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The great legacy of Christian Ogbondah

Ogbondah recently retired in the 2022 spring semester. On April 28, 2022

Ogbondah received the Distinguished Scholar Award, for not only his work at University of Northern Iowa (UNI), but also for his legacy.

According to the UNI Graduate College website, the Distinguished Scholar Award, “Honors senior scholars and artists with a long and distinguished record of publications, exhibits and/or creative activities while a member of the UNI faculty and

whose professional reputation is national (and international where appropriate).”

Ogbondah’s beginnings

Ogbondah’s legacy started when he was in high school in Nigeria. He saw a “Time” magazine with the breaking news of President Richard Nixon’s resignation following the Watergate scandal.

NIXSON BENITEZ Executive Editor

After 36 years of teaching journalism and communication, Professor Christian Ogbondah, Ph.D., retired and made Iowa Black History.

BLACK HISTORY MONTH COVERAGE

UNI to be featured in “The College Tour”

CAROLINE CHRISTENSEN Staff Writer

The Panthers are once again on the prowl – for Amazon Prime Video.

“The College Tour,” an Amazon series which highlights different colleges and universities in the United States, came to UNI fall 2022 to showcase all UNI has to offer. Ten UNI students are featured in different segments exhibiting everything from academics, UNI faculty, how to find a major, activities to do in the Cedar Valley and much more.

The full episode will be released on Amazon Prime Video June 29, but the UNI community can get an exclu-

sive premiere of the episode Wednesday, Feb. 8 in the Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center. A pre-show event complete with free food and drinks will be held in the lobby at 6:30 p.m.,

and the premiere is set to take place at 7:30 p.m. in Davis Hall. The event will also be live streamed on YouTube for those who cannot attend in person. People who can attend the event in person are encouraged

to showcase their Panther pride by wearing UNI gear.

UNI’s Director of University Relations, Pete Moris, commends the ten students who participated in the filming of the tour, and encourages people to attend the premiere February 8.

“We have ten students who just nailed it,” Moris said. “They did an amazing job. Really what we were trying to do was get a cross section of not only different backgrounds, majors, and hometowns. Our goal was to find some folks who were passionate about UNI and to share their experiences.”

Moris continued, “(The College Tour) is something unique. I’m not aware of any

other colleges in Iowa that are being featured so I think any way we can differentiate UNI from all these other institutions is a good thing.”

To learn more about The College Tour, visit thecollegetour.com.

Tradicción: El programa Green Dot de prevención de la violencia deja su marca en el campus

Nota de la editora: Lizbeth Montalvo es una estudiante del curso SPAN 3159 Translation for Heritage Speakers, dirigido por el Prof. Juan Carlos Castillo.

El septiembre pasado, el programa Green Dot de prevención de la violencia tuvo un exitoso lanzamiento. Más de 150 personas asistieron a su evento inaugural durante Green Dot Week aquí en la universidad. Green Dot es un programa en el que se ha esta-

do trabajando durante varios semestres y que finalmente se implementó el otoño pasado. Green Dot es un programa patrocinado por el Gobierno Estudiantil de la Universidad del Norte de Iowa (GEUNI) cuyo propósito es trabajar en la intervención de testigos y que se centra en la prevención de la violencia de género. El objetivo general del programa es, por un lado, disminuir en el campus de esta universidad las probabilidades de violencia basada en relaciones de poder, como la agresión sexual, además de cómo identificar otras formas de violencia basada en el poder que no reciben tanta atención,

como el acecho, o la violencia doméstica o en citas de noviazgo. Las señales de estos tipos de violencia no siempre son obvias, lo cual es algo que los talleres de formación por parte de Green Dot están tratando de cambiar.

Dentro del programa Green Dot hay una metáfora común que usa el ejemplo de puntos verdes y puntos rojos. Los puntos verdes representan una acción o elección específica que promueve la seguridad y comunica a los demás a través de esa elección que no se tolerará la violencia en este campus. Un ejemplo de un punto verde podría ser algo tan simple como sacar a alguien conocido de una situación de alto riesgo o difuminar un conflicto entre

gias sobre cómo asistir a las personas que podrían estar en una situación peligrosa, como señalar a alguien por su comportamiento o palabras inapropiadas hacia una persona. La mayoría de las veces, si se hace a alguien responsable de decir ciertas palabras, eso puede ayudar fácilmente a evitar que las palabras o los pensamientos se conviertan en acciones. Tener el programa Green Dot en este campus ayuda a enseñar a los estudiantes y profesores formas de crear puntos verdes para que puedan superar en número a los puntos rojos y, de esa manera, mantener seguras a las personas que viven, trabajan y aprenden en la universidad.

de nuestros estudiantes”. Desde el lanzamiento del programa ha habido más de 132 miembros del personal y de la facultad que han sido entrenados, además de los facilitadores aquí en UNI. También se ha formado a más de 100 alumnos en el semestre desde su lanzamiento.

