The Daily Illini: Women's History Edition 2022 by The Daily Illini

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NEWS

The DI · Wednesday, March 2, 2022

GEO protest sparks police presence By Thomas DeMouy, Vivian La and Willie Cui Staff Writer and Assistant Daytime Editors

The Graduate Employees Organization protested Feb. 23 in response to the University’s changes to campus mask rules that took effect on Monday. According to Owen MacDonald, communications officer for the GEO, the University did not seriously consider the GEO’s concerns in the bargaining process. GEO members protested at Swanlund Administration Building starting at 6:30 a.m., leading up to their bargaining session with University administration. Half a dozen GEO members stood in front of the building’s entrance, blocking access, while a dozen GEO members marched on the sidewalk with signs criticizing the University’s decision to end its mask mandate. According to MacDonald, the University police arrived around 7 a.m. and

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GEO members protest on Feb. 23 in front of Swanlund Administration Building in response to UI lifting the mask mandate.

threatened to arrest those who blocked access to the building. In an email statement, Robin Kaler, associate chancellor for Public Affairs, said that a University staff member was kicked and shoved by GEO protestors. “We have expressed to the GEO leadership our belief that the actions of this morning represent unacceptable behavThe Daily Illini is the independent student newspaper at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. The newspaper is published by the Illini Media Co. The Daily Illini does not necessarily represent, in whole or in part, the views of the University of Illinois administration, faculty or students. All Illini Media Co. and/or The Daily Illini articles, photos and graphics are the property of Illini Media and may not be reproduced or published without written permission from the publisher.

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ior,” Kaler said. MacDonald said the GEO is aware of the allegations and that no battery occurred. Patrick Wade, the communications director for University Police, stated in an email that police told the demonstrators they could continue with the protest, but it is unlawful to block a person’s movement. “Upon speaking with the witnesses, police learned that the demonstrators had made physical contact with at least two (University) employees who attempted to enter the building,” Wade said. According to Wade, the incidents involving physical contact are under investigation. The GEO is demanding that the University provide safe testing policies, access to high-quality N95 or KN95 masks for all campus workers and an extension of the indoor mask mandate. news@dailyillini.com THE

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NEWS

The DI · Wednesday, March 2, 2022

CU community rallies to support Ukraine By Amrita Bhattacharyya and Faith Allendorf News Editor and Features Editor

