The World Turned Upside Down
sentinel of black and marginalized voices at N.C. State since 1992.
THIS ISSUE
4 THE CALIFORNIA WILDFIRES
Updates on the wildfires
6 GALLERY
Photos from March Like Martin and the Spring Symposium for Multicultural Scholars
9 THE PEOPLE'S MARCH ON WASHINGTON DC
Tens of thousands mobilize on the streets of DC
11 BLACK ART ON CAMPUS
Art submission from Henoc Dossou and Jada Nuenke
Only with the permission of our elders do we proudly produce each edition of The Nubian Message:
Dr. Yosef ben-Yochannan, Dr. John Henrik Clark, Dr. Leonard Jeffries, The Black Panther Party, Mumia A. Jamal, Geronimo Pratt, Tony Williamson, Dr. Lawrence Clark, Dr. Augustus McIver Witherspoon, Dr. Wandra P. Hill, Mr. Kyran Anderson, Dr. Lathan Turner, Dr. M. Iyailu Moses, Dokta Toni Thorpe and all those who accompany us as we are still on the journey to true consciousness.
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Letter from The Editor
Ten drafts later, and I still don’t know what to say.
The world feels like it’s been turned upside down. Some people move through their lives as if nothing has changed, but for many, fear lingers – fear for their safety, their families, their futures. Fear that the systems barely protecting them in the first place, are crumbling before their eyes.
In this issue we try to make sense of what Staff Writer Ross Emelle calls “Executive Disorder” – a government spinning into chaos at the whims of one man. Before you dive in, take a breath. Though the world feels upside down, you are not alone.
Our news section covers everything you need to know, from the inaugural address to the recent onslaught of right-wing policy changes. For more local and uplifting pieces, check our features section to learn about the People’s March, Sullivan Hall flooding and Denzelll!
Don’t let anyone steal your joy (we got this!),
Editor-In-Chief
Alianna Kendall-Brooks
nubian-editor@ncsu.edu
Managing Editor
Isaac Davis
nubian-managingeditor@ncsu.edu
Photo Editor
Kaela Belingon
Multimedia Editor
Harris
Adriana
Alianna Kendall-Brooks
cover photo BY Kaela Belingon/Photo Editor
Redshirt freshman Vince Robinson grapples his opponent during the duel against Pitt in Reynolds Coliseum on Friday, Jan. 24, 2025. Robinson won the 125 bout 6-2. NC State defeated Pitt 22-13.
Gallery Design By Olivia Henson/Layout Designer
Gallery photography BY Violet Beesley, Amanda Bell and hector Cavares/Staff Photographers
Reviewing Trump’s Executive Orders
NEVAEH STURDIVANT Correspondent
President Donald Trump reversed 78 Executive Orders issued by former President Joe Biden. He then issued 42 of his own Executive Orders encompassing a wide range of issues. Trump issued them during his first week in office under an executive order entitled, “Initial Rescissions of Harmful Executive Orders and Actions.” Many of Biden’s executive orders revoked by President Trump were those in furtherance of diversity and inclusion efforts as well as pay transparency and COVID-19 protections.
An Executive Order (EO) is a directive issued by the president that creates requirements for federal government operations. EOs have the force of law and do not require action from Congress or state legislatures, but Congress can pass legislation that overrides an order. The reversed EOs include “Preventing and Combating Discrimination on the Basis of Gender Identity or Sexual Orientation,” “Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government,” “Lowering Prescription Drug Costs for Americans,” and “Reforming Our Incarceration System To Eliminate the Use of Privately Operated Criminal Detention Facilities," among several others. Here is a list of the most recent executive orders passed by the Trump administration:
TikTok
Trump issued the order entitled, “Application of Protecting Americans From Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications to TikTok,” that halted the ban of the viral video platform TikTok. This provided a 75-day extension for the app’s China-based parent company ByteDance to sell the platform to an American company.
Women's and LGBTQ+ rights
The order entitled, “Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government,” establishes that the U.S will only recognize two sexes (male and female) under the prerogative of protecting designated female spaces, rights and freedom. Under this order, Trump also establishes that woman, man, boy and
girl shall be used based on biological sex respectively.
Healthcare
The order entitled, “Withdrawing the U.S. from the World Health Organization,” withdraws the U.S. from the World Health Organization (WHO). In 2020, Trump withdrew from the WHO alleging the organization mishandled COVID-19. He charged that the organization failed to remain independent of negative political influence and unjust financial demands. Though Biden reversed this decision in 2021, Trump is now reinstating the order. The organization will no longer receive U.S. funding or support and new personnel will be assigned to take over the activities handled by the WHO.
