate justice is after George Floyd was killed, fighting for racial justice. Black unfortunately, but that’s when we lives matter.” started to see a new age of digital Peña understands that enviactivism,” Peña said. ronmentalism can be an overThe LEAF Instagram acwhelming concept to understand, count also features social media especially in light of the panchallenges to reduce meat intake demic and Black Lives Matter among their followers. They movement. She wants people to also regularly open their direct know, though, that their individmessages to followers to ask ual contributions are essential in questions or give advice about changing the system. environmentalism. While they “One of the best things that can’t go to protests anymore, you can do is living your specific LEAF continues to post about life more environmentally friendthe intersection of environmenly and conscious ... that’s what’s talism and politics. In response going to make a change.”

Chron Cooks ft. Micaela Erickson: Oatmeal

ASSISTANT FEATURES EDITOR

Ingredients:

Instructions:

1/2 cup rolled oats

1. Combine the oats and liquid of choice in a saucepan.

1 cup water or plant-based milk 1 whole ripe banana, mashed 1 tablespoon chia seeds 1 tablespoon almond butter Pinch of salt Micaela Erickson/The Hofstra Chronicle

Oatmeal: The versatile breakfast we all need in our lives! I was anti-oatmeal until I tried this quick and easy recipe, and it’s sure to become a staple in your go-to breakfast options.

Cinnamon to taste 1 cup blueberries Honey or sweetener of choice to taste

2. Add the mashed banana, chia seeds, almond butter, salt and cinnamon.

3. Mix ingredients and then turn the stovetop to medium heat.

4. While the oatmeal is cooking, take a cup of blueberries and put them in a small bowl.

5. Sprinkle the blueberries with cinnamon, a pinch of salt and a bit of honey or other sweetener.

6. Microwave until berries have a syrup- or compote-like consistency.

7. Take the oatmeal off the heat and put it into a bowl.

8. Top with the stewed blueberries and enjoy!

Times Square Embraces Change NYC residents celebrated the results of the election after days of deliberation and ballotcounting showed that former Vice President Joe Biden had secured enough electoral votes to win the presidency.

Photos Courtesy of Jacob Lewis & Jason Lindenbaum

Spread by Talha Siddiqui

Arts and Entertainment

VOL. 86 ISSUE 4

Final Jeopardy: Who was Alex Trebek? B2 Courtesy of New York Times

B2 NOVEMBER 17, 2020

A&E

THE CHRONICLE

Final Jeopardy: Who was Alex Trebek?

CONTINUED FROM A1

When his death was first announced on social media, the news spread like wildfire with millions of people sending an outpouring of love and sharing their fond memories of growing up watching “Jeopardy!” every night. Many former contestants spoke of their memories with Trebek, including champion and “Jeopardy!” consulting producer Ken Jennings, who best described Trebek’s immense impact on the lives of his viewers.

“He’s part of the fabric of America’s evening – the center of a gathering place for the whole country, even as media was balkanizing into a million little niches everywhere else.

People invited him over every night for decades, just to hear the calming sound of his voice. He wasn’t just a broadcaster. He was part of the family,” wrote Ken Jennings in TIME. Trebek got his start in Ameri-

can television as the host of “Wizard of Odds,” a game show on NBC. He then went on to work on game shows including “High Rollers” and “The $128,000 Question,” until landing the hosting position on “Jeopardy!” which he held for 36 years. Since becoming host in 1984, Trebek worked on more than 8,200 episodes, won seven Daytime Emmys and received the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2011, among a plethora of other accomplishments.

Trebek was a frequent donor to his alma mater, University of Ottawa, where he created scholarships and funded the Alex Trebek Forum for Dialogue, a forum focused on bring speakers and hosting conferences on campus. Beyond supporting his alma mater, Trebek was a frequent advocate and volunteer with World Vision, a Christian humanitarian nonprofit organization. He was a donor to Hope of

the Valley Rescue Mission and a supporter of the United Service Organizations, which he toured with 13 times throughout his life.

He dedicated his life to helping others, and less than two years ago he reached out to his viewers and fans for their support when he revealed that he was battling cancer.

It was announced in March 2019 that Trebek had been diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer. Despite undergoing treatment over the past year and a half, Trebek continued hosting and bringing families together through his compassion, charm and wit that he showed during each and every episode. After his diagnosis, Trebek spoke openly about his condition often and was candid about his limited time left as host of “Jeopardy!”.

“What I would do on that day is tell the director, ‘Time the show down to leave me 30 seconds at the end. That’s

all I want,’” said Trebek in an interview with ABC News about what he wanted his last “Jeopardy!” episode to be like. “And I will say my goodbyes and I will tell people, ‘Don’t ask me who’s going to replace me because I have no say whatsoever. But I’m sure that if you give them the same love and attention and respect that you have shown me for the past 30-odd years, then they will be a success and the show will continue being a success. And until we meet again, God bless you and goodbye.”

Trebek finished filming his last season on Thursday, Oct. 29, less than two weeks before his death. America will say its last goodbyes to Trebek on his final episode of “Jeopardy!” which is set to air on Friday, Dec. 25, 2020. While fans do not know who will be taking over as host of “Jeopardy!,” they agree that no one can ever truly replace Alex Trebek.

Quick Hits

Courtesy of Biography

Actor Sean Connery, known for his role as the first James Bond, died at the age of 90.

Courtesy of Metro Newspaper UK

NBC will air a live musical adaptation of Dr. Seuss’ “The Grinch” on Wednesday, Dec. 9, with Matthew Morrison as the titular role.

Grande’s ‘Positions’ – A passionate and ambitious project

Photo courtesy of The Guardian Grande’s single, “positions,” was her fifth No. 1 debut on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

By Lauren Ballinger & Raj Sujanani STAFF WRITERS

Ariana Grande announced in a tweet that she would be releasing her next album, saying, “i can’t wait to give u my album this month,” on Wednesday, Oct. 14. Soon after, Grande released her first single from the album, “positions.” Her album of the same name was released a week later on Friday, Oct. 30.

“Positions,” Grande’s sixth studio album, contains 14 tracks.

Since its release, the album has naturally been compared to her previous work. In terms of sound, the songs sound very much like her previous two albums, “thank u, next” and “Sweetener.” This

album draws on several different genres, including R&B, pop and trap music.

However, the songwriting itself has changed. In previous albums, Grande used things that happened in her life to grow and explore new sounds and lyrics.

Songs such as “just like magic” and “safety net,” compared with songs on “thank u, next” like “fake smile” and “ghostin,” speak to Grande’s healing process over time.

Grande’s latest album feels like she is entering a period of healing and confidence.

“Positions” illustrates that Grande can experiment and mix sound, as well as write lyrics that reflect her personality. In fact, this album showcases to both fans and critics that she can experiment with a wide variety of genres and personal subjects, and come up with something exceptional in the end.

Her first single, “positions,” was released on Thursday, Oct. 23. The song refers to Grande’s commitment to having a perfectly balanced work and love life in a meaningful way.

The final track, “pov,” has a relaxing melody and slowly builds up as the song progresses.

It’s an R&B track where Grande gives her own perspective about love. She wishes she could love and see herself the way her romantic interest loves her, despite her flaws.

Another catchy song is “motive,” with additional vocals by Doja Cat. As the title suggests, it asks what their significant others’ motives are.

It is arguably one of the best features on the album, where Doja Cat’s raspy voice perfectly works in contrast with the dreamy instrumentals.

On “six thirty,” Grande sings about how even though she might come across as obsessive toward her significant other, she has good intentions that could perhaps take the relationship to a whole new level.

The Weekend is featured in “off the table” and the song serves as the unofficial sequel to their previous track, “Love Me Harder.” With a slow beat and heavy focus on synths and strings, it is definitely a song worth playing on repeat.

The perfect thing to listen to after waking up in the morning is “just like magic.” It helps build self-confidence and talks about attracting things in life by having

a positive mindset. It emphasizes the fact that happiness and celebrating life are at the forefront of this album.

In the jazzy number “love language,” Grande utilizes her breath support very well to create dynamic tones throughout the song.

Overall, “Positions” is truly one of Grande’s most passionate and ambitious albums yet.

Besides the slow beats of the songs, what really makes this album special are the lyrics and musical arrangement, which draw heavily upon events that have happened in her personal life. Additionally, the album flows smoothly from one song to the next.

