Nubian Message, April 11, 2024, "Made to Last"

Typically I would start these with some notes on campus life and what’s going on in the world, but for this issue, I’m going to get sentimental on y’all.

This is my last issue as Editor-in-Chief of Nubian Message. I started working at Nubian during my first semester here at State, and I can say it has been one of the few constants in my time here. Nubian has been a labor of love, but I am so glad that I was able to be a part of it for three great years. As I get ready to graduate and continue my post NC State life, I know that Nubian is going to be a lasting memory. Despite there being so many ups and downs, I met so many amazing people and had so many opportunities so I can’t help but feel grateful.

There’s so much more I could say about Nubian but I just want to thank the ‘23-‘24 staff, the people that came before me and especially my Managing Editor, Jeanine Ikekhua for sticking with me this entire year. Regardless of imperfections, I’m proud of the work that we did at Nubian this year.

So farewell readers! Look forward to meeting the ‘24-‘25 Editor-in-Chief and Managing Editor next issue. For the last time:

Bye readers, Milan Hall

ISSUE

4 POE HALL

Updates on Poe Hall

6 GALLERY NC State's 33rd Annual Powwow

9 WOMEN’S SPORTS

Women’s vs. Men’s Basketball in the Spotlight

10 GATEKEEPING PROS & CONS

A conversation on gatekeeping in fashion

Heated NC Governor's Race: Robinson vs Stein

The race for governor of North Carolina is intensifying into one of the most closely watched elections of 2024. The matchup between Democratic Attorney General Josh Stein and Republican Lieutenant Governor Mark Robinson could not only determine the future direction of a key swing state, but offer a preview of the looming battle for the White House.

The winner of the general election on Nov. 5 will replace term-limited Democratic Governor, Roy Cooper. He has served as his party's only barrier against the Republican-controlled state legislature since 2016. With Republicans holding a majority on the state Supreme Court and a supermajority in the legislature, Lt. Governor Robinson’s victory could give the GOP unprecedented power within the state.

Who is Mark Robinson?

Mark Robinson, a former factory worker, was elected as the Lieutenant Governor of North Carolina in 2020 after becoming a viral sensation. In 2018, a video of Robinson calling on the Greensboro City Council to protect his gun rights went viral on YouTube. Two years later, he was elected as North Carolina’s first Black Lieutenant Governor and he became the first Black Republican to win a major seat since the 1800s.

Since 2020, Robinson has continued to make headlines due to controversial comments about the Holocaust, homosexuality, religion and the Civil Rights Movement. Robinson’s campaign is predicated on policies such as abortion restrictions and anti-LGBTQ laws.

Former President Donald Trump recently endorsed Robinson, calling him “Martin Luther King on steroids,” despite Robinson’s history of offensive remarks.

The gubernatorial race is already becoming a proxy war between the parties change to overarching national issues such as abortion, gender, racial equity and election integrity. Democrats are seeking to

IMAGE FROM CREATIVE COMMONS

North Carolina Lieutenant Governor Mark Robinson

tie Robinson to Trump's divisive rhetoric while Republicans cast Stein as a symbol of President Biden's "failed" agenda.

Who is Josh Stein?

Joshua Stein was elected as the 50th Attorney General of North Carolina in 2017. Stein, a longtime member of North Carolina’s political scene, was previously a member of the North Carolina Senate representing the 16th district, located in Wake County.

Stein has Gov. Roy Cooper’s endorsement and has largely pursued policy preferences that follow Cooper’s platform, who preceded Stein as attorney general. His policies include “more public education spending, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and blocking attempts by Republican legislators to push their rightward agenda,” AP News reports.

The election of Stein or Robinson as governor would represent a historic moment in North Carolina history. Stein would be the state’s first Jewish governor if elected. Likewise, Robinson would be the state’s first Black governor if successful

in November. Both candidates have won statewide before, and both won their primaries, but they present a stark contrast for voters. The governor's race will test if Robinson can attract minority communities that have typically favored Democrats and if Biden’s low poll numbers will weigh down Stein.

Who will win?

The nonpartisan Cook Political Report rated the North Carolina governor’s race as “Lean Democratic.” However, a new WRAL News poll illustrates the deep polarization gripping North Carolina and the pivotal role the Governor’s race will play. The survey found that just 37% of likely voters view the major party nominees favorably, with Robinson facing significantly more criticism than Stein.

