Wednesday, March 17 - Tuesday, March 23 Weekly Digital Edition
Vol. 107, Issue 19 www.thedailyaztec.com
San Diego State University’s Independent Student Newspaper Since 1913
Graphic by Emily Burgess, photo by Brenden Tuccinardi
San Diego State to embrace the Madness this March by
Kyle Betz
SPORTS EDITOR
It’s been over a year since San Diego State men’s basketball was stripped of its chances to compete in the NCAA Tournament due to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s also been three years since the Scarlet and Black have competed in the Big Dance. In 2018, the then-No. 11 Aztecs lost in the first round in heartbreak to No. 6 Houston and a name that leaves a sour taste in the mouths of SDSU fans: Rob Gray. Now, the Aztecs have finally managed to make their way back to one of the biggest stages in all of sports. This time as a No. 6 seed, SDSU will face a pesky No. 11-seeded opponent in Syracuse this Friday. A 30-2 season that came to an abrupt halt was followed up with a 23-4
season, highlighted by a Mountain West Conference title and MWC tournament championship. Head coach Brian Dutcher said he’s glad to be back in the NCAA Tournament, although he feels for three in particular who weren’t able to return in 2020-21. “In the case of Yanni (Wetzell), Malachi (Flynn) and KJ Feagin, they had a one-year window,” Dutcher said. “They played wonderful college careers and never played in the NCAA Tournament one time, so I was heartbroken for that more than anybody else. “I told the guys that came back, we'll have a chance to do it again next year. And here we sit, we found a way to do it. So they're going to get an opportunity to play.” Senior guard Jordan Schakel said he knew he would be back in the tournament and was hurting more for his graduating
teammates than himself in 2020. “For me, personally, there was not any pain because I knew I was going to have a chance this year,” Schakel said. “For the guys that graduated last year and waited their whole careers to get to the tournament, I think that's where the pain was. We feel blessed that we have another opportunity to play the game we love and get to the tournament at the biggest stage.” The Aztecs ended last season in a conference tournament championship game loss to Utah State. Little did SDSU know that would be the last time it would play in a game before the pandemic. Following this year’s conference tournament title game win over the Aggies, senior forward Matt Mitchell said it’s a chance for him and the upperclassmen to get redemption.
“Last year is still a little bittersweet,” Mitchell said. “But I think it (making the tournament this year) kind of does, in a sense, wash it away for the older guys.” This year’s tournament will also look different from that in years past. March Madness will be held in one city, Indianapolis, with players required to socially distance, wear masks, practice at designated times and quarantine anytime they aren’t participating in basketball activities. The team was even separated Sunday when NCAA Tournament seeds were announced. Dutcher and the student-athletes had to watch the Selection Show over Zoom rather than in-person. “It's surreal — we got tested and we're in a room,” Dutcher said Sunday. “We cannot leave our rooms. We test again first
thing in the morning and if we get two negative tests, we can start doing a few things together as a team, so everything's a challenge.” Although there are strict protocols in place, the Aztecs will get to play in front of fans — something they weren’t able to do at Viejas Arena this season. Schakel said having fans in basketball venues is one of the biggest reasons he plays the game. “It’s going to be fun to get to play in front of fans and that is part of the reason why we play basketball,” Schakel said. “I am looking forward to it and I will have my parents in attendance for sure.” The tournament will look different this year, but brackets are finally back and so are the Aztecs. It’s finally March. Let the Madness begin.
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News
The Daily Aztec
March 17 - March 23, 2021 Editor: Jadyn Brandt
One year ago today, SDSU gave students one day to move out of residence halls by Jeanette
Giovannielo
SENIOR STAFF WRITER
This week marks one year since San Diego State students went virtual and on-campus students were given just one day to move out. After classes were moved to an online platform and shelter-in-place orders were being enforced throughout the country, the university decided to close residential communities for the remainder of the semester on March 17. With the exception of international and out-of-state students, anyone who lived on cam-
pus was required to move out by 8 p.m. the following day. Although the mandate was inevitable, it was a sad shock for students. Nicolas Akita, a business administration sophomore, was living in University Towers before he had to leave. Akita said he wished SDSU could have given freshmen more time to move out and say their goodbyes. “I’m sure they didn’t plan on doing that, but it was just frustrating because it was such short notice,” Akita said. “I wish they would’ve done that in the first place, because for a while they were beating
ASST. NEWS EDITOR Katelynn Robinson OPINION EDITOR Trinity Bland MUNDO AZTECA EDITOR Noé Sandoval
“It was a very hectic two days, I just wish they had handled it a bit better,” van fee Geer said. “The morning we had to pack up and leave, I had quizzes for my classes that were online. I think that see
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Anti-Semitic vandalism San Diego Couty opens reported at South Phase 1C of COVID-19 Campus Plaza North Vaccinations Brenden Tuccinardi & Katelynn Robinson
by
San Diego State issued a statement of support for the university’s Jewish community after anti-Semitic vandalism appeared on the exterior walls of a campus residence hall Thursday, March 11. According to the university drawings, including swastikas, were found on South Campus Plaza North. The drawings have since been removed and University Police have launched a hate incident investigation. “Speech and use of symbols that are anti-Semitic or encourage hatred of a particular group are reprehensible and counter to the environment we support at SDSU,” a statement from J. Luke Wood, vice president of student affairs and campus diversity, read. In response to the vandalism, the university is coordinating a series of training sessions that will
address anti-Semitism on campus and in the classroom, according to the statement. Jewish Campus Leader and Interfraternity Council President Lee Abed said the act of hatred shocked him. “I was shocked to see such hatred hit so close to home. I know several Jewish students who live in the building and can’t even imagine what they might be going through,” Abed told The Daily Aztec in a text message. Abed released a statement with Hillel of San Diego Executive Director Karen Parry, Head Rabbi of Chabad, Rabbi Chalom Boudjnah and President of Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternity, Ofek Suchard, stating they “join SDSU in denouncing this vile act.” “We have been working closely with the university to address the incident and ensure that there is no place for hate of any kind see
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Yutig & Jeanette Giovanniello
NEWS EDITOR Jadyn Brandt
around the bush.” Some of the difficulties came not just from the sudden relocation, but also a lack of support. Sophomore Marijke van fee Geer said that her coursework and professors made her move out of Zura even more of a challenge.
by Josh
Petrofsky
CONTRIBUTOR
On Monday, March 15, San Diego County opened vaccine eligibility to members of the general public with high-risk medical conditions outlined in Phase 1C of the California vaccine rollout plan. Additional eligible medical conditions were added by the county to Phase 1C last week. These conditions include moderate to severe asthma, high blood pressure and body mass index of overweight or obese. According to the CDC, using data from the 2010 census, 60.7% of California’s population in 2010 were classified as overweight based on their BMI and 24% were classified as obese. The additional eligible groups added last week also include those living in congregate residential facilities such as detention centers, homeless shelters and behavioral mental facilities.
