WEDNESDAY l 2.28.18 OUR 68TH YEAR CONTRA COSTA COLLEGE SAN PABLO, CALIF.
RIGHT: Historian Carter G. Woodson believed contributions made by African-Americans in the U.S. were overlooked and suppressed. This belief drove him to create “Negro History Week” in 1926.
DENIS PEREZ / THE ADVOCATE
CELEBRATING BLACK LIVES
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ith this special package commemorating Af r ican-Amer ican Heritage Month, The Advocate aims to highlight the accomplishments of Africans and African-Americans, past and present, and to better understand their impact on modern society. Originally pioneered by Carter
G. Woodson as “Negro History Week” in 1926, the idea of creating a specific time to recognize the contributions made by the descendants of Africans was born out of necessity. Woodson believed contributions by blacks “were overlooked, ignored and even suppressed by t h e
writers of history textbooks and the teachers who use them.” He concluded, racial prejudice was a result of white people passing down traditional stereotypes of blacks and an inevitable outcome of being taught that blacks have never “contributed anything to the progress of mankind.” In this issue, The Advocate cov-
ers students taking a pilgrimage to visit historically black colleges and universities, a celebration of African and African-American culture and politicians meeting on campus to debate local issues that directly affect this community. In commemoration of AfricanAmerican Heritage Month, Contra Costa College also hosted an
Olympian, an African-American inspired poetry slam and a seminar explaining the lineage and history of the Gullah and Geechee descendants of the southern U.S. The Advocate also recognizes accomplishments from AfricanAmerican influences on this campus community since 1950.
Community honors African traditions
American Olympian recalls his journey
Celebrating over 45 years at CCC
Students, staff, faculty celebrate the roots of American blacks tracing back to Africa during the African Heritage Celebration event in the Knox Center.
Gold medal Olympian Eddie Hart opened up about the controversial incident that led to him missing his race at the 1972 summer games during the book signing for his new novel, “Disqualified.” Page B4
Psychology professor Stephen Greer discusses his long-lasting career at CCC and his contributions to the campus through his sometimes controversial teaching methods.
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WOOD PLANS TRANSITION PERIOD FOR CAMPUS By Robert Clinton opinion editor
rclinton.theadvocate@gmail.com
Change is inevitable, but in recent years Contra Costa College has been a campus defined more by changes in leadership positions, than the negatively stigmatized reputation that its students and employees constantly work to shed. The decision to return Contra Costa College President Mojdeh Mehdizadeh to her position in the District Office as executive vice chancellor of education and technology mid-semester left many at CCC with more questions than answers. Mehdizadeh said she consulted with Contra Costa Community College District Chancellor Fred Wood and was completely on board with the decision, however, it is important to know from Dr. Wood why the move had to happen now and what his vision SEE WOOD, PAGE A4
Team eyes resurgence, success Uncertain future slows progress
Day honors women By Jshania Owens staff writer
jowens.theadvocate@gmail.com
International Women’s Day will be celebrated in the Campus Center Plaza on March 8 from 2-5 p.m. to give students an opportunity to meet female leaders on campus and learn how to get involved in their community. Political science department Chairperson Vanna Gonzalez will be one of the main contributors to the event, along with Community Organizing and Political Action (COPA) Club President Becca Hernandez. “We want to create a space for women leaders to meet women on campus and inspire them,” Gonzalez said. “They can get advice and get a sense of wanting to be involved in careers that are available.” East Bay Community Law Center Executive Director Tirien Steinbach will give a keynote speech in GE-225, discussing important topics including immigration. There will also be a round table discussion in the Fireside Hall from 3-4 p.m. where students can ask questions and learn about the experiences of local women leaders in law, politics, public service and community organizing. RSVP is required by email at ccciwd. eventbrite.com. Hernandez said, “The round table dis-
DENIS PEREZ / THE ADVOCATE
A women holds a sign during the Women’s March that occurred in Downtown Oakland on Jan. 21, 2016, the day after President Trump’s inauguration.
cussion is an intimate way of talking to Day started out as a socialist movement them about their journey.” in the 1800s and five years ago became an The Women’s Day event will be centered organization on March 8.” around empowerment. A majority of the event’s contributors Gonzales said, “This will unify all local groups and press for progress. Women’s SEE WOMEN’S DAY, PAGE A4
UNITED FACULTY SUES DISTRICT District Office to appeal decision
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Quotable “The government should not have the power to rule art.” Colleen Dewhurst actress 1986 Denis Perez editor-in-chief Anthony Kinney Michael Santone associate editors Ryan Geller Benjamin Bassham news editor Jessica Suico assistant news editor Robert Clinton Alondra Gallardo opinion editor Xavier Johnson Andrew Weedon scene editor Dylan Collier assistant scene editor Efrain Valdez social media editor Paul DeBolt faculty adviser Advocate Staff Asma Alkrizy Christian Alvarez Sean Austin Isaac Benivades Joseph Bennett Carina Castrillo Dan Hardin Jshania Owens Gabriel Quiroz Julian Robinson Leon Watkins Honors ACP National Newspaper Pacemaker Award 1990, 1994, 1997,1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2015, 2017 CNPA Better Newspaper Contest 1st Place Award 1970, 1991, 1996, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2013 JACC Pacesetter Award 1997, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2017 Member Associated Collegiate Press
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Journalism Association of Community Colleges
How to reach us Phone: 510.215.3852 Fax: 510.235.NEWS Email: accentadvocate@ gmail.com Editorial policy Columns and editorial cartoons are the opinion of individual writers and artists and not that of The Advocate. Editorials reflect the majority opinion of the Editorial Board, which is made up of student editors.
opinion
WEDNESDAY, FEB. 28, 2018 VOL. 106, NO. 15
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EDITORIAL CLASS QUANTITY OVER QUALITY Limited instructor availability sullies learning environment
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alifornia community colleges have followed an evolving trend of hiring easily replaceable part-time professors instead of cultivating a crop of costly, yet better prepared, tenured-track employees. Students everywhere know the pain of tracking down professors with erratic office hours only to find that they have left to teach classes on other campuses in an attempt to make ends meet. At Contra Costa College, the percentage of temporary academic employees is in keeping with the national average at 51.66 percent as of the fall semester of 2017, according to Data Mart statistics provided by the state Chancellor’s Office. Although not above the national average, having over half of the professors rely on supplemental income to feed their families leaves little time for extra instruction. This frequently-occurring scenario drives a wedge between the student-professor relationship. Many students, aside from costs, attend community college for its smaller class size, generally less expensive unit fees and the opportunity to get extra instruction from instructors. Part-time faculty are hired in many ways, from informal connections through friends to job postings with a formal interview process. Their schedules are subject to budgets, enrollment and other changes at the end of every academic term. Conversations about policy and practice related to part-time faculty, and ways the college can more effectively support their work, are needed. Finding time to coordinate with professors has become an increasingly difficult task. An afternoon trip through the halls of the General Education Building, or many of the other buildings on campus, leaves students wondering if they missed the notification of a holiday. A research institute, the Center for Community College Student Engagement, found that community colleges rely on parttime instructors to teach 58 percent of their courses, nationwide. Conversations about how part-time instructors affect student success generally focus on four-year colleges, not twoyear colleges. Students who attend community colleges often need the most assistance while part-time instructors at two-year institutions often have the least time to offer. Changes don’t happen overnight, however, some years show more growth in the number of part-time instructors that are hired than others. According to the report cited above, public two-year institutions hired 400,000 faculty members in 2009 and part-time instructors made up 70 percent of the new hires. That same year, this campus reduced its overall employee count from 445 to 437. Although CCC also decreased its 2009 academic, tenured/tenure track employee roster size from 109 to 98, the campus saw an increase in academic temporary employees from 198 to 226, according to Data Mart. The changes trickle down to the students. Full-time professors spend more time per week preparing for classes, advising students and giving other forms of written and oral feedback to students, in addition to grades. Without an increase in pay, or a realistic pathway toward earning a more substantial position, the student-professor relationship will continue to dissolve.
ISAAC BENIVADES / THE ADVOCATE
■ GUNS
Arming school faculty furthers America’s issues
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ith everything going on today, arming teachers seems to be America’s next step toward insanity. Will officers protect the rights of every teacher who chooses to carry a gun, or will they shoot them? Will it matter if the teacher is black or white? Philando Castile worked at a school, he obtained a legally purchased firearm, was profiled for being black and was shot to death. Now imagine working at a school and trying to get to work every day while at the same time being black with a gun. Will America protect their rights? Or are they all at risk of being shot seven times. As someone who works at an elementary school, from what I can see, teachers are supposed to be in a nurturing position. They develop a special bond with their students and how will that same bond be cultivated when there is an AR-15 under their desk or strapped to their back. I already have to focus on 40 students inside of a classroom. The last thing I want to worry about is being in possession of a firearm while there are children latched onto my legs or trying to hug me. A school is supposed to be a safe space, not a probable war zone. What message will it send to students if they see these role models hoarding guns. One clear message that is being sent comes from the U.S. government and its reluctance to finding a reso-
alondragallardo lution to the gun epidemic. Sure, America has tested out different solutions. For example, if the one committing the mass shooting happens to I already be a Muslim it creates a have to travel ban. If the mass focus on shooter 40 students happens to be black it inside of builds more prisons and a classroom. jails. The last If the shooter hap- thing I want pens to be Hispanic or to worry Latino the about is government decides being in to build a possession wall, but if the shooter of a firearm is white it while there sends out thoughts and are children prayers. A white latched school mass shooter gets onto my leg referred to or trying as a troubled young to hug me. child but an “armed” black child with a toy gun gets referred to as a grown man and is gunned down indiscriminately. Educational funding has
already been cut, teachers are getting paid peas and nuts and now they are expected to not only educate, but take on the responsibility of patrolling a school that can potentially erupt into a battlefield. That is not their job. According to nish.com, the national average for a first-year teacher’s salary is $36,141. Allowing our teachers to be armed is a risk and it makes it easier for students to come into contact with a firearm. Keep in mind, teachers are everyday people. There is no guarantee they are not suffering from a mental illness and there is no guarantee they are not racist. In my 12 years of attending public schools, I’ve had teachers who shouldn’t even be allowed to teach let alone carry around a semi-automatic weapon. Now we are supposed to trust armed civilians to teach kindergartners how to tie their shoes? Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said, “Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that.” The answer to gun violence is not more guns. So next time politicians decide to send thoughts and prayers, make sure there is a bill for gun reform attached to it, and not just empty condolences. Alondra Gallardo is an opinion editor for The Advocate. Contact her at agallardo.theadvocate@ gmail.com.
CAMPUS COMMENT If you could be any black historical figure ever? Who would you be?
“Muhammad Ali because he was a confident man and he stood up for his convictions.”
“Tupac because through his music and movements he did a lot for his community.”
“Martin Luther King Jr. because he gave so many great speeches.”
“I would want to be Bob Marley because he was all about unity, peace and love.”
“I would be Martin Luther King Jr. because he saw life in an enlightened perspective.”
“Martin Luther King Jr. because his words still live on with people today.”
Christopher Lacayo
Xyguontin Wright
Colleen Lawrence
Chelsea Emslanher
Cody Tarantino
Kyra Romen
history
general education
JESSICA SUICO AND CHRISTIAN ALVAREZ /THE ADVOCATE
undecided
culinary arts
liberal arts
biology
forum
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■ MAIL BAG
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ISAAC BENIVADES / THE ADVOCATE
■ MEDIA COVERAGE
TEMPORARY DISRUPTION I
n a nation driven by a 24-hour news cycle that blurs the lines between fake news, breaking news and the hyperbole spewed from the mouths of talking heads and paid corporate shills, less sensational stories get pushed to the background. As the American media become more enthralled with President Trump’s mishaps, misfortunes and accusations of misogyny, a world of reports more important than the sexual escapades of Stormy Daniels languishes in obscurity. Stories that would be front page news are routinely relegated to lost corners of the internet while pundits argue over issues that seem perfectly designed to distract the populous from more pressing issues. “Day Zero” looms for Cape Town With a population of roughly 433,000 people and ranking 299th on the list of the world’s largest cities, Cape Town, South Africa is slated to run out of water on July 7 of this year. Currently, fierce water restrictions are in place to stave off what is known as
Day Zero, including, but not limited to, restricting residents to using 50 liters of water per day. An average toilet uses about 13 liters per flush and the daily use for one person is 71 liters. However, sharing toilet remnants is the least of the South Africa’s concerns. According to capetown. gov, agricultural users, in areas already stricken with drought, need to reduce water usage by 60 percent. With less water and fewer resources to grow crops, the plight of these South Africans is ironically being drowned out by endless political news cycles. While Americans gather on golf courses, people on the other side of the globe wonder if life without water will silently become the new normal. The scourge of cybercrime In September 2017, Americans were alerted to a data security breach against the consumer credit reporting agency Equifax. The breach exposed the full names, Social Security numbers, birthdates, addresses and driver license
of nearly 198 million U.S. voters was exposed and exploited. The information was released not through some complicated hack or elaborate ruse. The data was mistakenly left exposed by a conservative data firm, Deep Root Analytics, that owns the information and the server it’s stored on. numbers of its 145.5 million Because of a software misU.S. consumers. Equifax configuration, all the data also confirmed at least was left exposed. 209,000 of its customers’ The Equifax hack and credit information was also voter info exposure have taken in fundamentally changed the the securi- meaning of “a reasonable While ty breach, expectation of privacy.” Americans which the compaA mysterious white powgather on ny says der golf courses, occurred On Feb. 12, presidential between daughter-in-law and wife of people on May and Donald Trump Jr. Vanessa June of the Trump was rushed to the the other same year. hospital after opening a That side of package filled with white was a hack. powder. On the same day, the world More across the Atlantic Ocean, disturbPrince Harry and his fianwonder if ingly, cé Meghan Markle were just three life withalso delivered a package months containing white powder out water earlier, a that was intercepted by database will silently containing crown security. Reports by London’s Evening Standard become the the voter newspaper claim the powinforder to be weaponized new norm. mation Anthrax.
robertclinton
Vanessa Trump has not made a public appearance since the incident was reported. Truthers, hold on to your tinfoil hats. In 2001, one week after 9/11, letters containing a mysterious white powder, later determined to be Anthrax, were delivered to several media outlets and two senator’s offices killing five people and infecting 17 others. After a lengthy investigation, FBI agents set their sights on scientist Bruce Edwards Ivins and eventually charged him with the crimes in August 2008. The conviction came one month after Ivins’ suicide. Although an independent review board was formed to challenge the conviction, neither the board or the federal government can prove with 100 percent certainty that Ivins was the sole culprit behind the attacks. To date, no reports have been issued about the status of Vanessa Trump’s health. Robert Clinton an opinion editor for The Advocate. Contact him on Twitter at @ rclinton3.