“Positions” has also done well commercially, making it Grande’s third consecutive album to debut at number one on the Billboard 200 chart. However, the album’s tracks are not monotonous. Instead, Grande maintains vocal and instrumental dynamism that keeps the attention of the audience and speaks to the emotions of listeners. It is no doubt that whatever Grande comes up with will be another successful chart topper.

Courtesy of Billboard

“The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” reunion was announced to premiere on HBO Max.

Courtesy of Vulture

Halsey’s poetry collection, “I Would Leave Me If I Could,” was released Tuesday, Nov. 10.

Courtesy of Collider

Disney+’s Marvel series, “WandaVision,” is set to premiere Friday, Jan. 15.

THE CHRONICLE

A&E

NOVEMBER 17, 2020 • B3

How independent musicians are using TikTok to engage new listeners

By Allie Millette STAFF WRITER

The video app TikTok has amassed over 800 million active users worldwide and has been downloaded over 2 billion times. The success of the app has resulted in marketing campaigns run through its platform: Modeling agencies are using it for scouting, while smaller musicians are utilizing the app for exposure.

The algorithm of the app offers users videos similar to the ones they have already engaged with, a process that encourages creators to create bite-sized content that might go viral. The logistics of the app also make it easier for creators to find their “niche,” which promotes the creation of individualized content that users can enjoy. For smaller, independent artists, TikTok offers a chance for creatives to connect with audi-

The singer-songwriter has used likes as a result. Her second single ences and to promote their work TikTok as a way to promote her was added to the Spotify playlist in an organic way. work from the beginning, gaining “Lorem,” which has over 800,000 A 19-year-old independent followers. A video ella artist from New York, jane made describing the ella jane, writes indieprocess of writing the pop music with dreamy song went viral on Tikelectronic beats, neat Tok as well. The video metaphors and catchy has since been viewed pop melodies. Her debut over 1 million times, single “The City” has with over 500,000 likes amassed over 2 million and 2,000 shares. streams on Spotify since “One morning I woke its release in February up to see my song, 2020. Her second single, [“nothing else i could “nothing else i could do”], at No. 16 on Spodo,” which was released tify’s U.S. Viral 50 chart, in July 2020, has since amassed over 1 miland it happened, not because the song went lion streams on Spotify. viral as a sound, but “TikTok has been the because a TikTok I made coolest experience,” she Photo courtesy of A1234 explaining the song’s said. “I’ve gotten to see ella jane’s most recent single, “AUGUST IS A FEVER,“ backstory led [TikTok people – real people – was released Thursday, Nov. 12. users] to search me up engage with my music on Spotify,” ella jane said. “That in a way you just can’t get from a TikTok following of 75,700 day I got 70,000 streams.”

Instagram or other platforms.” and gathering a total of 3 million

While some artists have individual songs blow up as viral “sounds” on the app, with thousands of users creating videos to a snippet of their music, others, like ella jane, are using TikTok to make fundamental connections with listeners and to reach a wider audience. “[TikTok] definitely has not changed the way that I make music, because writing for me has always been this sort of personal and emotional outlet,” she said. “I want TikTok to be an opportunity for me to share my music and have people want to listen to the full songs, and all of them, because they genuinely like them.”

All of ella jane’s singles are available to stream on Spotify.

She can also be found on TikTok as @ellajanemusic.

from a past love. Smith’s voice does a lot of heavy lifting here because the melody is somewhat forgettable and the lyrics are typical for a ballad, although the reference to “a dozen roses” fits nicely with the album’s flower theme.

The eighth track, “Breaking Hearts,” is a ballad with a slow build that reflects on wounds from a tumultuous relationship with a callous ex. The artist’s halting and almost stilted delivery puts space between phrases and helps drive the blunt lyrics home.

“Forgive Myself” has Smith regretting a failed past relationship. This is another minimalist ballad, but the lyrics hold an important message about needing to let go and making sure to work on yourself before trying to love someone again.

The next song, “Love Goes,” features Labrinth, whom people may know from the HBO show “Euphoria.” What sounds like a harpsichord in the beginning transitions to a triumphant brass section and then to a string-filled outro, which seems jarring, but the two singers make it work with the help of some beautifully layered harmonies.

“Kids Again,” the last track and the third single, features the

artist singing over an acoustic guitar and mourning the end of childhood innocence and the freedom that comes with it.

The music video, released on the same day as the album, is set at an empty carnival. The bright colors contrasted with the somewhat bleak setting perfectly capture the song’s bittersweet mood.

There are also six bonus tracks, each one a promotional single released within the past year. They serve as a small and comforting callback to Smith’s journey toward their new sound.

“Dancing With A Stranger,” a collaboration with Normani, is a standout – the pair’s vocals blend well together over the song’s sensual instrumental.

Overall, “Love Goes” retains the typical Sam Smith melancholy while offering some cathartic hope for the lovelorn.

The wallowing is still there, but it’s freeing, not suffocating. Smith’s iconic voice does more work than it should, but it gives the listener more time to appreciate the emotion and the technique. This album is a solid addition to Smith’s growing repertoire and definitely not one to miss out on.

Sam Smith blooms in full color on ‘Love Goes’ album

emotions and colors. “Love Goes” is Smith’s first album after coming out as nonbinary, and their comfort with their gender identity really shines throughout.

The first track, “Young,” Photo courtesy of Genius is an aptly Sam Smith has won an Academy Award, an American titled slow Music Award, three Billboard Music Awards and four and wistful Grammy Awards, among others. ode to youth.

The minimal instrumental

By Jessica Zhang emphasizes the reflective tone OP-ED EDITOR in Smith’s voice. The lyrics are surprisingly defiant – “My heavy Sam Smith returned with their third studio album, “Love Goes,” heart pounds deep like a dagger / ‘cause I’m not afraid / to bite” – on Friday, Oct. 30, smoothly but they match how many people integrating their signature slow yearn to enjoy living their lives and soulful ballads with equally without being judged. soulful dance-pop tracks. The “Diamonds” is the second album, originally titled “To Die single from the album and a For,” was scheduled to drop dance track.

Smith sings about earlier this year in May, but the a materialistic ex-lover who COVID-19 pandemic forced they’re not sorry about breaking the singer to change their plans. up with.

The music video, which However, the rebranding paid premiered on Friday, Sept. 18, off; the album assigns each shows the singer dancing alone song a specific flower, a garden in an empty house, happy despite that shows off Smith’s range of

what they have lost.

“Another One,” the third track, has a driving beat and lyrics that offer bitter advice to a lover who has moved on. Smith mentions having “dodged a bullet” and being glad they’re out of their life.

The first single from the album, “My Oasis,” has a feature from Nigerian artist Burna Boy, and it truly flows like water – the repeating bell-like sounds in the instrumental create a mesmerizing atmosphere for Smith’s voice to do what it does best.

“So Serious” has a catchy and upbeat melody that strongly contrasts with its sad lyrics about betrayal from a potential boyfriend and love-related mood swings. The snaps in the background drive the song and make it worth listening to on repeat.

The sixth track, “Dance (‘Til You Love Someone Else),” is the most dance-pop of all the songs on “Love Goes.” The dramatic strings heighten the chant-like chorus while Smith sings about their resolve to get over an ex.

While it is a big departure from their usual sound, the track nevertheless is one of the best on the album.

“For The Lover That I Lost” is a soft piano ballad, honoring both the good and bad memories

B4 NOVEMBER 17, 2020

A&E

THE CHRONICLE

‘NCIS: New Orleans’ isn’t afraid to tackle COVID-19

storyline.

The premiere episode follows the team as they try to solve the murder of a lieutenant who was onboard a medical ship set to deliver supplies to a port in New Orleans. While aboard the ship, Agent Tammy Gregorio (Vanessa Ferlito) and Agent Quentin Carter (Charles Michael Davis) are forced to quarantine after coming into contact with sick crew members. They think those sick crew members could possibly be linked to the lieutenant’s death, because the ship would Photo courtesy of TV Fanatic be responsible for adding to the city’s rising case numbers The season premiere episode is available to stream on CBS: All Access or with if it became public knowledge any cable provider’s on-demand service. that there were active cases on board. The ship would be miered its seventh season after a

By Kat Salmon prohibited from docking, providslightly shortened sixth season. In ASSISTANT ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT ing the perfect motive for murder. a time when people are trying to EDITOR While “NCIS: NOLA” is not escape the stress of the COVIDthe only television show incorOn Sunday, Nov. 8, CBS’s 19 pandemic through television, porating the pandemic into its “NCIS: New Orleans” (also “NCIS: NOLA” tackled it head-on storylines, it certainly shows the known as “NCIS: NOLA”) preby including the pandemic in its

hardships and anxiety people are feeling because of COVID-19.