San Diego County expanding vaccine eligibility to Phase 1C came alongside President Biden’s announcement on March 11 that he plans to have states open vaccine eligibility to every American over the age of 16 by May 1. Appointments to receive vaccines remain in limited supply in San Diego County but should become more easily available with the opening of a new high-capacity vaccine clinic in Oceanside and private companies like CVS and stores under the Albertsons umbrella beginning to carry the vaccine in San Diego County. The one-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine also became available in San Diego County earlier this month. According to the daily COVID-19 report from San Diego County, as of March 15, 439,000 county residents or 16.3% of adults 16 and older in San see
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The Daily Aztec
by Jayne
EDITOR IN CHIEF Brenden Tuccinardi
Photo by Alexa Oslowski
3 News VP Financial Affairs, External Relations candidates debate March 17 - March 23, 2021 Editor: Jadyn Brandt
ASST. MUNDO AZTECA Karina Bazarte ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR Devin Whatley SPORTS EDITOR Kyle Betz ASST. SPORTS EDITOR Luis Lopez SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR Catlan Nguyen PHOTO EDITOR Alexa Oslowski ASST. PHOTO EDITOR Amanda Orozco VIDEO EDITOR Angela Kurysh ASST. VIDEO EDITOR Mackenzie Stafford GRAPHIC DESIGN EDITOR Emily Burgess
SENIOR STAFF WRITERS Patrick Doyle Jeanette Giovanniello Catherine Van Weele Ryan Hardison Breven Honda STAFF WRITERS Emily Forschen Jayne Yutig CONTRIBUTORS Josh Petrofsky ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Bryan Diamond
The candidates for Associated Students Vice President of Financial Affairs and Vice President of External Relations debated on Zoom in sight of next week’s A.S. elections. External Relations candidates Fabiola Morena Ruelas and Shawki Moore addressed issues on student housing, campus resources and outreach. Ruelas, who is running on the “A New Hope” slate, joined the external relations board and Lobby Corps three years ago as a freshman. She is also a member of the Educational Opportunity Program and works with San Diego City Council members. The candidate said that her consistent attendance at Cal State Student Association (CSSA) meetings makes her well fit for this position. “For external relations, you really need to be in the realm of this area,” Ruelas said. “You need to have been there throughout the years to see how the process has changed, you need to have gone to CSSA meetings to see how their advocacy and points
Photo courtesy of Associated Students
sure that students and undergraduates do not have to take classes at this facility, because we need to focus on the main campus,” Moore said. “As well as working with the CSU... to make sure that no student has to pay for any fees going to Mission Valley.” The two candidates also strongly advocated for more student jobs on campus, specifically due to the loss of opportunities resulting from COVID-19. They also agreed on more diversity, inclusion and equity on campus. Reula noted specifically the inequity for undocumented students. “Undocumented students don’t get all the money that students with status get,” Reulas said. “To make sure we uphold undocumented students and are advocating for them.” A.S. Vice President of Financial Affairs candidates Austin Barber and Abigail Tamayo debated issues of financial transparency, expanding funding to organizations and halting the implementation of new campus fees. Barber, representing the
work to translate to our university.” Moore, who is running on the “SDSU Now” slate, serves on the executive board of the Afrikan Student Union and is Lieutenant Strategist for Kappa Alpha Psi. He said that, while his experience is outside the realm of external relations, his passion for advocacy and ability to connect with students makes him the best fit for the position. “Advocacy does not mean that you have to know policy,” Moore said. “I can guarantee to this SDSU community that I will be on the frontlines fighting with you and making sure that your voice is heard. I can learn the policy, I can gain the experience… All you need to know is
how to advocate and how to connect with students and make sure your voice and the student voice matters.” Ruela said that she prioritizes expanding basic needs, student resources and civic engagement. ”We need to make sure that we advocate for mental health to be a basic need,” Ruela said. “We also need to make sure that internet access and bandwidth is being promoted, enhanced and advocated for.” Moore said that his priorities lie within student outreach, engagement and connection. He suggested creating a platform similar to a town hall where students and faculty can collaborate to vocalize their concerns.
“I want to be the connection between traditionally silenced communities and Associated Student leaders,” Moore said. “I want to go into these silenced communities and understand their fights and needs and have A.S. listen” Both candidates agreed that Associated Students must make their work more accessible and visible since student participation is important for advocacy. Ruelas discussed her ideas for transforming “Rock the Vote” into a platform for students to engage in issues that are only relevant to themselves. Moore also noted potential issues involving the Mission Valley campus project, specifically sustainability and accessibility. “I would want to... make
and remind students that these atrocities happened not too long ago and there are still people who share similar beliefs,” Abed said. Associated Students released the following statement in solidarity with the SDSU Jewish community. “Given the recent anti-Semitic attacks on the Jewish community and the anti-Semitic vandalism on our campus, Associated Students of SDSU con-
demn these abhorrent actions of hate and stands in solidarity with our Jewish community. These actions are inexcusable and there is no place in our community for any form of anti-Semitism, prejudice or hatred.” The full statement can found on the A.S. Instagram. Hannah Berman-Schneider, the A.S. Executive Board Student-at-Large
and political science and English fourth-year, said that as a member of the Jewish community and a student living on campus she is “grateful for the quick response” of her peers and the university to resolve the problem and work to bring about discussions regarding the damaging impact of anti-Semitism. “It is imperative that individuals understand that an-
ti-Semitism is not a thing of the past, but a current, serious and widespread issue that plagues the lives of millions of people,” Berman-Schneider told The Daily Aztec. “I stand by my community and will continue to support those affected in any way I can.” Members of the SDSU community in need of support or seeking to report a situation can do so at Inclusive SDSU.
shot of one of the twodose vaccines. The county is planning on returning to the red tier on March 17 after the state hit the milestone of vaccinating 2 million people in
communities hit hardest by COVID-19. This will allow indoor operations to resume for businesses such as restaurants, movie theaters and gyms. New revisions to California’s tier
system will allow amusement parks like SeaWorld San Diego to resume operations at 15% capacity with the county in the red tier on April 1. These revisions will also allow for outdoor
sports and live performances to resume starting April 1 with capacity restrictions. More information about the COVID-19 vaccine rollout in San Diego can be found here.
see
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on campus,” Abed said. Looking forward, Abed said Hillel is working towards producing an event with a Holocaust survivor. “We are working to bring a Holocaust survivor to campus in April – over zoom of course – and are hoping that we can use (the event) as an opportunity to raise awareness
VACCINE:
continued from page /thedailyaztec The views and opinions expressed in this issue do not necessarily reflect those of The Daily Aztec.