CAMPUS COMMENT
What is the most overlooked problem in the world?
“People don’t make enough money to provide food for themselves or their family.”
“Capitalism is overlooked because it seems people thrive off of exploiting people.”
JoJuan Johnson
Alexander Walker-Griffin
general education
political science
JESSICA SUICO AND GABRIEL QUIROZ / THE ADVOCATE
“A lot of people with a mental illness or who are not mentally fit to own a gun are getting a hold of guns.” Nika Chinarath computer science
“The homeless situation is in a repeat cycle because the homeless aren’t being helped, but just relocated” Craig Alums music
“Social media is abused by certain age groups and there is no education about the technology.” Misael Vazquez math
“Mental illness is overlooked because they basically just give medications out to anyone.” Kimyatta Newby political science
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campusbeat
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NEWSLINE n HEALTH
FIRESIDE HALL HOSTS BLOOD DRIVE EVENT The American Red Cross’ Cesar Chavez Blood Drive Challenge will be hosted in Fireside Hall on Thursday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Identification and knowledge of personal health history is required for all participants. Donors will receive a free T-shirt. To schedule an appointment by phone, call 1-800-733-2767. To pre-register online visit redcrossblood.org and enter sponsor code CCC.
n TUTORING
ENGLISH WORKSHOP SECTIONS AVAILABLE As part of the English department’s English 102 workshops, help with scholarship essays will be offered on March 1 from 3-4 p.m. in the LLRC-121. The following week, March 6 from 2-3 p.m., a workshop on crafting an introduction and thesis will provide students with insight on how to structure a paper. Also, on March 13 from 2-3 p.m. a workshop focused on thesis development will be hosted by English department Chairperson Kathleen Donlan. All workshops will be in LLRC121. No sign-up is needed, however, students must be registered in English 102. For more information contact Donlan through email at kdonlan@ contracosta.edu.
n CELEBRATION
RICHMOND HONORS CHINESE NEW YEAR The 15th Annual Chinese New Year’s Celebration is happening Saturday at the Richmond Memorial Auditorium. The event begins at 5 p.m. and runs until 8:30 p.m. The event is organized by the City of Richmond Community Services Department and will feature performances by Fei Tian Dancers from UC Berkeley, Queer Taiko, Mexico Danza and two new Laotian groups and the White Crane Lion and Dragon Dance Association. The doors will open at 4 p.m. and tickets cost $15 per person and includes a Chinese-themed dinner. Tickets can be purchased at the Richmond Senior Center, located at 2525 Macdonald Avenue. Those interested can also find out more by calling the Richmond Community Services Department office at 510307-8087.
n ENTERTAINMENT
SHOW SPOTLIGHTS WOMEN’S THOUGHTS In a play directed by Katherine McCarty titled “Emotional Creatures,” an ensemble of young women perform monologues of women’s hidden voices and tucked away thoughts and concepts often not seen or heard by the public. Tickets are $15 for general admission and $10 for students with a Contra Costa College ID and senior citizens. Showtimes are March 2, 3, 9 and 10 at 7:30 p.m. and March 4 and 11 at 3 p.m. at the Knox Center. For more information email McCarty at kmccarty@contracosta.deu
CRIMEWATCH Thursday, Feb. 15: A student reported her backpack stolen. No other details have been released. — Anthony Kinney and Michael Santone
— The Contra Costa Community College District is committed to equal opportunity in educational programs, employment, and campus life. The District does not discriminate on the basis of age, ancestry, color, disability, gender, marital status, national origin, parental status, race, religion, sexual orientation, or veteran status in any access to and treatment in College programs, activities, and application for employment.
2 board members removed By Michael Santone associate editor
msantone.theadvocate@gmail.com
Failing to meet a quorum and the subsequent cancellation of the Feb. 7 Associated Student Union board meeting, has prompted disciplinary action and review of the current bylaws. Since the beginning of the spring 2018 semester, the ASU has grappled with the lack of attendance by board members, which continued into the Feb. 14 meeting where the late arrival by Director of External Affairs Shesheryar Shah resurrected the meeting from quorum death. After a brief discussion regarding attendance and removal processes, a motion was set forth by Director of Shared Governance Preston Akubuo-Onwuemeka to remove Treasurer Aireus Robinson and Senator Alfredo Gutierrez. “I’m not on campus much, so I shouldn’t have a high position when I’m not here to listen to the campus voice,” Robinson said. The motion was seconded by ASU President Alexander Walker-Griffin. “It’s a choice to be a part of the ASU Board and attend meetings,” Walker-Griffin said. “This has caused a minor set back, slowed things down, but nothing too drastic.” Along with the removal of Robinson and Gutierrez, Contra Costa College Student Life Coordinator Joel Nickelson-Shanks said at the Feb. 21 meeting that three board members vacated their positions. They include Secretary Leilani Contreras, Director of Public Affairs Adeline Brien and Senator Mikaela Pollard. “I’ve seen this happen before,” NickelsonShanks said. “Because we have people on the board not participating something has to be done to keep this from continuing.” Aside from the lack of quorum and cancellation of one meeting, setbacks have been minimal, Nickelson-Shanks said. “We were definitely more organized at the start of the semester and a stronger presence by ASU is needed for students,” he said. “But this semester has not run as smoothly as they (ASU Board) would like.” The ASU, which is responsible for representing the student body of both CCC and Middle College High School, aims to boost
DENIS PEREZ / THE ADVOCATE
The Associated Student Union Board takes a vote during a meeting on Oct. 4, 2017.
the student atmosphere through events and discussions that cater to the diverse makeup of the campus. Along with sitting on various CCC committee boards, the ASU Board reviews petitions from on-campus clubs as well as departments who are looking for financial support. “A lot of the board members are seniors and about to graduate from MCHS, so that played a big factor in attendance this semester,” Walker-Griffin said. “But more vacant seats are coming, so we need to beef up recruitment and get more people in ASU.” The required quorum to hold a valid meeting is set at half of the total number of board members present plus one. With the size of the ASU Board reduced from 16 members to 11, the required quorum for a valid meeting is seven. “We need to have quorum every meeting,” Parliamentarian Jacqueline Ortiz said. “It didn’t happen twice in a row. We have pressing issues to discuss and decisions that have to be made.” Ortiz said because of the recent attendance problems, a vote had to be made to remove board members. “There’s a sense of responsibility when you are a part of ASU and if you can’t fulfill the duties you should resign,” she said. “If not, take
responsibility and hold yourself accountable for what you signed up for.” At the Feb. 21 board meeting a more in depth discussion was held on attendance and the removal process as all members were provided with a copy of the ASU Bylaws. “The rules are very clear, but I think it’s really bigger than the rules. It’s really about you guys making sure that it’s fair for everyone at the table,” Nickelson-Shanks said to the table of board members. “It’s not just talking about this meeting but the committee meetings and all the other responsibilities that you have to go to,” he said. “So that means if you miss three of the budget committee meetings, for example, that your supposed to be on, technically you can get removed from ASU as well.” Nickelson-Shanks said, “It’s more important how you guys follow the rules as well and hold each other accountable so that no one is above the rules.” During the board meeting Vice President Esmeralda Topete said, “I think overall we all should read through these (ASU Bylaws) by next week and come to an agreement that we will begin to more closely follow the bylaws.”
WOOD | Chancellor sets plan in motion for district Continued from Page 1 the shift only cements a members. for the campus is moving into the future. “Mojdeh (Mehdizadeh) is a fabulous president, but she is the best executive vice chancellor in the state,” Dr. Wood said. “From the intellectual side of it, I think she sees a hole at the district. She sees how she can help all students across all three colleges and she sees something that she built that is struggling. She believes, as I do, that technology wedded with academics is the way the world is moving.” Since the vice chancellor position Mehdizadeh left to become interim president of CCC has not been changed, Wood felt the move would be an appropriate decision for him to make without Governing Board approval. Wood said if the position had changed in any way he would have brought the proposal to the Governing Board. The chancellor also said that the timing of the move is solely to accommodate the schedule of interim President Chui L. Tsang. Because of prior engagements and a previously scheduled family vacation, Tsang is only able to serve as interim from March through September. “He (Tsang) is not interested in the position full time, he’s retired,” Wood said. “But he is interested in helping this place and this community and these students and this is when he is able to do it.” While the timing of the move may have come as a shock to some, to others
pattern of instability that shrouds the campus. History, anthropology and geography department Chairperson Manu Ampim said, “The move comes at a time when there are some changes happening on campus and the issue for me is black students, black faculty and staff are not being respected the way they are supposed to be. “Diversity in hiring and other issues that the district is pushing are not being embraced like they should be.” Wood has a larger plan in place for selecting a permanent president for CCC, one that hopefully addresses the concerns of Ampim and many others on campus. Input from students, faculty and staff and even community members are all to have a voice in selecting the next college president, according to Wood. Even though recent decisions have been made at CCC with minimum student representation, and even fewer representatives from the local community, Wood is confident administrators have a way to effectively engage these habitually underrepresented groups. Governing Board Trustee John Marquez will be in charge of selecting a member from the community to be on the presidential selection committee. Also, the chancellor hopes to enlist the recruiting firm hired to find the right candidate to do listening meetings to hear the concerns of students, employees and community
“What do you want to see and what type of characteristics do you think the right leader has that will do well to connect to the community. You try to bring as much of that in,” Wood said. The chancellor says he has been made aware of concerns that have been raised regarding the insertion of people into positions of authority at CCC who do not have close ties to the surrounding community or the student population that emanates from it. “It’s often a matter of timing, who is available and who applies,” CCC Vice President Ken Sherwood said. “My understanding coming in was that this school was really struggling because of the changes in leadership and vacancies here at the college at the time.” As for how to reassure that the college is not on a path of disconnection based on decisions that have already been finalized, the chancellor could only say that “the proof will be in the pudding in terms of commitment.” With programs like guided pathways and an enhanced push toward online education dragging the campus away from a community of potential lifelong learners, the need to have administrators that represent the community seems harshly irrelevant. Although those cuts were state decisions and not made at the district level, no mention of returning to a model of supporting lifetime learners has been mentioned
DENIS PEREZ / THE ADVOCATE
Contra Costa Community College District Chancellor Fred Wood said returning CCC President Mojdeh Mehdizadeh to her previous position is helpful to the District Office.
in the campus curriculum reconfiguration that is underway. Before being hired at CCCCD, Wood served as chancellor at the University of Minnesota Crookston (UMC). Despite his recent background of leading employment-based, online-centric education programs, Wood believes the top priorities for campus administrators is to have close connections with the community
they serve. “The administration, classified professionals and the faculty should reflect the same demographics as the students. Being role models, the understanding of issues, they have to connect with students,” Wood said. “I think that’s true everywhere but that is especially true in West County. They have to bring a background and understanding of this community and build from that.”