On Sunday afternoon, yellow and blue colors surrounded Alma Mater. Flags waved in the wind as various posters were presented and words of support for Ukraine were spoken. One phrase in particular was uttered after every speech: “Slava Ukraini,” which translates to “Glory to Ukraine.” In Italy, England and now Champaign, rallies have been held across the world to support Ukraine after Russia’s invasion on Thursday. Ukrainians and allies alike gathered in front of Alma Mater from noon to 1 p.m. to denounce Russian President Vladimir Putin’s attack. Around 250 people were in attendance at the rally hosted by the Ukrainian Student Association, with individuals holding up posters such as “Peace for Ukraine” and “UIUC stands with Ukraine.” The rally began with speeches from members of the community showing solidarity with Ukraine. Gleb Tymoshenko, sophomore in Media and member of the Ukrainian Student Association, kicked off the speeches with a call to stop the war. “We the people are here to support the free and independent country of SYDNEY LAPUT THE DAILY ILLINI Ukraine,” Tymoshenko said. “Our Members of the Ukrainian Student Association sing Ukraine's national anthem in front of Alma Mater on Sunday. parents, family, friends and relatives are hearing sirens, missiles, bullets at this been happening,” Dean said. “I came over moment. Show that peace matters. Say today, because otherwise, I’m just gonna no to senseless war.” sit on Twitter and read Ukrainian news The speakers encouraged attendees to and, like, try to figure out what’s going donate to the Return Alive Foundation, on.” a nonprofit organization that gives Alec Auster, junior in Engineering, equipment to Ukrainian soldiers. stood in front of the Alma Mater, smiling After several speeches, supporters and waving a large blue and yellow banded together to sing Ukraine’s national Ukraine flag to support his family. anthem. “My mom’s Ukrainian,” Auster said. Tymoshenko, who lived in Ukraine until “She’s first-gen. She was born, like, a year he was 13, said he went to support his after my grandma got here. So I’m just country and family. here to support my country, my people “I’m just amazed by seeing all these and also my family for my grandma.” people, all the support,” Tymoshenko said. Auster mentioned Russians are also SYDNEY LAPUT THE DAILY ILLINI Ania Leus, graduate student in affected by Putin’s invasion. He said there A rally attendee holds the Ukrainian flag while Business and treasurer of the Zagloba are many who do not support what the listening to stories from the members of the Polish Club, said it’s important to be an president has done. Ukrainian Student Association on Sunday. ally to Ukraine. “Russian people probably don’t want “We’ve also been in a very similar this,” Auster said. “I highly doubt they The fight for Ukraine is ongoing, and situation with World War II and what do. There are plenty of protests going on those who are directly affected, like not, so also always want to come out there.” Dean, said witnessing what Putin is doing and support our fellow neighbors,” said Dean said there are misconceptions to their country is devastating. Leus. about the strength of Ukranians — that “It’s a really emotional thing to me Laura Dean, professor of political the country is a lot stronger than meets because I lived there,” Dean said. science at Millikin University, made an the eye. “Watching bombs come down on a place hour-long drive to Champaign to join “My students are always like ‘Is there that I used to live in was just, really the rally. Dean said she and her husband going to be boots on the ground?” Dean difficult.” SYDNEY LAPUT THE DAILY ILLINI lived in Ukraine up until 2013, before the said. “They want us (the U.S.) to fight?’ An individual holds a sign in support of Russo-Ukrainian war began. And I’m like ‘No they can clearly handle abhatt52@dailyillini.com Ukraine during a rally at Alma Mater on “I’m shocked and appalled at what’s themselves.’” faithaa2@dailyillini.com Sunday.

LIFE & CULTURE

The DI · Wednesday, March 2, 2022

University Black Chorus harmonizes community By Azucena Gama and Fizza Hassan Staff Writers

As she ascends to the director’s podium, Ollie Watts Davis, professor in FAA, taps her conductor’s baton against the music stand before raising her arms and moving them in a smooth, oceanic cue. Voices fill the auditorium and chills crescendo through the audience as they listen to the vocal art of the Black Chorus. Known for their commitment to music and service, the Black Chorus has been on campus for 54 years. The choir, conducted by Ollie Watts Davis, has been an influential experience for members since the original four founders put together the organization in 1968. Now, the Black Chorus is an RSO and a credited academic class in FAA. The choir was founded during an important aspect of University history. The four original members of the Black Chorus were involved in Project 500, a late 1960s activist movement encouraging diversity on campus. Anybody–regardless of race, gender and major–can join the choir. Over 80 participants are currently singing in

the group, representing Black, Latinx and white singers. Gabrielle Dagher, senior in LAS and a member of the choir, said that her favorite part about the Black Chorus is how diverse it is. “One beautiful thing about how Black chorus kind of just merges all races and nationalities,” Dagher said. “It speaks through music, and no matter what race or what background represents you, the music can always speak to you, and the music can always inspire you.” The music they perform ranges from traditional African anthems, soul music, blues and jazz to modern pop music. Regardless of the genre they sing, Brein Mosely, choir member and graduate student in LAS, said Davis directs with African American-influenced teaching methods. “The music of Black Americans details our struggle as well as our perseverance,” Mosely said. “Simply being at Illinois can be challenging at times, and external circumstances that students experience can make it even more challenging.”

PHOTO COURTESY OF @UIBLACKCHORUS INSTAGRAM

The Black Chorus Signature Voices prepare to sing the national anthem and ªLift Every Voice and Singº during the men's basketball game on Jan. 17. The RSO has been on campus since 1968 and is open for anyone to join.