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Diego County have been fully immunized. Additionally, 715,000 San Diegans have received at least one
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Opinion
The Daily Aztec
March 17 - March 23, 2021 Editor: Trinity Bland
Patrick Doyle
SENIOR STAFF WRITER
It often feels like everyone except ourselves has emerged from this pandemic stronger. Reflecting upon a year of lockdowns resulting in a plethora of free time, it can feel disheartening for those who did not harness the year to improve themselves in some meaningful way. From all the new exercise plans people were adding to their daily routines to the ambitious extracurricular projects people decided to work on, it felt like a lot of people found their groove in quarantine. People were expressing their creative side and were discovering new things about themselves for the better. However, this was not the case for everyone. For every household
Graphic by Brenden Tuccinardi
that started following a new diet, there were others who put on weight. For every person who picked up a new hobby, there were more who lost interest in their favorite activities. The pandemic took its toll on everyone, so to
have had an unproductive year is completely fine, and you are not alone. In late June 2020, a CDC survey found that 41% of respondents were experiencing mental health challenges related to the pandemic, and 11% seriously considered suicide.
Of those aged 18-24, over 25% reported seriously thinking about suicide. Clearly, the mental health crisis was heightened during this pandemic, and millions of people around the world – especially young adults – suffered from severe anxiety and depression. Given this, you have not been alone in your struggles this past year and should not be ashamed of focusing on yourself for a while. This was a lot to go through for anyone, but it was more difficult for some than others. People online who seemed to have things put together through quarantine are only representative of their individual experiences during the pandemic. Yours may be completely different and that is completely valid. Some people were able to motivate themselves
more than others, but not being as productive as you intended does not make you a lesser person. This pandemic has been an anomaly in everyone’s lives in many ways, and it’s important to remember that. Your unproductive year does not define you nor does it set you back from your future years of growth. Even if you do not experience a renewed sense of purpose as the severity of the pandemic winds down, there are still opportunities for you to find yourself and rediscover your ambitions. But most importantly, do not feel guilty for having taken a year to focus on your own wellbeing. Even if you don’t have tangible proof of personal growth, just making it through the chaos caused you to emerge stronger than you realize.
Opinion: Racism needs to be treated like a disease by
Catherine Van Weele
SENIOR STAFF WRITER
Growing up, I was taught by my parents, my school and my peers to treat everyone as equals, regardless of how they looked. We fell for this fallacy believing that we lived in a post-racialized world. I am certain many others have similar stories of being told not to see race during their formative years. Many still subscribe to the notion that racism was eradicated by the Voting Rights Act of 1965. This couldn’t be further from the truth. In just the last year, racial injustices have been making headline after headline. Our country has witnessed cases of police brutality and unwarranted use of force against Black Americans, the cruel detention of migrant children at the southern border and an influx of hate crimes against elderly Asian Americans.
These acts of racism are so flagrant, and yet there are people who still attempt to justify what is happening. “He should have just listened to the police. It’s his fault.” “No one can cross our border illegally without facing the consequences.They did it to themselves.” “It was China who released Kung Flu to the world. They are to blame.” Then, there are countless stories of racism that we don’t hear about in the news.There are racial slurs hurled, assumptions made and microaggressions transgressed. Discrimination and racial disparities remain widespread in our institutions such as education, healthcare and the workforce. We live in a racist society. While most of us would never consider ourselves racist, we all hold racial prejudices. Our prejudices allow for racism to persist on all levels of society,
from individuals to institutions. We have come to accept it as the status quo. Perhaps we do so because it is easier to do nothing. Maybe some of us benefit from the current systems in place. It could be that some of us truly fail to see there is any problem at all. When we bring up our grievances in response to someone making an off-handed racist comment or joke, we are dismissed. We are being overly sensitive. We should stop being so uptight and politically correct. We need to learn to take a joke. Our calls to address the issue are ignored, and the next time something happens, we say nothing. And where does that leave us? There is certainly a fine line between a joke on race and a racist joke. Although, given the ugly history of racism in this country, I have never understood why people are
by
Emily Forschen
STAFF WRITER
It’s kind of weird and awful that any firsts are still happening, right? The 2021 Oscar nominations were announced on Monday, March 15. There are a lot of notable ‘firsts’ in many categories — Steven Yeun is the first Asian-American to be nominated for Best Actor. Riz Ahmed is the first Muslim nominee for Best Actor. It’s also the first year that two Asian actors, Yeun and Ahmed, are nominated simultaneously (...which follows, since none have ever before!). “Judas and the Black Messiah” saw the first all-Black production team to be nominated for Best Picture. Two women were nominated for Best Director for the first time. I want to celebrate these things and call them progress. I have been rooting
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Ryan Hardison
SENIOR STAFF WRITER
Graphic by Shalika Oza
izes racist behavior. Studies have found that racist jokes can lead to racial discrimination. Even if there is no racist intent behind the joke, the audience may perceive it as a rationalization for racial injustices, especially if the audience already has prejudicial tendencies. Racist language leaves far too much room for the interpretation that racial discrimination and see
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all year for many of these nominees and I’m happy for the creative teams, for the artists, that made these things possible. But I can’t help but feel my face contort when I hear or read that any of these things are happening for the first time. It’s Women’s History Month, and as a woman myself, I have to say I was particularly focused on the Best Director category and certainly satisfied at first glance with the results. Chloe Zhao was nominated for “Nomadland,” a film nominated for a total of six Academy Awards, and Emerald Fennell for “Promising Young Woman,” which received five nods. I was a bit taken aback when reading about these nominations. NBC ran an article describing the list as “where diversity shines.” Entertainment Weekly discussed the Academy meet-
ing their “diversity goals,” likely in the same tone that the Academy used themselves as if there were a threshold and once they met their quota, everyone could relax. Maybe I’m too cynical, but I don’t think I’m alone. Diversity is a big buzzword in America, especially in the film and TV industry. I don’t think looking at diversity the way it is often discussed is actually going to fix anything. The problem at hand isn’t necessarily a lack of diversity, but a lack of representation. My friends and family are growing weary of my talking about this issue, but I’m only reinforced by all of the records being broken this year. The very first Academy Awards were given in 1929, where Warner Brothers was given an honorary award just for producing “The Jazz Singer.” It was the first full-
length sound and picture film which starred Al Jolson in blackface. There has undoubtedly been change in America since then, but the fact that the awards — which celebrate film as art, a reflection of culture, thinking and creative inspiration — are only JUST NOW,
