PAGE 3: Columbia artist-in-residence predicts the future
PAGE 6: From Atlanta to Chicago, Miss Aria B. Cassadine continues to perform
PAGE 8: Jeremy Scott hopes to change societal views with latest book PAGE 15: Protestors greet President Trump during his trip to Chicago Volume 55, Issue 10
November 4, 2019
ColumbiaChronicle.com
THE OBAMAS COME HOME
SEE OBAMA, PAGE 13 » JACQUELINE LUTTRELL/CHRONICLE
editor’s note
Do not applaud the NCAA for dragging its feet » BLAISE MESA CO-EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
T
he National Collegiate Athletic Association Board of Governors voted to allow its athletes to earn money from their name, image and likeness. Collegiate athletes can now make money by signing autographs and having endorsement deals, which is a change that is long overdue. “We must embrace change to provide the best possible experience for college athletes,” said Michael Drake, chairman of the board and president of The Ohio State University in an Oct. 29 press release. “This modernization for the future is a natural extension of the numerous steps NCAA members have taken in recent years to improve support for student-athletes, including full cost of attendance and guaranteed scholarships.” The board voted unanimously to have all divisions of NCAA sports consider updates to relevant bylaws. The changes will also “assure student-athletes are treated similarly to non-athlete students,” according to the release. But make no mistake, the NCAA is not doing this for the greater good, it is doing it because legislation in California forced its hand. California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed the Fair Play to Pay Act Sept. 30. The act would allow athletes to profit from their likeness, name and image. According to a statement from Newsom, colleges and universities make millions from athletic events, and participation in sports comes “at great risk to students’ health, academic success and professional prospects.” The NCAA has long profited off the backs of its estimated 460,000 student athletes and had no desire to give the players a portion of the profits. Let’s not applaud the NCAA for its action, because even though change is coming, it’s coming too late. While the NCAA dragged its feet to approve these changes, many NCAA athletes were deprived of opportunities to make money. Some of these students have gone on to graduate, preventing them from ever having these opportunities again. “Along with this came a lot of attention and opportunities, but I couldn’t capitalize on them,” said former NCAA gymnast Katelyn Ohashi in an Oct. 9 New York Times video. 2 THE CHRONICLE NOVEMBER 4, 2019
MANAGEMENT CO-EDITORS-IN-CHIEF
Blaise Mesa Alexandra Yetter
MANAGING EDITOR
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Grace Senior
DIGITAL CONTENT & BRAND MANAGER
Micha Thurston
Miranda Manier
REPORTERS
NEWS EDITORS
Katherine Savage Kendall Polidori REPORTERS Paige Barnes Isaiah Colbert Dyana Daniels Mari Devereaux Mateusz Janik Knox Keranen Lauren Leazenby Valeria Mancera-Saavedra
Ohashi went viral after videos of her floor routine circulated the internet and news outlets. Ohashi was heralded as the next great gymnast as she tallied perfect COPY scores in her performances. NCAA COPY CHIEF Margaret Smith But due to then-applicable COPY EDITORS Summer Hoagland-Abernathy rules, she could not make any money. Ella Watylyk Unlike other collegiate athletes, she had no professional sports league to play in GRAPHICS after she graduated. Ohashi, along with GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Maddy Asma thousands of other collegiate athletes, Jennifer Chavez Wesley Enriquez missed out on an opportunity that may Shane Tolentino never resurface. Ohashi’s story is not unique. The MULTIMEDIA NCAA has been aggressive in preventing SENIOR PHOTO EDITOR Mike Rundle athletes’ capitalist ventures. The orga PHOTOJOURNALISTS Korrigan Agen nization has a history of cracking down Justin Anderson on players’ private endeavors. Donald De Ignacio Calderon Camilla Forte La Haye made money from his YouTube Jacqueline Luttrell Channel while playing at the University Steven Nunez of Central Florida. He violated NCAA PODCAST PRODUCER Yasmeen Sheikah rules by appearing in his videos. ADVERTISING/ A July 2017 statement from the NCAA MARKETING stated De La Haye could make money off his channel, but he would have to “sepa SALES MANAGER Anthony Karlsson MEDIA SALES REPS Breanne Jacobs rate his athletically-related videos from Kathryn Williams non-athletic videos.” Tara Woods De La Haye did not want to separate the videos which led to UCF ruling him SENIOR STAFF ineligible to play. It’s despicable—a $1.1 billion organization cracking down on GENERAL MANAGER Travis Truitt FACULTY ADVISER Curtis Lawrence college athletes just trying to make some money. Unfortunately, current changes to legislation do not undo the many injustices done in the past. Collegiate athletes help build the legacy of certain campuses. The NCAA is not oblivious to this. Thankfully, changes were made that are seemingly common sense, and athletes will now have a better chance to make the money they rightfully deserve. @c
bmesa@columbiachronicle.com
cchronicle
@c
cchronicle
Th
e C h ro n i c l
e
Main Line: (312) 369-8977 General Manager: (312) 369-8955 Editors-in-Chief: (312) 369-8959 (312) 369-8961 Advertising: (312) 369-8984 Creative Director: (312) 369-8986 Production: (312) 369-8834 News Editors: (312) 369-8980 (312) 369-8963 Copy Chief: (312) 369-8976 Faculty Adviser: (312) 369-8905
The Columbia Chronicle is a student-produced publication of Columbia College Chicago and does not necessarily represent, in whole or in part, the views of college administrators, faculty or students. All text, photos and graphics are the property of The Columbia Chronicle and may not be reproduced or published without written permission. Editorials are the opinions of the Editorial Board of The Columbia Chronicle. Columns are the opinions of the author(s). Views expressed in this publication are those of the writer and are not the opinions of The Columbia Chronicle, Columbia’s Communication Department or Columbia College Chicago. Letters to the editor must include full name, year, major and phone number. All letters are edited for grammar and may be cut due to a limit of space. The Columbia Chronicle holds the right to limit any one person’s submissions to three per semester.