Immigration and Refugees
The Executive Order entitled, “Securing Our Borders,” requires the U.S. build a wall at the southern border and shutting down the CBP One, an app that helped migrants enter the U.S. legally and detaining and deporting all undocumented immigrants.
The order entitled, “Protecting the Meaning and Value of American Citizenship,” intends to end birthright citizenship. The order argues the 14th Amendment “has never been interpreted to extend citizenship universally to everyone born within the United States.” If enacted, the U.S. government will be prohibited from issuing documents recognizing citizenship to children whose parents are unlawfully present in the United States or whose presence is lawful but temporary at the time of said birth.
Twenty-two states have already sued the federal government to prevent the order from taking effect on Feb. 20, 2025, on the basis that the order is unconstitutional.
An EO entitled, “Realigning the United States Refugee Admissions Program,” bans refugees from entering the U.S. for 90 days to halt the migration influx.
Gulf of Mexico and Mount Denali
Trump issued an Executive Order entitled, “Restoring Names that Honor American Greatness,” which renamed the Gulf of Mexico and Denali. The Gulf of Mexico is now being referred to as the Gulf
of America and Mount Denali is being referred to as Mount McKinley.
Paris Agreement
An EO entitled, “Putting America First in International Environmental Agreements,” withdrew the U.S. from the Paris Agreement after Biden rejoined during his presidency. Trump's withdrawal is based on the claim that the U.S. has been progressing and that the “U.S. has joined international agreements and initiatives that do not reflect our country’s values of economic and environmental objectives.”
The Death Penalty
The Executive Order entitled, “Restoring the Death Penalty and Protecting Public Safety,” ensures that all states have a “sufficient supply” of drugs for lethal injection and encourages the Attorney General to pursue the death penalty for federal capital crimes with special attention to crimes involving the murder of law enforcement and capital crimes committed by undocumented persons in the U.S. The Attorney General was also ordered to seek to reverse of the Supreme Court decision that limits federal and state authority to impose capital punishment. The order also calls for the evaluation of the prisons and confinement of the 37 murderers whose death sentences were commuted by Biden to determine if these offenders can be charged with state capital crimes.
DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION
Trump issued an Executive Order entitled, “Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity,” which ordered the termination of diversity, equality, and inclusion (DEI) prgrams. The order included mandates, policies, programs and activities relating to DEI under the action of restoring hiring based on skill during job selection.
Some highlights of the revoked EOs include Executive Order 11246, Equal Employment Opportunity Act of 1965, Executive Order 13583, Establishing a Coordinated Government-wide Initiative to Promote Diversity and Inclusion in the Federal Workforce and Executive Order 12898, Federal Actions to Address Environmental Justice in Minority
Populations and Low-Income Populations. This executive order also prohibits the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs within the Department of Labor from promoting diversity. Under this order contractors and subcontractors will be held responsible for taking affirmative action or encouraging workforce balancing based on diversity.
The order entitled, “Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing,” in which he issued all federal agencies and departments 60 days to terminate offices and positions related to DEI, accessibility and environmental justice. The Office of Management and Budget of will also conduct an assessment to conclude whether the positions have been misleadingly named to restore their previous functions.
Dpt. of government efficiency
Trump issued an executive order entitled, “Establishing and Implementing the President’s ‘Department of Government Efficiency’,” in which Trump established a new “Department of Government Efficiency” (DOGE) to be led by Elon Musk. DOGE is charged to reduce wasteful government spending and improve government efficiency.
Federal Censorship
Trump issued an EO entitled, “Restoring Freedom of Speech and Ending Federal Censorship,” in which Trump charged the mission of preventing misinformation, disinformation and misinformation the Federal government infringes on the Constitution to protect the right of freedom of speech. This order states that “No Federal department, agency, entity, officer, employee, or agent may act or use any Federal resources in a manner contrary to the First Amendment.”
Additional Orders
Trump has issued other orders that: halted foreign aid for 90 days, identified international cartels as foreign terrorist organizations, declared a national energy emergency, expanded fossil fuel production in Alaska, suspended offshore wind leasing and reformed the federal hiring process.
The 2025 California Wildfires
Rebecca HerNÁndez Copy Desk Chief
On Jan. 7, 2025, California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency over the Palisades wildfire that continues to burn as of Jan. 26. Though firefighters have contained 84% of the Palisades fires, it is only one of five major ongoing fires in California, with some new fires erupting as late as last week.
Over 283 wildfires have destroyed over 89 square miles of land in the state of California since the new year began. Many of the ongoing fires are in Southern California, with the Palisades, Eaton and Hughes Fires all taking place in Los Angeles. Together, the fires have burned 73 square miles in LA county alone. At least 28 people have died as a result of these fires, with thousands more evacuating and losing their homes.
