Tiger's Roar- May 2019

The party doesn’t stop: Orange Crush 2019 Page 8

Transition to Division II is Imminent Page 7

Tiger’s

Roar

May 2019

The Independent Student Voice of Savannah State University

President Dozier Reflects on Her Tenure Pages 4-5

Savannah, Ga.

2 May 2019

News

Student Union food sanitation under fire after viral Twitter video Kiera Gosha, Contributing Writer In early April, a video recorded in the Student Union went viral on Twitter showing improper handling of the macaroni and cheese sold at the Chicken Shack.

With more than 10.9K views, the video shows the macaroni in a large tub placed on the floor being stirred by a team member with a long handle spatula without gloves. District manager Darryl Rudge says Savannah State is supposed to follow the procedures laid out in the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP).

When asked if the video showed any violations of the procedures, Rudge said, “At no time during this event or during the students’ dining experience has there been any concern for the health or safety of any food items. SSU Dining follows strict compliance procedures that are measurable as part of our

HACCP plan and the standards set by Thompson Hospitality. In this incident the container should not have been in direct contact with the floor and placed a minimum of 6 inches off the floor surface.”

In the video, the tub is in direct contact of the floor surface.

If the action was not recorded and posted on social media, many believe it would not have been brought to Thompson Hospitality’s attention.

The video raises student concerns. “I’m glad that whoever recorded that did because that’s something that definitely should be addressed,” Senior Tyriek Williamson, mass communications major, said.

Rudge said the institution must follow the same health procedures other restaurants follow through the Georgia Health Department.

“There are different requirements based on storage, food type, preparation and holding method. All of this information is included in our HACCP program... In addition, SSU dining is regularly inspected by the Georgia Health Department, internal audits and certified third- party inspections.

SSU Dining consistently meets the requirements for all of these inspections and all Dining managers are required to be ServSafe certified as a condition of employment.”

Savannah State’s eateries have all passed of its most recent health inspections, which took place in December 2018, with A’s. T.A. Wright Stadium, the baseball concession stand and Tiger Arena got 99 out of 100. The Savannah State University Dining Room got a 91 out of 100 for storing food at improper temperatures. The Student Union, which was last inspected on Dec. 3, 2018, scored 95 out of 100 because bottles and bins were stored without labels.

There are raised eyebrows about the worker you see stirring the macaroni without gloves. People know that gloves are a huge part of working with food, due to sanitation procedures. No one seems to hold the team member responsible for not wearing gloves. This could be overlooked by the shock of how improperly the food is being handled.

Senior biology major Antonio McMillan, the video didn’t cause much concern.

“When I initially saw the video on Twitter, I was a little shocked,” McMillan said. “I soon replayed it and paid close attention to the video and saw that there wasn’t anything wrong with how they were preparing the mac and cheese. When you are cooking for a large amount of people, what else could you use to make a significant amount. Now I could see if maybe she dropped some macaroni on the floor and then placed it back in the pan but she didn’t. Now granted she could’ve prepared it on a table top instead of on the floor, but I don’t know their procedures or protocols. I still feel totally comfortable with eating on campus.”

Rudge says Thompson will continue to improve its training on proper food preparation procedures with employees.

“Opportunities to coach and council our team members is always an ongoing process,” he said.

“We do this to ensure strict compliance to company standard operating procedures and continually strive to provide the best quality food and experience to our guests.”

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Southern Potential: SSU Professors are working on a book Justin Phillips, Contributing Writer A team of mass communications professors at Savannah State University are working on a book to highlight the experience of African Americans in the South.

Jason Miccolo Johnson, visiting professor of mass communications, is spearheading a book with Visiting Professor Tracy Haynes and Programming Director William Martin titled “Southern Potential: New Visions, New Opportunities, Reassessing the South”.

The book will showcase the positive aspects of living in the South for African Americans, how the South is growing in its acceptance of diversity, and how far African Americans have come in the past several decades, Johnson says.

“I’m inviting the reader to take another look at the South, because many people in the South are doing well and people are moving back to the South,” he said.

Johnson says he hopes to show that the South has made progress.

“Not that the South is perfect, not that it’s good as it can be or should be,” he said. “I’m optimistic that black people will get a fairer place in the South than they will anywhere else.”

Bringing his colleagues on board served a variety of purposes, Johnson said, specifically because it is easier to work with others within the mass communications department.