Letters can be emailed to Chronicle@colum.edu or mailed to: The Columbia Chronicle 600 S. Michigan Ave. Chicago, IL. 60605
campus
Listen to “Chronicle Headlines” every Wednesday » ColumbiaChronicle.com
Glimpse into the future at Columbia’s Library » KATHERINE SAVAGE NEWS EDITOR
I had my lover getting a reading and I pulled, ‘No man is necessary,’ in front of him. standing in front of eight identical brooms. Upon looking at the card, I had no idea what this could possibly mean. But this is how Arredondo predicts people’s future.
JULIA ARREDONDO
tions—from now until Dec. 1 at Columbia’s Library, 624 S. Michigan Ave. Part of her goal as artist-in-residence is to bring more engagement to the library, she said.
Arredondo has been working on divination techniques, seeking to foretell future events through supernatural means, for nearly three years and much of her artwork is inspired by traditional and alternative spiritual practices. She said she wanted to use books for the readings because she has never had good luck with tarot cards. “I’ve always had a really close relationship with books,” she said. “I feel like they choose you. The books are in our lives for a specific reason because there are so many books in the world.” During the session the participant has to choose a book—usually a book of proverbs—close their eyes and hold the book at both ends. Then, Arredondo explained, the participant has to familiarize themselves with the book by flipping through the pages until they find a page that feels right to them. “I had my lover getting a reading and I pulled, ‘No man is necessary,’ in front of him. So that’s the attitude of this book,” she said.
Arredondo tries to use books that are nondenominational to keep the readings neutral and appeal to skeptics. She said it is a unique way to get out of the “rational mindset” and the everyday grind. “As students, we get caught up in our to-do lists and our tasks and homework,” Arredondo said. “Sometimes taking a second to take in the bigger pic-
ture is necessary. I feel that this helps with that in a really playful way.” She said bibliomancy is a personal process and it is something that can be done at home. “You have the power to control your fate, you have the power to interpret any proverb in a bright light,” Arredondo said. ksavage@columbiachronicle.com » STEVEN NUNEZ/CHRONICLE
WITH STRING LIGHTS, decals, electronic candles and lightning bolt tapestries lining the walls, Artist-in-Residence and interdisciplinary graduate student Julia Arredondo managed to artfully transform her small office into a cozy space for predicting the future. With my eyes closed, I flipped through the book “Ghetto Tarot” by Alice Smeets and chose the Nine of Wands, which shows a man with a bandage on his head holding a broom,
Using a book of tarot interpretations, Arredondo said the card means, “Even if you feel defeated, there is still enough strength to pull through until the end.” This was the moment of clarity I wanted. With “senioritis” in full swing, it has been difficult to get the motivation to pull through to the end of the semester, but this passage gave me some hope. As part of her residency, Arredondo will host bibliomancy sessions—or the use of books to foresee people’s future or answer specific ques-
Artist-in-Residence Julia Arredondo hosts sessions to foresee people’s future using books while aiming to improve engagement with Columbia’s Library, 624 S. Michigan Ave.
NOVEMBER 4, 2019 THE CHRONICLE 3
campus
Restricted access raises student concerns » LAUREN LEAZENBY STAFF REPORTER
taking certain fashion courses. The Book, Paper and Printmaking Facilities require a minimum of a five-week course to use the equipment, while the
I paid tuition to the school, and I feel like I should be able to take advantage of the resources. Non-majors cannot access Audio Arts and Acoustics recording spaces in the basement of 33 E. Ida B. Wells Drive, and the Equipment Cage of the Interactive Arts and Media Department is available to IAM majors only. The Media Equipment Center, 1600 S. State St., has lighting and sound gear that is general access and is available for those taking a course in the School of Fine and Performing Arts, said Meimei Yu, manager of digital facilities. Other, more expensive equipment like video cameras require students to take an online authorization workshop to access it. “In the past we had a general access policy on the higher-end gear, and the problem with that is ... because we’re servicing the whole of SFPA, [a student’s] knowledge base could be anywhere from really knowledgeable to really, really lax,” Yu said. In fact, many campus facilities cite student knowledge, or lack thereof, as the reason for restricting access in some capacities. Amy Leners, manager of the Makerspace facilities, said certain courses are required for students to use equipment in the Fashion Lab, 623 S. Wabash Ave.; Fabrication Facility, 623 S. Wabash Ave.; the Printmaking Facility, 623 S. Wabash Ave.; Bookbinding Studio, 1104 S. Wabash Ave.; and the Papermaking Facility, 1104 S. Wabash Ave. But, students can still access some equipment without having taken those courses. The Fashion Studio Lab has a few sewing machines available to all students, Leners said, while access to industrial sewing machines can be gained by
4 THE CHRONICLE NOVEMBER 4, 2019
AVA BUTERA
Fabrication Facility offers in-house training on how to use the power tools and other equipment safely. “A lot of [the equipment] can be very dangerous,” Leners said. “Having access to that without having the coursework to support
it is actually a disservice to a lot of people.” Another disservice to students, Krider said, is that even those who have access to facilities or equipment do not know how or where to access it. Sawyers said this information is not publicized in order to protect the equipment from theft. “We don’t want to create a shopping list for would-be thieves,” he said, and added the department is still working on a solution that lets students know what they can access without opening that information up to the wrong eyes. Some spaces on campus are already open-access, such as the recording studios on the seventh floor of 33 E. Ida B. Wells Drive.