“The powerful winds fueling the wildfires are known as the Santa Ana winds, which flow out of the Great Basin in Nevada and Utah toward the Southern California coast. These winds push dry desert air over the mountains and accelerate as they blow into canyons and valleys,” according to the New York Times.
Over the past few weeks, the California government has issued warnings and evacuation orders, to keep people updated on what to do and where to go next. A warning means residents should be aware of a potential threat and prepare to leave. An evacuation order means an immediate threat is present, and residents should leave now.
The Palisades Fire
The first of the major wildfires of this year, the Palisades Fire, is the most destructive wildfire in the history of LA county. According to California’s Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, the Palisades Fire has destroyed at least 5,300 homes and forced more than 100,000 residents to evacuate the area.
The fire began the morning of Jan. 7, 2025, with its cause still under investigation. According to the California government’s website, aerial imagery overlays show approximately 7,700 structures may have been damaged or destroyed. As of Jan. 25, the California government has reported 11 civilian fatalities, three civilian injuries and one firefighter injury.
The Palisades Fire is the largest ongoing
wildfire, burning more than 36 square miles of land, according to the New York Times.
The Eaton Fire
The Eaton Fire, tearing through LA county and the ourskirts of Pasadena, California, began late Jan. 7. Though firefighters have contained 95% of this wildfire, the Eaton Fire has claimed 17 civilian fatalities and injured 9 firefighters. Officials have tallied 9,418 structures destroyed, and 1,073 structures damaged so far.
The Hughes Fire
The Hughes Fire began on the morning of Jan. 22, and is slowly approaching the Santa Clarita area. In just two hours since its start, the Hughes Fire grew to over seven square miles of land. As of Jan. 24, firefighters have contained 90% of the fires according to the LA Times.
As of Jan. 25, firefighters have contained 24% of the Hughes Fire. The Hughes Fire has burned approximately 16 square miles acres of land. The fire is burning around Castaic Lake, which is north of Santa Clarita.
“It was really the aircraft, in addition to all of those ground resources, which allowed us to get the upper hand,” said LA County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone at an evening news conference. “Had you been here a few hours ago, the situation looked much different, and it certainly looked much more aggressive.”
The Border 2 Fire
The Border 2 Fire broke out on Jan. 23, in the Otay Mountain Wilderness, near the California-Mexico border, and Northwest of Otay Mountain. The fire has since grown to over 6,000 acres (9 square miles) and only about 10% is contained. A smoke advisory is in effect for Otay Mesa, El Cajon, Alpine, Pine Valley, Jamul and surrounding areas.
The Laguna Fire
The newest of the wildfires, the Laguna Fire burned 93.5 acres (0.15 square miles) in Ventura county, though it was only pegged to be about 3 acres at first. Firefighters have contained 98% of the fire as of Saturday, Jan. 24. No structures have been damaged, nor have there been any
reports of casualties or injuries, according to the LA Times.
This bushfire broke out just miles from California State University’s Channel Island campus. The Channel Islands campus sits amid hills, agricultural fields and a small neighborhood of homes and apartments.
The fire forced hundreds from the Channel Islands campus and the University Glenn neighborhood to evacuate. Officials have since downgraded the evacuation order, but classes have remained canceled, and only authorized employees are allowed to return to the university as of Jan. 23.
"Firefighters are aggressively attacking the fire from the air and ground with additional resources assessing and mitigating any potential structure threats in the immediate area," Ventura County Fire officials said on social media.
How Others Are Helping
Thousands of LA county residents have joined together to help those affected or displaced by the fires. So many volunteers have showed up to help their communities that many local charities have had to turn away volunteers.
“So many volunteers have showed up to help their communities that many local charities have had to turn away volunteers.”
On Jan. 11, 72 firefighters from Mexico arrived in California to help fight the wildfires in LA county. The group included a mix of doctors, engineers and search-andrescue personnel.
On Jan. 12, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, sharing his country’s willingness to help fight the same fires, stating that there were 150 ready firefighters.
As of the week of Jan. 20, more than 60 Canadian firefighters arrived in LA, bringing along technical specialists expected to stay in the United States for at least two weeks.
Image courtesy of creative commons Fire and smoke from The 2025 Palisades Fire in California spewing into the sky
Meta AXES FACT-CHECKING POLICIES
Emelle Staff Writer
On Jan. 7, Meta, the company that owns Facebook, Instagram and Threads, announced it is ending its fact-checking program and making multiple changes to its hateful conduct policy. Critics claim these changes will increase the spread of misinformation and bigotry on Meta’s platforms.
The policy changes include removing third-party fact-checking and reducing hateful speech restrictions surrounding major political and social issues, including immigration, sexual orientation and gender expression.
In a Facebook post announcing these changes, Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta, said, “It's time to get back to our roots around free expression on Facebook and Instagram”.
