The Appalachian Feb. 9, 2022

The Appalachian

Feb. 9, 2022

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EMILY BROYLES EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

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EDITORIAL

e ANSLEY PUCKETT

DAN DAVIDSON

GABRIELLE TROUTMAN

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ETHAN HUNT

AUBREY SMITH

MANAGING EDITOR

SPORTS EDITOR

CHIEF COPY EDITOR

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OPINION EDITOR A&C EDITOR

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MIA MENDEZ

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SCHOLARSHIP FOR UNDERREPRESENTED STUDENTS IN ITS EIGHTH YEAR Megan Pettey | Reporter The Dr. Willie C. Fleming Scholarship has been vital in increasing the diversity of the university’s student body, according to numerous minority students.

Founded in 2014, the merit-based scholarship fully funds up to eight semesters of in-state tuition and expenses and provides a network of mentors and fellow students from similar backgrounds, according to App State’s scholarship page. The scholarship also hosts events focused on promoting inclusivity and provides volunteer opportunities within the community.

Gary Henderson, ‘92, ‘94, initiated the Fleming scholarship as a way to honor Fleming for his contributions to the university. During his time on campus, Fleming founded the Black Student Association and the App State Gospel Choir. He was also the director of Minority Affairs, currently known as the director of Multicultural Student Development.

For sophomore Dy’Quan Kearney, the Fleming scholarship made a world of difference for not only his education but his twin brother’s .

While applying for the program in 2020, Kearney said he recognized how difficult it would be for his parents to afford college expenses for both him and his brother.

“I probably wouldn’t have had the opportunity to finish school because, of course, college is expensive,” Kearney said. “It’s been very helpful for me as well as my family because not only was I able to go to school, but my brother was also able to go to school.”

A biology major with plans to attend medical school, Kearney also acts as a health professionals advisor helping fellow students interested in pursuing medicine.

In addition to providing funding, the Fleming scholarship prioritizes making underrepresented students feel connected by establishing a community, which is vital at a predominantly white institution, Kear-

Sophomore Amaya Crawford and junior Dy’Quan Kearney pose for a portrait in the Solarium Jan. 28, 2022. Crawford and Kearney are cohorts of the 2020 Fleming Scholars class.

Kara Haselton

ney said.

“Coming from different locations to App where there aren’t a lot of minority students, you can feel out of place and a little uncomfortable,” Kearney said. “A lot of minority students get deterred from schools like App.” According to App State’s Diversity and Inclusion page, racially and ethnically underrepresented stu-

dents make up 18.3% of the student population. However, there’s been a 66% increase in underrepresented students at the university since 2014, the same year App State founded the Fleming scholarship.

Amaya Crawford, who also received the scholarship in 2020, came to App State from Charlotte.

Crawford said cultural backgrounds varied far more in her hometown

compared to Boone.

“I knew coming to a PWI would be a little difficult for me just because my high school was pretty diverse. So this program just seemed like something that would allow me to meet other people and connect with other people who are from diverse backgrounds like myself,” Crawford said.

“All of the people who are in charge of the program, you can tell they re-

ally care about us.”

Each scholarship recipient is paired with a mentor upon receiving the scholarship based on common interests and goals.

As SGA President and member of Black at App State, a student-led group focused on amplifying Black voices, Bailey Gardin said he has made supporting the community of underrepresented students a priority.

“In each of those roles, I really just try to listen, to try to have real conversations about the issues impacting our students,” Gardin said. “Once you get to a position of privilege, you have a responsibility to reach down to a community and help others and try to pull them back up.”

The Fleming scholarship is awarded to four recipients each year; however, those involved in the program are hoping to increase this number so the population of underrepresented students at App State can continue growing, Gardin said.

Gary Henderson initially proposed the idea for the Fleming scholarship in 2011 as a way to benefit both underrepresented students and the university as a whole.

“I had noticed that the school’s enrollment had doubled from the time I started in 1988 to 2010, but the numbers for African American students had stayed the same or even declined,” Henderson said. “The scholarship was a way for me and many other like-minded alumni to give back to the school and also work to increase diversity and inclusion.”

Henderson developed a close relationship with Fleming during his time as an undergraduate and graduate student at App State. He said Henderson was a mentor “academically, spiritually and socially” for both himself and many other minority students.

Read more online at www.theappalachianonline.com

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A TIMELINE OF THE BLACK STUDENT ASSOCIATION Ethan Hunt | News Editor

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his is a timeline of the Black Student Association compiled from The Appalachian’s archive, The Rhododendron and App State Library Digital Collections.

It chronicles the organization’s progression and many achievements from its founding to today.

Willie Fleming, class of ’80, contributed to the BSA constitution, founded the BSA Gospel Choir and served as director of Minority Affairs and App State chief diversity officer.

“When I was a student, Black students at PWIs across the nation were being enrolled into Predominantly White Institutions in larger numbers,

than in previous years. Many were excited about sharing the Black experience. Many of us were insistent about being included, in meaningful ways into the life of our respective universities.

What drove me was my desire to see my culture celebrated, and for Black culture to be woven into the fabric of the life of this university. It was an effort toward racial inclusion. I have always been proud of my culture, but that does not mean that I don’t appreciate the contributions of others,” Fleming wrote to The Appalachian.

1970 - FOUNDING OF THE APPALACHIAN BLACK CULTURE ORGANIZATION

MAY 2, 1972 - THE FIRST BLACK EXPO EVENT

During 1970, Black students on campus founded the Appalachian Black Culture organization. Upon its founding, all Black students were automatically members. The predecessor to BSA was founded with an almost identical mission to the current organization. The mission statement of ABCO involved university administration and Black culture.

“To present concerns, needs and interests of black students to the administration of Appalachian State University. The organization serves to promote cultural awareness and place special emphasis on the traditions, customs, and history of Black Americans,” according to the App State Library Digital Collections.

The week of May 2, 1972, ABCO hosted the first Black Expo. ABCO invited Black students from throughout North Carolina as well as the student body, to experience a Black culture pageant and a series of films such as, “Black Roots” and “Angela as it is.” The week also included workshops about “black music, dance, art, drama, contemporary black politics, drugs and urban affairs.”

Carol Conklin, The Appalachian

1970 - BLACK CULTURAL CENTER FOUNDING ABCO created the Black Cultural Center close in time to its founding. The purpose of the center was to promote Black culture through art, magazines, leaflets, films and tape recordings. It was located in the basement of East Hall.

David Alredge, The Appalachian

APRIL 14, 1972 - THE BLACK CULTURAL CENTER IS VANDALIZED

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Sometime between April 6 and April 9, 1972, several unknown people vandalized the Black Cultural Center in East Hall. They threw paint on the walls, ceiling and murals decorating the center.

Paulis Johnson, a student and ABCO member, said administration had the deadbolts locking the center moved from the inside of the doors to the outside during a renovation prior to the incident. Johnson said the locks were moved “because of statements about black troublemakers.”

Tim Cokley, ABCO president at the time, said he and other ABCO members could feel they were not accepted.

“There is nothing to fear but to understand. We need communicating; talk to us,” Cokley said.

Wayne Fonvielle, The Appalachian

SEPT. 26, 1972 - JUDY GENTRY PLACED ON HOMECOMING COURT BY SGA During the first meeting of the 1972 SGA student senate, the senate motioned to place Judy Gentry, a Black student, on the 1972 homecoming court because no Black students had been elected to the court. The motion passed with 22 yes votes, 13 no votes and six abstentions. ABCO member Robert Leak spoke in favor of the motion.

“We are organized on campus. We feel we should be represented,” Leak said to the senate.

Wayne Fonvielle, The Appalachian

FEB. 2, 1973 - ABCO ASKS FOR CLARIFICATION FOLLOWING FIRING OF BLACK PROFESSOR In January 1973, university administration told Beauregaurd Stubblefield, a Black math professor and one of two Black faculty members, that he would not be rehired for the 1974-75 academic year, without providing a reason. In February, ABCO questioned the administration about Stubblefield’s firing.

“We would like for the administration to make it publicly known why Dr. Stubblefield is not being rehired,” said Tim Cokley, ABCO president.