The Makerspace on the second floor of the Student Center, 754 S. Wabash Ave., also houses sewing machines, power tools, laser cutters and 3D printers among other equipment that all students can use. Leners said the Makerspace has specialized staff on hand to help train students in how to use equipment they may have issues accessing in other parts of the college. “We’re working really hard to expand our access over the entire college, but that’s a lot of students to service,” Leners said. “We want everyone to have access to everything, but building that infrastructure takes time.” lleazenby@columbiachronicle.com » JENNIFER CHAVEZ/CHRONICLE
AVA BUTERA PHOTOGRAPHS concerts and has accumulated most of the necessary camera gear for her work. But when she photographed Riot Fest in September, she said she was left without the correct lens and had no way to borrow one from the college. Because Butera, freshman public relations major, is not a photography major or enrolled in a photography course, she did not have access to the photography equipment cage located in 1104 S. Wabash Ave. Although the library contains limited equipment for all students, she said it did not suit her needs, and she did not have the money for a deposit on a lens from an off-campus shop. “It frustrates me because I paid tuition to the school, and I feel like I should be able to take advantage of the resources,” Butera said. The restriction of access to photography equipment comes down to space, said Ross Sawyers, chair of and associate professor in the Photography Department. With 265 photography majors, Sawyers said opening up facilities and equipment to non-majors would mean that photography majors may have difficulty accessing what they need to complete their coursework. “We have a decent amount of equipment, but we don’t have an abundance,” Sawyers said. Abbie Krider, a sophomore photography major, said that despite being in the department, her access to certain facilities is still limited based on the courses she has taken. For instance, she was not able to use the Lighting Studio, 1104 S. Wabash Ave., because she had not yet taken the “Principles of Lighting” course. This was especially frustrating last year, Krider said, when she found it difficult to complete class projects without access to the studio. Sawyers said certain equipment requires high-level knowledge to operate, and because equipment is limited, the department wants to ensure expensive
gear is in the hands of those who will not damage it. But facility and equipment limitations are not specific to the Photography Department.
campus
Anticipation for Spring 2020: Course registration opens Nov. 4 » PAIGE BARNES STAFF REPORTER
not getting into a class he was hoping for. Last semester, Jones wanted to take a screenwriting class, but by the time he woke up on his registration day, it was already filled. » JENNIFER CHAVEZ/CHRONICLE
EVERY COLUMBIA STUDENT knows the drill of waking up at 7 a.m. during registration week, frantically typing in course codes at the perfect time before all the slots are filled in their desired classes with the best professor. Columbia’s Spring 2020 course catalog is now available online and registration officially opened Monday at 7 a.m. Registration dates and times are based on credits a student has, and those with senior standing are the first to have their course selection opened Nov. 4—with junior, sophomore and first-year students following, said Brian Marth, associate provost for Academic Services. “When your registration day comes is when about 500 other people have to register, too, so
you’re all competing for the same thing,” said Becky Sass, assistant director for Academic Advising. Sophomore filmmaking major Chris Jones said he knows all too well about oversleeping and
FOR ALL OF YOUR ART SUPPLY NEEDS, SHOP
SHOP YOUR CHICAGO AREA BLICK STORES CHICAGO LOOP 42 S STATE STREET 312-920-0300 LINCOLN PARK 1574 N KINGSBURY AVENUE 312-573-0110 EVANSTON 1755 MAPLE AVENUE 847-425-9100
20% OFF
ENTIRE PURCHASE OF NON-SALE, IN-STOCK ITEMS ONLY. IN STORE ONLY. VALID ON EVERYDAY LOW PRICE.
VALID 11/4/19 – 11/17/19
Coupon must be surrendered at time of purchase; no copies may be used. One coupon per day. Not valid on previous purchases or with any other discounts, sales, or promotions, including yellow-labeled items. Not valid on phone/mail/online orders. Not valid on “Lowest Possible Price” items. Not valid after “Buy More, Save More” discount has been applied. Not valid on Custom Printing and/or Framing orders. Some product exclusions may apply. For a complete list of exclusions, visit bit.ly/blickexclusions
*AO25452*
BLICK ART MATERIALS
Instead, he took “Producing I” to fill the credit, even though it was not in his four-year plan. After taking the course, however, Jones connected with a script supervisor from NBC’s drama series “Chicago Med” and scored an internship. “It did set me back a bit, but it did open up a new path,” he said. Though the week of registration is a very busy time for the College Advising Center, the third floor of 623 S. Wabash Ave., students are strongly encouraged to visit their academic adviser to help plan out their schedule for future semesters, Sass said. Sometimes students think they know what classes they should take next, Sass said, but are too focused on the now rather than the impact those classes have on the rest of their time at Columbia. She encourages students to put a priority on their major because some majors have sequences that have classes that are only offered once a year, she said. Walk-in appointments are available for students during
the week of registration if students are not able to set a formal appointment with their academic adviser ahead of time. Information about academic advisers can be found by signing into a MyColumbia account, navigating to “My Profile” and clicking on “Academic Program Information.” In addition to academic advisers in the College Advising Office, students also have faculty advisers in the departments where their major is housed. Sass said it is okay to be “abstract” choosing classes because there are many that do not require prerequisites and could lead them into an area in which they had not considered. “This is the time. If you’ve ever wanted to take a drawing class, take the drawing class,” she said. “It all contributes to that overall 120 [credits] that you need to graduate.” Visit ColumbiaChronicle.com for additional reporting. pbarnes@columbiachronicle.com
DELILAH’S 2771 N. Lincoln * (773) 472-2771
PUNK ROCK MONDAYS
$1 American Beer
$2 Jim Beam
Free Pool !!! + Free Whiskey Tastings !!! Check Us Out @ DelilahsChicago.com
NOVEMBER 4, 2019 THE CHRONICLE 5
arts culture
FreeJay, a junior at Columbia, released his EP Oct. 25 » ColumbiaChronicle.com
» JACQUELINE LUTTRELL PHOTOJOURNALIST CENTER STAGE IS Miss Aria B. Cassadine, dressed in a spectacular, curve-hugging evening gown that sparkles brighter than the disco ball chandeliers lighting the stage. Cassadine, a former Miss Atlanta Showgirl, is a weekly performer at Lips Drag Queen Show Palace, Restaurant & Bar, 2229 S. Michigan Ave. “Work brought me here,” said Atlantanative Quentin Reynolds, otherwise known as Cassadine. “But it has always been one of my dreams to move to Chicago or New York.” After being dared to dress in drag by his best friend during Pride in 2009, and, as of late, being a regular competitor in the Miss Continental Pageants in Boystown, Cassadine has already built a following in the Chicago drag community. “I kind of went out on a whim and started doing pageants,” Reynolds said. “It kind of skyrocketed from there.”