Graphic by Emily Burgess
nearly a century later, understanding and recognizing the achievement of some gender minorities and some ethnic minorities should be very, very uncomfortable. I knew it would be a complete botch if the Academy didn’t recognize Yeun for “Minari.” I was, and still am, thrilled that he was nominated (and Youn Yuhjung, whose performance I noted in my review of the film!). I love that Zhao and Fennel were both nominated, as women directors have too often been overlooked after a long struggle to even get their films made. I hope very soon we’ll get a long-overdue nomination for a Black female director (or two, or three). When that record is broken, it will still be bittersweet, but at least for me, the longer it ferments, see
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More films should be made about the NFL’s weaknesses by
so pressed to teeter on that line so carelessly. By allowing for racist language, we send a signal that racial inequalities and discrimination are simply a part of life. We express consent to the idea that certain races are superior to others. The problem is not so much the language itself but the attitudes surrounding it. It enables a generous tolerance towards racism. Racist language normal-
The Daily Aztec
While historic, Oscars 'firsts' are long overdue
It’s okay to be unproductive in quarantine by
Opinion
March 17 - March 23, 2021 Editor: Trinity Bland
Last Sunday I was watching Oliver Stone’s lengthy, adrenaline-fueled caricature of the National Football League, “Any Given Sunday,” when it dawned on me that for a league with so many public issues, there are rarely any feature films or scripted tv shows that show the NFL’s gritty side. There’s a mountain of light-hearted efforts but nothing really juicy or substantial. It should be noted that in several films, football is solely used as a vehicle for the plot, like “The Last Boy Scout,” an action film that starts off with a football player ingesting PCP at halftime of a game and pulling out a gun and shooting three opposing players while attempting to score a touchdown. Yes, you’re reading that correctly. It’s difficult to showcase the NFL when football-fo-
cused movies like “The Game Plan” and “The Replacements” along with “Any Given Sunday” are forced to portray fictional NFL-inspired leagues because they don’t have permission to use any of their logos or teams. Other films like “Invincible” and “The Express” are based on inspiring NFL heroics but do not dive into the league’s issues from an interpretive standpoint. The HBO show, “Ballers,” follows fictional current and retired NFL players and frequently depicts more “tame” issues, so
it avoids posing a threat to the league’s credibility. However, “Ballers” executive producer Mark Wahlberg claims NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell called him to try and stop NFL players from appearing on the show. There have been a few valiant attempts made to ruffle some feathers and spark debate, but everyone is afraid to attack the big bad wolf. Why is that? Well, for starters football is the most popular sport in The United States. The Super Bowl’s lack of appealing matchups and
Photo by Willem Quigley
commercials still doesn’t change the fact that it is the most popular annual sporting event in the nation. In the end, this league is held together by a powerful machine, solely dedicated to protecting the interests of those making the big decisions and the big bucks. Take the ESPN football drama, “Playmakers,” for example. It’s the only non-documentary style television show to portray professional football with a completely plausible, noholds-barred storyline. It followed a fictional pro team, the Cougars, and showed players battling drug addiction, weight issues and homophobia. Unsurprisingly, ESPN canceled the show in response to intense pressure from the NFL since it showed a negative representation of professional football. Essentially, the entities that air the NFL’s product are not going to
jeopardize lucrative deals by bringing the truth to light. Not when money is on the line. So in the uneven pile of pro football cinema, “Any Given Sunday” is one of the rare films that take a serious angle. The only other movie that comes to mind for its serious imitation is the 2015 film “Concussion,” which starred Will Smith as Nigerian-American forensic pathologist, Dr. Bennet Omalu. As seen in the film, “Concussion,” Omalu was the first to identify a widespread pattern of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) in former football players, a hidden problem afflicting countless men who suffered lots of hits during their careers. Initially faced with fierce backlash and lawsuit threats from the NFL, Omalu’s research eventually was see
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The Daily Aztec
Mundo Azteca
March 17 - March 23, 2021 Editor: Noé Sandoval
La comunidad de San Diego se une a las protestas de abolir I.C.E. by
Karina Bazarte
ASST. DE MUNDO AZTECA
Al mediodía del 6 de marzo, más de 80 personas se manifestaron en el centro de San Diego para protestar contra la organización policial de ICE. ICE, abreviada en inglés, es la Oficina de Immigracion y Aduanas de los Estados Unidos. ICE ha sido criticado bastante por el tratamiento hacia los inmigrantes detenidos en las frontera entre México y los Estados Unidos La protesta fue organizada por la organización “We Stand United San Diego.” El comunicado fue realizado por las redes sociales diciendo: “San Diego protesta contra ICE y su opresión. La organización y los manifestantes se reunieron
en el Parque Waterfront que está localizado en el centro de San Diego. Después, comenzaron la marcha hasta el edificio de la administración de ICE que está en la calle Front Street. La organización exige que ICE y el Departamento de Seguridad Nacional, o DHS por sus siglas en inglés, se hagan responsables por histerectomías infligidas en mujeres indocumentadas. También, exigen que ICE y DHS se hagan responsables por las muertes de indocumentados cuando estaban en custodia, demandan la separación de famílies que termine, demandan el cierre de las dimensiones, y un alto con la violencia que usan contra indocumentados. Otros tres organiza-
dores abrieron la pista: Isaac, Paloma, y Flo compartieron historias, poemas, y frases de motivación antes de la marcha. El fundador de la organización, KC Short explicó uno de los motivos fue que la administración del Presidente Joe Biden prometió la liberación de los niños inmigrantes en jaulas. “El Presidente Joe Biden nos mintió, él dijo que ayudaría a liberar los niños que tienen en las jaulas,” dijo Short . La organización ha organizado protestas de Vidas Negras Importan, campañas de comida para la comunidad, y donaciones de juguetes para orfanatos en Tijuana. En 2014, la administración Obama y Biden construyeron y usaron las “jaulas.” Después, el
Luis Lopez
ASST. SPORTS EDITOR
ex-presidente Donald Trump siguió usando las “jaulas” en donde salieron imágenes de niños con solo mantas de aluminio. La administración Biden abrió la primera instalación para los niños indocumentados en Carrizo Springs, Texas. Según el pediodico The Washington Post, los oficiales de gobierno dijeron que las instalación son necesarias para cortar la capacidad por la pandemia
del COVID-19. Muchos no están de acuerdo con la administración Biden. “En febrero miles de haitianos/ haitianas fueron deportados cuando pidieron asilo,” dijo Short . Manifestantes describieron que la policía de San Diego usó violencia contra ellos y usaron sus bicicletas para empujar contra ellos. “Había más de 20 policías see
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When No. 16/18 San Diego State men’s basketball got to cut down nets at the Thomas & Mack Center on Saturday afternoon, there were two players who may have held those pieces of nylon just a bit tighter. Senior transfers Terrell Gomez and Joshua Tomaić both achieved a goal they set out to do when they made the change to come play for the Aztecs. The goal: winning when it matters most, in the grand old month of March. “It wouldn’t have felt right to me to just play college basketball and not get an opportunity to play for the national championship.” Gomez said. While their goals were similar, Gomez and Tomaić had much different paths to the Scarlet and Black.