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NIXSON BENITEZ

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EMMA KOEHLER

Managing Editor koehlere@uni.edu

319.273.6420

EDITORIAL STAFF MALLORY SCHMITZ News Editor schmimbt@uni.edu

DIAMOND ROUNDTREE Campus Life Editor diamondr@uni.edu

DAVID WARRINGTON Sports Editor warringd@uni.edu

SOPHIE HOFFMEIER Copy Editor hoffmeis@uni.edu

KARINA ORTIZ Spanish Editor ortizkac@uni.edu

A través del programa Green Dot, uno habla e interactúa con otras personas con el fin de ayudar a aprender estrate-

PRODUCTION STAFF

EMMA KOEHLER Webmaster Graphic Artist

ADVISORS

ANELIA DIMITROVA

anelia.dimitrova@uni.edu

CHRIS MARTIN

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Hannah Menken, asistente de posgrado de Green Dot en la UNI, no solo dijo cuáles son sus objetivos para este increíble programa, sino que también dio detalles de cómo va el programa. En el campus hay 23 facilitadores formados por Green Dot por toda la universidad, que se encargan de facilitar cada taller de formación que realiza el programa. Estos facilitadores incluyen a profesores y varios miembros del personal aquí en UNI. Como dijo Hannah, “Es un gran grupo de personas que se preocupan por nuestro campus y la seguridad

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El equipo de Green Dot tiene muchos planes y ambiciones emocionantes para este semestre de primavera aquí en la Universidad del Norte de Iowa. Se han planeado muchos talleres de formación para que los estudiantes participen durante todo el semestre y así poder acomodar los muy ocupados horarios que tienen los estudiantes. Los talleres están disponibles para cualquiera que sea miembro del personal o la facultad y estudiantes que deseen ser parte del programa; duran aproximadamente 90 minutos y permiten aprender una gran cantidad de habilidades sobre cómo actuar y cómo usar varias técnicas en diferentes situaciones de la vida real. El programa Green Dot también ofrece más talleres privados para organizaciones de estudiantes o departamentos si solicitan una sesión de formación privada.

 Ver GREEN DOT, página 4

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Letters must be less than 300 words in length and are subject to editing. Not all submissions will be printed. Send submissions to northern-iowan@uni.edu.

SEND US STORY IDEAS

Tell us what’s happening on campus. Email submissions to northern-iowan@uni.edu.

Do you want to have an event listed here? Email us at northern-iowan@uni.edu with information about the event to have it featured.

EMILY EAVES

“The College Tour” team filmed on campus this fall, capturing 10 students’ unique experiences at UNI along with plenty of footage in iconic campus spaces.

Scan the QR code above to tune in to the YouTube livestream of the premiere on Feb. 8 at 7:30 p.m.

N.I. EN ESPAÑOL

TREVOR MEYERS Escritor

LIZBETH MONTALVO Traductora invitada

COURTESY/TWITTER

Dos miembros de GEUNI participando en el lanzamiento de Green Dot en septiembre.

“Nadie tiene que hacerlo todo, pero todos tienen que hacer algo.”

Eslogan de Green Dot

Black women vs the world

NKASA BOLUMBU Opinion Columnist

As reported by NBC News, Daystar Peterson, better known as Tory Lanez, was charged with the following: unregistered gun possession, assault with a firearm and gross negligence of a firearm in 2020 following a heated argument outside of Kylie Jenner’s house party. The woman he shot was Megan Jovon Ruth Pete, better known as rapper Megan Thee Stallion. Ever since she cited him as her shooter, she has endured thousands of hate comments for not staying silent and for lying.

Pete’s case is just one example of a complex sexism that is specific to Black women –misogynoir. The word misogynoir was coined by gay Black feminist Moya Bailey, Ph.D, in 2010. Misogynoir is pervasive in American culture and society.

Misogynoir is a new term, but not a new concept. It is deeply ingrained into American society due to racist ideologies. Historically, racism towards Black women meant separation of the perfect submissive White woman from the deviant Black slave.

In an article by Mia Moody about News-Media Stereotypes and the Media Analysis of Barack and Michelle Obama, Moody cites feminist theory and the representation of Black women. “Black feminists argued that Black women’s experience isn’t separable from racism.” Rather, “women of color experience sexism within the context of racism.” In the media, Black women fall into the dichotomies of either/or: unintelligent/extremely smart, hypersexual/asexual, highly attractive/undesirable and ambitious/lazy. Common stereotypes that are a result of racism present in media and culture are the jezebel trope, sapphire/angry Black woman, and the strong Black woman/ superwoman schema.

Jezebel stereotype

In the old testament of the Christian bible Jezebel was the wife of King Ahab of Israel and she used her sexuality to manipulate men to get what she wanted. In the 1600s when Europeans were making contact with Africans, they often denigrated African cultures as subhuman and profane. Semi nudity was seen as sexually promiscuous. By labeling Black people as sexually deviant to their insatiable

sexual appetites, sexual abuse and assault was justifiable. Black women’s bodies were a commodity for reproductive labor and due to their slave status, they had little to no agency over sex. In our society, it means a Black body is inherently sexual and impure.

It’s very important to note that Megan Thee Stallion, who will be referred to as Pete, was not on trial nor facing any charges in the Lanez case. She was the victim. Despite this fact, a main focal point used to discredit her online was her sexual history.