While 28% reported an unfavorable view of Robinson, only 18% said the same of Stein. Notably, nearly one in five Republican voters said Robinson's numerous controversial comments made them less likely to back the GOP nominee. At the same time, around half

of those surveyed were either unbothered by Robinson's rhetoric or unaware of the specific controversies.

The WRAL poll shows Robinson has work to do, with just 2% of Black voters reporting a "very favorable" view of the Republican compared to 31% holding a "very unfavorable" opinion. Stein, meanwhile, will be relying on a strong turnout from Black and other minority voters.

The intersection between the gubernatorial race and the 2024 presidential election could prove challenging for Stein. While North Carolina tends to split tickets and elect Democratic governors, even when polls lean Republican in presidential cycles, Biden's unpopularity in the state threatens Stein’s chances.

“Split-ticket voters make the real difference” in North Carolina, said Michael Bitzer, a political scientist at Catawba College. The race is expected to be one of the most expensive governor's elections in the nation. Both national parties are already investing heavily, with an early barrage of television ads and campaign events laying out the starkly different visions offered by the nominees.

Robinson has leaned into the combative populist persona that drew him support from Trump's base in the Republican primary. Stein, by contrast, has portrayed himself as a consensus-builder and advocate for the state's economic interests.

North Carolina supported Trump twice, but by narrow margins - his 2020 victory was by just over one percent. With its racially diverse electorate, dynamic population growth and mix of metropolitan cities and rural communities, the state offers intense battlegrounds for the looming elections.

The Governor's race provides a critical gauge of voters' appetite for extremism versus pragmatism and which factors – the economy, culture or personalities – will drive their decisions in North Carolina and foreshadow the entire nation.

Alianna kendall-brooks Staff Writer

Poe Hall Updates: Cancer reports Rising

Isaac Davis Staff Writer

In Nov 2023, NC State closed Poe Hall after a series of testing revealed alarming levels of “probable human carcinogens,” including asbestos, lead and PCBs. These tests, conducted from August through October, were prompted by concern over indoor air quality raised by a renovation project. Since then, NC State staff and alumni have reported over 150 cancer cases with possible connections to Poe Hall.

Poe Hall was home to the College of Education (CoE) and the Department of Psychology (DoP). The faculty, staff and students affected by its closure expressed disappointment with the administrative response. On Feb. 12, CoE faculty held a vote of no confidence against Chancellor Woodson, Provost Warwick Arden and the CoE Dean Paola Sztajn, citing their mishandling of the entire situation. The vote saw 65 out of 99 eligible full-time staff participate.

The vote revealed that CoE faculty have no confidence in Chancellor Woodson or Arden’s ability to resolve concerns– 54% and 58%, respectively. Dean Paola Sztajn survived the vote with 49% votes of no confidence.

While the vote was purely symbolic, it is a historic moment in NC State’s history. This is the first time university faculty have passed a vote of no confidence against the chancellor, said Technician.

On Mar. 22, 2024, WRAL’s Keely Arthur sat down with Chancellor Woodson in a 30-minute interview about Poe Hall.

During the interview, Chancellor Woodson stated that he had been informed of the Poe Hall situation in the first week of November 2023. According to WRAL, Poe Hall’s exterior tested positive for PCB as early as 2018. Results indicate that PCB levels were 340 times higher than what the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) considers “special hazardous waste.”

Arthur stated in the interview that buildings built between the 1950s-1980s are likely to test positive for PCBs, citing the EPA. Several student housing buildings, including Sulivan, Bowen and Metcalf, were built within five years of Poe Hall. Chancellor Woodson asserted that the university is unaware of problems in other campus buildings and is “developing protocols'' while waiting for Poe Hall testing to conclude.

On March 25, 2024, Chancellor Woodson and Provost Arden organized a webinar about their response and ongoing testing—four months after the university closed the building. Dr. Zack Moore, state epidemiologist at the NC Department of Health and Human Services, and Dr. Andy Olshan, cancer epidemiologist at UNC, were invited to the panel. They aimed to answer questions from the NC State community and rebuild trust in administrative communication.

When asked if the university would provide resources or reimbursement options for Poe Hall faculty, staff and students to test for the presence of PCBs, Chancellor Woodson responded, “The University is not offering health testing or reimbursement for health testing because we are still in the evaluation phase.” He continued, saying that “each individual must make decisions about their own health in partnership with their medical providers.”

