The Red & Black | March 2, 2023

Worldwide impact

Students and faculty reel in aftermath of Turkey, Syria earthquakes

Maddie Brechtel

“In times like these, I think we are reminded of the fragility of life.”

These are the words of Esra Santesso, an English professor at the University of Georgia. Her family lives in Istanbul — the city where she grew up. On Feb. 6, a 7.8 magnitude earthquake shook southern and central Turkey and reached northwestern Syria. Although Santesso’s family in the capital were far from the epicenter, the aftershocks of the tragedy resounded across the world through those who, like Santesso, have loved ones in Turkey and Syria.

As the nations attempted to rebuild and hold on to the hope of rescuing those who disappeared under the rubble, a second earthquake struck just days after the first. A sizable aftershock, the second earthquake reached a magnitude of 6.3, and a third 5.6 magnitude earthquake hit on Feb. 27.

The death toll, which is still being tallied, has surpassed

for Santesso and UGA Ph.D. candidate Ayça Fackler, who both came to the U.S. from Turkey for their education.

“I have a lot of high school friends who are from the region, and they have lost a number of family members. It’s very difficult to fathom what they’re going through,” Santesso said. “When we look at the news coming from CNN or other Turkish media ... it’s just heartbreaking.”

Like Santesso, Fackler said her family is also not near the affected areas. But both said seeing the extent of the damage and hearing of those who lost loved ones also brings up feelings of survivor’s guilt for them and their families.

Not all members of the UGA community were this lucky— UGA Ph.D. student Ali Zelan’s parents are, like many others in Turkey and Syria, left without a home following the tragedy.

While all said they have received an outpouring of support from friends, colleagues and people in their specific departments, Fackler felt there was still a lack of support. She said she was disappointed to see a lack of response from UGA since other universities acknowledged the situation and extended support to their students affected by the tragedy. Zelan said he also expected more overall support and solidarity, especially after the large show of support for Ukraine when Russia invaded the country and declared war.

“As part of the international community, part of the diversity at UGA, we always hear about embracing diversity. But when it comes to the reality, it is really frustrating to see people just not acknowledge or know [about the earthquake],” Zelan said. “I don’t want to blame anyone personally or even the institution, but we just felt sad. We were expecting more initiatives from the administration.”

The support in the local Athens community, especially among the international community, has been widespread according to Zelan and Fackler. Zelan and his friend, recent UGA graduate and postdoctoral researcher Yasin Topcu, are both involved in the Turkish Student Organization. They said the organization has been working hard to fundraise for disaster relief and engage with orphans and victims of the disaster.

“We believe that we can [overcome] this situation together. It’s not one government or one country doing this job. We need some international aid. I believe we can heal the wounds together easily,” Topcu said.

Although the earthquake’s aftermath came with loss and tragedy, Santesso said disasters like these can also force those to find a “sense of purpose” and be reminded that everyone is part of a global community.

“Even though Athens is a small town, it really makes its presence known in a very significant way on the global scale,” Santesso said. “And that gives me a lot of hope.”

NESSA TAM/STAFF

Yasin Topcu holds his daughter in Stegeman Coliseum at a University of Georgia basketball game. COURTESY/YASIN TOPCU

You don’t want to accept the reality, and you’re just constantly thinking that it is a nightmare

Ali Zelan | Ph.D. Candidate

A year in review

The new era of Georgia basketball

Bo Underwood

When the 2022-23 Georgia basketball season tipped off in November, so did a new chapter in program history. Both of the school’s basketball teams welcomed new head coaches from the sunshine state. Former Florida head coach Mike White was brought in on March 13th to lead the men’s team, and Katie Abrahamson-Henderson came from the University of Central Florida on March 26th to coach the women’s team.

Abrahamson-Henderson spent two years of her playing career as a Bulldog herself, and her return to Athens marked a homecoming for “Coach Abe”.

“This is a dream come true,” Abrahamson-Henderson said in March after her hiring was announced. “I am thrilled to return to Georgia as the head coach at one of the premier women’s basketball programs in the country.”

As is common in the age of the transfer portal, the hiring of new coaches meant that both programs’ rosters were immediately shaken up — almost beyond recognition. The women’s team swapped out nearly half its roster. Seven players entered the transfer portal, and a glut of graduate transfers and freshmen — many of whom previously had ties to UCF — swooped in to take their place.

“When I left, it was really hard [to build a roster],” Abrahamson-Henderson said. “I got here and I didn’t know who was staying versus who wasn’t staying. I didn’t know what our scholarship situation was. Then some things opened up [with former UCF players Diamond Battles, Brittney Smith and Alisha Lewis], and they decided they wanted to come here and play again, which was big for our culture.”

The men’s team had six players transfer into the program and a flurry of others who left either via graduation or the portal. At the start of their season, the Bulldogs sometimes ran 11- or 12man rotations as White figured out the bells and whistles of his almost all-new lineup.

“A lot of it is trial and error, and communicating with our guys honestly and consistently,” White said of the team’s rapidly evolving rotation. “Preaching that if we win, we all win. Everyone in college basketball, for the most part, wants a larger role. The guys that aren’t starting want to start, and the guys that are starting want to lead us in scoring. We [had] to settle in, sacrifice and figure out how big our rotation is going to be.”

Both teams started off relatively well in non-conference play, with the women’s team posting an 11-3 record and the men going 10-3. The men’s team had been learning on the fly what its rotation and identity would be but came to a turning point of sorts after a hard-fought loss to Georgia Tech in December.

“That month after Georgia Tech is the month that this group really grew the most and really took advantage of extra gym time and lack of academic commitments. I’m proud of the growth that we had that month,” White said. “We’re the most improved defensive team in the country. These guys have laid it down every day on the court to become a good defensive team.”

The men’s team continued to improve defensively as its season progressed, though defense was a hallmark for the women’s team essentially from the jump. Georgia led the SEC in steals and turnovers forced, and were defensive pests all season. Its finest defensive performance came in January, when Georgia held Mississippi State to just 34 points on an abysmal 27% shooting and swiped 11 steals.

“Getting a new job, if you can bring in your culture kids — the type of kids who play the type of style you like to play — it is very beneficial,” Abrahamson-Henderson said of the team’s ability to quickly build an identity as a tough defensive team.

Although the men’s team had a promising start to its SEC schedule with a win over Auburn, the team struggled mightily in mid-January, dropping six of seven games. This likely put any NCAA Tournament hopes it might have had on ice. Georgia posted lackluster shooting performances in its games against Tennessee and Texas A&M, and were gashed defensively by Vanderbilt and in a rematch against Auburn.

This rough stretch for the men’s team culminated in a 49-point thrashing at the hands of top-ranked Alabama, a 32-point implosion against Arkansas and a 22-point collapse against Missouri. The team’s struggles can be partially chalked up to injuries — like the absence of guard Terry Roberts due to a concussion— but mostly to undeniably poor play on both ends of the court. Whatever the case was, the Bulldogs’ inexperience playing together and lack of a clear offensive identity was beginning to show, despite the strides they had taken on defense.

As the men’s team struggled in conference play, the women’s team started to peak at the perfect time. The Bulldogs went on a five-game winning streak and a stretch where they won seven of eight games against SEC opponents. The team’s defense continued to be its calling card, but Abrahamson-Henderson noted improvement in other areas as well — namely on the boards.

“When we played LSU, they were getting all the offensive rebounds, and we weren’t going in there,” Abrahamson-Henderson said.