Meta introduced its fact-checking program in 2016 after critics questioned the company's role in spreading misinformation during the 2016 presidential election. Now, Zuckerberg says that the program is “too biased.”
“After Trump first got elected in 2016, the legacy media wrote nonstop about how misinformation was a threat to democracy,” Zuckerberg said, “We tried in good faith to address those concerns without becoming the arbiters of truth, but fact-checkers have just been too politically biased.”
Though studies have shown that fact-checkers flag conservative users more, research also shows this is likely due to people viewing news shared by conservatives as untrustworthy. One researcher said conservatism is one of the best predictors of misinformation consumption.
Regardless, fact-checking will be replaced by Community Notes, based on X’s, formerly known as Twitter, system.
“We’ve seen this approach work on X – where they empower their community to decide when posts are potentially misleading and need more context, and people across a diverse range of perspectives decide what sort of context is helpful for other users to see,” wrote Joel Kaplin, Chief Global Affairs Officer at Meta. This system allows approved contributors, i.e. users with an active phone number who have no violations and registered for six months, to add context under a post through notes.
Users can vote whether X should add the note after a user suggests one. If it passes, an algorithm checks to see if the voting
gallery is politically diverse. If it is, the note will be published. However, the note will never be published, regardless of accuracy if the algorithm says the users are not ideologically diverse enough.
Dr. Zachary Beare, an associate professor of English at NC State, said Community Notes isn’t an alternative to fact-checking.
“Community Notes are dependent on consensus. And so if there isn't consensus — you have two people that are just fundamentally opposed on a particular issue — consensus will not be made,” he explained.
The Center for Countering Digital Hate found that the system of Community Notes failed to accurately correct US election misinformation 74% of the time.
Meta also announced changes in their hateful conduct policies.
Regarding immigration, Meta’s policy says, “We also protect refugees, migrants, immigrants, and asylum seekers from the most severe attacks (Tier 1 below), though we do allow commentary on and criticism of immigration policies.”
The policy also updates Meta’s stance on sexuality and gender identity, saying, “We do allow allegations of mental illness or abnormality when based on gender or sexual orientation, given political and religious discourse.”
This is, despite homosexuality and being transgender not being considered mental illnesses per the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and the Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. The rules regarding mental illness allegations only apply to these issues; any other allegations of mental illness remain prohibited.
The hateful conduct policy also features changes to gender-based discriminatory policies, “We do allow content arguing for gender-based limitations of military, law enforcement, and teaching jobs.”
Meta also said that insulting and calling for the exclusion of LGBTQ+ users and immigrants, as well as the insulting of a gender because of a breakup are allowed. “Our policies are designed to allow room for these types of speech,” the policy states. Despite these changes, Meta says it still protects people with protected characteristics, which Meta defines as “race, ethnicity, national origin, disability, religious affiliation, caste, sexual orientation, sex, gender identity, and serious disease,” from direct attacks.
These changes have come under criticism from several organizations. The Human Rights Campaign said that the hateful conduct policy changes, “legitimize–and arguably even incentivize–discrimination.”
GLAAD also criticized the changes in a
press release on Jan. 10, 2025. “With these changes, Meta and Mark Zuckerberg are now not only permitting and encouraging, but engaging in anti-LGBTQ hate speech,” GLAAD said. GLAAD also said the policy’s usage of terms co-opted by the right-wingers to delegitimize trans people encourages anti-LGBTQ violence.
Dr. Beare said the hateful conduct changes will encourage users to spread the now-permitted content. “I think that it enables them to see platforms like Metaowned companies like Facebook and Instagram as a sort of welcoming space to that sort of content in a lot of ways,” he said.
“There's an abundance of research already that shows that social media, because of its asynchronous nature, because of the level of mediation and distancing that is provided by screens allows people to be more intense in their rhetorical actions, to be more hateful, more aggressive. And I think that this change in policy for Meta is only going to sort of further enable that,” Dr. Beare said.
Meta isn't the only platform to change its hateful conduct policy in recent years. In 2023, X removed rules prohibiting targeted misgendering and deadnaming transgender people.
Dr. Beare said Meta may be the first of many to adopt these policies, “I think that it is likely that a number of platforms might decide to sort of follow suit and adopt similar sort of resistances to fact-checking and reliance on sort of Community Notes approaches.”
These changes may also lead to users leaving Meta services. “And so I think that's the big one: that other sort of platforms might follow similar approaches. I think that it also changes people's understandings of like what these platforms are for and who they are for. And so I think that there will be some interesting movement between different platforms,” Dr. Beare said.
Along with policy changes, Meta has also ended its diversity, equity and inclusion programs, including ones that connected them with students from historically Black colleges and universities, Black-owned businesses and diverse suppliers.