» JACQUELINE LUTTRELL/CHRONICLE
Life led Aria to Lips Reynolds’ drag name is a play on words. Aria means song, which is an ode to his music major in college; the B stands for Jeremy Burnette, his “Drag Dad”; and Cassadine is for Tanisha Cassadine, a fellow drag queen, who passed away in 2017. Reynolds is classically trained in music, vocals and theatre. He attended Tri Cities High School in East Point, Georgia, and then the Point Park Conservatory of Pittsburgh. Art is embraced in every aspect of his life. In his downtime he listens to music on his record player, sketches and people watches, which is his favorite pastime. “Life led me to this, it was nothing on my part. I had no real drag background. I wasn’t a club hopper, so it really wasn’t something that I was extremely familiar with,” Reynolds said. “As funny as it is, I kind of woke up 10 years later and I was Aria B. Cassadine with all these sort of accolades behind my name.” jluttrell@columbiachronicle.com
By tipping in cash the crowd shows their appreciation for the live vocal performance.
Lips Drag Queen Show Palace, 2229 S. Michigan Ave., has the look and feel of a classic jazz club.
6 THE CHRONICLE NOVEMBER 4, 2019
The disco ball chandeliers and dazzling lights adorn the inside of Lips Drag Queen Show Palace.
arts & culture
Review:‘TheLighthouse,’a shining example of mental manipulation
» AP /ERIC CHAKEEN
has experienced is remarkable. Convincing himself of his past life, he stops at nothing to convince Winslow of the same. This, however, can only exist » MARGARET SMITH newly hired assistant to Wake. him. Dafoe’s full submission because Eggers set the parameters COPY CHIEF The stroke of a good actor is not and devotion to his character is for it. A limited setting and limited one who merely evolves the story, only comparable to his charac- characters with limited choices NATURE MEE TS HALLUCINA- but follows you home from the the- ter’s devotion to his own version sections off the narrative to only TION-BORN madness in Robert ater after the end credits. Dafoe’s of truth. feed off the possibility of the imagEggers’ 2019 black and white film, character, especially, is one that Through his passion for mis- ined. Therein lies the crux of the “The Lighthouse.” This 110-minute has abandoned outward reasoning direction and misinformation, climax of the film: gaslighting. mental trip is an uneasy cocktail of for the sake of his own narrative, Wake’s commitment to the Never in my life did I imagine I the water, the gales and the cooped and for that the audience thanks idea of who he is and what he would be watching Willem Dafoe up delusion of two seamen trying gaslight Robert Pattinson to the to fight off whatever fate has in extent of madness on the silver store for them. screen. But I, and a room full of Much like a dinghy set on the other restless popcorn eaters, saw roaring waters, the plot of this it play out before our eyes. story dips and rides a multitude What makes this psychological of theatrical waves, none of which thriller stand out from the rest, is the audience will see coming. this time we did not see it coming. To acutely assess the elements The classic questioning of the real of this film and its nakedly bizarre versus imagined, the berating, the nature, the audience must first influence of wise man over young look at the characters and the buck, is all so palpably present in Hollywood regulars who brought the latter portion of the film that them to life. Willem Dafoe plays the viewer is left nearly blindsided. Thomas Wake, the guardian of the Without explanation, Wake lighthouse, and Robert Pattinson, Willem Dafoe (left) and Robert Pattinson (right) guard both the lighthouse and grips the film’s narrative with saltas Ephraim Winslow, plays the their sanity in Robert Eggers’ third film, “The Lighthouse.” water pruned hands and drives it
to insanity and beyond—so much so that the viewers themselves might want to hit rewind or ask, “Did that really happen?” There is no storyline imaginable that can make up for lazy characters and lazy acting. Dafoe and Pattinson are far from representative of those characteristics, making them successful in this career feat. As for Eggers, the Oscar buzz that surrounds his third film is more than worthy. His stylistic control and lack of reservation earns him a seat with some of the greatest names in Hollywood. The film asks for more from its audience than a cheap scare or even a chuckle at the mention of a fart—as is referenced numerous times among the two lighthouse keepers—but it asks its participants to observe something and understand the weight of what it means to be a witness to isolation. See the film, bring a friend and remember, seagulls are a lot more powerful than man. msmith@columbiachronicle.com
» KENDALL POLIDORI NEWS EDITOR BORN AND R AISED in Back of the Yards, Norman Teague uses his upbringing and childhood experiences as inspiration for much of his work. He used memories of local drug dealers as the driving factor for one of his well-known pieces, “Self Portrait,” where he made a bookshelf out of ash wood in the shape of a tire to represent their “fancy car rims.” Teague, a 2014 product design alumnus, helps young artists who come from similar struggles by giving them a physical and cultural space to create at his studio, Norman Teague Design Studio, 1932 S. Halsted St. In his own neighborhood growing up, Teague witnessed the area change due to gentrification, and now his studio is grounded in Pilsen, also a gentrifying area. “As a black person in the city or
in this country, sometimes you feel like those advancements [of gentrification] are not for people like me,” Teague said. “I try my best to make public possibilities and opportunities for others.” Teague strives to set an example through his work, which gained the attention of many creatives. He was nominated for his impactful work in Chicago from 3Arts—a Chicago-based nonprofit grantmaking organization—for the 2019 3Arts Awards where he and nine other artists receive a $25,000 cash grant, and 10 additional artists will receive $2,000. In its 12th year, the award celebration will take place Nov. 4 at the Museum of Contemporary Art, and Teague said he will be putting the grant money toward his studio and future projects. After developing interest in mechanical drafting in high school, Teague went on to study architecture at Harold Washington College. He came to
Columbia to further his interest, but after being introduced to woodshop and realizing the lack of control he had in architecture, his direction changed. After that, Teague switched to interior design and his interest leaned heavily toward furniture. “I’d never really had control of any project from beginning to end [with architecture],” Teague said. “In this way, I felt I had more control, so I immediately got my own woodshop and started to work for clients.” He said the college gave him the access and vision to go beyond imagining what he wanted, which he said was very liberating as a young black designer. Since his time at Columbia, Teague has worked on collaborative projects through blkHaUS Studios—which he co-founded alongside Fo Wilson, associate professor of Art and Art History— including Sounding Bronzeville, Connect Hyde Park and South Shore
» COURTESY TONY SMITH
Alumnus recognized for personal, lifelike designs reflecting his Chicago upbringing
Norman Teague, 2014 product design alumnus, was nominated for the 2019 3Arts Award and will receive a $25,000 cash grant for personal projects.
