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Serving York College of the City University of New York and the Surrounding Jamaica, Queens Community Spring Edition I: Monday, April 4, 2022
York College Art Gallery’s New Exhibition
Free Tax Preparation Available at York College By Niko Balkaran
José Carlos Casado’s Oil spill l & ll.
By Tatiana Tait York College presented Formations 2022 Southeast Queens Biennial in our very own Fine Arts Gallery and at the historic King Manor House Museum. Formations curator, Regin Leys, features artists from across New York City. Leys is heavily involved in the Jamaica arts community and has collaborated with York college in the past Biennials. Formations is the third biennial to be hosted here at York. Among the artists exhibited are Jose Carlos Casado, originally from Spain
but residing in Harlem, Dominant Dansby from Jersey City, Jean Foos from Jackson Heights, Queens, Carl. E Hazlewood from Sunset Park, Jean Heifetsz from Brooklyn, Vandana Jain from Brooklyn and Anton Kerkula from St. Albans, Queens. “We chose to feature abstract art this year because we find it exciting, and rarely examined in venues in our neighborhood,” said Leys. Leys teamed up with Professor Nicholas Fraser “to give the York community the opportunity to see those artists in person.” The idea of abstract art isn’t the por-
Photo by Jeliza James
trayal of reality but the depiction of how shapes, colors, forms, or how gestural marks create that image/picture. Each artist leaves a novelty for their audience to solve. These artists were handpicked by Rejin Leys and were featured as a result of their reputation, showcasing their photography, sculptures and exquisite paintings in the York College Fine Arts space. “We made a list of abstract artists based in the New York area whose work is important and that we thought worked well together,” she said. Continued on center page.
Free PCR Covid-19 Tests Available to CUNY Students and Faculty By Tonia-lee Haughton While CUNY has lifted its mask mandate, students and faculty are still under obligation to take random Covid tests whenever they receive alerts through emails. When they receive these alerts, they must register through Cleared4. They are randomly selected using EMPLIDs through the Cleared4 database to ensure that the campus sustains a safe health environment for students and staff. This means that even though masks are no longer required, being on high alert for Covid-19
INDEX NEWS.................................. 1-5 A&E..................................... 6-8 OPINION.................................9 OBITUARY............................10 SPORTS................................11 EVENTS................................12
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is still important. Luckily, these PCR Covid-19 tests are free to CUNY students and faculty. No appointment is needed. York College members can take these free PCR tests at the trailer near the Milton G. Bassin Performing Arts Center, located at 94-45 Guy R. Brewer Boulevard. It’s across from the main Academic Core building. The testing site is open Monday to Friday at variable times. It’s 9:00am 12:00pm on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, then 2:00pm - 5:00pm on Tuesdays, and 4:00pm - 7:00pm
A&E
on Fridays. The process usually takes less than five minutes, involving simple swabs of the nostrils with cotton swabs. Students usually receive positive/negative test results within 48 hours through email. Another thing to remember is that even though the mask mandate has been dropped, students and faculty must continue uploading their proofs of vaccinations and boosters to CUNYfirst to ensure that CUNY college campuses are free of Covid-19 and other variants. Continued on Page 2
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Lisa Ray: Born to be a Star
York College is providing free tax preparation services for students, faculty and staff every Thursday until April 14. This service is made possible through an IRS-sponsored Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program. The college will help in preparing several types of tax returns. These include Forms W2, 1099 MISC, 1099 R, SSA, SSI, 1099G, 1099 INT and students and scholars on F1, F2, J1, or J2 visas. Self-employed taxpayers can also get help provided they properly document all expense items. You can also get help with e-filing and direct deposit. To take advantage of the service, you should have several documents on hand. These include a government-issued photo ID, social security cards for yourself and everyone on your tax return and income statements, including W2, 1099 INT, SSI, 1099G. You will also need information for deductions or credits such as tuition statements, mortgage interest statements, student loan interest, childcare expenses, along with a copy of last year’s tax return and a voided check should you wish to receive direct deposit. The office is located in the 4G corridor on the 4th floor and is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. You do not need to schedule an appointment as they work on a first-come, first-served basis.
Differences Between the NYCCS and Mayor.
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David Heyligher Jr. - Volleyball Whiz and CUNYAC All-Star
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Pandora’s Box
CUNY NEWS
CUNY Approves Appointments to Fill Two High-level Positions
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EDITORIAL BOARD • Editor In Chief: Niko Balkaran niko.balkaran@yorkmail.cuny.edu • Managing Editor: Autumn Matthews autumn.matthews@yorkmail.cuny. edu • Online Editor: Tatiana Tait tatiana.tait@yorkmail.cuny.edu • Arts Editor: Kezia Gustave kezia.gustave@yorkmail.cuny.edu • Photo Editor: Jeliza James jeliza.james@yorkmail.cuny.edu • Faculty Advisor: William Hughes whughes@york.cuny.edu WRITERS Tonia-lee Haughton toniahaughton@gmail.com Guamacice Delice guamacice.delice@yorkmail.cuny. edu Ilvea Lezama ilvea.lezama@yorkmail.cuny.edu Briana Philemy briana.philemy@yorkmail.cuny.edu Kiara Gonzalez kiara.gonzalez@yorkmail.cuny.edu
James Gallo and Wendy Hensel.
By Niko Balkaran
The CUNY Board of Trustees approved the appointments of Wendy Hensel and James Gallo. Hensel will serve as the executive vice chancellor and university provost starting June 1. Gallo will take the role of vice chancellor for university advancement effective on April 1. “I am proud to welcome Wendy Hensel and James Gallo to CUNY, and pleased to be able to leverage their vast experience to better our University,” said CUNY Chancellor Felix Matos Rodríguez in the announcement. “In the months and years to come, Wendy and James are going to play key roles in our efforts to propel CUNY to new heights.” Hensel will oversee several initiatives at CUNY, including reimagining Black, Race and Ethnic Studies and its faculty and student affairs, such as promoting student mental health and wellness.