In recent weeks, Zuckerberg, who said recent elections helped prompt these changes, donated $1 million to Donald Trump’s inauguration fund and co-hosted a reception for the inauguration with Republican billionaires.
Ross
image courtesy of creative commons
President Donald Trump welcomes Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg Thursday, Sept. 19, 2019, to the Oval Office of the White House
March Like Martin
SPRING SYMPOSIUM FOR MULTICULTURAL SCHOLARS
Trump Halts TikTok Ban
Aiyanna Moore Correspondent
President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Monday to halt the TikTok ban in the United States, allowing 170 million users in the U.S. to continue using the platform.
On Inauguration Day, Trump signed the order to delay the TikTok ban for an additional 75 days, allowing ByteDance, TikTok's parent company, more time to sell the app to a U.S owner. Before Trump was formally sworn in as President, he mentioned that he would “most likely” give TikTok a 90-day extension.
Trump previously introduced a TikTok ban during his first presidential term in 2020 due to national security concerns involving China, as ByteDance and TikTok are Chinese-owned. He now expresses that he is working to find a resolution regarding the app.
“Trump previously introduced a TikTok ban during his first presidential term in 2020 due to national security concerns... ”
In a Truth Social post, Trump writes, “Therefore, my initial thought is a joint venture between the current owners and/ or new owners whereby the U.S. gets a 50% ownership in a joint venture set up between the U.S. and whichever purchase we so choose.”
During a press conference held on Tuesday, a reporter asked Trump if he’s “open to Elon buying TikTok.” He replied that he “would be” if Elon Musk expressed interest in buying the app.
Trump also says he is open to negotiating a deal regarding a necessary permit for use in the U.S. Though, Trump says the app is “worthless” without it and worth nearly “$1 trillion” with one. If the U.S. receives half ownership, he is willing to provide a permit in return.
Former President Joe Biden first signed the ban into law on Apr. 14, 2024. Concerns arose over the Chinese government’s potential access to U.S. user data. The law specified that ByteDance was to sell the app to a new owner in the U.S. by Jan. 19 or face a nation-wide ban.
TikTok then sued the U.S. government, arguing that the ban violates users’ First
Amendment rights to free speech. However, The Supreme Court ruled unanimously to uphold the ban.
ByteDance failed to give up ownership and decided to completely shut down the app on the evening of Jan. 18th – hours before the federal ban began. Other applications that are housed under the ByteDance parent company, such as Capcut and Lemon8, also shut down.
The app provided an error message that read, “Sorry, TikTok isn’t available right now, A law banning TikTok has been enacted in the U.S. Unfortunately, that means you can’t use TikTok for now. We are fortunate that President Trump has indicated that he will work with us on a solution to reinstate TikTok once he takes office. Please stay tuned!”
In response to the ban, TikTok users attempted to migrate to another Chinesebased app called RedNote, making it the number one downloaded app on the Apple app store charts amid the ban. Experts also noted RedNote poses a security threat since user data is stored in China. Unlike TikTok, which moved its data to Oracle's U.S. cloud infrastructure.
Users in the U.S. could not use TikTok for approximately 14 hours. However, the app began to restore service to users on Sunday evening following Trump’s supportive comments. Trump said about the executive order, “The order will also confirm that there will be no liability for any company that helped keep TikTok from going dark before my order.” Upon its return, TikTok posted a statement on X, formerly known as Twitter, thanking President Trump.
“In agreement with our service providers, TikTok is in the process of restoring service. We thank President Trump for providing the necessary clarity and assurance to our service providers that they will face no penalties providing TikTok to over 170 million Americans and allowing over 7 million small businesses to thrive. It’s a strong stand for the First Amendment and against arbitrary censorship. We will work with President Trump on a long-term solution that keeps TikTok in the United States.”
In accordance with the ban, Apple and Google have removed TikTok from their app stores. Users who still have the app downloaded on their devices will continue to have access but will not receive software updates. However, those who uninstalled TikTok can no longer reinstall it. This also applies to other ByteDance applications.
the Inaugural Address
Adriana HernÁndez Correspondent
On Jan. 20, 2025
– Martin
Luther King Jr. Day – President Donald Trump ascended to his second term with promises of an American “Golden Age” that will bring “A tide of change” over the country while “sunlight is pouring over the entire world.” From immigration to space exploration, Trump addressed a vast array of issues. For those who were unable to tune in on inauguration day, here is a rundown of President Trump’s inaugural address.
Immigration
Echoing his 2016 sentiments, Trump plans to rebalance the “Scales of Justice” through mass deportation. While stereotyping migrants as “dangerous criminals, many from prisons and mental institutions,” during his speech, Trump declared a national emergency at the southern border. Met with a standing ovation, Trump continued, “We will begin the process of returning millions and millions of ‘criminal aliens’ back to the places from which they came.”