During her interview with Gayle King, when asked about whether she was intimate with Lanez, she said no. She later admitted on the stand that she lied because she was ashamed she shared her body with someone who could cause her so much pain. She wishes that she had just died that night because of the backlash she has received for speaking out. Pete’s sexual history is irrelevant to the fact that she was shot. Pete makes very sex positive music and is not shy about her sex life. Others like here tend to be silenced and seen as less believable when they speak up about the violence they’ve endured the jezebel trope is often played out in the courts to discredit and belittle Black women and girls. By viewing Black women as less innocent due to their inherently “sexual bodies,” it means they are at fault and culpable of violence against them since they don’t look like the perfect victim. This leads to the dangerous

belief that Black women are immune to harm or “tough enough” to endure trauma as part of their nature.

Angry Black Woman/ Sapphire

Historically, the sapphire was seen as a Black woman who uses exaggerated, overly sassy body language: hands on hips, finger wagging to emasculate the men around her. The angry Black woman is its successor. The angry Black woman is always upset, aggressive, loud and rude. The angry Black woman is a dismissive figure in our culture who is not to be taken seriously as it’s in her nature to be angry. This belief dismisses Black women’s concerns and right to express themselves emotionally because any reaction from a Black woman is essentially an overreaction.

The Strong Black Woman/ Superwoman schema:

In the article Strong Black Woman and Identity, the strong Black woman is essentially a reaction to stress from gender and racial discrimination. The superwoman is one who has a large desire to succeed, usually super independent to the point help is not an option, reserved emotions and a strong obligation to help others. These traits can be very useful in environments that have high levels of racial and gender discrimination; these qualities can protect one’s health. However, the superwoman schema can be detrimental to

fact someone she cared about shot her.

The stereotype of the strong Black woman in America is a means of survival. It also makes it seem that Black women have a higher pain tolerance than others, are meant to endure the worst that society has to offer and that they’ll be fine without any support. This belief is especially dangerous in healthcare since it leads to less coverage and support for medical conditions and pain management.

Colorism

one’s health too. Dr. Amani M. Allen, associate professor at Berkeley University of California and lead author of African American Women’s Heart and Health Study, states that “this idea of being strong Black women and feeling the need to prepare for racial discrimination on a daily basis and anticipation adds to their overall stress burden.” Allen’s co-author Dr. Yijie Wang, associate professor at Michigan State University also says that the trope “reflects gendered racial socialization African American women receive in life”.

The pressure to be superhuman leads to self-sacrifice that does more harm than good. In Pete’s case, the strong Black woman trope is very prevalent. Before the shooting, she bonded with Lanez because they both lost their mothers around the same time. Pete’s mother died in 2019 and her grandmother shortly after. By lying to the police, she sacrificed her reputation for Lanez’s safety the night of the shooting. Pete initially lied to the police when she stepped on glass. Due to their being a gun at the scene, she was scared for everyone’s lives that the police would shoot, following George Floyd’s murder by the police. She protected Lanez, despite him shooting her, from the police and still endured lots of hate from his fans. She had to remain strong with little to no support system. She broke up with her best friend, was still mourning the loss of her mother and grandmother and dealing with the

Colorism is the preferential treatment of lighter-skinned people in a community. For Black women, this equates to the glorification and fetishization of the “Red bone,” “yellow bone,” exotic girls who are Black but don’t look “too Black.” This is largely because of the way those who are lighter-skinned are closer to passing as white, thus not enduring as much discrimination as their darker-skinned counterparts. This is very evident in the music industry with light-skinned artists like Ice Spice, Latto and Coi Leray receiving more mainstream attention than darker-skinned artists like Normani, Monaleo, who recently spoke up about colorism, and Bree Runway.

Colorism categorizes people as “overly desirable” or “less desirable” based on their skin color. Being raised with these ideals can cause a lot of trauma and self-hatred, leading to people lashing out against each other due to insecurities about their skin color.

Featurism

Featurism is preferential treatment for people who have Eurocentric facial features; it degrades big lips, broad noses, and anything “big” on a Black person’s body. Featurism disproportionately affects women more than men.

Conversely, with the emergence of Blackfishing, a term coined by Canadian journalist Vanna Thompson, white people are able to pick and choose aspects of Blackness they like and make money from it. For example, Black darkskinned people aren’t shown in the media as desirable as a person with an extreme tan. Blackfishing is essentially the cosplay of Blackness by white and non-black women. Think Kylie Jenner, Kim Kardashian and Emma Hallberg.

 See BLACK WOMEN, page 5

PEXELS

After Megan Thee Stallion spoke out about Tory Lanez, her case gained a lot of attention, as well hate directed at her from Lanez’s fanbase.

continued from page 1

“I was intrigued by the fact that the most powerful president in the world, the President of the United States of America, could be brought down by the press.” Ogbondah said.

Ogbondah read the Time article and went to his father about wanting to be a journalist to write the story in his own country. From Nixon’s resignation, Ogbondah’s journalism career sparked. At the time of his discovery, he wanted to investigate corruption and poor leadership in his own community in Nigeria.