From Cover Faculty must be fully vaccinated and upload their proof of such between April 1 to May 27, 2022. On the other hand, students must have submitted theirs by March 1, 2022. These regulations ensure that students and faculty can safely be at school in person.
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ford Handbook of U.S. Education Law. Gallo’s responsibilities will include helping schools budget and meeting their fundraising goals. Previously, Gallo worked in various fundraising roles at UCLA, Cornell, the University of Chicago and Dartmouth College. In his time as the lead development officer for UCLA, Gallo helped the professional schools raise over $1 billion. “I’m honored to join one of the nation’s great engines for social and economic mobility,” said Gallo. “I look forward to partnering with Chancellor Matos Rodríguez, the CUNY community and their invaluable volunteers, raising critical philanthropic resources ensuring that CUNY continues to be a beacon for all New Yorkers.” The Dartmouth graduate’s appointment comes at a time when CUNY has been expanding its fundraising efforts.
CUNY Chancellor Joins Mayor Adams’ COVID Roundtable By Briana Philemy
Free PCR Covid-19 Tests Available to CUNY Students and Faculty
Her professional academic career began at Georgia State University as an instructor. Over a decade later, Hensel became the university provost and senior vice president for academic affairs. “It is both exciting and humbling to join the nation’s leading urban public university, with its incredible trajectory of achievement and impact,” said Hensel. “I look forward to working across the campuses with faculty, staff, students and supporters to advance CUNY’s mission and strategic priorities for the benefit of all in this great city and state.” Hensel, a Harvard Law School cum laude graduate, spent years advocating for disabled people and diversity. Hensel created a Racial Equality taskforce that helped GSU win Higher Education Excellence in Diversity award from Insight into Diversity for the first time. Her work on disability law has been featured in publications such as The Ox-
Photo Credit: cuny.edu
Mayor Eric Adams has appointed CUNY Chancellor Félix V Matos Rodriguez to his newly created Covid-19 Recovery Roundtable Health and Equity Taskforce. The group is made up of 40-plus stakeholders from diverse sectors and backgrounds. "I am pleased to serve on Mayor Adam's COVID-19 Recovery Roundtable and Health Equity Task Force, representing CUNY's community of nearly 300,000 students, staff and faculty in 25 campuses and offices throughout the five boroughs and help his administration chart a prosperous and more equitable future for our beloved City," Rodriguez said in an email to The Queens Chronicle. The Chronicle article stated that the mayor and his committee's focus would be on New York's health and economic recovery. They will meet every month for the next year to develop a more robust and healthier New York City. "We cannot build a just and pros-
perous recovery for all New Yorkers without bringing together and listening to experts and community leaders from across the city," the mayor is quoted as saying in the Chronicle article. The members of the roundtable are from various industries. These include healthcare and community associations, religious organizations and tech and communication companies. In addition to the steady transition of a "new normal" being displayed, this initiative grants leaders the opportunity to reconsider public health infrastructures in various sectors of activities, including restoration, entertainment and tourism. It will also highlight the effects of an inequitable repartition of health resources on the low-income, vulnerable and disadvantaged- yet part of the active working population- on the growth and development of NYC. These longer-term equity goals set to be established by the task force will manage and promise to mitigate disparities in public health and services further. For the past two years, our commu-
Monday, April 4, 2022
nity has sought a sense of normalcy. New Yorkers have been doing their best to retrieve whatever life there was before face masks, mass immunization and social distancing were required. Data from The New York Times shows that there has been a decrease in infection rates. But there is still a need to address lasting policies that impact New Yorkers' access to health and relief resources in general.
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CUNY NEWS
CUNY Appoints a New Dean for the CUNY School of Law By Niko Balkaran
The CUNY Board of Trustees approved the appointment of Sudha Setty as the dean of the CUNY School of Law. Setty is now the first person of South Asian descent to lead a CUNY school. Her appointment will be effective June 1. “Dean Setty brings to CUNY a demonstrated ability to combine visionary goal-setting with deft governance, and to construct, fund and sustain the programs that realize those goals,” said Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez in the announcement. “Her breadth of experience and commitment to use legal education for the advancement of social justice will build upon the Law School’s progress as the top public-interest law school in the nation.” Setty previously was the dean of the Western New England University School of Law. She was the first woman of South Asian descent to serve as dean of an American Bar Association-accredited law school. Before becoming dean, Setty won several Professor of the Year awards. As the dean of the Western New England University School of Law, Setty championed social justice. She spearheaded the creation of the university’s Center for Social Justice. The
Center helped faculty and students to engage in issues such as racial justice, LGBTQ+ and immigrant rights. The Columbia University School of Law graduate and Harlan Fiske Stone Scholar previously served pro bono as the defense counsel in matters challenging terrorism sentencing guidelines and upholding prisoners’ civil rights. Setty is also a member of numerous judicial committees and boards, including Community Legal Aid. “I am thrilled and honored to serve as the next dean of CUNY School of Law. This law school was founded with the mission of public service, social justice lawyering, inclusiveness and accessibility,” said Setty. “In this moment, the nation and the world have recognized what CUNY has known all along: that our society needs more lawyers who are educated with these fundamental values to take on challenges of today and the future,” she continued. “I look forward to working with all the members of the CUNY community as the law school seeks to make the world a fairer, more just, and better place.”
Sudha Setty, the new dean of the CUNY School of Law.