“Those are the things we really worked on.”

As March approached, both teams were preparing for postseason play with the SEC tournaments quickly approaching. The women’s team finished the regular season with a 20-10 record — going 9-8 in conference play — while the men’s team won’t play its final regular season game until March 4.

Each team has had its fair share of ups and downs throughout the season, which is par for the course when dealing with a new head coach and a roster makeover. Though not at the top of the conference, both programs have established themselves as hard-nosed, tough teams who fight for all 40 minutes. If they continue to build on that, the future could be bright for both teams.

“I’m blessed to be here,” White said. “I love it here and we’re excited about building something special here... I’m fired up about the Georgia Bulldogs.”

We’re the most improved defensive team in the country. These guys have laid it down every day on the court to become a good defensive team.

Mike White, Georgia men’s basketball head coach

Katie Abrahamson-Henderson speaks at her introductory press conference. SIDNEY CHANSAMONE/STAFF

Demanding respect

Sexism in academia persists even today

Emma Griffin

Women often experience adverse challenges when pursuing higher education, ranging from general feelings of unwelcomeness to outright harassment. While laudable progress has been made since women were first allowed into universities and colleges, pervasive sexism still persists within the academic field even today, both for students and professors.

Spring 2023 Staff

Female-presenting students have different experiences in college due to demands of their respective majors. For example, in humanities classes where discussions are common, women often have difficulty speaking up or being heard and experience frequent interruptions or complete disregard from male students. Since the University of Georgia has a larger female undergraduate population, much like many other American universities, this will hopefully experience more pushback as more students feel comfortable sharing their ideas.

This is a great sign of progress, but science, technology, engineering and mathematics, or STEM, majors and classes still draw a predominantly-male student population. While this lack of diversity may seem insignificant, women in STEM classes may not have the support and community of fellow women, which presents obstacles in the classroom that male counterparts do not face. Women are often relegated to note taking roles rather than more active roles in group settings. Students that are active in their learning are much less likely to fail, often leading to higher grades, but women feel pressure to passively interact.

“[Women] tend to either take on or be assigned roles automatically that kind of fall under the ... emotional labor category, so things like taking notes, scheduling meetings, taking care of the calendar, organizing everyone’s phone numbers,” said Dr. Alison Banka, a lecturer in the School of Chemical, Materials, and Biomedical Engineering at UGA. She is proactive about preventing

this phenomenon in the first place, asking her students to be more mindful about the roles they may feel inclined to take.

But gender biases are not exclusive to student interactions, they extend to faculty positions as well. For example, female professors are far more likely to be referred to by the incorrect title, such as being called “Ms.” instead of “Dr.” Banka commented that this experience is “not uncommon,” even if women have similar or more advanced credentials.

Outside of the classroom, Banka has no problem with reserving “Dr.” for medical practitioners. But there is a need for it in the classroom, Banka noted the importance of asserting yourself as the professor, especially due to the small age gap between herself and her students.

There is a decline in female enrollment in higher education after graduate school. This reveals a troubling issue — the inward flux of undergraduate female students does not carry enough inertia to push women into higher-level academic positions.

That inertia comes from fair representation and equal opportunities. Women do not see themselves adequately represented in these higher-level positions and thus do not have role models to follow. Furthermore, if they do apply, they are often sidelined due to unexamined biases from male researchers responsible for hiring lab assistants. Studies show that faculty rate male applicants as more competent even when judging the identical female applicant.

Women of color face much higher discrepancies in academia. Although Black women are more represented in full-time positions at universities than Black men, still only 4% of these positions are filled by Black women. In terms of full-time professorship, that percentage drops to only 2%. While considering gender bias, it is important to recognize how other forms of discrimination impact certain individuals.

Women of color experience a far more intense version of the two-fold problem mentioned above. Despite these obstacles, Black women spearhead many important scientific discoveries. However, research shows young Black girls often receive low expectations from STEM teachers and that Black women must prove themselves more in the workplace. These additional barriers must also be recognized in the conversation about academic discrimination.

Thankfully, sexism does not mean that women cannot succeed in academia. There is still room in many spaces at universities to cultivate a community of women that can empower one another and fight back against misogynistic pressures.

“Things are definitely getting better but that doesn’t necessarily mean that smaller

slights and microaggressions still can’t have a toll on somebody,” said Banka. She feels content in her position at UGA, especially since she feels the presence of other women in surrounding academic positions. However, she does recognize the effects of harassment and acknowledges that “you don’t always have to choose to swim upstream.”

While academic settings have become more accepting, we must consciously recognize the large discrepancies in female populations within higher-level positions, and their ensuing impact on female students and professors. Sexism within academia is hardly defeated, but as more women speak up and dare to pursue previously inaccessible academic spaces, progress is not only possible but inevitable.

Editor’s note: Emma Griffin is a junior majoring in political science and international affairs.

Women’s history at UGA

1914 - Mary Lyndon graduates with a Master’s of Arts after moving from Columbia University, becoming the first woman to graduate from the University of Georgia.

1918 - The first 12 women were officially admitted to the UGA to study home economics, a two-year program which focused on concepts such as home gardening and canning.

1919 - Mary Lyndon becomes the first woman Associate Professor of Education and Dean of Women at UGA.

1962 - Mary Frances Early becomes the first Black woman to graduate from UGA, Charlayne Hunter-Gault had been the first Black woman student to enroll the year prior.

1968 - Nearly 500 students protest against UGA’s treatment of women and petition for “the university take immediate steps to equalize the rights of men and women students.”

1970 - Margaret Vaughn becomes the first Black woman to graduate from the Terry College of Business, who soon began working at the Department of the Treasury.

1972 - Title IX passes, which protects those in federally-funded educational programs from gender discrimination.

1977 - UGA’s women’s studies program was created with Dr. Maija Blaubergs as coordinator. She was later denied promotion and sued the university citing her role as the cause.

2022 - 58% of the student population at UGA is female.

Are we together? Students voice thoughts on SGA representation

Carson Barrett

The Student Government Association represents the student body at the University of Georgia and advocates for members of the UGA community. Every spring semester, students vote for their respective college’s senators and executive ticket campaigns.

Senators are the law-making authority of SGA and act in the interest of their own college’s community. Executive ticket campaigns include a president, vice president and treasurer who make broad policies for the entire student body. These branches as well as the judicial branch make up SGA and impact certain parts of student life on campus.

But how much of an effect does student government really have on the UGA community? The effect and approval of legislation varies between each bill. Some programs directly benefit students such as Food for Fines, which waives $50 parking citations from UGA for donating 10 14-ounce canned goods.

The Red & Black asked students at UGA if they had seen a real impact from SGA and what they would like to see in the future. Editor’s note: Carson Barrett is a biochemical engineering major and opinion editor.

Herrera PROMOTIONS ASSISTANT Bryce Colgate, Katherine White OUTREACH MANAGER Michaya Costen

CREATIVE SERVICES 706-433-3021 CREATIVE SERVICES MANAGER Maddie Daniel

STUDIO ASSISTANT Tim O’Brien DIVERSITY & INCLUSION COMMITTEE

CHAIR Libby Hobbs

AT-LARGE MEMBERS Carson Barrett, Claire Han, Dawn Sawyer, Melanie Velasquez

Professional Staff

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Charlotte Norsworthy 706-433-3009 | cnorsworthy@randb.com

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER Melissa Mooney 706-433-3007 | mmooney@randb.com

NEWSROOM ADVISER Rebecca Burns

706-433-3000 | rburns@randb.com

CREATIVE SERVICES DIRECTOR Brandon Dudley 706-433-3021 | production@randb.com

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GUIDES & MAGAZINES ADVISER Mary Logan Bikoff

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About Us

Publishing online daily at redandblack.com and in print each Thursday of the academic year by The Red & Black Publishing Company Inc.