WOMEN’S DAY | Club localizes international action Continued from Page 1
event’s festivities. Hernandez said, “I feel strongly are women, from the flier design about inviting men to hear about to the catering. However, men the struggles happening primarily are also helping out in the event to women. It’s an open invitation and are encouraged to join in the to be involved and interact. It’s
going to be a big event.” A festival will take place in the plaza from 4-4:30 p.m., with food, music, prizes and scholarship opportunities. Students will also have an opportunity to talk with
each woman community leader from the discussion. Hernandez said holding events like this on campus bolsters the feelings of unity and inclusivity.
campus beat
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Court decision states District Office broke labor laws, concealed specifics
By Anthony Kinney associate editor
akinney.theadvocate@gmail.com
The Contra Costa Community College District is laying the groundwork to appeal the Public Employment Relations Board’s court decision in the United Faculty’s two unfair labor practice claims filed against the district in November 2016. Administrative Law Judge Donn Ginoza’s ruling, which was issued Dec. 29, 2017, states in part, “the Contra Costa Community College District violated the Education Employment Relations Act … by failing to provide necessary and relevant information in response to requests by the United Faculty.” District Director of Communications and Community Relations Tim Leong said the PERB’s decision was erroneous and if not overturned, will cause students to become even more reluctant to voice complaints
against faculty members seeing that they will now be able to view students’ complaints and identify their accusers. The UF’s claim accused the district of unlawfully keeping pertinent information from an accused faculty member and their union representative, arguing the case that the district’s practices leave employees unprepared and often intimidated during misconduct investigation interviews and hearings. However, the district believes its policy of withholding the contents of student complaints from faculty promotes student confidentiality and prevents possible retaliation from faculty members accused of misconduct. Ultimately, the judge ruled in the UF’s favor, deeming the confidentiality aspect of the district’s defense as “unpersuasive” and demanding that the district “cease and desist from failing and refusing to provide a copy of com-
plaints” to alleged staff members and their union representatives. “The union and employee need to know the nature and scope of the accusations: that is, what will and will not be the subject of the inquiry,” Judge Ginoza wrote in his ruling. “The United Faculty has demonstrated that the information contained in the written complaints (is) necessary and relevant.” Leong said the district believes it acted appropriately according to the law and filed a “Statement of Exceptions and Brief ” with the PERB appealing the decision. “The desired outcome is that the court recognizes that it is outrageous to turn over discrimination complaints to union representatives prior to any investigation taking place,” Leong said. “We believe the law and prior decisions support that decision and that the current ruling will be overturned on appeal.” United Faculty Vice President Jeffrey Michels said the appeal
could draw out the parties’ legal dispute for another two months to two years. “They’ve appealed, we’ve responded, now we wait,” he said. However, in the meantime, Chancellor Fred Wood has agreed to assemble a workgroup consisting of representatives from district human resources, the UF and the chancellor, to review and revise current investigation procedures. Additionally, the judge also disagreed with the district’s claim that giving accused faculty members the ability to prepare for interviews compromises the integrity of the investigation by granting them the opportunity to fabricate their account of the incident. In his ruling, he noted that the withholding of basic information before an investigation interview hinders the union’s ability to “place the controversy in context and identify mitigating circumstances.” Michels said prior to the recent ruling, UF representatives or the
accused faculty member, were prohibited from accessing the full investigative report during or after the investigation concludes. He said he strongly believes student confidentiality should be treated with the utmost importance, but he thinks it wasn’t fair that union representatives were unable to see the complaints filed against their members in order to appropriately advise and represent them during allegation meetings. During the PERB hearing, the district called for the testimony of a statewide Student Senate representative to be heard in the district’s defense, but that motion was denied by Judge Ginoza, who labeled the statement not relevant to the two specific unfair labor claims being addressed. The district plans to abide by the court’s decision pending the appeal, however officials are still reviewing options on how to best protect students should its appeal get dismissed, Leong said.
Sims Metal fire releases toxins, forces shelter-in-place A Sims Metal worker, Francisco, who refused to give his last name, stands in front of a gate into the yard during the fire on Jan. 30. DENIS PEREZ/ THE ADVOCATE
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The thick acrid smoke from a fire at the Sims Metal Management factory at 600 South 4th Street had residents in parts of Richmond responding to several “shelter-in-place” warnings on Jan. 30. The smoke contained particulate matter that was dangerous to breathe, according to a KQED report by Ted Goldberg. The report also said that Richmond Mayor Tom Butt was frustrated with the lengthy delays before the county warning system alerted the public to shelter-in-place that day.
Thick, toxic smoke rose into the East Bay air on Jan. 30 after a blaze broke out in Sims Metal yard, causing shelter-in-place warnings. DENIS PEREZ/ THE ADVOCATE
Text messaging aids alert system for crime, theft By Ryan Geller news editor
rgeller.theadvocate@gmail.com
A recent string of campus car break-ins has prompted Contra Costa College staff and Police Services to carefully consider the use of the campus-wide mass text alert system for reminders about non-violent crime. “With the recent break-ins coming so close to the beginning of the semester, we decided to use the emergency system to send out an alert about the break-ins and about protecting yourself and your belongings,” CCC Director of Marketing Brandy Howard said. “This message was a text, but it was also a tweet, a Facebook post, and an Instagram post and all of those included a link to the CCC safety tips web page.” CCC’s emergency text notification system is generally used for shelter-in-place warnings, evacuation, violent crimes in progress or violent crimes that the community should be made aware of, Lt. Thomas Holt of Police Services said. It is also used for emergency notifications required under the Clery Act, which is a federal law intended to improve campus safety. The emergency texting notification service is provided by a company called Regroup, Holt said. There are two Regroup numbers on campus, Howard said. One is the Emergency Notification System that goes out to everyone that has a relationship to the campus. The second number is for reminders about registration and other pertinent student notices that is sent out to a list of approxi-
mately 3,000 students. InSite Portal has an option for students to indicate whether or not they want to receive the reminders, but they cannot unsubscribe from the emergency list. Emergency texts begin with “CCC Alert:” followed by a message. The student information texts begin with “CCC Reminder:.” Some CCC students have expressed interest in notifications about incidents of theft or vandalism on campus. “People would be more likely to keep stuff put away and be aware of what is happening,” sociology major James Grasty said. “Maybe there should be a mid-weekly text that lists all the things that have happened that week. This way there would not be so many texts, but people could still keep up on it and know the spots and times on campus to be aware,” Holt noted that the district website has the daily log for students and staff to view for current crime information. The daily log with map of where crimes occur as well as campus crime awareness reports are posted at www.4cd.edu in the “district offices and departments” drop down menu under “police, safety and emergency services.” “I don’t want text messages all day,” psychology major Ockemia Kates said. “I saw someone looking in the window and I asked her what was going on. That was because I had got a text earlier that day and it reminded me to stay aware and it also reminded me not to leave stuff in my car. I think texts would be good to keep everybody aware.”
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Team readies for BVC season After year of inactivity, squad roster increases By Robert Clinton opinion editor
rclinton.theadvocate@gmail.com
With renewed hope of playing its first full season in over one year, the softball team is poised to compete in its first action March 13 against Solano Community College in Fairfield. The 2017 softball season was cut short after lackluster participation, performance and eventually the inability of some of the Comet players to fully commit to the team. “It feels really good. We didn’t get to have a season last year. Now that I have a season to play I’m going to go all out,” Comet first baseman Amy Palomares said. “Day-by-day there are more girls showing up, so it’s great.
In previous seasons there were only one or two girls showing up consistently. It feels good to have a team now, and to have teammates here who are ready and want to play.” Even with more players committed to the success of the team, the health of Bay Valley Conference softball is still in question. The BVC nearly lost its season in 2017 before play began after a number of colleges in the conference were not able to field softball teams with at least nine players. Despite routinely carrying seven teams into BVC competition, last year, the conference only supported four colleges with softball teams. Only Yuba College, Mendocino College, Los Medanos College and the Comets competed in the BVC. This season, the BVC has four teams. Los Medanos, Solano Community College, CCC and Yuba are the only colleges slated to compete in the BVC this year. Despite winning 12 games with eight
freshmen on its roster in 2017, Mendocino was not able to field a nine-person team this season. “I just hope we have a team. The state of softball, in the Bay Valley Conference, breaks my heart. We’re down to four teams in the league,” CCC Athletic Director John Wade said. “Our team is tenuous. I don’t even want to look at the rosters of the other teams in the league and our roster is nothing to write home about.” But with opening day looming, it may be too late to be hosted by another conference if any of the BVC teams happen to forfeit their season. Yuba and Los Medanos both have 10 players on their squads while Solano has the most of all four teams with 14 players. CCC has the fewest players
Softball breeds strong mindset By Robert Clinton opinion editor
rclinton.theadvocate@gmail.com
Old wounds linger and living with pain is something most people put up with at some point in their lives. However, sometimes playing through pain comes at a cost and minor aches turn out to be something a little more serious. For Comet infielder turned pitcher Nancy Bernal, the cancellation the 2017 season may have been the best thing that could have happened to her. Instead of playing a full season, Bernal had arthroscopic surgery to repair a torn meniscus tendon in her knee. “It hurt since I was in middle school, but it didn’t really bother me until I started to play softball,” Bernal said. “I knew I should have gotten an MRI, but I thought I could play through the pain.” After joining the Comet softball team in 2016, Bernal took a ball off her right knee, a knee that had already hurt for some time. Bernal was not interested in softball in high school, she began to play as a hobby and a relief from doing paperwork during her duties assisting Athletic Trainer Mikel Jackson in the Training Room. Bernal hopes to be a paramedic in her years after leaving Contra Costa College. Over the last two years, Jackson said Bernal has filled a voluntary field experience role within the CCC sports medicine department. “She assists in everything from pre-participation physical exams to emergency first aid,” Jackson said. “This has prepared Nancy for almost anything that she will see or experience as an EMT/paramedic,” Jackson said. Her time in the training room left Bernal familiar with the exercises needed to rehabilitate her surgically repaired knee.
After successfully rehabbing an injury, she harbored since middle school, Bernal, not a pitcher, is ready to throw the first pitch for CCC on opening day. Softball coach Karolyn Gubbine said, “I’m really proud of Nancy. I think that she’s put in a lot of work over the past few years and she’s made a massive improvement. I would have loved to be able to see her play last year to see what she could do. It sucks that she had to have surgery. She had a lot of unnatural strains on her body that got compounded because she compensated for them.” Bernal switched to pitcher during her rehab as a way to decrease the amount of time spent in the crouched position that is demanded to play her usual infield positions. “ I t ’ s different pitching. Defensively, I only have to cover home and when you play second base, it’s like being the brain of the team,” Bernal said. Although she hasn’t decided completely what position she likes playing best, for now she says pitcher because it puts the least amount of stress on her knees.
DENIS PEREZ / THE ADVOCATE
with nine, the minimum number of players needed to officially field a team. Even with all of the uncertainty in the conference, coach Karolyn Gubbine is focused on building the players she has into a cohesive team. “I think we have good team camaraderie. There are a lot of players putting in a lot of good work. They are showing up on extra days and getting in extra swings and are really excited to play,” Gubbine said. “It’s still a struggle to get the team together. There are a lot of obstacles — it’s tough. Opening day has been pushed back to March 13 because we lost another team (Mendocino) in our conference.” After last season dissolved, many of Gubbine’s players continued to practice. But because of the uncertainty in the BVC, some of the players opted out of returning to the softball team. Joshleen Ayson joined the softball team after two seasons as right setter for the Comet volleyball team. “I told myself I didn’t want to play and that I would only come here to help out, so coach put me in as a base runner and I don’t know why I decided to play, I just said ‘yes,’” Ayson said. “The differences between softball and volleyball is huge. This is like a whole new environment to me. It’s outside of my comfort zone and actually pretty fun. I’m a noob. I’ve never played before.” As basketball season ends, many of the Comet softball players are hopeful that some of the players from that team will try their luck with softball, even if they have never set foot on a diamond before. With new players and an increasingly fragile conference, the probability that this will be a smooth confusion-free season is minute.
BELOW: Comet pitcher Nancy Bernal had arthroscopic surgery to repair a torn meniscus tendon in her knee after the cancellation of the 2017 Bay Valley softball conference .
LEFT: Pitcher Nancy Bernal goes into her windup as she throws a ball during a drill during softball practice at the Softball Field on Thursday.
Injury devastates team’s leadership By Robert Clinton sports editor
rclinton.theadvocate@gmail.com
DENIS PEREZ/ THE ADVOCATE
Comet guard Jameelah Hanif shoots over Mustang guard Elsa Ross in an attempt to end their offensive drought during Contra Costa College’s 86-39 blowout loss at Los Medanos College.
After a promising start to the 2017-18 season for the women’s basketball team, injuries and inconsistency slowly dissolved any aspirations the Comets had for finishing atop the Bay Valley Conference standings. Finishing (6-20 overall and 3-13 in the BVC) and failing to win any back-to-back games this season, the team’s season was not completely in jeopardy until late December when an auto accident injury forced 2016 All-BVC point guard Dierra Mize to miss the rest of the season. Mize said her knee has not recovered enough for her to begin rehab yet and that she expects it to be a lengthy process. As one of only three sophomores on the team, Mize provided much needed leadership. Forward Larissa Carvalho said, “Honestly, what really hurt us was losing Dierra. She was one of our
n “I think my team got a
Maramba is invited to compete in the State Sophomore Showcase lot better throughout the March 8 in Southern California. When Maramba missed, it was season. Even in our last Carvalho who cleaned the boards. game you could see a lot Maramba finished eighth in of improvement. We had a the BVC in scoring at 15.8 points per game while Carvalho averaged solid season. 10.2 rebounds per game, good for — Jahna Maramba, sophomore fourth in the conference. “It went a little downhill leaders. We had to rely on a fresh- when girls started dropping off man (Kristyle King) to lead the and things started getting in the team and she wasn’t used to it. way, whether it be academically The transition from high school to or because of personal reasons,” college is really big. Maramba said. “I think my team “Even though it wasn’t the best got a lot better throughout the season, we actually built some real- season. Even in our last game you ly interesting relationships. There could see a lot of improvement. were losses in the standings, but We had a solid season.” there was growth in us as a team.” With only three wins since Jan. Carvalho, along with sopho- 1, it was clear that attrition had more Jahna Maramba, kept the firmly taken hold of the freshmanComets close or ahead in many heavy squad. of the team’s games this season. As each mistake mounted Maramba’s relentless energy and during the final month of the seadribble-drive scoring at will gave son, it was clear that the weight CCC its most consistent scoring of injuries and obstacles was too option this season. much for CCC to bear.