Photo Credit: cuny.edu
CUNY To Start Expanding Online Instruction By Guamacice Delice
The City University of New York is taking advantage of the momentum of remote instruction based on experience gained during the Covid19 pandemic. Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez announced on March 16 the launching of CUNY Online, a new program that aims to build “online degree capacity at CUNY,” and produce “high-quality online courses and programs that meet student needs,” according to a statement published on cuny.com. The online program is being implemented across the 25 CUNY schools under the supervision of CUNY’s
School of Professional Studies (CUNY SPS), in response to a “growing student demand.” Moreover, it is in line with “the University’s commitment to expanded access, quality instruction, student support and external competition,” according to the release statement. CUNY is using $8 million from federal stimulus funds for the online development program. These funds will help in improving capacity and resources and provide personnel to sustain academic content development and student support services. CUNY Online’s initial phase is scheduled to start in Spring 2023 with a first set of “seven to 10 new online
associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degree programs.” This number should grow to 20 by Fall 2023, according to CUNY’s projections. During its pandemic experience, CUNY SPS helped 3,400 faculty members transition from in-person to online teaching and learning. This CUNY award-winning agency is now systematizing its expertise. It has already had at its credit “24 degrees and numerous non-degree and grant-funded workplace learning programs,” according to CUNY officials. “We are fortunate to be able to lean on the great expertise of CUNY SPS to lead this effort that makes a long-term commitment to the success of students who can benefit from the flexibility of
online degree programs and courses,” Matho wrote in his statement. “With CUNY Online, the University has made a forward-thinking investment in online education to ensure that all CUNY colleges may be able to offer more flexible and accessible online learning opportunities,” said CUNY SPS Interim Dean Jorge Silva-Puras. With this new program, the CUNY system, which has roughly 260,000 undergraduate and graduate students and awards approximately 55,000 degrees per year, is now expanding access to higher education to students who cannot come to campus.
Are you a good storyteller? Do you like writing? Are you a curious person? Then come write with us at Pandora’s Box! Contact niko.balkaran@yorkmail.cuny.edu
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NEWS
Masks are Now New York City’s Plan to Relocate People Housing in Trains and Stations Divides Subway Riders Optional for CUNY Students by Guamacice Delice nicians, additional housing and mental explained that, “...the plan outlines several health resources, and outlines long-term ways that we can begin to address the New York City subway riders are and Faculty systems improvements through changchallenges of supporting those with mental By Niko Balkaran CUNY lifted its mask mandate on March 7. This decision followed announcements after Gov. Katy Hochul and mayor Eric Adams decided it was time to end the mask mandate in New York and revised CDC guidelines. CUNY students, faculty and staff were required to wear masks indoors since schools reopened in August 2021. “We’ve arrived at this point because of the effort that we all have put forth to protect one another as we looked out for ourselves and our loved ones,” Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez said in a University Update. Despite masks no longer being required on campus, the chancellor urged those who are unvaccinated to wear a mask still. Masks will still be available for anyone who would like one on campuses. “We are very hopeful for the coming weeks and months, but as we all know by now, the pandemic has taught us that public health conditions can change rapidly,” Rodríguez said in the same update. The chancellor also said that this policy could be reversed if COVID rates increase. The change in the mask mandate does not affect CUNY’s policy on the vaccine and booster shots and random testing. Those will still be in effect and follow the previously established guidelines. York College has had a total of 128 positive cases since last August.
divided on the success of City Hall’s plan to remove unhoused people from trains and stations. Some have praised the plan and measures that go with it, while others doubt that it will be driven to its defined purpose. “It is a good idea to shelter those people into a safe place and take care of those with mental issues,” said Ellen, an E train rider. “But the plan should not be dropped along the way.” During a news conference, Mayor Eric Adams outlined a plan to remove unhoused people from the subway system. He was joined by Gov. Kathy Hochul and other city officials. The plan is to deploy at least 30 teams of police officers, social workers, and clinicians within trains and stations to apply established rules and remove permanent occupants. “The days of just doing anything in subway trains are over,” according to Adams. “It is cruel and inhumane to allow unhoused people to live on the subway, and unfair to paying passengers and transit workers who deserve a clean, orderly, and safe environment.” “Beginner speech,” said Ellen’s husband, Fred. “I don’t believe it at all, and I have already heard about this in my life.” “The plan includes comprehensive investments in short- and medium-term solutions, including expanded outreach teams with the NYPD officers and cli-
es to state and federal laws to connect more New Yorkers to the care they need,” according to a statement on the website nyc.gov. Making New York City safer for residents, visitors and investors was one of the mayor’s campaign promises. During his presentation, he evoked complaints from passengers about their fear of using the system. 30 people were pushed onto the tracks in 2021, up from 20 in 2019 and nine in 2017, according to The New York Times citing police statistics. “The component that is about enforcing certain subway rules, such as sleeping across multiple seats, exhibiting aggressive behavior to passengers, or creating an unsanitary environment should be a long-term work,” Xavier, a F train rider, said. Many citywide entities are involved in implementing this plan, which is built on a recent state policy. “For too long, our mental health care system suffered from disinvestment, and the pandemic has only made things harder for New Yorkers with serious mental illness who are experiencing homelessness,” the governor said. “I am proud to stand with Mayor Adams and share our efforts to boost mental health treatment services for those who lack stable housing and bring more psychiatric beds online.” First Deputy Mayor Lorraine Grillo
illness and keep our city safe. Our administration looks forward to working with our state partners to provide much-needed resources for those experiencing homelessness and serious mental illness on our city’s subways.” While more than 500 new beds in private rooms will be created as part of the plan, the estimated number of people living in trains and subway stations is between 1300 and 1700. Xavier praised the project for relocating people and paying for their medical care instead of forcing them onto the street. “To me, the society set aside those people,” he said. “It would be justice to take care of them, take them back, reinsert them into normal life.” York student Julius Drake agreed that the plan is beneficial for both subway riders and the homeless people it is designed to address. And while Drake said he believes that most unhoused people are harmless, he acknowledged that there should not be any person living in an unhoused condition. Since January, the city has deployed 1,000 additional police officers throughout the subway system.