David Arledge, The Appalachian

DEC. 6, 1973 - ABCO SHIFTS FOCUS TO A MEMBERSHIP BASIS ABCO president Harry Scott announced the organization was moving to a membership basis, Dec. 6, 1973. Previously, every Black student on campus was considered a member, but now members had to be active participants in the organization.

“The organization does not only plan to work in the interest of blacks, but also to broaden its scope as a club on campus,” Scott said.

Chilton Rogers, The Appalachian

MARCH 12, 1974 - BLACK CULTURAL CENTER MOVES FROM EAST HALL TO PLEMMONS STUDENT UNION The student union board moved the Black Cultural Center from the basement of East Hall to room 122 in Plemmons Student Union. The board also purchased three television sets for the room.

Pam Wilburn, The Appalachian

MARCH 26, 1974 - ROBERT LEAK ABCO WINS SGA PRESIDENCY ABCO member, Robert Leak, won the SGA presidency with 1104 votes out of 2174 cast. Leak was the first Black student to be elected to SGA president.

“It’s not a victory for me, but for everybody,” Leak said.

Martha Muse, The Appalachian

JAN. 1975 - ABCO GOES INACTIVE AND BECOMES BLACK CULTURAL COMMITTEE, ABCO went inactive during January 1975.

The Black Cultural Committee, which began as a leadership sub-committee of ABCO, took over as the primary Black student organization on campus. By Nov. 20, 1975, BCC had 45 members.

Belle Cool, The Appalachian

APRIL 8, 1975 - BCC HOSTS BLACK AWARENESS WEEKEND The BCC hosted the first Black Awareness Weekend. The weekend was designed for incoming freshmen to experience the university. The BCC also invited students from surrounding highschools and the general public.

Paul Stanley, The Appalachian

FALL SEMESTER 1977 - BCC TRANSITIONS TO BLACK STUDENT ASSOCIATION Sometime during the fall semester of 1977, BBC changed the name of the organization to the Black Student Association. BSA was advised by the Office of Minority Affairs. The Appalachian first references the BSA by name in an article about Black Heritage Week, which ran Oct. 6, 1977. The fall 1977 edition of the yearbook The Rhododendron also refers to the Black student organization as the BSA. However, Willie Fleming, a contemporary member, said the name changed during the 1975-76 academic year.

OCT. 6, 1977 - BLACK HERITAGE WEEK During the week of Oct. 6, 1977, App State hosted the first Black Heritage Week. The week included lectures from poets and professors, an art exhibit hosted by BSA, a cultural awareness pageant and “culminated” in a cultural awareness ball.

Jocelyn Clayton, The Appalachian

MAY 2, 1978 - MINORITY STUDENT AWARENESS PROGRAM EXPANDS The minority student awareness program expanded during spring semester, 1978. Archie Ervin, director of Minority Affairs, said the goal of the program was Black student recruitment. Ervin said BSA choir was a key component to recruiting Black students to App State as well as Black Heritage Week and Black Awareness Weekend.

Laura Jamison, The Appalachian

APRIL 22, 1982 - FIRST BSA AWARDS BANQUET BSA hosted their first awards banquet April 22, 1982.

“The purpose of the banquet was to recognize those black students and faculty members who made a contribution to the Black Student Association (BSA) and to the campus as a whole,” Leaper wrote.

Vaneta Leaper, The Appalachian

SEPT. 20, 1983 - WILLIE FLEMING BECOMES DIRECTOR OF MINORITY STUDENT AFFAIRS Willie Fleming took over from Archie Ervin as director of Minority Student Affairs at the beginning of the 1983 fall semester.

Fleming graduated from App State in spring 1980.

During his time as an undergraduate, he founded the BSA Gospel Choir and helped draft the BSA constitution.

Robert McCallister, The Appalachian

MAY 1, 1984 - BSA REACHES 75 MEMBERS BSA reached a total of 75 members out of 361 Black students enrolled at App State by the spring semester, 1984. Comparatively, The Appalachian reporter Chilton Rogers wrote there were 112 Black students at App State in 1974.

Patricia Johnson, The Appalachian

JANUARY 1986 - BSA CELEBRATES DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. BSA hosted a celebration of Martin Luther King Jr.’s life and work Jan. 15 - Jan. 17, 1986. The threeday celebration coincided with King’s birthday and included BSA Gospel Choir performances, scripture readings and prayers from Willie Fleming, director of Minority Affairs. Fullington wrote that 1986 was the first year King’s birthday was recognized as a holiday.

Angie Fullington, The Appalachian

1988 - BSA REACHES OVER 100 MEMBERS, BSA reached 140 active members by March 17, 1988.

April Griffin, The Appalachian

1989 - BLACK STUDENT POPULATION RISES There were 492 Black students at App State in 1989. App State ranked 14th among North Carolina universities in Black student enrollment. Assistant director of admissions Harry Williams credited BSA, the BSA Gospel Choir and Black fraternities and sororities for Black student retention rates.

Julie Williams and Mark Williams, The Appalachian

APRIL, 1995 - BSA MOVES TO ADVISORY BOARD FOR LEADERSHIP BSA transitioned from an executive board leadership to an advisory board leadership in April 1995. The change came with tighter membership requirements and clearer identification of members.

The advisory board was made up of 10 memvbers representing different committees, each with a faculty advisor.

Allison Pennel, The Appalachian

2001 - KWANZAA The Multicultural Center hosted a Kwanzaa celebration Dec. 4, 2001. The Multicultural Center organized the event in conjunction with the BSA. Chris Bohle, The Appalachian

2004 - BSA MEMBERSHIP According to the 2004 edition of The Rhododendron, BSA had 20 members and four advisory board officers in 2004.

FEBRUARY 2008 - BLACK HISTORY MONTH TASK FORCE ESTABLISHED App State established the Black History Month task force February, 2008. The goal of the task force was created to better organize events for Black History Month. During the month, the BSA hosted a presentation of “Africa Before Colonization” and the BSA advisory board worked closely with the task force to schedule events.

Jamison Doran, The Appalachian

MARCH 6, 2014 - BSA GOES TO SOCIAL MEDIA On March 6, 2014, BSA posted on Instagram for the first time. The post referred to an event called “Black Girls Rock,” which had been hosted by the BSA from March 3 - March 6, 2012.

2015 - BSA WINS COLLABORATION AWARD According to the BSA Instagram, in April 2015, the Center for Student Involvement and Leadership presented BSA with the Collaboration Award. The award recognizes organizations with “outstanding collaboration efforts to enhance student life at Appalachian State University.”

THE FUTURE OF THE BSA Lamont Sellers, director of intercultural student affairs, said the thing that defines the BSA is unity.

“They’re very much about creating community and being together while they’re here but then even those that graduate are reaching back and wanting to help out however they can. Because they know intimately how difficult it was,” Sellers said.

Sellers said the current BSA is in good hands.

“One thing that I find among many of our AfricanAmerican, Black identifying students is, they want to see others come here and thrive and be successful,” Sellers said.

Visit www.theappalachianonline.com for a full timeline.

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a look into the national pan-hellenic council Lily Kincaid | Associate A&C Editor`

Even though the National Pan-Hellenic Council has only been at App State for 30 years, the organization’s history at the university is rich.

The NPHC was established at Howard University May 10, 1930. Today, it is often referred to as the “Divine Nine,” as it is made up of nine historically Black fraternities and sororities.

Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity was the first NPHC organization chartered on campus in 1983, but the council didn’t officially have a presence at App State until 1992.

Willie Fleming, former Chief Diversity Officer and member of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity, was “instrumental in bringing Black Greek life to App State,” Chancellor Sheri Everts wrote when she announced Fleming’s retirement last year.

The university is now home to seven of the nine NPHC organizations: Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity, Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority, Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity, Omega Psi Phi fraternity, Delta Sigma Theta sorority, Phi Beta Sigma fraternity and Zeta Phi Beta sorority.

Kyra Scott, secretary and treasurer of the Mu Omicron chapter of Zeta Phi Beta sorority, described NPHC as a “safe haven” for students. The organization can help members find their inner selves and connect with other students on campus with similar goals and values, she said. It provides Black students with a community — a “home away from home.”

“I think NPHC definitely does lack the recognition on campus, especially being at a PWI. It makes it a little bit harder,” said Scott, a senior sociology major. “But I think as a council, we’re all kind of able to come together and truly uplift our Black members of our community on campus and truly provide, like, a safe space for students, especially our members of our respective organizations.”