Subscriptions: $84. All rights reserved. Reprints by permission. Opinions expressed are those of contributors and not necessarily those of The Red & Black Publishing Company Inc. The Red & Black has covered the University of Georgia and Athens since 1893. Independent of the university since 1980, The Red & Black is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit company with the dual missions of training students for future careers in journalism and serving our community as an independent news source. We receive no funding from the university and are self-supporting through advertising, events and donations.

Corrections

In the Feb. 2 issue, the cover story on A3 incorrectly stated the number of columns in the Divine Nine installment on UGA’s campus. An opinion column on A4 incorrectly stated that Avid Bookshop relocated in 2015. The Red & Black regrets these errors, and they have been corrected on our website.

If you spot a factual error, please let us know by sending a correction to editor@randb.com.

You don’t always have to choose to swim upstream.”

Alison Banka | Ph.D.

Kamari Ellis Senior public relations major “[SGA may have] little impact on me directly, but I have seen what they want to do. I feel like sometimes what they want to do isn’t implemented because of the institution we go to.”

Ashlyn Carroll Sophomore journalism major “I would like [SGA] to connect with students more because it is the Student Government Association. I feel like I know people who were involved with it but that’s just because they were in similar organizations that I do.”

Jocelyn Kirchen Freshman art history major “I just don’t know really how to interact with the people who are involved in [SGA] to see who I want to support.”

Helen Sorme Sophomore journalism and sociology major “I don’t know if I’ve seen any impact [from SGA], maybe because I don’t pay attention too much to it, but the [for] elections that were going on last week, I was swayed by majority opinion a little bit.”

ABBIE HERRIN/STAFF

The redistricting of ACC District 2 became effective on Jan 1, 2023. The old (L) and the new (R) have major differences. COURTESY/ACC GOVERNMENT La redistribución de distritos del Distrito 2 de ACC entró en vigencia el 1 de enero del 2023. El antiguo (I) y el nuevo (D) tienen grandes diferencias. CORTESÍA/GOBIERNO DE ACC

Lo que necesita saber

Vista previa de la elección especial del comisionado del Distrito 2

El condado de Athens-Clarke llevará a cabo una elección especial convocada para el puesto de comisionado del Distrito 2 el martes 21 de marzo.

La votación anticipada se abrió el lunes 27 de febrero y continuará hasta el viernes 17 de marzo. Las solicitudes para boletas de voto en ausencia ya están disponibles y se aceptarán hasta el viernes 10 de marzo. Las boletas de voto en ausencia comenzarán a enviarse por correo el lunes 27 de febrero. La oficina de elecciones del condado de Athens-Clarke llevará acabo elecciones en persona el sábado 4 de marzo, el sábado 11 de marzo y el domingo 12 de marzo.

La comisión del condado de Athens-Clarke es un grupo de funcionarios electos para representar a cada distrito en el condado de Athens-Clarke. Su deber es diseñar y votar políticas en nombre de los residentes de su distrito para el mejoramiento de la comunidad.

La próxima elección es para ocupar el puesto de comisionado del Distrito 2 después de que Mariah Parker anunciara su renuncia el pasado agosto del 2022 y dimitiera oficialmente en septiembre. Parker renunció para involucrarse más con Raise Up the South, un grupo sindical que trabaja para aumentar el salario mínimo a $15 por hora y crear mejores entornos de trabajo para trabajos de bajos salarios.

Los candidatos que se postulan para este puesto incluyen a la ex comisionada del Distrito 3 Melissa Link y la ex miembra de la Junta de Educación del condado de Athens-Clarke, Kirrena Gallagher.

Link dijo que planea apoyar nuevas políticas para hacer que las viviendas asequibles y las viviendas para estudiantes en Athens sean más accesibles, preservar los edificios históricos y combatir la destrucción ambiental.

“Espero poder aportar todo lo que he aprendido y esas relaciones que construí en las comunidades de East Athens y Newtown, y al resto de Normaltown,” dijo Link.

Gallagher dijo que espera implementar más programas que brinden más recursos a los jóvenes de Athens y que apoyen a la población local sin hogar invirtiendo en soluciones más sostenibles.

“Asegurarme de escuchar para aprender y levantar las voces de las personas que las comparten conmigo y encontrar las voces de aquellos que sienten que no pueden usar su voz,” dijo Gallagher.

La votación en persona se ubicará en 155 East Washington St. Athens, GA 30601. Las boletas de voto en ausencia se pueden enviar por correo a P.O. casilla número 1828. Si tiene preguntas, comuníquese con la directora de elecciones y registro de votantes del condado de Athens-Clarke, Charlotte Sosebee, a charlotte.sosebee@accgov.com.

Todos los ciudadanos calificados del Distrito 2 del condado de Athens-Clarke mayores de 18 años son elegibles para registrarse para votar. Para verificar el registro de votantes o el distrito, visite la página de registro de votantes en línea de Georgia o comuníquese con la oficina electoral de ACC al 833-822-VOTE (8683).

— Traducido por Ana Chirinos

What you need to know

Previewing the District 2 Commissioner special election

Athens-Clarke County will be conducting a special called election for the position of District 2 Commissioner on Tuesday, March 21.

Early voting opened on Monday, Feb. 27 and will continue until Friday, March 17. Applications for absentee ballots are available now and will be accepted until Friday, March 10. Absentee ballots will begin being mailed on Monday, Feb. 27. The Athens-Clarke County Elections office will be holding in-person elections on Saturday, March 4, Saturday, March 11, and Sunday, March 12.

The Athens-Clarke County Commission is a group of elected officials to represent each district in Athens-Clarke County. Their duty is to devise and vote on policies on behalf of their district’s residents for the betterment of the community.

The coming election is to fill the seat of District 2 Commissioner after Mariah Parker announced their resignation this past August, 2022 and officially stepped down in September. Parker resigned to get more involved with Raise Up the South, a labor union group working to increase minimum wage to $15 per hour and create better work environments for low-wage jobs.

The candidates running for this position include previous District 3 Commissioner Melissa Link and former Athens-Clarke County Board of Education member Kirrena Gallagher.

Link said she plans to support new policies on making affordable housing as well as student housing in Athens more accessible, preserving historical buildings and combating environmental destruction.

“I hope I can bring everything that I’ve learned and those relationships that I built into the communities of East Athens and Newtown, and the rest of Normaltown,” Link said.

Gallagher said she hopes to implement more programs that provide more resources to Athens youth and support the local homeless population by investing in more sustainable solutions.

“Making sure that I listen to learn, and lift up the voices of the people who are sharing them with me and finding the voices of those who feel like they can’t use their voice,” Gallagher said.

In-person voting will be located at 155 East Washington St. Athens, GA 30601. Absentee ballots can be mailed to P.O. box number 1828. For questions, contact the Athens-Clarke County director of elections and voter registration, Charlotte Sosebee, at charlotte.sosebee@accgov.com.