and his favorite project yet, Back Alley Jazz. “[In the city] we have a ton of really talented people that know how to use a platform when given to them, [who] appreciate and respect the arts as it relates to our neighborhoods,” Teague said. As for his nomination, Teague said it is a phenomenal opportunity to grow as an artist, especially
alongside other successful artists in the city. “It is an opportunity to work with a community that you adore, but it is also an opportunity to spark a fire with cultural activities,” Teague said. He plans to produce more work and showings, hopefully including one in Paris next year. kpolidori@columbiachronicle.com
NOVEMBER 4, 2019 THE CHRONICLE 7
arts & culture
‘The Ables’ series showcases ability in disability NASHVILLE-BASED AUTHOR and CinemaSins YouTuber Jeremy Scott combines fantasy and reality in his book series “The Ables,” which follows a set of superhero teenagers who also have disabilities. Released Sept. 24, “Strings” is the second book of his fourpart series “The Ables” in which three superhero friends with disabilities are on a quest for acceptance after being put in a superhero special education class. Because the protagonist, Phillip, is blind and has the power of telekinesis, his question becomes, “‘How do I move things with my brain when I can’t see anything?’” Scott said. Phillip’s best friend Henry is paralyzed but has the power of telepathy, and uses his powers to send images from his eyes to Phillip’s brain. The third friend in their group is Bentley, the mastermind of the friend group, who has a form of cerebral palsy and is hyperintelligent, Scott said. Scott, who is 50% deaf in both of his ears and has anxiety and depression, said there is a lot of himself reflected in his characters and the story. “Society looks at someone with a disability and says, ‘Look how good you’re doing,’ and stops there,” he said. “I don’t think the world looks at a kid in a wheelchair and wonders if he might want to be a creative writer.” He said there are existing stories with characters who are disabled, but there is not enough representation. Scott said he hopes it is something society changes. Sandy Murillo, a producer in the media center of The Chicago Lighthouse—an organization that assists individuals with disabilities with job security— grew up completely blind. She wished there had been representation in the media for people who shared similar characteristics as her. “Sure, I met a few blind
role-models here and there,” she said. “But it would’ve been awesome to have maybe a favorite character on TV or in the movies or something ... that I could maybe relate to.” Murillo said people have reacted to her blindness as if it is no big deal, but most of the time, when people realize she is blind, they are hesitant to interact with her. In the past, people have raised their voices at her because they associated blindness with deafness. And recently, she said people unnecessarily assumed she needed assistance while giving a presentation when she did not ask for it. “I don’t think they meant anything wrong ... they were just trying to be helpful,” Murillo said. “This and other examples just show how ill-informed people can be about, not just people with blindness, but people with other disabilities.” However, there are things that people can do to support those with disabilities without assuming they need help, she said. Simple things like offering to read a menu out loud, making ramps more accessible and
asking before petting a service animal are easy ways to make individuals with disabilities more included in society. Dominic Calabrese, retired senior vice president of public relations at The Chicago Lighthouse a nd adjunct professor in the Communication Department, said after working for the organization, he has gained a greater appreciation and understanding of everything individuals with disabilities can do. Calabrese said he uses peoplefirst language—which puts the person first, then references their disability—when talking about someone with a disability as a sign of respect. “People are defined by their humanity, not their disability,” Calabrese said. Scott said the series still has a third and fourth addition yet to come. The next book will follow the friends through college and adulthood. “You get to decide what your identity is,” Scott said. “And who and what you’re going to be in this world.” pbarnes@columbiachronicle.com
YouTuber and author Jeremy Scott’s series “The Ables” follows a group of superhero friends with disabilities. The second book, “Strings,” came out in late September.
8 THE CHRONICLE NOVEMBER 4, 2019
» COURTESY JEREMY SCOTT
» PAIGE BARNES STAFF REPORTER
» STEVEN NUNEZ PHOTOJOURNALIST RAPPERS YOUNG THUG and Machine Gun Kelly stopped in Chicago Oct. 25 for their “Justin Bieber Big” tour. The show—held at Credit Union 1 Arena, 525 S. Racine Ave.—had a huge turnout, with opening sets from Chicago-based rapper Polo G and North Carolina-born rapper Strick. Polo G kicked off the night with songs from his 2019 album “Die A Legend.” The crowd held their lights up as he performed “Through Da Storm” and amped up their energy as he closed out his set with “Pop Out.”
Next up, Machine Gun Kelly took the stage atop a giant, horned skull structure with his album title “Hotel Diablo” printed on the back. The Cleveland artist also played guitar as he performed “I Think I’m OKAY” during his set. Atlanta’s Young Thug—the rapper credited with introducing the “slatt” ad-lib into hip-hop— headlined the show, decked out head-to-toe in shiny leather and gold chains. The term “slatt” has also become popular with other performers, but has not been defined by Young Thug himself. His North American tour was for his album “So Much Fun,”
» STEVEN NUNEZ/CHRONICLE
Young Thug’s ‘Justin Bieber Big’ tour hits Credit Union 1 Arena
arts & culture
which was released Aug. 16. Young Thug also surprised the crowd with special guest ZaZa who performed “What I Do?” ZaZa is a 4-year-old artist who went viral for her song and dance moves. Young Thug had the crowd jumping as he performed “Hot,” “Surf” and “Jumped Out the Window.” He also performed songs from previous works such as “Digits,” “Relationship” and “Best Friend.” Young Thug and Machine Gun Kelly will continue to tour until Nov. 18 when they make their final stop in Los Angeles. snunez@columbiachronicle.com
Atlanta-born rapper Young Thug headlined a star-studded evening Oct. 25 at Credit Union 1 Arena, 525 S. Racine Ave., on the “Justin Bieber Big” tour featuring Machine Gun Kelly, Polo G and Strick.