What they sing also depends on the venue and event. Earlier this year on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the Black Chorus was asked to sing at the Illinois vs. Purdue basketball game. At the game, they sang “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” a Black hymn. They also performed the national anthem. The choir performs throughout the

whole school year. They participate in a fall concert, a Mom’s Weekend event in the spring and Davis’ Black Sacred Music Symposium, which is a biennial event. The Black Chorus also does community events for nonprofit organizations, and they have performed at University events such as singing at Welcome Week. “We are citizens of the ChampaignUrbana campus and community, so we are asked to participate in some of the local events. We have some for charity, a nonprofit organization. We have some benefit concerts for our safe house, which is a substance abuse-free environment,” Davis said. Davis said that whenever something happens in the community, the choir is eager to lend their voices as a helping hand. “Whenever something tragic happens on our campus or in our community, we are really eager to be part of the healing process, so we do run out to our local schools sometimes and even campus events,” Davis said. gama3@dailyillini.com fhassan3@dailyillini.com

The DI · Wednesday, March 2, 2022

University celebrates Women's History Month UI organizations host themed events throughout March By Mona Alrazzaq, Aliza Majid and Vivian La Assistant News Editor and Assistant Daytime Editors

For Women’s History Month, the University is celebrating the accomplishments of women with programming involving guest speakers, roundtable discussions and other events. A student planning team that acts as an advisory committee alongside the Women’s Resources Center assisted in planning these events and social media campaigns. The theme for the events this year is “Revealing Untold Stories: Envisioning New Futures.” “There’s a really rich history of women-identified individuals making life-changing contributions, whether that’s on this University of Illinois campus, our local community, [or] society at large. Women have a huge impact,” said Kasey Umland, interim director of the Women’s Resources Center. Mearieta Clemente, junior in LAS, highlights that these events help celebrate women on campus as it inspires students in that major pursuing those interests to admire at all the things they’ve done. “I know I love hearing my professors talk about their work and see how I could be a part of that one day,” she added. Although many programs are sponsored by the Women’s Resources Center, a wide range of organizations and entities are also contributing to the events. These organizations include the Asian American Cultural Center, Champaign-Urbana Cyclists and the Champaign Public Library. On International Women’s Day, which is next Tuesday, 12 individuals from the campus and local communities will share stories about women in their lives that changed their world, according to Antoinette Burton, director of the Humanities Research Institute. The event will be hosted by the HRI and the Women & Gender in Global

Perspectives Program at the Levis Faculty Center at 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Guests include Jacki Thompson Rand, the new associate vice chancellor for Native Affairs, Carol Ammons, Illinois state representative and Dawn Blackman, steward of the Randolph Street Community Garden. “We usually get a really great audience because everybody who works in that person’s office comes to see what they’re gonna say,” Burton said. The past two years of the pandemic have highlighted existing inequities, especially within research institutions like the University. “The pandemic fed on underlying conditions of inequality,” Burton said. “Women of color continue to be double burdened by everything about the way the university system is organized.” Clemente said she sympathizes with this sentiment as a woman of color in her major as it has been a long-standing issue she has been attempting to overcome. “I like to make my voice and myself seen in different fields,” Clemente said. “To have that accomplishment, especially in my major, which used to be a very male-dominated field, and only in recent years have they seen a big shift toward becoming more femaledominated. I think that’s really cool and I want to be part of that.” Most recently, Burton said the invasion of Ukraine will undoubtedly impact women and children disproportionately because “war always does.” The diverse range of topics that will be covered through events held both virtually and in person reflect the topics the advisory panel felt were specifically important to highlight, according to Umland. A key takeaway Umland said she hopes the student body gains from these programs is to help folks to understand the ways in which women are able to accomplish things despite the ways in which they have been oppressed because of their gender identities. “History is an evolving process; we’re living in a moment in history right now, today,” Umland said. “We also wanted to emphasize a hopeful celebratory aspect of looking at women today who are making history,” monaa2@dailyillini.com TESS LANTZ THE DAILY ILLINI

The DI · Wednesday, March 2, 2022

Local women business owners share their strategies for success Andrea Hunt Owner of the CU flower house

The number of women-owned businesses in the United States continues to rise, but gaps between male and female wages—as well as funding for women-owned businesses—persist. According to the Pew Research Center, women earned 84% of what men earned in 2020. In everyday life, women make more money-related decisions for their families than men, and women drive 70-80% of all consumer purchasing. In the Champaign-Urbana area, female-owned business are relatively easy to find, and each woman behind a bussiness has her own story and talents. Buzz spoke with a handful of those women, both in honor of Women’s History Month and to acknowledge the steps taken by women entrepreneurs since they gained the right to open a bank account in the 1960s and the right to receive a business loan without a male co-signer in 1988.