In 2007, App State’s NPHC proposed a plots and garden project to SGA. The establishment of plots is a Black Greek-letter tradition that can be traced back to both slavery and the division of Confederate land after the Civil War, according to the university’s NPHC website. Each NPHC organization gets its own plot, and the space represents its presence on campus and provides a place for members to reflect and celebrate.

After years of both NPHC and SGA advocating for the project, App State designated a space next to the Veterans Memorial garden for the NPHC Plots and Garden in 2017. A year later, the plots and garden were revealed in a ribbon-cutting ceremony as part of Homecoming Week in 2018.

Since the plots are fairly new, they’re something that

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NPHC members are continuously trying to teach people about, said Karolyn Martin, president of the Omicron Kappa chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority.

“We really love having that as a place where we are able to commemorate the people that brought our organizations to this campus and our organizations as a whole,” said Martin, a senior communication studies major.

Izaiah Hamilton, first vice president of the Alpha Alpha Rho chapter of Phi Beta Sigma fraternity, said that their favorite thing about the fraternity is the broth-

(Top) Jada Branch holds a pose during the Delta Sigma Theta choreographed routine at the NPHC Yardshow in Legends Oct. 29, 2021. Jesse Barber (Bottom) Phi-Beta Sigma Fraternity members Jaylen Sturvivant and Izaiah Hamilton and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority members Kyra Scott and Nadia Jenkins (left to right) stand next to their organization’s plots located outside I.G. Greer Monday, Feb. 7, 2022.

Kara Haselton erhood they’ve been part of.

“They’ve just really been a family,” said Hamilton, a senior sociology major. “The alumni members are really close with us, and they’re here when we need support, and the undergrad brothers are also there.”

Phi Beta Sigma actively gives back to the community and stresses the importance of taking care of each other and coming together with everyone, Hamilton said.

They said the members of the university’s Phi Beta Sigma chapter also keep in touch with members of other

chapters at different universities.

Hamilton said that anyone who hasn’t found a community on campus yet should find and consider joining one of the NPHC organizations or something similar. However, anyone thinking about joining an organization should get to know the people in it first, they said.

“We’re all approachable, ev-

erybody in NPHC, and you can come ask questions,” Hamilton said.

“Please don’t be afraid to ask questions. I feel like that is a large misconception, that you can’t ask questions.”

Read more online at www.theappalachian.com

Emily Broyles | Editor-in-Chief

S

hannon Campbell sits at her office table in Edwin Duncan Hall wearing thick white glasses atop light blue eyeshadow. The Missouri native is the first Black woman serving as dean of the College of Fine and Applied Arts.

“I know that I stand out. With my natural hair that I refuse to straighten, I think, you know, if you don’t like it, avert your eyes,” Campbell said. “I love it.”

Campbell started her role as dean July 2021. She is the only Black dean on App State’s Deans Council.

“In 2021, in all ways, I’m proud to be a first, but in a lot of ways, it makes me sad. My goal is to make sure there’s a second, a third and a fourth. Because I guarantee you I’m not the first person who looks like me that was ever qualified or that ever had the desire,” Campbell said. “I’m the first person who looks like me that happened to be at the right place at the right time.”

Campbell, from a small military town in The Ozarks of Missouri, said she stands on the shoulders of those who helped her get to where she is.

The first-generation college student said she was attracted to studying communication and not just telling stories of people that looked like her but of all people.

“When I grew up, there weren’t a lot of people that looked like me that were storytellers,” Campbell said. “I can remember my mother calling and saying ‘there’s going to be a Black person on TV,’ and we would all run home to see that Black person on TV. It was that rare in my lifetime.”

Campbell was naturally pulled to her high school paper and yearbook and expected to be a journalist by the time she finished college. She didn’t know about public relations but soon found a passion for the field.

“I’m a fixer by nature, and I always try to look for mutually beneficial outcomes so that major was a natural fit for sort of who I am and my values,” Campbell said.

After receiving a bachelor’s in communication management from Missouri State University, Campbell went on to get her master’s and doctorate degrees, all in communication.

attire, academia and audacity

this is shannon campbell She then served as associate vice president of Graduate tic self to work every day and at some point, doesn’t “alStudies and a professor at Metropolitan State University ways accommodate the majority.” of Denver, a Hispanic-serving institution.

“I don’t think there is a place on earth where adminisWith a big transfer in area and type of schools, trators of color are more needed than at PWIs. We bring a Campbell said her undergraduate alma mater “mirrors” perspective that is different. We bring a truth that is differApp State in “every way,” with both being predominately ent,” Campbell said. “I can only view the world through white schools. Campbell said this brings her a sort of com- my eyes, and my life experience has placed me in a differfortability. ent space than my white peers.”

“For me, it’s almost a homecoming The authenticity Campbell value is because it’s very much like where I startinspired by poet Maya Angelou’s work i really look ed,” she said. “I have felt welcomed. I and outlook on life, Campbell calling it have felt supported. I have felt as though forward to creating “unapologetic boldness.” my leadership has been embraced. The “There was an audacity there, and a mission and a value I love that about her,” Campbell said. “I same sorts of feelings and affirmations I received in Denver, I received here, and hope that people see that in me as well, statement for our I’m proud to say that.” that sometimes it might take you aback, Campbell said she brings her authenlike, ‘She has the audacity to think,’ and

college

Shannon Campbell, dean of the College of Fine and Applied Arts, speaks with Dylan Timoney in Katherine Harper Hall Feb. 2, 2022. Timoney, a senior in the College of Fine and Applied Arts, is designing and constructing furniture for Campbell’s office and built the chair seen in the photo. Max Correa

it’s, like, ‘Uh-huh I know.’”

A big part of Campbell’s audacity includes fashion.

“It’s called ‘Faux Real,’ some things may be faux, some things may be real,” Campbell said. “I mix high fashion and really affordable fashion all the time as well. I think that’s important. I also look for a lot of designers of color.”

Along with bringing confidence into the role, Campbell said she was comfortable stepping in as dean, especially with fine and applied arts having multiple disciplines.

“That breadth and managing that breadth is something that I appreciate because I learn a lot by being an advocate for programs and disciplines that are different from my own discipline,” Campbell said. “Every day I come to work, I learn something new, and that’s critical for me. I can’t feel as though I’m being stagnant.”

She hopes to continue hands-on learning in the college, which she says is “the best kept secret in this state.”

Campbell wants every program to establish an area of distinction.

“I really look forward to creating a mission and a value statement for our college so that anyone who is looking to join us or wants to know more about us understands what really lies at the heart of who we are and what things make us unique. There aren’t a lot of colleges that look like us.”

Campbell said students are at the forefront of her decisions in the college and hopes to connect with more.

“I think it’s a tragedy if a student has no idea who the dean is, and they meet them as they shake their hand as they walk across the stage to leave,” Campbell said. “I have worked really hard to make it a point to go into the colleges, attempt to meet the students … and I do the same thing with faculty.”

The self-proclaimed sneakerhead’s next steps in the College of Fine and Applied Arts include creating an advisory board at the college level and creating more community ties for students and faculty alike.

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A LIFE OF PASSION student author uses work to guide others Ansley Puckett | Managing Editor From “Harry Potter” to “Goosebumps” to “The Boxcar Children,” one App State student has been engrossed in fictional worlds her whole life, and now she creates her own.

Shabrina McPherson, a senior English literature major with a concentration in film studies, has been a reader since she was a child. Coming from a large family, reading became an escape, and she spent her summers at the library or bookstore looking for her next great read.

“I think there is an imaginative world that kept me into reading cause I’ve read everything,” McPherson said. “I cannot even think of a genre that I don’t love reading, honestly.”

Translating that love of reading into becoming a writer, McPherson began writing poetry in middle school, and in high school, she started writing short stories.

“I started to realize that people go through the same things that I go through, and maybe they need some guidance on how to handle it, so that is what my writing is about now,” McPherson said.

McPherson writes for a company owned by a family friend called Joyful Bee Publishing where she writes short stories with a group of women. The short stories center around a specific issue and then discuss how to face and handle it.

After approaching the owner about writing for middle school-aged students and the problems they may struggle with, McPherson helped start Joyful Bee Publishing’s teen section.