All qualified Athens-Clarke County District 2 citizens over the age of 18 are eligible to register to vote. To verify voter registration or district, visit the Georgia online voter registration page or contact the ACC Elections office at 833-822-VOTE (8683). — Article by Briar Bundy

Stepping up to the plate

UGA softball starting strong behind junior outfielder Jayda Kearney

Catherine Eastman

Jayda Kearney, a junior outfielder for the Georgia softball team, had a spectacular 2022 season. When she came to the University of Georgia in 2020, she had a fairly abnormal freshman campaign due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, Kearney persevered, which led to her flourishing as an athlete and teammate during her sophomore year.

The 2022 season was bound to differ from other seasons considering the installation of a new coaching staff for the Bulldogs’ softball team. Head coach Tony Baldwin, J.T. D’Amico, Chelsea Wilkinson and Alyssa DiCarlo joined the coaching staff during Kearney’s sophomore season.

Kearney’s exceptional sophomore year was evidenced by the fact that she was named to NFCA All-Southeast Region Second Team and the All-SEC First team, hit 15 home runs that ranked her 11th in the entire SEC, led the Bulldogs with 56 RBIs, was named SEC and Louisville Slugger/ NFCA Player of the Week and hit .727 in five games of the Bulldog Classic.

Baldwin described Kearney as “immensely talented” with her combination of speed, power and physicality. She

Virginia Miller

evolved not only as a great athlete but also as a person.

“But the other thing that we all love about her is just her personality and general demeanor that she brings to the team every day,” Baldwin said.

Kearney had the opportunity to focus on the mental state of her game this past season, a goal she set for herself since she first arrived at UGA. The Bulldog Classic was the first time she recalled feeling relaxed during games.

Baldwin reflected on how he has seen Kearney evolve.

“To see her become more resilient, to just continue to believe that she can get it and then fight for it,” Baldwin said.

“I think that’s the biggest difference in who she is today as a player versus when she got here. She has a lot more belief in herself of what she can do and [I] look forward to her continuing to just grow that this year.”

Kearney strives to not focus on RBIs, batting averages and ratings, and instead allows herself to do what she knows she is capable of: letting the “athletic ability take care of itself.”

When going up to bat, she aims to remain calm by taking a few deep breaths. Before games, she practices talking positively to herself so she can go into the game with “as much confidence as possible.”

In her first few races as a Georgia Bulldog, freshman Kaila Jackson has taken the collegiate world of track and field by storm. She seized the school record in the 60-meter dash with a time of 7.16 seconds, which made her the sixth-fastest woman in the NCAA.

From Renaissance High School in Redford, Michigan, Jackson was already making a name for herself. She has five Michigan high school state titles: two in the 100-meter dash and three in the 200-meter dash. She was the Gatorade Michigan Girls Track & Field Player of the Year as a senior and the 2022 Detroit Athletic Club Michigan Athlete of the Year. Even though she was quickly becoming a major threat in the 60-meter dash, things were not always this easy for Jackson. As an athlete, Jackson is very open with her struggle with Type 1 diabetes and how that has affected her as a runner since she was diagnosed in the eighth grade.

“I really thought I wasn’t going to be able to do track anymore,” Jackson said. “Getting over that was hard at first, but now I can do many different things like class and sports normally.” Along with living with diabetes, adjusting to a new level of track was another conflict for Jackson. She entered the college track and field world as a highly-decorated high school athlete attempting to continue that streak in college.

“I feel like being able to focus a lot more on mental stability throughout the season definitely helped me push my game to the next level,” Kearney said.

Kearney was ranked 98th on D1 Softball’s 150 top players of 2022. She has advanced into her junior season with much experience and growth in light of her success. That experience has allowed Kearney to get off to a hot start.

At the UCF Black and Gold Tournament on Feb. 10, 2023, Kearney became the first Bulldog since 2018 to launch three home runs in a game. She had the first home run of the season in the game vs. Ohio State, finishing with three. She then followed that up with a pair of four-RBI performances against Boise State and St. John’s.

Her bat was tremendous early in the season — of players who had played in at least 75% of Georgia’s games, Kearney led the team in batting average through the first 11 games of the year.

“What’s been fun as a coach is just to watch her kind of come into her own and feel comfortable in her own skin and you know, that’s a challenge for anybody,” Baldwin said. “Just watching her go through the process of becoming the young woman that she is now has been a lot of fun to watch.”

“My favorite part is the competition with my teammates and from all the other schools, because it is good to have people that will push me to that next level,” Jackson said.

Every college newcomer must adjust to calling a new place home, and Jackson is no exception. She moved 750 miles away from her hometown in Michigan to become a Bulldog, leaving her high school athletic and academic career far behind.

“It is really the coaches and the team that made me feel at home,” Jackson said. “It feels good to be able to have support like this.”

Jackson has also made it clear throughout high school that academics are of the utmost importance to her, which played a large part in her decision to attend Georgia.

The Georgia track and field team as a whole prides itself on well-rounded student-athletes, with Jackson being no exception. As an intended journalism major, she received a 3.70 GPA her first semester in college.

“My overall goal is to keep improving on the track as well as in my academics and to stay

happy and have fun,” Jackson said.

Jackson is a part of a new group of sprinters being recruited by new generation sprint coach, head coach Caryl Smith Gilbert.

“She is the beginning,” Smith Gilbert said. “She is going to be one of them that will set the bar to what we want.”

Jackson was named the SEC Track and Field Women’s Freshman of the Week not once, but twice so far in her indoor season. Her 200-meter time of 23.25 seconds ranks 25th on the current national list and placed her at No. 5 on Georgia’s all-time top-10 list.

“It feels like all the work I have done so far is paying off, but I’m going to continue to practice hard and hope for the best,” Jackson said.

The impressiveness of Jackson’s early races as a Georgia track athlete shows great promise for the rest of her career and for the other potential new recruits in the future of Georgia sprint athletes.

“We call her Killer K because she shows up under pressure. She never wants to quit.” Smith Gilbert said. “For her to do what she does and not blink is a pretty big deal.”

Not only is Jackson affecting the Georgia track and field team with her impressive times and points for the team, she is also spreading her hard work to the rest of the team by creating a top tier training atmosphere that is increasing the abilities of the team.

“She raises the power and level of competition. The other athletes are way more intense with her around. You have to show up if you want to run with her,” Smith Gilbert explained.

‘She is the beginning’ Freshman track star Kaila Jackson is off to the races

call her Killer K. She shows up under pressure. She never wants to quit.

Smith Gilbert, Georgia track & field head coach

Kaila Jackson sprints across the track during an event. COURTESY/UGA ATHLETICS

Jayda Kearney celebrates with her teammates during a 3-2 victory against Clemson on March 23, 2022. CASSIDY HETTESHEIMER/CONTRIBUTOR

Javyn Nicholson provides steady presence on the court

John James

Entering the 2022 women’s basketball season, Georgia had only five players returning to the roster from the previous year.

Katie Abrahamson-Henderson had taken over as the team’s new head coach, and more change quickly followed. Diamond Battles, the reigning American Athletic Conference Player of the Year, followed AbrahamsonHenderson to Athens. Brittney Smith, the AAC Sixth Player of the Year, joined Battles and her coach on the trip to the SEC.

More transfers arrived — including Audrey Warren from Texas and De’Mauri Flournoy from Vanderbilt — and soon, Georgia had 10 newcomers on the roster, tied with Kentucky for the highest total in the conference.