Loretta Wade (CCH Pounder) deals with the deaths the virus has caused for hours on end while working in the morgue. Agent Hannah Khoury (Necar Zadegan) is coping with the fact that her daughter is across the ocean with her father and it doesn’t look like she will be able to get her back home to New Orleans anytime soon. Agent Dwayne Pride (Scott Bakula) is dealing with the impact COVID-19 has had on bars and restaurants, with his bar being forced to close down per the mayor’s order. To provide some hope, Pride and his brother make food kits with the leftover food they have to give to restaurant workers who need them.

An important aspect the show included was mask-wearing.

With the exception of being at headquarters, the characters wear masks when around other people.

It may have taken other characters to remind each other of the

importance of wearing a mask, but all of the team members wear them. Fan favorite Sebastian Lund (Ron Kerkovich) even makes each member of the team a pandemic survival kit which includes masks, face shields and hand sanitizer.

When the premiere starts off, the virus is in its early stages, as it has only been a few weeks since Mardi Gras, a big event in New Orleans. It will be interesting to see if the writers will continue to include all of the death and destruction that COVID-19 has caused throughout the world.

Other television shows that are incorporating COVID-19 into their storylines include ABC’s “The Good Doctor,” “Black-ish” and “Grey’s Anatomy.” NBC’s “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” and “Chicago Med” are also incorporating COVID-19 into their newest seasons.

Going ‘Remote’ leads to pop perfection for Wallows

By Victoria Licata STAFF WRITER

Indie pop band Wallows, comprised of Dylan Minnette, Cole Preston and Braeden Lemasters, released their second EP, “Remote,” on Friday, Oct. 23.

They created the entire work while in quarantine. Dylan Minnette told People, “We never saw each other once before its completion. Lots of FaceTime calls to talk about it, and it was overall really fun and inspiring. It was kind of fun to not really have a vision and just let it find itself.” The three took the time to experiment with the band’s sound, leading to their newest work being very sonically different from their past releases.

The EP was announced by the band on Tuesday, Sept. 29, and the first single, “Nobody Gets Me (Like You),” was released that same day. The song is upbeat and features a heavy synth sound along with lots of guitar and drums, giving it a ‘90s feel.

Lemasters takes the lead on this song, singing about finding someone that you can connect with in life on a deeper level. He later told MTV that the song was inspired

by his girlfriend, Janessa. heavy bass and electric piano featrying to pretend you’re someone Not long after, the trio released you’re not to make people like tured in the song give it an early “Virtual Aerobics,” the first track 2000s film feel, and Lemasters’ you. on the EP. This “Coastlines” song is another is the first song upbeat pop song on the EP that is but features a a bit slower, but memorable piano it still fits in with melody throughthe previous song out its duration. perfectly. It feels The lyrics, like like a song that “Wanna dress would play over in what makes a prom scene in a movie set in the you like me / I’ll probably overwear ‘80s. Many fans these Nikes,” sung have stated that

by Minnette, talk this song feels about trying one’s the most like the songs the band hardest to make had previously someone like them released, and because they love Minnette told spending time People that they with them. had been creating When the EP this track for two was first released, it featured four years but were Photo courtesy of @wallowsmusic on Twitter new songs with just waiting for The group released their debut album, “Nothing Happens,” in March seamless transithe right time to of 2019 and received overwhelmingly positive reviews. release it. The tions from one track, which features lyrics like song to another. “Dig What You and Minnette’s voices contrast“We can hear them knocking at Dug” is one of the most complex ing throughout the song suit the our door / Won’t let them take us songs the band has released, and melody perfectly. The two sing away no more,” are about wantpossibly one of their best. The about a budding romance and not

ing to spend time with a loved one after having no time off.

The group picks up the pace with “Talk Like That,” the shortest song on the album which features a chaotic, guitar-heavy melody.

Although it is a bit forgettable, the song is definitely the most different from the band’s usual style, and it’s still enjoyable to listen to as Minnette sings about overthinking the things your partner says when you’re in a relationship.

“Wish Me Luck” is the slowest track and the perfect way to close out the EP, with its melancholy lyrics and dreamlike piano melody. Preston told People that he feels that the song is their most dramatic one yet. The song is about feeling as if you will never be enough for someone and the fear that you will lose them.

The EP is a fun, refreshing new take on pop music, with clear inspiration from the sounds of the ‘80s and ‘90s. The group has taken a step out of their comfort zone, and it will be exciting to see where they decide to go next with this new sound.

“Remote” is now available on streaming platforms everywhere.

OP-ED

A12 • NOVEMBER 17, 2020

THE CHRONICLE

The views and opinions expressed in the Editorial section are those of the authors. They are not an endorsement of the views of The Chronicle or its staff. The Chronicle does not discriminate based on the opinions of the authors.

By Yashu Pericherla

Local progressives are the key to a democratic America

By being avidly observant and interested in the last few presidential elections, it has become clear to me that America’s bipartisan political system is not the solid institution of democracy we learned about in public school. The two party system isn’t inclusive, and the general trend of government under bipartisanship seems to be political gridlock or concessions – sacrificing any true success on either side.

In playing these tenuous games of push and pull, the party establishments suffice with the notion that they are working for the people. It’s time to forgo party establishments that do not have our interest in mind and instead throw our support and money where it truly can make the difference: progressive grassroots movements and local political organizations.

If Sen. Bernie Sanders’ rise in popularity has taught us

anything, it is that progressivism is the only solution to counteract the moderate and conservative stances to which the Democratic and Republican parties subscribe. Without drastic changes that benefit the overall public, we end up with lukewarm concessions like Obamacare, which is great in theory but only the bare bones of a health insurance system that can sustain the massive costs of American health care.

U.S. Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Ilhan Omar, Ayanna Pressley and Rashida Tlaib were all reelected after their historic 2018 victories against centrist and conservative challengers, proving that the people want progressives. Recentlyelected Rep. Cori Bush of Missouri is also a prime example of progressivism, having been an active voice in local politics since her activism during the Ferguson protests.

All these women were put into office by the people of their communities, rather than

by party endorsements or super PAC money. It goes to show how politicians who are invested and aware of local issues are much more valuable in the seats of office than disingenuous, party-endorsed officials.

“The [Democratic Party’s] saving grace was the local organizations and grassroots movements who shored up voters in states like Georgia and Arizona.”

Voter disenfranchisement was at a serious high this election cycle, with doubt being cast on mail-in ballots.

Nevertheless, in spite of all the efforts to suppress blue voters in contentious southern and midwestern states, the Democrats won. While they somewhat earned their victory, the saving graces were the local organizations and grassroots

movements that shored up voters in states like Georgia and Arizona.

Georgia flipping blue was mostly due to local politician Stacey Abrams, who was integral in registering over 800,000 Democratic voters.

Black women are the backbone of American democracy, and the oppression they face is indicative of how much progress America still needs to make.

Arizona also swung blue, but this flip is credited to a different marginalized community: the Navajo people. Indigenous people face some of the most restrictive voter suppression tactics of any demographic group in America, and it only got worse this election season.

Despite the roadblocks, voter turnout in the Apache, Navajo and Coconino counties were also fundamental in swinging the state to Biden.

The Democratic establishment has taken credit for the efforts of these progressive movements. Although they

may be left-leaning, they are not the ones who enact change.

And while progressives like Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez have influenced members of the Democratic Party to adopt progressive policies such as the Green New Deal or Medicare for All, they are still at the mercy of the establishment.

These last two election seasons have left the American public dissatisfied but complacent. Whether it’s the Democrats or the Republicans who hold office, there seems to be an increasingly minimal difference to the overall population. Progressivism is the key to actual, productive change, and it can only be achieved if we invest our time and money into progressive candidates.

Democracy is and always has been for the people. Now it’s our job to choose who we want those people to be.

Yashu Pericherla is a junior English major from Texas. She is an assistant op-ed editor.