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SCORING NIGHTMARE PERSISTS Team continues its search for consistency By Robert Clinton sports editor
rclinton.theadvocate@gmail.com
The baseball team (2-10) lost its 10th game in a row, this time in dramatic fashion, a 19-3 loss to Sacramento City College (122) Saturday at the Baseball Field. The Panthers scored early and often in the 2 p.m. contest, tallying runs in all but two innings, while spraying 15 hits around the field. “In the first five innings, our pitchers got into trouble by walking a lot of players. We tried to put ourselves in a good position to score, just couldn’t cash in,” Comet pitcher Marc Dozier said. CCC sent four pitchers to the mound against Sacramento — Kyle Brown, Lorenzo Peterson, Marc Dozier and Leo Bowman. Between them, the pitchers surrendered 19 runs on 15 hits, including two home runs. The staff was not offered much help defensively. Collectively, CCC was charged with seven errors in the game. Offensively, the Comets found themCOMETS selves fighting an uphill battle from the first inning of the game. After going threeand-out in the botPANTHERS tom of the first inning, Comet infielder Wesley Galloway singled then found his way to second base on a failed pick-off attempt giving CCC a runner in scoring position. A Sacramento pitching error advanced Galloway to third and a walk by designated hitter Jared Jackson gave the Comets runners at both corners.
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SQUAD IS FORCED TO BRUSH OFF BAD START Comets look to improve bad karma at plate
“Baseball is a game of all adjustments, so naturally the pitchers need to stay in the game. The batters need to adjust to how the pitchers are throwing.” Marc Dozier, Comet pitcher
naturally the pitchers need to stay in the game. The batters need to adjust to how the pitchers are throwing,” Dozier said. The Comets responded to the Panther offense in the bottom of the fifth inning. After a walk and a hit into a double-play, Comet right fielder Robert Swanson doubled, giving his team hope and a runner in scoring position. The notion of what could have been a rally failed when Swanson was picked off at second base to end the inning leaving the Panthers with an 8-0 advantage. “As a pitching staff,
Another walk loaded the bases for CCC, but the inning ended with all runners left stranded. After two innings Sacramento led the Comets 3-0. “What we need to work on is what happens when we get runners in scoring position and that’s all there is to it,” CCC second baseman Justin Summers said. Trailing 3-0 entering the fifth inning, the Comets encountered a Panther offensive onslaught. In the inning, Sacramento homered, then scored two more runs on two more hits and left one runner stranded before the Comets stopped the bleeding. “Baseball is a game of all adjustDENIS PEREZ ments, / THE ADVOCATE s o Comet hit-
we need to have a bulldog mentality,” Dozier said. Sacramento would score 11 more runs and hold CCC scoreless until the ninth inning to give the Panthers a 19-3 victory.
SCHEDULE Baseball at Monterey Peninsula, March 2, 2 p.m. vs. Monterey Peninsula, March 3, 1 p.m. vs. Napa Valley, March 6, 2 p.m. vs. Mendocino, March 8, 2:30 p.m. at Yuba, March 10, 1 p.m. vs. Marin at Sonoma State University, March 13, 2:30 p.m. vs. Marin, March 15, 2:30 p.m. vs. Marin at Sonoma State University, March 17, 1 p.m. at Solano, March 20, 2:30 p.m. at Solano, March 22, 2:30 p.m. vs. Solano, March 24, 1 p.m. at Los Medanos, March 27, 2:30 p.m. vs. Los Medanos, March 29, 2:30 p.m. at Los Medanos, March 30, 1 p.m. vs. Laney, April 3, 2:30 p.m. at Laney, April 5, 2:30p.m.
vs. Laney, April 7, 1 p.m. vs. Yuba, April 10, 2:30 p.m. at Yuba, April 12, 2:30 p.m. vs. Yuba, April 14, 1 p.m. at Mendocino, April 17, 2:30 p.m. vs. Mendocino, April 19, 2:30 p.m. at Mendocino, April 21, 1 p.m. vs. Napa Valley, April 24, 2:30 p.m. at Napa Valley, April 26, 2:30 p.m. vs. Napa Valley, April 27, 2:30 p.m. Softball at Yuba, March 27, 1 p.m. at Mendocino, March 27, 1 p.m. at Yuba, March 27, 3 p.m. at Mendocino, March 27, 3 p.m. at Los Medanos, April 3, 1 p.m. at Los Medanos, April 3, 3 p.m. vs. Solano, April 10, 1 p.m. vs. Solano, April 10, 3 p.m. vs. Yuba, April 12, 1 p.m. vs. Yuba, April 12, 3 p.m. vs. Mendocino, April 19, 1 p.m. vs. Solano, April 19, 1 p.m. vs. Mendocino, April 19, 3 p.m. vs. Solano, April 19, 3 p.m. vs. Los Medanos, April 24, 1 p.m. at Yuba, April 24, 1 p.m. vs. Los Medanos, April 24, 3 p.m. at Yuba, April 24, 3 p.m.
ter Jared Jackson swings and misses during Contra Costa College’s 19-2 loss to Sacramento City College.
By Dylan Collier assistant scene editor
dcollier.theadvocate@gmail.com
The baseball team this season has gotten off to a rocky start and is still searching for a club that will be able to take the lead early on, combined with pitching that will keep runs to a minimum throughout the entire game. In the first 12 games for the Comets they have a run differential of minus 79 and experienced a 10-game losing streak in the preseason so far. CCC has played a strong preseason schedule against good ball clubs like Modesto Junior College, Sierra College and Sacramento City College. With a team of mostly freshman, one problem seems to be a lack of leadership for one person
to step up to be a commanding leader. “We need to push ourselves a lot more, to do more each day and work on more situational scenarios with pitching and hitting. Instead of loading up the count, we should be able to get runners on base earlier on in our at-bats,” sophomore pitcher Jake Dent said. The Comets are hoping to improve on last year’s total of 11 wins. Dent said one goal that he has is being able to pitch for a full nine innings. Additionally, he’s working on increasing the velocity of his pitches, and closely studies people like Giants’ lefty Madison Bumgarner, by paying attention to what pitches he throws in specific counts, and how he pitches each batter individually.
The Comet offense has scored a mere 51 runs in their last 11 contests. Two missing components of last season’s heavy-hitting lineup are powerhouse bash brothers Johnny Velasco and Evan Whitfield, who significantly contributed to the overall slugging percentage of that team. Currently they are attending Menlo College in Atherton, where they both play National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) baseball. “They are working on being more aggressive at the plate. They want to prove that they can play at that level,” CCC coach Brian Guinn said. With College of Marin and Yuba College in first place in the Bay Valley College and CCC in last
thus far, the Comets have plenty of work ahead of them to get into playoff territory. Right fielder Dylan Wilson said they are going to take practice more seriously, so it will transfer over into their games. He said they sometimes have trouble executing routine plays. Wilson said that the pitchers need to condition themselves so they have more stamina to pitch deeper into the games. “We need to set the bar higher, and then when we’re playing at our fullest potential we will win more games,” he said. BVC play will begin for CCC in under two weeks. The first BVC game is scheduled for March 13 against the Mariners at Sonoma State University at 2:30 p.m.
Young team fails to make playoffs Squad slowed after hot start, defensive lapses By Efrain Valdez social media editor
evaldez.theadvocate@gmail.com
DENIS PEREZ/ THE ADVOCATE
Guard Kemare Wright dunks during Contra Costa College’s 92-63 victory against Solano Community College on Jan. 31 in the Gym.
After a promising start to the preseason and an even better 5-1 start to Bay Valley Conference play, the men’s basketball team (14-13 overall and 8-8 in the Bay Valley Conference) failed to make the playoffs this season. CCC began the season with only five returning players from the previous season. Some of the players that did not return made important contributions to the 2017 team’s success such as Curtis Harris who was an all-conference player as a freshman. Comet men’s basketball coach Miguel Johnson said that this season the team had a lot of young players, transfer guys and some first-year sophomores. “So, it’s just about finding out what our identity is, what we’re going to hang our hat on, and who were going to be during this season as a young group,” Johnson said. CCC still had a chance to make a late playoff push but failed after
“So, it’s just about finding out what our identity is, what we’re going to hang our hat on, and who were going to be during this season as a young group.” Miguel Johnson,
men’s basketball coach
finishing conference play with a 3-7 record in the last 10 games. Comet sophomore guard Stephen Evans believes this year’s team was a little bit more athletic than previous years and feels like the team just needed to figure out how to better mesh with each other. Johnson said that he always has expectations for each guy on his team. “I think collectively, as a group, we could get it done,” he said. CCC’s efforts to bring in more athletic players did help them when rebounding and forcing opposing teams to turn over the ball, but couldn’t pull it off consistently all season. Coach Johnson looked to adjust from last season by focusing more on team defense, defensive rebounding and limiting turnovers this season.
“We continued to go hard and trust our coaches,” freshmen shooting guard Darrius Scott said. He said that there was a lot of competition for spots and that the Miguel team kept going Johnson hard at each other. F r e s h m a n The men’s guard Eric Jones basketball said that they coach led always come out a freshman slow and that heavy team makes it diffi- to an 8-8 cult for the team record in during games. the BVC Johnson said he was hoping that the leadership from the point guard position would emerge. That did emerge this season thanks to both freshman guards Jones and Kemare Wright who led the team in scoring by averaging 14 points a game. Wright said that they had to learn how to play with each other, know what each other could do, know what other people’s roles are and know when to get them going. The Comets will try to bring together a playoff team led by this year’s core group of freshmen expected to return next season.