Chancellor Woodson also stated that PCB testing for other campus buildings would be part of “routine renovation and repair.” The university does not plan to test buildings outside of these circumstances. Chancellor Woodson’s webinar and interview with WRAL left faculty, staff and students unsatisfied. Nubian Message spoke about this situation with a fourth-year Psychology student who wishes to remain anonymous. Despite the ongoing attempts at transparency, they remain skeptical of Chancellor Woodson’s approach.

“What I want are answers, and what I want are solutions,” the interviewee said. “Through the entire thing, the only solution he gave was, ‘We’re working on it, we’re working on it, we’re working on it.’ I understand that coming up with solutions to issues this intense is not easy and it does take time. But I do not appreciate the amount of secrecy around everything. He was beating around the bush.”

“What I want are answers, and what I want are solutions.”

Chancellor Woodson expects concrete answers to many of these questions at the end of April when the next phase of PCB testing will be complete.

Why Are So Many Young People Getting Cancer?

Nadia Hargett Staff Writer

Just this year, two high-profile figures, Kate Middleton and Olivia Munn, shared their cancer diagnoses with the public. The media was suprised by the diagnosis because of their relatively young ages – 42 and 43 respectively. Celebrity diagnoses highlight a troubling trend: around the world, cancer diagnoses among adults younger than 50 have increased .

A recent study by BMJ Oncology estimates that by 2030, the number of early-onset cancer cases could increase by approximately 30% and fatalities could rise by around 20%.

In the United States, this upward trend has been shown primarily through gastrointestinal cancers, specifically colorectal cancer. In January, a cancer statistics report pointed to colorectal cancer as the first leading cause of cancer death among men under 50, and the second leading cause of cancer death among women under 50. In the 1990s, it was the fourth leading cause of death for both groups.

Colorectal cancer tends to be more aggressive amongst young people and is often detected in later stages. This is also because routine colorectal cancer screenings are recommended for people 45 and older, so younger people don’t get screened very often. This can lead to the cancers going undetected, despite present symptoms. The question remains: why is this happening?

Doctors have been suspecting that genetic mutations are to blame. Dr. Michael Cecchini, co-director of the colorectal program in the Center for Gastrointestinal Cancers, says having a first-degree relative who had colorectal cancer can increase your risk, as is true for most cancers. Research has also linked dietary and lifestyle factors to increased risk. Recent generations have been consuming more red meats, sugary beverages such as soda, ultra-processed foods and have been indulging more in binge drinking.

Physical activity has also declined over the past several decades, and obesity rates have been on an upward trend since the 1980s. All of these factors are associated with increased cancer risk, but they still

don’t necessarily explain the increase in early-onset colorectal cancer. In fact, nobody truly has an explanation that’s been widely agreed upon.

Though there’s been much debate over this sharp uptick of early-onset colorectal cancers, there’s also been concern about its dismissal by physicians. A woman in her 30s named Marisa Peters had been experiencing a plethora of symptoms, ranging from changes in her bowel movements to blood on her toilet paper after wiping. Doctors dismissed her symptoms as hemorrhoids or physical changes after having her first child. She finally visited a gastroenterologist in 2021 and was diagnosed with colorectal cancer after an emergency colonoscopy.

She has since started chemotherapy and reconstruction therapy, and founded the organization Be Seen. This organization encourages young people to advocate for themselves, get screened and bring attention to colorectal cancer symptoms.

There have also been many users on TikTok who have shared their experience with early-onset colorectal cancer to bring awareness to the disease. User @brimahon, a mother of two living in California, shared she was diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer at age 31 in a TikTok video posted in May 2023. In the video, she shared she had mild gut issues, fatigue, anxiety and bloody stools. When she finally called her doctor and reported her symptoms, she had a colonoscopy and was diagnosed after 10 biopsies.

Another TikTok creator named Randy Gonzalez, the father behind the popular duo called the @enkyboys, shared his stage 4 colon cancer diagnosis with his followers. He used his platform to urge young people to get screened at the first sign of symptoms. On Jan. 25, 2024, he passed away as a result of the disease at the age of 35.

Doctors are urging people as young as 20 years old to talk to their doctors about any suspicious symptoms and to get screened immediately. It's important to spread awareness so it can be detected early on or even prevented altogether.

GO PACK !

First, it was why not us? Then, why not both? The women's team has swept the floor all season, and the men’s team made a wolfpack comeback in the ACC Championship. As hundreds of students rushed the Belltower, I thought wow – this is the most activism I’ve seen all year. Nonetheless, I am super proud of the basketball teams and, most importantly, the effort of each individual player. Go pack!