Trump also reinstated the Remain in Mexico Policy. Initially passed in 2019, the policy forces asylum seekers at the southern border to remain in Mexico until their court hearings, leaving them vulnerable to violence in the country.
During the address, Trump announced the renaming of the Gulf of Mexico and Denali Mountain to the Gulf of America and Mount McKinley, respectively.
The Panama Canal was also a point of contention. “China is operating the Panama Canal, and we didn’t give it to China. We gave it to Panama, and we’re taking it back.”
Hours after the inauguration, Trump ordered that Immigration and Customs Enforcement can now enter “sensitive locations” to make arrests. This includes childcare facilities, places of worship and medical treatment centers.
Climate Change
Beyond immigration policies, Trump also addressed the ongoing wildfires in California and the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which devastated North Carolina in September of last year. In his remarks, he criticized the previous administration’s lack of support in North Carolina and took the opportunity to highlight the misfortune that befell millionaires in Los
Angeles. Specifically, Trump stated that it was “affecting some of the wealthiest and most powerful individuals in our country, some of whom are sitting here right now. They don’t have a home any longer, that’s interesting.”
Oil and gas drilling is one of the largest sources of air pollution in the United States. Further, research shows that climate change increases the risk of wildfires and other natural disasters. Despite the effects of climate change happening in real-time, Trump plans to end the Green New Deal, revoke the electrical vehicle mandate and “drill baby drill.”
Everyday Society
In his mission to restore “common sense” in the United States, Trump issued an Executive Order during his address to stop government censorship and bring back freedom of speech in America. “Never again will the power of the state be weaponized to persecute political opponents. Something I know something about.”
Trump stated that race and gender will no longer be socially engineered into public and private life and that “we will forge a colorblind and merit-based society.” This included the establishment of an “official policy of the United States government that there are only two genders: male and female.”
Trump promised to restore nationalism in the American education system and “launch American astronauts to plant the stars and stripes on planet Mars.”
Other highlights from the inaugural address included announcing the establishment of the Department of Government Efficiency which will be headed by Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, who was perceived to have made two Sieg Heil salutes during Trump’s Inauguration. When criticized for his actions, Musk responded on X with puns on the names of prominent German Nazis: “Don't say Hess to Nazi accusations! Some people will Goebbels anything down!.”
Trump's presidency is shaping up to be a significant shift in the political landscape. As the United States enters this new ‘Golden Age,’ the impact of Trump’s policies is expected to expand far beyond national borders, ultimately reshaping global, political and economic order.
People’s March on DC
Melanie Sierra Correspondent
Thousands of people gathered in cold, snowy weather for a day of joyful resistance known as the People’s March in Washington D.C., just two days before the inauguration of Presidentelect Donald Trump.
The People’s March, formerly known as the Women’s March, began eight years ago after President Trump’s first inauguration. Millions of women, outraged over Trump’s 2016 presidential win, rallied in Washington D.C. and in cities across the U.S. to protest the administration’s policies which they believed threatened reproductive and women’s rights.
This year, the march represented a coalition of communities dedicated to advancing civil rights, social and racial justice and reproductive rights, as Trump returns to the Oval Office.
On Jan. 18, chants and cheers roared once more throughout the streets of D.C. as protestors marched to the Lincoln Memorial. It was an icy Saturday morning; still, three large groups of protesters who started at different areas marched in unity to the music-filled Lincoln Memorial, ready to participate in the rally and People’s Fair.
The Nubian Message attended the People’s March in Washington D.C. to hear thousands express their support for women’s and LGBTQIA+ rights. Out of the three possible kickoff locations, we chose Franklin Park, which focused on reproductive rights, gender and LGBTQIA+ issues.
Bombshell Monroe and Silver Ware Sidora, two drag queens based in D.C., were the ‘spokesqueens’ for the Franklin Park location. They took the stage with power and kicked off the march in style.
“I’ll see you guys at the front of the line!” said Monroe as she wrapped up the introduction.
Jade Pierce, a participant in the march, shared what motivated her to come out and support the cause.
“I feel like, as a woman, it’s my duty to stand up,” Pierce said, “Recently, it’s [the government's] been really intrusive against our bodies and our rights.”
Trump proudly takes responsibility for the Supreme Court’s overturn of Roe v. Wade in 2022. It granted states the right to ban abortion for the first time in 50 years. During his first term, he chose three new Supreme Court Justices whose votes ultimately helped overturn the case.
With the inauguration a few days ahead, Pierce described the March as a way for everyone to join together in harmony.