“My writing comes from a place trying to find peace, trying to find answers,” McPherson said.

McPherson has four completed works published, including a teen anthology called “We Rise Together,” a

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book called “Endurance,” a book of poetry titled “My Soul in the Wind,” and a teen anthology about childhood abuse named “Touched.” She is also working on her first solo book, “Fathering,” which focuses on fathers as they navigate being first-time dads in a pandemic.

McPherson also runs an Instagram account devoted to books she’s read, called @shabrinalvsbooks, which she hopes to revisit when she finishes school and has more time for pleasure reading.

When she’s not reading or

make sure that whatever you’re choosing to do, whatever path you’re following is something that you will know you’re going to be happy with writing, McPherson mentors young girls with New Covenant Christian Church in Wilkesboro. The women’s group she works with, “Wild,” stands for leadership development and works with girls at the church to answer life questions about growing up and society.

“I’m a big sister. My mother has 11 children, and I’m number three,” McPherson said. “So I’ve always been the older one. I’ve always had a lot of young people look up to me, and I felt like I was a good contribution to the group because I have a lot of experience working with younger people.”

Considering herself to be a “lifelong” student, McPherson said she loves education and helping educate

others. When she graduates in May, she will have earned her third degree.

McPherson has also worked as a substitute teacher for the last six years.

McPherson plans to get her master’s degree in library science and a doctorate in education. She hopes helping children adapt and navigate advancing technology through media literacy will be a part of her career.

“Honestly, I feel like education is one of the most valuable things that anybody could achieve for themselves,” McPherson said. “I never feel like I’ve learned enough, and if I could afford it, I would be a career student.”

She also makes it a priority to surround herself with good people. McPherson is a part of the club Queen in You, a club specifically for women of color, and has found a community within the organization.

“I have a very large group of girls that I get to commune with, and we understand each other on a deeper level, and they keep me grounded,” McPherson said. “I think that App — even though it’s not as diverse as you want it to be, we still make things work.”

In each part of her life, whether in her education, her community or her writing, McPherson said she strives to follow her passions and hopes that other people choose to do the same.

“So that’s my biggest advice is to make sure that whatever you’re choosing to do, whatever path you’re following is something that you will know you’re going to be happy with,” McPherson said. “Because life is just too short to waste chasing money.”

McPherson’s work is available on Amazon, select book stores and on her website.

Shabrina McPherson, a senior English literature major with a concentration in film studies, has contributed to four published books and is working on her first solo book.

Courtesy of Shabrina McPherson

BLACK AUTHORS ON REIMAGININGS, REVELATIONS AND REFRAMINGS Skin of the Sea by Natasha Bowen

Bowen immerses the classic “Little Mermaid” tale in West African mythology to write this novel. Set in 1400’s West Africa, Simidele is one of the seven blessed mermaids, the Mami Wata, who guides the souls of those who die while at sea to their afterlife. But when she breaks an ancient law and saves a man from death, she must reverse the damage and start on a treacherous journey. Defying gods, fighting monsters and forbidden love — a trifecta of tropes to intrigue any reader.

THE BOOKSTOP Graphic by Efrain Arias-Medina Jr. Gabrielle Troutman | Chief Copy Editor

B

ook lists all over will tell you to “diversify your To Be Read list this month,” but the featured stories are often repeated. There are plenty of newer stories written in celebration of Black culture, accomplishments, love, mythology, joy and experiences. Here are 10 books and Black authors who showcase these narratives.

Don’t Cry For Me by Daniel Black

Daniel Black writes a novel of empathy and forgiveness between a dying father and his gay son. Jacob, the father, writes letters to his son Isaac about his family history in rural Arkansas, his relationship with Isaac’s mother and the life-long shame he carries. Through the letters from Jacob’s deathbed, the two grow to reconcile and find peace. This novel reconsiders the lenses surrounding Black fathers and queer sons.

God is a Black Woman by Christena Cleveland

Christena Cleveland, an activist, social psychologist and theologian, goes on a trek to redefine Christianity without white patriarchal culture overshadowing it. Through her time of study and preaching, Cleveland grew more disenchanted with the “whitemalegod” she was told to worship her whole life.

In the memoir, she argues how and why God is neither male nor white, with spiritual practices to accompany the Sacred Black Feminine she explores.

Concrete Rose by Angie Thomas

In this novel, Angie Thomas explores Black boyhood and manhood in America.

The prequel to “The Hate U Give” revisits the setting of Garden Heights to explore the life of Starr’s father, Maverick Carter. In order to take care of his family, Maverick deals for the infamous King Lords. When he finds himself facing fatherhood, he takes the opportunity to straighten his life out for his family.

Raybearer by Jordan Ifueko

Tarisai has always wanted to belong. Her mother, the absent and powerful woman known as The Lady, is sending her to join the Crown Prince’s Council of Eleven. To join the council and become one of the Ray is to be a part of a bond deeper than blood. However, her mother has other plans for her daughter: Tarisai is to fulfill her mother’s magical wish to gain the trust of the prince and kill him. This is the first in the finished duology set to be adapted into a limited series on Netflix.

Black Leopard, Red Wolf by Marlon James

A solitary mercenary, known as Tracker, must work with a group to find a boy who’s been missing for three years. Not only is he a missing child, but he is the child the fate of the kingdom rests upon. The mismatched group sets off to find him while discovering secrets of their own. Based on African mythology and history, filled with demons, shapeshifters and riddles, the first installment in Marlon James’ trilogy is sure to enthrall.

For All Time by Shanna Miles

Tamar and Fayard have a love story in every lifetime, both future and past. No matter the time, whether in 1325 or 2260 and no matter the setting, whether in space or present day South Carolina, their love story and struggle to stay together is their only constant. You’ll find the lovers trying to find the ending their love story has never had before.

The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett

Inseparable twins, Desiree and Stella, born in a southern Black community, run away at age 16. When they are separated, they follow radically different paths.

Stella “passes” for white with an unsuspecting white husband. Desiree lives in the same town she once ran away from with her Black daughter. However, their lives meet once again as their daughters’ lives intertwine. This novel not only discusses “passing” but also familial relations and the importance and consequences of the past.

Real Life by Brandon Taylor

A biochemistry student from Alabama is seeking to leave behind the life he once had. Wallace is introverted, Black, queer and wearily attending a predominately white institution in the Midwest. In order to keep his shadows at bay, he’s enforcing a distance with his “new friends.”

After a series of confrontations with said “friends,” colleagues and a seemingly straight, white classmate, Wallace begins to reconsider the walls holding back his degrees of yearning and conflict toward his surrounding community.

The 1619 Project: A New Origin Story by Nikole Hannah-Jones

This Pulitzer Prize winning long-form journalism reframes the United States’ history by marking, 400 years later, the first time enslaved Africans were brought onto American soil. In re-examining the history of slavery, starting in 1619, the project claims U.S. history starts with the arrival of slaves, not with the pilgrims or the Declaration of Independence. It also shows how slavery and Black Americans built the U.S. of today and how its effects can be found in everything: art, politics, capitalism, religion, traffic, democracy and more.

What does it mean to be destined for someone?

What if that destiny draws you together in every lifetime?

9

BLACK COACHES INSPIRE ATHLETES IN ROLE athlete in both high school and college and was Smyre’s first basketball coach and biggest fan.

“She always kept me level-headed and grounded when I needed it the most,” Smyre said.

Smyre’s position allows her to look out for student athletes who may struggle with being a minority at App State.

“I think it’s important to pull those student-athletes to the side that look like me every now and then just to let them know, ‘Hey, I’ve been where you are, and I’m here for you if you need anything. I got you.’” Smyre said.

Leading the track team is the only Black head coach on campus, Damion McLean.

“It means a lot,” McLean wrote in an email. “To my knowledge, there have only been six head coaches of color since I stepped on campus as a freshman in ’97.”

McLean hails from small town Lincolnton where he played football, basketball and ran track. His initial interest in sports was mostly due to his natural athletic ability, and he never planned on being a coach.

“Coaching was not something I envisioned myself doing, but whatever I commit to something, I always try to be the best,” McLean said. “I soon realized I found my passion.”