Climate Scientists Issues New Global Warming Alert By Guamacice Delice The United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change found that the global temperature is increasing at a faster pace than previously predicted, according to a major report issued on Feb 28 by 270 scientists from 67 countries. The experts’ report warned that global warming has risen beyond 1.5 degrees Celsius causing harmful effects to both human and natural systems. The report also stressed that the science behind climate change is a “settled matter,” and that the most effective response right now is to reduce carbon dioxide pollution. Since 2019, numerous regions have been coping with extreme weather, including storms and floods, which led to the displacement of more than 13 million people across Asia and Africa. The report called attention to crops and trees being killed, the risk of hunger and malnutrition, water scarcity, as well as the
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invasion of mosquitoes, spreading diseases over new areas. “Climate-related risks to health, food security, water supply, human security, and economic growth are projected to increase with global warming of 1.5 degrees Celsius and increase further with 2 degrees Celsius,” warned the experts on their website. “Beyond 1.5, we’re not going to manage on a lot of fronts,” said Maarten van Aalst, the director of Red Cross Red Crescent Climate Center and one of the report’s co-authors. “If we don’t implement changes now in terms of how we deal with physical infrastructure, but also how we organize our societies, it’s going to be bad.” Hans-Otto Pörtner, a marine biologist in Germany involved in the report, warned in a New York Times article that it would be “certainly a very illusionary approach” to expect humanity to “adapt” to climate change which will worsen if nothing is done so far.
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Four Tips to Help You Prepare for Midterms
York’s Study Area.
By Tonia-lee Haughton Exams are usually the most nerve-racking parts of school for a student. Whether it’s a fear of disappointing parents in the event of failure or a drop in your GPA, these thoughts can make exam preparation overwhelming. Luckily, there are ways to ease your anxiety about test-taking. Here is how! 1) Search For Information As soon as your professor mentions the upcoming midterm, find out what topics they plan for the exam to cover. Be sure to check study sheets or cheat sheets if your professor provides you with any. Focus on those in your studies. Also, be sure to ask about the material in class that you don’t understand because you may need to know it for the exam. It is also important to know what kind of exam you’ll be given. These can range from multiple-choice, short answers and true/false. A certain format might be easier or more challenging for you than others, so you want to know what you’re in for so you can prepare accordingly.
2) Find Your Study Strategy Some people like to study using index cards. These can be helpful on the go, so you don’t have to walk around with a notebook. The traditional way of studying, which is memorizing directly from the notebook, is helpful to some. But some students say just memorizing isn’t helpful. Their view is that it’s just memorizing instead of learning. Think of it as relearning something you’ve written down as if you’re reading a book to learn something from it, except it’s written by you. Visual studying is not helpful for everyone. Some prefer audible aids, like recording their professor teaching in class or watching YouTube videos on what they’re studying for. There are many ways to help yourself learn something, but you have to find what works for you. 3) Time Management Studying for an exam you’re planning to pass takes time and should not be done overnight. Of course, some people have accomplished passing an exam by cram-
ming overnight. But if you’re an anxious person, it will be more beneficial to study ahead of time for at least one hour a day until the exam day. Or, you can study in short minute bursts throughout the day if your schedule is too busy to sit down for an hour studying. Cramming the night before means staying up past bedtime trying to retain information with a sleepy brain only to go into the exam the following day with minimal hours of sleep. Lack of sleep can affect your academic performance and cause physical and mental feelings of anxiety. Staying up too late can also result in low energy, diminishing your motivation for taking the exam. Even if you’re good at working under pressure, you are still jeopardizing your health. It is better to study for a midterm in advance rather than wait until the last minute. 4) Relax the Nerves No amount of preparation can ease your doubts and worries for an exam. You still need to know how to lessen your anxiety. Being too nervous during a test can hinder your performance. Fortunately, you
Photo by Niko Balkaran
can find different ways to calm yourself down. Exercising is helpful to some who like rigorous movements. You can run, walk, play a sport or join a gym. York has a fantastic one. Then there’s yoga, which is similar to exercise but gentler and can help ease tension in your body. Meditation is another way to help you relax about an exam. You may also find unconventional forms of relaxation, such as a hobby, spending time with friends or loved ones, playing with a pet, walking in nature, or listening to music. If possible, do any of these right before an exam. Choosing not to study close to exam time is a good idea. Whatever relaxes you is helpful enough. The bottom line to remember is exams can cause a lot of anxiety in students. But it’s a normal feeling towards something involving a lot of pressure. You can work through that nervousness and go beyond. Good luck in your midterms!
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ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT
York College’s Art Gallery’s New Exhibition FROM COVER Each artist is unique in their own right. For example, Anton Kerkula, one of the Queens-based artists, photographed his “R3-VisioOn3D” project, which focused on the surrealism of architecture and captured the view of building structures. It helped him to create depth and perspective for his audience. “At its core, this project aims to engage the viewer’s creativity and
imagination in order to bring attention to the architecture that often goes unnoticed around them,” Kerkula wrote in his artist statement. You can find a sneak peek of the exhibition on the York website and pictures from the past Biennials. York College Art Gallery encourages engagement from the community and plans on bringing more exposure to the arts.
Crunchyroll Now Has a Larger Anime Library.
Dominant Dansby’s Recycling Despair.
Photo by Jeliza James
José Carlos Casado’s Hetty is Black & White.
Photo by Jeliza James
Photo via Crunchyroll
By Niko Balkaran Sony has merged anime streaming services Crunchyroll and Funimation. As a result, anime that was exclusive to Funimation will now be available to Crunchyroll subscribers. There will be over 1600 hours and more than 50 new shows on Crunchyroll, according to the press release. Future exclusive content will also begin airing from April 1. Sony also confirmed that current Crunchyroll prices would remain unchanged. “The best thing I see coming out of this is that now the casual anime watcher won’t need to be paying more for two apps,” said Divad Smith, president of the York’s Anime Club. This merger means that Sony now controls the world’s largest anime library. Sony bought Crunchyroll last August for over $1 billion from AT&T, according to a Wired article. Sony said that existing Funimation users would have access to a deal where they can get two months of Crunchyroll Premium for free. “When we brought Funimation and Crunchyroll together last year, our top priority was to put fans first,” said Colin Decker, CEO of Crunchyroll. “Unifying all of our brands and services under the Crunchyroll brand globally enables us to offer more value than ever before as we combine subs, dubs, simulcasts, library, music, movies, manga-all into one subscription.” Crunchyroll is currently used in over 200 countries and territories and is offered in 10 languages, according to the press release.
