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UNIVERSITY OF CINCINNATI
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THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2015
SG swears in new members, allocates money for Sigma Sigma Carnival Andrew Naab, newly elected student body president. All undergraduate students are eligible to apply for cabinet positions beginning Thursday. Selected applicants will be interviewed by an interview panel of 10 students. A bill was also passed to allocate $164 for biodegradable trash bags for the Cincy Spring Cleanup on April 3 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The annual event brings students from all UC colleges together to improve their community through picking up trash around Cincinnati. This year’s spring cleanup includes an ice cream social afterward. “I noticed that in the past we volunteer, and then everyone just disperses and there’s no community really developed,” said Katie Vonerden, a second-year operations management student and Cincy Spring Cleanup director. Vonerden said the event encourages and inspires Cincinnati residents to
CASSIE LIPP | CHIEF REPORTER
As last year’s University of Cincinnati Student Government officers passed their responsibilities on to the newly elected officials, the students gathered to allocate funds and approve changes to the organization. SG swore in seven new senators at large as well as the new student body president and vice president at Wednesday’s meeting. SG members elected Tobi Akomolede as Senate Speaker and Madeline Adams as Internal Holdover Senator. Meghan Cappel was elected the new External Holdover Senator. The organization passed a bill that will restructure the president and vice president’s cabinet positions, which modifies existing cabinet positions as well as adds new positions. The restructuring is designed to increase the cabinet’s efficiency. “Right now the system in place was not accessible, nor did it help the student body president and vice president,” said
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DANIEL SULLIVAN | CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER
SG swears in seven new senators at large, new student body president and vice president, along with Senate Speaker, Internal Holdover Senator and External Holdover Senator.
A&S DEAN DISCUSSES PLANS FOR HIRING NEW FACULTY
PETREN OUTLINES McMICKEN VISION
UC Feminists discuss ableism, social stigmas on campus ABRAHAM BIALIK | CONTRIBUTOR
DANIEL SULLIVAN | CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER
Dean Petren discusses his vision for McMicken College with junior faculty Wednesday in the Tangeman University Center and outlines his current involvement in hiring new faculty members. PATRICK MURPHY | NEWS EDITOR
In the wake of budgetary issues the McMicken College of Arts and Sciences has been facing, recently hired Dean Kenneth Petren sat down with junior faculty members Wednesday evening to outline his vision for the college and to discuss potential concerns with McMicken’s departments. Petren’s three pillars for McMicken’s future, which broadly centers on students, include an emphasis on faculty research with graduate assistance, a push for teaching methods that emphasize student engagement and an investment in internships and co-op opportunities for McMicken’s 21 departments. “If you put these three things together: the research, the teaching innovation and experiential learning – now we are a
different kind of liberal arts institution,” Petren said. The roundtable talks were mainly concerned with a lack of funding for research, as well as the relationship between junior faculty and tenured professors. Junior faculty members are teachers hired by the University of Cincinnati that have not yet gone through their reappointment, promotion and tenure (RPT), which are the guidelines that tenure-track faculty members follow to get from associate professor to professor. “It takes a lot of money to recruit faculty members, and when you recruit them, you want to keep them. So you want to do all you can to keep them,” said Undergraduate Director and Professor Joseph Takougang. Currently, McMicken has 11 new hires
set up for the fall semester — something Petren says is a perfect opportunity to implement a feature freshman seminar class. The class would hold roughly 100 students that would split into groups that would be exploring the social themes of the book “The Other Wes Moore: One Name, Two Fates” in which the author, Wes Moore, discovers a man born on the same block he grew up on, but ended up in jail rather than Moore’s fate of working as a White House assistant. “We want to introduce them right off the bat to a course that takes an academic approach to this burning societal issue and just hit them right between the eyes with it right when they get through the door,” Petren said. SEE MCMICKEN FACULTY PG 3
Ableism, a form of discrimination or social prejudice against people with disabilities simply because an individual is more “able” to do something another cannot, was the primary topic during a University of Cincinnati Feminists group meeting Tuesday evening. Conducted by guest speaker Sara Whitestone, a third-year biology and communications student and president of the Alliance for Abilities, the group explored the social stigmas of disabilities and ways to create a more inclusive environment for those with disabilities. “The most important part of this meeting was learning about disabilities that aren’t always visible and also physical abilities and how people have to deal with that on UC’s campus,” said Stevie Beck, a first-year fine arts student. One of the main points stressed during the meeting was the difference between looking at disabilities from a medical perspective compared to a social perspective. While looking at a disability from a medical perspective, it shows the disabled as the problem, according to Whitestone. The goal is to look at disabilities from a social perspective, showing society as the hindrance for not providing equality and creating opportunities for disabled. Throughout the meeting, the idea of sick or able was discussed and how a person should not be looked at as either of the two, but recognized as a social norm that any human being is susceptible to. David Schmatte, a fifth-year criminal justice student, was grateful for the opportunity to learn about ableism. “If I’m introducing a topic like mainstream feminism, ableism is left out in our society,” Schmatte said.“I’m glad to get some information on it.” Whitestone’s idea for part of the solution to ableism was to establish a network for helping people with disabilities, under the justification that it is their given right. The idea comes from her frustration that help is only given to those who push for help and that it is not given as their legal right. According to Whitestone, the only way that society can start to bring attention to ableism is to push past the haze of the superficial ideas about disabilities. “Above all, accessibility is everyone’s responsibility, because everyone will experience disability at some point in life whether it’s infancy, old age, injury or acquired a disability like I did,”Whitestone SEE FEMINISM PG 3
New UC Veterans Manager selected; dinner held for Sisters in Arms HUY NGUYEN | STAFF REPORTER
With an increasing number of military veterans reinforcing the Bearcat community, the University of Cincinnati has hired a new veterans manager in command of veteran-affiliated programs. To date, UC has over 2,000 militaryaffiliated students, whether they are active veterans or reserve veterans or participate in other forms of service. Every one of those students is under the care of the new manager in the Office of Veterans Programs and Services, Terence Harrison, a U.S. Army Reserve and UC alumni in criminal justice. “I joined the Army Reserves on January 21, 1989, down here in Cincinnati, Ohio,” Harrison recounted. “I became a 71 Golf, which converted into a 68 Golf, which is Patient Administration.” For the next 26 years, Harrison served the U.S. Army at bases all over the world, including Panama, Germany, Guatemala, Ecuador and Iraq for Operation New Dawn in 2010. “[The army] has been good to me for 26
years and counting,” Harrison said. Afterward, Harrison moved on to work as assistant director at the Veterans Upward Bound program of Cincinnati State Technical and Community College, a program dedicated to encouraging veterans to successfully obtain a college education, before finding himself a new opportunity at UC. “It seemed like this is where I found my niche,” Harrison said. “Just to be able to serve those who have almost the same background as I do, and just to be able to help them where needed, it’s a wonderful thing.” As the manager for the Office of Veterans Programs, Harrison has the responsibility of making certain that all veteran students are paid their military benefits appropriated by the G.I. Bill in an efficient, timely manner — a task that is often bureaucratic and confusing. In addition to his main role, Harrison wants to increase student-veteran SEE VETERANS PG 3
HUY NGUYEN | STAFF REPORTER
New UC Veterans Manager Terence Harrison ensures that veteran students are paid their military benefits appropriated by the G.I. Bill in an efficient, timely manner.