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African-American experience timeline Period of limited freedoms Period with full civil rights
1600s First African indentured servants arrive in the American colonies and by 1690 every colony has slaves
Town hall on racism fuels local discussion By Ryan Geller news editor
rgeller.theadvocate@gmail.com
1700s One of earliest slave revolts occurs in Stono, South Carolina, named the Stono Rebellion Eli Whitney’s cotton gin increases the need for slaves
1800s Another Fugitive Slave Act, which mandates government participation in the capture of escaped slaves, is passed by Congress Dred Scot v. Sanford case: Congress doesn’t have rights to ban slavery in the states; African-American slaves are not citizens The Civil War begins Civil Rights Act grants African-American’s citizenship and equal rights to whites Thousands of blacks migrate out of the South to escape oppression Plessy v. Ferguson case: racial segregation ruled constitutional by the Supreme Court and “Jim Crow” laws begin to bar African-Americans from equal access to public facilities
1900s Brown v. Board of Education case: segregation is ruled unconstitutional MLK Jr. and others lead the Civil Rights Movement in the 1950s and 60s The Civil Rights Act prohibits discrimination of all kinds and Voting Rights Act outlaws practices in the South to disenfranchise African-American voters
2000s Barack Obama becomes the first African-American to win a U.S. presidential election INFOGRAPHIC DENIS PEREZ / THE ADVOCATE SOURCE: NATIONAL PARKS ASSOCIATION
A town hall style forum on racism held by congressional representatives Barbara Lee (D-13th District) and Mark DeSaulnier (D-11th District) packed the Knox Center for the Performing Arts on Feb. 3. The forum is the first of a series of town hall discussions on race with the intent to provide a template for similar discussions on race across the nation, Rep. DeSaulnier said. The representatives and a panel of speakers from UC Berkeley presented meaningful, but concise, points to begin the conversation and community members responded with questions. Graduate School of Education professor and director of the Institute of Governmental Studies Lisa Garcia Bedolla opened by discussing the problematic phrase “identity politics.” She requested that this phrase be left out of the conversation entirely because “it becomes a false equivalency (in which) you can say that what it means to be African-American in this society is structurally the same as what it means to be queer in this society.” Bedolla said, “What that term does is it flattens all of those experiences and does not let us get at the core root of the problem, which is not being in the proper box means that your opportunities, regardless of your personal capacity, are limited in the United States. It minimizes the deep structural history that we have to come to terms with if we are going to change the status of different groups in this society.” Bedolla called for a shared set of facts noting a study from 2016 called The American Values Survey, which asked whether participants in the study agreed or disagreed with the statement: “Today discrimination against whites has become as big a problem as discrimination against blacks and other minorities.” “Half of the white respondents agreed, 60 percent of lower income whites agreed compared to 29 percent of Latinos and 25 percent of black or brown (respondents),” Bedolla said. Another statement in the study was: “Police officers generally treat blacks and other minorities the same as whites.” According to the study, 79 percent of blacks disagreed, 65 percent of whites agreed. Bedolla said this question also appeared in the study: “Do you think the recent killings of African-American men by police are isolated incidents or are they part of a broader pattern of how police treat-African Americans,” to which 65 percent of whites responded that they believe the killings are isolated incidents. “My point is,” Bedolla said. “If you don’t think that those things are a problem (or) if you can’t agree that the criminal justice system has systemic racial bias, then we can’t have a conversation about race because we don’t agree about a basic set of facts.” UC Berkeley African-American studies department Chairperson Ula Taylor said, “Tent Cities are the epitome of racism, and they are the epitome of the contradictions and the problems of capitalism.” She noted that during the Civil War, slaves ran away to live in tents as part of the Union army, but today, she said, “It’s not about escaping bondage, it’s about poverty.” Professor of ethnic and African-American studies and law at UC Berkeley director of the Haas Institute for a fair and inclusive society John Powell talked about race as a verb. “It actually involves practices that we do. It is one of the defining issues of America. It defines not only what happens to AfricanAmericans, Filipinos, Latinos, Asians and Native Americans. It defines whiteness. Race is about whiteness,” Powell said. “Whiteness, not white people but people who call themselves white. Whiteness is a very corrosive concept. That concept becomes charged with more anxiety in the Proud Boys or Steve Bannon or in number
45. As we talk about the country becoming majority non-white, the anxiety of whiteness is on the rise,” Powell said. Taylor said, “the power of anti-blackness is so strong in 2018 that people will go against their own class interest.” Powell quoted Paul Krugman, a winner of the Nobel Prize in economics as saying, “What is exceptional about America is that it is the only country where the whites have consistently aligned with the elites against people of color.” “Fifty-four percent of children born in this country are children of color. If we do not bring those kids fully into education, we are playing with half a deck. We can’t survive without the talent, wisdom and commitment of every, race, gender and religion in this country,” Powell said. Powell spoke about gentrification and structural inequalities that need to be addressed. He touched on psychological issues of race when Rep. Lee brought up the point that there is only two to three percent employment of African-Americans in the tech sector. Powell pointed to the unconscious as a driver of racist outcomes when people may not even realize racism is involved in their decision process. Attendants were very engaged in the discussion with questions that ranged from whether the term African-American is divisive, to how we might address extreme issues of racism in local neighborhoods, to what is UC Berkeley doing about its low enrollment of African-American students. Issues about racist U.S. foreign policy were brought up and questions were asked about what can be done by the congress members about these racist policies. DeSaulnier responded by saying, “Our politics (as a nation) are unfortunately reflective of peoples’ perspective. This is what we need to work to change.” Berkeley City Council member Ben Bartlett commented on the issue of wealth disparity. In response, Lee said that much of the wealth of African-Americans has been in their homes and African-Americans were targeted by the sub prime loans of the mortgage crisis. “We have to get pretty bold right now and not fear the term ‘reparations’,” Lee said, as the audience responded with full applause. “I’m not necessarily talking about monetary, maybe,” she said, as she paused. “I’m talking more about this country coming to grips with the fact that African-Americans have always been economically disadvantaged since day one.” She spoke of her work on HR40 (Commission to Study and Develop Reparations Proposals for African Americans Act) and how this legislation would “just begin to look at what it would take to create a level playing field.” Taylor said wealth is generationally passed down and although there are many AfricanAmerican professionals, often they are helping other members of the African-American community that have not been able to navigate the barriers that are in place. When the time allotted for the discussion portion of the event elapsed there were still many community members lined up at microphones on either side of the stage to ask questions. DeSaulnier said that his office would answer further questions by email. “It’s scary the disparity in what people think,” local resident Daniel Salter, who attended the town hall, said. “The statistics mentioned about the disagreement on the facts are alarming. The basic facts are not understood. If you consider that people do a lot of what they do based on unconscious bias or unconsciously churning out something that has accumulated over a lifetime in a society that is so biased, you realize that the need to change hearts is really important,” Salter said.
spotlight
n “Whiteness, not white
people but people who call themselves white. Whiteness is a very corrosive concept. That concept becomes charged with more anxiety in the Proud Boys or Steve Bannon or in number 45. As we talk about the country becoming majority nonwhite the anxiety of whiteness is on the rise.” — John Powell, Haas Institute director
n “We have to get pret-
ty bold right now and not fear the term ‘reparations.’ I’m not necessarily talking about monetary, maybe. I’m talking more about this country coming to grips with the fact that AfricanAmericans have always been economically disadvantaged since day one.” — Barbara Lee, House of Representatives
n “If you can’t agree that the crimi-
nal justice system has systemic racial bias then we can’t have a conversation about race because we don’t agree about a basic set of facts.” — Lisa Garcia Bedolla, UC Berkeley chairperson
GRAPHIC ILLUSTRATION BY DENIS PEREZ AND ISAAC BENIVADES / THE ADVOCATE
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Superhero flick shatters records in first week
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EDUCATION TAKES FOCUS IN DECADE LONG JOURNEY Tiana McKneely’s 13year story exemplifies perseverance, triumph in the midst of hardships PAGES B7
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Psychology professor Steven Greer has taught at CCC for over 45 years and has filled many positions here, including track coach and athletic academic counselor. He is also a co-creator of the health and human services department.
Professor pioneers educational styles
By Ryan Geller news editor
rgeller.theadvocate@gmail.com
W Iconic drag queen paves way for generations PAGES B6
e don’t normally think of hypnosis as a practical skill that people need, but it is one of the pillars on which psychology professor Stephen Greer has built his career. When Greer proposed teaching a course on hypnosis at Contra Costa College he used the phrase “Selective Awareness” to describe the curriculum he wanted to create. The dean of instruction responded by saying, “That’s hypnosis! Why don’t we just
call it ‘stress management’.” They settled on calling the course the “Psychology of Stress.” The class was first held in the spring of 1983 and it enjoyed a lot of popularity partly due to the holistic health movement, Greer said. “Folks at Kaiser Hospital in Richmond heard about it so we did a program there for three years. But it all started with my athletes.” At the same time, Greer worked at John F. Kennedy University with Dr. Tom Tutko, who is one of the pioneers of sports psychology. “One of the mental errors
for a person or athlete getting ready to do an event,” Greer said, “is that sometimes, in their mind, they will prepare themselves for mediocrity.” Hypnosis is just a heightened state of relaxation and it is good for anyone who wants to create a mental edge for peak performance. It’s not a meditation. There is relaxation, deep breathing and a mental rehearsal of what you are going to do in your mind. You must see yourself doing it correctly, Greer said. Greer’s path to a career that includes over 45 years at CCC is as unusual as some of the techniques he employs in what
staff writer
jowens.theadvocate@gmail.com
PHOTOS CAPTURE NEW YEAR’S EXCITEMENT PAGE B3
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SEE GREER, PAGE B2
Poetry Night breeds courage By Jshania Owens
Historic black colleges focus of student trip
he calls the “helping fields.” Greer lived half a block off Haight Street in San Francisco in the late 60s. Students were demanding an ethnic studies program at San Francisco State University. There was a lot of social change going on, Greer said. “Partly due to music and the social growth where I was, I ended up being pushed in the direction of the helping fields and education. “I played funk music with Sly Stone and through the music, I was exposed to many different people and plac-
DENIS PEREZ / THE ADVOCATE
Kevin Wright (top left), Patrick Ohlund, (top right), Reginald Edmonds (bottom left) and Nijzel Dotson (bottom right) perform during the Poetry Night event in the Fireside Hall on Thursday.
In a night filled with confidence, vulnerability and the power of the spoken word, students at Contra Costa College had a chance to express themselves through poetry for their peers and professionals to hear. Local poetry troupe, Bay Area Creative, hosted Poetry Night in Fireside Hall on Thursday. The event featured food and a chance for students to sign up and share their written work. After a few brave students signed up, the poets began to express themselves through colorful prose as the evening went on. Host Reginald Edmonds runs a nonprofit poetry slam in Oakland. He created his nonprofit while attending Richmond High after he met with a music producer who helped him put it together. Edmonds performed the first poem of the night, a piece on where he grew up and how it shaped him into who he is today. His second poem evoked Black History Month as he reflected on the empowerment of his race and “what Black means to me”. Kevin Holmes, a member of Bay Area Creative, also performed a love poem inspired by Black History Month. He described his attraction to a woman he met in the style of rhythmic hip hop. “Growing up, I
n “The audience was
supportive and I liked that the poems were centered around blackness.” — Nijzel Dotson, creative writing major
didn’t think poetry was cool,” he said. “I didn’t think poetry was for anyone but women.” It wasn’t until he read the works of Langston Hughes and Maya Angelou that he understood the powerful connection poetry has to the African-American culture. Creative writing major Mijzel Dotson shared a poem of his own. “I was invited to come here,” he said. “I liked being able to share my poetry and meeting the poets. The audience was supportive and I liked that the poems were centered around blackness.” Dotson will be hosting the next Poetry Night on March 28. Student Life Coordinator Joel Nickelson-Shanks was happy with the turnout. “This gave students a voice and an opportunity to speak out.” Edmonds is also involved in poetry competitions held in Berkeley where poets earn points for performing. The “slam season” begins in August and runs through April. Poets must compete in six competitions to qualify for the National Poetry Slam.
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HBCU CARAVAN AIDS TRANSFER College, university representatives meet with students By Jessica Suico assistant news editor
jsuico.theadvocate@gmail.com
There was big love for the Historically Black Colleges and Universities Caravan that pumped beats into Campus Center Plaza and showcased the unique culture of these schools, especially since it coincided with Associated Student Union’s Valentine’s Day event on Feb. 14. Twenty representatives from HBCU attended this event and students had the chance to meet with college representatives and fill out applications and possibly get accepted on the spot and receive scholarships. Biology major Janet Bakhtary applied to Jackson State University in Mississippi and she was accepted right after submitting her application. “I chose to apply at this college because it is a feeder school for people who are interested in premed to go into the medical field.” She said it was a good event for students to receive resources and opportunities to apply colleges and universities. The ASU’s Valentine’s Day event combined seemlessly with the HBCU Caravan. ASU Senator Cody Poehnelt said, “We have a photo booth for people who want to take Valentine’s photos with their friends, boyfriends, girlfriends, spouses or just by themselves.” The colleges that participated in this event were Alabama A&M University, BethaneCookman University, Cheyney University, Dillard University, Florida Memorial University, Fort Valley State, Gambling State University, Harris Stowe University, Howard University, Jackson State University, John
DENIS PEREZ/ THE ADVOCATE
Two students apply to an historic black college during the HBCU Caravan event in the Student Center Plaza on Feb. 14.
C. Smith University, Langston University, Lincoln University, Morgan State University, Norfolk State University, Southern A&M University, Tennessee State University, Tuskegee University, and Xavier College. “Here in California we have a very multicultural community but it’s just different when you are at an institution where you are not the minority,” said Carrie Lee Walker, an African-American studies major who has applied to both Howard and Norfolk State. “You really get a chance to see the diversity of black culture at these schools. Representation is also important. It is inspiring to be at a school where the majority of the professors look like you.”
SATURDAY RECRUITMENT DAY MOVED TO THURSDAY By Efrain Valdez social media editor
evaldez.theadvocate@gmail.com
Senior Comet Day will replace Super Saturday as the day when prospective high school students come to experience Contra Costa College before attending in the fall. The event will now take place on a Thursday, opposed to it being held previously on a Saturday. Students from Kennedy, Richmond, De Anza, Pinole, Hercules and El Cerrito high schools will be attending the April 26 event. Enrollment Services Outreach Program Manager Maryam Attai said that John Swett High School will have a miniature version of the event for themselves because they had to schedule their buses far in advance. She said that the charter schools will have their own event also. “Senior Comet Day is an opportunity for prospective students to connect with CCC
Poehnelt said the reason the ASU is hosted the Valentine’s Day event was because it is a nice way to get students involved with the campus and each other. Not everything has to be a serious event “It’s a nice way to have fun,” he said. The West Contra Costa School District, the Career/Transfer Center here at CCC, staff, student workers and the Student Life program all helped with the production of the event, CCC counselor Andrea Phillips said. According to www.contracosta. edu, California community college students who complete certain academic requirements are guaranteed transfer to more than 35 participating HBCUs.
staff and faculty in a very intentional way,” Attai said. “It is also intended to prepare students to be comfortable when coming to campus. “We want this to be an opportunity where they celebrate being a future Comet and, in the past, Super Saturday was more about preparing students to register and open to everybody,” she said. This event is aimed to make the graduating seniors more comfortable coming to CCC and giving it more of a four-year university orientation feel. Attai said that the students will be separated into cohorts and will get an opportunity to meet students from other high schools. Associated Student Union adviser Joel Nickelson-Shanks told the ASU Board during its Feb. 14 meeting that he wanted to reiterate the message to the members about trying to help the Enrollment Services Outreach Program. He also told ASU members that they should go over how they are going to help for the 9:30 a.m. through 2:15 p.m. event. Attai said, “We are inviting faculty to hold mock office hours. Other faculty and staff have already volunteered to facilitate tours of their departments. Some faculty will be opening their classrooms so students can sit in a real (college) class,” she said. Incorporating more of campus’ modern buildings, landscape and student life is a key part in making students more connected with CCC. “So much of the way we are creating this event is to focus on our students connecting with future students,” Attai said. “If we don’t have club rushing, if we don’t have student ambassadors and we don’t have students talking to prospective students it might not
HBCUs were established primarily to serve the higher education needs of the African-American community, however they are open to students of all ethnicities. Kinesiology major Amir Davis said, “I am involved with track and running so am I looking for schools that compete in track. There has been some positive feedback from the schools I have talked to. “They have given me some useful information about getting accepted into these colleges and the process of the applications,” Davis said. CCC history professor Manu Ampim said he attended Morgan State, which is a Historically Black University located in Baltimore. He said that attending a HBCU
offered him opportunities to grow in a supportive environment that was not available to him at the California community colleges that he attended. “It was the right environment for me at the right time,” he said of Morgan State. “It provided me with the foundation to do much of the work I am doing now.” Ampim received his first degree in business management, but his experiences at Morgan State inspired him to get his master’s degree in African-American studies. “At Morgan State I learned to research from a historian who taught from an Afro-centric point of view.”