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Jeanne Heifetz’s Pre-Occupied 90. Photo Credit: york.cuny.edu
Anton Kerkula’s R3-VisioOn3D series Building 5.
Jenny Foos’ Convulsive Beauty in the Fur Teacup Bar. Photo Credit: york.cuny.edu
José Carlos Casado’s Margaret is Black.
Monday, April 4, 2022
Photo Credit: york.cuny.edu
Photo by Jeliza James
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ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT
Lisa Ray: Born to be a Star By Ilvea Lezama At an early age, she knew she was going to make an impact in the world. At the age of seven, she wrote her first poem. By doing so, she manifested what her future would look like. “I wish I could be a star …. If I was a star, I’d sing beautiful songs and happiness I’d bring.” Being a star is exactly what our own York Radio Operator and Announcer, Lisa Ray, has been doing. Her journey has been arduous, but that has made her who she is today. In February of 2016, after visiting a NeuroMuscular Specialist following episodes of slurred speech and losing her balance, she was diagnosed with MS (Multiple Sclerosis). What is MS? It is an unpredictable disease of the central nervous system that disrupts the flow of information within the brain and between the brain and body, according to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Before this diagnosis, Ray had gone from phy-
sician to physician trying to figure out why this was happening. After countless tests, MRIs, unexplained weakness, etc., no one gave her a justifiable reason why she was feeling the way she was feeling. Little did she know that that would be the beginning of her story, the story that is making history. Born in Long Island but raised in Jamaica, Queens, Ray defines herself as a warrior. Ray is a radio engineer, editor, host, DJ, poet, singer, writer, comedy promoter, and advocate. While she is a woman who holds many titles, her favorite title is being a mother. All those titles did not come easy to her. Ray was once part of a music group in the 80s alongside two of her friends. The group was called Delicious, and they went on to record two songs produced by American singer-songwriter Teddy Riley. Music runs in her blood; her father was from South Georgia, and he loved soulful music, and her mother was from Puerto Rico and loved to sing in church. She recalls both
“I wish I could be a star...If I was a star, I’d sing beautiful songs and happiness I’d bring.” -Lisa Ray
A woman of many talents.
being great cooks and having freshly cooked meals on the table every day, music always being around the house. “My mom had an amazing voice,” said Ray. “I remember I used to imitate her when she sang.” Growing up as the youngest of three siblings, she remembers having a great childhood going to amusement parks, museums, and more. At a young age, she started working with her uncle, a dentist. She assisted him by taking x-rays and making appointments. She has always had the mentality of a hustler. Immediately after high school, she wanted to go to college, but financially it was too much for her and her family as her mom had just become ill. But Ray did not want to just stay with her high school diploma. Therefore, she signed up as a part-time student at York college while working full-time to pay her way through college. With all the adversities she
Ray at a book signing.
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Monday, April 4, 2022
Photo Courtesy of Lisa Ray
encountered, she made a name for herself in the finance world by working on Wall Street for 30 years while being a single mother to her son. Unfortunately, after the market crashed in 2008, she was laid off. But Ray did not let that stop her from continuing to make a name for herself. She formerly hosted a radio show in the late eighties on WNWK and is currently co-hosting and producing a radio show that airs once each month on the last Sunday of the month, RADIO1WORLDFESTGLOBAL. This internet show voices and concerns about “global cultural awareness/ acceptance, diversity, tolerance, and inclusion.” Continued on next page.
Photo Courtesy of Lisa Ray
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ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT
Lisa Ray: Born to be a Star Continued from previous page. As a DJ, an MC, she took all her knowledge, charisma, and positive energy to YCRadio (York College Radio) when she joined in October of 2017 and ever since has been making an impact in the life of the students who intern at the YCRadio. While working at YCRadio, Ray has published her first book of poems. Throughout her life, she has written over fifty poems which you could read in her book Angel’s Heart guided by light sold on amazon. She dedicated this book to her family, who have always supported her. She is also the co-author and contributing author of the book The Reveal: An anthology featuring 10 new authors, also sold on Amazon. “Writing is therapeutic; it has been a healing process for me, a way to cope,” Ray stated. “Life is poetic,” she said. After becoming ill with MS, Ray became an angel for the MS community. Her foundation has been a blessing and a voice for everyone in the MS community. She has become an angel with Angels Hearts of Hope Foundation Inc. The mission of her
foundation is to know there is still hope. “I want the world to know not to count us out. We are here. Our goal is to help those who need us, to inspire them,” Ray said. “I say what people wish they could say, God, put me in this position for a reason.” The foundation provides resources to the MS community, and helps students with MS by providing them with scholarships. She wants to continue fighting for the disabled community. She wants to continue being an advocate for them because the way people with disabilities get treated is unfair. Lisa Ray is a woman of many talents, a woman who has overcome all adversity to still give back to those who need her support. She wants to dedicate this article to her sister Maria Jamie Ray (2/25/62 – 8/24/2021), her sister, her best friend, a woman who became her mother figure when her mother passed away. If you would like to know more about Lisa Ray and her journey as an MS survivor. Visit her foundation’s Facebook page at Angels Hearts for Hope Foundation Inc. and her Instagram page at Thereal_LisaRay.