NOVEMBER 4, 2019 THE CHRONICLE 9
opinions
Get the latest news in your inbox by subscribing to our newsletter » ColumbiaChronicle.com
The Venus symbol goes, genderless inclusion stays
P
» MADDY ASMA/CHRONICLE
eriod product companies cannot decide who gets their monthly period, so they shouldn’t sell products as if they can. On Oct. 22, Procter & Gamble, parent company of the period product brand Always, announced it would be removing the Venus symbol from its packaging. By removing the symbol,
which depicts a circle with a small cross hanging below it to represent females, the company is embracing transgender and gender nonconforming consumers, as reported Oct. 23 by CNN. The company released a statement saying, “For over 35 years Always has championed girls and women, and we will continue to do so. We’re also committed to diversity [and] inclusion and are on a continual journey to understand the needs of all of our consumers,” as reported in the CNN article. This decision came after transgender activists and allies encouraged the company to remove the symbol for a few reasons, namely because not all people who menstruate are women and not all women menstruate. This is a noble sentiment coming from a company that dominates the period product industry. It also sets the path to normalizing menstruation, taking us further from the idea that people
You eat the donuts, you do the time
F
subsequently tested positive for cocaine, as reported Oct. 16 by Vice News. But after a lab report was filed, the court found the substance was actually powdered milk—something Gregg had gotten from a nearby food pantry. This is, unfortunately, not an isolated incident. In 2015, Daniel Rushing of Orlando was temporarily jailed after officers thought they spotted, and then tested for, methamphetamine—despite Rushing being adamant that it was glazed donut crumbs. Again, after state lab tests were run, it was proved to not be meth at all, as reported Oct. 16, 2016, by NPR. What will it take? Uproar from a crowd of anonymous faces to plead with the police to do justice in yet another category of their job? Unfortunately, there are far too many of these instances to count on our hands where no further action was taken on behalf of the police department
EDITORIAL to amend their over-eager wrongdoings. In addition to how socially irresponsible the likelihood of these false positives are, these scenarios, from start to finish, are a waste of resources. While $2 tests may be affordable in the short term—when they are perpetually proven to be wrong, they cause more innocent people to sit in jail and more tests to be run in state sanctioned labs, all on government and taxpayer dimes. It is not a crime for the police force to be thorough in their tactics for securing and holding drug offenders; however, it is criminal to stick non-violent, non-criminal citizens in jail on the basis of tests proven to be faulty. Furthermore, citizens do not have the time and available resources to spend time in jail due to a misstep on behalf of the police, regardless of whether it’s intentional or not. People have jobs to do and have others counting on them. As citizens, the best we can do is stop
Editorial Board Members Blaise Mesa Co-Editor-in-Chief Margaret Smith Copy Chief Katherine Savage News Editor Anthony Karlsson Sales Manager
chronicle@colum.edu
acting surprised when the police show their inadequate hand. We can stop excusing bad technology and misuse of resources when we know there are armies of police officers standing behind them, using faulty test kits every single day. We can be informed on our own rights and intercede on behalf of others, shall the opportunity present itself. chronicle@colum.edu
Did you catch a mistake, think we could have covered a story better or have strong beliefs about an issue that faces all of us here at Columbia? Korrigan Agen Photojournalist Camilla Forte Photojournalist Paige Barnes Staff Reporter Dyana Daniels Staff Reporter
10 THE CHRONICLE NOVEMBER 4, 2019
Mari Devereaux Staff Reporter Knox Keranen Staff Reporter Lauren Leazenby Staff Reporter
Why not write a letter to the editor? At the bottom of Page 2, you’ll find a set of guidelines on how to do this. Let us hear from you. —The Columbia Chronicle Editorial Board
» PHOTO ILLUSTRATION /CHRONICLE
or years, police officers have used the same $2 presumptive field tests to assess if a person is in possession of drugs. The catch to this variety of tests, though, is that they often register false positives. In the past, common items such as Hershey’s chocolate have tested positive for marijuana, while over-the-counter medicine, such as Mucinex has tested for both heroin and morphine, as reported Sept. 7, 2016, by The Expert Institute, a for profit research group. On Aug. 12, a homeless man by the name of Cody Gregg was pulled over while cycling through Oklahoma City for failing to have rear lights. Gregg peddled away from the officers before running away on foot, prompting officers to search his belongings. Upon having him in custody, they found a baggie of white powder, which
who experience periods need to feel ashamed about it. This also attempts to neutralize the “otherization” of transgender or gender nonconforming people who experience periods. Because Procter & Gamble did not wait for LGBTQ+ Pride month before publicizing this move, it shows this wasn’t an act of sensationalism. It was simply a direct response to a market need. The only other way to better this stance, which should be adopted by all mainstream period product providers, is to rebrand the packaging altogether. By removing colors, language and images that suggest periods are for pink, frilly women, the concept of genderless periods could be furthered. Moving away from the color coded hygiene aisles of stores, menstrual products ought to be provided in spaces that don’t cater directly to, and only for, women. Schools could capitalize on this wave of inclusion by providing these products in all bathrooms. Loyola University, for example, placed period products in their men’s bathrooms. This does not need to be a taboo action or something that makes local headlines—it just needs to happen.
EDITORIAL While it may be taking place on Loyola’s Jesuit campus, at Columbia—an allegedly progressive school—women’s bathrooms have a lack of available menstrual products, as reported Oct. 4 by the Chronicle. In an effort to support all students who walk around campus and are hit monthly by their period, it would make sense to offer more of these resources in more spaces. If Columbia is going to tout its gender-inclusive bathrooms, it needs to follow through with making menstrual products available to anyone and everyone. At the end of the day, there is no need to gender bodily functions, and the gusto with which they are gendered is nothing more than frivolous action. Inclusivity means accessibility and a lack of shame, and the actions of Procter & Gamble prove that. Cherry-picking who to market these products to, as well as where they are accessible, not only is a disservice to the millions of people who use them, but is also a closed-minded ploy to suffocate a corner of the market that would be willing to pay money for this necessity.