- Alianna Kendall-Brooks, STaff Writer

I’ve never been a close follower of sports, but NC State’s recent winning streak has made me enjoy the energy and culture of college basketball. The school spirit on campus these past few weeks felt by everyone made being an NC State student more exciting than usual. I was genuinely sad when we lost against Purdue, but I’m overjoyed that we at least beat Duke before our season came to an end. I’m grateful that I got to witness the history made by the women’s and men’s basketball teams during my time as a student. Go Pack!!!

- PAyne Justice, Layout Designer

I’m incredibly proud of the historic run of both of our basketball teams. We went from why not us, to why not both? Despite not being much of a sports fan myself, it was absolutely amazing to watch how far our teams have came when no one was expecting it. I was genuinely heartbroken when our teams didn’t make it to the championship, but we made it to the Final Four and that was absolutely astounding. Go pack!

-Nadia Hargrett, Staff Writer

As someone who does not care about sports, seeing the amount of school spirit on campus was interesting. For me, the unity on campus was necessary as we head into finals. The entire campus felt like we were in limbo and these games brought us back to life. In my case, I got multiple classes canceled so AYE! So, congratulations and good job to the Wolfpack for a good season and making basketball fun for all the non-sports fans.

- Milan Hall, Editor-in-Chief

Congratulations to the Wolfpack teams on an outstanding season. Everyone doubted them and yet they prevailed. I will be honest I did not watch the men’s basketball games but they surprised me. As for the women’s team, I never doubted your talent or your ability. It is amazing to see woman’s basketball shine and break new records. These tournaments just showed the strength of the Wolfpack.

- Jeanine Ikekhua, Managing Editor

I won’t lie, I have never been a huge fan of sports. This year, though? Something must have been in the air. Once our basketball teams had my attention, they had it for good. Massive respect to the men’s and women’s basketball teams for leaving it all on the court! I’m proud to be a part of the Pack, and it is an honor to have y’all represent us on the national stage. Go Pack, hurray! That being said, WHERE IS THE HYPE FOR THE WOMEN’S TEAM?? I need y’all to give the women’s team their flowers just like y’all gave the men theirs.

- Isaac Davis, Layout Designer

When I came to NC State, I was really excited to come to a school with Division 1 athletics. Being a basketball fan, I was excited to see the men’s and women’s teams play but I didn’t have my expectations that high. However, it was a pleasant surprise that both the men’s and women’s teams were able to make it to the Final Four. It’s been exciting to be able to witness college basketball history and celebrate with the Wolfpack. GO PACK!

- Lauryn Henderson, Layout Designer

As one of the drumset players for the pep band, I was lucky enough to travel with the men’s team to the NCAA tournament. I was able to watch the team up close and personal, and I am so proud of the boys for everything they did. Both teams did so amazingly, and I hope they hold their heads high. Congratulations on the amazing runs for both teams and thank you for the experience of a lifetime! <3

- Emma Hamrick, Correspondent

The culture of college sports creates community in ways that are very unique to Americans. It was inspiring to witness the greatness of both the men’s and women’s teams as they progressed to the Final Four. The entire city of Raleigh was united like never before and this will certainly set the stage for the upcoming years of growth. Every time we rushed the Belltower, waves of energy were felt throughout Hillsborough Street. Go Pack!

- Sam Chambers, Correspondent

I’ve never been too fond of sports, as it could never keep my attention. However, this season was truly different. Seeing the Wolfpack's hard work, dedication and willpower on the court was not only entertaining, but inspiring. I'm beyond proud of Wolfpack basketball and proud to be a member of the pack.

- Micah Oliphant, Staff Writer

Powwow

violet beesley/Staff Photographer

Pharrah Graham dances at NC State's 33rd Annual Powwow on Saturday, March 30, 2024. The theme of this year's Powwow was " Power in Acknowledgement."

violet beesley/Staff Photographer

Nakoma IYaidden dances in his regalia at NC State's 33rd Annual Powwow on Saturday, March 30, 2024. This event featured Native business vendors, traditional drum groups and performances of different Indigenous dances.

violet beesley/Staff Photographer

Lily Hunt sings during a drum circle at NC State's 33rd Annual Powwow on Saturday, March 30, 2024.

violet beesley/Staff Photographer

Cipher Mcghee performs at NC State's 33rd Annual Powwow on Saturday, March 30, 2024.

violet beesley/Staff Photographer

Braycee Gibbs and Monte Baddie perform in a drum circle at NC State's 33rd Annual Powwow on Saturday, March 30, 2024.