“They’re accessible, they’re multi-talented, and they bring not only their skill set but also their vision and their views,” Johnson said. “(The book) is specifically about the 11 former confederate states. I am also offering more background and research in documenting some of the major accomplishments of contemporary African Americans,” he said.

Johnson believes that although he has been published in the past, this project will be different than the others.

The project is backed by Savannah State University.

It is partially funded by the SSU Alumni Foundation, adding another defining aspect of the book.

He plans to conduct several interviews and consult with various leaders in the South before the book is published.

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Editorial

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May 2019

3

Spring Commencement, Retirement, Budget Cuts, Where Does That Leave Us? Ashia Manning, Editor-in-Chief

As our President prepares to retire, and with spring commencement around the corner, there has been no better time than now to spearhead positive change, and to spark creativity and engagement with everyone around us.

As you’ll see in this issue, I interviewed Dr. Dozier and received some answers to questions you all wanted to know.

With the budget issues, enrollment drops, and Dozier’s seemingly untimely retirement, many students fear SSU could be in jeopardy of losing our name and history, with recent talks of mergers and consolidations.

I challenge you all to turn that fear around. Use that energy to power you through your time here.

Get involved, create organizations to lobby for issues that impact you, be a source of accountability for those around you.

I learned in church the other day a scripture, Proverbs 27:17 reads, “As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.”

Regardless of your belief system, we can all agree on certain principles, and that scripture is simply reinforcing the unmistakable human need for community building and fellowship.

The pioneers of this university fought against

impossible odds to make it what it is today. We, today, must hone that strength and continue the fight in order to allow future generations to experience the greatness that is this illustrious university by the sea.

The work and sacrifice of the people who came before us to forge this institution cannot have been done in vain. But we honor them by graduating and thriving.

We have a huge class graduating this spring, doing just that.

A special acknowledgement to Emmalee Walker, who served as Vice President to Tiger’s Roar for many years, and to Isaiah Singleton, our Features Editor, both are graduating with honors.

We appreciate everything you’ve done for this organization.

To the graduating class this spring, I commend you on your ambition and dedication. You buckled down, you got it done, and now you will walk across that stage and feel a sense of euphoria I can only imagine.

I hope that you will inspire people to see the value in HBCUs by the integrity you practice, the drive you show, the way you smile in the face of a challenge and you always put your best foot forward, because that’s what HBCU graduates do.

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Phone: (912) 358-3379 Fax: (912) 351-6588 Email: tigersroar@savannahstate.edu 3219 College St. P.O. Box 20634 Savannah, Ga. 31404

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Remember that fear isn’t real. You are all powerful, capable, and you can do anything you dream of.

I hope your hard work will serve as a beacon of light, not only to our SSU community, but in your communities back home and abroad.

In the words of Major Richard R. Wright, “Tell them we are Rising.”

Congradulations to our very own:

Isaiah Singleton Emmalee Walker Features Editor Online Editor

Ashia Manning- Editor-in-Chief Amanda Wilkins- Layout Editor Alaygra Wells- Sports Editor Isaiah Singleton- Features Editor Emmalee Walker- Online Editor Advisers Kareem McMichael Jessica Sparks

The Tiger’s Roar is the independent monthly student newspaper of Savannah State University. We welcome and encourage letters to the editor and staff. All letters must include an address and phone number for confirmation.

We reserve the right to edit all published content for purposes of length, style, grammar and libelous material. Ideas expressed in editorials do not reflect the opinions of the editors and staff. The Tiger’s Roar adheres to the Associated Press Stylebook guidelines for stories and headlines.

4 May 2019

Features

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President Dozier Reflects on Her Tenure

Ashia Manning, Editor-in-Chief

I had the opportunity to sit down with the 13th president, Dr. Cheryl Dozier, and ask her about some of her greatest accomplishments and teachable moments during her tenure at Savannah State University. Dozier served as the first permanent woman president at a pivotal time at SSU when we began to see many changes. There were some positive changes, like the much-needed renovations to some of our aging buildings, and the beautiful, newly erected ones. And some changes that were harder to acknowledge, like the steep drops in enrollment and morale. I listened as she reflected on her contributions to our community and discussed obstacles she triumphed over with innovative initiatives. She says her years here were the most productive and rewarding ones of her lifetime.