What my negative experience with Hofstra Votes Live taught me

By Victoria Bell

“No” is one of the worst words you could hear when asking for something you really want. Being overlooked is one of the worst feelings you could experience when fighting for something you’re really passionate about. Getting told that something is not important enough when you believe it carries tremendous value is one of the worst conflicts you could endure. Well, having all these things happen at once was my unfortunate reality during this year’s Hofstra Votes Live (HVL).

This year, I served two roles in the Hofstra Votes Live broadcast – national newsroom managing editor and student expert on racial injustice. Since most of my responsibility as managing editor included research prior to election night, my main role during HVL was

as a student expert, speaking on how race-related issues tie into the 2020 election. I had spent a large part of my day preparing and rehearsing for my interview so I could explain the subject matter with complete knowledge and confidence.

Once HVL started, I was taken aback by how frequently the schedule changed throughout the night. Granted, I completely understood that due to the broadcast being live, things would change as updates rolled in. However, I, as well as almost everyone else in the newsroom, was greatly confused as to why the show was operating in that way, especially in regard to the lack of communication between departments. My first experience with this was when my introduction and brief interview on my role as managing editor, scheduled to take place at the beginning of the show, was cut out entirely. I remained hope-

ful that, even amid the kinks, the show would return back to its “normal programming” and cover all the necessary topics surrounding this year’s election.

As the night continued, however, my optimism soon turned into pessimism. With less than an hour of the show left, my interview on racial injustice in America, scheduled to air near the halfway mark, kept getting pushed aside. Despite countless attempts to remind and request the producers for my topic to be properly discussed, I was met with half-hearted apologies left, right and center. With less than 15 minutes of the broadcast to go, I was seriously at the brink of giving up.

As I became more vocal about the situation, my fellow newsroom colleagues, who all got the chance to speak, sometimes even twice, began to grow just as frustrated and annoyed as I was. While we continued to

bond over our frustrations, it was then announced that the show, which was supposed to end at 12 a.m., was going to be extended by a few minutes to discuss other topics. I realized that the real reason they did not want to cover the subject of racial injustice was not due to a time constraint – it was simply because it wasn’t important enough in their eyes.

With this realization, a newsroom member and I marched over with determination to the executive producers to fight for what we believed was right. As expected, we were first met with pushback. However, after going back and forth for a short while, I was reluctantly given the interview, and I quickly raced back to the newsroom to get ready for this long-awaited moment.

Though I felt an insane amount of pressure, I mustered up the courage to get the job done.

And I’m not going to lie; I did

Have an opinion? We want to hear it.

Email us at huchronicle.op.ed@gmail.com

a great job. I was reassured of this by not only the newsroom members, but also by two of the senior executive producers, even though one of them originally denied me my interview.

So, what did I take away from this? I am done being told “no” when asking for something I really want. I am done being overlooked when fighting for something I am really passionate about. I am done getting told that something is not important enough when I believe it carries tremendous value. As we’ve witnessed from the countless protests fighting against racial injustice, standing up for what’s right isn’t always easy, but it certainly has the power to make a difference.

Victoria Bell is a junior journalism and drama major.

She serves as an arts and entertainment editor for The Chronicle.

THE CHRONICLE

OP-ED

NOVEMBER 17, 2020 • A13

The disability community doesn’t need pity charity

By Sinjita Bhattacharya

As the recipient of a Ford Foundation grant in the 1960s, Hofstra University was one of the first universities to pride itself on being accessible. The rich history of student disability activism on our campus has contributed greatly to the development of disability rights legislation today.

The perception of disability has begun to shift toward a civil rights-driven model – that all people with disabilities are entitled to equal opportunities and are capable of the same as the non-disability community with reasonable accommodations.

Before the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act in 1990, however, people with disabilities were viewed as deserving of pity. Support for the disability community was characterized through charity work and creating “poster children” who needed to be “saved.” Invoking this framework helped people without disabilities feel good about

By Eleni Kothesakis

themselves but simultaneously harmed the disability community even further.

While this model has primarily been removed from societal institutions, the sentiment still holds strong in our culture. A prime example of this is the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA)’s annual fundraising telethon, which has now returned to the spotlight after a six-year hiatus.

From 1956 to 2015, celebrities such as Jerry Lewis championed each telethon, with the event exploding into a legendary fundraiser regarded as the most successful in the history of television. However, in the eyes of disability activists, the telethon caused more harm than good. The event was often characterized as helping to “save Jerry’s kids,” many of whom were adults with muscular dystrophy.

The infantilization of adults with disabilities perpetuates the misconception that they require charity and pity from people without disabilities to succeed.

This perception also contrib-

utes to the staggeringly low employment rate for people with disabilities, at only 19.3% compared to 66.3% for people without disabilities.

The charity model is also often conducive to “inspiration porn,” which uses the experiences of people with disabilities to inspire those outside the community through patronization. This results in a narrative that is self-serving for people without disabilities and insinuates that people with disabilities are “inspirational” for simply existing – something that has been rejected by the disability community.

However, this year, Kevin Hart revived the MDA Telethon, which aired on Saturday, Oct. 24. Before this, Hart has never done anything to associate himself with the disability community, rights or justice beyond the charity model.

Being a good ally to people with disabilities is more than just throwing money at efforts to “cure” or “save” them. In 2020, we should know better and condemn these narratives

altogether.

The money raised does not help make the lives of people with disabilities better. In fact, in 2019, all grants issued by the MDA went to medical research and diagnosis. The disability community has rejected the view of disability as a purely medical issue that must be “cured,” but the rest of society hasn’t. People with disabilities want their accessibility and functional needs met, not money funneled into trying to “fix” them while ignoring their legitimate financial needs and simultaneously humiliating them.

Disability activists are calling on the MDA to change the narrative around their programming from framing muscular dystrophy as “sickly children who need to be saved and cured” to listening and respecting the demands of people with disabilities. #EndTheTelethon was started as a response to Hart’s revival, prompting thousands of people with disabilities to voice their experiences of the MDA Telethon’s harm,

but the wishes of people with disabilities were steamrolled

by Kevin Hart and his celebrity friends who joined, such as Michael B. Jordan.

It’s more than just the telethon; the charity model has got to go.

With a legacy like Hofstra’s, we must take a stronger position in holding celebrities like Hart accountable for the harm they cause by perpetuating a narrative of pity and charity around disability. We must condemn organizations for continuing to ignore the voices of people with disabilities. As the sibling of someone with a disability, it is frustrating to watch the silence of people without disabilities, especially considering the enormity of intersectionality within the disability community.

It’s time to do better, and that starts with actually listening to people with disabilities.

61.5% of all roles on New York City stages went to white actors. Every year theater fails to show some real representation, they bring a whole new meaning to the name “The Great White Way.” However, a real shock to Broadway fans was the record-breaking number of Tony nominations for “Slave Play” playwright Jeremy O. Harris. “Slave Play” was nominated for 12 Tony Awards for this year’s very delayed award season, making it the most Tony-nominated play in history. Harris is expected to sweep at the Tony Awards, and if awarded he will be the first Black playwright to take home the Tony Award for Best Play since August Wilson won for “Fences” in 1987.

Beyond its many problems with racism and a lack of diversity, this year’s Tony Award nominations revealed just how elitist and consumer-driven Broadway still is. With many of this year’s expected contenders for a Tony nomination out of the running because of

the early shutdown in March, there were very few shows eligible to receive nominations. As beautiful and wellproduced as these productions are, there is less originality on stage, it seems, than ever before.

For this Broadway season’s Tony Awards, only four musicals were eligible to be nominated. Of those four

grand total of zero nominations across all categories. The Tony Awards Administration Committee would rather have Aaron Tveit (“Moulin Rouge”) as the sole nominee for Lead Actor in a Musical than even acknowledge Chris McCarrell, who played the titular role of Percy Jackson. This year’s Tony Awards will be the most confusing and chaotic we’ve ever seen.

When Broadway opens back up, we’ll be left with a handful of productions that are lucky enough to survive after the shutdown, but until then we are left patiently waiting for live theater to return. As tough as it is for fans to wait for the return of Broadway, theater workers, both on and off the stage, are struggling during this pandemic. Actors and stagehands can’t practice their craft, and theater workers who have served as ushers or ticket sellers for years are unemployed with their return back to work creeping further and further away. Without a steady income or much government

support, many actors and theater workers have moved out of the city because of the high cost of living and it is unlikely that everyone will return once theater opens up again.