What are you doing in honor of Women’s History Month to celebrate the women who inspire you? Take the time to indulge in these films, which honor women who have left their mark on the world. Hidden Figures (2016) Based on a true story, Hidden Figures starring Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer and Janelle Monae, is a historical depiction of three women who made a lasting contribution to NASA’s space operation. The film takes place in the 60’s civil rights era, touching on the subjects of racial biases and the sexism these women faced in the workplace. In addition, the story highlights the achievements these women were able to make during an unprecedented time. Becoming (2020) Former first lady Michelle Obama reflected on her life in her Netflix documentary Becoming. She sought to impact and build connections with people from all walks of life by sharing her past experiences while inspiring the future. Knock Down the House (2019) This Netflix documentary followed four working-class women determined to make a difference for their 8
Photo Courtesy of Lisa Ray
Netflix Marvel Titles Finds New Home on Disney+
Five Films to Watch for Women’s History Month By Tatiana Tait
Ray’s foundation’s message is one of hope.
community. It explored the campaigns of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Cori Bush, Paula Jean Swearengin and Amy Vilela during their run for the 2018 midterm elections. All from different cities, but each has a similar mission to help improve their communities and answer the people’s concerns. The film documents the struggles and the strides taken in their journey to elections. Suffragette (2015) Suffragette starring Meryl Streep, Helena Bonham Carter, Carey Mulligan takes place in 1912 London, during the women’s suffrage era. It is the story of women who went through great lengths to receive their “God-given right” to vote in their country. The film showed the volatility between women and the government during this time and the sacrifices made by these women who were willing to get what they deserved by any means. Waiting to Exhale (1995) Waiting to Exhale, starring Whitney Houston, Loretta Devine, Angela Bassett and Lela Rochon, shows a true depiction of sisterhood and what it means to balance family and relationships. Now 27 years since its release, the film has left an impressionable mark on women from all walks of life. Its relatability makes this film worth the watch.
By Kezia Gustave Disney decided that beginning March 16, all Netflix Marvel shows would no longer be available on Netflix. Instead, they will be transferred to Disney Plus. Michael Paull, Disney’s president of streaming, announced the move in a press release. He also assured US customers that the platform would continue to evolve. “We have experienced great success with this on Disney Plus across our global markets and will continue that here in the US as well by offering our consumers not only great content but also a set of features that help ensure a viewing experience most suitable for them and their family,” Paull said in an article by the Verge. The Disney shows “Luke Cage,” “Daredevil,” “Jessica Jones,” “The Punisher,” “The Defenders,” and “Iron Fist” have been removed from Netflix. Customers will need to wait until mid-March to begin to watch or continue watching these shows. The company mentioned they would update parental controls during the press release since these seven shows contain violence and inappropriate language unsuitable for children, according to an article by CNBC. Disney Plus is now the primary platform or app for all Marvel Shows and movies. Although Disney Plus has aimed
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at children and teens, adult viewers will now have the opportunity to watch Marvel R-rated shows on the same platform. The Parents Television and Media Council (PTC) is standing up against Disney Plus’s decision to include R-rated and TV-MA marvel shows on their platform. “Disney is already at a competitive advantage with a streaming platform that is the safest one out there for families. Its foray into TV-MA-rated fare will forever tarnish its family-friendly crown,” declared Tim Winter, the president of the PTC, in an article from the Verge. The Marvel series “Agents of SHIELD” on ABC can be streamed on Disney Plus alongside these six other series.
Shows to Keep an Eye on in April. Moonknight - Streaming on Disney+. Bridgerton - Streaming on Netflix. DMZ - Streaming on HBO Max. Spy x Family - Streaming on Crunchyroll The First Lady - Showtime yorkpbnews.net
Room AC-3D01 or vist the York website to register for Zoom
OPINION
A Few Differences Between New York City Council Speaker and Mayor By Guamacice Delice New York City Council speaker Adrienne Adams and Mayor Eric Adams said they were willing to work together on some of the most pressing issues facing New Yorkers according to The New York Times. Recent statements from two of the city’s highest-ranking officials appear geared toward a common search for meeting the demands and defending their voters’ interests. Two signs predicted future collaboration between the two. The first one was that Adrienne Adams had endorsed Eric Adams’ bid for mayor. The second, the then elected mayor Adams congratulated Ms. Adams when assuring her election last December. After her election in Dec. 2021 to become the first female New York City council speaker, Adrienne Adams emerged as a fierce opponent to then elect mayor Eric Adams. Media and observers anticipated a conflict as both officials disagreed on several topics including some pillars of Mayor Adams’ agenda. A times article reported that one of those topics was Mr. Adams’s plan to allow the punishment by solitary confinement of incarcerated people involved in violent acts. Adrienne Adams supported a letter signed by 29 council members in which they compared the practice to a “form of torture.” Ms. Adams noted that violence in the city’s jails needs to be addressed therapeutically and from its roots. yorkpbnews.net
Another subject of disagreement between Mayor Eric Adams and Speaker Adrienne Adams concerns elections in New York City. The mayor contested a recent bill passed by the City Council to open the rights to vote in municipal elections to people with 30 days of residency. Mr. Adams said that the residency requirement should have been longer.