Ashia Manning: In your words, what is the role of a University president?

Dr. Cheryl Dozier: The president is the CEO just like of any corporation, the chief executive officer. The President is responsible for everything. Anything that happens on campus is it President’s responsibility. Sometimes we think of it different in education and in business, but I am the chief executive officer.

Manning: Looking back on your years here at Savannah State what would you say was your greatest accomplishment?

Dozier: The greatest accomplishment in higher-ed as a president is the completion of degrees by our students.

So, commencement, increasing the number of students graduating, is always the proudest moments because that’s what higher education is about. So, there’s a lot of

President Dozier at commencement Photo by: Litus Marshall

them but that would be the one that brings me joy. Seeing the accomplishments of our students. It’s all about the students. And seeing them move on to be productive and then hearing back from them, to know that they’ve reached their milestones. Those are some of the proudest moments.

Manning: Is there anything that you would change Dozier: In hindsight you always can think of the would’ve, could’ve, should’ves, right? But, I couldn’t exactly say change. When you come into a role, there are always things you wish you would’ve known, but that’s in any new position. As you go into the world, all of our students will go into positions, and wish you knew more information, but I wouldn’t necessarily change. There are those decisions that you make at the moment with the information that you have and there are times that you later get additional information and you wish you had had that sooner. That’s a part of life. I believe that I made the best decisions at the times that they were made.

Manning: Being a woman, did you face any opposition

here as president?

Dozier: No, I did not. I was embraced as being the first permanent woman (president). A woman served as the acting president for almost two years here and she’s very well known in this community, I think that kind of buffered me from being the first. Being the first permanent woman was embraced in this community, and if it wasn’t, I didn’t know it and didn’t allow it to impact me. But, I believe that I came at a time that I wasn’t the first woman president in this university system, nor in the state and I’m proud to see that there are many more women presidents in the university system than when I started.

Manning: What are some things your administration implemented to address not only the low enrollment, but the retention and graduation rates?

Dozier: So, let me start off by saying, I arrived at a time when enrollment was increasing and that was not just here but around the country. I’m leaving at a time when enrollment is declining, and that’s not just here, but around the country. We have done a number of things during this administration to reach out. I had data collected to look at all of the students who stopped out between 2012 and 2017. We reached out to every one of those students to see where they are. If they transferred and finished their degree, then that was great, because that’s the best news.

Every student that starts at a university doesn’t finish, but the challenge was with those who stopped out, and most of them had balances. So, there was nothing we could do.

What we created, that I’m proud of, is the Closing the Gap fund. My first semester I was here, I met students who said to me that they couldn’t finish, that they couldn’t graduate that May, because they needed to take one or two more classes and they didn’t have enough money. So, I created

President Dozier consoling a grief-stricken student at Christopher Starks August 2015. Photo by: Samuel G

the Closing the Gap fund. It was very effective. I had a donor, one of our alumni, give me the first check. Every semester we have helped students with that Closing the Gap fund.

Manning: Looking back, regarding the decline in enrollment, is there anything you feel you and your team may have missed?

Dozier: I would love to ask students that question. You know, I think that we take it for granted that once you start, and you’re excited and you’re doing all the things you need to do, that you can finish. But students are dependent on their families to have the resources to pay. We are a school that still has an access mission, but close to 50% of our students are first-generation and many of those students come from families that do not have a savings plan for college. So, the students are paying as they go. Students are working. We’ve seen data that shows over half, two thirds of are students have one or more jobs. We’ve looked at a lot of measures, and we’re learning more about our students. We’re reaching out and asking what they need.

Manning: What other things have you, or will we see, implemented to boost enrollment and retention rates?

Dozier: One of the things that we’re doing right now with our transition team is Dr. Dozier at an SSU homecoming game on Oct. 27th, 2018 Photo by: Dia Maxey looking at enrollment management. The way we used to recruit is different. Most of you

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are recruited on your phones and through social media, it’s how you receive your information. So, we’re looking at making sure that we are using our technology here and that we are reaching out to students. We are creating our enrollment management to be a one-stop shop. Hopefully that will be implemented by the time that I leave. Bringing together all of those enrollment entities that sometimes kind of bottle-neck with students. So that from the registrar’s office, to the bursar, the cashier’s office, then the admissions office, then your advising, then someone sends you to financial aid, so you’re sent from one office to the other. We’re moving all of these offices to Colston so, they’re all right there. We have a plan, and we will implement that by the start of the fall semester. So that students and parents who walk in the building will be able to receive all the services that they need. The only one that may not move immediately in the cashier, but if we can, that would happen as well.