Finding his way to the top position of a Basketball coach Frank Young speaks to senior guard Adrian Delph during the 77-69 win over the University of Loui- Division I sport was far from easy, and part of siana-Monroe Jan. 1st, 2022 that was due to McLean’s race. McLean said Courtesy of App State Athletics he had to work extremely hard being Black in a predominantly white field.

Dan Davidson | Sports Editor “As a person of color, I have experienced that Out of 51 coaches across App State’s something very important to these young the Hammer Throw. often you have to be 10 times better than everyone 16 sports, ten are coaches of color, nine of guys … to see somebody that’s been through While at App State, Smyre was mentored else to get the same level of recognition,” McLean which are Black. With a leadership position the program, is the same color and he’s at a by two coaches who continue to impact her said. “So you’re constantly in a position of proving at a predominantly white university, these higher position.” today. Former coaches April Smith and John yourself.” coaches have a unique opportunity to lead Track and field throws coach Whitney Weaver guided Smyre in competing but also McLean mentors student athletes of all races and nurture student athletes of color.

Smyre is one of three Black coaches for the imparted lessons of how to be a good coach but is aware of his unique opportunity to nurture “I feel like that’s one of the biggest track team, the most of any Mountaineer upon Smyre. athletes that look like him. things that sticks out to me because I got team. Smyre competed for the track and field “I would not be half the coach I am “I coach and treat all of my athletes the same, no some of the colored kids on the team that team as a student athlete from 2006 to 2011, today if it weren’t for them,” Smyre wrote matter what color or nationality they are,” McLean want to reach out to me or text me about where she was an eight-time All-SoCon in an email. said. “I do sit down and have a conversation with how they’re feeling,” assistant wrestling performer, 12-time All-Region athlete and a Smyre also credits her mother as a role parents and recruits of color because for the past 19 coach Randall Diabe said. “That’s Division I NCAA East Regional Qualifier in model for her growing up. Her mom was an years of coaching in Boone, I have gotten asked how is

10

Throws coach Whitney Smyre (left) talks with freshman track athlete Graysen Arnold (right). Smyre credits her abilities as a coach to her mom and to former Track and Field coaches John Weaver and April Smith.

Courtesy of App State Athletics

“Growing up, my mentors were my mom, older brother, godfather and high school coach,” Young said. “They all taught a lot of life values. Learned a lot from all of them on and off the court. A lot of those values I still hold on to today.”

Young’s mom made sure to get him involved in sports at an early age, playing football and baseball before he chose to stick with basketball. After a successful college career at West Virginia and spending time overseas, Young began coaching.

“The itch started after I stopped playing pro ball overseas in Europe and started missing the game,” Young said. “I got a call from a college teammate about joining his staff as an assistant and decided to give it a shot and have loved coaching ever since.”

Beyond his coaching status, Young acknowledges that being a Black man in a predominantly white town provides its challenges. Even walking into a room or business where he’s the only Black person, Young fears getting strange looks from others.

“It is not because of any specific situation that has happened in Boone, but this is the thought process of being in any town/city

it being Black in Boone or at App State.”

While coaching young athletes to become great track runners is a major part of his job, McLean also has an opportunity to guide college students through a pivotal time in their lives. McLean thinks back to two of his high school coaches, Lavell Hall and Chris Knott, as he advises his athletes.

“There are two coaches that I looked up to because they wanted to help me get better.

Others were coaching me to make themselves look good,” McLean said. “Both of these men taught me a lot about life and the importance of relationships in your life.”

Randall Diabe is also grateful for his opportunity to nurture student athletes of color as an assistant with the wrestling team.

“We have some colored kids on the team as well. Some of them feel comfortable coming to me because I can relate,” Diabe said.

Diabe racked up numerous accolades while competing at App State, including a 7748 record, multiple All-SoCon recognitions and two NCAA Championships qualifications.

Diabe concluded his career in 2019 and made his coaching debut for the Mountaineers later that year.

Diabe has become a source of comfort for wrestlers of color on the team. The

Track and Field head coach Damion McLean watches athletes compete at the Weems Baskin Invitational at the University of South Carolina Mar. 26, 2021.

Courtesy of App State Athletics

athletes sometimes reach out to Diabe looking for advice, knowing that he was once in the position they are in.

“I had some personal talks with guys that don’t know if it’s the right spot because we’re just outnumbered,” Diabe said. “We have like two Black people, and the rest of the team is white, so they’ve got a Black guy on the staff they can come and talk to.”

Men’s basketball assistant coach Frank Young came to Boone after serving on head coach Dustin Kerns’ staff at Prebyterian College for two seasons. Before coaching with Kerns, Young spent three seasons at North Florida as the director of operations as the Ospreys reached the NCAA Tournament in 2015 and the NIT in 2016.

“After three seasons there, I received a call from Dustin Kerns about joining his staff at Presbyerian College, and he had worked with one of my best friends at Wofford, Darris Nichols, so there was a connection there,” Young wrote in an email. “Coach Kerns got the job here at App State and brought the whole staff with him.”

Growing up in Tallahassee, Florida, Young was raised by his mother and older brother after his dad passed away in a car accident when Young was 14.

and knowing that you have to be aware of your surroundings and know what is going on around you on a daily basis,” Young said.

“Everybody is naturally more comfortable with people that look like them, so when you do not see anyone that doesn’t look like you a natural discomfort immediately sets in. With that being said, the people in Boone have made me feel very comfortable since I moved here.”

Young devotes a lot of his focus to delivering life lessons and advice to his players, emphasizing that there is life after basketball.

He especially attempts to nurture student athletes of color on the team since he can give guidance based on his own experience.

“It is something I worry about with them because they are outnumbered here, and on top of being an athlete, they are under an extreme microscope and have to understand that a lot of eyes are on them at all times,” Young said.

“I have a lot of tough conversations with our players one-on-one about things that are going on in the world because I want to know how they handle those things and want them to be able to voice their emotions and opinions.”

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WRESTLER CONTINUES CAREER, LEGACY AT UNIVERSITY Dan Davidson | Sports Editor

The road to becoming a coach at App State was a long one for one assistant on the wrestling team.

Randall Diabe serves as an assistant coach on head coach JohnMark Bentley’s staff. After wrestling under Bentley until 2019, Diabe joined his staff the following season and was promoted to a full-time assistant in October 2020.

“I’ve been loving it,” Diabe said. “It’s been an awesome experience, and I was just grateful that I was able to get the opportunity, and it really helped.”

Diabe’s path to the university and wrestling was far from conventional. After spending the first half of his childhood growing up in Liberia, Africa, Diabe’s family moved to the U.S., settling in Greensboro in 2004.

“It was just a culture shock,” Diabe said. “It was completely different coming from a different area to a whole new country.”

Catching up to his peers in reading and writing was a major struggle for 8-year-old Diabe, and even learning that school was free in the U.S. added to the culture shock.

Joining a school as the new kid from a different country attracted a lot of unwanted attention toward Diabe. He was picked on and ridiculed for being different, he said.

“I was a kid from a different country, so you can just imagine how that went,” Diabe said. “I got picked on just because I was from a different country. It was just really hard.”

Bullies also attacked Diabe for his weight, which led him to sports.

He began to escape the criticism in part due to his blooming athletic career.

“I was chunky and a little overweight, and people just picked on me for that,” Diabe said. “As I grew up, I got into sports and things started

12

changing.”

While he dealt with the difficult adjustment to life in America, Diabe found solace in a woman named Paula who helped his family early on. Paula aided the Diabe’s while they established themselves in the U.S. and secured jobs. She served as a mentor to Diabe.

“She helped me figure it out, and she talked to me about the whole U.S. and how things are,” Diabe said.

Diabe’s father worked tirelessly in the U.S., so he relied on many people to help raise his son. Still, the first person Diabe mentions when asked about his role models is his dad.

“It took a village to raise me, so there’s a lot of people out there that deserve credit, and I don’t want to feel like I left them out,” Diabe said.

“Obviously, my dad.”

Another major role model for Diabe is Stefan Greenlee, a college teammate of Bentley’s who met Diabe early on. Diabe credits Greenlee for cultivating his love for wrestling and helping to raise him.

“He played a big, big role in my life,” Diabe said. “He’s that one that pretty much got me to a club to help improve my wrestling. He paid for my tournaments and things like that.”

At one state tournament, Greenlee introduced Diabe to his former teammate, Bentley, who earned the head coach role of App State wrestling.