As we anxiously wait for the day we can watch live theater again, it’s important to see how unstable the entire theater industry is at the moment. If space is not made for people other than the same copyand-pasted white cisgender lead, if the people who keep theater alive are barely keeping themselves alive with the lack of support during the pandemic – what is the point of opening Broadway again?

Theater needs to take this time off for some self-care, so when it opens in a few months – or at this rate a few years – we won’t need to pick up the shambles that it has left behind.

Sinjita Bhattacharya is a firstyear sociology student in the pre-law program at Hofstra.

Broadway is a mess and it may never recover

When it was announced on Sunday, March 12, that Broadway would be shutting down for a month, theatergoers everywhere lost their minds. Those 30 days soon became three months, then seven months and then 10, and right now the fate of theater is in the hands of COVID-19.

Broadway is expected to open back up in January 2021, but at the rate that our country is tackling the pandemic, we may not see live theater until much later. In short, Broadway is a mess and it’s only getting worse.

Before the pandemic hit, the problems within the theater industry already ran deep. The lack of representation both on the stage and behind the curtains has been a constant issue, with white actors and workers making up the majority of people within the industry. According to the Asian American Performers Action Coalition Visibility Report, in the 2017-18 Broadway season,

“As we anxiously wait for the day we can watch live theater again, it’s important to see how unstable the entire theater industry is at the moment.” shows, three are jukebox musicals, with one outlier in this group: “The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical,” which has a completely original score. With only four musicals eligible, many expected all four to receive that nomination; however, “The Lightning Thief” received a

Eleni Kothesakis is a junior public relations and global studies major. She is the arts and entertainment editor for The Chronicle.

OP-ED

A14 • NOVEMBER 17, 2020

THE CHRONICLE

The Hofstra shuttle should go to ethnic food stores

By Visvajit Sriramrajan

Hofstra’s administration prides itself on the optics of a diverse international student population, emphasizing it on admissions flyers and at student orientations. Hofstra’s website notes that over 70 countries are represented by the University’s student body. International students, though, are more than statistical brownie points. Upon arriving to the United States, most international students experience feelings of intense homesickness coupled with fear of the unknown. Hofstra can’t take these emotions away, but it can help facilitate these transitions by connecting international students to a resource cherished universally: familiar food.

The Hofstra shuttle operates a shopping and entertainment route each weekend. Notably, the stores the shuttle visits are American chain stores selling predominantly American produce, poultry and packaged goods. The little global foods these stores carry are also often adapted to cater to the white palate, given the corpo-

By Daniel Cody

rate executives and consumers behind these stores are almost overwhelmingly white. Racially aligned income inequality also plays a significant role in perpetuating this dynamic, leaving many New Yorkers of color unable to afford groceries at establishments like Stop & Shop.

This problem is exacerbated in the case of college students, many of whom lack a stable income and are forced to opt for on-campus dining options, which offer food that is, once again, predominantly white.

International students at Hofstra sit at the intersection between these difficulties, overwhelmed by the process of student employment and unable to find the meals they crave. Most miss the rich, authentic flavors of home, often having no choice but to resort to on-campus food, which – despite having diversified in options over the past years – still approaches global cuisines from an American standpoint. From Brazilian bacalhau to Nigerian jollof rice, Hofstra has often repeated a pattern of culinary misrepresentation which, among many other

reasons, has compounded the constant homesickness international students regularly face.

While it isn’t practical to expect Hofstra’s dining services to cook proper dishes from several dozens of cultures, the Hofstra administration can and must work to ensure students are able to access foods from their cultures through other means. South Asian grocery stores Apna Bazaar and Patel

“A transportation relationship with a large university like Hofstra would strengthen these markets and, in turn, strengthen the communities which depend on them.”

Brothers are around 20 minutes away from campus. JNJ Caribbean Food and Sam’s Caribbean Marketplace, two AfroCaribbean grocery stores, are situated within just 15 minutes of campus, as is a branch of the Korean supermarket chain H-Mart. Chinese grocery store

V&C Supermarket and Mexican market Malinche are less than 10 minutes away. The weekend shopping shuttle regularly stops at locations that are the same distance from campus as many of these ethnic food stores.

Many of these stores are owned and operated by recently immigrated families, for whom low foot traffic can have a significant impact on their livelihoods. While corporations like Target and Stop & Shop generate enough national net profits to be able to afford slow business for prolonged periods of time, local ethnic markets without stockholders or online presences tend to suffer – particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has fueled Sinophobic and otherwise bigoted misconceptions in the United States about non-Western foods. A transportation relationship with a large university like Hofstra would strengthen these markets and, in turn, strengthen the communities which depend on them.

Given the proximity of these markets to Hofstra’s campus, the decision not to operate

shuttles to them seems like part of Hofstra’s deliberate strategy to present an elitist view of the world to its community. Despite being located in Hempstead, one of Long Island’s most culturally diverse neighborhoods, Hofstra has long since distanced itself from the village, focusing its programs and marketing instead on the comparatively far-flung Manhattan and neighboring Garden City.

The welcoming of communities of color as statistical fodder while marginalizing the thriving communities they have fostered demonstrates how disingenuous and opportunistic Hofstra’s administrative efforts toward diversity truly are. Ethnic food stores are very much an integral part of the ways in which communities of color function.

Students, international or not, deserve to access them.

Visvajit Sriramrajan is a student from the Chicago area double majoring in journalism and linguistics.

The left has a chance to revive Midwestern unions

As almost any keen political observer can tell you, the populations within Middle America are solidly conservative. From low taxes to traditional values, most voters in the Midwest and agricultural South are adamant about their Republican politics.

However, the heartland wasn’t always the homogenous bloc it is today. In reality, states like Kansas, Pennsylvania, Illinois and Michigan have both agricultural and industrial socialist roots.

While Joe Biden’s brand of centrism has managed to reestablish Democratic control of the Blue Wall states of Michigan and Wisconsin, deep systemic problems remain: Wealth inequality, increasing drug abuse and mental health epidemics are still incred-

ibly prevalent. Many of these problems, like most issues, cannot be whisked away by one-time policy prescriptions, but there is a vacuum that the left can fill. Leftists and progressives need to target the union heritage of the Rust Belt and Midwest.

The story starts in the early to mid-2010s. As a direct result of the Democratic party’s abandonment of unions and embrace of cultural politics, Michigan and Wisconsin flipped red for much of the decade, choosing to elect Republican governors. While unemployment declined and wage earnings rose during Barack Obama’s tenure, this growth was not entirely genuine. The sparring between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton in 2016 continued to demonstrate that the Rust Belt states needed an economic re-

vitalization. The problem with sporadic economic growth is that it can have unforeseen consequences. When you don’t account for the massive disparity between the upper and lower classes, you can incorrectly assume that stock market graphs are representative of all.

Despite the economy’s rosy appearance, workers began to suffer from the domination of overly powerful corporations.

Amid the chaos, a hopeful yet peculiar movement started to take form. As wealth inequality skyrocketed, Republican governors like Scott Walker of Wisconsin and Bill Schuette of Michigan were undercut by their union-busting agendas and suffered a loss to the Democrats in 2019. This is not to say that the Democratic Party upholds the working class’ organized interests –

they do not – but it shows a defined resistance to the hyperprivatization of the right.

Spontaneous job growth also comes with the modern fallbacks of comparatively low wages and minimal benefits.

Moreover, with the coronavirus’ devastating economic impact in the mix, the need for an organized workforce is evident. The fact of the matter is that Americans today generally understand unions are needed to constrict corporate power.

Now, as unions are at their most popular with Americans since the 1960s, the moment for the labor left has arrived.

However, the debilitating claim that Biden is a socalled “advocate” of the labor movement is gaslighting, to say the least. His potential appointments to Secretary of Labor include some progressive candidates, like Bernie

Have an opinion? We want to hear it.

Email us at huchronicle.op.ed@gmail.com

Sanders, but that possibility is slowly melting away as more typical, centrist Democrats are being lined up as his potential nominees. The left has an opportunity to show how a Biden presidency will replicate the milquetoast outcomes of the Obama era.

The country’s interior is defined by its sprawling farms and gritty cities. In that beauty lies a hidden gem for growing labor movements. Coastal areas, while extremely important, are not the be-all and endall of leftism. The left should step up to the plate and see the potential in this imminent Biden blunder.

Daniel Cody is a sophomore from Pennsylvania studying journalism and political science. He serves as an op-ed editor for The Hofstra Chronicle.