As a result, Ogbondah later pursued higher education, and from his education Ogbondah started a journey which has led him to numerous awards nationally and locally, including the opportunity to come to the University of Northern Iowa in 1986.

Ogbondah’s

impact

When Ogbondah began his career at UNI he was hired and later was involved in the development of curriculum in public relations and journalism. During this time, the journalism minor was housed under the English department, but has been practiced by the Northern Iowan Newspaper since 1896. “I felt journalism belonged more in the broad field of communication. We are a complement to other aspects of communication such as public relations, radio, television and today digital media, so I advocated.”

In 1992, the journalism minor went to the communication and theatre arts department. Over time, the 24-credit-hour journalism minor was added to the Mass Communication Division, which was administered by Ogbondah as he was the coordinator of the journalism minor and its internship program for many years. The major was introduced in 2016 along with its rebranding from electronic media to digital media Ogbondah was one of the three founding faculty along with Christopher Martin, Ph.D. who led the project and Anelia Dimitrova, Ph.D.

Global Impact

With Ogbondah’s global background, he introduced a number of new curriculums which impacted U.S higher education. He taught global mass communication systems, global public relations, global mass communication systems and international journalism. These courses never existed until he taught

them.

“I wrote the description and then, of course, what was going to be in the curriculum. I wrote that also because I felt that our students needed to know about the journalism practice elsewhere in the world,” Ogbondah said. “There was no global public relations course anywhere in the United States. Most universities just offered public relations, that when I came here in 1986, the head department at the time… said ‘Chris, teach two classes and choose any other course you can teach like a seminar.’”

From there, Ogbondah introduced global public relations as an experimental basis and wrote an article about it. The article gathered attention from a professor at the University of Ohio, and Ogbondah wrote and contributed in the first chapter in introducing the global perspective in public relations in the first Book of “International public relations education: U.S. issues and perspectives.” Ogbondah sparked a perspective and conversations across the U.S. However, this was not the only time in which Ogbondah took the global stage.

In 1999, Nigeria transitioned from military rule to civil rule. During their transition, Ogbondah went to do a presentation with other global leaders to advocate for the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). The FOIA is a law in the U.S. in which guarantees that the public has the right to request any record from federal agencies in an attempt to keep citizens aware of government practices. On March 15, 2002, Ogbondah went to Nigeria with Political Science Professor Pita Agbese, Ph.D. to help draft a new constitution in Nigeria. This law didn’t exist in Nigeria, and from his recommendation,

including the efforts of other global leaders, this law later came into full fruition in 2011.

“I’m happy about it. Not my sole credit. But is the collective credit of scholars like me, teachers like me and civil society groups in Nigeria.” he said

Student Impacts

UNI Alum and Iowa

Starting Line Journalist

Amie Rivers was a student in Ogbondah’s class in 2000.

“To this day, I still remember Dr. Ogbondah hammering into my brain the idea of newsworthiness, or what counted as serious journalism. The definition that most interested me was “odd” — I hadn’t considered (and loved the idea) that serious journalism would entertain the macabre and the outlandish.” Rivers said. “But I didn’t think so at first: My journalism heroes were the stuffy politics writers, the droll chroniclers of dry copy. They were the important writers and they got the good jobs. Watergate was serious, after all! Who actually respected a writer who wrote about a man-biting dog?”

Ogbondah had a huge influence on Rivers and encouraged her to pursue the idea of feature writing during her time, including recognizing who are good sources and what kind of stories to pursue.

“Dr. Ogbondah was a serious journalist in his own right, and yet he was showing us that our writing didn’t always have to be serious — it could be playful, or it could talk about weirdos doing incredibly odd things, and that all of that is the fabric of life and deserves ink in our newspapers, too.” Rivers said.

Strategic public relations major Maddie Graves has had a similar experience to

Rivers.

“When I was in his class, I needed a lot of encouragement to kind of get out of my box and get out of my norm that I was usually in,” She said. Graves mentioned that she was always encouraged to ask questions, and Ogbondah always came to class with fresh ideas.

“Whenever he would talk about his personal life and all of his plans, it really made us feel like we weren’t just students like that, we were people. He always made us feel human and that if you are going through it, that’s okay. That’s something I really appreciated in a faculty member.” Graves said.

Sports public relations major Meg Grove echoed Ogbondah teaching and inclusiveness of everything, but was also inspired by Ogbondah to pursue a minor.

“He was one of my first professors coming into journalism. After taking his class, Fundamentals of Journalism, I decided to minor in digital journalism. I really loved his teaching style and I learned a lot from it. I still use things that I learned from his class to this day.” Grove said Grove and Graves even mentioned that Ogbondah was a fashion icon and was the best styled professor on campus.

Retirement

With Ogbondah’s retirement, his legacy in Iowa, his writing and his teaching has impacted scholars across the country.

“I wasn’t going to (originally) apply for this award. (There are) so many persons in UNI scholars who have done so much at (the university). What is my chances as a Nigerian, as an African, as a Black man. But I remembered that the award selection was

going to be done by blind folded reviewers, so I turned in my application.”