“It is an incredible time to be alive and a woman. We are, somewhat smoothly, sailing down the path that was paved for us by courageous and driven women. We are so lucky to have these opportunities because of their tenacity and perseverance. I honestly have not run into any obstacles that I could not overcome or accomplish; I know that wasn’t always the case.”

buzz@readbuzz.com

PHOTO COURTESY OF ANDREA HUNT

“It should be easier for all women, or anyone who wants to help support women to shop women-owned, women-run, women-founded (businesses) with ease, and right now, it’s so difficult to do that in your everyday experience, and so I know that that’s why we need to keep doing what we’re doing to make that more simple and simplified and accessible, make it much more accessible for everyone.” – Kelly O’Neill

PHOTO COURTESY OF KATE WILKEN

Debbie Skaggs Owner and founder of Angel Paws Grooming and Pet Sitting “I’ve had a few setbacks, but I am a strong, independent woman. If I had something bad happen, like a bad review, I tried to contact the client about what we did wrong, but some people you just cannot please. And, I just kept on persevering, like, didn’t ever give up.” PHOTO COURTESY OF WHITNEY HUDSPATH

Kathy Thomas-Stagg Owner of T-Stagg Photography “I live in such an amazingly supportive and informative community of women creatives, other entrepreneurs, who value raising women up and empowering them with information and opportunity, that it’s made this journey, while still difficult, rich with experience.” PHOTO COURTESY OF KATHY THOMAS-STAGG

“I have three kids, two of which are girls, and they’re five and seven, and they watch me all the time. I never realized how much they’re watching but they are. And they’re watching me kind of navigate this world of being a business owner, and they’re really curious about it. And I love talking to them about what it means to own a business, to show them that they can try something and fail and that’s OK.”

“I have researched and done all this stuff by myself on top of being a mom and trying to balance that and everything that my kids have gone on, and I work at school during the day, too. And I’m here for these kids and my teacher friends too. Honestly, sometimes I get kind of overwhelmed by it, but at the same time I am so strong.” PHOTO COURTESY OF JESSICA NEMECZ

“We want everything we do in our business to be elevating women, business owners and leaders in their businesses. We want to open the doors and hold them open for additional women to come through,” said Bruno. “And so, when I think about what it means to be a woman business owner, what it means to me is to not only fight for my own goals but to fight for the goals of other people, too.” – Cynthia Bruno

“Our daughter now is almost 11, and she, all of her life, has known me as a business woman and neuropsychologist that people and kids come to, and I think about what this means for her. And I just think it gives her the view that really anything is possible – I’m hoping that’s the view that she has – that anything she sets her mind to, irregardless of gender, she can do.”

Whitney Hudspath Owner and founder of WhitneyNicole Creations

“I do think women look at business probably differently in a lot of aspects and that may be different for every woman, bringing in their unique diversity. For me, that’s bringing in a lot of nurturing and putting people first.”

Cynthia Bruno and Kelly O'Neill Founders of Miss Market and Girls Go For It

Kate Wilken 0wner and founder of Apricity Ink

PHOTO COURTESY OF JENNIFER IMIG HUFFMAN

Jessica Nemecz Co-owner of Two Roads Wellness Clinic

PHOTO COURTESY OF CYNTHIA BRUNO AND KELLY O'NEILL

Jennifer Imig Huffman Owner and founder of The ABLE Center

PHOTO COURTESY OF KENNYETHIA ROBICHEAUX

PHOTO COURTESY OF DEBBIE SKAGGS

Kennyethia Robicheaux Owner and founder of KL Jewelry and Accessories

Emily Young Founder, director and CEO at Empowhered Apparel

“I pride myself on being a women’s business owner, especially, I’m African American on top of this, so I’m proud of that aspect of it and knowing that I’m able to do something to pass down to my kids, to pass down to my daughter.”