“Honestly, I never knew anything about Appalachian State until that very first encounter with JohnMark, but he was pretty much the only coach that was really showing interest at the time,” Diabe said. “I liked that, and I stuck with him. He was the first one that saw a seed of potential in me and took a risk with me.”

Once in Boone, Diabe steadily became another one of Bentley’s

elite collegiate wrestlers. Over his four-year career, Diabe received All-SoCon recognition, multiple unbeaten conference seasons and became a two-time NCAA Championships qualifier while amassing a 77-46 overall record.

As a senior, Diabe went 26-7 and earned an automatic NCAA bid after capturing the SoCon Championship. Diabe graduated in December 2019 and was thankful for Bentley allowing him to accomplish a dream.

Read more online at www.theappalachianonline.com

I HAD SOME COACHES THAT ACTUALLY WOULD GO ABOVE AND BEYOND BEING A COACH. THEY SPENT PERSONAL QUALITY TIME WITH ME AND TOOK ME OUT AND GOT ME FOOD AND THINGS LIKE THAT ...

FROM THEN ON, I KNEW I WANTED TO HELP PEOPLE, BUT I JUST DIDN’T KNOW WHICH ROUTE I WANTED TO GO WITH.

Randall Diabe, an assistant wrestling coach, also competed for App State until his graduation in 2019, qualifying for the NCAA Championship twice and ranking No. 16 nationally by the NCAA Coaches Panel his senior year.

Courtesy of App State Athletics

two-time national champion dawsey named wrs coach Cameron Burnett | Associate Sport Editor Over the last five years, the football team has built a rich history of wide receivers with a trio of receivers leading the way for half a decade before completing their final seasons in 2021. Pat Washington served as the wide receivers coach since 2019, and his departure in January echoed a changing of the guard for the receivers.

Head coach Shawn Clark found his new WRs coach Jan. 27, 18 days after Washington stepped down.

Lawrence Dawsey will take over the position and lead a young group of receivers. Dawsey is now the ninth Black coach at App State and third

Black position coach for football.

“I am excited to have the opportunity to be back on the field coaching wide receivers at Appalachian State University,” Dawsey said. “I am looking forward to being a member of a great coaching staff and working with a talented group of student-athletes. My goal is to aid in the development of these young men to help them reach their full potential both on and off the field.”

Dawsey is a decorated player and coach, starting with his playing career at Florida State under Hall of Fame coach Bobby Bowden. After his senior year in 1990, Dawsey was

drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the third round of the 1991 NFL Draft and spent seven years in the league before transitioning into a coaching career.

Starting as a graduate assistant for the 2003 BCS National Champion LSU Tigers, led by seven-time National Champion Nick Saban, Dawsey quickly made the jump to a full-time position in 2004 for South Florida. After spending three years at South Florida as their WRs coach, Dawsey returned to his alma mater as the receiver coach under Bowden.

When Jimbo Fisher took over the reins for Florida State, Dawsey was

promoted as the passing game coordinator and WRs coach.

During his tenure, Dawsey’s receivers showed growth on a national stage. This led to Florida State’s BCS National Championship victory in 2013. Seven of his receivers advanced to the NFL, including Kelvin Benjamin, who became the 11th rookie receiver to reach 1,000 yards in a season. Dawsey’s knowledge was integral in the Seminoles’ success from 2007-17, totaling three ACC championships and seven bowl wins.

“We are excited to welcome Lawrence to our program and the App Family,” Clark said. “His expe-

rience coaching receivers at a high level and serving as a mentor of young men will be a great asset to our program.”

When Fisher departed in 2017, the new staff replaced Dawsey, but he followed Fisher’s staff to Texas A&M as an offensive analyst in 2020. Following two seasons with the Aggies, Dawsey now brings his experience with college football dynasties to The Rock and is tasked with leading a new era at the WR position for the university.

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THE LOCAL CHOICE

13

Letter to the Editor In the summer of 2020, when I was still a student at App State, I wrote an opinion piece about the events in our country regarding racial injustice as it related to the town of Boone. It was the first opinion piece I had ever published, which already made me a little apprehensive, but on top of that it was about race, not a traditionally easy topic to talk about.

Despite this I spoke my truth, and overall I was hopeful about the future of the community of Boone in regards to race because the people of Boone, for the most part, are as genuinely compassionate as it gets. My hopefulness was well warranted, as I received nothing but positive feedback from my article, which in turn gave me more hope that App State and the town of Boone had the potential to advocate for change and progress in regards to racial injustice.

And I believe this BHM issue of The Appalachian speaks to this very progress.

Any journalism student at App can tell you that one of the core values of journalism is to seek truth and report it, and it’s no secret that for many years in this country’s history, Black voices and truths have been silenced.

And as a now alumni to see an issue of The Appalachian

14

dedicated to highlighting and elevating these voices is truly exceptional.

I’ve seen organizations like the Black Student Association, the Black Student Athlete Association and the Black at App State collective meet, protest, advocate for and demand change at App State.

I’ve seen our Black sororities and fraternities grow and make a positive impact in the community.

I’ve seen our Black student athletes handle their businesses in the classroom and in their respective sports.

There’s plenty of Black excellence going on in Boone, and it’s not only great to see it happening, but it’s great to see The Appalachian documenting it. I hope from afar to continue seeing App’s Black students advocating for positive change, App’s non-black students continue to be supportive, and for App’s storytellers to keep telling these stories. And I challenge us all this February and beyond to learn more about Black history, support Black businesses, and to embrace and uplift Black culture.

Kaiden Smith App State Alumnus

WOMEN OF COLOR LEAD, MENTOR THROUGH CAMPUS ORGANIZATION Jaclyn Bartlett | Reporter

Building community, professional development and empowerment are just a few goals of one club led by women of color.

Queen In You is a national organization with the purpose of advancing women of color through mentorship, social events, fundraising and community service. It was founded in 2016 by Noyah King, a senior criminal justice major at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University at the time.

Growing up, King was part of the National Junior League of Cotillions, where she learned skills in professionalism and etiquette. Realizing not everyone could afford the same opportunities, King started QIU as a

way to mentor young women of color in life skills and professional development. QIU has chapters in several North Carolina universities.

Makaylia Ray, a junior communication sciences and disorders major, is the president of the App State QIU chapter, which was founded in 2018. Ray said she struggled to find a place to fit in her freshman year until a friend told her about QIU. “Everyone needs a place to feel accepted,” Ray said. “It’s nice to sit down and once a week, see somebody who looks like me and discuss things that people understand.”

QIU meets for program planning and life advice discussions on topics like mental health, finances and professional development, in-

cluding finding scholarships and cre- it’s definitely hard to find your footating LinkedIn profiles. ing and feel like you belong and that “That’s my favorite part about people understand you and your it,” said Cali Norman, a sophomore perspective,” Norman said. “I think criminal justice major. “You can this is an important club for uplifting ask anything, literally anything, and Black women and women of color, someone is always there. Someone especially because we are a minority knows something. here.”

It’s really nice QIU hosts I THINK THAT CLUBS LIKE events that ento be able to just have somewhere courage womTHIS KIND OF PROVIDE to go with no en’s empowerjudgement.”

THAT SAFE HAVEN, THAT ment and build Norman said c o m m u n i t y, SPACE FOR WOMEN OF clubs like QIU are including kaespecially importCOLOR TO OPEN UP AND raoke, paint ant for universities nights, game that are primarily DISCUSS AND FIND SOME nights and a white. breast cancer KIND OF EMPOWERMENT fundraiser. Ju“At a PWI,

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nior sociology major Jemiah Williams said her favorite event was the Celebration of Women’s Artistry, which allowed students to showcase their art and celebrate female artists.

They plan on making it an annual event.

“It just basically celebrated women in art culture, so it was music, dance, fashion, painting and singing, and it was awesome,” Williams said.

One of QIU’s main focuses is creating a mentorship program with middle and high schools in the area, which they hope to start by next year.

They plan to mentor young women, focusing especially on women of color, through QIU’s four pillars: selfvocalization, self-image, self-love and sisterhood. They also use the acronym POWER, which stands for professionalism, outreach, women’s voices, empowerment and resources.

“What we’re focused on right now is the high school specifically,” Ray said. “We want to make sure to give them access to college information, help with resumes and how to present yourself.”