“I think it’s just great to see mobilization in a time that seems like doom and gloom; I’m glad to see people still have hope,” said Pierce.
When asked about Trump’s return to office, Jessica McKinely, another participant in the march, shared that her biggest worry is the future of the LGBTQIA+ community.
“LGBT, the pride community, same-sex marriage, anything can happen at this point,” said McKinley.
On Trump’s Inauguration Day, he signed executive orders that put the LGBTQIA+ community at risk. The executive order states that the U.S. government will recognize two genders, male and female.
“This is what democracy looks like,” echoed through the crowd as people marched, showing off their colorful signs.
Another march participant, Sophie E., who declined to reveal her last name, said, “The Black Lives Matter movement is really important right now with everything you hear going around in D.C. and people not being held accountable.”
On Jan. 21, Trump ordered a paid leave for all federal diversity, equity and inclusion staff by Jan. 22 at 5 p.m. Diversity, equity and inclusion programs advocate for equal treatment at work, especially for marginalized groups.
Another important issue that E. brought up was climate change,“With the LA fires, climate change is a really big one as well.”
With the raging wildfires running rampant in Southern California, climate change is getting exponentially worse. Global warming affected about a quarter of the prolonged droughts in Los Angeles that contributed to the wildfires, according to a group of UCLA climate scientists.
The Trump administration has long rejected the scientific evidence of global warming, establishing harmful environmental policies. Trump repeatedly stated, “drill baby, drill” throughout his presidential campaign, wanting to bring a surge in fracking during his second term. A surge in fracking would cause climate problems like air pollution and water contamination.
Later on, Sarah Rushton, a participant in the march, expressed her frustration with the election. “I don’t like the fact that people elected a felon as President,” said Rushton. “It’s been so many years of people fighting for abortion rights and I hope in the future, we can fight for what’s right.”
As Bombshell Monroe would say, “ex-ac-a-ly!”
A report on the sullivan hall flood
Julia Cox Correspondent
Around 11 p.m. on January 10, students in Sullivan Hall were told to evacuate due to flooding caused by a burst pipe. Students were also evacuated from the nearby Lee Hall and were directed to stay in Bragaw Hall until it was safe to return.
Students waited outside of their dorms for nearly an hour, in 31 degree weather with freshly fallen snow still outside. They were advised to stay in Bragaw Hall temporarily or with a friend at a safe location.
The evacuation was caused by a sprinkler pipe bursting in suite 302 of Sullivan, spraying murky water into the suite, as well as into suites 301, 303 and the below 201, 202 and 203.
The Nubian Message interviewed Rahina Rashid, a third-semester Resident Advisor (RA) working in Sullivan Hall and a fourth-year student in industrial systems engineering, to recount what happened during the night of the flood.
When the alarms sounded, Rashid and other RAs received an email informing everyone to evacuate. Rashid was also affected by this flood, but prioritized the needs of her residents. Later that night, the majority of Sullivan Hall residents could return to their dorms, except those six most affected by flooding– suites 301-303 and 201-203.
Of the second-floor dorms, suite 202 took the longest to approve for the resident’s return. There was water damage in rooms C and D, which, according to Rashid, “came in through the light fixtures onto their carpets.” The bathroom in suite 202 had standing water and was not approved for use by the residents.
Suite 302 suffered the most damage. The room had “at least an inch of standing
water,” according to Rashid. She mentioned that the 301-303 suites were more affected than the 201-203 suites, though all of them had notable damages.
Considering the events of the flooding, Rahina said, “[A flood in Sullivan Hall] happened last year and you think they would be a little more prepared for it … with these old buildings you have to hope for the best … they never expect for so many people to be displaced at once.”
Rashid also explained that the RAs on duty “made sure everyone had a place to go, whether it was with family, a friend, or temporary housing,” and contacted the professional staff on call to assist with this process.
Rashid and others transported the soaked possessions of Sullivan residents to Lee Hall, where they could dry out and be cleaned. Rashid noted how hectic the process was, particularly amid the weather. She said, “You have to find places for people to sleep and make sure people have a way to get there and make sure you’re getting those keys cut, especially when it's snowing, at the drop of a dime in the middle of the night.”
The next day, once the rooms were cleared, Rashid was able to go back into her suite, still unable to use their bathroom. More affected residents returned at a later time, or came to collect their belongings and move to temporary housing.
Reflecting on the flooding and evacuation of Sullivan and Lee, Rashid acknowledges that the RAs go through training to prepare for these very situations. She says, “When you sign up for that job you naturally want to take on [a helping] role … I’ve always enjoyed being an RA, it just makes me think I need to be a little more prepared for these things to happen.”