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THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2015 / NEWSRECORD.ORG
CRC appreciation week gives thanks to members, students MOLLY COHEN | CONTRIBUTOR
Created to thank the Campus Recreation Center and Fitness Center at CARE/Crawley members, Member Appreciation Week is drawing students and faculty in with free giveaways, guest passes and activities that promote healthy habits. Free food and activities, the initiation of programs and access to special equipment characterize the third-annual Member Appreciation Week at the CRC. “I love that our staff gets face time with members to appreciate that members choose to come and choose to be here,” said Brandi Hester, CRC assistant director of fitness and wellness. “The event brings out our staff and shows how important each of them are.” Tuesday’s events included free Body Mass Index (BMI) and Dynavision testing. BMI testing is available to all who have a recreation membership, but the Dynavision machine — an “evaluation and training device that records response to visual, gross motor and neurocognitive tasks,” according to Dynavision International — is typically restricted to the UC football team. The machine is used to help athletes with hand-to-eye coordination and prevent concussions. “The fact that students get to utilize these machines is the most exciting thing for me,” Hester said. New additions to this year’s event include free giveaways of water bottles and towels. Members are also permitted to bring a guest for free this week until
Sunday. “We want to draw more people here because that’s how we’re successful — getting people to come back, and we want to promote a healthy lifestyle,” said Emilie Fleming, CRC coordinator of member services. Wednesday marked the first of this year’s Walk it Wednesdays, a free event for the community to exercise. Walking groups left from both the CRC and CARE/Crawley with a sendoff from the UC Bearcat. Brooke Hiltz, associate director of career services in UC’s College of Business, came out to the event after receiving an email from the Rec. “I love getting out and walking on campus,” Hiltz said. “This is the perfect excuse to walk with other people.” Ethel Bonner, executive staff assistant on the Board of Trustees, came to the CRC for the first time Wednesday to participate in the Walk it event. She plans to come every Wednesday. “I thought the event sounded like a great idea,” Bonner said. “I usually work out at home, so this will be a nice break.” A walking group will leave at noon every Wednesday from now until Nov. 18 from both the CRC and CARE/Crawley. “I’m here every week, rain or shine,” said Paige Parkhouse, walk leader and personal trailer. “I love to walk, and I’m an advocate for walking throughout the day. I live downtown, so I walk everywhere and I try to park far away. It’s a lifestyle choice to choose to walk.” Food also plays a part in appreciation
MADISON SCHMIDT | PHOTO EDITOR
Colin Riley, a UC Rec personal trainer, tests his reaction skills with Dynavision, a machine that trains fast hand-to-eye cognitive responses Tuesday during member appreciation week.
week, which promotes maintaining a healthy diet. Different food, including trail mix, fruit and coffee, will be offered for free throughout the week. “My favorite thing is all the healthy food options going on,” said Joe Maly, CRC building supervisor and secondyear industrial management student. Junior Gebbie, who takes yoga and running classes at the CRC, ended her Wednesday workout by enjoying free trail mix. “The REC definitely helps me workout,” Gebbie said. “Having the classes
available helps me get to the gym. I wouldn’t be coming otherwise.” CRC staff members hope the week shows how inviting working out in the center can be, and how easy it can be to integrate exercise into your daily routine. “If you’re busy, implement little things throughout the day – when waiting for tea or something in the microwave, do 10 push-ups,” Parkhouse said. “Make small things a ritual or habit. It helps to view movement as stress relief, not as a choice.”