Manning: What are some of the most pivotal changes you’ve seen during your time here?

Dozier: One of my proudest moments is knowing that all of our buildings are open and operated or being renovated. I came at a time when I did the ribbon cutting on the new housing. So. Tiger Place, Tiger Court, and Wright Hall, I had the opportunity to do the ribbon cutting. I watched Tiger Court and Wright Hall go up. I watched those go up, and Camilla a vigil for Hubert renovated, and Morgan Hall built, and then to be able to have the two new science Gladden buildings as well as now renovating Herty Hall.

I came in when we built the new Student Union, so I did the ribbon cutting for that and our athletic fields.

Our campus is expanding. We are in downtown Atlanta, where we are offering our graduate program at the Georgia Coastal Center, and we’re in Liberty County. These have both opened this academic year.

Manning: Students are concerned with SSU possibly losing its identity with talks of merging programs with Georgia Southern. What can you tell me about that?

Dozier: The University System of Georgia’s Board of Regents consolidated Georgia Southern and Armstrong

University President Cheryl Dozier (right) and Carolyn Johnson (left) conduct the wreath-laying for the annual celebration of Freedom Day on Feb. 1, 2018. Photo by: Rhonda Jones

Features State University. At this time, they have no plans of future consolidation. It can change at any time. But right now, we are one of the 26 state schools. I think that we need to recognize that Savannah State is a premier institution.

We have our niche, our programs, our identity, and we need to take pride in that and showcasing it. Telling our story, showing how valuable we are, showing the worth of this institution, and just be who we are, that historical campus. Are there risks of mergers and consolidations?

Consolidations and mergers take place all the time.

Consolidations and mergers are what happens in business and education, and we can’t control it. But I say, the best way to make sure that we survive, is to continue to make this that premier institution. To be able to show the benefits of what we have, and what we do that is so unique and so special for Savannah State.

Manning: What advice, based off the wisdom that you’ve gained, would you give to the new president?

Dozier: Be intentional, be intrusive, and listen. Focus on the student’s needs. If you focus on what equates to student’s success outcomes, then you won’t go wrong. It’s about working closely with faculty, making sure they have the resources they need, so they’re better equipped to serve our students. That doesn’t mean everything a student asks, you’re able to give, but it means that you’re understanding what the student success outcomes look like. And it’s looking at new means of recruiting and bringing students on. One question you asked earlier that I want to add to, I think we need to do a better job of preparing parents for what it costs to attend college so that they can be better prepared. College planning takes a lifetime of planning.

There are some states that let you make pre-tax accounts when they’re babies. We have to make sure that we educate our students, because then they’ll be prepared for their children when they go to college.

Manning: What words do you want to leave with students?

Dozier: I’m going to have an opportunity to share those at commencement, but I want students to be courageous about conquering their careers, goals, and expectations.

Be courageous. I want them to recognize that the sky is the limit. Don’t limit yourselves to what you think you can’t do. Be confident in what you can do. I have seen students enter, I’ve watched students from high school, come here and I’ve seen their growth and maturity, and I would hire them. Be purposeful, and you’re going to be productive in your careers and your future. I look forward to seeing those students. I follow my students on Facebook and Instagram, and other places because I’m so proud of who and what they have become and I’m going to continue to do that.

Manning: Where will you go from here?

Dozier: I have absolutely no idea, but I will always be in higher ed in some way. I will return as a professor. I want to teach leadership at different levels. I want to be a voice where I can talk about some of the challenges that I have seen, and I want to be a change agent. I want to be able to work with nonprofits and make a difference. I believe that has happened here and I can take it to a different level. How I will do that, I don’t know. But I’m looking forward to it and I have to say, these have been the most productive, rewarding eight years of my career. I’m proud to have been the 13th president of this University.

May 2019

5

Student Reactions Kaja Allen, Contributing Writer Students were asked to give their opinion on the following qiestions: What characteristics would you like to see in our next SSU president? How do you feel about the legacy Dr. Dozier left behind?