At Cal State Northridge, Gomez was one of the best players in the Big West Conference, being named conference Freshman of the Year in the 2017-18 season. For two consecutive years in the 2018-19 and 2019-20 seasons, he was a first-team all-conference player. He also finished his career at CSUN with the eighth-best three-point percentage in the nation. However, in his three years at Northridge, Gomez and the Matadors didn’t make the tournament once. Tomaić on the other hand, did get that March Madness experience. Unfortunately, it was mostly from the sidelines. The Spanish forward spent his last three years on the Terrapins as a redshirt, appearing in 62 games
El Centro Broom de SDSU invita a Troy Blackwell Jr, inspirando estudiantes que usen su voz para ser escuchados by
Noé Sandoval
EDITOR DE MUNDO AZTECA
El 11 de marzo, el Centro Broom de La Universidad Estatal de San Diego tuvo un evento virtual, llamado “Use Your Voice'' o “ Usa Tu Voz”, donde un orador principal habló de su propia historia en su desarrollo profesional de su carrera en relaciones públicas. El orador principal es llamado Troy Blackwell Jr. y él habló de la importancia de la justicia social en cualquier lugar de trabajo. Blackwell ha trabajado en la campaña presidencial de Barrack Obama, y ahora es candidato para ser miembro del consejo en la ciudad de Nueva York. “Para mi, siendo un estudiante de primera generación y pudiendo estar dentro de las paredes de la Casa Blanca fue un gran sueño cumplido”, dijo
Blackwell “Estaba yendo a trabajar a un lugar que nunca me imaginé que estaría” Blackwell enfatiza que su experiencia le ayudó a aprender cómo usar su voz para hacer cambios . Èl explicó que en juntas de su trabajo en la Casa Blanca todos tenían que colaborar y expresar su opinión, sin importar la edad o el origen de la persona. Troy Blackwell ha creado un plan para un plan de seis puntos para usar su voz contra conflictos sociales. Lo primero es reconocer y destacar los problemas sociales que ocurren cada día en el trabajo, para comenzar hacer un cambio. Blackwell también habló que el apoyo es representado en muchas formas diversas. Por ejemplo, hay gente que hace manifesta-
ciones y protestas, y otras que hacen donaciones a organizaciones para dar su apoyo Después de saber qué son los problemas, es importante formar grupos dentro de la organización para dar apoyo a los que necesitan ayuda. Por ejemplo, mujeres empleadas en el trabajo pueden crear un grupo para ver el trabajo de ellas está siendo
valorizado. Blackwell enfatiza que uno no puede ser muy joven para ser líder y dar ejemplo para mucha gente. Muchos estudiantes, especialmente estudiantes de primera generación, pueden servir como catalizador de cambio en el ambiente del trabajo. En el final, es importante saber lo que uno está buscando para promover un
Photo coutesty of Troy Blackwell, Jr.
cambio social. También, es importante responsabilizar a personas en poder para que haya un ambiente justo en el trabajo Siendo un estudiante de primera generación, Blackwell muestra que es ser un buen líder para promover cambios sociales en organizaciones que lo necesitan. Ha existido mucha desigualdad sistémica que debe haber un cambio. “Pienso que el trabajar duro habla por sí mismo” dijo Blackwell. Blackwell también dijo que es importante tener un mentor/a para desarrollar profesionalmente y buscar a alguien que pueda ayudar en proyectos personales. “Necesitamos representación” dijo Blackwell “Reconociendo los desafíos que muchos enfrentamos nos va ayudar e no es una barrera”
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Men’s basketball transfers fulfilling destiny by playing in NCAA Tournament by
Photo coutesty of "We Stand United San Diego" organizer, Joe Orellana
Sports
March 17 - March 23, 2021 Editor: Kyle Betz
Photo by Noelani Sapla San Diego State men’s basketball senior guard Terrell Gomez attempts a layup during the Aztecs’ 78-66 overtime win over Boise State on Feb. 25, 2021 at Viejas Arena.