It wasn’t until the 2022 spring semester it was announced that Ogbondah earned the award.

“The award means a lot to me and my family. It shows that America is a wonderful opportunity… I want the international community to understand that journalism can be used to foster national and international peace. Journalism can be used to foster international peace and understanding the way we frame stories. The way we report it, the angles will emphasize others can be critical in fostering international peace and understanding among nations… I’d like journalists to understand that they have a tremendous role to play in terms of international peace and security.” he said Ogbondah leaves his legacy in Iowa and is back in his home country in Nigeria.

“I’m happy to be an ambassador for the University of Northern Iowa, and the state of Iowa, as well as the United states of America. As I leave UNI and go to the world. I am going back to Africa to start a Journalism training institute.” Ogbondah said.

El personal de Green Dot también espera tener un gran evento en algún momento durante el semestre, por lo que todos deberían estar atentos a las páginas de redes sociales de Green Dot , para ver lo que tienen planeado, además de mantenerse al día de cuándo tengan más talleres de formación disponibles.

Green Dot es un programa muy importante que muchos estudiantes han solicitado específicamente en el pasado, y la facultad está muy emocionada porque ahora pueden realizar estos talleres de formación. Es importante crear conciencia sobre el programa Green Dot para crear una cultura de seguridad y respeto en el campus. Como dice el eslogan de Green Do t: “Nadie tiene que hacerlo todo, pero todos tienen que hacer algo”.

Si tiene más preguntas sobre el programa Green Dot , puede visitar su sitio web en greendot.uni.edu, que tendrá mucha información y enlaces de registro. También se pueden solicitar talleres privados enviándoles un correo electrónico a greendot@uni.edu.

GREEN DOT extendida de página 2

OGBONDAH

Celebration of Black History

ERIN MCRAE Staff Writer

The UNI Black Student Union (BSU) will launch a Black culture celebration to kick off the new semester. The BSU has a history of holding events that draw in large crowds of students to discuss important cultural issues in the Black community. After celebrating its 50-year anniversary earlier this fall, the organization is preparing for another semester of providing quality events for UNI students.

“The Black Student Unions’ goals for this semester is to ensure that every student on this campus feels welcomed by the BSU,” BSU Co-President Lexi Gause, a junior studying social work said. “We host several events throughout the year on campus for students to attend and have bi-weekly meetings with our members. This semester we have a lot of exciting events to honor Black History Month, followed by several events after the month of February including study tables, guest speakers, and game nights.”

For BSU Secretary Anna Stevens, the student organization has been a positive outlet. “I got involved last year when I transferred to UNI. I worked in the CME, like I do now, and heard about the group from my friends,” Stevens said. “I’ve learned a lot, had lots of fun and made several friends through it.”

On Feb. 1, the BSU will host a Kick-Off Celebration to launch Black History Month at Maucker Union from 6-9 pm. The event will include a live DJ, laser tag, mini-golf, and plenty of food.

On Feb 9, there will be a poetry slam in the CME classroom from 6-8 pm. Students can share original works with fellow students or just come and listen. “It’s a beautiful evening of poets sharing their truth within their written pieces. Some are about their struggles, some about their positives,” Stevens said. “It’s a balance of both and last year was a good way to learn about what some people may go through in life. There will be judges and prizes given out as well.”

The BSU will also offer candy grams on Valentine’s day, giving students the opportunity to send a small teddy bear, Hershey’s Kisses, and a personalized

note to a special someone.

On Feb. 22, the BSU will have an immersive experience available in Lang Hall called the “Tunnel of Oppression”, where classrooms on the ground floor of Lang will display different photos and artifacts that showcase oppression in the Black community. “We aim to inform attendees of the ways Black Americans have been oppressed here. It can be pretty heavy, but

Black Excellence,” Gause said. “We hope for a fulfilling month of gratitude, appreciation, and recognition of the Black culture and community.” Students interested in getting involved with the Black Student Union can reach out to bsu@uni. edu, stop by the Center for Multicultural Education for more information, or attend any upcoming event being held.

ed to anti-Black ideologies that say that Blackness is inherently ugly and that having outwardly Black features that have been degraded to being undesirable challenges those that established the norm.

In YouTuber Clarrisa C’s video “It Sucks Being the Token Black Girl,” she covers the discrimination of actresses Kat Graham from “The Vampire Diaries,” Monique Colemen from the “High School Musical” film series, and Trina McGee from “Boy Meets World.”

Clarrissa C surmises that the negligence of Black beauty is as detrimental as the absence of Black characters in media.

Graham is of African American and Jewish lineage and has very curly hair that is rarely seen on screen. She played Bonnie, main character Elena’s best friend and magical reset button. Bonnie is a powerful Bennet witch who’s love interest dies every other day. Graham’s character was every other character’s assistance button.

written off the show abruptly.

Angela’s signature hairstyle was done by the actress herself. Microbraids, which are very small braids, take a painstakingly long time to do 12 hours or more. McGee spent the night before her first episode doing the micro braids herself.