Dayana Devalle, junior, biology “I think leadership, of course, should be passionate about the school, like they actually want to change it, genuinely, like they actually care about what’s going on instead of just wanting to do it for the title, or just because they want to say that they’re president of SSU. Compassionate and caring about the people here.”

Breonca Hurt, senior, visual and performing arts major “He should be very aware of what’s really going on and in touch with students instead of some popularity thing.

That’s how I feel the president should be, family-oriented.

Interact with students they don’t know to see what they can improve with the SGA system, that’s how I see it.”

Joel Stacy, senior, criminal justice “I think that the person should be humble in receiving the position, but also keep in mind the students...it’s not about the school itself, it’s about the students- making sure they have all that they need to be successful and actually go through the college process.”

6 May 2019

Sports

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COLUMN: My time reporting on SSU Athletics Alaygra Wells, Sports Editor Covering Savannah State University Athletics has been an honor and amazing opportunity for me.

Meeting and interviewing coaches and players and forming friendships has made me feel comfortable along my journey through the university and in my degree.

Not only did I learn about players and coaches, but I also learned about work ethic. When I found out I had been chosen as sports editor, I didn’t think I was qualified because I didn’t have a lot of experience writing and covering sports. I am a former athlete here and I have a strong passion for sports, and I want my career to be surrounded by it. More importantly, I had to get out of my comfort zone.

Taking photos at football games and analyzing basketball strategy helped me to understand the allencompassing needs of sports reporting.

I have attended a few softball and baseball games.

My favorite part was hearing the chants, especially by our Lady Tigers, to motivate their team. Seeing the pitcher and how fast they throw the ball to the opponent is mind-blowing.

However, I learned so much by watching and reporting on the less-publicized sports at Savannah

State.

I only had the chance to attend a few volleyball games, but that is one sport I wanted to learn more about. Watching our Lady Tigers, I observed they had to be quick on their feet. I noticed the team captain leadership qualities that kept the players motivated.

This was the first semester I attended a track and field meet. Through this I saw how much work it takes to prepare for a meet and set up equipment for the various events that take place.

I enjoyed watching our Lady Tigers tennis team compete in their tournaments, as well. Every time I watch tennis I think of Venus and Serena Williams so it is always fun to watch.

Finally, my true love is golf. This is the sport I played when I started at Savannah State, and it’s still fun to hit the green and play my best round ever. My experience in collegiate sports was the best of my lifetime, and it spoke volumes to have accomplished one of my dreams. For that, I am truly grateful.

In the sports reporting business, I have learned that I cannot sit back and hope a player will come up to me. I have to go out and get to them myself. I had to prepare and research to do this job well, and the

more I did, the better I got at it.

It started turning from a nerve-wracking job to an enjoyable one. The best parts about covering sports were when we would play big rivalry schools. I would always get first hand action on everything. I was grateful to have a team to help me along my way. I have had people to teach me, and I have helped to pass that knowledge to more reporters.

Though everything wasn’t always easy or simple, I had to learn to stumble, bounce back and learn from my mistakes. Of course, there are things I wish I could have done differently in my position as sports editor, but I was thankful for the opportunity.

After all the experiences I’ve had in and reporting on the Athletics Department, I can say that our Tigers work hard and are fully dedicated to improving their craft. The athletics and coaches are fully committed and ready to put SSU back on the map.

As I transition into my career, I want to thank the Savannah State Athletics department and Savannah State University for making my college career one to remember.

Sincerely, Alaygra Wells

In Loving Memory of Ms. Veronica Richards

The students of Savannah State would like to express our love and gratitude for Ms.V, Thank you for being a ray of sunshine in our collegiate career. We mourn for her family and wish them peace during this time.

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Reviews

Many 2019

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Coach opinions differ as transition to Division II is imminent Justin Phillips, Contributing Writer As Savannah State University Athletics makes its transition to the second division of college sports, many coaches have mixed feelings about the inevitable transition.

Known for his exuberance and optimistic attitude, football Head Coach Shawn Quinn is currently tasked with overseeing the team’s spring preparation for the competitions ahead.

After being asked if his expectations have changed since conducting several training sessions and having to interact with the young men, and also assessing their performance in training, he said, “I’ve always believed in the group a guys, I always felt like we had a chance to be successful…and I still do.”