opinions
COMMENTARY
Not all feel jolly for the holiday season » ELLA WATYLYK COPY EDITOR
A
ewatylyk@columbiachronicle.com
» GR ACE
SENIOR /C
HRONICL
E
s November begins and the holiday season approaches, the impending arrival of family celebrations are met with a mixture of excitement and apprehension. While many students enjoy seeing their families after a grueling semester, for others, family gatherings may be just as stressful as finals week. During the holidays, 38% of people notice a rise in their stress levels, according to a survey by the American Psychological Association. Stress can derive from several sources, including the expectation to spend money, seeing relatives who may cause conf lict, being reminded of sudden family changes, painful childhood memories, looming expectations to continue certain traditions and simply the pressure to feel merry and bright when not wanting to be. For students returning to broken homes or difficult family situations, holidays can be extremely grueling and a constant reminder of the hardships their families face. Children of divorced parents may have to undergo
two separate holiday celebrations or can find themselves in challenging situations, such as their parents trying to outdo each other with gift-giving. This season can amplify feelings of being caught in the middle. When discussing the holidays with friends, be mindful that these months do not always hold endless joy for everyone. Offering support and a listening ear can help a rough time of the year become a little more bearable for those who struggle during the holiday season. Debra Kissen, executive director of the Light on Anxiety CBT Treatment Center Chicago and co-chair of the Anxiety and Depression Association of America’s public education committee, recommends students plan ahead by identifying one’s personal stressors beforehand. “Pick your top two or three predicted stressors and have one or two action steps to help mitigate that stressor,” Kissen said, in a Dec. 7, 2018, U.S News article. Having plans on how to handle a stressor will make one more prepared to eliminate a troubling situation when it arises, as reported Nov. 20, 2017, by the Chronicle. While seasonal stress is common, it is important to distinguish it from seasonal affective disorder, a form of depression that is thought to be related to a lower level of the hormone serotonin due to lower amounts of sunlight. Seasonal stress can interfere and make those happy holidays seem not so happy. By preparing in advance for future stressors, we can stay one step ahead of our tensions and keep winter break merry and bright. For Columbia students, counseling services are available through Student Health Services, 916 S. Wabash Ave., at no additional cost.
NOVEMBER 4, 2019 THE CHRONICLE 11
opinions
12 THE CHRONICLE NOVEMBER 4, 2019
metro
Axios hosts criminal justice reform panel with Gov. J.B. Pritzker » ColumbiaChronicle.com
The Obamas come home to promote the Presidential Center » JACQUELINE LUTTRELL/CHRONICLE
Former President Barack Obama hosted his annual Obama Summit Oct. 29 alongside Michelle Obama and Billy Porter (right). At the summit, he promoted economic distribution throughout the city and revealed plans for his upcoming Obama Presidential Center. » ISAIAH COLBERT STAFF REPORTER FORMER PRESIDENT BARACK Obama
and First Lady Michelle Obama returned to Chicago Oct. 29 to garner support for the Obama Presidential Center—including touting revisions to the design of the museum building—and to promote their agenda of economic development from the South Side to all corners of the globe. “Chicago is a wealthy city in the wealthiest country on Earth, but there is a segment in this city that does not partake of that wealth the way it should,” said the former president while speaking at the Illinois Institute of Technology during the third Obama Foundation Summit. “Part of the reason Michelle and I decided to locate the
Presidential Center here is so that it can serve as a catalyst to stitch together the economies of downtown Chicago and North Side Chicago with South Side Chicago and eventually West Side Chicago,” he said. The Obama Presidential Center will reimagine Jackson Park by converting roads back to parkland, adding new gardens and building playgrounds and scenic paths for walks—all while creating jobs and driving economic opportunity on the South Side and ultimately throughout Chicago, Barack Obama said. “By bringing a multi-million dollar project here, one of our goals is to make sure that we’re able to create new opportunities for the young people who live here,” he said. The center will have a museum,
forum, library, plaza and an athletic center. Just days before the summit, the Obama Foundation released updates of the museum building to “appear more elegant and inviting as visitors approach from all directions,” according to a statement. The design changes are in response to criticisms of an earlier design for resembling a stone monolith. The new design will include “an 88-foot expanse of glass that will have clear windows at the mezzanine level, and emit a soft welcoming glow,” the statement read. In the museum, exhibitions will relive the moments that defined Obama’s presidency and feature a full-scale replica of the Oval Office. Visitors can experience a panoramic view of the Chicago
skyline from above the museum. The South Side is where Barack Obama got his start as a community organizer and where Michelle Obama was born and raised. For the former First Lady, this is not just about the Obama Presidential Center, it is about the neighborhood and the South Side, where she grew up. “Our intent and our purpose is not just for us. ... The community needs an entity that’s a gathering place, a place for lifting up young people,” Michelle Obama said. “If we have to do it anywhere, we should do it in our hometown.” Although the Obamas live in D.C., they see Chicago as their home. “Wouldn’t that be a powerful vision on the South Side ... there will be programming and life brought to the lagoon ... there will
be more than just periodic uses of the park ... a place where people around the world would visit,” Michelle Obama said. “Places Reveal Our Purpose” was the theme of the summit, which included appearances by author, producer and director Ava DuVernay; actor Billy Porter; musician Mavis Staples; and journalist Isabel Wilkerson, among others. The mission behind the Foundation’s program is to inspire, empower and connect people to their world. “It’s the place we found our purpose,” Barack Obama said. “Now we hope to give something back because you never know where something that starts on the South Side might lead.” icolbert@columbiachronicle.com
NOVEMBER 4, 2019 THE CHRONICLE 13
metro
» KNOX KERANEN STAFF REPORTER
Editor’s Note: After verifying the identity and student status of some sources quoted in this story, Chronicle editors chose to withhold their last names and majors due to their age and the current legal status of the use of cannabis. WHETHER THEY SMOKE pot or not,
Columbia students are excited for Illinois to join a group of 10 states that have already legalized recreational cannabis. Freshman Eli, an “avid weed smoker,” said cannabis will be safer once it becomes legal for recreational use in Illinois on Jan. 1. Because cannabis sold at dispensaries will be state government regulated, users will not have to worry about potentially laced cannabis. However, Eli is not yet 21
and will not immediately be able to buy cannabis from dispensaries himself. “It will just be safer and healthier for people,” he said. “[Cannabis] has all these medical benefits, [and] it helps people. [I am] all for it.” Freshman Ethan said he “indulges” in cannabis and thinks its legalization will benefit the economy. His experience at a dispensary in another state educated him about different types of strains and their corresponding effects, he said. Illinois will join Alaska, California, Colorado, Maine, Massachusetts, Michiga n, Nevada, Oregon, Vermont and Washington, as well as the District of Columbia, as states that have legalized recreational cannabis. “I got to learn things I thought I knew about cannabis,” Ethan said. “They showed me more details
about the difference between indica and sativa strains and how different strains can affect your mental state and your body.” Indica and sativa are the two major strains of cannabis. Indica strains generally provide a sense of deep body relaxation, whereas sativa strains tend to provide a more energizing experience. Kaitlyn Venturina, freshman filmmaking major, said she does not use cannabis, however, she supports legalization because it can boost the state’s economy. According to the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act, the Department of Revenue projects the cannabis industry will generate more than $57 million in tax revenue and licensing fees in fiscal year 2020. The DoR projects revenue will jump up to $140.5 million in 2021, $253.5 million in 2022 and $323.5 million in 2023. Isaiah Moore, junior television and cultural studies double major as well as co-president of the Black Student Union, said recreational cannabis shops need to open up in the South and West Sides before
» FILE PHOTO
Students welcome pot, warn against inequity
Cannabis will be legal statewide Jan. 1, putting equity concerns on a tight deadline.