They plan to partner with organizations such as Alliance for Women and Children, an after-school program that focuses on women’s empowerment.

“I think that clubs like this kind of provide that safe haven, that space for women of color to open up and discuss and find some kind of empowerment when maybe the world tells us that we’re not good enough,” Williams said. “It’s open for anyone to join despite race, so it’s really a good place to have that education and those critical conversations between people from different cultures.”

Members of Queen In You pose for a portrait outside of Turchin Center for the Visual Arts. QIU serves young women of color by offering community service, social events and mentorships in professional etiquette and life planning.

Courtesy of Queen in You

15

ja’de bass outfit curator, model, local dj and first year

Only a freshman, Ja’de Bass runs a curated fashion Instagram, DJ’s at local venues and has a passion for designer clothing.

Bass poses at an elevator in her dorm Jan. 23, 2022.

Xanayra Marin-Lopez | Visual Managing Editor In only her second semester at App State, Ja’de Bass has made waves in the town from DJ-ing at Boone Saloon, modeling for The Collective fashion magazine, photographing streetwear for Mountainside Silhouettes and more.

Bass’ passion for fashion, music and culture blend to make her who she is, all while being a freshman computer science major.

“I love computer science as much as I love these other things,”

16

Bass said. “It’s another way for me to create stuff, or put my ideas into a real-world setting.”

Growing up the daughter of military parents, Bass spent most of her early life traveling through 48 states and internationally. However, there was one place that heavily influenced her style and interests.

From 2012-16, a time in her life where she was building her identity, she lived in Germany. As early as middle school, Bass started building

an interest in high fashion because of inspirations like A$AP Rocky.

Not only did Germany’s fashion leave a permanent mark on Bass’s identity but so did the subculture of house music.

“Being at a different place at such a young age, I feel like it’s an opportunity a lot of people should have if they can,” Bass said. “If it wasn’t for Germany, I wouldn’t be into fashion. I wouldn’t be into DJing.”

Bass said Boone reminds her of where she lived in Germany 4,000 miles away because of “the mountains, all the greenery and the white people.”

Her favorite high fashion inspiration comes from the diffusion lines of Comme des Garçons, specifically the Hommes Plus and Black lines. Other fashion favorites include Maison Margiela, Yohji Yamamoto, Arc’teryx and anything falling under post-archive fashion.

On her wishlist are high-heeled Tabi’s, the Vibram x Balenciaga high-top toe sneakers and the highheeled Crocs from Balenciaga.

Bass uses gender to her advantage and “plays” with heels and skirts. In affirmation with her identity as a trans woman, she uses pieces in her closet to move away from masculinity, paying attention to fit and silhouettes.

“I just dress how I dress and let myself express myself,” Bass said.

“Like if I want to wear a skirt, let me wear a skirt.”

There’s one fashion rule she always comes back to; if her mom doesn’t like her outfit, Bass said that’s how she knows it’s good.

The weather also plays a huge factor into her everyday outfits. A lot of pieces in Bass’ closet are intended

for the winter weather, especially since she’s lived in colder climates like New York and Germany.

She also makes a point to not shop for clothes as often as possible.

She believes in not contributing to overconsumption in fashion.

This means not making big haul purchases, no matter if it’s fast fashion or at the thrift store.

If she’s going to shop in Boone, Bass enjoys Footsloggers, Ram’s Rack, Appalachian Antique Mall and Goodwill.

Living in a predominantly white town and acknowledging the lack of the fashion scene she sees in Boone, Bass is not discouraged.

“I’m just this little Black kid from New York who’s lived in plenty of different places,” Bass said.

“I’m not really intimidated coming around here and being around all these people.”

And she hasn’t dulled her inspiration. She gives credit to those in Boone who have style with an outfit Instagram page, Mountainside Silhouettes.

On the page, Bass posts pictures of street style of Boone residents. She takes their picture, interviews them and posts them herself. With each person she interviews, she includes a quote about their style and details about their outfit. She planned the page over winter break.

Her inspiration for it comes from her time living in New York, witnessing street style firsthand and similar pages like @watchingnewyork and NYC Looks. She asked herself, “How can I bring this to Boone?”

“I wanna use it as a way to approach people and start conversations,” Bass said. “And get used to talking to people.”

Though Ja’de Bass is a computer science major, her passion for fashion follows her through her collection of designer pieces displayed on a rack inside her dorm Jan. 23, 2022.

Jan. 19, 2022

cosmetics on campus:

layshydae llc offers natural beauty option in the high country Xanayra Marin-Lopez | Visual Managing Editor During the first shutdown of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, one App State senior was looking for something to pass the time and earn extra income.

“I needed some Carmex at the time I was thinking about it,” Zalaya Hinton said. “I needed something on my lips at the moment, and I thought, ‘Oh, I could make a lip gloss!”

She spent quarantine and her summer creating a business plan, testing ingredients and buying supplies. On Nov. 11, 2020, LayShydae Cosmetics LLC launched.

“Before I started LayShydae, I never wore lip gloss,” Hinton said. “I was a Carmex girl.”

Now, her company sells lip sugar scrubs, eyelash and brow growth oil, and lip gloss squeeze tubes and twist pens. Hinton releases seasonal lines for her products, such as a strawberry lemonade gloss for the summer.

Her favorite product is the lip gloss Bare W/ Me. It’s a clear,

everyday gloss with coconut flavoring.

“Bare W/Me was the closest thing to Carmex or Vaseline that I didn’t have to worry about being too glossy or having glitter in,” Hinton said.

All the lip glosses contain vitamin E and jojoba oil. The gloss base ingredients are vegan as well as gluten and cruelty free. Hinton makes all her products with organic and raw ingredients.

She recommends pairing her lip glosses with a lip scrub, another product she sells. Hinton advises using her sugar scrubs in a circular motion, exfoliating the lips for about five minutes. After rinsing the scrub off, she says to apply a lip gloss to moisturize.

LayShydae Cosmetics delivers in the United States and offers free oncampus pickups to App State students.

She’s held pickup pop-up shops on campus for customers to collect their orders.

Exercise science major Zalaya Hinton displays some of her products on a common area table at Appalachian Heights on Jan. 24, 2022. Hinton combines her handmade lip scrubs and lip glosses for moisturizing lips.

Hinton makes all the products herself. For lip gloss, the bases and ingredients combine, and flavoring is added last. They’re filled into plastic syringes and squeezed into the tubes.

For the sugar scrubs, Hinton starts with the sugar and adds in oils, color pigments and flavors. Flavor options include melon, grape, “tutti frutti” and more. The growth oil is a combination of different oils she’s used over the years that she believes promote hair growth.

Being one of the few Black business owners in Boone and one of the few Black women in cosmetics in the High Country, Hinton said she holds herself to a much higher standard.

“I’m the face of my business,” Hinton said. “So I have to make sure that wherever I go, I represent my business and make sure I am at my best fit. Being an African American woman, I’m already being looked at times 10.”

Hinton describes herself as a “one-man-band.” She is a full-time student, a sister of the Mu Omicron chapter of Zeta Phi Beta and more, all while being a business owner. Though balancing it all, she still encourages others to go for it.

“I’m always trying to encourage other people, other African Americans, to start a business,” Hinton said.

“That helps our community come out more, stand out more. At Boone and a predominately white institution, we already are a little stuck in the corner a bit.”

Hinton has three pieces of advice for aspiring business owners.

First, she said to “take your time.”

When Hinton first thought about starting LayShydae Cosmetics, she was ready to put out all her products in one release. For Hinton, every product

Hinton shows off some of her cosmetics at Appalachian Heights Jan. 24, 2022. She encourages other Black students to be their own “boss babe” and take risks in starting a new business. is a reflection of her name and herself.

She wants new entrepreneurs to be intentional about every item.

Second, Hinton said don’t be afraid to take risks. She’s experienced big investment moments and times where she has lost money. At the end of the day, Hinton encourages anyone to “build their empire.”

Third, have fun. For Hinton, individuality was a big part of starting her business. All her products, creative decisions and business materials are

made by her.

“With my business and my page, I’m always trying to show people beauty is what you make of it,” Hinton said. “The only way to be you is by embracing your physical appearance. I want people to think, ‘This is a product I can use to make me feel comfortable in my body.’”