“The more I am around them, the more I realize we have a great group a guys,” he said.

Quinn said the team has been very active in the university and the wider community, as they have accumulated 1,200 hours of community service as a team.

Quinn’s optimistic side showed up as he looked forward to the new challenges Division II competition will offer.

For those who say Division II is a step down in competition, Quinn responded, “I think it’s a step up for us. It’s the best league for us because now we’re in a league that has great attendance.”

Quinn said the move to Division II should attract more people to the games.

“We’re excited about having great crowds, great venues…and playing home a bunch,” he said.

For head men’s and women’s golf coach Art Gelow, known for his “old-school” approach style to coaching, the upcoming change is difficult.

“I am very, very disappointed that we are going to D2,” Gelow said, “I don’t hide my disgust with it.”

Gelow said he believes this move to Division II was a decision made by the Georgia Board of Regents to diminish Savannah State Athletics. Gelow says the transition won’t change the team’s push past the “unprecedented” 17 championships it has amassed since being added to the Athletics roster.

Horace Broadnax, men’s basketball head coach, had mixed opinions of the change. He said moving to Division II would make it harder to attract students looking for scholarships.

“Division I has 13 (scholarships) and Division II has 10 (scholarships), so unfortunately, some cuts are going to be made,” Broadnax said. “We’re going to have to come together as a staff to allocate the funds necessary to give our next crop of recruits a chance of playing for Savannah State.”

Despite the notion that Division II teams will be easier competition, Broadnax says many competitors bring tough and exciting games to the court.

Broadnax said, “We have to think as a team, this is not an individual agenda, and there are many obstacles in the SIAC that we know we can overcome.”

Coach Roselidah Obuwaga, newly charged with leading the SSU volleyball team in an interim role, is looking forward to the challenge of overseeing this team.

She said she expects to “focus also on recruiting new players, as there is a possibility that some players may not be returning for next season.”

“Regrouping is another thing that we need to focus on, because as we are about to step down to D2, many teams are preparing for us because they have that mindset we are a former Division I school.”

Obuwaga’s intentions are bold and sincere. As a former player herself, she is aware of the challenges that will eventually arise as the team undergoes training sessions, especially when the season gets underway.

Obuwaga comes to Savannah State with years of experience, not only as a player, but as a former Coach of Montana State University and Stephens College. She is also a former Olympic athlete, as she represented Kenya in the Athens and Sydney Olympics.

Softball ends season with a sweep, finishes at 4-11 MEAC record Marcus Mitchell, Contributing Writer The Savannah State softball team has wrapped up its 2019 season, ending on a high note with a sweep of South Carolina State University.

The Lady Tigers scored a total of 34 runs while only allowing 3 runs during their dominating weekend.

At the end of the season, the Lady Tigers finished with a conference record of 4-11, and an overall record of 9-27.

Coach Jose Gonzalez said, “Obviously, we didn’t win as many games as we wanted to, but overall we competed on every level of the game; offensively, defensively, and pitching. We knew we had some challenges ahead of us being a young team that needed to grow together.”

Although, the season wasn’t what anyone wanted, there were some bright spots. Freshman Stacie Smith led the team in hitting with a .386 batting average.

She also led the team in stolen bases with 12. Stacie has the opportunity to win Freshman of the Year in the MEAC. The Lady Tigers are graduating five seniors this

season: Allye Sneed, Peyton Mitchell, Faith Dickerson, Kelsey Cyrus and Cortni Jones.

Going into the 2019-2020 season, Savannah State will be transitioning to Division II. Gonzalez said, “Looking forward to next year. We’ll have seasoned players coming back. It’s going to be a mix with some new players. I’m definitely looking forward to next season. Going into the SIAC, it’s going to be a different move for us. So, we are excited about it, and we are going to keep our heads up, and have a better season next year.”

Photo by Wesley Clarke

8 May 2019

Features

The party doesn’t stop: Orange Crush 2019 Jasmine Floyd and Willie Lawson, Contributing Writers Orange Crush, Tybee Island’s annual beach bash, hit a rough patch this past weekend.

College students from throughout the region filled Tybee Island’s north beach on Saturday for the annual Orange Crush party that Students from SSU, Georgia Southern University, and other schools in the region, flood Tybee Island to relax on the beach, listen to music and hang out with friends.