AACRC event brings successful fashion entrepreneurs to campus
DANIEL SULLIVAN | CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER
Sun Smith, a local traveling artist, hand-screens T-shirts for her Soapbox Tees brand and speaks to students about the challenges and benefits of starting a business. CAMRI NELSON | STAFF REPORTER
Local fashion entrepreneurs gathered at the African American Cultural and Resource Center Monday evening for University of Cincinnati’s Fashion Syndicate’s first Monday Mixer event. Panelists Sun Smith, Matt Tomamichel, James Morable and Lynn Cotton — a group of fashion industry professionals — answered a series of questions concerning how they had become successful in such a competitive industry. A relaxed environment overtook the panel as the
participants actively discussed ideas and themes that played into their success in an industry where we rarely hear of startups, especially at a local level. Morable, owner of OTR Fresh, a streetwear boutique in Over-the-Rhine and a UC graduate, talked about what separated him from other competitors. “For one, it’s about relationship building,” Morable said. “I’m an introvert; having my business has allowed me to meet different people.” Morable also explained that when he finds out what people want, he provides them with it. Matt Tomamichel, owner of Corporate, a shoe boutique
in Hyde Park, said that what sets him apart from the competitors is “the relationships we build with people.” Matt said that Larry Discoll, owner of Deveroes, was his biggest supporter. When he went to him about his dream of opening a store, Discoll encouraged him to just go ahead and do it. He also explained that time weighs and that people need to learn how to manage it. When asked about big obstacles in the fashion industry, Morable talked about how his biggest challenge was getting to know himself and knowing what his skills were. “You have to step back and assess yourself,” Morale said. Morale also said that his friends were his biggest support system and that upcoming entrepreneurs should surround themselves with positive people. “Most of the people around me are successful, so I bounce ideas off my friends,” Morale said. Lynn Cotton, owner of Couture Couture Boutique and a UC graduate, said the biggest obstacle was “not really having people who can help you.” Cotton said it is hard to trust people, but she has recently gotten to the point where she is able to. To Sun Smith, owner of Soapbox Tees, fitting meetings in his calendar was a significant issue. “There’s a lot of places you want to go, but can’t because you have commitments,” Smith said. In order to be successful, Smith surrounds herself around people who know the grind and are there for both the highs and the lows. When asked how much money is required to open up a shop, participants agreed that $50,000 would be ideal. If that amount is unattainable, entrepreneurs should focus on networking, panelists said. Randi Rammelsberg, a first-year fashion student, said she found out about the event through Instagram. Rammelsberg enjoyed the event because she learned a lot about what it took to start a business in Cincinnati. According to Bobby Couch, a second-year marketing major and marketing and creator director for the Fashion Syndicate, Monday Mixers are a platform for students who are not fashion majors to communicate. “I learned about the amount of humility that it takes to be successful in the fashion industry,” Couch said. “I have a stronger awareness of what Cincinnati offers.”
Colleges compete in fundraising tournament to benefit university MATT NICHOLS | STAFF REPORTER
Students began following a different type of bracket Tuesday morning — one that features each of the University of Cincinnati’s individual colleges as they battle it out to receive the highest number of donations from the community. The March Mania Challenge, hosted by the University of Cincinnati Foundation, is a four-day tournament between UC’s colleges that encourages the community to support their favorite colleges while getting the chance to win different prizes. Fourteen teams are competing in the online-only tournament, which continues through Friday. The teams that receive the highest number of donations each day advance to the next round until only the participant with the most donations is left standing. Each donation, regardless of the amount, counts as a single point for the college. For a minimum of one dollar, any member of the UC community can contribute to the cause and support the team of their choosing. While every donation serves as a single point for a college, they can also be specifically applied to help any of the over 3,000 funds at UC. The online voting process allows the donor to select any fund or program of their desire and apply that vote to their favorite college. “It depends on where you designate your support,” said Judy See, senior director of annual giving at the UC Foundation. “When people go on the giving form, they can donate to any fund in their college. It’s not all going to one fund, so it’s really the donor’s choice.” The teams with the most points at the end of each day advance to the next round. However, the eliminated college
with the highest number of voters can still try for the wildcard spot, which will put them in contention for the final championship round. Everyone that participates in the online vote will receive a Team Bearcats window cling and will be entered in a drawing to win several grand prizes, including a VIP tour of Nippert Stadium with Athletic Director Mike Bohn, two season tickets for the 2016 men’s basketball season, a College-Conservatory of Music Mainstage Ticket Prize Pack and two tickets to the DAAP Fashion Show. Three donors will also be selected each day by a random draw to win a UC athletics swag pack. “I think this has potential to be a great fundraiser,” said George Kulka, a thirdyear bioengineering student. “It combines everyone’s love of March Madness with our college pride. How can it not be successful?” Although this is the first year for the challenge, See is optimistic about the results. “We haven’t really put a dollar amount on what we expect to get, but we do want to get to a thousand donors in the four-day period,” See said. “A thousand donations going to many different areas of the university creates a great impact.” To help promote the event, the UC Foundation created #UCMarchMania so donors can tweet about the challenge and encourage others to participate, including UC President Santa Ono. “The #UCMarchMania fundraising challenge starts today. All of @uofcincy’s colleges are winners in my book #justsayin,” Ono tweeted. The challenge, which began Tuesday morning, received over 175 donations by 1:30 p.m. Tuesday afternoon, totaling over $8,000. By Wednesday morning, the total
amount raised was more than $46,000. “[Donations] could be used for scholarships, or it could be money that goes to the greatest needs of the college or the university,” See said. “We try to bring in support whenever we
can because it has great impact on the university community. That’s what we’re here for.” UC community members can participate in the challenge by visiting uc.edu/ marchmania.
NEWS / 3
IN BRIEF UC hosts TEDxUCincinnati, showcases local speakers
THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2015 / NEWSRECORD.ORG
UCPD swears in 12 new police officers The University of Cincinnati swore in 12 new police officers Tuesday, according to a press release. In November 2014, nine police officers were sworn in. The ceremony also celebrated the promotion of two officers and introduced three new security officers and three new security dispatchers.
UC football player back in court A University of Cincinnati backup football quarterback was back in court Tuesday facing assault charges from an incident that took place in October 2014. Jarred Evans, 22, allegedly punched a victim following a football game against Southern Methodist University. The victim needed stitches and sustained a concussion, according to Hamilton County court records. According to WCPO coverage of Wednesday’s trial, Evans’ attorney claims racial slurs directed at Evans provoked the incident. The victim said he never saw Evans and was blindsided by the punch, WCPO reports. Evans also faces charges for obstructing a public official during the incident.
Teens sentenced for armed robberies near UC According to WKRC TV, two teens were sentenced Monday in connection to a series of armed robberies targeting University of Cincinnati students in the fall. One teen was sentenced to 15 years and another to 20 years, WKRC reports. One pleaded guilty to attempted murder. The two teens were reported to be part of a gang called “Two Gun Gang.” Other members of the gang are awaiting trial.