For Javyn Nicholson, a senior forward who’d spent her entire career in red and black, familiar faces were few and far between. Despite the new look of the roster, Nicholson and her teammates weren’t making any excuses, opening the season with seven straight wins.

“Every game, every practice, every time we have the chance to step on the floor together, we are building more and more,” Nicholson said. “The culture is building more and more. There are expectations, and we have to uphold that every day. We are making great progress, and we still need to get better in a lot of areas.”

Nicholson was a key contributor to last year’s team, a group that fell in the second round of the NCAA Tournament. Her role varied from starting or serving as a model play er off the bench. In ei ther scenario, she could be relied on for offense and energy whenever called upon.

This season, Nicholson has been used in a similar man ner. She’s traded her starting spot back-and-forth with Jor dan Isaacs, a rangier, more defensively-oriented forward. What Isaacs offers on defense is lost on offense — Nichol son was one of the team’s top scorers during the regular season, finishing third on the team in total points.

Her brand of physical interior offense is one of the team’s most consistent sources of shot-making, and Abrahamson-Henderson is aware of Nicholson’s impor tance to the team.

“I don’t consider anybody a bench player,” AbrahamsonHenderson said. “Honestly, I think we have a lot of people that can start games for us. In every game, we try to start different people in terms of who’s going to go out there right away and just give us a spark and get us going in the first five minutes of the game. So, to me, Malury [Bates] and Javyn [Nicholson] can be starters and they can be finishers, it doesn’t really matter.”

That mentality didn’t quite hold up to a demanding

conference schedule. After a scorching start to the year, the Bulldogs lost five of their first seven SEC matchups, unable to stand up to a more rigorous level of competition. Offensive efficiency was one reason for that lackluster stretch, as the team surpassed 60 points just twice over

and beyond. With that in mind, she knows that Georgia still has room for improvement.

“We like to praise ourselves for the good things we do accomplish and just be consistent in those things then also work on

FAST FACTS

X Nicholson played in all 30 games during the 2022-23 regular season. She was one of only three players on the team to accomplish that feat.

X Nicholson scored 284 points during the regular season, nearly 10 points per game. That mark is the highest of her career and the third-highest total on the team.

X Nicholson recorded 205 rebounds during the regular season, almost seven rebounds per game. That mark is the highest of her career and the highest total on the team.

X Nicholson has played over 100 games with Georgia in her career. In that time, she’s made the NCAA Tournament twice — pending results from this season.

Starry Skies South Is Here!

Every game, every practice, every time we have the chance to step on the floor together, we are building more and more.”

Javyn Nicholson | Forward

Javyn Nicholson fights for position during a game against the Auburn Tigers on Feb. 23, 2023. JESSICA GRATIGNY/STAFF

MUSIC Bedroom pop

Local band Futo releases album ‘Behind the Kohl’s’ Athens-based bedroom pop band, Futo, released their album, “Behind the Kohl’s,” on Jan. 21. With five short tracks full of dissonant melodies and anomalous sound, the album is incredibly successful in provoking emotion and reflection within the listener through its lyricism.

Poetic lyrics are mixed with indifference in tone and message. “Little Life” kicks off the poetic vibe which yields to the second track, “Public Art,” with its sad lyrics and cheery-sounding guitar. The track discusses the annoyance surrounding public art and by the end, the lead singer announces his intentions to destroy it.

The titular third track, “Behind the Kohl’s,” has a sad tone and monotone vocals. The repetition of the lyrics “I guess” in the fourth track, “Protect the Birds from the Birds,” allows for an emphasized impact in the meaning of the words and adds to the album’s theme of personal reflection.

The guitar sounds in the fifth and final track, “UFO at the Drive-in,” are mystical and hypnotizing. The lyrics “I feel better all the time” are another example of the use of repetition in the album.

Birds are referenced in songs throughout the album as a repeated metaphor in the lyrics, representing freedom, change and growth through their flight.

WELLNESS Feel the burn

Get a sweat in at M3 yoga and hot Pilates classes

M3 Yoga is a local yoga and Pilates studio that offers a wide variety of classes, such as hot power yoga, hot Pilates and restorative yoga.

I tried the Hot Power Flow class with Sydney McCall, an M3 instructor and University of Georgia alum. The class started slow, with basic stretching and breathwork that eased me into the beginning of the flow. Then, we moved into a series of movements that engaged multiple sections of my body, focusing on core and arm strength throughout.

The class was challenging but not exhausting. By the end, I felt relaxed and in touch with my mind and body. It was fastpaced enough to feel active and get my heart rate up but still calm enough to have deep thoughts during the practice.

I also took Inferno Hot Pilates with Taylor Norton, an instructor and UGA sophomore. The class was upbeat, intense and effective. We jumped right in with a series of different hip and ab supersets. The cardio was challenging, but the amount and intensity was perfect. By the end of the class, I felt tired but also like I had put the work in. While I wouldn’t take this class to relax, I would definitely take it to challenge myself and see physical results.

FILM ‘SUPERCUT’

Independent student film tackles love and false idealization

“SUPERCUT,” the recent independent film produced, written and directed by University of Georgia senior entertainment and media studies major, Natalie Gonzalez, deals with the many layers of love and false idealization. As a first generation Colombian student, Gonzalez decided to become the voice of her family by telling stories through creative means. “SUPERCUT” premiered at Ciné on Feb. 10.

One incredible aspect about the making of this movie is the quality of cinematography, visuals and sound, despite a $2,000 budget. In a film with odes to the real vs. imaginary elements of the sixth sense and the whimsical romance of rom coms such as “La La Land,” Gonzalez does an incredible job as a first-time director and writer connecting these very different subjects.

A story about a romance, over-embellished to say the least, Gonzalez tackles the more delicate side of mental illness through the lens of a young woman afflicted with a form of dementia. Gonzalez opted to weave these ideas together after collecting information she learned as a previous cognitive science major.

DANCE

Meaningful motion

Black History Month performance showcases UGA dance department

On Feb. 17 and 18, the New Georgia Dance Theatre hosted the second-annual Black History Month performance, “Amistad We Stand.”

A masterclass in inclusivity, innovation and representation, “Amistad We Stand” not only focused on celebrating and honoring African strength and beauty but also the intricate and sometimes shaky — but nevertheless crucial — connections we all share.

The name of the show says it all — combining the Spanish word for “friendship” with an outstretched hand and a message to rise up in spite of the challenges we all face. The dances, which combined traditional West African movement with modern contemporary dance, were further bolstered by the incredible visual coherence and cultural theatrics incorporated in the choreography.

Norton and McCall are excellent teachers, both of whom I found easy to follow and encouraging throughout the practices. While the classes had different effects on me, both left me energized, satisfied and extremely sweaty.

The show was a celebration of the very idea of community and will continue to remain in the minds, hearts and eyes of viewers long after the curtains have closed and the djembe drum circle has fallen quiet. And while “Amistad We Stand” was a paramount example of dance as a medium for cultural osmosis and understanding, it was by no means the only show of its caliber.

Each track explores the theme of personal reflection, discussing life in either abstract or metaphorical terms. The sounds within the songs mesh with the lyrics to create unexpected emotions within the listener such as nostalgia, regret and reflection.

— Mackenzie Caudill

— Mary Dodys

The film was an incredibly delicate critique on this sensitive subject that Gonzalez executed with care. The camera shots were excellent for her limited experience as a beginner filmmaker. Gonzalez separated reality and fiction through opposing color schemes where the audience sees the film through a warm and cool filter. The actors were able to switch in and out of different personalities impressively. This film is definitely worth watching over and over again.