However, as previously published by The Tiger’s Roar, the mayor and city council of Tybee Island has tried to put an end to Orange Crush for several years.

Mayor Jason Buelterman established large fines for promoters who did not obtain a permit for the event this year. Buelterman was unavailable for comment.

On April 26, George “Mikey” Turner III was arrested on suspicion of several offenses, including one misdemeanor, at a house party. The city claims Turner, who promoted several events during Orange Crush weekend, was charging hundreds of people to enter a party that he did not have a permit to host.

According to a press release from City Manager, Shawn Gillen, “George Ransom Turner III was arrested late Friday evening by Tybee Police and

charged with a felony for serious damage to personal and real property. Additionally, he was charged with knowingly providing a false name to an officer, maintaining a disorderly house in violation of City ordinance, and actively promoting a unpermitted event. On Friday evening, Tybee Police were called to a house on Tybee’s north end due to overflow parking and loud noise emanating from the house. Upon Police arrival, over 200 people vacated the home. The owner of the home had previously asked that the home be vacated.

Police inspected the property afterwards and found substantial damage done to the property.

Mr. Turner provided a fictitious name to the officers on scene, was properly identified by Tybee Police and was arrested. He was actively promoting a party that took place at the home without the homeowners permission and charging admission for the party.”

News of the arrest went viral on social media, and many were falsely claiming Orange Crush was canceled.

But, the arrest did not stop people from flooding the beach on Saturday.

Beach goer Matt Nhyt said, “They took away the alcohol ban, so this year is different from last year.

There still are a lot of police out here but, there’s been no shootings and everyone’s getting along.”

Valdosta State University student, Beyonce Mumphery, said, “I came 3 hours to participate in the beach festivities and that’s exactly what I’m going to do.”

Many others proceeded to go to Tybee Island for the beach bash, as they planned.

Savannah State student Andre Bolden said, “Orange Crush was definitely one for the books, and it brought the people out because it was crowded.”

“The party must still go on, and the music, the beach, and each other were all we needed to have a good time,” said Savannah State student Quwen Lewis.

REVIEW: Beyoncé’s ‘Homecoming’ Alissa Terry, Contributing Writer

Beyoncé is all of us, she is a voice for black women and she uses her platform for us to be heard. Most recently, Beyoncé’ released Homecoming, a Netflix documentary that reveals her hard work and production behind her Coachella 2018 performance.

During her showcase, Beyoncé shared the tradition of our beloved Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Her performance was so intentional

and rich in history at one of the whitest and most exclusive music festivals in the nation.

Like many products of the Historically Black College, I am often being questioned by white people about the validity of the HBCU experience. Without question, I defend the honor of my beloved HBCU. However, there was an extra surge of pride that was felt when I heard today’s most successful black woman in entertainment say, “I always dreamed of going to an HBCU.” It was powerful and much needed, since we are constantly being questioned on our relevancy. At one point, many had lost faith in our historic intuitions. Nonetheless, I would like to think that Beyoncé has since restored a sense of pride in HBCU attendance.

Beyoncé could have just thrown a flower crown on her head, as she said, and still would have blown us away with her performance. But she decided to create a feeling and experience that could show the beauty of our culture to those ignorant and ill-formed, becoming a unifier for us.

Personally, she makes me feel strong and invincible.

When I listen to Beyoncé I feel empowered, and I feel like I actually have a place in the world – I feel like I actually belong. Her words have a way of conveying this infectious confidence that is much

needed for all black girls and women in this nation.

Seeing hundreds of beautiful brown faces standing behind her in power and joy was a form of catharsis, especially during a time where our lives and humanity is often taken for granted. I felt seen and, once again, felt the power of what it means to see yourself reflected in art and culture. Alissa Terry From the singing of the Black National Anthem to swag surfing on stage, the performance held Black people close and reminded us that no matter where we are in the world, there is something that connects Black folk and we can always find home in each other. We always find a way to see each other, stand out and stand together even in the whitest of spaces.

I am still amazed at how Beyoncé flipped her Coachella performance into a major business deal. She took a $4 million pay out to celebrate our Black American Culture, then turned it into a new album and a $60 million contract with Netflix. Beyoncé is the pinnacle of black girl magic!

The moment Beyoncé’ strutted down that runway, she drew near to Black people and whispered to us with her slight smirk, “This is for us and no one else.”