THE CHRONICLE

SPORTS

NOVEMBER 17, 2020 • A15

Knighton-Ward looking to build off successful 2019-20 season

By Will Wiegelman STAFF WRITER

Hofstra wrestling heavyweight Zachary Knighton-Ward had a monster 2019-20 campaign, going 22-12 and qualifying for the NCAA tournament. His journey to get to this point took many stops along the way.

Knighton-Ward was a multisport athlete at Uniondale High School when he began wrestling. “I first started wrestling in 10th grade,” Knighton-Ward said. “My brother did it. I followed the sports he did: wrestling, football, lacrosse. I threw in swimming with it.”

When he was ready to graduate, Knighton-Ward had to make the decision many young athletes have to make, and wrestling came out on top.

“I knew that if I wanted to go to college I was going to have to be exceptional at one of these sports,” he said. “I know that I can make myself really good at wrestling just by working hard myself. I think it’s because it was an individual sport, I was able to push myself and get better really fast.”

Knighton-Ward won a state championship at 220 pounds in his senior year of high school, just three years after taking up the sport. After graduating, Knighton-Ward took his talents to Nassau Community College (NCC) where he continued to wrestle.

“Nassau helped me out tremendously,” Knighton-Ward said. “I had really experienced coaches, I had [assistant head

coach] Vougar [Oroudjov], [assistant coach] Sam Thomas and [head coach] Paul Schmidt.

I feel like, in that atmosphere, it’s not like the coaches are hounding you to take care of your business, it’s more so, ‘If you want to be good at this, you’re going to do the extra stuff to get good at the sport,’ and that’s what I did. I was always looking for the next way to improve my technique and my skill that much more.”

In one season at NCC, Knighton-Ward was 24-4 and took home the National Junior College Athletic Association Northeast District title at 197 pounds.

Knighton-Ward didn’t have to move very far the next year when Hofstra came calling. “[Coach Dennis Papadatos] gave me the opportunity, and that’s the best thing about being here. I know I was wanted here,” he said. “I know that I wasn’t really a sought-after recruit, and he gave me the opportunity and I’m definitely taking advantage.”

The transition was tough, but it was a challenge KnightonWard embraced. “It’s completely different,” he said. “You only see success at this level if you really love it and if you really want to do it. It doesn’t matter if you’re really talented or a hard worker, it matters if you’re going to do the extra stuff to be that much better.”

Not only did Knighton-Ward have to adjust to the Division I level of competition, he also changed weight classes again,

jumping from 197 pounds to the heavyweight division. “I thought I was going to come [to Hofstra] as a 197-pounder,” Knighton-Ward said. “I said, ‘Dennis [Papadatos], do you want me wrestling 197?’ and he said, ‘No, I want you as my heavyweight.’”

Knighton-Ward redshirted the 2018-19 season as he worked to gain weight, and by the time the 2019-20 campaign rolled around, he was ready.

“My biggest thing was putting muscle on and putting weight on. It was a slow progression,” Knighton-Ward said. “I was about 220 pounds when I first got here, last year, I got up to about 245ish and then this year, I got to about 265.”

Last year, Knighton-Ward was one of the top contributors for the Pride, but he felt he could have been even better.

“The beginning of the season could have gone a lot better,” Knighton-Ward said. “As I started to pick it up toward the end of the season, I was happy about that. It could have definitely went better. I probably should have only lost five matches, if that.”

Knighton-Ward’s season culminated in a fourthplace finish at the Eastern Intercollegiate Wrestling Association (EIWA) Championships, although it was uncertain whether or not he would be able to wrestle in the tournament at all.

“Prior to the EIWA tournament, I had the flu so I wasn’t practicing that week

leading up to it,” KnightonWard said. “My symptoms subsided once we got there and I was able to work out with our previous heavyweight AllAmerican, Mike Hughes, and he got me ready.”

After winning his first two matches, Knighton-Ward’s 3-1 loss to Harvard’s Yaraslau Slavikouski sent him to the consolation bracket. “I saw him prior,” Knighton-Ward said. “It’s a tough one, I gave up a takedown in the last 10 seconds.”

Knighton-Ward made it to the third-place match before losing a 7-2 decision to Cornell’s Brendan Furman. “That match didn’t go how I wanted it to go at all,” Knighton-Ward said. “I wasted way too much

time on bottom and gave up dumb points.” The finish left a sour taste in his mouth and provided fuel for next year: “I think I should have taken third. I should have been in the finals,” Knighton-Ward said. “I was happy I had the chance to go to the NCAA tournament, but I think I should have been competing for a [EIWA] championship.”

The title is “without a doubt” Knighton-Ward’s goal for this upcoming season, but he’s also looking for more. “I know where I’m at in the NCAA,” he said. “I know that I’m a top contender. I’m going for that first place in the EIWA and then that All-American and national title.”

Photo courtesy of Hofstra Athletics Knighton-Ward placed fourth in the 2020 EIWA Championships.

A16 • NOVEMBER 17, 2020

SPORTS

THE CHRONICLE

Shannon Smith embodies success at every level of lacrosse

By Quentin Thorne STAFF WRITER

From Team USA to Northwestern University, Hofstra Pride women’s lacrosse head coach Shannon Smith has experienced success at every level. As she looks ahead to the 2021 season, her wealth of knowledge in the sport will be key to the team’s overall success.

Smith has been an athlete since her earliest years, using sports as her primary social outlet. She played basketball, soccer, roller hockey and baseball across several different leagues. Lacrosse was a sport she leaned on in her teen years, but it quickly took center stage in her life.

“When I was getting into middle school ... one of our

family friends [coached lacrosse],” Smith said. “And he needed an extra player for a lacrosse game ... He gave me a stick. From that point, I never looked back.”

That success quickly grew as she began playing travel lacrosse and competing for her high school team. After being invited to the Team USA Under-19 roster, her dreams truly took flight.

“Throughout my entire career, something my parents have instilled in me and my siblings is hard work,” Smith said.

“Whether that’s playing sports or in the classroom, your job is always to work hard. Nothing is ever given to you. You have to earn everything.”

She worked her way to the collegiate level, accepting a Division I scholarship to play

Photo courtesy of Hofstra Athletics Smith was named the ninth head coach in program history in July 2012.

lacrosse at Northwestern. One of the benefits of her time was the ability to work with the team’s head coach, Kelly Hiller. “[Hiller] would push you individually and constantly raise the standards,” Smith said. “She would motivate you and inspire you in all different ways. She would know what makes you tick to work harder.”

Smith made the most of her time as a Wildcat, winning the NCAA Most Outstanding Player award and three NCAA championship titles. She finished second all-time in NCAA tournament points.

“Those experiences that you have as a player, you can take that into coaching, understanding what it takes to get to that level,” Smith said.

After graduating with a degree in economics, she was unsure where she wanted to take her career. But two of the directions she considered included attending graduate school or pursuing a job on Wall Street.

She decided to begin looking for jobs as a graduate assistant coach to pay for a master’s degree. That changed when she realized that Hofstra was looking for a head coach and agreed to accept the job.

“Looking back on it, it was truly a grand slam,” Smith said.

“I get to coach kids on Long Island and give back to the community where I was given so many opportunities.”

Under Smith’s watch, the team grew into a top 20 ranked

program. Some of the players she coached left a permanent mark on her life.

“Brittain Altomare had an unbelievable career, finishing out being an All-American, [Colonial Athletic Association (CAA)] Player of the Year,” Smith said. “I started coaching her when she was a sophomore along with April Iannetta, twotime CAA defender of the year.

I think they did a great job being leaders and had a phenomenal senior year.”

Today, the Hofstra Pride still boasts a roster loaded with talent, including key returning players Darcie Smith, Alexa Mattera and Alyssa Parrella.

“We are super excited to have them back,” Smith said.

“We gave them the mission of changing the culture and setting new expectations. They have gone above and beyond that.”

In the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, the team dealt with many setbacks, including the cancellation of the previous season and the inability to practice together for an extended period of time. However, this phase did some good for the returning cast.

“Quite frankly, I am seeing them play some of their best lacrosse,” Smith said. “Their bodies are just reenergized, having those six or seven months off, from when COVID ended the season in March to when we started back up in the fall. They are just fresh.”

Today’s society is filled with

uncertainty, so the team is just grateful for the time they have together.