FILE PHOTO / THE ADVOCATE
Student Life Coordinator Joel Nickelson-Shanks (left) takes a selfie above liquid nitrogen with biology major Abigail Serrano (center left), biological major Katherin Guevara (center right) and SparkPoint Coordinator Bill Bankhead during the Super Saturday event in the Student Center Plaza in April 2017.
be as exciting for them,” she said. Interim Dean of Student Services Denis Franco invited faculty and staff in a campuswide email to come together and participate in the event. Attai said that the prospective students will be taking a survey before they come to campus. She said the surveys will help put students with the correct departments and
clubs in which they are interested. “They (prospective students) might want to say that they love English and that they want to talk to students who are majoring in that,” Attai said. Personalizing the experience here on campus for these prospective students is the fresh approach that the college is challenging itself to take on, she said.
GREER | Educator fills roles of coach, counselor, mentor, friend Continued from Page B1 But the main thing that pushed me in the direction of the helping fields was working with the kids at juvenile hall,” Greer said. According to Greer, after he graduated he had trouble finding a job because he had not yet turned 21. He got hired for a social services position, but it wasn’t quite right so when a friend told him about a position working at West County Juvenile Hall he took the job. Greer found the work rewarding and he went on to
become a probation officer. “I was still working with some of the same kids from juvenile hall. I was able to talk them into going to school. Many were successful and many of those students joined the College Readiness Program that we created at CCC.” Greer started working at CCC in September of 1970 as a counselor and a few years later he began coaching track. One of the students that Greer recruited for the CCC track team was Fred Jackson, who graduated from Richmond High in 1976.
“I know I was blessed to have Greer as a coach.” Fred Jackson, CCC track athlete
Jackson lost his father when he was 11 years old. “When you don’t have a father, it’s important to have a mentor to look up to. When I reflect on my life, I know I was blessed to have Stephen Greer as a coach,” he said. Jackson said that many of the skills that Greer taught him on the track have been useful
throughout his life. When he faced challenging situations at work he reminded himself to stay focused just as if he was competing in a track event. When his mother fell ill, he was able to use the mental focus techniques to stay present and care for her, it even helped him rebuild his life after his wife passed away. “Many of those athletes are raising a family and doing well. I know for a fact that a little piece of (Greer’s) wisdom and guidance is there with them. “What he did for me personally as a man was invaluable. I
have two daughters now who are doing great things,” he said. Over the years Greer made his mark at CCC in many ways including creating the health and human services department. Although, Greer said, current department Chairperson Aminta Mickles is the one who really developed the programs and made the department a success. Of course, when Mickles was a student here at CCC she had Greer as her track coach. “When continuing my career in college, he helped me to know that I could go a lot fur-
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DRAGONS, PAGEANTRY, FIREWORKS Photos by: Denis Perez & Leon Watkins For
more photos, please visit our website: www.cccadvocate.com
ABOVE: Performers carry traditional Chinese dragon decorations as they get close to the crowd during the 2018 Chinese New Year’s Parade in downtown San Francisco on Saturday.
LEFT: Performers dressed in Chinese traditional clothing wave at the onlooking crowd during the 2018 Chinese New Year’s Parade in downtown San Francisco on Saturday.
Performers carry traditional Chinese dragon decorations during the 2018 Chinese New Year’s Parade in downtown San Francisco on Saturday. LEFT: Performers walk along the parade line inside historical Chinese figures’ costumes during the 2018 Chinese New Year’s Parade in downtown San Francisco on Saturday. A parade marshal sets off fireworks during the 2018 Chinese New Year’s Parade in downtown San Francisco on Saturday.
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ALUMNUS SHARES OLYMPIC EXPERIENCE, HOPES TO INSPIRE By Anthony Kinney associate editor
akinney.theadvocate@gmail.com
Find your dreams and never give up on pursuing them was just a dose of the words of wisdom gold medal Olympian and Contra Costa College alumnus Eddie Hart gave the audience during his book signing event for his new novel “Disqualified: Eddie Hart, Munich 1972, and the Voices of the Most Tragic Olympics,” presented Feb. 21 in GE-225. “No one has to believe in you but you,” Hart assuredly told the crowd. “You have to save your own life.” His new book gives an account of the monumental events that transpired at the 1972 Summer Olympic Games in Munich, Germany. At the forefront of his presentation was the unfortunate scheduling mishap, which led him to miss competing in that year’s men’s 100-meter competition. Hart was introduced by co-author and award-winning retired Bay Area sportswriter and columnist Dave Newhouse, who covered the 1972 Munich games for the Oakland Tribune. B e f o r e introducing the Olympian, the legendary journalist described a few of the unprecedented
events that occurred at the Munich games. He recalled an incident involving pole vault champion Bob Seagren taking home silver after being forced to compete with unfamiliar poles and America’s controversial loss to the Soviet Union in basketball. The defeat handed the U.S. its first loss in the sport since it was inaugurated on the Olympic level in 1936. The games also have the distinction of being the only sporting event to be targeted for a terrorist attack. Newhouse detailed the murder of 11 Israeli athletes and coaches and a German police officer by eight Palestinian terrorists during a hostage crisis in the game’s Olympic Village. Journalism major Robert Clinton introduced Newhouse following a brief description of the event by Student Life Coordinator Joel Nickelson-Shanks. Clinton said although Newhouse’s reign was before his time, the journalists that influenced Clinton were inspired by Newhouse and his work, also making him a student of his
DENNIS PEREZ / THE ADVOCATE
Eddie Hart speaks while wearing his gold medal from the 1972 Munich Summer Olympic Games.
craft. A s a testament to passion and perseverance, Hart described his personal journey to becoming a gold medal Olympian, which, for him, started at the age of 13. Hart said he coupled his love
for running with his inspiration of becom- time of the quarterfinal heat. ing “The World’s Fastest Human” and Hart said when they realized what had began running track in hopes of one day happened the team sprinted to the official represent- ing the U.S. in the Olympics. track, but it was already too late. After graduating He missed the opportunity to compete from high school in the race of his dreams because of a in Pittsburg, scheduling discrepancy. Hart began his “If I didn’t know what pain was before college track that day, I did then,” Hart said. “Putting 10 career at CCC years of work to get that point and miss my in 1967. chance, it felt like losing a child.” It was here that However, Hart did anchor the 4x400 he began meter relay team, which won the final heat to hone his and matched the existing U.S. held world DENIS PEREZ / THE ADVOCATE s p r i n t i n g record of 38.19 seconds. After graduating from Along with his team, Hart became a Contra Costa College in skills to a professiongold medal Olympian. 1967, track star Eddie al level. Though he was disheartened by missHart decided to transfer H a r t ing his moment to compete in the 100, to UC Berkeley, said he Hart said he didn’t use it as an excuse to gives an give up. He said ample amount of credit for his success his misfortune to CCC — the campus where he offiat the Olympics cially began his career. taught him the “There’s no place like home,” he important lessaid with an exuberant smile. “Every son of learning time I set foot on this campus I get emothe difference 1972 tional. This is where it all started.” between reactMunich Summer ing and respondFrom CCC, Hart went on to attend UC Berkeley where he continued to excel in ing. Olympic Games track. He placed first in the NCAA Hart said Track and Field Championships in the when things 100-meter sprint as a Berkeley student happen to you, in 1970. you can either Hart said his passion for track react — let the eventually led him to the 1972 U.S. issue dictate Olympic Trials where he ran the 100your actions, or meter sprint in 9.9 seconds. The feat you can respond duplicated that era’s world record and and step up to earned Hart’s position on the U.S. the challenge Olympic team. while striving With his invitation to represent to become the America in the men’s 100 and the person you want men’s 4x400 meter relay in Munich, to be. DENIS PEREZ / THE ADVOCATE Hart was in arms’ reach of obtaining his Contra Costa College Sociology childhood dream. major and alumnus Eddie Hart But he was seconds too late. won a gold medal in the Comet safety Hart and his teammate Rey Robinson 4x400 meter relay race Damion Tingle were both eliminated in the 100-meter after being disqualified said Hart’s race because their sprint coach, Stan for the men’s 100-meter speech left him Wright, unknowingly used an outdated competition. inspired to chase Olympic schedule to determine the start his passions.
DENIS PEREZ / THE ADVOCATE
Munich Summer Olympic Games gold medalist Eddie Hart stands in front of an image of the moment he won his Olympic qualifying race during a speech to students about his book, “Disqualified: Eddie Hart, Munich 1972, and the Voices of the Most Tragic Olympics” in GE-225 on Feb. 21.
African-American heritage honored Annual celebration highlights cultural beginnings, cites traditional dance, art, history By Ryan Geller news editor
rgeller.theadvocate@gmail.com
DENIS PEREZ / THE ADVOCATE
Sociology professor Vern Cromartie leads a film seminar on the Geeche and Gullah traditions and civilizations for some 100 students on Saturday. The four-hour long seminar featured a lecture on the history of the Gullah and Geechee people. Two films, “Black Warriors of the Seminole” and “Florida to Coahuila,” were shown.
Films, lecture show Geechee traditions By Gabriel Quiroz staff writer
gquiroz.theadvocate@gmail.com
A film seminar led by sociology professor J. Vern Cromartie on Saturday informed students on the importance of the Gullah and Geechee people, their traditions and lineage. Cromartie himself has Gullah and Geechee lineage that goes back six generations, about which he has written a book titled “The Morgan-Frazier Family Clan.” He discussed his lineage and traced marriages in his family six generations back from himself. He outlined family traditions, like a burial ceremony Gullah and Geechee descendants perform during their annual family reunion. It is a process Cromartie said they have been following since 1923. Cromartie also spoke of Gullah and Geechee traditions and influences that are imprinted on today’s culture and the food that comes from the culture. The Gullah are the descendants of enslaved Africans who held onto their
n “I didn’t know that a lot of
the food that I eat, like Okra, comes from the Gullah and Geechee and their traditions.” — Maxwell Craig, communications major
African traditions as well as having their own Gullah language, which is a mix of African dialects, Creole and English. They retained their culture through passing down traditions such as storytelling, folklore, music, food, basket weaving, baseball like games and many other traditions. Geechee refers to people that escaped enslavement to join the Seminole Nation where they were free and fought alongside the American Indians in their three wars against the United States. The seminar featured two films about the Gullah and Geechee people and their culture, traditions and daily life today. The first of the people dis-
cussed were the “Black Warriors of the Seminole” and the second was the film from “Florida to Coahuila.” “Black Warriors of the Seminole” is a documentary about how the Gullah and Geechee were part of the Seminole Nation and how they were part of the war. The Seminole Nation was a political confederation of American Indians in the 1800s, that included the Creeks, Muskogees, Miccosukkee, and Ogeechee. The Seminole Nation included both black chiefs and American Indian chiefs and in the Seminole Nation, the Geechee people were free. They fought the United States together in three wars, the first Seminole War from 1816 until 1818, the second from 1835 through 1842 and the third Seminole War from 1855 until it ended in 1858. During the Seminole Wars, Geechees fought alongside the American Indians when the United States was trying to remove them from their own land.
DENIS PEREZ / THE ADVOCATE
Sociology professor Vern Cromartie lead a film seminar on the Geeche and Gullah traditions and civilizations for some 100 student son Saturday. The four-hour long seminar featured a lecture on the history of the Gullah and Geechee people. Two films, “Black Warriors of the Seminole” and “Florida to Coahuila,” were shown.