MADISON SCHMIDT | PHOTO EDITOR
Booths showcase the TEDxUCincinnati, a series of talks from local speakers and UC professors on subjects that range from the science of diversity to connecting people through music. JAMES DOLLARD | CONTRIBUTOR
Technology, Entertainment and Design (TED), a nonprofit with the goal of spreading ideas primarily through short and poignant talks, is coming to the University of Cincinnati Friday, featuring topics ranging from joke culture to diversity in science. The event, titled “TEDxUCincinnati: Rise and Reimagine” – where the “x” stands for an independently organized event – is the first time TED has come to UC. It will include 10 speakers, and each FROM FEMINISM PG 1
said.“The most important thing is that we need to be more of a collectivist culture, meaning that our social issues are all of our responsibility whether we think they pertain to us or not, because in some way they all do — our oppressions are all interconnected.” The UC Feminist group, which explores a multitude of social issues, meets every Tuesday at 7 p.m. in various locations. More information can be found on its Facebook page, UC Feminists.
speech will be around 10 minutes to keep the event both timely and loaded with content. At the time of its conception in 1984, TED talks were heavily focused on technology and design. But as TED began to garner attention and interest, the talks began to include a wide variety of topics, including different sciences, cultures, arts and social issues. Today, talks are given in over 100 languages. Shivam Shah, external vice president and co-founder of the UC event, expanded on the purpose of FROM SG PG 1
the city clean and take pride in their environment. “I cannot tell you how many streets I have walked down in this area and it has absolutely killed me,”Vonerden said. SG also voted to allocate $1,065.70 to co-sponsor the 76th Annual Sigma Sigma Carnival on April 11. Students will have the opportunity to learn more about SG projects and meet SG members at their carnival booth.
FROM VETERANS PG 1
MADISON SCHMIDT | PHOTO EDITOR
Terence Harrison speaks during the Sisters in Arms dinner, which honored four notable female veterans who are also UC students.
CLASSIFIEDS
TEDxUCincinnati. “One thing that is really important is that my vision is focused on innovation and empowerment,” Shah said. While TEDxUCincinnati was eager to get the ball rolling, Shah noted the process was lengthy and not necessarily promising. “There is an application involved to express interest, to which TED then gathers data about the school – demographics, the need for an event such as TED, environment – essentially a biome check to represent their brand,” Shah said. The current maximum audience size is 300 after negotiations – TED’s normal number usually rests around 110. The event will be held 3 p.m. Friday in Kresge Auditorium on the medical campus, with doors opening at 2:30 p.m. The event, sponsored by the Office of the Provost and the Office of the President, will also include an introduction by Sarah Clem, a fourth-year marketing and entrepreneurship student, and light refreshments will be served. “Since I’m involved in both the science and communications of construction, TED talks are always interesting to me, as it incorporates both of those elements heavily,” said Tucker Hill, a fourth-year student transitioning from the College of Engineering to the College of Business. Shah said that while the main stage is an annual event, there are plans to have smaller, more localized events throughout the year. “[Students should come to the event] for the sharing of new ideas,” Shah said. “College, an environment which is constantly changing, always on the forefront of innovation, is conducive to this sharing of ideas — it’s always happening around us. If you want human voices to put behind the reasoning for UC being number one, then come to this speech.”
enrollment at UC and share with them the success that the UC veterans office has had. “Compared to other schools in the area, we have the largest group of veterans in school, and we just want to make their time here enjoyable, memorable, pleasurable,” he explained.“We just want them to say, ‘Hey, I’m proud to be a Bearcat.’” Harrison expressed his enthusiasm in wanting to raise the profile of the veterans program. “We’re really just showing how our program fits into UC,” Harrison said.“And there is a veteran population here that’s growing, and as we grow, we just want to be a part of the total UC community.” The veteran office organized Sisters In Arms, a dinner held Wednesday that honored four notable female veterans who are also current UC students. Harrison is planning even more activities in the future to develop the visibility of the program, as well as aiming to increase campus familiarity for new student veterans. The Office of Veterans Programs is completing preparations for a 5k in August that takes participants through campus to allow recent students to tour the UC grounds and buildings in a fun and friendly environment. Harrison also spoke about plans to partner with the LGBTQ community at UC for an event at a future date. Overall, the Office of Veterans Programs has found wide success and participation in its programs by both veterans and civilians. “[The office] is important at UC,” said Michael McCormick, a second-year information technology student and U.S. Army Specialist.“It performs a very important function for student soldiers by allowing them to take advantage of their benefits and integrate
DANIEL SULLIVAN | CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER
SG members welcome president Andrew Naab.
with other students.” “When I was there, and I was taking advantage of the office and its services, they seemed very competent, they seemed to know what they were doing, and knew what they were about,” McCormick added.“They could help me out, and were really better than otherwise I could have hoped. Everything went better in a lot of ways than I would have expected.” While not all veterans have trouble acclimating to civilian life, some do. Many come back with traumatic burdens that make it difficult to continue in a university setting — a worry the Office of Veterans Programs still addresses. “The biggest thing is just ensuring that the veterans are taken care of, be it their military benefits, or access to different resources,” Harrison said.“With everything that some [veterans] have been through, and with the stress of getting classes in with the home life, I just want this office to do everything we could to make their lives a little bit easier.” Harrison remains confident about the ability of his office and each employee under him, all of whom are veterans who have the common bond of service and are willing to talk. Harrison’s optimism also showed in his remark about the future of the office. “You know Xavier’s an awesome school, Cincinnati State’s great, NKU’s great, but we want them to come to the University of Cincinnati, not because of what we have to offer, but because we have a very strong and very friendly Veteran-affiliated population that embraces vets,” Harrison said.“So really, to the UC crowd, expect to see more Veterans on campus, because of not only what we have to offer, but also who we are. We’re the University of Cincinnati, and we’re proud of it.” FROM MCMICKEN FACULTY PG 1
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Petren also discussed that while the departure of several professors in critical departments at McMicken has slowed down immediate improvements, the budget is easing up enough — due to the large enrollment of students —to make investments in potential tenure-level professors. “Our enrollment dropped during the semester conversion — that’s what caused our whole budget mess … I’m working with the provost, just today [less than an hour ago, and] we exchanged talks on what we have to do to have a better hiring process, because A&S is so complex,” Petren said. “I will go to her one day with a proposal to hire a bunch of faculty and then in the next subsequent couple of days she’ll say the accountants are looking, and things have changed.” Petren said this constant shifting of the roughly 500 faculty members in McMicken is due to both faculty retirement and faculty members taking a year leave. “I’m getting prepared to make fundamental arguments about the budget; can’t happen right now,” Petren said. “We’re rolling in the budget in two weeks; we have to go present it for next year. But in the course of this year, we are going to digest it more carefully.”