while averaging just over a point a game. The big March Madness experience mentioned earlier? One bucket in Maryland’s first round tournament win against Belmont. Now, Gomez and Tomaić are very much on the frontlines of action for the Aztecs, as they look forward to a matchup against Syracuse on Friday, March 19. “This is what I came here for — to win championships,” Gomez said. “So now I’m just excited to play in the Big Dance, something I’m going to remember for the rest of my life.” SDSU doesn’t like to build teams around a singular talent. Instead, they prefer contributions from as many players as possible. Gomez and Tomaić make up a lot of those contributions. Making his way to the starting lineup in the process, Gomez ranks third on the team in scoring average with just over 8.8 points a
the bench and back up our game. His 3-point game has re- post position, he gives us great energy,” Dutcher said. mained a strength, shooting “He always plays hard, he 41.7% from beyond the arc runs the floor extremely — also good for third on hard both ways, he’s a very the team. Head coach Brian Dutch- proven offensive rebounder … Joshua’s contribuer has recognized what tions are immeasurable and Gomez has been able to do one of the reasons we’re and said his play will be key playing right now,” Dutcher during the tournament. added. “I told the coaches and In addition to SDSU’s I told Terrell himself that success, the team has fed I thought he was wired to have a great March,” off helping them get to the Big Dance. Dutcher said. “A confident Senior guard Jordan Terrell Gomez is something we have to have in the Syr- Schakel said trying to get the Aztecs to March Madacuse game.” ness has been a better moMeanwhile, Tomaić has tivator than anything he been a vital piece off the could think of for himself. bench for SDSU. “There’s times in the While playing just over 15 season when we’re tired, minutes a game,Tomaić has shot an astounding 50.5% you’re waiting for things to motivate you,” Schakel said. from the field. Dutcher feels that Tomaić “Selfish motivations sometimes wear out and it’s guys has been such a valuable like (Gomez) and (Tomaić) piece, that he couldn’t see being in their current posi- that come here and just want to win that keep you tion without him. going.” “We’re not where we are without Joshua’s contributions. I mean, to come off see ONLINE
Photo by Noelani Sapla San Diego State men’s basketball senior forward Joshua Tomaić looks to hand the ball off to a teammate during the Aztecs’ 78-66 overtime win over Boise State on Feb. 25, 2021 at Viejas Arena.
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The Daily Aztec
March 17 - March 23, 2021 Editor: Kyle Betz
Aztecs selected as No. 6 seed in NCAA Tournament, face Syracuse in first round BY Devin Whatley
ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR
After sweeping the Mountain West Conference regular season and tournament titles, No. 16/18 San Diego State men’s basketball is already a “lock” for the 2021 NCAA Tournament in Indiana. Now, they finally have a seed and an opponent. The NCAA Selection Committee put SDSU as a No. 6 seed in the Midwest Region, and it will face the Syracuse Orange from the Atlantic Coast Conference on Friday, March 19. This is a rematch for both teams since the 2011-12 season, when the Aztecs lost to Syracuse 62-49 on the U.S.S. Midway in the Carrier Classic. “I’m glad we’re not playing them on the aircraft carrier this time,” head coach
Photo by Brenden Tuccinardi The San Diego State men’s basketball team celebrates winning the Mountain West Conference tournament title over Utah State on March 13, 2021 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas.
Brian Dutcher said jokingly. “With the absence of wind (being indoors) we might actually make a couple of threes this time around.” Fresh off of winning the
tournament title in Las Vegas, SDSU decided to divert from flying back to campus. Instead, they took a direct flight to Indianapolis to quarantine before
the tournament starts. Dutcher said maintaining a “bubble” and adhering to strict guidelines for The Big Dance has become commonplace for the team.
“We are used to it at this point — it will be even more rigid (regulations inside the bubble) I think once we get to Indianapolis from what I am understanding,” he said. “But I said from the start (of the season), you have to be flexible, both with your schedule, you may get games canceled with having teams (deferring games). “(The Vegas bubble) was just the next step in being flexible and just rolling with the way it goes so we get onto the basketball floor. We take great joy every time we can step on the floor.” The team watched Selection Sunday from their own hotel rooms on a Zoom meeting. Everyone was required under NCAA see
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Column: How far can SDSU go in the NCAA Tournament? Diego State,” Davis said. SENIOR STAFF WRITER “I have them going to the Elite 8.” No. 16/18 San Diego men’s Getting to the Elite 8 basketball was picked as will be difficult and when the No. 6 seed in the Mid- it comes to March, you west region of the NCAA always need a little luck tournament on Selection along the way. Sunday. A team needs six conBetween now and Friday secutive wins to win the when the first game begins national championship, so with No. 7 Florida facing how far can the Scarlet No. 10 Virginia Tech at 9:10 and Black go? a.m. PT in the South region, The expected verpeople across the country sion: playing the top and around the world have seeds (and top colthe opportunity to make lege basketball head the perfect bracket. coaches) In addition, people are SDSU’s first game is Frilistening to experts about day at 6:40 p.m. against No. which higher seeds can 11 Syracuse, a school that pull off an upset or even last played the Aztecs on win it all. the U.S.S. Midway in 2012 During the selection in a win for the Orange. show on Sunday, CBS colWith the weather faclege basketball reporter tor of wind, Aztecs head Seth Davis said the Aztecs coach Brian Dutcher could make its deepest hopes he can take out the tournament run in school “d” in winds during the history and bust people’s tournament. brackets. “I think with the absence “My bracket buster is San of wind, we might even BY Breven Honda
make some threes (against Syracuse) this time,” Dutcher said. “We’re excited to be here, we’re excited to start the next phase of our journey and hopefully have some meaningful
wins in March.” The Aztecs could play their first three games against three longtime college basketball head coaches, beginning with the Orange’s Jim Boeheim.
Boeheim has led the Orange to 35 NCAA Tournament appearances, including a 2003 National Championship when Carsee
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Photo by Brenden Tuccinardi San Diego State men’s basketball sophomore forward Keshad Johnson attempts a layup during the Aztecs’ 6857 Mountain West Conference tournament victory over Utah State on March 13, 2021 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas.