From Florida to Coahuila tells the story of the African people known as the Moscogos, also called Black Seminoles, and their tragic journey from Florida to the Coahuila and the culture on both sides of the border. Maxwell Craig, a Contra Costa College student who attended the film seminar, said it was interesting to learn about the history of the Gullah and Geechee and their traditions. “I didn’t know that a lot the food that I eat, like Okra, came from the Gullah and Geechee people.” Craig said he had never known that there were black Latinos. Cromartie credits his research of his family to his mother’s encouragement and her speaking to him about his fam-
ily ancestry and “Roots,” by Alex Haley. He has presented his work on the Gullah and Geechee at many conferences across the country, including in Tallahassee, Florida, and Indianapolis, Indiana. He also speaks on the West Coast in cities like San Diego and in Honolulu. During the seminar, Cromartie also shared some important sociology terms related to the Gullah and Geechee people. Cromartie continually placed importance on the fact that all Geechees are Gullahs but not all Gullahs are Geechee. Many of the Gullah and Geechee people are located in North and South Carolina, Georgia and on coastal lands.
Students and professors transformed the images that have been superimposed over those of African descent bringing pride and healing for today’s generations at the African Heritage Celebration that took place on Feb. 8 in the Knox Center. “Differences are to be celebrated,” Ericka Greene said. “Each culture is important there is not a hierarchy of culture.” Greene, a long-time participant in the African Heritage Celebration, is the Welcome Services coordinator at Los Medanos College, but her home base is here at the Contra Costa College Bookstore. “This event makes me proud. It makes me want to learn more, do more and improve who I am. Because of the contributions of African culture, I have been able to love myself more,” Greene said. The Annual African Heritage celebration has been happening at CCC under the guidance professor of Africana/ African-American studies Carolyn Hodge for 21 years. After the opening introductions from Greene, CCC alumna LaCretia Robinson gave the event’s traditional tribute to the founder of African-American History Month Dr. Carter G. Woodsen. Woodsen was the second African-American to earn a doctorate degree from Harvard after W.E.B. Dubois, according to Robinson. He wrote and co-authored 21 books in his career. Robinson quoted Woodsen as saying, “We have a wonderful history behind us. If you are unable to give it straight to the world that you have this record, the world will say to you ‘you are not worthy to enjoy democracy or anything else’.” History professor Manu Ampim is a co-organizer of the celebration, along with Hodge. They bring together a unique mix of talents from the CCC community. The totality of African history is important to both. “We do not deny the experience here in America, but we cannot make that as if it’s the only experience. For us, there is no other way to truly understand the African experience,” Ampim said. Along with the rich culture of incredible dances and complex rhythms, the celebration focused not only on Woodsen as a foundational historian, but also on the current day accomplishments of students here at CCC. Robinson, who graduated from CCC in 2014, now holds a bachelor’s degree in African-American studies from Cal State-East Bay. She is now working on her master’s degree and she plans to return here to teach as a way to give back to her community. Giving back was a common theme among students who shared their experiences discovering the Africana/African American studies program at CCC. Carrie Lee Walker spoke about the program and how it has inspired her. At the end of the spring term she plans to graduate with five degrees from CCC. “I usually take anywhere from 19 to 21 units (each
DENIS PEREZ / THE ADVOCATE
A performer adjusts a board on his balafon before a performance during the African Heritage Celebration that took place on Feb. 8 in the Knox Center.
term),” she said. “When I first came here I lost my mother Oakland cultures. Her latest single, “Kilon Sele,” is availto colon cancer. This made me realize what I wanted and able at iminahlaura.com. when you clearly see a goal, there is no stopping.” “It is essential to have a good basis in your culture. I Walker plans to transfer to Howard University in the grew up in a family with a rich cultural connection and fall where she will study political science and criminal jus- it had a great effect on my self-esteem and my capacity to tice and eventually become a civil rights attorney. excel in life,” Iminah said. “There is a barrier in black communities when it comes Fua Dia Kongo, which is also a hybrid of different to economics. Black people are often seen as shadows, I am musical traditions from the African diaspora, shared powamong those voices that speak up and say that it’s OK to be erful beats and brought audience members up to the stage African first and to shine light and debunk the bad image, to show off their moves at the close of the show. especially for those of us that are cast out here in America.” The group has been performing at the African Heritage Elishes Cavness presented his story “Lost Tribe of Zion” Celebration for 10 years. “We have a special relationship through the graceful and articulated movements of CCC with Caroline Hodge. She continues to create an avenue to students modeling his latest designs. the CCC community,” said Kiazi Malonga, the lead drum“As an artisan activist, because ‘fashion designer’ is not mer of Fua Dia Kongo. quite what I do, it is my duty to convey a story that DENIS PEREZ / THE ADVOCATE invokes the correct emotions or thoughts. Lost Tribe As a part of the annual African Heritage of Zion has been two years of personal research and Celebration event, a professor demonstrated examining of myself and where I stand within traditional African methods of wrapping the unique culture of what it means to ‘me,’ to be hair in cloth. Participants were black with a capital B,” Cavness said. asked to come onto Cavness delved into the personal work that the stage and learn has been his inspiration as he described one how to wrap hair in of his pieces. “The front view is regal, the cape sleeves and print pants walking toward you, and an impromptu hair you’re just amazed. But when you see the back style workshop you are blown away because now you see skin, session. melanated skin to be exact. This is what it was like learning about my history in the beginning, just learning and being amazed, then coming to realization that these people look like me. My mind was blown away.” The music and dance performances were stunning in their technique, energy and inclusiveness. Sistah Iminah presented her show “The Goddess Experience,” which is a fusion of African, Caribbean and
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Queen, icon personifies role model RuPaul stokes LGBTQ popularity By Michael Santone associate editor
msantone.theadvocate@gmail.com
African-American members of the LGBTQ community have graced many facets of the entertainment industry, becoming some of the greatest actors, comedians, musicians and activists of our time. From Bessie Smith, whose bisexuality was unmasked in her popular blues songs of the 1920s that glamorized lesbian sex, to Marsha B. Johnson, who is known as the surrogate mother of drag queens and trans women everywhere. Johnson was one of the first to fight back during the Stonewall riots of the late 1960s in New York City. While prone to more adversity, not only because of the color of their skin, but because of who they love, the odds of a long, illustrious career can seem like a glare in a disco ball. Throughout decades of cultural evolution, however, no one has stomped the runway harder or influenced and empowered both the LGBTQ and black communities more than drag queen superstar RuPaul Andre Charles. Known mononymously as RuPaul, the Emmy Award winning actor, singer, model, and TV personality is most notably recognized as a 6 feet 4 inch blonde transvestite woman. “When you become the image of your own imagination, it’s the most powerful thing you could ever do,” he said in his 2010 autobiography “Workin’ It! RuPaul’s Guide to Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Style.” “My goal is to always come from a place of love, but sometimes you just have to break it down for a motherfucker.”
BENJAMIN BASSHAM / THE ADVOCATE
RIGHT: RuPaul, most often appearing in his CIS gender attire. This includes signature Klein Epstein and Parker suit that he sports in his normal everyday life.
With the dawning of popular television programing that sprung up on networks such as VH1 and MTV, a link of relatability reached an audience looking for role models. Becoming one of the most successful gay black entertainers, while doing it in a wig, heels and a dress, RuPaul has transfixed American mainstream culture, paving the way for the once disregarded LGBTQ community. “The point about pop culture is that so much of it is borrowed. There’s very little that’s brand new. Instead, creativity today is a kind of shopping process, picking up on and sampling things from the world around you, things you grew up with,” he said. “It’s as if our culture is addicted to fear and the flat screen is our drug dealer.” Beginning his career in the underground club scene of New York City during the late 80s, RuPaul spent the early years of his career as a struggling musician and filmmaker. Putting a spin on the classic definition of what a “drag queen” looks like, he began to appear in gender-bending drag. More jarring than the glamorous and then normalized fashions of a queen, the gender-bending trend includes more male-infused aspects paired with overthe-top pageantry of the merging 90s club scene. “All things to do with drag are inherently therapeutic because the realization of your own insanity is the beginning of sanity,” RuPaul said in his autobiography. “It’s true in everything, not just in drag: To be a success, you have to understand the landscape. You have to know thyself and you have to know your history. You can draw from people who have figured out the equation you are faced with. It’s not rocket science.” R u P a u l ’s first
ABOVE: RuPaul Andre Charles, dressed as his signature drag queen persona known mononymously as RuPaul, has been performing since the early 90s and has won the hearts of Americans as a 6 feet 4 inch women in a dress.
BENJAMIN BASSHAM / THE ADVOCATE
American break came when he received a cameo in the B-52’s music video “Love Shack.” In 1993, RuPaul recorded his dance hit “Supermodel (You Better Work),” which landed him household-name status as the music video flooded the homes of Americans. It is this rise of fame, where she ditched the gender-bending garb and adorned his 6 inch heels and now iconic blonde hair. Signed to a modeling contract with MAC cosmetics, in 1995 RuPaul became the first drag queen supermodel to grace the cover of magazines, billboards and film. In 1996, “The RuPaul Show” premiered on VH1 and included interviews and musical performances with celebrities such as Diana Ross, Duran Duran, Mary J. Blige, Cyndi Lauper and the Backstreet Boys. Although the show only boasted a two-year run, RuPaul’s biggest break would be yet to come. With a mediocre music career that produced a few chart-topping dance hits, in 2008 she began to
produce the reality TV game show “RuPaul’s Drag Race” which would earn him an Emmy Award in 2009 for outstanding host in a reality or reality-competition program. “RuPaul’s Drag Race” pulls from the rich underground history of the 90s ball scene with catchphrases, pageantry and performances. Along with countless nominations, the show has become a worldwide phenomenon with spin offs and parodies which has ignited a movement of expression, acceptance and love. But beyond the awards and nominations, RuPaul set herself up as a role model for the LGBTQ movement. With “RuPaul’s Drag Race” being renewed for an 11th season, just as season 10 is set to premiere March 22, the show’s popularity has only invited more people into the world of drag and in the long run into accepting a community long overdue for love. RuPaul, like gay black historical figures of the past, has paved a road, a channel for those who were missing a role model that looked or acted like them. It is a road which has been paved to make it easier for other black LGBTQ members, such as Laverne Cox, to stand at a podium and receive an award.
The Drag Queen Index Butch Queen Realness
Category in a drag pageant serving both feminine and masculine characteristics.
Beat For The Gods
Meaning you’re makeup is flawless, perfect, beautiful and you look like Linda Evangelista.
You were Born Naked and The Rest Is Drag Coming into this world as a blank canvas and constructing your own identities.
Sissy That Walk, Girl
No matter if you fly or if you fall, at the end of the day strut like you are on the fashion runway.
spotlight
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RIGHT: Behavioral science major Tiana McKneely works at the Extended Opportunity Programs and Services (EOPS) Office as she finishes up her last semester at Contra Costa College.
DENIS PEREZ / THE ADVOCATE
Overcoming obstacles, pain generate success Education clears a path for mother to provide for her family
By Michael Santone associate editor
msantone.theadvocate@gmail.com
The journey of life can be paved with obstacles that create detours filled with emotional roadblocks, challenges of strength and the overall will to survive. For many, these obstacles can be an anchor that weigh down the courage to continue through the ups and downs embedded in one’s life. However, throughout the trials and tribulations of Contra Costa College social behavior major Tiana McKneely’s journey, she has found courage and strength in her obstacles. From feelings of defeat by dashed dreams due to the blessings of a child, to the loss of two siblings to gun violence in the span of a year, McKneely has harnessed her hardships into lessons of love, education and compassion. “I want to be able to have some type of legacy for my kids and especially my daughter. She needs to see that it’s OK for a woman to be out there and experience her own life and not just by society’s standards,” she said, as her daughter latched onto her arm. “Losing both of my brothers in the same year, it was like — it was eye-opening for me and it woke something up in me that made me want to keep going.” Recruited straight out of De Anza High School in 2005, McKneely played forward for the Comets where she set, and still holds, all the record for most blocked shots. Soon after finishing a tremendous season of
basketball, McKneely discovered she was pregnant with her first son. Although elated by the news, she realized her dream of playing basketball professionally was now nothing more than just that — a dream. “I was 19 when I had him and when I left the team I was devastated because I felt like it was the only way out of my situation of struggle,” she said. “It was a struggle because I was a young mom. I didn’t know how to do this and his dad didn’t want to be a part of his life. My first thought was that I’m a statistic now.” Former women’s basketball coach Paul DeBolt said McKneely was an outstanding basketball player who cared about all of her teammates. DeBolt “She (McKneely) grew up fast and had challenges, but she worked hard on herself,” he said. “She doesn’t hold anything back and gives you everything she’s got. I really enjoyed coaching her and being around her.” So McKneely persevered, taking a brief interlude from her educational goals to focus on adjusting to motherhood. In 2011, her middle son was born and in 2012 her “baby girl.” “I think the reason that I do everything I do, is for them. I fight, I struggle,” she said. “Having them might have been hard, but it’s also been one of the best things to ever happen to me.” “I do everything cause I don’t want them
going through what I went through and in seeing me do it all, I hope they become amazing people.” Growing up without her father, and what seemed like the absence of her mother due to working seven days a week, McKneely vowed not only to be there for her children, but to continue working toward her high educational goals. “My mom never finished high school. She had me at 16, so she immediately had to start working to take care of me. Then shortly after, she had my brothers,” McKneely said. “I just want to make my mother proud, my children proud and all the little brown girls who are going through struggles (proud).” In 2015, McKneely returned to CCC with her educational goals in tact. Determined to finish the courses needed to receive an associate degree in behavioral science, she will be graduating in fall 2018. Set to attend the Historical Black College and University Tour on March 25, McKneely plans to apply to Virginia State University. Manager of CCC Extended Opportunity Programs and Services George Mills said McKneely understands that her education is important. “It’s a matter of changing her life and that of her family and she does not take that responsibility lightly,” he said. “As I’ve watched her throughout her journey, I am convinced that her success is inevitable. To me, that makes her the type of person you root for.”