On The pulse of Morning

A Rock, A River, A Tree

Hosts to species long since departed, Marked the mastodon, The dinosaur, who left dried tokens Of their sojourn here

On our planet floor, Any broad alarm of their hastening doom Is lost in the gloom of dust and ages.

But today, the Rock cries out to us, clearly, forcefully, Come, you may stand upon my Back and face your distant destiny, But seek no haven in my shadow, I will give you no hiding place down here.

You, created only a little lower than The angels, have crouched too long in The bruising darkness

Have lain too long Facedown in ignorance, Your mouths spilling words Armed for slaughter.

The Rock cries out to us today, You may stand upon me, But do not hide your face. …

-Maya Angelou

Spring Forward

playlist by Nubian Message Staff

Songs to get you in the mood for Spring.

Springtime again Sun Ra & his arkestra

les fleurs Minnie riperton

morning sunrise weldon irvine

it's plenty burna boy

dogtooth tyler, the creator a cold sunday lil yachty

party bad bunny, rauw alejandro

right of spring rayvn lenae

¿cÓmo así? kali uchis

Can I call you rose? thee sacred souls

From the start laufey

bourgeoisieses conan gray be my baby the ronettes

skate silk sonic

just us (feat. sza) dj khaled, sza

NC State Basketball Makes History

Emma Hamrick Correspondent

There's a reason why the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Tournament’s slogan is “March Madness.” The last month has been crazy for the Wolfpack.

For the women’s team, the first two rounds were at home. Supported by thousands of Wolfpack fans, the women secured the first two rounds easily, beating Chattanooga 64-45 and Tennessee 79-72. At the Chattanooga game, the team showed up and showed out. River Baldwin got a double-double, racking up 10 points and 11 rebounds. Saniya Rivers was close behind, with 16 points and eight rebounds. Then, there was Aziaha James, who put up an astounding 19 points.

The Tennessee game looked quite similar. James had 22 points and seven assists. Rivers, 20 points and six rebounds. Baldwin had 11 points and seven rebounds. Even first-year player, Zoe Brooks, put up amazing numbers with 16 points and six rebounds. This win secured their spot in the Sweet Sixteen and sent them off to the next location.

The next phase of the tournament was in Moda Center in Portland, Oregon. The women’s team played second seed Stanford. This game was very back and forth, with the lead changing numerous times. But, NC State was able to secure a clean victory with a score of 77-66. James, once again, led the pack by scoring an incredible 29 points. Brooks put up 12, Rivers put up 13 and Baldwin had nine. Madison Hayes also got down to business, scoring seven points and getting 10 rebounds.

In the Elite Eight, the women faced off against the first seed Texas. Although this game was expected to be a challenge, the Wolfpack easily came out on top with a score of 76-66, never losing their lead after the first quarter. James put up 27 points and six rebounds, leading the team in scoring with seven three-pointers. As for the rest of the team, Rivers scored 11, Brooks scored 10, Baldwin scored 16 and Mimi Collins wrapped it all up with 10 points. With that win, the women’s team headed off to the Final Four in Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse in Cleveland, Ohio.

This was the game in which the women’s team’s NCAA tournament journey came to an end. But the team didn’t go

NC State huddles together while Duke freshman guard

throws for a technical foul during the NCAA Tournament Elite 8 game at American Airlines Center in Dallas on Sunday, March 31, 2024. NC State beat Duke 76-64 to advance to the Final Four.

down without a fight. Facing off against undefeated South Carolina, they still put up good numbers. James scored 20, Brooks scored 12, Baldwin had nine rebounds but multiple other players had numerous rebounds as well. But unfortunately, the Wolfpack was unable to knock the Gamecocks out of their winning streak, losing 59-78.

Even though the women’s team was knocked out during the Final Four, they still had an amazing season and did a spectacular job in the tournament. This was the second time in the history of the program that the NC State women’s basketball team competed in the Final Four. The last time it happened was under the coaching of Kay Yow in 1998, where they lost to Louisiana Tech.