Coleman portrayed Taylor McKessie, Gabriella Montez’s smartest best friend. Taylor’s signature hairstyle was a short bob covered by a headband. This was suggested by Coleman because the stylists were not familiar with Black hair. It’s very worrisome that there were no stylists who were available. Despite being a very important supporting character to Troy and Gabriella, she was excluded from promotional tours for the final movie, “High School Musical 3: Senior Year.” Coleman stated that “Disney broke her heart.”

it’s important information to learn,” Stevens said.

On Feb. 25 there will be a skate party in the WRC from 6-9 pm, where students can dress as a favorite hero or villain and compete to win prizes.

The Soul Food dinner will be held on Feb. 26 from 9 am -3 pm at 1651 Sycamore St. in Waterloo and will provide a meal filled with familiar favorites.

On Feb 28, the BSU will be hosting a showing of the movie “Just Mercy” in KAB 111 at 7:30 pm. This popular film is a legal drama that follows the story of lawyer Bryan Stevenson’s quest to bring justice to wrongly accused Black Americans.

To finish the month, there will be a Toast for Change on March 3 in the Gallagher Bluedorn from 6-8 pm.

Attendees are encouraged to “dress to impress”.

Gause is hopeful that these events will prove meaningful for the community at UNI. “Within these events we want to acknowledge Black history by creating a safe space where individuals of all backgrounds and cultures are able to join the Black community in celebrating the evolution of

BLACK WOMEN

continued from page 3

They look drastically different online with super dark skin and bigger lips compared to real life. This is because Blackness in America is also a commodity that can be profited from leading to gross misuse of the culture that excludes those who made it from they gain. There is a large difference between appropriation, which is plagiarization and no credit, and appreciation, which is reciprocal. Ironically enough, it leaves Black people out because “a lot of people want to be Black, but nobody wants the struggle.”

Texturism

Texturism is discrimination based on hair type. It’s very prevalent in school and workplaces that will disproportionately ban certain black hairstyles. The slang “good hair” means smooth and loose hair. Good hair, up until the late 2010s, did not include kinky, tightly coiled afros, locs or twists. Black women who had “nappy” afro hair texture were deemed as “undesirable,” and “unprofessional.” This is attribut-

Due to the very biased writing against Graham’s character, Bonnie rarely received the same kind of happy endings as her friends. This bias also applied to her hair too. Graham requested that she film with her natural hair but was shot down, so poorly made wigs were used. The wigs were so tight that they actually caused damage to her real hair.

McGee played Angela, Shawn’s girlfriend, in “Boy Meets World.” She’s spoken out against the mistreatment by both the cast and production. She was told to “turn down her Blackness,” referred to as Aunt Jemima

According to author Maya Goodfellow, “a Black woman who unapologetically challenges will always be judged unfairly. Too many feel like it’s not up to her to be the voice of dissent.”

Trevor Noah, a South African comedian and former talk show host and author of “Born a Crime,” shouted out Black women as a whole for raising him as he closed his show. During an emotional reflection, he said, “If you truly want to learn about America, talk to Black women. They can’t afford to f— around and find out like everyone else.”

The issue with misogynoir isn’t that Black women are learning to cope with it, but that it exists to begin with.

DIAMOND ROUNDTREE/NORTHERN IOWAN

This month BSU will be hosting a series of events to celebrate Black History

DIAMOND ROUNDTREE/NORTHERN IOWAN

Many black women face insecurties about their hair due to constant discrimination

McDermott impacting Panther basketball

NIXSON BENITEZ Executive Editor

The women’s basketball season is in full swing. During media day, Head Coach Tanya Warren set the tone, saying that this year’s women’s basketball team is hungry for the season. Last year, the women’s basketball team’s season ended in the second round of the 2022 Women’s National Invitation Tournament. This was the fifth time the team ended with 20 or more wins in a season under

Coach Warren. This year the Panthers were selected by league coaches, sports information directors and media members to finish fifth in the Missouri Valley Conference (MVC). This year during media day, Coach Warren expressed that this year, “This is Maya’s Team.”

UNI’s sophomore point guard Maya McDermott is starting for the first time this season.

“I want to win a conference championship for the coaching staff, for my

teammates. I just want to be a part of a conference championship, I want to make it to the NCAA Tournament.” McDermott said.

McDermott was adopted from Guatemala when she was 11 months old. She has lived in Iowa her entire life, and before she was a Panther she was with the Johnston Dragons. During her senior year at Johnston High School, she was a part of the legacy of leading the women’s high school basketball team to the Class 5A state championship in the 2019-2020 season. From the legacy of her high school career, she is wanting to leave the same legacy for the UNI women’s basketball team, but also wants fans to recognize the character of being a positive leader off the court.

“The mark I want to leave as a person is that I want to treat everyone extremely nice. My mom always taught me that you don’t want to be known as a good athlete, but you also want to be known as a good person.” McDermott said.

Before McDermott started this year she would generally play between 10 and 12 minutes per game and was taken under the wing of the former starting point guard Karli Rucker and Coach Warren. This was a huge change for McDermott, as this was a shift from being a starter in high school to being a role player in college. In the past two years, she would put her energy into being the spark plug for the team

and pushing the pace for the team to do better. This year with McDermott being a part of the starting line up she gets to lead the team and fill the shoes of her best friend Rucker.