Denzel Washington'S Legacy and impact
Denzel Washington is one of the most revered actors of modern film, his name is synonymous with a plethora of captivating performances. Washington plays complicated roles like Troy Maxson in “Fences,” Robert McCall in the “Equalizer” trilogy and most recently Macrinus in “Gladiator II.” Washington is not just an impeccable actor but a cultural icon donning many accolades. He recently received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor, for his lifetime achievement in the arts and was ordained as a minister.
As one of the most influential Black actors of the past half-century, Denzel Washington’s authenticity on and off the screen has earned admiration and respect across generations. To understand his rise to stardom and his cultural significance, you have to go back to his early upbringing in Harlem.
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When speaking about his upbringing in an interview with Stephen Colbert, Washington also shared how his love and admiration for his mother influenced the man he is today." A mother is a son's first true love. A son, especially their first son, is a mother's last true love,” he said.
Into adulthood, Washington interestingly did not immediately pursue acting. He first pursued pre-med to be a doctor and later considered becoming a lawyer. Washington eventually got his Bachelor of Arts in Drama and Journalism from Fordham University. From this point, Washington took a year off from school to explore different career options before he finally tried acting for the first time.
“As one of the most influential Black actors of the past half-century, Denzel Washington’s authenticity on and off the screen has earned admiration and respect across generations.” “For this role Washington could not simply play Malcolm X, he had to become Malcolm X in the eyes of the audience.”
Washington was born in Mount Vernon, N.Y., on Dec. 28, 1954. His father, Denzel Washington Sr., was a Pentecostal minister and his mother, Lennis Washington, the owner and operator of a beauty parlor in Harlem. Washington grew up in Harlem until he was sent to a boarding school around the age of 15, which he attributes to his success
“That decision changed my life, because I wouldn't have survived in the direction I was going. The guys I was hanging out with at the time, my running buddies, have now done maybe 40 years combined in the penitentiary. They were nice guys, but the streets got them,” said Washington.
He initially started with theater before eventually moving to television and later, film. Washington made a name for himself throughout the film industry and skyrocketed to fame with his captivating portrayals of real-life figures, like the famous Malcolm X and Coach Herman Boone in "Remember the Titans."
The 1992 movie “Malcolm X” helped launch Washington's career into stardom. The Spike Lee-directed film required him to nail the influential Civil Rights figure’s mannerisms and speech patterns to develop an intimate understanding of Malcolm X as a person.
The film vividly portrayed and commented on the perception and history
of the Civil Rights Movement at the time. For this role Washington could not simply play Malcolm X, he had to become Malcolm X in the eyes of the audience. Washington brought humor, charisma and humanity to the civil rights figure, while portraying the complexities of Malcom X.
coach who reached his players through tough love. This film showed a completely different side to Washington highlighting his adaptability as a performer.
Of all Washington’s roles, he is most popular for his powerful portrayal of antagonists in film such as “Training Day.” As Alonzo Harris, a corrupt cop, Washington shows a darker grittier side as he blurs the line between charismatic cop and psychopathic gangster. The film earned him his first Academy Award.
Though Washington was cast as a villain in the role, he added an air of cunning, dignity and depth. He played the role differently from classic two dimensional villains, representing the anti-hero archetype that would emerge in 21st century filmmaking. He added nuance and an air of humanity to the character. These types of portrayals, especially when it comes to Black characters, are often rare to see even today, which is one of the reasons the role is regarded so highly.
While Washington has earned the respect of many through his acting work, he has earned just as much respect outside of film. Washington is part of the advisory board of the Brain Trust of Cedars-Sinai, which focuses on raising funds for brain care and research. He is also a spokesperson for the Boys & Girls Clubs of America. Washington largely stays true to his values throughout his career, another reason why he is widely respected. He deliberately chooses roles that portray Black characters with dignity and respect and will often refuse roles that go against his values.
Moreover, Washington has often used his success as a platform to give back to his community, advocating for education and mentorship. He often encourages young people to strive for excellence.
This role solidified Washington as a serious actor who could do justice to a culturally significant icon. For this performance he not only earned the admiration of a generation but also an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor. While Washington proved that he could be successful in historic performances, he did not limit himself to only one type of role. Throughout his years of acting, he has shown incredible range.
A great example of this versatility is his role as Coach Herman Boone in the film “Remember the Titans.” In this film, he played a heartwarming transformational
Washington's legacy extends beyond just his remarkable performances on the screen. Throughout his 50-year-long career, he has earned the respect and admiration of millions for his authenticity and dedication to telling Black stories. While Washington is loved for his on-screen performances, he is significant because of all that he represents. His position as a symbol of Black excellence in Hollywood, a place where it is not often shown, ensures that Washington will be remembered and celebrated for generations to come.
Johnathan lee Correspondent
Image courtesy of creative commons
photo of Denzel Washington