“Being able to be a woman in this field and really be able to connect with women and make them feel comfortable in doing something they might not feel comfortable doing is really important to me.”

Read more profiles online

OPINIONS

The DI · Wednesday, March 2, 2022

Maria, a boundary-breaking mother of four By Jude Race Columnist

As a child, it’s difficult to fathom the depths of a mother’s sacrifices. That’s why I interviewed my mom, Maria. I wanted to better understand her experiences both as a woman and mother in the male-dominated world of science and engineering. Born in 1962 to a working-class family, Maria grew up in an era when girls were still funneled into nursing, teaching and homemaking. But Jeanette, my grandma, was hellbent on Maria breaking the mold — she would succeed and be better than any man could be at anything. With Jeanette pushing her, Maria did all she could to be tougher and smarter than the boys. The older she got, though, the crueler the boys became. With adolescence came sexual harassment. Girls were put in one of two categories — “provacative” or “prude” — and either way they had targets on their backs. Maria was no exception; she had to deal with harassment through middle school, high school, college and beyond. Still, she shattered what everyone in her town thought a poor girl could do — graduating high school and moving on

to study physics at Purdue University. In college, Maria was the only woman in most of her classes. A professor once told her she didn’t belong there since she’d probably just get married and become a housewife anyway. Like she said, “It was a hazing.” After finishing her degree at the University, she began working in environmental sustainability. But even in professional settings, co-workers harassed her. At the Department of Energy, her boss hit on her constantly. To get to some parts of the building, she had to walk through a locker room where men had pinned up pornography. “A culture of sexual harassment with everybody involved,” was how she described it. Maria had to be twice as tough and devoted as the men were to prove her worth, but they still interrupted her, mansplained and took credit for her work. One employer even tried withholding her maternity leave payments while paying men for their medical leave — her boss’s secretary made sure she got paid, though. With my three brothers and I, she

began a difficult balancing act between motherhood and work. Fortunately, she had my dad, who supported her career pursuits, and our babysitter, Loreta, who was like a second mother in our house. When I was in kindergarten, Maria sent “The New York Times” a letter to the editor describing her routine: “Getting up at 5 a.m. to make lunches and start getting kids ready for school; going to work at 6:40 a.m., returning home at 6 p.m. to help make dinner, spend time with everyone and help with homework, put kids to bed, then work from 9 to 11 on stuff that didn’t get done at work....” None of this is to mention that my brothers had learning disabilities, my dad went on frequent business trips and she still had to prove herself to sexist colleagues. She called it, “Burning the candle at both ends.” What an understatement. Her advice to women considering careers in science and engineering? Find a female mentor, make alliances, never apologize, don’t let men interrupt you and don’t be afraid to interrupt men — I can personally attest she’s great at that last one. In seriousness, though, she’s proven she can handle more than any man

PHOTO COURTESY OF MARIA RACE

University alumna Maria Race, mother of columnist Jude Race, talks about her experiences as a woman in science and engineering.

could. I know Grandma Jeanette would be proud if she could see Maria now. And while I don’t know how she managed it all, I do know my mom is a hero in my book. Jude is a senior in LAS. jdrace2@dailyillini.com

The DI · Wednesday, March 2, 2022

Feminist RSO teaches young women to `girl up' By Jacqui Nguyen Staff Writer

As a life-long passionate advocate for gender equality, Erin Kravchick, senior in LAS, wanted to join an RSO dedicated to protecting and demanding women’s rights. Luckily for Kravchick, she found exactly what she wanted: Girl Up UIUC. Girl Up is a global movement created by the United Nations to empower and guide young women on their journeys to become leaders. The University chapter of Girl Up was founded in 2017. Kravchick joined the RSO during Quad Day her freshman year and would later become president. Although she is no longer in a leadership position, she still remains an avid member of GirlUp. According to Kravchick, even though there have been many advancements within the past few years, gender inequality is still an issue that impacts society in overlooked ways. “I think a lot of people think that it isn’t an issue anymore, but that’s not true,” Kravchick said. Kravchick wanted to get more involved in spreading awareness and talking about women’s issues; Girl Up has provided a comfortable space for her and the rest of Girl Up’s members to do so. “Whether as a general member or as a member of the executive board, Girl Up has worked so hard to create an environment that fosters learning