“It’s been a strange fall, and we talk about it every day,” Smith said. “Part of why you love coaching is just being around the kids. They are a really great group. I love the team. But things have changed with COVID. There are certain restrictions. We tell the kids every day that we are lucky to be able to practice.”

Those practices have given a lot of confidence to the team as a whole, giving them a first look at the incoming wave of talent.

“We have a great freshman class coming up, five players who are stepping in and making an impact,” Smith said. “They don’t look like freshmen, so that is super exciting. We knew they were good, but it is especially impressive because of how long it’s been since they last played lacrosse.”

Looking back at it all, Smith would not change a thing. “[You have to have] patience, for all the good things you have to be patient for it,” Smith said.

“Things don’t happen as quickly as you want them. You learn it as you go.”

THE CHRONICLE

SPORTS

NOVEMBER 17, 2020 • A17

Jett and Weissheier eager for return to Hofstra baseball

By Eddie Gardner STAFF WRITER

In mid-March, after only 14 games played, Hofstra baseball head coach John Russo informed his team that they would not finish their 2020 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. At that moment, two of the Pride’s biggest stars were left feeling uncertain about the future of their Hofstra baseball careers.

Starting pitcher Jack Jett and infielder Rob Weissheier were both seniors at the time, hoping to wrap up their stellar college baseball careers on a positive note. Jett was carrying a 3.97 ERA through his first three starts of the 2020 season and Weissheier was raking with a .361 batting average and one home run in nine games played.

But despite their strong stats, the team as a whole struggled to put wins together, sitting at 4-10 at the time of the season’s cancellation.

“It was definitely weird because it wasn’t only a baseball thing, it was a world thing too when it happened,” Jett said.

“I didn’t know exactly how to take it all in. When we got the call and had a team meeting, our hope was that the season would start back up in six weeks or something like that. But as we all went home and everything

kept getting pushed back more, it slowly seeped in that I may never play Hofstra baseball again.”

The season ended with a bitter taste for Jett and Weissheier.

They knew their team’s potential despite their record, but they never got the chance to right the ship after a rough start to the year. And after its abrupt end, they thought they would never get that chance again.

However, shortly after the season’s end, the NCAA answered the prayers of millions of college athletes around the country and granted an extra year of eligibility.

“It was definitely a crazy feeling because we kept getting told that we were getting pushed back another two weeks,” Weissheier said. “Then one day they told us they canceled the whole championship of the NCAA, so then it really hit me that that could have been my last Hofstra game. But then a few days later we were lucky: They said everyone would get another year back.”

Although it was tough, both players spent the offseason putting baseball on the side and focused on their classes as their senior years concluded. “[Weissheier] and I have been athletes all our lives, so it was pretty hard to end like that,” Jett

Photo courtesy of Hofstra Athletics Weissheier held a .361 batting average during the 2020 season.

said. “But after that I started focusing more on my classes so we can graduate. Basically, we were waiting around to see if they were going to give seniors another year, so I know that was a big drive for me to finish my classes and do well just in case I could come back.”

Both Jett and Weissheier never hesitated once they found out the news from the NCAA and were immediately excited to get back to work. It was time for two of Hofstra’s best players from the past four years to finish off on the right note.

“I definitely knew I was coming back here,” Weissheier said. “I signed up to register for an MBA program before I even got into contact with [head coach] Russo.”

It was a long road back onto the field for the entire team after not being able to play for eight months, but on Monday, Oct. 12, the Pride finally began practicing. For Jett and Weissheier, the feeling of being back with their teammates for one more year overwhelmed them with joy.

“I think everyone was really excited and restless to get back,” Jett said. “The first day of practice, it wasn’t a full team practice because we aren’t cleared yet for full team practices, but it was like Christmas. Just being on the baseball field made me super excited, especially after everything we went through in the spring and summer, so it was a good feeling for sure.”

While being back on the field is a good sign for Hofstra baseball, much of the 2021 season is still up in the air.

However, Jett and Weissheier are confident they will be able to play close to a full season.

“I’ve heard a few things about this season since quarantine started,” Jett said. “I know they’ve been manipulating schedules and different things like travel advisories and closer-to-home schedules, but I don’t know the exact details and ins and outs of it. I do know it’s going to be different, and from what I’ve heard, we’re still signed up for most of the same games and to play close to 50

Photo courtesy of Hofstra Athletics Jett had a 3.97 ERA in three starts during the 2020 season.

games, so that is exciting.”

Despite their 4-10 record a year ago, the Pride is coming off one of their best offensive seasons in recent memory.

Hofstra led the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) with a .302 team batting average, .399 on-base percentage and a .466 slugging percentage. They will enter the spring of 2021 with many players returning, including Weissheier, who has been one of their best power hitters since he joined the team.

“Our expectation is to be better than last year,” Weissheier said. “Yes, what we did last year was great, but we want to be the best, we want to work off last year. We have eight starters returning, we’ve got some good freshman bats coming in and we want to show we can compete with every other school.”

The lineup will once again be filled with talent, and Weissheier will most likely be their main power hitter. With 17 career home runs for the Pride, including a team-leading eight in 2019, he is ready for another chance to compete.

As far as pitching, Jett will lead a staff looking to rebound from a forgettable 2019 season.

The Pride’s rotation ranked last in the CAA with a 7.26 team ERA, which resulted in many winnable games being lost.

“I’m extremely confident in our guys this year,” Jett said.

“The offense is getting a bunch of new guys that are really good and I think the pitching staff is getting even more.”

“Another year for myself, [Jimmy] Joyce and [Ryan] Rue will be really good and I think it’s going to be a very fun year.

Over the past two weeks, it’s been really exciting to see some of the new guys throwing on the mound. They’re gonna help us a lot and fill a lot of those gaps.”

Jett has been one of the Pride’s most reliable starting pitchers since he transferred from Old Dominion University in 2019. He ended his first season at Hofstra with a 1.26 ERA over his last three starts and carried a 3.97 ERA in the shortened 2020 season. Now, Jett will look to finish off his collegiate career strong once again with a new group of arms behind him.

The year 2020 was filled with heartbreak for the Hofstra Pride, especially for Jett and Weissheier. And after not knowing whether or not they had played their final college baseball game, the two stars will be back, ready to compete for a CAA title with a very talented team around them, in 2021.

A18 • NOVEMBER 17, 2020

SPORTS

THE CHRONICLE

Wright-Foreman opens up about the NBA boycotts and social injustice

By Tino Pattigno SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR

Hofstra Pride men’s basketball alumnus Justin Wright-Foreman was drafted by the Utah Jazz in the second round of the 2019 NBA Draft.

He started his season in the NBA playing for the Salt Lake City Stars, the NBA G-League affiliate team for the Jazz, but ended the season playing for the Utah Jazz in the NBA bubble in Orlando, Florida. WrightForeman did all he could to help his team make it to the NBA Finals, while also helping to spread the message of racial justice at a time when America needed it most.

Wright-Foreman is now among some of the greatest athletes to play for Hofstra University. He knows how special Hofstra is and says he will never forget the people who supported him to help him get to where he is today.

“Making it to the league was a very eye-opening experience for me. Obviously, I have to thank the Utah Jazz for investing their time and their draft pick in me, giving me this opportunity, as well as all of my coaches at Hofstra. I can’t imagine what my life would be like if I didn’t go to Hofstra,” Wright-Foreman said. “To see my dream after four years of hard work and late nights at the gym actually come true, it is really rewarding. I want to show my community and all of the little kids looking up to me that you can do anything as long as you put your mind to it.”

Starting out his first season in the NBA with the Salt Lake City Stars, WrightForeman averaged 17.3 points and 2.6 assists, shooting over 46% from the field.

“The Stars helped me to grow and develop my game.

That experience was extremely valuable to me. I got to see and learn about what the physicality in the league is like,” WrightForeman said. “It makes it less shocking going on to the court against players who you’ve

looked up to. All of that goes out the window once the game starts.”

Wright-Foreman was surprised to get the call to play for the Utah Jazz this season.

The news came after the NBA announced they would be resuming their regular season inside of a bubble in Orlando, Florida, after the coronavirus pandemic put games on pause for over four months.

“It was definitely shocking to me at first, because I didn’t know what was going on with all of the precautions and the roster limits that were in place,” Wright-Foreman said. “But that being said, I was ready for the opportunity to travel with the team to Orlando.”

Once inside the NBA bubble, players had to adjust to a new lifestyle and take extra precautionary measures to ensure player safety.