The performances held at the New Georgia Dance Theatre continue to push the boundaries of dance as an art form, following its mission to enrich the artistic world through reworking and revamping performative art as a whole.

— Felix Scheyer

— Analiese Herrin

Experience it yourself: “Behind the Kohl’s” is available for streaming on Spotify, Apple Music and Bandcamp.

Experience it yourself: M3 is open Sunday through Saturday, with classes spanning from 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Classes range in price from a drop-in fee of $30 for non-members, to a $388 semester pass for students, with an introductory offer of two weeks of unlimited classes for $30.

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Experience it yourself: Watch “SUPERCUT” at the Backlight Student Film Festival at UGA in April.

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Experience it yourself: The UGA Dance Company’s Spring Concert will be held on April 20-22. Tickets will be on sale for $12 for students and $16 for general admission.

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COURTESY/FUTO KATIE TUCKER/STAFF COURTESY/JULIANA NADEL AND NATALIA GONZALEZ FELIX SCHEYER/CONTRIBUTOR

To Sarah Park, pageantry has come to represent “a lot more than a pretty face.” Park, a junior public relations major, had never competed in a pageant until winning the 2023 Miss University of Georgia Competition on Jan. 21. Park credits her past experience performing on Broadway in 2012’s “A Christmas Story: The Musical” and working as a UGA Orientation Leader for her success in the competition. Although she initially expected her participation to be “a one-anddone thing,” Park plans to go on to compete for the title of 2024 Miss Georgia in June.

Before meeting and bonding with the other 16 Miss UGA contestants, Park admits she had a preconceived idea of what it meant to wear the crown and sash.

“Stereotypes [I had] coming in [were] you have to be white, pretty and tall,” Park said. “[But the judges] are looking for more than just a pretty face. And I feel like I embody that statement because that was a stereotype I had, but I won.”

As Miss UGA, Park’s mission is to make all students, especially students of color, feel seen and encouraged. A major reason she pursued the competition was for increased representation. Since competing, Park says some students have expressed comfort from seeing Asian representation on stage.

“There hasn’t been an Asian American winner in [nearly] 20 years,” Park said. “My identity is not [just] Asian. I’m more than that. But, I think it’s cool to [embrace] this is part of who I am.”

Monica Pang Rogers, the last Asian American Miss UGA, went on to be crowned Miss Georgia in 2005 and Miss America first runner-up in 2006. She personally understands how important representation is in the pageant world.

“When I was younger watching pageants, it had a huge impact on me when I saw Miss Hawaii win Miss America … I felt like there was a kinship, something we had in common that we couldn’t quite name at that time,” Pang Rogers said. “She really paved the way for a lot more people to enter pageants and to feel comfortable that were people of color and other ethnicities.”

Pang Rogers says she was honored to find herself becoming a similar role model to young girls when she became the first Asian American to win Miss Georgia nearly 18 years ago.

“When you see a winner who looks like you, who is your same skin complexion … it reinforces that you’re beautiful too or that you’re capable of doing this,” Briana Hayes, Miss UGA 2019, said. Hayes, now in her second year at the UGA

What it means to be a ‘Miss’

Students and alumni celebrate strength in femininity through pageants

by Isabelle Manders

School of Law studying to be a civil rights attorney, started competing in pageants when she was 17. At 19, Hayes became the fourth Black woman in more than 60 years to be crowned Miss UGA.

“Winning that title was a much-needed reminder that I deserved to be here, that I had potential to do more,” Hayes said. “It opened doors for me that I could have never imagined … I think I’m still seeing the benefits from it four years later.”

In the latter part of her title year, Hayes, who is from Baxley, Georgia, used her platform to give rural students a community akin to the one Miss UGA gave to her. She created Rural Students Igniting Success and Education, or RISE, to assist rural students as they transition to college.

For many contestants, a “Miss” title means more than just wearing a crown and riding on parade floats — it means making an impact on your community.

“[Former Miss UGA 2022 Audrey Kittila] told me before I even stepped on stage, ‘If you win, you can do everything, or you

can do nothing,’” Park said. “It’s every girl’s dream to dress up and [play] princess, but [pageants are also] giving women an opportunity and a stage to speak out.”

Hayes believes recent administrative changes, including the Miss America 2.0 rebranding, signal a cultural shift.

“The culture has changed. People realize that women are more than their bodies, they’re more than what they look like,” Hayes said.

In 2016, Miss Teen USA, which is under the same organization as Miss USA and Miss Universe, eliminated its swimsuit competition. Two years later, the Miss America Organization, which includes the Miss Georgia and Miss UGA preliminaries, did the same, rebranding from a “beauty pageant” to a “scholarship competition.”

“When Miss America moved into Miss America 2.0 it helped usher in a new era,” Kittila, UGA junior and current Miss Atlanta, said. “They increased focus on [preparing] the world for great women and to prepare great women for the world.”

Only 15 years old when crowned Miss Georgia Teen USA in 2019, UGA sophomore Isabella Bloedorn feels lucky to have joined pageantry following the movement to ensure young contestants are no longer hypersexualized. As a Latina, Bloedorn says she already faces being over-sexualized and even faced cyberbullying for her body.

While she thinks “teens are meant to be teens,” Bloedorn found the specific Miss America rebranding upsetting, especially after the organization shared a comment from the 1980s that “an educated woman does not parade around in a swimsuit.” The comment, made by a contestant’s parent, was shared in the organization’s equity and justice scholarship announcement in 2019.

“For Miss contestants, [the swimsuit competition] is less about sex appeal and more that a woman can feel sexy and comfortable in her body and still be accomplished and intelligent,” Bloedorn said. “If women want to do a pageant without swimsuit, that’s their prerogative, but don’t shame other women for wanting to do it.”

Bloedorn says she is often preemptively judged based on her looks and passions by others outside of the pageant world.

“As a woman, no matter what you do, someone’s gonna judge you,” Bloedorn said.

Pang Rogers believes many of these negative perceptions of women in pageants come from a lack of general understanding.

“I don’t think they understand how stressful and how much pressure is on you to say something succinct, yet really impactful, at the same time in front of a big audience,” Pang Rogers said. “I would always downplay my experience, even though I got so much from it, because I felt like there was a lot of initial judgment.”

Regardless of the system, winners often serve as symbols of their community’s identity. As these communities evolve, so does the title holder.

Both Bloedorn and Pang Rogers believe organizations that fail to adapt will ultimately lose all relevance.

Jerry Anthony, director of the Miss UGA competition since 1993, hopes changes to the entire process will encourage other young women to enter.

“Some people say that pageants are an outdated thing, but we continue to do it because we had four young women this year walk away with a scholarship,” Anthony said.

According to Hayes, winners should be relatable as well as exceptional.

“That also means women who can compete and win as their true selves,” Hayes said. “Now, we see women winning because they’re simply being who they are.”

“Now, we see women winning because they’re simply being who they are.”

BRIANA HAYES | MISS UGA 2019

Sarah Park, winner of the 2023 Miss University of Georgia competition. JESSICA GRATIGNY/STAFF

Taste of Five Points

The historic neighborhood close to campus is filled with independent and local businesses. From cheap burgers and drink specials to nationally recognized fine dining, here’s a comprehensive guide to the flavors of the neighborhood.