“The mayor and speaker, while not related, do have much in common. Both were born in 1960 and attended Bayside High School in Queens, but were not friends. Both are considered moderate democrats with similar political positions.” -Guamacice Delice The council passed the bill in December. Under city law, the mayor had 30 days to veto it, but since he chose not to, it automatically became a law on Jan. 9 that will go into effect on Jan. 9 of 2023. Speaker Adams said she would welcome the idea of amending the law to extend the required time for residence. Mayor Adams has voiced his unhappiness about having had no say in the process, which some predicted would mark the start of a difficult collaboration between the mayor’s office and the council. The mayor and speaker, while not re-
lated, do have much in common. Both were born in 1960 and attended Bayside High School in Queens, but were not friends. Both are considered moderate democrats with similar political positions. After endorsing the mayor in December, the speaker said she believed in “his plan to bring New York out of the pandemic and into stability once again,” and his ability, “...to bring us into abundance, to bring our tourism back, to bring our streets back, our safety back, to bring back the confidence in New York that the world has always had.” For his part, Mayor Adams rushed to congratulate the new speaker after the council voted her in, acknowledging that she had a “pivotal role” in his win. “Not only did Adrienne Adams endorse me, (but) she (also) voted against defunding the police,” he told The New York Times. Both have taken similar stances on eradicating gun violence while combating racial bias in the NYPD. Both have similar positions on the need for more affordable housing, better health care and schools, although they do not always agree on how to achieve those goals. Both clearly favored the appointment of Keechant Sewell, the first woman NYPD Police Commissioner who is also African American. The speaker has chaired the Council’s Committee on Public Safety, which includes within its purview the NYPD, the Civilian Complaint Review Board, the Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice, courts,
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legal services, District Attorneys, and the Office of the Special Narcotics Prosecutor. During her first term on the city council, she sponsored or contributed to fifteen bills which became laws. They include a police report on traffic encounters, financial disclosure from individuals with any interests in taxicab license, reports on arrests, summonses, removals, escorts, and use of force incidents in Department of Social Services/Human Resources Administration job centers and SNAP centers, assessment of risk factors associated with sexual harassment required from Department of Citywide Administrative Services. Mayor Adams appreciates the fact that the speaker teamed with other city council members in 2020 to block a bill that would have defunded the NYPD’s budget by a third. “What a lot of us recognized was that in some areas of New York City, shooting and criminal activity were on the rise and the hashtag, Defund the NYPD, doesn’t speak to that tragedy or to the residents who are affected by it,” said then-Councilwoman Adams at the time. The good news is that gun violence, Covid19 pandemic, economic crisis, social justice, and racial injustice sound like common ground to Mayor Eric Adams and Speaker Adrienne Adams. But from New York residents’ lens, the rest counts for little.
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OBITUARY Dr. Margaret Rose Vendryes, York Fine Arts Professor, Dies Message on Behalf of President Eanes: Dear York College Community, It is with profound sadness and deep regret that we announce the passing of Dr. Margaret Rose Vendryes, a longtime Fine Arts professor at York College. We do not have information about her passing, nor on plans for her family’s celebration of her life, but we are honored that she served York with distinction for more than 20 years as teacher, artist, Gallery director, department chair and so much more. As reported last fall, Dr. Vendryes was preparing for a new position as Dean of the School of The Museum of Fine Arts at Tufts University in Massachusetts. We will miss her talents on York’s campus, but we will now also miss her friendship. She was a dynamic presence at York and in the world and we extend our condolences to her partner, her children, her department and her many friends and colleagues at York College. Dr. Vendryes shepherded a large donation of African art from alumnus Victor Richards, which is on permanent exhibit in and outside the Africana-American Resource Center in the Academic Core Building. She represented the college in the community, serving on the board of Jamaica Center for Arts and Learning (JCAL) a museum, teaching and performance space on Jamaica Avenue. Dr. Vendryes served as a York College Foundation Board member and was being honored at York’s April 13th Gala as a “Faculty Honoree” for her commitment to the College. With the approval of her family, we now
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hope to instead honor her posthumously that evening. Dr. George White, Interim Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences, which houses Dr. Vendryes’ department, worked closely with her when she was director of The Africana Studies Center; and had many conversations with her during their years as department chairs as well. He sums up our collective despair. “There are people who come into our lives and make everything around us vibrant and verdant. Margaret was a multi-genius who was as comfortable talking to scholars as she was talking to budding, teenaged creatives. Margaret was one of those people and our community is diminished by her loss.” We again extend our condolences to Dr. Vendryes’ family and her entire York family of friends and colleagues, especially in the Performing and Fine Arts department. Berenecea J. Eanes, President In an earlier letter from President Eanes, Dr. Vendryes was praised for expertise as an historian, visual artist, curator and an educator both in and out of the formal classroom. Dr. Vendryes has been a professor of Art History for over twenty years and is widely published in her field as author of the book, Barthé: A Life in Sculpture, which was the first complete biography of African American sculptor Richmond Barthé. Dr. Vendryes has been dedicated to the cause of diversity and inclusion in all its variations, including race, gender, LGBQT+ community members, celebrating diversity and promoting inclusion. Under her leadership, York College’s Fine Arts Gallery expanded its audience focus to include the exter-
York Fine Arts Professor. Photo Credit: york.cuny.edu
nal Queens community. She founded As a visual artist, she self-describes the Southeast Queens Biennial and as being “concerned with representhe Jamaica Summer Artist Residency tations of gender, race, and cultural at York College. identities in the African Diaspora.” In particular, her years-long ongoing “Margaret was a multi-genius who painting and mixed media series The was as comfortable talking to African Diva Project is “informed by scholars as she was talking to bud- her engagement with African aesthetding, teenaged creatives.” ics and popular African American mu-George White sic and visual culture.” Hyper locally, reproductions of her African Diva Dr. Vendryes has served in leader- paintings have been exhibited by the ship positions on many campus-wide MTA along Jamaica Avenue and in committees, including those for Writ- exhibitions at the Jamaica Center for ing Across the Curriculum and the Arts and Learning. Africana Resource Center. She was She has served York and its stualso for a time, faculty liaison to the dents with passion and dedication. LGBTQ+ faculty liaison for a time.
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SPORTS David Heyliger Jr. - Volleyball Whiz and CUNYAC All-Star “David is always communicating and supporting his teammates on the court during practice and games, building courage and skills with his teammates,” says Titus Jr. Titus Jr emphasized that Heyliger Jr. demonstrates all the qualities of a model student-athlete on and off the court, from having great sportsmanship and uplifting his teammates to being the best players they can be. When Heyliger Jr. received player of the week from CUNYAC, Titus Jr. said he felt proud because they are both David Heyliger Jr. Photo credit: yorkathletics. ambassadors for the Virgin Islands for com volleyball. By Kiara Gonzalez Besides volleyball, Heyliger Jr. also likes to play basketball, football and David Heyliger Jr. is a member of baseball. David Heyliger Jr. is an athYork College’s Men’s Volleyball team. lete at heart and being fit and active is He has been an outside hitter and part of his daily life. He can play any middle blocker during his volleyball sport he pleases, but Titus Jr. recruited career. Heyliger Jr.’s achievements him solely for volleyball. include Rookie of the week twice in “In volleyball, I love playing all of 2020, player of the week in February the hitting positions because, for me, and First team all-star by CUNYAC. that’s the most exciting and skillful “I’ve been playing volleyball almost my whole life, since the 5th grade, and I’m willing to take this career as far as my body and mind will allow me to,” said Heyliger Jr, a Movement Science major. Heyliger Jr. has demonstrated what it’s like to be an all-around player, on and off the court. Born in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, he hopes to become a physical trainer and give back to his island through sports education. Andre M. Titus Jr., the head coach of the Men’s volleyball team, recruited Heyliger Jr. back in 2017. However, he didn’t get to play for the Cardinals until 2019. The team’s current standing for the Cardinals is 0-4. So far, no conference games have been played.