4 / ARTS
THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2015 / NEWSRECORD.ORG
Album review: Kendrick Lamar’s ‘To Pimp a Butterfly’ CHRISTOPHER STROHOFER | STAFF REPORTER
Since his debut mix tape “Section.80,” Kendrick Lamar has been somewhat of an outsider within the hip-hop community. He rapped in a noticeably nasally flow about make-up and aliens over quirky synth-affected jazz beats. And while these characteristics set Lamar apart on the surface, the most distinguishable feature of Lamar’s music was the depth of meaning found within. Shortly after “Section.80,” hip-hop veterans Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre declared Lamar the new “King of the West Coast,” and Lamar found himself under the rap game’s microscope as he set to work on his would-be breakout album “good kid m.A.A.d. city.” This concept album, released in 2012, told Lamar’s story as a young man growing up in West Side, Compton; it touched on gang violence, substance abuse and the death of a close friend. These heavy subjects don’t usually find their way to commercial success, but Lamar’s career has thrived while maintaining his lofty ambitions, original voice and a penchant for the dramatic. Fast forward to 2015. Lamar has become a household name over the past few years, thanks to popular singles like “I,”“Swimming Pools,”“Maad City” and the controversial verse on Big Sean’s “Control,” where he name dropped popular MC’s while asserting his title as the King of the Coast. His success arrived amidst tumultuous times for race relations in America. A number of tragedies occurred in the shootings of unarmed AfricanAmericans and the riots in the Ferguson, Missouri. “To Pimp a Butterfly” captures this period in Lamar’s life and how he navigated the perils of success while dwelling on African-Americans’ place in American society. The first few seconds on opener “Wesley’s Theory” capture the album’s core theme of universal worth of every member of the black community. This song also shows Lamar’s mindset as he finds success. Yet despite the seemingly positive subject matter, this track feels more foreboding than optimistic. The second verse explains why with a verse from the perspective of the government or “Uncle Sam,” encouraging Lamar to be reckless with his spending and lifestyle, so the government can capitalize from his downfall. “I can see the borrow in you / I can see the dollar in you” — these lines reflect a recurring idea on TPAB that a person’s worth can be measured in dollars, both
a comment on slavery and America’s obsession with money. A general distrust of the society that systemically disenfranchises blacks for hundreds of years runs throughout this album. It’s not the focus of the album, but references to slavery, civil rights and stereotypes frequently occur throughout the work. The following song, “For Free (Interlude),” is the shortest on the album, but contains some of the most impressive instrumentation and lyricism. The track opens with a woman berating Lamar for his arrogance and not appreciating her as much as he should. Lamar chimes in, initiating a refrain: “This d--k ain’t free!” The chaotic instrumentation and lyrical flow rambles between syncopated syllables and drum beats almost hypnotically, but perhaps the most interesting part of this song is Lamar’s association of the woman to American culture. He criticizes her, or America, for using sex to allure him, feeding him scraps, and abusing his labor for her own profit, all while destroying his self-worth. Funny enough, the track ends with the woman shouting, “I’mma get my Uncle Sam to f--- you up, you ain’t no king!” before fading into the next song, fittingly titled “King Kunta.” Lamar’s literary prowess shines through on the track “These Walls” with the crafting of some intriguing metaphors out of the title. Casual listeners might simply hear this as the “romantic” track on the album, but the
Lamar knows that plenty of other artists have had a quick rise to fame, only to burn up descending back to earth. subject matter delves far deeper. In the first verse, Lamar is rapping about vaginal walls and by the end of the track, “these walls” represent the prison walls of the man who killed Lamar’s best friend in “good kid m.A.A.d. city,” and that woman he’s sleeping with in the first verse is the convict’s baby mama. Lamar’s seduction of his enemy’s only love in life solely for retribution is just one of the ways Lamar admittedly abuses his influence as a famous rapper. These mishandlings of fame lead
TDE
Kendrick Lamar’s new album amalgamates rap, soul, jazz, funk and spoken word to convey its message.
Lamar to some dark places in the painfully honest song “u,” which finds Lamar broken down in a hotel room far from his friends and family. A lonely trumpet blows in the distance as Lamar sobs into listeners’ ears while revealing his suicidal thoughts and regrets for leaving his friends and family to the problems at home. Lamar takes a break from his rich metaphors and literary devices in the song “Blacker the Berry” to deliver a heated response on the treatment of black people in America. “You hate me don’t you? / You hate my people, your plan is to terminate my culture / You’re f-----’ evil I want you to recognize that I’m a proud monkey.” The song is a response to the shooting of Trayvon Martin, and a number of similar incidents that have become major news headlines. While these stories made their way through the media landscape, some of the few voices that went unheard were those directly affected by the violence — those who weren’t around to share their story. This is the power of music to Kendrick Lamar; rap can give voices to the voiceless. TPAB’s inspirations are pulled from decades of influential music from black artists. On the surface, the live instrumentation already sets TPAB apart from most contemporary hip-hop albums, but TPAB
is truly a masterpiece in it’s ability to seamlessly weave a century’s worth of musical inspiration. From Miles Davis to Snoop Dogg, the sonic inspirations are noticeable and highlight the key message of his album. Anyone can have an impact on a sound or a culture and it’s truly the accumulation of the myriad of voices within a society that create a powerful culture. Young artists with an original voice are listening and watching Lamar succeed in an environment that’s seemingly stacked against original expression and success for a black artist. Just as Lamar watched the rise of West Coast hip-hop with music from Tupac, Dre and Snoop Dogg, young fans will watch the rise of conscious, informed hip-hop to speak for the voiceless. The world we live in is complicated, filled with strife and regrets both personal and cultural in nature. However, to deal with turmoil, a conversation needs to happen, and rapping can reach the masses and start the conversation. Lamar has been watching his role models and peers for years and taking notes, and this album is what he’s learned from everyone around him. As the ghost of Tupac says at the end of the album, “We ain’t even really rappin’, we just letting our dead homies tell stories for us.”