Sports
March 17 - March 23, 2021 Editor: Kyle Betz
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Third time’s the charm: Aztecs defeat Utah State to hoist Mountain West tournament trophy BY Kyle Betz & Luis Lopez LAS VEGAS — No. 1 seed San Diego State men’s basketball achieved something it hasn’t in 10 years — win an outright regular-season Mountain West Conference championship and tournament after defeating Utah State 68-57 in the MWC tournament title game on March 13 at the Thomas & Mack Center. It’s revenge for the Aztecs (23-4, 14-3 MWC), as the Scarlet and Black have succumbed championship game losses to the Aggies (20-8, 15-5 MWC) the past two seasons. While SDSU was happy to be in the game, playing Utah State again after two losses earlier in the regular season and last year’s championship game was exactly what they wanted. “I think if (the SDSU players) had a choice, (USU) would be the team they wanted to play because they have some pride about them,” Dutcher said. “I don’t know if the coaches were the ones excited about playing them, but the team was and they’re the ones that have to play, so it worked out well.” The Aztecs are back in the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2018. Senior forward Matt Mitchell added MWC tournament Most Valuable Player to his resume after putting up 14 points, four rebounds and an assist. The Riverside, Calif. native was named to the MWC All-tournament team along with senior guard Jordan Schakel, who scored nine points Saturday. Mitchell said the tournament win was another step in accomplishing the team’s 2020-21 goals. “Emotions are high,” Mitchell said. “This is everything we’ve spoken to life at the beginning of the season and we followed through with it.” On the court, the main
Photo by Brenden Tuccinardi The San Diego State men’s basketball team celebrates with the Mountain West Conference tournament trophy after defeating Utah State 68-57 to become MWC tournament champions on March 13, 2021 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas.
matchup to look forward to was junior forward Nathan Mensah facing Aggies’ junior forward Neemias Queta, and it was well worth the wait. Queta had his way in the first half, bagging 12 points, three rebounds and three blocks. But SDSU senior forward Joshua Tomaić and Mensah stepped right up to the challenge in the second half, pestering Queta in the post. Queta had just six points in the second half along with three rebounds. The Aztecs struggled heavily from 3-point land (13%), but the team’s post play kept its lead. Mensah’s eight second-half points (10 total) and eight total rebounds propelled the Aztecs to success down low. That’s after scoring just one point during the Aztecs’ first two games of the tournament. Tomaić had six points and four boards — two on the offensive side of the floor. As a team, SDSU went to work in the paint, scoring 40 points in that area compared to USU’s 26. “Both (Mensah and To-
maić) were productive today,” Dutcher said of the SDSU bigs. “When you’re getting good play from both Nathan and Joshua, we’re really hard to guard.” All 10 Aztecs who appeared scored at least once and SDSU trailed or was tied with the Aggies for less than three minutes
of game time. While the Aztecs’ offense provided just enough to get the win, it was the typical SDSU defense that got it the title. The Aggies committed 16 turnovers on the day — 10 of which were caused by Aztec steals. Those USU errors turned into 14
SDSU points. Those advantages proved to be too much for the Aggies, and it resulted in the Aztecs getting showered in purple and silver streamers. Among those who will appreciate this title the see
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Photo by Brenden Tuccinardi San Diego State men’s basketball head coach Brian Dutcher celebrates cutting down the net after defeating Utah State in the Mountain West Conference tournament championship game on March 13, 2021 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas.
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Arts & Culture
March 17 - March 23, 2021 Editor: Devin Whatley
Quick Take: What makes Silk Sonic’s “Leave the door open” so nostalgic? by
Ryan Hardison
SENIOR STAFF WRITER
What happens when you combine two of the best R&B singers, live performers, and soulful beings that music has ever seen? Let’s dive in. Begun during the downtime of a 2017 tour, cultivated through sporadic jam sessions, and officially conceived during the creative gray period of COVID-19, the two-man supergroup
of Silk Sonic emerged. Now, who’s at the helm of 2021’s most surprising musical endeavor? First, there’s iconic singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Bruno Mars – a man whose artistic career is at the perfect convergence of consistent radio play, pop culture exposure and elite showmanship. His last venture “24K Magic” was an album decked out in new jack swing, glossy funk, and
Graphic by Emily Burgess
glistening pop ballads that earned him the Grammys’ Album of the Year prize in 2018. After over a decade of chart-topping success as one of the most significant artists of the millennium, he’s approaching alltime great status. Directly beside him is the always smiling, forever fly Anderson .Paak, who’s crafted an easily detectable style of playing as one of the last surviving relics of soul’s old guard. Frequently accompanied by the funky Free Nationals, The Oxnard-bred vocalist, rapper, drummer with the best teeth in the game has dropped four tantalizing studio albums under this moniker. Each release has been a visionary effort inspired by the spirit of coastal California and made unique by his
virtuoso as an artist who can croon angelic harmonies and spit with the bite of a ‘90s west coast emcee. Though he’s already achieved massive popularity, with this collaboration, .Paak will certainly achieve global superstardom. One week after the shock announcement of their group’s existence, Mars and .Paak sat down with Apple Music’s Zane Lowe, and the duo laid out their goal to craft a lively “setlist of doom” for their upcoming album “An Evening with Silk Sonic.” In true Parliament fashion, they’ve described their guarded final product as an “intergalactic force of funk.” On the day of their first public interview, Silk Sonic dropped a pair of tunes to appease excited listeners for the time being. Begin-
ning with their project’s lead single “Leave the Door Open,” the group debuted with an instant classic that’s glazed in enough fire to set the ocean ablaze. .Paak kicked a couple of charming verses and Mars’ chorus emerged as a show-stopping display of confidence and sex appeal. Everything about this track is beautiful, grand, and dare I say heavenly. In spite of the song’s many attractive aspects, the best news that came from “Leave the Door Open” is the fact it showcases Silk Sonic’s potential to release something even greater. Fans should expect the tape’s upcoming singles and deeper album cuts to ascend to a level of velvety beauty currently see
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Aztec Student Union hosts virtual concert and Q&A with R&B musician UMI by
Catlan Nguyen
SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR
Aztec Union hosted a mini-concert and Q&A with R&B, neo-soul musician UMI via Zoom on March 11. The casual music performance and hang out with the 22-year-old artist provided a much-needed stress reliever for San Diego State students entering midterm seasons. UMI’s setlist included acoustic performances of her original songs “Butterfly”, “Sukidakara”, “Introspection” and a cover of “Put Your Records On” by Corinne Bailey Rae. She and her guitarist Mia Garcia also took an impromptu song request and ended up singing her wellknown single “Love Affair.” The Seattle-born artist talked about future collaborations she’s manifesting, how she remains positive
and grounded, the inspiration behind her songs, and she even asked one student for advice on a date she was about to go on after the event. UMI kicked off the event by having every student take a handful of mindful, deep breaths while she circled a sound bowl with a mini mallet. Sound bowls are bowls used to promote relaxation, according to Healthline. They produce sounds and vibrations when hit or circled with a mallet which aims to help one relax. “As an artist, you’ve been given a platform and I want to use my platform to help bring healing and peace to people,” UMI said during the Q&A. “I remind myself that nothing in life is happening to me, it’s happening for me and I try to find the lesson and gift in everything.”