When it comes to the men’s team, their first round was all the way out at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Wolfpack easily snagged the win, scoring 80-67 over sixth seed Texas Tech. Following the trend from the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) tournament, Mohamed Diarra scored yet another double-double, with 17 points and 12

rebounds. DJ Burns and DJ Horne both put up 16 points, Ben Middlebrooks had 22 and Jayden Taylor had 15.

The next round in Pittsburgh for the men’s team was against Oakland, and fan favorite shooter Jack Gohlke. Despite Gohlke’s consistent three-point shots, the NC State men’s team came back and took the game into overtime. With Burns scoring basket after basket, the Wolfpack came out on top with a score of 79-73. Burns and Diarra both got double-doubles in this game. Burns ended up with 24 points and 11 rebounds while Diarra had 11 points and 13 rebounds. The rest of the starting line-up, Casey Morsell, Michael O’Connell and Horne, all scored in double digits as well. Not to mention Middlebrooks and Taylor coming off the bench and scoring 14 and 21 points, respectively. This win propelled the men to the Sweet Sixteen.

Heading out to the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, the team was ready to take on the second seed, Marquette. Keeping the lead from early on, NC State was able to take down Marquette 67-58. This game was led by Morsell and Horne,

with the two scoring a collective 34 points. Diarra was able to get yet another doubledouble, with 11 points and 15 rebounds. Burns didn’t do too bad himself, although he didn’t wrack up as many points, he was able to get seven assists. Then, the team readied themselves for the Elite Eight against a fellow ACC team.

As the last two ACC teams in the tournament, NC State took on fourth seed Duke in a rematch that the Blue Devils were itching to win. For the first threefourths of the game it seemed grim for the Wolfpack, but they came back and won 7664. In the first half of the game the men’s team was struggling on the scoring front, only making 26.5% of their shots. But things picked back up in the second half, with Horne scoring 20 points and Burns scoring 29 overall.

That win sent the Wolfpack to the Final Four at the State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. Unfortunately this was the last game for the men’s team. They faced off against first seed Purdue and their seven-foot-four wall of a center, Zach Edey. Although the Wolfpack lost 50-63, they had great defense, holding the Boilermakers to only 63 points. Unfortunately, early on in the first half O’Connell injured his hamstring after tripping and was out for the rest of the game. Even with the team’s main point guard injured, Horne was able to score 20 points and Taylor put up 11. But overall the team couldn’t seem to get their shots to go in, making only 21 out of their 57 shots.

For the first time in NC State’s history, both the women’s and men’s basketball teams made it into the Final Four at the same time. On top of this, UConn also had two teams in the Final Four, making this the first time in NCAA history that two schools had two teams in the Final Four during the same year. Even though the teams may not have gone all the way, they still made history for both NC State and the ACC.

“

Even though the teams may not have gone all the way, they still made history for both NC State and the ACC. ”

Hallie Walker/Nubian Message

Jared McCain takes free

Women’s Basketball Demands Recognition

In the grand spectacle of American sports, few events captivate the nation like the frenzy surrounding March Madness and the National Collegiate Athletic Association’s (NCAA) Men’s Basketball Tournament.

From office pools, an app to keep track of your teams, to packed sports bars, the nation comes alive with the thrill of buzzer-beaters and Bracketology: the art (and sometimes science) of predictions. However, despite this annual obsession, a quieter yet equally compelling narrative has been unfolding – the steady rise of women’s college basketball and the fight for its long overdue recognition.

At the heart of this movement lies North Carolina State University's women’s basketball team, a team with a legacy that is often overshadowed by the fanfare surrounding their male counterparts. The Wolfpack women have amassed an impressive record of triumphs, securing seven conference tournament championships and six regular season titles. They've reached the NCAA Final Four twice and made four Elite Eight appearances in recent years.

Yet, for far too long, these remarkable achievements have failed to generate the same level of buzz and enthusiasm as the men’s team. This imbalance is a representation of a larger societal issue. Women’s sports are historically undervalued and relegated to the sidelines, their accomplishments deemed less compelling or deserving of recognition.

However, the tides are slowly shifting as and the women’s basketball is gradually gaining visibility. One unlikely indicator of this progress? The emergence of memes featuring women's basketball players.

While memes may seem like a trivial metric, their existence signifies a shift in public perception. Instead of the dismissive or disrespectful attitudes of the past, where some questioned why women were even playing basketball, these memes celebrate the skill and showmanship of the athletes on the court. People have to watch and engage with the game in order to create these playful digital artifacts.