“Coach Warren these three years that I’ve been here has taught me a lot, one of my favorite quotes that I liked about her is she’ll always tell me ‘being a point guard, even when it’s not your fault, it is your fault...’ Karli taught me how to play with poise, how to pick each other up on the court… She taught me so much but didn’t say a whole lot. She was more of a lead-by-example.”

She continued, “It’s a huge privilege to be under that and for her to take me under her wing and teach me all that stuff.”

Outside of all the competition when the fans don’t see her on the court, McDermott is pursuing an education in digital media leadership. She is aiming to pursue her master’s and go into sales after college. McDermott also wants to promote conversation in regard to mental health and emphasizes that today athletes across the world and nation are impacted by mental health every day.

“I’m not just an athlete, I’m also a person,” she said. “Being an athlete in this era, society sees athletes as one occupation, sports and that’s who we are. No, we are more than just athletes. I’m a daughter, a sister, a digital media leadership student and so many other things. I will

not let sports define me because the world is bigger than basketball.”

When McDermott leaves the court after every game, she acknowledges many athletes around the world struggle with online criticism. With Twitter, many athletes get bashed online over their performance and this follows athletes in the palm of their hands and back pockets.

“It’s hard to talk about. But not even just athletes, everybody and I want people to know, there’s resources for you.” She said, “We unfortunately had two suicides here in sports. it’s hard to talk about, but I think it needs to be talked about more than I think people need to realize that there is help and mental health is a really big thing.”

With McDermott’s care for the team, she is ready to help her team and energize them in being the best they can be on and off the court. McDermott’s influence regardless of the online presence defines a positive light and future for the team. It has even been proven the Panthers have excelled in the classroom as the team got recognition on the WBCA’s Academic top 25 ranking.

“You know what, we’re gonna win a lot of games this year. We’re gonna play good this year. We have a really good team and we’re really excited. So this year is definitely new for me starting and having a big role. But yeah, we embrace that.” she said.

WRESTLING

Young Panther wrestlers compete at Dubuque

PAUL NOBLE Guest Writer

The future of UNI wrestling is in good hands. This past Saturday, a trio of freshman wrestlers traveled to Dubuque for the Flanagan Open, and they didn’t disappoint. The Panthers captured two titles and a runner-up finish along the way. Trevor Anderson was victorious at 125 pounds, Ryder Downey took home a gold medal at 149 pounds and Cory Land finished run -

ner-up at 133.

At 125, Anderson was dominant, pinning his first opponent, Konstantinos Papadopoulous, in a mere 1:15. Anderson next pinned Loras’ Wiley Jessup in the semifinals in 2:10 while continuing his dominance in the finals with a 6-0 victory over Luc Valdez from UW-Oshkosh.

At 133, Land also found success. Land eased his way through the first couple of matches. Land pinned Justin Bradford of Indian

Hills in the first match and won handily 8-2 in the semifinals. In the finals, Land faced Drake Ayala of Iowa. Land fell to Ayala 7-2 in the finals, but this is nothing to scoff at as the Iowa Hawkeyes are the 2nd-ranked wrestling team in the country and have one of the deepest rosters.

In the 149 bracket, Ryder Downey proved his worth. Downey opened up with a tech fall against Patrick Campbell of Indian Hills before pinning his

way through the quarters.

In the semis, Downey won via tech fall 17-1 against Quinten Aney of Iowa Wesleyan. In the championship match, Downey faced Joel Jesuroga. This wasn’t the first time these two wrestlers had met each other. Downey pulled off a 4-3 decision victory against Jesuroga at last year’s Iowa State Wrestling Tournament in the 3A semifinals en route to his first state championship. It didn’t come easy

this time, as he narrowly escaped with a 2-1 victory. The Panthers will next face Cal Baptist this Friday, Feb. 3, before entering a February Gauntlet, in which they’ll face two top-15 teams. They’ll take on 3rd-ranked Iowa State in the McLeod Center on senior day, Feb. 10, and the 15th-ranked Wisconsin Badgers on Feb. 18, before heading to the Big 12 Championships on March 4.

STEPH STARK/NORTHERN IOWAN Maya McDermott attempts a free throw. McDermott is having a breakout season in her first year as the starting point guard.

Panthers take down Oklahoma

ADAM JOHNSON Sports Writer

On Sunday, Jan. 29, the 15th-ranked UNI wrestling team hosted Oklahoma in the McLeod Center. The Panthers were coming off of a close loss to another Oklahoma school in Oklahoma State, so they were looking to bounce back. After a tough-fought

day, the Panthers were able to do just that, defeating the Sooners 23-12.

The Sooners picked up the first victory of the day when Oklahoma’s Joey Prata defeated UNI’s Kyle Gollhofer by a 2-0 decision in the 125 pound weight class. This gave the team three points, and gave them an early lead against the Panthers. In the 133

pound weight class, Kyle Biscoglia got things going for the Panthers. He went up against Wyatt Henson and dominated. After two minutes, he took the victory via pin, and gained six points for the Panthers.