UMI also talked about how she wants to collaborate with H.E.R., Sza, Jhene Aiko, Frank Ocean, D’Angelo, Lauryn Hill, FKA Twigs, Jorja Smith and Miguel. She said she’s manifesting releasing her album, winning a Grammy and getting to perform live again at concerts or on tour. International business third year Carmelina Herrera asked UMI the first student question. Herrera is a huge fan and was excited to show off her tattoo of the cover art of UMI’s song “Introspection.” “Can I take a picture?” Umi asked Herrera after seeing the tattoo. “That’s crazy, nobody’s ever gotten a tattoo of me before!” Sociology third year Rose Ty asked UMI for advice or words of affirmation before Ty’s date after the event. The musician told Ty she
Arts & Culture 2021 Grammy Awards serve as a moment of musical escape and reflection March 17 - March 23, 2021 Editor: Devin Whatley
by
Emily Forschen
STAFF WRITER
It was ethereal. It started on a close frame – lit with a deep cerulean blue, Taylor Swift’s blonde hair looked almost black.As the camera pulled away, we saw that she was laying on the grassy roof of a set that looked like a cottage. The background of a nighttime forest was dotted with floating lights, almost like fairies, drifting between digital trunks of trees and vines. Swift’s “folklore” medley saw her down off of the roof, into a warmly lit cottage, and out the front door onto a lawn with glowing orbs like the background behind her. In her acceptance speech for Album of the Year, she thanked fans for joining her in this imaginary world she and producers Jack
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Antonoff and Aaron Dessner had created. The 2021 GRAMMY Awards, hosted by Trevor Noah, were somewhat like a reflection of the last year. For many people around the world and in America, 2020 was a time of deep self-reflection, heartache and frustration. If art is a reflection of a culture, an experience, then watching the Grammys this year was like a glint from a shard of glass – characterized by brokenness, but capturing a light only made possible by the break. Oxford Dictionary defines escapism as “the tendency to seek distraction and relief from unpleasant realities, especially by seeking entertainment or engaging in fantasy.” Swift perhaps most explicitly characterized the escapism that was encoded into
nearly every performance and nominee this year, but she was far from the only to dig her heels into a world far different than the one we live in. She wasn’t the only one. Bruno Mars and Anderson .Paak debuted their new project Silk Sonic. Billie Eilish walked away with her second consecutive Record of the Year win. Dua Lipa’s “Future Nostalgia” won Best Pop Album. Megan Thee Stallion took home three of the four awards she was nominated for. Cardi B debuted “WAP,” Bad Bunny and BTS were featured performers in languages other than English, DaBaby performed and talked about his “pretty smile.” It shaped up to be about what one has come to ex-
Trinity Bland
OPINION EDITOR
also coincidentally had a date after the event too and then reminded Ty to not be afraid to ask indepth questions and truly get to know the other person on their date. “Take your time asking those foundational questions,” UMI said. “So, you can really see if this person is worth your time or worth your energy, or if this is a sign that some-
thing better is coming.” UMI then asked Ty for tips for her date as well. “Honestly, I love you so just be yourself,” Ty said. “If they can’t match that, then that’s their problem.” The casual and easy-flowing event came to the perfect end when the last student chosen to ask a question requested to sing a duet with UMI and Garcia.
Graphic by Emily Burgess
pect from all of the artists presented— in all of their diverse backgrounds.What tied them all together was the same theme of being ready to escape the era, even the world, that we’re living in. What cut them up was the harsh reality that came into play before and immediately following every performance (because let’s be honest— the Grammys telecast isn’t so much about the awards
anymore). It was packaged and delivered straight to the face in a smattering of applause from only the other performing artists, if the performance was live at all. It would be remiss not to mention the one very grounding exception to this theme— Lil Baby’s performance titled “The Bigger Picture,” which started on the street with see
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Barbie launches doll collection featuring “Inspiring Women” for Women’s History Month by
Screenshot courtesy of ASUB for arts
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With International Women’s Day on March 8, Mattel announced a new doll is coming to their iconic Barbie “Inspiring Women” collection on March 10 — First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt will hit shelves on Wednesday, the latest addition to Barbie's collection of Inspiring Women dolls. In addition to being the longest-serving First Lady, Roosevelt was often celebrated for her humanitarian efforts. Becoming the United Nations' American spokesperson following her husband President Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s death in 1945 and continuing to work until her own death in 1962 at age 78, she has been widely known as “First Lady of the World” for her civil and economic
Graphic by Emily Burgess
rights advocacy. Dressed in a floral print dress, a pearl necklace and a black hat, the doll is a beautiful nod to the entire essence of Roosevelt, notably during the era in which she worked tirelessly on behalf of her country. “We are delighted to welcome former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt to the Barbie Inspiring Women series and to shine a light on how her perseverance
as a champion of policies around civil and economic rights made an impact on the world,” Lisa McKnight, senior vice president and global head of Barbie and Dolls at Mattel, told People Magazine. “As the number one global toy property, we believe in the importance of highlighting past and modern-day role models, like Eleanor Roosevelt, to inspire the next generation of changemakers to
dream bigger than ever.” The Barbie “Inspiring Women” collection presents historical and present-day role models to a new generation of young girls. Currently, the collection features Amelia Earhart, the first female aviator to fly across the Atlantic Ocean, Frida Kahlo, an artist who gained recognition for her unique style and became a celebrated artist, activist and symbol of strength, and Katherine Johnson, a pioneer in mathematics who broke through barriers of race and gender and joined a pool of women hired by NASA to work as “human computers” to calculate the trajectory of the first American-led flight into space. Other women in the series include singer Ella Fitzgerald, activist Rosa Parks, astronaut Sally
Ride, wildlife conservationist Bindi Irwin and Spanish entrepreneur and fashion designer Vicky Martin Berrocal. Also in honor of this year’s International Women's Day, Barbie also announced the launch of its virtual “You Can Be Anything” series, which prompts young fans to connect with role models like actress Yara Shahidi and fashion model and activist Adwoa Aboah to gain inspiration from as they continue to press forward in making history. Each of these historical dolls will come with educational information about the contributions each woman has made to society and their respective fields. You can find more about the Barbie “Inspiring Women” collection at Barbie.com/rolemodels.