Summer@SINCLAIR Get Ahead. Catch Up. WWW.SINCLAIR.EDU/SUMMER Make the most of your summer: earn credits at Sinclair. Check out available courses and ask your advisor how Sinclair courses can transfer back to the University of Cincinnati. Take 8- or 12-week classes at one of our convenient locations or online. LEARN MORE WWW.SINCLAIR.EDU/SUMMER Summer Full Term: May 18–August 9 • Summer B Term: June 15–August 9
BEST ROAD TO YOUR FUTURE Dayton | Eaton | Englewood | Huber Heights | Mason | Online
SPORTS / 5
THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2015 / NEWSRECORD.ORG
Track and field opens up outdoor season in Florida JAELYNNE JOHNSON | SPORTS EDITOR
The University of Cincinnati track and field program started its outdoor season Saturday as it competed at the Disney Track and Field Open in Orlando, Florida after coming off of one of the most successful indoor seasons in history. The men and women broke seven indoor school records combined, both teams finished fourth at the American Athletic Conference meet and Adrian Valles and Erika Hurd earned All-America Honors. UC had strong performances on the first day of the Disney Open, as it had earned four first-place finishes. The men and women garnered first-place titles in the 1600 meter sprint medley. For the women, Kenya Woodall, Jalisa Jarrett, Jada Grant and Kaitlyn Good ran a time of 4:02.77. Tevin-Lloyd Thompson, Jaashir Morris, Alexious Sherman and Nick Williams comprised the quartet for the men, and they ran a time of 3:35.08 to edge out Voorhees College. Junior Macklin Tudor competed in the men’s discus and hammer throw. In the discus event, his throw of 186 feet 10 inches got him a first place title. He took 3rd in the hammer throw with a throw of 150 feet 2 inches. Gabe Arcaro, a freshman at Princeton University, took first place with a toss of 181 feet nine inches. Senior and Cincinnati native Tariq Sanders closed out
day one for the Bearcats as he received a gold medal in the men’s triple jump with a leap of 45 feet 6.25 inches. On day two of the meet, Senior Michael Nwankwo set a new career-best height in the men’s high jump by clearing 6 feet 9.5 inches — a jump that earned him a 3rd place finish. Also making 3rd place finishes were: Ashleigh Pickens in the women’s high jump with a clearance of 5 feet 5.75 inches, Monica Phillips in the women’s hammer throw with a toss of 170 feet 6.25 inches and Frida Akerstrom in the women’s discus with a throw of 150 feet 7.5 inches. In the women’s high jump competition, freshman Loretta Blaut took 2nd place by clearing 5 feet 7.75 inches. Teammate Kellsa Mbah also earned second in the women’s long jump with a 17 feet 11 inches mark. Several Bearcats took first place in their respective events: Woodall in the women’s 100 meter race with a time of 11.65 seconds, Rebecka Abrahamsson in the women’s long jump with a 18 feet 4.25 inches mark, Sarah Rasnick in the women’s pole vault with a clearance of 10 feet 11.25 inches and Akerstrom in the women’s shot put with a hurl of 49 feet 7 inches. Up next, Cincinnati will host the Oliver Nikoloff Invitational at Gettler Stadium over the weekend before competing at the Miami Invitational in Oxford, Ohio, on April 3 and 4.
PROVIDED
Freshman Adrian Valles earned All-America honors at the NCAA Indoor Track and Field Championships
UC lacrosse loses battle of Ohio Tennis improves to 6-7 record JAELYNNE JOHNSON | SPORTS EDITOR
The women’s lacrosse team hosted Ohio State University at Gettler Stadium Wednesday afternoon, where the Buckeyes were victorious 13-8. The meeting between the only two Division I women’s lacrosse programs in Ohio was the first between the two schools since 2010. UC head coach Gina Oliver faced her alma mater for the first time as a head coach. Oliver was a former standout midfielder for the Buckeyes from 200205. She still holds the program records for career ground balls (236) and caused turnovers (201). The battle of Ohio has been played three times, and the Buckeyes have collected all three wins. Ohio State took the first match in Cincinnati, 17-2, in 2008. The teams then met in Columbus the next season, where OSU took a 20-8 victory. In 2010, the teams met back in Cincinnati and OSU won 20-5. Key goals in Wednesday’s matchup came from sophomore Dani Tunnel, who scored at the 24:25 mark in the first half on a free position goal. Tunnel’s goal tied the game at 2-2. She also tied the game at 3-3 with
21:20 left in the first half. Kelsey Ayers of Ohio State scored her first of three goals to open a seven-goal run by the Buckeyes at the 16:12 mark of the contest. Senior Ashley Helmrath scored her only goal of the game with 13 seconds left in the first half. This goal put a stop to the Ohio State run. The Buckeyes were carrying the lead with a 10-4 score at the half. This loss to the Buckeyes dropped UC down to a 2-7 overall record. Adding to the Bearcats stats sheet was: Sarah Del Bene, who contributed with two goals and one draw control, Skylar DeLemos, who added one goal, one ground ball and four draw controls and Michelle Platz had one goal and three draw controls. “[DeLemos] is a kid that goes hard all the time,” Oliver said. “She will run through a brick wall for you and she’s a kid that likes to have some fun with it too.” The Bearcats will host Winthrop University 4 p.m. Friday when they return to the Sheakley Athletics Center before heading into conference play against the University of Connecticut noon Sunday.
FILE ART
Women’s lacrosse fell to The Ohio State Buckeyes 13-8 Wednesday afternoon in Gettler Stadium in the Battle of Ohio contest.