5&10

1073 S. Milledge Ave.

MODERN SOUTHERN • $$$

Before “Top Chef,” Hugh Acheson made his name here with innovative takes on Southern fare. Located in a renovated historic home, this is a destination for special occasions. Be sure to sample a specialty cocktail.

ADD DRUG

1695 S. Lumpkin St.

DINER FARE • ¢

The counter at this old-school pharmacy offers a nostalgic experience and great value. Don’t miss the creamy shakes and hot dogs for lunch.

NEW BADDIE’S BURGERS

1591 S. Lumpkin St., Suite A

SMASH BURGERS • $

The spot from Joe Nedza features a simple menu of burgers, fries, fountain drinks and banana pudding. “After the first bite, I was shocked at all the flavors,” wrote The Red & Black’s reviewer. “Each ingredient was perfectly paired, and nothing overpowered another.”

BARBERITOS

1695 S. Lumpkin St.

SOUTHWESTERN • $

Founded in Athens, this chain is known for burritos, bowls and quesadillas. The menu features a variety of lower-calorie and healthier options. The Five Points location has a small patio. Good to know: Kids eat free on Mondays

NEW BAR BRUNO

1664 S. Lumpkin St.

COCKTAILS AND APPETIZERS • $$

In the former location of local favorite Dinner Party, this understatedly elegant bar features a range of aperitivos, cocktails and wines. Pair them with olives, cheese or charcuterie for a cocktail hour with a definite European vibe.

BITTY & BEAU’S COFFEE

540 S. Lumpkin St. COFFEE, TEA, PASTRIES • ¢

Founded with a mission to offer meaningful work to people with intellectual and physical disabilities, Bitty & Beau’s pairs its service with friendly service and an array of coffee and tea drinks, smoothies and goodies like muffins, bagels and cake pops.

THE CAFE ON LUMPKIN

1700 S. Lumpkin St.

BREAKFAST, LUNCH, AFTERNOON TEA • $

Tucked into a historic cottage, this cozy spot is known for breakfast bowls and housemade granola, hearty sandwiches and salads and homey pastries. A signature offering is classic British afternoon tea, complete with scones, clotted cream, finger sandwiches and other goodies. The restaurant offers catering and takeout.

CALI N TITO’S

1427 S Lumpkin St, CENTRAL AMERICAN • $

This lively spot features empanadas, fish tacos and Cuban sandwiches. The spacious outdoor seating makes it a popular destination for groups. Good to know: The restaurant has a BYOB policy.

CONDOR CHOCOLATES

1658 S. Lumpkin St. CHOCOLATES AND COFFEE • ¢

“Hecho en Athens” is stamped on the packaging of chocolate bars, toffees and other treats from this fair-trade company founded by Athenians Peter and Nick Dale. The company sources coffee and chocolate from their mother’s native Ecuador. The cafe offers coffee, tea, hot chocolate, shakes and gelato.

EARTH FARE

1689 S. Lumpkin St. ORGANIC AND HEALTHY GROCERIES

The only Georgia location of a small natural foods chain, this Five Points spot has long been

a community mainstay. Its temporary closure in 2020 was devastating for the neighborhood, which rejoiced when it reopened under new ownership. While relatively small, this supermarket is packed with healthy options. The in-store buffet and deli are popular destinations for quick meals.

Good to know: On Tuesdays, students and faculty can save 10% when they show their UGA ID cards.

EL BARRIO TACOS AND TEQUILA

1331 S. Milledge Ave.

CREATIVE TACOS AND DRINKS • $

El Barrio draws crowds with its menu of affordable, creative tacos (under $5) and slightly pricier specialty dishes such as empanadas and enchiladas.

It’s an inviting place to linger thanks to a screened porch and broad front lawn.

THE EXPAT

1680 S Lumpkin St.

ITALIAN • $$$

This venture from Jerry and Krista Slater emphasizes inventive cocktails and an Italian-inspired bistro menu featuring dishes such as spinach rigatoni carbonara and cioppino.

FIVE POINTS BOTTLE SHOP

1655 S. Lumpkin St.

LIQUOR AND KEGS

With its brightly painted storefront, vast selection of liquors and exceptional keg service, this business has been an Athens landmark for years. Good to know: Turning 21? Head here and claim a signature T-shirt.

FULLY LOADED PIZZA CO.

1255 S. Milledge Ave. PIZZA, HOAGIES, PASTA • $$

This spot offers pizza, hoagies, pasta and specials like wings. There’s a full bar and plenty of patio space.

GRINDHOUSE KILLER BURGERS

1553 S. Lumpkin St.

BURGERS & SIDES • $

Grindhouse is close to South Campus, making it popular on gamedays. The upper-level bar is a destination for trivia nights. The menu features burgers, fries, salads and snacks like fried pickles. Good to know: Vegans can find Impossible burgers and a host of veggie toppings. Gluten-free buns are also on offer.

HODGSON’S PHARMACY

1260 S. Milledge Ave., Suite F-1

ICE CREAM COUNTER • ¢

This drugstore, which has served Athens since the 1950s, operates a tiny soda fountain with drinks and treats. The menu features fresh limeade, malts, floats, old fashioned sundaes and handdipped ice cream for just $1.25 a scoop!

INDEPENDENT BAKING CO.

1625 S. Lumpkin St. BREADS AND PASTRIES • ¢

Five Points residents head here early before the crusty baguettes and whole-grain loaves run out. For others, this cozy bakery is a destination for a cafe au lait, croissants or the signature Morning Roll, a luscious swirl of cinnamon and pastry.

PRICING GUIDE

¢ Entree + Sides, under $10

$ Entree + Sides, $10-20

$$ Entree + Sides, $20-30

$$$ Entree +Sides, over $30

Restaurants and businesses are independently reviewed by The Red & Black’s Eat & Drink and Guides staffs. Listings and recommendations have no connection to advertising. Send comments or feedback to dining@randb.com.

The Expat serves Italian-inspired bistro fare. MELANIE VELASQUEZ/STAFF

Condor Chocolates are made in Athens. JESSICA GRATIGNY/STAFF

J. CHRISTOPHER’S

1650 S. Lumpkin St.

BREAKFAST AND BRUNCH • $

Skillets loaded with potatoes and topped with eggs are a favorite at this Athens location of an Atlanta-based chain. Other popular items include pancakes, omelets and burgers.

Good to know: The restaurant offers gluten-free toast and healthier options like egg-white omelets and turkey sausage.

JITTERY JOE’S

1230 S. Milledge Ave.

COFFEE, TEA & PASTRIES • $

The Five Points location of the Athens-based coffee roaster has a comfy indoor seating area and a large, fenced-in patio that lets you linger over coffee or tea without the distractions of busy Five Points traffic.

KELLY’S AUTHENTIC

JAMAICAN FOOD

1583 S. Lumpkin St.

JAMAICAN • $

This eatery is lowkey in appearance but big on flavors, with dishes such as jerk pork, curry chicken and spicy rice.

THE LOCAL 706

1676 S. Lumpkin St.

BAR & COMFORT FOODS • $

Known for its big patio and plenty of TVs, this bar offers regular specials and events like trivia nights. Daily special items include bar staples like wings and tacos. For lunch and dinner, select from heartier comfort foods such as meatloaf, catfish or double-stack burgers.