“Every day we had the same routine of taking our temperatures, walking around with our masks on everywhere we went. They did have some things for us to do like an arcade, a volleyball court and a swimming pool,” WrightForeman said. “That helped to take your mind off of the game of basketball and the reason why we’re all there to begin with. The NBA put together a place for us to play basketball

Photo courtesy of Hofstra Athletics During the Pride’s 2018-19 season, Justin Wright-Foreman led the CAA with 27.1 points per game.

by the murder of George Floyd in May continued into August, during the 2020 NBA playoffs.

The Milwaukee Bucks walked out of their first-round playoff game against the Orlando Magic in protest and in solidarity, and the rest of the playoff teams in the NBA followed suit, deciding not to play their scheduled games. The protests would last for the next three days.

Wright-Foreman’s Jazz took

basketball on TV like we are entertainers. We have a voice, we have rights ourselves – with these real life issues going on I believe that we can’t just sit back, we must create change and make it happen,” WrightForeman said.

Prior to the NBA boycotts, Wright-Foreman posted a picture of himself on his Instagram account with the caption, “We are BLACK MEN! ... We build ...

We don’t tear down other BLACK MEN! ... We have felt the pain of being torn down and we have decided we will be deliberate about building others!”

Wright-Foreman emphasized a message of unity. “It starts with everybody, we need to encourage and educate everybody, no matter the race.

We may be different in our own way, but we all share the same blood,” Wright-Foreman said.

“We have to help each other. It is not a you-against-me thing, it is a we thing.”

Wright-Foreman has a plan to start bringing the change the world needs at a local level.

“Let’s spread more love in this world. If we do that, we will see the change we’re all trying to make.”

— Justin Wright-Foreman and to be safe while doing it.”

Although the players, coaches and staff from 17 different teams were there to play basketball, some of the NBA’s superstars did more than just play the sport they love. Players like LeBron James, Chris Paul and Wright-Foreman’s teammate Donovan Mitchell came to the forefront of the league by speaking up about the racial injustices occurring in the country. The civil unrest sparked

part in these boycotts and made sure their voices were heard. “It is extremely sad when you think about everything that is going on in the world today,” WrightForeman said. “We are the ones that want change to happen, so everyone has to start making that change together.”

“The way we stood up for everything going on was what was right and what needed to be done. It is not fair for people to just go home and watch us play

“I would love to start helping at Hofstra, Long Island and Queens, giving back to my community and doing more things together. To show that we’re not here to cause problems, but we are here to find the solutions to the problems people of color face every day. In the end it’s about togetherness. If we have that, we can have change.”

His message for younger generations can apply to anyone regardless of gender, skin color, or career ambitions.

“Always believe in yourself and be willing to help others.

If you’re willing to help others, you are willing to make a positive impact in this world,” Wright-Foreman said. “If you work hard and have a good work ethic you will reach your goals and give yourself the opportunity to accomplish many things.”

As for the rest of the world, he believes making strides toward change begins with a single step: “It does not take anything to be kind and nice to each other. Spread love, not hate. That’s what you would want, right?” Wright-Foreman said. “Let’s spread more love in this world. If we do that, we will see the change we’re all trying to make.”

THE CHRONICLE

SPORTS

NOVEMBER 17, 2020 • A19

Rick Cole Jr. searches for the good during COVID-19 pandemic

By David Lazar SPORTS EDITOR

The world is adapting to a new reality. Hofstra University Vice President and Director of Athletics Rick Cole Jr. is adapting, too.

“Society has changed,” Cole said. “Even though we modify and pivot, there will always be more change. The main goal is to keep everybody safe.”

Cole was named the Director of Athletics at Hofstra University on March 28, 2018. Just two years later, his responsibilities are completely different.

“We are all learning that you can do your business online,” Cole said. “Sometimes you do not change until you are forced to. We are looking for the good in times of struggle.”

Hofstra shut down on Sunday, March 8, when a student reported flu-like symptoms after attending a conference where another attendee tested positive for COVID-19. From that day forward, Cole entered the virtual world.

“I am still a work in progress with Zoom and technology,” Cole said. “I am adjusting.

Everyone is adjusting. We have no choice.”

Since March, Cole has connected over 800 Hofstra alumni through digital gatherings.

“We would have never been able to do this without COVID-19,” Cole said. “People,

for better or worse, found time to do this. They popped onto Zoom and connected with old friends. That is one of the many positives of this situation.”

Specifically, Super Bowl champion wide receiver and Hofstra alumnus Marques Colston has helped the University support studentathletes. The Marques Colston Fellowship provides formative learning and life experiences to students pursuing a career in the health sciences field. “[Colston] is an amazing guy,” Cole said. “He just gets it. He is generous, kind, approachable and humble. We have more time now to connect with alumni, which has created unique opportunities.”

Under Cole’s leadership, Hofstra has created many other new programs. On Wednesday, Sept. 30, the Hofstra University Department of Athletics unveiled “No Locker For Racism,” a campaign meant to dismantle racism within collegiate athletics.

“Helping others has been some of the good through the uncertainty,” Cole said. “We are able to work with and for our student-athletes and our staff.

We are so proud of the work our athletes and staff have done. The collaboration has been amazing.

That is how change happens.”

Additionally, the school launched #Hofstra4All, a group effort between student-athletes, coaches and administration to

highlight their commitment to diversity, inclusion and gender equity.

“Our work will never be done,” Cole said. “But we are addressing some important issues our community and society are facing. Helping these causes has been the best time of my day.”

Cole is also preparing Hofstra to begin sports in the winter. The Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) announced its 2020-21 men’s and women’s basketball conference schedules Wednesday, Oct. 14. Each team will play 18 games, but travel will be limited to ensure student-athlete safety.

“Scheduling can take years,” Cole said. “We essentially did our entire schedule in a two- to three-week period. The goal is to play the games in a healthy and safe way. We have a shot at accomplishing that.”

Cole and his staff have been meeting with CAA representatives at least three times a week to prepare for the return of collegiate sports.

“Our plans are contingent on many things,” Cole said. “New York has different rules. There are travel restrictions that other states do not have. We are going to have to navigate through NCAA, CAA, state, local and institutional guidelines. The [humbling] thing is, once you think you have things right, the curveball comes. And you are not waiting on the curveball.”

Photo courtesy of Hofstra Athletics Rick Cole Jr. was named Director of Athletics in March of 2018.

However, while athletics will return soon, fans may have to wait. “[Having fans at games] is a long-term goal,” Cole said.

“We cannot get fans back soon enough. We are going to get back and get through this.”

Freshmen may have to wait as well. The NCAA granted schools the ability to extend scholarships to athletes that lost their season due to COVID-19, which could create a logjam in certain programs if seniors return.

“It is going to be very interesting for all studentathletes,” Cole said. “That is another curveball for coaches and each class. While we have the ability to provide an extra year of eligibility, we do not have to.”

Normally, student-athletes are limited to four seasons of competition in a five-year period. Now, schools can use waivers to give an extra year to student-athletes who had competed in a season that was shortened or canceled by COVID-19.

“Coaches are put in a tough spot, making decisions they have never made before,” Cole said. “Do you mortgage your future to help your team now? Is the 22-year-old athlete better mentally, emotionally, physically and socially than the 18-year-old athlete? One would think, but nothing is

guaranteed.”

While Cole handles the many responsibilities of his job, he is making time for his family and friends as well.

“I have always been a very busy person and my family has always been busy,” Cole said. “Spending more time with them has been a blessing. I do not know if it will ever happen again.”

The SUNY Buffalo graduate lives in Oakdale with his wife Brooke and their three children, who are in college.

“We are thankful for the time we got to spend together,” Cole said. “The beginning of quarantine was difficult for me, but I learned how to be there for my friends, family and staff virtually. Everyone had to learn how to adjust. It was humbling.”

No matter what the future holds, Cole will be ready to learn from whatever transpires.

“I do believe that there are lessons in everything,” Cole said. “Focus on the things that matter the most. Have a carpe diem mentality and seize every moment that you can ...

[COVID-19] will prepare us for future challenges. You have to acknowledge the bad, but you cannot spend too much time there. You have to find the good.”

THE HOFSTRA CHRONICLE

sports

November 17, 2020

C ole T akes C ontrol Hofstra Vice President and Director of Athletics Rick Cole Jr. is leading the Pride through difficult times

Photo courtesy of Hofstra Athletics