where it’s OK to ask questions and have your ideas challenged,” Kravchick said. During Girl Up’s bi-monthly meetings, members discuss a variety of topics ranging from period inequality to the fashion industry. Emphasis is placed on intersectionality and the inclusivity of everyone’s perspectives. “We talk about a lot of topics and do events that are very interesting and inspiring to me,” said Haley Smith, junior in AHS and the vice president of Advocacy in Girl Up. “It’s just something that I really like to talk about and feel strongly about.” In addition to discussion-based meetings, Girl Up focuses on educating its members through presentations and hosting events. Recently, they held an annual self-defense class, participated in the campus Women’s March this past October, held feminine hygiene product drives and more. Outside of its follower base, Girl Up has also had a large impact on the campus community. Through outreach events and collaborations with other organizations, Girl Up has been able to create a community that promotes gender equality. The RSO has met with organizations such as the Society of Women Engineers and the Illinois Student Government to discuss how to further promote gender equality in various ways. “When people know your name, there are more opportunities to collaborate with different RSOs,” Kravchick said.

CAMERON KRASUCKI THE DAILY ILLINI

Erin Kravchick, senior in LAS, is a current member and former president of the RSO Girl Up UIUC. The group was founded in 2017 and empowers women to take on leadership roles. “It’s important to create a community of RSOs that are like-minded in terms of equality.” Smith said she joined Girl Up last semester after transferring from her community college. Throughout high school, she was part of Girl Up and participated in activities and fundraisers that raised money for different women’s issues. There were not many organizations that dealt with womens’ issues at her community college. So when Smith came to the University, she was excit-

ed to find Girl Up during Quad Day last fall. “Being on campus, I was new and didn’t know a lot of people. It was a good way to make me feel a part of the school even though it’s a smaller club,” Smith said. During her time on the executive board, Kravchick focused on growing Girl Up’s membership to create a larger environment of learning and growth. She also emphasized reaching out to college officials and community organizations to promote awareness throughout campus. Maggie Katsoudas, junior in LAS and the current president, hopes to continue this mission. “It’s important that we create a safe environment for people to talk about what’s going on, share their experiences and also learn about issues they didn’t know about before,” Katsoudas said. As March marks the beginning of Women’s History Month, Girl Up is collaborating with another RSO — She’s the First — to host a presentation and discussion about women in education. Everybody, whether a member or not, is invited to learn, offer different perspectives and listen to one another. “Girl Up has reached some really high places,” Kravchick said. “Within the school and community, we want to help out in any way we can and we are trying our best to make a difference.” jnguye75@dailyillini.com

COLUMN

Passionate sports fans are no different than fangirls By Sanchita Teeka Columnist

Thousands of screaming fans wait for the doors to open, decked out in colorful clothes, with paint all over their faces, jumping up and down waiting to see their idols perform in person. How did you picture those fans? Did you imagine them as so-called fangirls or sports fans? Would your attitude change depending on which one? Most likely, yes. If the idea in your mind was a fangirl, you might have rolled your eyes thinking of a group of teenage girls screaming at the top of their lungs for a boy band. If the idea in your mind was a sports fan, you might have pictured something completely different — maybe respectable men with a

passion for American football. While in essence, both groups of people are the same, our society perceives fangirls as embarrassing and less respectable than sports fans. The basis of this difference in perception doesn’t lie in anything but sexism. Because we associate these fans of musicians or bands with femininity, they are then associated with being “less than” or embarrassing. On the other hand, being a sports fan is associated with masculinity and is considered acceptable. A common argument is that fangirls waste their money, making them less respectable than sports fans. However, if it comes down to “wasting” money, it’s a pretty equal comparison looking at football fans and K-pop fans, both arguably the most intense of each

category. According to a study conducted by LendingTree, one out of four consumers said it’s somewhat likely that they would go into credit card debt due to football spending, and 27 percent of football fans said they would spend over $1,000 for football this year, including tickets and merchandise. iPrice Group, a Southeast Asian e-commerce aggregator, compiled data and found the average amount a K-pop superfan spends ranges from $665 to $1,422 for tickets, albums and other merchandise. Both of these findings show that fans of either interest are spending around the same amount of money. Thus, the difference in attitude doesn’t actually have anything to do with money spent.