Just as NBA superstars like LeBron James,

Steph Curry and Giannis Antetokounmpo have become meme-worthy icons, the rise of talented players like Angel Reese, Paige Bueckers and Caitlin Clark have contributed to this newfound sense of connection and familiarity with the sport.

“The presence of these standout players brings a new level of excitement and engagement to women’s basketball,” said Edmond Doe, a third year sports enthusiast at NCSU. “Fans now have figures and stars they can identify with, cheer for and rally behind, which adds depth and fun to the sport.”

This inclusion of star athletes in women’s basketball not only elevates individual teams but also strengthens the overall profile of women’s sports as a whole. As the players showcase their talent and charisma on the court, they inspire a new generation of fans and athletes. These players challenge stereotypes and expand opportunities for women in sports.

Yet, despite these promising signs of progress, the journey towards true equality and recognition in sports remains an uphill battle. Women’s basketball still struggles to command the same level of attention and respect as the men’s games on a national level. While the Final Four and championship games garner significant viewership, the regular season often flies

under the radar, failing to capture the imagination of casual fans.

Moreover, disparities in resources, media coverage and sponsorship deals persist, reflecting the systemic biases that continue to plague women’s sports. It’s a harsh reality that the NC State women’s basketball team knows all too well, as their accomplishments are often overshadowed by the thunderous roar of excitement surrounding the men’s teams.

To truly gain equality and fairness in sports, alumni and fans must amplify the accomplishments of the women’s team with the same passion and enthusiasm reserved for their male counterparts.

By highlighting the teams' achievements, we challenge the prevailing notion that their accomplishments are less deserving of recognition. Promoting gender equality and inclusivity within NC State's athletics department includes implementing genderneutral marketing strategies and providing equal access to resources and facilities.

As we celebrate the 50th season of NC State's women’s basketball, a milestone steeped in a pioneering legacy, we are reminded of the groundbreaking spirit that paved the way for their success. Inaugurated in 1974 as the first women’s sport sponsored by the athletics department and fully integrated from its inception, this

program has left a lasting mark on college athletics.

Today, NC State's women's team team continues to excel. They have collected multiple conference championships and NCAA tournament appearances, and their achievements resonate beyond the court. They are a testament to the power of determination.

We must embrace and celebrate the achievements of NC State's women’s basketball team with the same anticipation we bestow upon their male counterparts. In doing so, we forge a path towards a future where gender is no longer a barrier to recognition, and the pursuit of excellence is celebrated and applauded regardless of the athletes’ identity.

An article titled ‘How Women’s Basketball Became the Hottest Thing in College Sports’ published in The New Yorker states, “The broadcast featured knowledgeable, engaging announcers; a sparkling, savvy studio crew doing the halftime report; and an alternate broadcast hosted by two of the greatest players ever, Sue Bird and Diana Taurasi. The days of the hand weights seem long ago.” This contrasts the high production value and investment networks are now putting into women’s games compared to past neglect.

“It was tempting to wonder what things might be like now had ESPN treated women’s basketball this way all along.” This quote raises the point that if women’s basketball had received equal promotion and resources historically, its popularity today could be even greater.”

The slow burn towards the spotlight for women’s basketball has been long and arduous, but the flickering flames of progress burn brighter with each passing season. Through unwavering dedication, resilience and a refusal to be overshadowed, the NC State's women’s basketball team and their peers across the nation are demanding the recognition they have rightfully earned. Celebrating the skill and flair of these athletes, it becomes increasingly clear that the world is watching – and it’s time to give women’s basketball the spotlight it deserves.

Senait Richmond Staff Writer

Violet Beesley/Staff Photographer

Junior guard Saniya Rivers looks at her teammates while dribbling the ball during the game against South Carolina at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland on April 5, 2024. The Wolfpack lost to the Gamecocks 78-59.

Gatekeeping’s Double-Edged Sword

“Gaslight, gatekeep, girlboss” was first coined by the quirky Tumblr girls. These mottos are now upheld by chronic TikTok users everywhere. Gatekeeping is the act of directly limiting access to information. Although it is a new word, it has been around just as long as lying has. Similarly, whether you’ve realized it or not, you have gatekept information from someone. It could have been verbally by lying to someone, or by physically going behind someone's back. Recently, it has become such an issue in the fashion community, but why?

Fashion has always been a way for people to express themselves creatively. From the Black community spending bands on Air Jordans to Beverly Hills housewives running up thousands on credit card shopping, fashion is a staple to identity.