MARKER 7 COASTAL GRILL

1195 S. Milledge Ave.

SEAFOOD • $$$

Nestled in a renovated house, this spot has the vibe you might recall from family trips to the Florida panhandle. Select from entrees like scallops or crab cakes, or beach-y platters with grouper, shrimp and oysters with sides like hush puppies and coleslaw. Consider a coastal cocktail like a mojito or a dark-n-stormy.

MEDITERRANEAN GRILL

1591 S. Lumpkin St., Suite C

MEDITERRANEAN • $

A local branch of the small metro-Atlanta group of restaurants, this spot pleases vegetarians and carnivores alike with specialties such as hummus and falafel as well as gyro meat. Everyone is a fan of the rice pilaf and crispy potatoes. Good to know: Lunch platters are available for just $10.

THE PINE BAR

1235 S. Milledge Ave.

WINES AND SMALL PLATES • $

This is a neighborhood favorite thanks to an extensive wine list and share-able menu items like tapas, charcuterie and wood-fired oysters.

The Saturday and Sunday brunch features huge biscuit sandwiches and a variety of sparkling wines.

THE ROOT

1235 S. Milledge Ave. COCKTAILS AND SNACKS • $

Below the Pine, this bar has a more casual atmosphere and is a gameday favorite. You can order food from the Pine, sip on cocktails or sample the huge whiskey selection.

THE ROYAL PEASANT

1675 S. Lumpkin St.

BRITISH PUB FARE • $

Watch the week’s top Premier League and Bundesliga matches and chow down on bangers and mash or shepherd’s pie at this pub with definite British vibes and a menu to match. Insiders know this is the best place in town to watch soccer. It also has an exceptional beer list.

SAKURA HIBACHI AND SUSHI BAR

1225 S. Milledge Ave. SUSHI • $

This family-owned business can host large groups and also offers cozy booths for more intimate dinner dates. Favorites include specials like the volcano sushi roll or the salmon hibachi. Check out the cocktails and drink specials.

NEW SLATER’S STEAKHOUSE

1653 S. LUMPKIN ST.

STEAKS • $$$

Billed as the home of “fine steaks and stiff drinks” this latest from the power duo of Jerry and Krista Slater features classic steakhouse fare like a massive bone-in ribeye, duck confit and trout amandine. Drinks include a sazerac and Slater’s take on the Old-Fashioned.

SMOOTHIE KING

1591 S. Lumpkin St.

SMOOTHIES • ¢

The original blended power drinks allow for almost infinite customization. Check out featured flavors like spinach-pineapple or mixed berry.

SUBWAY 1573 S. Lumpkin St.

SANDWICHES • ¢

The easy — and affordable — on the go option. Open until 10 p.m. seven days a week.

ZZ & SIMONE’S 1540 S. Lumpkin St., Suite 4

ITALIAN • $$

This newer addition to the neighborhood carries well known entrees like rigatoni alla vodka and chicken parmesan as well as classic Italian pizzas. Save room for tiramisu or gelato.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Our guides and dining editors offer tips on places to try

LITTLE INDULGENCES

Pick up fresh croissants from Independent Baking or truffles from Condor Chocolates.

NOSTALGIA TRIP

For a flashback, check out the lunch counter at ADD Drug and the soda foundation at Hodgson’s Pharmacy.

CHEAP(ER) CUISINE

Gourmet tacos at El Barrio, a jerk chicken platter at Kelly’s or a cuban sandwich at Cali N Tito’s offer global tastes at moderate prices.

THE ITALIAN JOB

Experience la dolce vita with aperitivos at Bar Bruno, pasta at The Expat and gelato at ZZ & Simone’s.

TURNING 21?

Show your ID to get a T-shirt at Five Points Bottle Shop.

CRAVING BURGERS?

Head to Baddie’s for a smash burger.

SPECIAL OCCASION

Splurge at 5 & 10 or Slater’s Steakhouse for a memorable meal.

TRIVIAL PURSUITS

Test your trivia knowledge at Grindhouse Killer Burgers or Local 706.

HEALTHY CHOICES

Fuel your day with a stop at Smoothie King, order fresh fare at Barberitos, check out the platters at J. Christopher’s or browse the buffet at Earth Fare.

El Barrio is known for its creative tacos and a laidback atomosphere. FILE/STAFF

The inside has a neutral, calming color palette. Brown leather booths line the white walls to the right, and plush yellow couches snuggle into the corners at the front of the restaurant. The bar is lined with olive green chairs and showcases a plethora of Italian liqueurs and pastries. An impressive wine rack adorns the back wall.

The patio embodies a romantic and inviting afternoon in Europe. Large red umbrellas embellished with white tassels cover white table cloth tables, each adorned with small fake candles. The bar’s exterior is dark green, with Bar Bruno written in gold letters.

“I modeled this after a bar I grew up with in Rome and Sicily, where you order at the bar, you go sit down, you have fun, it’s relaxed,” Smolik said. “I had a woman out here for four hours under the umbrella when it was sunny the first day, who just read a book and ordered a spritz.”

Smolik said he crafted the beverage and food menu with his extensive knowledge of wines from growing up in Italy and working in the business for about 40 years. He began learning about food and wine pairings at a young age while working in his family’s restaurants in Rome and Sicily.

Before moving to Athens, Smolik worked for a company based in Chicago, traveling from northern to southern Italy to work with wine producers and bring their products to America. After moving to Athens, Smolik said he was a wine steward for Kroger, bringing in “specialty unique wines” and educating customers.

Smolik aims to bring European culture to Athens with Bar Bruno. He and the bartenders are able to assist customers in choosing beverage options and helping pair drinks with small plates, which include various salumis and cheeses.

“The best part [of working at Bar Bruno] is getting to try all the new wines and learning from Greg … He’s kind of like an encyclopedia,” said Seth Meeler, a bartender at Bar Bruno.

Bar Bruno renders as an ideal pre-meal or post-meal spot to grab an aperitivo, glass of wine or cocktail. Smolik

highlighted its walkability to eateries in Five Points such as The Expat, Slater’s and, of course, ZZ & Simone’s.

IF YOU GO

Bar Bruno’s drinks range from $11-19. Bar Bruno offers the option to order wine by the half glass, so you can taste it before you commit to a whole glass or bottle. Food options include cheese, meat, pastries, nuts and more.

The current coffee is imported from Naples, and Smolik is working on getting wood-fired coffee from Rome, which is what he grew up drinking.

Bar Bruno also serves non-alcoholic drinks and is a kid-friendly environment. It is currently open from 3-9 p.m. on Thursday and Sunday, and 3-10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, with hopes to expand hours.

“People need to understand that this is not a bar, this is a wine bar,” Smolik said.

Smolik doesn’t have a favorite wine — he said he picks them based on the day and his mood. For example, on a sunny, humid day he would pick a crisp white wine or a rosato.

The aperitivo drinks are all $11 and include classics such as Aperol spritz, Sbagliato and Bicicletta. Some of the cocktails on the menu are Bar Bruno’s take on a negroni, cardinale, vesper and more. The cocktails are all $12.

The wine can be purchased by the half glass, full glass or bottle. The prices for a half glass range from $5.50-9.50, and full glasses range from $11-19.

“It’s not an easy concept to advertise — you have to come in and experience it,” Smolik said.

It’s not an easy concept to advertise — you have to come in and experience it.

Greg Smolik | Co-owner

Bartender Seth Meeler creates a bergamotto spritz. ELLIE POOL/STAFF