Another common argument made against fangirls is that their “obsession” is unhealthy or crazy, but the same level of “obsession,” if not more, is seen in sports fans. For example, after the 2018 Super Bowl, fans of both the Eagles and the Patriots rioted in the streets in happiness and anger. The narrative is spun around a double standard lacking any sound reasoning. There is no question that this difference in respectability toward each interest is guided by inherent sexism. The purpose of highlighting this difference is to treat all types of fans with equal respect. Let people enjoy things without feeling shame or embarrassment. Sanchita is a freshman in LAS. steeka2@dailyillini.com

BUZZ

The DI · Wednesday, March 2, 2022

CBDB rocks Urbana with signature `joyfunk' sound By Gina Jagminas Contributing Writer

It felt like summer in NOLA’s Rock Bar on an otherwise quiet and cold day last week in Urbana, as a rock band filled the room with the warm notes of bass guitars, drums and the saxophone. Formed in 2011 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, CBDB is a progressive rock band composed of members Cy Simonton, Kris Gottlieb, Glen Dillard, Blake Gallant and Chris Potocik. They are the self-proclaimed creators of “joyfunk,” a somewhat confusing genre name that actually fits their music quite well when you hear it. Currently embarking on their U.S. tour, the band stopped in Urbana Feb. 22 before moving on to Peoria, Chicago and further north into the Midwest. CBDB has garnered a steady and loyal fanbase over the years, a few of whom were at Tuesday night’s show. One had driven almost four hours from northern Illinois to see the band. Another, visiting the area from Alabama, said he saw them at a show a

SYDNEY LAPUT THE DAILY ILLINI

Cy Simonton sings with at NOLA's Rock Bar on Feb. 22 in Urbana.

couple of years before and decided to stop by another one when he heard they were performing. Jumping right into their set, the band started with “How Long…,” the soft and melodic single from their 2012

debut album, “Phone.Keys.Wallet.” The song was a great introduction to music for those who may not have heard it before. It represented that signature joyfunk mixed with a classic rock sound. “Where are we? Urbana, right?” frontman Simonton joked as he introduced the band. “I think I want to stay here,” Simonton said. “Urbana. It’s got a nice ring to it.” An enthusiastic man at the bar responded, “We won’t stop you!” followed by laughs from the band and cheers from the rest of the crowd. After a few songs, Simonton asked the crowd for any they wanted to hear. A couple sitting close to the stage yelled, “Slow Foxes!” This request for one of their most popular songs was met with immediate applause from the rest of the fans in the bar, which got even louder as the opening notes played. CBDB lived up to their progressive rock moniker, adding depth to a more traditional style with the inclusion of the saxophone, keyboard and their signature funk riffs.

In each of their songs, the band was constantly including variations of the original recording. A saxophone solo, an additional bridge or a quick but smooth transition into a new song all created a different experience than simply listening through headphones or even seeing them at another venue. During a break in the set about halfway through, some of the band members came off the stage to talk to fans, a couple of whom bonded over past shows that they had also seen. For the rest of the set, they went on to perform songs that showcased their wide range. Some were softer, relying on the sax and keyboard, while others, like “Opelika Yella,” were heavy on the guitar and drums. Regardless of the song, the band managed to keep everyone in the crowd excited, as more people came closer to the stage as the set went on. This show was part of the Summer Camp Saturdays series, with concerts happening every Saturday at NOLA’s Rock Bar. ginamj2@readbuzz.com

SPORTS

The DI · Wednesday, March 2, 2022

Vickery shows leadership through `God-given talents' By Jackson Janes Sports Editor