Heyliger Jr. in the zone.
part of the game,” says Heyliger Jr. Before college, Heyliger Jr. had four championships under his belt from middle school and high school. He hopes to bring York College a championship as well. The training he’s received from his coaches throughout the years has shaped him to be the athlete he is today, from his resilience, persistence, desire to be better and improve his craft. One of his mottoes that he lives by is, “No books, no ball” because sports cannot be played if the work in school isn’t done. Although
Heyliger Jr. in action.
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Photo credit: yorkathletics.com
the term student-athlete is taught to be a student first and athlete second, it is more rewarding when the schoolwork is completed to the best of your ability and then play on the court.
Would you like to be featured here? Is there a York athlete you admire who you think should be featured here? Email Niko Balkaran at: niko.balkaran@yorkmail.cuny. edu
Photo credit: yorkathletics.com
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APRIL EVENTS March 31 to April 4 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. – York College 3rd Annual Virtual Health Fair
Support Circle Location: AC 3C01
Partner Violence in the LGBTQI+ Community
April 15 – 22 – Spring Break
April 26 from 12 to 2 – “Untold: Malice at April 5 at 12 to 2 p.m. – Girl Talk: “Con- April 8 – Last day to apply for Pass/Fail the Palace” Virtual Documentary ScreenApril 1 to 14 – Submission of Application sent: How to Give/Get It” Option ing & Panel Discussion for Admission to an Education Program Room AC-3C01 Room AC-1D12 April 8 – Last day for INC grade changes April 26 from 12 to 1 – Virtual Workshop: April 5 from 1 – 2:30 – NYC’S Spring, for Fall 2021 and Winter 2022 to be re- Your Needs Matter: How to Get What You April 1 – Softball Game – York vs John 2022 Edge4Vets Online Workshop Series ceived by the Office of the Registrar Want Jay College April 5 from 2 to 4 – Virtual SEC Presenta- April 12 from 12 to 2 – Dress for Success April 26 from 12 to 1 – Virtual PresentaApril 1 and recurring every Friday from 7 tion to CUNY Business Students Student Ambassadors tion on Charged Lepton Flavor Violation to 8 p.m. – Virtual Peers to Peers Let’s Location AC-1M07 at Fermilab: The Mu2e Experiment Talk April 7 from 11 to 3 p.m. – Women’s Reproductive Health Resource Fair and April 12 from 12 to 1:30 –Senator Jessica April 26 from 12 to 1 – Virtual Math/CS April 4 to 20 – Commencement Exercise Panel Discussion Ramos at York College Virtual (Image) Club Talk: The License Plate Challenge Appeal Location 3H Atrium April 12 from 12 to 1:00 – Virtual Work- April 26 from 12:15 to 1:15 – Handling April 5 from 12 to 1:15 – Virtual NAMI April 7 from 12 – Virtual Northwell Health shop on Stress: How to Stay Calm in the stress and social anxiety Mental Health 101 Workshop Workshop “Path Inclusion” Midst of Chaos Location: AC-3C01 April 5 from 12 to 1 – Virtual workshop on April 7 from 12 to 2 – Cancer Awareness April 12 from 4 to 6 (Split into two one-hour Time Management: Taming the Uncer- Workshop sessions) – Virtual Occupational Therapy tainty Location AC-1M07 and Zoom Information Session
April 26 from 12:15 to 1:15 –Intimate Partner Violence in the LGBTQI+ Community Location: AC-3C01
April 5 from 12 to 1 – Virtual Math/CS April 7 from 12 to 2 – Community Forum: April 13 from 5 to 7 – Paint with a Twist 2 Club Talk: An Introduction to math for so- Ending Gender-based Violence Location: 2D07 cial justice Location 3C01 April 13 from 5:30 to 7 – Virtual EmpowApril 5 and recurring every Tuesday from April 7 from 12 to 1:30 – Spring Sympo- erment Film Series: The Death and Life of 12 to 12:30 – Virtual Career Services Ori- sium Marsha P Johnson entation Location AC-3D01 and Zoom April 14 from 12:15 to 1:45 – Assessment April 5 and recurring every Tuesday from April 7 and recurring every Thursday from Celebration 12:30 to 1:00 – Virtual Career Readiness 12 to 12:30 – Virtual Resume Clinic Location: AC-2D01 and Zoom Assessment April 7 and recurring every Thursday from April 14 from 1 to 2 – Handling stress and April 5 and recurring every Tuesday from 1 to 2 – Virtual Back to School Stress: A social anxiety – Virtual 1:00 to 1:30 – Virtual Internship event Meetup April 14 from 1 to 2 – How to Succeed in April 5 from 12:15 – 1:15 – Student Parent April 7 from 1 to 2 – Virtual Intimate Business Virtual meeting
April 26 from 12:30 to 2 – Senate Plenary
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April 27 from 5 to 7 – Veterans Affairs Movie Night Location: 2D07 April 28 from 1:00 to 2:00 – Virtual Student Parent Support Circle April 28 from 4 – Virtual LEADS LOL Event – Efficacy/The Personal and the Political
Visit york.cuny.edu/events for more information.
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