JAELYNNE JOHNSON | SPORTS EDITOR
The women’s tennis team picked up its first win Sunday after losing its four previous matches. The Bearcats were able to edge out the Marquette University Golden Eagles 4-3 at the Western Tennis and Fitness Club. Marquette’s Paula Sanchez and Diana Tokar won the first doubles match against the University of Cincinnati’s Samantha Perry and Hannah Wille 6-1. The Bearcats needed to win the next two doubles matches in order to get the point, and they accomplished that feat. The duo of Lauren Bellinger and Kelly Poggensee-Wei were behind 2-0 in their doubles match against Ana Pimienta and Erin Gebes. They were able to win the next four games to take a 4-2 gain over Marquette. Pimienta and Gebes took the next match, but UC was able to win the next to take the overall game 6-3. Katya Bure and Natalia Abdalla were able to defeat MU’s Ali Dawson and Aleeza Kanner by a 6-4 margin in their doubles competition. Bure and Abdalla were victorious in the first four of five matches. The Golden Eagles won the next two matches against Cincinnati, but the Bearcats were still leading 4-3. Bure and Abdalla got Cincinnati the second doubles win which gave UC a 1-0 lead in the match. Poggensee-Wei and Pimienta of Marquette met up again in a singles match. Poggensee-Wei began the match with a 2-1 lead, but was stunned by a 4-3 comeback from Pimienta. Poggensee-Wei stepped up her approach and was able to win the first set 7-5. She carried the stamina into the second match and was victorious by a 6-3 margin. This win made Poggensee-Wei the first of her teammates to obtain 10 singles wins in a year. Bure was defeated by MU’s Gebes. Gebes won both sets 6-2, 7-6. Bellinger was leading 4-1 in the first set of singles match against Tokar of Marquette. Tokar was able to tie the first set at 4-4, but Bure was able to capture the next two games and won the first set 6-4. In the second set, Tokar was in control for
majority of the set and won 6-3. Bellinger was able to bounce back in the tiebreaker set, winning five of the first six games. This gave her a 6-2 win to give the Bercats their third point of the contest. Wille was behind 3-1 in the first set of her singles match against Dawson of MU, but she was able to make a comeback to win the first set 6-4. Dawson would turn around and win the second set 6-4, but Wille was able to pull out the overall win in the tiebreaker set 7-6. This win gave Cincinnati its fourth and final point of the match bringing, them the overall win against the Golden Eagles. “I thought everyone did awesome,” Poggensee said of her teammates’ performances. “It was exciting for Hannah to win that match [against Dawson].” Next, the Bearcats will take on the University of Dayton in the Trabert-Talbert Tennis Center 1 p.m. Saturday.
FILE ART
UC tennis improves its overall record to 6-7 after defeating Marquette University on Sunday at the Western Hills Fitness and Tennis Club.
Women’s golf program finishes 4th in Bearcat Spring Classic Cincinnati looks to improve scoring drives at Web.com Intercollegiate JAELYNNE JOHNSON | SPORTS EDITOR
The University of Cincinnati women’s golf team hosted the 2015 Bearcat Spring Classic over the weekend at the Mission Inn Los Colinas Golf Course in Orlando, Florida, where the Bearcats finished in 4th place. The field of competitors included: Florida Atlantic University, Florida Southern College, Illinois State, University of
Memphis, North Dakota State, Northern Illinois University, Rutgers University, Seton Hall University and Winthrop University. Cincinnati was tied in 3rd place after the first round, after a two-hour delay from fog. Memphis was in 1st place with a score of 298, and North Dakota followed in 2nd with a score of 303. Cincinnati was tied with Seton Hall and Seminole State with a score of 312. The Bearcats were led by Stefanie Mitchell who was tied for 19th with a score of 77. Ashley Cassidy and Christina Gloor were one stroke back, tied for 19th at six-
over-par. Saturday started day two of the three-day event, and UC dropped down to 5th place with a score of 312-311=623. Memphis was still holding the team lead with a score of 304. Jacksonville University (316-300=619), North Dakota State (303-316=619) and Seminole State (312-307=619) were all tied for 3rd. Sunday, the third and final day, started at 8 a.m. UC was able to jump to a 4th-place finish with a final score of 303. Memphis claimed the team title, shooting 290 during the final round, and finished with a score of 892. The Tigers
were 28-over-par and were 25 strokes better than second-place Jacksonville (316-300-301=917). Seminole State (312307-304=923) was 3rd, just ahead of the Bearcats (312-311-303=926), and North Dakota State (303-316-308=927) closed out the top five performances. Gloor, 78-75-75=228 (+12), and Mitchell, 77-77-75=229 (+13), were Cincinnati’s top finishers, placing 10th and 13th respectively. Cincinnati will travel and compete at the two-day Web.com Intercollegiate in Ponte Vedra, Florida, on Monday and Tuesday.
MARCH SPORTING EVENTS Friday 3/27 4 P.M. Lacrosse vs. Winthrop University Sheakley Athletics Complex Center Friday 3/27 All Day Track and field Gettler Stadium Saturday 3/28 All Day Track and field Gettler Stadium Sunday 3/29 12 P.M. Lacrosse vs. University of Connecticut Sheakley Athletics Complex Center
6 / ARTS
THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2015 / NEWSRECORD.ORG
BAILEY DOWLIN | STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
A couple contemplates Albano Afonso’s ‘Self Portrait As Light’ exhibit at Contemporary Arts Center in downtown Cincinnati. Afonso reconsiders the self-portrait genre to consider properties of light and the past.
