SERVING THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN COMMUNITY SINCE 1900 @THEDAILYTEXAN | THEDAILYTEXAN.COM
TUESDAY, APRIL 3, 2018
VOLUME 118, ISSUE 131
N E WS
O PI N I O N
LI FE&A RTS
SPORTS
Students for Planned Parenthood collect feminine product donations. PAGE 2
Columnists criticize UT’s lack of drug curriculum, SG’s drafting of satirical legislation. PAGE 4
For today’s students, a degree and a decent salary are more seductive than true love. PAGE 8
Texas’ bats prove to be just enough against McNeese State in 5-4 victory. PAGE 6
Online filmmaker creates films that depict black people in unconventional lights. By Jade Fabello
@ jade_fw
Editor’s Note: This is The Daily Texan’s sixth installment of The 5% Project in collaboration with the UT-Austin chapter of National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ).
D
aniel Nkoola, radio-television-film sophomore, shifts the lens through which audiences receive narratives with his humorous and thoughtful online content. The Ugandan-born, Fort Worth native has found viral success in his short film productions. Nkoola’s best-known piece is his edgy spin on the PBS series “Arthur,” which now has over 430,000 views on Twitter. In his short time at UT, Nkoola has produced a variety of other videos, all with careful attention to detail. “When (I) watch movies, I’ve started getting into the habit of asking, ‘Who does this benefit? Who is this for? Who does this serve?’” Nkoola said. Nkoola has meticulously studied the dynamics of modern media. He expressed his dissatisfaction with the harrowing torture that black bodies often experience on the big screen, such as in the films “12 Years a Slave” and “Detroit.” “Usually movies that include things like that are surrendering themselves to the white gaze,” Nkoola said. “Because
we (black people) are not the ones who need to understand what is real.” While he acknowledges the potential value in some of those films, he personally aims to produce content that allows his intended audience to experience levity. Nkoola places a great deal of consideration in how he consumes and, by extension, creates content. While Nkoola’s films are generally more light-hearted, he still accounts for the social dimensions that are at play when it comes to story elements and casting. His Valentine’s Day release deals with the complicated and specific etiquette of millennial dating culture. “Working with Daniel is a great example of working for a true filmmaker because he is so passionate about what he does,” said Abby Goertz, public relations sophomore who starred in the Valentine’s Day video. “Daniel seems like the kind of guy who was born knowing he wanted to do film.” Nkoola has been intereseted in video creation since joining his high school’s AV club, creating videos that would be seen across the school on the morning announcements the next day. “Something about making videos with my friends was super rewarding for me,” Nkoola said. Due to his deep interest in people, Nkoola initially wanted to study psychology. However, he faced the difficult decision that is familiar to many young creatives: pursuing financial stability or taking the more risky path of pursuing art.
NKOOLA page 2
CAMPUS STUDENT GOVERNMENT
Team ColtonMehraz to take office Tuesday, prep for transition By Katie Balevic @katelynbalevic
Colton Becker and Mehraz Rahman will be sworn in Tuesday as the student body president and vice president. After an extended campaign period consisting of three elections, the team is working through the transition period in Student Government, during which one administration passes off its accomplishments, uncompleted initiatives and internal administrative changes to the next one. “This is the transition period, so we’re getting our ducks lined up for the next year,” nutrition senior Becker said. “It’s like syllabus week.”
TRANSITION page 2
UTPD ignites memory of Haruka Weiser with gold flame By Anna Lassmann @annalassmann
Two years after the death of dance freshman Haruka Weiser, the UT Police Department and the Be Safe program graphics are changing their logos to a gold flame to honor Weiser during the month of April. “As is their tradition, Haruka’s family gave her a new name in death, Bright Faith,” said Cindy Posey, UT spokeswoman, in an email. “During the month of April, we turn (the Be Safe) flame gold to represent ‘Bright Faith.’ We think it’s a beautiful tribute.” After Weiser was killed, the Be Safe program was expanded to include the “Walk with Me” campaign. The idea of the campaign is if someone sees another person walking alone, they offer to be there and walk with them. Sylvia Feghali, urban studies junior and Weiser’s former roommate, said Weiser’s life should be remembered by changing campus culture and re-introducing the idea of supporting one another. Feghali said students need to provide
WEISER page 2
mike mcgraw | the daily texan staff Students embrace during a vigil for dance freshman Haruka Weiser after her on-campus death in 2016. UTPD and the Be Safe program are changing their logos this month in honor of Weiser.