In the 141 pound weight class, the Sooners got some more points. Cael Happel was defeated by Mosha Swartz in a 2-1 decision.

This gained the Sooners three more points, and three matches in, the two teams were evened up at six points each. There were plenty of matches to come, and it was the Panthers that began to dominate.

Colin Realbuto got things going in the 149 pound weight class. He went up against Oklahoma’s John Wiley. Realbuto defeated Wiley in a 7-6 decision. Derek Holschlag won the 157 pound weight class by decision as well, defeating Jared Hill 4-1. Both of their victories added a total of six points for the Panthers In the 165 pound weight class, Austin Yant came through with a big victory, defeating Alejandro HerreraRondon by major decision, 12-1. He gained four points for the Panthers. This was a string of 10 straight points for UNI, giving them a 16-6 lead over the Sooners.

Going forward to the 174 pound weight class, the UNI’s Lance Runyon went up against Tate Picklo of

Oklahoma. Picklo defeated Runyon by a 9-5 decision. In the 184 pound weight class, the UNI’s Parker Keckeisen defeated Keegan Moore by decision 4-1. The Panthers claimed another major decision victory when Noah Glaser defeated Carson Berryhill 9-1 in the 197 pound weight class. The day finished off with the 285 pound weight class. UNI’s Tyrell Gordon went up against Josh Heindselman. Heindelsman took the victory in the final match, 4-2.

The totals from all of the matches went in favor of the Panthers, 23-12. The victory against the Sooners moved the Panthers to a 5-3 overall record and a 3-2 conference record.

The Panthers get back on the mat on Friday, Feb. 3 when they go up against Cal Baptist at home in the McLeod Center. There are only a few weeks left in the regular season, so the Panthers will look to finish the year out strong.

Super Bowl preview: a game of brotherly love

NFL BEN LAHART Sports Writer

The 57th Super Bowl will be held on Feb. 12 in Glendale, Ariz. and will feature a matchup between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs. Like most years, there are a number of firsts this time around including the first matchup between a pair of brothers in NFL history with Eagles center Jason Kelce, and Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce.

The Eagles are back in the big game for the first time since they were champions back in 2018. Philadelphia only has six players remaining on the roster from that winning team, including three offensive lineman, as well as defensive tackle Fletcher Cox, linebacker Brandon Graham and kicker Jake Elliot. Philadelphia brings in the best offense from the NFC this season and one of the historically great rushing attacks in NFL history, scoring an NFL record

39 rushing touchdowns between the regular season and playoffs, breaking a 60-year-old record. The Eagles also had a stellar year rushing the passer with 70 sacks on the year, tied for third all time. They became the first team in NFL history with four different players reaching at least 10 sacks.

On the other side of the ball, the Chiefs are returning to the Super Bowl for the third time in the last four seasons and for the fifth time ever. The Chiefs last appearance was in 2021 when they lost to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers a season after beating the San Francisco 49ers. The Chiefs have 10 players on the roster from their championship run including the Super Bowl MVP Patrick Mahomes at quarterback. Other players include, AllPro tight end Travis Kelce, All-Pro defensive tackle Chris Jones and Pro Bowl defensive end Frank Clark, among others.

The Chiefs have also carried a record breaking

offense this year ranking first in the league in both yards and points. Mahomes led the league in passing yards and touchdowns while setting the NFL record for the most total offensive yards with 5,614 on the season. Although not the main focal point of the team, the Kansas City defense also had a decent season especially rushing the passer as they trail only the Eagles in team sacks with 55.

Both teams featured excellent individual players as both had six players voted to the First or Second AP All-Pro lineups. The two starting quarterbacks are both finalists for Most Valuable Player and Offensive Player of the Year while Kansas City’s Jones is a finalist for Defensive Player of the Year.

These teams both made a large number of offseason moves to help them get to this position. However, this was done in different ways. The Eagles have seven starters acquired through free agency, including AllPros AJ Brown and Haasan

Reddick.

The Chiefs used the draft to update their team as well as some free agency additions. Eight of the 10 rookies drafted by the Chiefs get large amounts of playing time with four being listed as starters. In free agency, Kansas City added two starting wide receivers and a starting safety to their roster in order to fill gaps.

This Super Bowl will fea -

ture both number one seeds for the first time since 2016. This is also the first Super Bowl to feature two black quarterbacks and as stated earlier the first with a pair of brothers competing. Whether you want to call it the Andy Reid Bowl or the Kelce Bowl, it will surely be a great Super Bowl. The game will kickoff at 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 12 and will be televised on FOX.

COURTESY/UNI ATHLETICS

Kyle Biscoglia a victory by fall on Sunday, claiming six points for the 15th-ranked Panthers in their 23-12 victory over Oklahoma.

PEXELS

Super Bowl LVII will take place on Sunday, Feb. 12 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz.

2 French-speaking African country 3 __ Domingo

4 Author

5 Braz. neighbor

6 D.C. athlete 7 Small step 8 Louisiana Purchase negotia-