Self-portraits shed light at CAC’s new co-curated exhibit RUSSELL HAUSFELD | STAFF REPORTER
Albano Afonso — a rising star in Brazil’s contemporary art world — makes his first solo appearance in the United States with his exhibition, “Self Portrait as Light,” now at the Contemporary Arts Center. The exhibition introduces viewers to the artist’s obsession and study of light through ghostly photography, unique multimedia techniques and enchanting installation. Afonso’s first self-portrait at the CAC is a simple, grainy shot taken in a mirror with the camera in front of his face. The flash of the camera creates an explosion of light that consumes his head and the camera that he is holding, leaving only a figure with a giant white cloud where his head should be. This portrait introduces viewers to the rest of the exhibit, as many pieces noticeably build on this original idea of repurposing and reworking the idea of light within a multitude of artistic mediums. The two photos next to this original
picture highlight this progression. One — a warm, brightly colored piece — depicts the same image of Afonso taking a picture in the mirror. But this time, the flash begins to break up into multiple dots of white around the outside. The other photograph has Afonso against a black backdrop, another glowing orb where his head would be and sparks of circular, white dots raining over him. Another wall expands upon the designs in these first self-portraits, repurposing the circular specks of light created by the camera flash. For these images, Afonso took dark and shadowy self-portraits of artistic masters like Dürer, Rembrandt and El Greco and punctured circular holes all around the portraits to reveal bright photos of himself peeking out from behind the images. Although these portraits could be seen as egotistical, it is more likely that he is depicting himself as the light shining forth from the past. His bright, high-definition photographs pierce through the portraits of his inspirations as if to say that art from
the past will always illuminate and inspire the ideas of art in the present. Afonso uses the same technique of hole puncturing in another series of images. He thoughtfully pairs classic illustrations, punching holes through the one on top to reveal pieces of the second image underneath. This results in almost unrecognizable canvases full of motion and color. The CAC branches away from Afonso’s two-dimensional artwork with two installation pieces. The first installation — “Pendulum” — hangs a mirror-coated skull from the ceiling alongside a large crystal and some dark weights. A bright light shines upon these hanging objects, and each reflects a different intensity of light toward onlookers. A whole room devoted to the second installation, “Still Life.” A glass box full of human bones that have been coated in mirrors — like the skull in “Pendulum” — sits in the center of the room with a light shining into it, creating white flecks all
over the dark room like an artificial starry sky. The final pieces in the exhibit are displayed upon a wall Afonso painted for the CAC. The wall has been transformed into a painting of a forest through the lens of a kaleidoscope, connecting geometric planes of greens and yellows to form an abstract image with depth and form sprawling across the wall. Mounted on this wall are photos of Brazilian parks and forests with white lines carved into them that follow the light as it flows and bounces through the leaves and trees. The white lines are reminiscent of a sketch for a perspective drawing — very straight, deliberate lines with sharp corners — that complement the sharp edges and abstraction of the wall behind them. The exhibit is co-curated by the CAC and the 21c Museum in Cincinnati and can be viewed through August 30.
ENSEMBLE THEATRE
The play revolves around the lives and dreams of those living in Detroit during the 1967 race riots.
‘Detroit ’67’ stages hope amid chaos KRANTHI PAMARTHI | STAFF REPORTER
With violent riots sweeping across the city, dreams can be hard to find. But that’s what a new play, showing now at the Ensemble Theatre, chooses to explore. Ensemble Theatre introduced playwright Dominique Morisseau’s “Detroit ’67” on March 17, and it runs until April 5. This spirited story of a brother and sister in a Detroit ghetto is set in July of 1967 when the city burned with hatred and anger due to racial tensions. The play is directed by D. Lynn Meyers. “Detroit ’67” is set in the basement of siblings Lank and Chelle, who are played by Bryant Bentley and Zina Camblin respectively. The play uses the riots of ’67 as its background and revolves around the troubles of Lank and Chelle in the conflicted times. Set and lighting designer Brian C. Mehring designed the set to perfection; the basement virtually speaks for itself throughout the play. The old record player Chelle adores, the makeshift bar on the other end, a sketched picture of Joe Lewis’ fist on the wall — everything takes us into the life of the late sixties in the United States. The skyline of Detroit stands tall toward the top of the set, making lighting transitions marvelous to behold. Chelle is a single mother with a son who is in college. Lank and Chelle live together in their home hosting after-hour illegal parties, playing Motown for the neighborhood to make a living. Although they convey fierce love and care for each other, they are foils to each other: Chelle likes to live it safe while Lank is a dreamer who believes in creating something new in life for themselves and the future. He is fueled further by his best friend Sly, played by Darnell Pierre Benjamin, a likeminded character who works on his dream of starting something new. The play moves in between happy and sad situations of day-to-day life rather smoothly. Bunny, played by Burgess Byrd, brings necessary humor in ending the day in the basement parties, regardless of the tensions and the racial flares growing by the day. With many on the run, businesses try to find a quick getaway from the city. Sly and Lank see an opportunity to buy a bar and
earn legitimately. But Chelle doesn’t approve of it, forcing Lank to go behind her back. Suddenly, unforeseen circumstances lead to Lank and Sly carrying an unconscious white woman, played by Leslie Goddard, full of bruises into the basement, making everyone cautious. She introduces herself as Caroline and possesses an air of uncertainty. Lank and Chelle take her in while the riots grow in intensity. Sly makes advances toward Chelle, who stays wary, keeping her son in mind while, to the horror of Chelle, Lank and Caroline start to display romantic chemistry. With all the characters in place, the play unfolds into a variety of plots and subplots in tandem with the rioting environment. Bentley played the character of optimistic Lank with unrestrained passion, successfully making the audience feel his sorrow and happiness through a vivid performance. Camblin slipped into the garbs of a conservative Chelle and looked at ease adjusting to the role of a woman looking forward to her son’s vibrant future, willing to do anything for that. Notably, her caution over everything reflects that her thoughts are for her son rather than the characters around her. Benjamin brings a bit of seductiveness along with the deep imagination of a dreamer for Sly. His movement and dialogue make one understand the origin of the name “Sly and Lank’s Feel Good Shack” for their bar. He makes sure Sly is full of hope. Goddard appears a bit shaky at times while coming in and going out of the scenes. A lack of coherence is clearly visible, but the plot made amends for it with the level of secrecy shrouding her. Byrd did well as the spunky character of Bunny, filling the play with humor. “Detroit ’67” is a complete entertainer. Scenes range from bitterness to pleasure, from fear to relief, but the play is completely filled with hope. It develops on the notion of dreams and shows us that the past does not have to be our present. It tells us to shake problems off while dancing to Motown music. In the end, the play is as resilient as the resurgent fist on the basement wall and the meaning it holds in the lives of Lank and Chelle.