Personal style is such a big part of identity. The fashion community promotes individuality and exclusivity – rightfully so. Fashion is more than buying cute clothes. It is a part of people's communities, cultures and backgrounds. Fashion goes beyond just outfits and directly impact how people express their identities within these communities.

I believe fashion should be exclusive. Medium states “Research has shown that owning an exclusive item can lead to feelings of happiness and satisfaction. This is because owning something exclusive can provide a sense of identity and belonging to a certain group. It can also boost self-esteem and provide a sense of accomplishment.”

Acquiring clothes that flatter your body and finding unique pieces makes you distinctive. Personally, I hold my clothes to a higher value now because I wasn’t privileged enough to have a lot of clothes when I was younger, the way my peers would. Whatever the justification, gatekeeping fashion can be healthy.

Outside of the individual expression within fashion lies a form of art that goes deeply unseen. Both consumers and producers use fashion as a creative outlet. Luxury fashion has been a platform for designers to display their art in such

beautiful, extravagant ways. Designers even have a chance for one of their pieces to be owned and shown off by someone else. Federica Carlotto once said, “Art and luxury have a long history of influencing each other to create timeless, aspirational experiences. From creative and editorial collaborations with artists like Salvador Dali, Cindy Sherman, Ed Ruscha and Takashi Murakami, to brand and creative directors increasingly drawing on trends and philosophy of art in their work.”

Take Mugler for example. Known for their dimension-bending haute couture looks from the 90s, the brand is known for creating dramatic wearable art. Many of their recent ready-to-wear looks incorporate house staples, like blazers having board, sharp shoulder padding and patterned laced dresses with bold shapewear designs. Muglers' sense of prioritizing art, unique take on women’s beauty is what makes them such a prominent luxury brand today.

While expensive and out of many fashion enthusiasts’ tax bracket, luxury fashion brands act as a gateway into sustainable and practical fashion. You spend large amounts of money on these garments for a reason: You’re not only buying the brand

but the quality that comes with it. Unlike clothes that you would get from stores like H&M, Shein or Amazon, these pieces can last you years, and if you’re careful, can be handed down to your descendants after you. Luxury fashion has been around long enough to teach us spending more money on unique pieces from houses and prioritizing quality over quantity can only benefit you in the long run.

Accessing information has become so easy in this day and age, with social media sites like Instagram, Facebook and recently TikTok making it easier for people to exchange information and find things they like through their in-app shops. With this comes a level of entitlement for people online. Without a doubt, you can open up TikTok, find a video with a person's full outfit and there will be at least three comments asking the creator where they got something they’re wearing.

Furthermore, these same people would get mad when they don’t get a reply, labeling the person as a “gatekeeper” for not disclosing where they got their shirt from. Laini Ozark, a YouTuber, notices the same thing on social media. In her video “why i love gatekeeping fashion (am i just a b***?),” Ozark says "I didn't

even know gatekeeping was a word until TikTok. I will see comments on TikTok that somebody's talking about their dog dying and somebody will comment on that video and be like ‘where's your top from’ and the person doesn't answer because they're talking about their dog dying and then everyone's like not you gatekeeping your top." Today’s gatekeeping culture is ridiculous and backed by dopamine fiends too lazy to leave TikTok to describe an item they like in a Google search bar.

Gatekeeping isn't cool – not being “in the loop” isn’t cool. We’ve seen this countless

“Today’s gatekeeping culture is ridiculous and backed by dopamine fiends too lazy to leave TikTok to describe an

item they like in a Google search bar.”

times with countless trends. Envato Elements states “People are obsessed with trends because joining a trend means you're part of a group; you are in, you belong.” In the same way, people are obsessed with fashion, people are obsessed with trends staying in the loop and being on the same level as everyone else. So when you have someone denying you access to something that everyone else has access to, you become the devil incarnated. While I have some empathy for people who criticize gatekeepers, I lack it for others who don’t go out of their way to try and look for themselves. The users won’t go and look for the item that they find appealing or even look for another comment of someone asking the same question and looking for answers in that thread.

At the end of the day, fashion is culture, and culture has a right to be private. I think it’s wrong to get upset at gatekeeping when, in reality, the issue comes from you being inconvenienced. Fashion is meant to be unique, so how can you do that by looking for someone else’s clothes?

Image from creative commons Image of chained up gate

Micah Oliphant Staff Writer

6 months for $0. Streaming, savings, and free delivery. New members only. Terms apply.