College tours expose culture By Robert Clinton opinion editor
rclinton.theadvocate@gmail.com
The opportunity to set foot on any of the 101 remaining historically black colleges and universities (HBCU) in the U.S. is something that many students do not get to experience when making the decision to transfer to an institute of higher learning. Last year, the first year Contra Costa College sponsored an HBCU tour, six CCC students got the opportunity to visit educational institutions and historic sites throughout the southeast with the Historical Black College and University Tour. This year, the program will double its outreach by taking 12 students on the now annual tour. “A historically black college provides all students with the opportunity to have a cultural experience as well as an academic experience. It allows them to open up their opportunities and to think outside the East Bay box and see something else in the world,” Transfer Coordinator Andrea Phillips said. “Last year was the first year through the student equity fund that we were able to take a group of six students on the trip. One of the six got into Howard (University) and the others are still here and are preparing to
transfer this year.” Slated to leave March 25 and return on March 31, students will experience, cost free, an educational environment that supports their success. The cost of the tour, which is $1,599 per student, will be paid by the CCC Student Equity Fund and covers the round-trip plane ticket from Oakland to Atlanta, hotel accommodations, as well as breakfast, lunch and dinner. The cost to chaperon the tour is $1,899. Phillips, who is also a CCC counselor, said the experience is not just for AfricanAmerican students and that there are a number of non-black students who are planning to attend the tour. “These are not just African-American students, they are from all walks of life studying all different types of majors. One of the things that we were really trying to promote is that HBCUs are open to all students,” Phillips said. “Last year, some of the admission personnel from the HBCUs were Latinas from California who attended HBCUs and enjoyed the experience so much that they stayed and ended up working there in outreach and recruitment.” The tour traverses three states on its sixday excursion with stops at seven universi-
This year, 12 Contra Costa College students will tour some of the 101 historically black colleges and universities (HBCU).
DENIS PEREZ / THE ADVOCATE
ties in Georgia, Louisiana and Florida. Students will also have the opportunity to visit historic sites with guided tours included in the travel package. African-American studies major Dierra Mize attended the tour last year and although she enjoyed the tour and the exhibits, there was more that she got from the experience. “The best part was the friendships that I made with people from CCC who went on the tour with me,” Mize said. “We became so close and still keep in touch with each other.” Currently, the California community college system has articulation agreements with 35 HBCUs so students looking to transfer to those colleges with associate degrees will have their general education and application fees waived. “There are a lot of opportunities between California community colleges and some of the HBCUs,” Phillips said.
At CCC, Phillips holds seminars and workshops to inform students of the opportunities that are available at HBCUs, but many of the events have low attendance. “I heard about the trip through email but knew I wasn’t going to attend an HBCU, so I didn’t go with one of my friends,” sociology major Tracee Ward said. “I’m comfortable here. I don’t have to pay rent.” Phillips also teaches Counseling 103B (Ensuring Transfer Success) during the winter intersession as a way to relieve some of the guesswork surrounding making the decision to select the right college to attend. “For some students, HBCUs still seem so far away,” Phillips said. “Many students just don’t know. I’ve had students ask me if there are any HBCUs in California.” At HBCUs, students get to see faculty and staff who have a vested interest in their overall well being.
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‘Black Panther’ awes African hero redefines ‘super’
By Anthony Kinney associate editor
akinney.theadvocate@gmail.com
Since 1993, Marvel Studios has enjoyed a successful run bringing its comic book superheroes to life on the big screen in ways that have always been thrilling, gripping and, of course, action-packed, for movie-goers Marvel’s newest installment to its cinematic universe “Black Panther,” directed by Oakland native Ryan Coogler, embodies all of what we came to expect from Marvel and much more. Not only does “Black Panther” boast as Marvel’s first release from a black director, it puts an end to the studio’s 14-year long drought from producing a standalone black superhero movie since 2004’s “Blade: Trinity.” More importantly, in its fictional capacity, “Black Panther” shines a glaring spotlight on the often ignored and unanswered frustrations faced by America’s black community – how did we get here and where do we go from here? Earning over $700 million globally, “Black Panther” exceeded expectations and received a number of accolades including highest grossing Thursday night preview and highest grossing movie ever directed by an African-American filmmaker. Unprecedented to the studio, “Black Panther” features a cast predominantly comprised of some of Hollywood’s most established and newest examples of black excellence. Together they create a captivating portrayal of the fictional African country Wakanda and its incredibly advanced, yet conspicuously hidden, afro-futuristic society. The land is also portrayed to be one of the only countries that can claim to never have been inhabited by European colonists. After an animated introduction to the kingdom of Wakanda, Coogler opens the film with a flashback to 1992 that takes the audience to an apartment complex in Oakland. This flashback provides context to the plot and shows the relationship of the storyline to Oakland’s Black Panther Party. Then, the story of the Black Panther begins. Following the assassination of his father and king T’Chaka during a U.N. speech, a scene featured in Marvel’s “Captain America: Civil War,” T’Challa (Chadwick Boseman) embraces the onerous responsibility from inheriting the crown and becoming Wakanda’s new Black Panther, protector of the nation’s population. T’Challa is faced with the dilemma of deciding where to steer his coun-
try. He is torn between introducing the world to Wakanda’s secrets and potentially subjecting the country to war with envious leaders or continuing the nation’s tradition of peace through global isolation. Cloaked by a vibranium force field, Wakanda hides its beautiful futuristic civilization behind an illusory rain forest. Wakanda is seen by foreign countries as a desolate third world oasis of sheep herders and rhino tamers. To maintain the façade and ensure peace for its people, Wakanda refuses any foreign support and ignores the turmoil of the outside world. This is done as a precautionary measure to keep its trove of vibranium a secret and prevent war. Vibranium is the strongest metal in the Marvel universe and the key to Wakanda’s advanced technology. Full of majestic wonder, Wakanda’s rich African culture and ancient rituals paired with next-generation technological innovations spark the imagination of many to wonder what could have been of the countries in Africa without the influence of European colonialization. While fulfilling his primary mission of protecting the Wakandan people, the Black Panther arms himself with superhuman abilities granted from drinking the nectar of a rare heart-shaped flower and a vibranium infused suit. He wields a collection of gadgets designed by the country’s head scientist Shuri (Letitia Wright) whose sarcastic outbursts and lighthearted personality bring comedic relief to many of the film’s intense scenes. King T’Challa’s character is humanized throughout the movie through his close-knit relationship with his mother Queen Ramonda (Angela Bassett) and disputes with his little sister Shuri. However, Boseman’s character lacks appeal when compared with the film’s villain, Erik “Killmonger” Stevens (Michael B. Jordan). Going against the cookie-cutter world-ending plot we typically see Marvel villains cling to, Killmonger’s motives are relatable and emotionally resonant. Killmonger possesses a noble conception that calls into attention Wakanda’s isolationist ideals and neglect for the diasporic African population that endured the harsh realities of European colonization and slavery. The technologically advanced country hoarded futuristic weapons which could have prevented many atrocities from ever taking place. Killmonger is fueled by an amplitude of black rage emanating from the continuous systemic racial oppression of people of African descent and the death of his father, a Wakandan prince and T’Challa’s uncle. Killmonger devises a plan to sneak into Wakanda, defeat T’Challa in combat and become the country’s new king. He wants to use Wakandan weaponry to enact a global rebellion freeing the world’s oppressed people in the process. His vision of peace brought forth by death and destruction. Before challenging King T’Challa and earning Wakanda’s highest title, Killmonger lays out exactly what his intentions are as king. “I want the throne. There’s about two billion people around the world who look like us and their lives are a lot
harder,” Killmonger declares to T’Challa and his group of advisers. “Wakanda has the tools to liberate them all.” T’Challa disagrees and announces that his responsibility only encompasses his people — the Wakandan people. “Didn’t life start here on this continent?” Killmonger replies. “So ain’t all people your people?” Coogler gives Killmonger humanity that is not often seen in a villain. Although he’s driven by rage and his appetite for revenge, Killmonger’s motive is principled as it draws a line between the fiction of Wakanda and the actual realities of the black diaspora. Through its characters, “Black Panther” presents two extremely different points of view regarding combat against racial oppression around the globe. T’Challa’s inclination is to protect his country by any means — including turning a blind eye to the detrimental effects of the Trans-Atlantic slave trade and the European colonization of the African continent. On the other hand, Killmonger burns with the unwavering desire is to use Wakanda’s futuristic weaponry and military might to seek retribution for hundreds of years of racial injustice on the global stage and bring forth a new reality where oppression doesn’t exist. In any event, the film doesn’t pretend to offer any easy solutions and leaves the audience struggling with the question — what would be the right thing to do? As king, Killmonger’s first order of business is as brazen as it is swift — to destroy all the remaining heart shape flowers. The action deems it impossible for another Black Panther to rise. He orders shipments of Wakandan weapons to be dispersed to all tyrannized regions of the world commencing a global revolt. However, before the weapons can leave Wakandan airspace, T’Challa defeats Killmonger with the help of his allies and close family, reclaiming his title as nation’s leader. Nevertheless, Killmonger’s criminal charisma leaves a lasting impression — even in his last breath which solidified his philosophy and his commitment to the cause. “Bury me in the ocean with MOVIE my ancestors REVIEW that jumped “Black Panther” from the ships,” ★★★★★ Killmonger Starring: Michael B. Jordan pleads in a Directed by: stern but fading Ryan Coogler voice, “because Produced by: they knew Marvel Studios death was Genre: Action better than bondage.”
GRAPHIC ILLUSTRATION BY DENIS PEREZ, ISAAC BENIVARES/ THE ADVOCATE
riveting beats energize album Excellent production allows fresh talent to emerge By Efrain Valdez social media editor
evaldez.theadvocate@gmail.com
“Black Panther: The Album” will be remembered as one of the best hip-hop movie soundtracks ever and it currently sits at the top of the Billboard 200 charts. This album will leave a deep cultural impact because of what the film means to the African-American community and the impact of Kendrick Lamar’s work. Interconnecting the songs with characters in the film and the song structure of the album is no mistake. Lamar connects the soundtrack to the
film’s characters flawlessly and he eloquently brings the injustices faced by AfricanAmericans to the forefront. He also highlights how the power struggle between T’Challa and Erik Killmonger in the movie “Black Panther” is meant to better unite the African-American community. “Paramedic!,” by Vallejo group SOBxRBE, is an energetic banger that pays homage to the antagonist Killmonger, director Ryan Coogler and the Black Panther Party. Lamar shouts out Northern California, the home of Coogler, in the intro. Oakland is also the home of Killmonger in the film. The first verse references the part of the
film when Killmonger is at the museum yelling for the paramedics he is working with to steal the artifact. At the end of the first verse SOBxRBE rapper Slimmy B references the raised fist which is closely connected to the Black Panther Party. In the last verse on “King’s Dead,” Lamar tackles Killmonger’s by-any-means-necessary attitude. Lamar says, “Who am I? Not your father, not your brother. Not your reason, not your future, not your comfort, not your reverence, not your glory, not your heaven, not your angel, not your spirit, not your message, not your freedom, not your people, not your neighbor, not your baby, not your equal, not the title y’all want me under; ALBUM all hail King Killmonger.” REVIEW Lamar, channeling the “Black Panther spirit of Killmonger, goes the Album” on to insult T’Challa’s ★★★★★ crown, family and counArtist: Various artist try. Genre: Soundtrack Through the tracklist, Label: Interscope Release Date: Lamar crafts a compariFeb. 9, 2018 son between T’Challa and Killmonger’s conflict and the infighting between African-Americans due to
the systematic oppression they face. Sacramento rapper Mozzy is able to deliver the deepest, most grim verse on “Seasons’ that speaks to the depth of systematic oppression. In his verse, Mozzy also raps about how African-Americans receive no justice by their government. He explains that’s the root of the problem is that there is no peace within his race. What validates the importance of Mozzy’s verse to the film is Lamar’s outro as he takes on the perspective of both T’Challa and Killmonger. The unique beats of Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE) producers Sounwave and Anthony “Top Dawg” Tiffith elevate the album to the next level. Their instrumentals and featured artists manage to incorporate a variety of interesting musical talent from domestic underground rappers and international vocalists. The lyrics’ profound message are unfortunately scattered throughout the album limiting the effectiveness of the piece. But the top-notch production saves the album from being disappointing and makes this the memorable soundtrack that it is.