Vol. 81, No. 5 Serving Kilgore College since 1936
October 13 , 2017
Lives in limbo
Immigrants dream of resolution under undecided policy This is the first part of an ongoing series exploring the situation involving the expiration of DACA and its various implications for KC students. Additional installments will appear in future issues of The Flare. LONNIE ROSS • Page Editor During the then-candidate,
2016 presidential campaign, Donald
Trump
discussed
his plans to discard the Deferred Action for Children Arrivals program as part of a tough immigration stance aimed at his base
The Dreamers Part 1
anxiously for President Trump’s decision regarding the future of the program. Protests are currently still taking place in cities around America to keep this program. During a press conference on Sept. 5, Attorney General Jeff Sessions said “The program known as
(DACA) that was effective under former President Barack Obama Administration is being rescinded.” He continued by stating that…
“the
Department
of
Justice
has
advised the President and the Department of Homeland Security that DHS should begin an orderly, lawful wind-down, including the cancellation of the memo that authorized this program.” October polls show that 60 percent of Americans favor allowing See DACA on Page 3
supporters. Eight months after he took office, DACA
participants
waited
DID YOU KNOW? The state of Texas has 124,300 DACA recipients. Photo illustration by: Allison Taliaferro / THE FLARE
Flare sweeps TCCJA Publication racks up 30th sweepstakes win FROM STAFF REPORTS The Flare newspaper won sweepstakes for the 30th time in the last 31 years at the Texas Community College Journalism Association’s (TCCJA) annual fall meeting and competition Oct. 6-7 at the University of Texas at Arlington. The KC newspaper staff also earned first place in Overall Excellence for its print edition and second in Overall
Excellence for the Flare Magazine during the canned competition. Sarah Redford, White Oak sophomore, took second place in copy editing during the on-site contests. TCCJA is made up of 16 member colleges with eight colleges in each division, as determined by enrollment for newspaper competition. All magazines compete against each other in an open division. Entries submitted
to the canned competition include items published from fall 2016 to spring 2017. The Flare’s adviser is Rachel Stallard and O. Rufus Lovett is the photography adviser. Stallard and Lovett are coadvisers on The Flare Magazine. Meaghan Morton, of Trinidad, was the 2016-17 Flare editor and Timothy Stuckey, of White Oak, edited The Flare Magazine. See TCCJA on Page 3
T-shirt swap new for Homecoming FROM STAFF REPORTS KC will have its first-ever T-shirt Trade-Out During Homecoming Week, students are asked to bring a T-shirt from their high school, university/college or their hometown. Students should bring these shirts to the residential life (housing) office and in exchange, they will receive a KC Homecoming 2017 T-shirt. All T-shirts collected
will be donated to a local rescue mission. With Homecoming week approaching, the Student Government Association has several events planned for the student body. Homecoming Week is set for Oct. 16-21. The week will be capped off by the football game See HOMECOMING on Page 3
THE FLARE
PAGE 2 n FRIDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2017
FACE IN THE CROWD
SCOTTY LAVERN Hometown: White Oak Age: 21 Major: Business Interests: Video design and calisthenics. Hobbies: Breakdance, Acrobatics, YouTube, and Piano Favorite Music Type: ‘50s and ‘60s doo wop and Classic Rock.
Brooke Harris / THE FLARE
Major goal you wish to accomplish at KC: Other than graduating, I would like to have the chance to meet new people and make new friends. Most
importantly, I want to make great memories here, and to develop better character and skills that will overall make me a better person. If I could leave a positive mark on KC, that would be icing on the cake. Favorite quotes: Benjamin Franklin once said, “Failing to prepare, is preparing to fail.” This quote will help make college a lot less stressful if you take this one to heart.
WOW! That’s cool
The other was by Julius Caesar and he said, “Cowards die many times before their deaths, but the valiant never taste of death but once.” This means when someone wants to do something, but they are too scared to try or take action. A little piece of them dies every time. Do not be afraid to go after your goals and dreams, because you might as well be dead if you let doubt and fear live your life.