other Chicago communities, and they should be owned by people of color. “It doesn’t really solve any issues if the only people that are selling marijuana and making money off of recreational marijuana [are] white people, because they are the ones who set up the system ... to oppress, criminalize and discriminate against people,” Moore said. Like other colleges and universities, Columbia is also required to follow federal law, which still
defines cannabis as an illegal drug. Ronald Sodini, associate vice president of campus safety and security, said campus security will treat cannabis use the same after legalization. “The possession of cannabis, or use of cannabis will not be permitted on our property,” Sodini said. Visit ColumbiaChronicle.com for additional reporting. kkeranen@columbiachronicle.com
The Music Center at Columbia College Chicago 1014 S. Michigan Avenue
M u s i c
D e p a r t m e n t
Tuesday November 5 Student Piano & Strings Recital #5
E v e n t s
12:00 pm
Wednesday November 6 Wednesday Noon Guitar Concert Series 12:00 pm at the Conaway Center
Saturday November 9 Open House at the Music Center
14 THE CHRONICLE NOVEMBER 4, 2019
11 am – 3 pm
» ALEXANDRA YETTER CO-EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
» MIKE RUNDLE/CHRONICLE
AFTER WEEKS OF protests surrounding immigration reform, abortion access, climate action and a Chicago Teachers Union strike, President Donald Trump brought his vitriolic campaign to Chicago, bringing even more demonstrators downtown. Ten minutes into his Oct. 28 address to the International Association of Chiefs of Police Annual Conference and Exposition at McCormick Place, 2301 S. King Drive, Trump took shots at Chicago Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson, who did not attend because of his disagreements with
Trump’s immigration policy. Trump called out Johnson for “not doing his job” and pointed to the crime rates in Chicago. “Last year 556 people were murdered in Chicago,” Trump said. “Chicago has the toughest gun laws in the U.S. That doesn’t seem to be working too well now, does it?” However, overall crime reports in Chicago have dropped 10% since 2016, when it was at an all-time high, according to a Jan. 1 article by CNN. Trump also pointed out the “scam” of Jussie Smollett, the “Empire” television actor who alleged Trump supporters physically assaulted him in January—a
claim that was later determined to be unfounded by Chicago police, as reported Oct. 23 by the Chronicle. Additionally, Trump criticized Chicago’s sanctuary status and said Johnson puts undocumented immigrants’ safety over citizens. “Chicago is, unfortunately, the worst sanctuary city in America. Chicago protects criminals in a level that few can even imagine,” Trump said. “It’s embarrassing to us as a nation; all over the world they’re talking about Chicago. Afghanistan is a safe place, by comparison.” During his address, Trump signed an executive order to establish a presidential commission on law enforcement and a framework for training, recruiting and retaining police officers. Outside the Tr ump International Hotel and Tower, 401 N. Wabash Ave., thousands of protestors gathered to voice their opposition to Trump through shouts of “dump Trump” and “lock him up.” Many of the organizers came to highlight issues ranging from immigration to the climate crisis. Demonstrators from the picket lines of the Chicago Teachers Union also joined the crowd. Lexie Schustrom, a sales and marketing manager, skipped work to attend the protest because it was
“more important than an afternoon of administrative work.” Many of the protestors held signs calling for Trump’s impeachment. “How else do you expect change to happen or to get your point across unless you get out there?” Schustrom said. “For the longest time, I didn’t support impeachment just because I thought it’d make [Trump] a martyr—and I’m still afraid it would and kind of rally that radical right—but I think, at this point, ignoring what’s gone down [is wrong].” Chicago resident Benetta Mansfield brought her 5-yearold grandson to the rally, in part because Chicago Public Schools were still closed due to the strike. Mansfield said her grandson has become a veteran protestor. While the crowd called to “dump Trump,” he would say “dump truck,” Mansfield said. CPS first-grade teacher Thomas F. Keating attended the rally as both a CTU demonstrator and a Trump protestor. When it comes to the 2020 election he supports “anyone but Trump,” Keating said, although he likes South Bend, Indiana, Mayor Pete Buttigieg. Trump’s visit to the blue, sanctuary city marked a milestone in his political career after his last visit to Chicago during his 2016 presidential run was cancelled due to safety concerns over the massive planned protests outside the site of the scheduled visit.
» JUSTIN ANDERSON/CHRONICLE
Chicago wants to ‘dump Trump’
metro
Although the majority of Chicago voters typically support Democrats, Trump is widely supported throughout the state, making this a prime location for a fundraiser. In the 2016 election, Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton only carried 11 counties in Illinois, one of which was Cook County, thereby securing the state’s electoral votes despite Trump taking the remaining 91 counties. ayetter@columbiachronicle.com
» MIKE RUNDLE/CHRONICLE
» JUSTIN ANDERSON/CHRONICLE
Protesters held up signs calling for impeachment and ‘no more kids in cages’ across from Trump Tower, 401 N. Wabash Ave., Oct. 28. during President Donald Trump’s first visit to Chicago since he took office.
NOVEMBER 4, 2019 THE CHRONICLE 15