Redshirt sophomore outfielder Jaelyn Vickery is not known for being vocal or yelling on the bench. Playing center field, a position that inherently calls for a leader on the field, Vickery instead leads by example through her strong work ethic and all-around talent and skill. When called into head coach Tyra Perry’s office at the end of last season, Vickery was tasked with taking on a more advanced leadership role. Despite only having one full season of experience under her belt, the redshirt sophomore was not surprised when she pushed to take on additional responsibilities. “I knew within myself that I was capable of adopting that because I’ve been a leader and a captain on my high school teams,” Vickery said. “It’s very different in college because every single player is very good, … but I wasn’t surprised when she told me to step up into more of a leadership role and kind of bring the intensity and filter it out throughout the entire team. I was just like, ‘OK, let’s go,’ and I think it’s gone well so far.” Perry has end-of-year meetings with all of her players, using the time to reflect on the past season on a more personal and individual level. Though she had dozens of conversations, her meeting with Vickery stuck out. “If you see her, she’s strong, very confident, fast,” Perry said. “She has the softball IQ, she has the leadership abilities. As far as talent goes, she’s the type of kid you want in your corner on your team. You definitely don’t want to face her. The conversation was more just in regards to her working hard to make sure that at the end of her career, she has completely maximized all of her God-given talents and abilities and that she’s just constantly looking to become the best player that she could possibly be.” As a freshman, Vickery did not see the field the same as others before her. Ashe sat through injury during the first month of the 2020 season, which was eventually canceled in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Without any college experience, the Kankakee native was thrust into the starting lineup in 2021 as a redshirt freshman, which gave her the ability to be named to the conference’s allfreshman team. “My coach actually told me, because

THE DAILY ILLINI FILE PHOTO

Jaelyn Vickery cheers on her teammates during a match against Purdue on April 16. Vickery talks about growing into a leadership position within her team and obtaining Second-Team All Big Ten honors. I was one of the only true freshmen who redshirted since I had an injury, she told me a week after we were on our first Florida trip and we beat Michigan and I played well against them, and she told me, ‘We’re gonna redshirt you, so you’re gonna make

the All-Freshman Team,’” Vickery said. “So it’s a week after playing, she’s telling me I have to make the All-Freshman Team, and I was like, ‘Oh, OK,’ but I honestly just cleared it from my mind and decided I just gotta keep playing.”

Making her debut on Feb. 26, 2021, Vickery registered two hits and a run batted in her first college game before notching a career-high three hits the next day. The center fielder continued her strong start into the rest of the season, finishing her first full campaign by playing all 44 games and recording a .306 batting average, 37 hits, seven doubles, two home runs and 16 RBIs. Those stats, along with strong defensive numbers, earned her Second-Team All-Big Ten honors. “It means so much because my journey and just overall relationship with softball has been pretty intense just because coming in as a true freshman and having our season cut off without ever seeing the field,” Vickery said. “I was anticipated to be one of the hottest prospects in the game, and then all of a sudden we’re cut off, and I wasn’t even sure if I was ever going to play softball ever again.” She has continued that success into the start of the 2022 season, recording a hit in eight of the Illini’s first 10 games. Vickery also has already equaled her home run total (two) from last season, both of which came in the Arkansas Invitational on Feb. 19 and 20. The big weekend helped her secure her first Co-Big Ten Player of the Week honors, sharing the feat with Nebraska sophomore infielder Sydney Gray. “To get that recognition, just it honestly recognizes not only the work I’ve done but that my coaches and my team have put into me of just working on staying relaxed at the plate and throughout the game,” Vickery said. “It means a lot because it means I’m one of the hottest players right off the bat, and honestly I definitely wanna just keep it going. “It was cool to get Player of the Week, but I would’ve traded it for more team wins because at the end of the day it’s the W that matters the most.” Illinois sits at 6-4 with ranked wins over No. 14 Louisiana State and No. 10 Arkansas already on its resume. The Illini return to action this weekend in Louisville, where they will face Hofstra, Louisville and Western Michigan over the course of two days of competition on Saturday and Sunday. @JacksonJanes3 janes6@dailyillini.com

The DI · Wednesday, March 2, 2022