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News

Feb. 9, 2022

Café Portofino building owners propose building demolition Cameron Stuart | Associate News Editor The property owners of Café Portofino have proposed its demolition, according to a proposal filed to the Boone board of adjustment Dec. 13.

The Italian restaurant and bar, established in 2000 and located at 970 Rivers St., closed Jan. 11.

According to the Boone Town Council agenda for Feb. 3, the property owners, Rivers Street Ventures LLC, proposed “redevelopment of the parcel with a smaller commercial building adjacent to Rivers Street.”

About 50 feet of Boone Creek flows underneath the building, and as a result, it has increased debris levels and artificially elevated water levels of the creek, according to the proposal.

Goals for this project, according to Rivers Street Ventures LLC, include streambank stabilization, floodplain re-establishment and river buffer restoration. The project will cost $50,000.

Georgia Dixon | Reporter

Following the project, the site will be redeveloped for commercial usage, if the proposal is approved.

A post in Facebook group Appalachian Classifieds discussing the closure garnered 511 reactions and 600 comments as of Feb. 7.

Senior Houston Holland worked at Café Portofino as a bouncer, and said at first, employees were told the establishment was closed indefinitely around noon Jan. 11, though no one was told why.

“It was just kind of random,” said Holland, a construction management major. “I know everybody was a little upset that it just happened out of the blue, and they were out of a job, and we were all out of a job in the matter of eight hours or so.”

Holland did not receive a twoweek notice.

Before he began working at the restaurant, Holland and his partner,

Jordan Farabow, became frequent customers of Café Portofino and developed close friendships with employees last year.

Holland said the previous employees had a Snapchat group chat called “Family Matters” that they still use to communicate.

“I think that you can tell when you walk into any kind of business if the employees like each other,” said Farabow, a graduate student.

“Immediately, you can just feel it, and you can definitely tell, even if they didn’t always enjoy their job, that they loved each other, and they were happy to be there.”

Farabow said their friends no longer have a central place to hang out together, but everyone they met there will stay in their lives forever.

“For young female college students who want to go out to a bar, we just lost a really, really safe space to

be able to go into,” Farabow said.

Because of similarities between the two, such as pool tables and arcade games, Boone Saloon manager Katelyn Hennesy said regular Porto customers, who are looking for a new hangout, have recently come to Boone Saloon.

“Since Porto’s has closed, we have definitely seen an influx in our business, in terms of locals,” Hennesy said. “That was like their go-to regular bar, and now they are having to find a new home for their after-work drinks. So our happy hour, around 5 o’clock, has definitely seen an influx in business.”

Farabow said she’s seen several local businesses close in the last year, including Café Portofino, while the number of apartment buildings in the town has increased.

Restaurants including Dan’l Boone Inn Restaurant, Ransom Pub

and TApp Room, were forced to temporarily announce closures since the onset of COVID-19.

“The food and bev business in this community is really tight-knit, so it’s really sad to see all those people who lost their jobs and another great restaurant who closed its doors,” Hennesy said. “But in a small town, something else will open its doors, and we’ll keep on keepin’ on.”

The BOA voted Feb. 3 to give River Street Ventures, LLC temporary license to disturb the creek running underneath the Café Portofino’s building. River Street Ventures, LLC needs approval from the Boone Town Council and Historic Preservation Committee before building demolition can begin on Café Portofinos.

The owners of Café Portofino could not be reached for comment at the time of publication.

But in a small town, something else will open its doors, and we'll keep on keeping on.

Italian restaurant and bar Cafe Portofinos on Rivers Street, seen here in a long exposure photo Jan. 31, 2022, is now at risk of being demolished.

Aldo Sabaria

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Feb 9, 2022

Town of Boone’s buildings powered by 100% carbon neutral energy Emily Milano | Reporter

The Town of Boone’s buildings are powered by 100% renewable energy as of February, eight years ahead of its 2030 goal.

The Boone Town Council voted during the Jan. 12 town council meeting to allot $60,290 for the municipal operation project.

The funding made Boone the first municipality in North Carolina to achieve 100% renewable energy, according to a Jan. 14 Town of Boone press release.

“The Town of Boone is setting standards to reach climate goals,” said Dalton George, Boone Town Council member and App State alum. “This puts Boone in a very unique spot to lead the way and show where we can be successful, and hopefully inspire other towns to take similar steps for energy efficiency and climate neutrality.”

“Congratulations to the Town of Boone on this outstanding milestone. This is a great example of North Carolinians working toward a clean energy future,” Gov. Roy Cooper tweeted, Jan. 20.

BTC achieved its goal by purchasing solar energy from Blue Ridge Energy and hydroelectric energy from New River Light and Power, according to the release.

According to sustainability and special projects manager, George Santucci, BRE’s solar-generated energy will make up approximately 75% of Boone’s municipal electricity with up to 4,800 megawatt-hours from their new 11 MWh solar array.

Blue Ridge Energy’s new solar array is projected to produce more than 19 million kilowatts of clean energy per year. It is BRE’s largest renewable energy project yet, according to Renee Whitener, BRE’s director of public relations.

“Carbon neutrality isn’t necessarily as beneficial or progressive as advertised. If we actually want to address climate change, we need to be thinking on a national scale,” said Hannah Cullen, App State alumna and ClimACT member.

The Green Power Program, a partnership between the university and NRLP, will provide approximately 1,600 MWh of hydroelectric power, making up about 25% of Boone’s municipal electric consumption, Santucci said.

“Boone cannot meet its goal of municipal climate neutrality by 2030 and to transition the entire town to 100% clean and renewable energy by 2050 without New River Light and Power and Blue Ridge Energy stepping up and sourcing renewable energy for Boone. We are grateful for their successful efforts,” Santucci wrote in the Jan. 14 press release.

In January 2021, the Boone Town Council created a five-step approach to eliminate carbon emissions and for municipal operations to be net neutral by 2030.

George said in 2019, the Town of Boone established a three-part timeline to increase sustainability. The first goal was to reach climate neutrality with net-

zero greenhouse gas emissions in municipal operations by 2030. The second goal was to transition municipal operations to 100% clean renewable energy by 2040.

The third goal was for all of Boone, including App State, to be using 100% clean renewable energy by 2050.

“Initially, I was excited to hear about the move to carbon neutrality for Boone’s municipal energy consumption,” Cullen said. “I’m grateful that this is a conversation that is being had in our town. It sends the message that renewables are desirable and that public utilities like NRLP are willing to purchase it.”

Purchasing renewable energy from NRLP and Blue Ridge Energy furthers Boone’s toward its 2030 goal of climate neutrality for municipal operations, Santucci said.

“This means that all the electricity that Boone uses for municipal operation will come from renewable energy sources,” he said. “With this achieved, we’re moving on to electrifying our fleet of vehicles. We also need to work on converting other operations from fossil fuels like building heat systems to achieve the 2030 goal.”

The Green Power Program allows NRLP customers to purchase blocks of hydroelectric power

Graphic by Efrain Arias-Medina Jr.

CO 2

in $5 increments, representing 250 kilowatt-hours of renewable energy per block. The blocks offset the monthly carbon-based electric use from customers, according to the Green Power Program website.

“If our purchasing of renewable energy limits the availability for others to do so, then it isn’t doing much in terms of the climate. And while NRLP offers its Green Power Program to its customers, the cost falls on the consumer — and in a county with a relatively high poverty rate, the program won’t be very enticing,” Cullen said.

The typical residential customer uses 750 KWh per month. Therefore, customers can offset 100% of their electric usage with renewable energy for $15 extra per month, according to NRLP. NRLP entered a contract with the 375 MWh Smoky Mountain portfolio to purchase renewable energy. The Smoky Mountain portfolio consists of four hydropower facilities located along the Little Tennessee and Cheoah rivers in Tennessee and North Carolina.

Santucci said the Town of Boone is essentially paying 2 cents more per KWh for renewable energy than they would be for natural gasgenerated energy. Santucci also said the price is projected to drop in the future as natural gas prices rise and demand for renewable energy increases.

“Community-owned renewable energy would be a leap in the right direction. It would keep the profits of renewables in our community while still enabling other communities to do the same. There is some real potential and energy here. It would be great to see it taken even further,” Cullen said.

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