By The Numbers
13
n Today is Friday the 13th, a date of significant superstition for some, and a day to avoid machetes and hockey masks.
23
n Two new eight-week online courses will start Oct. 23: MATH 1342 W03 Elementary Statistical Methods will be taught by Sarah Booker. PHYS 1404 LW1L Solar System Lab, to be taken with PHYS 1404 W01 Solar System will be taught by Jennifer Belew. Check with advisers to sign up.
Elizabeth Lumpkin / THE FLARE
Cynthia Mathis, mother of Alex Mathis, holds a hand boiler, demonstrating what body heat can do during “Chemistry is Fun” day at the Longview World of Wonders Science Museum. KC Chemistry instructors performed hands-on activities for children and their parents. They will host another day of live demonstrations at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 4, at the Museum at 112. E. Tyler St. in Longview.
No lie: Pinocchio opens Oct. 24 MOISES ELA NCHAMA Staff Writer
IF YOU GO
The Children’s Opera will present “Pinocchio” by Denise Page Caraher in Dodson Auditorium. It is the story of a wooden boy as seen through the eyes of his creator, Gepetto. The play focuses on the importance of telling the truth and examines the strong connection between a father and his son. There are two different casts, which prevents anyone from having to do two performances on the same day. The cast is:
Upcoming Music Department events
Pinocchio – Alexis Chandler and Julia Fulgham Gepetto – Jacob Cartwright and Zachary Hinson Conscience Cricket – Shauntrell Johnson and Carson Owens Blue Fairy – Georgia Shelton and Taylor Radford Cat – Hayli Hughes and Hannah Palmer Fox – Victoria Gannon and Keila Reyes Viking Lady – Brandon Hence and Christian Mata
n Children’s Opera, Pinocchio 9 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 26, Dodson Auditorium
All the performances are free and open to the public. Groups of 10 or more are asked to call or email to reserve seats. More than 2100 reservations have already been made with students coming from Pine Tree, Kilgore, West Rusk and Gladewater ISDs. “I hope we get to continue presenting an opera for children. It is a wonderful opportunity for our students to perform on stage
n KC Choir — 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 19, Van Cliburn Auditorium n Children’s Opera, Pinocchio7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 24, Dodson Auditorium
KC was recently named one of 150 community colleges eligible to compete for the 2019 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, the nation’s signature recognition of high achievement and performance in America’s community colleges. For the third prize cycle in a row, KC was selected from a pool of nearly 1,000 public two-year
Comic Book Club available The KC Comic Book Club meets at 2 p.m. Wednesdays in the Randolph C. Watson Library. It is a small group who meet once a week to discuss comic books/graphic novels and the movies and television programs associated with them. “When the college went through the last SACS accreditation process, the Quality Enhancement Plan motto was set as ‘Give Reading Its Priority.’ The library saw comic books and graphic novels as a way to get more students reading who might not be interested in regular books. So, we increased the number of these items available for patrons to read. This, in turn, encouraged students to join the KCCBC to discuss what they had read,” said Susan C. Wilson, public services librarian and KCCBC faculty sponsor. For more information about meetings and when the next meeting will be you can reach out to Wilson via her email: swilson@kilgore.edu.
n Children’s Opera, Pinocchio 9 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 25, Dodson Auditorium
n Children’s Opera, Pinocchio 1 p.m. Friday, Oct. 27, Dodson Auditorium n KC Choir - Christmas Concert 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 30, Van Cliburn Auditorium n KC Choir - Ahmal and the Night, 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 8, First Presbyterian Church
and children are a wonderful and enthusiastic audience,” said Dr. Zachary Marshall, Chorale director. Anyone wanting to join the KC chorale should contact Dr. Mary Heiden by email or call 903-9838120. The next open audition will be held on spring 2018.
colleges nationwide to compete for the $1 million Aspen Prize. Awarded every two years since 2011, the Aspen Prize recognizes institutions with outstanding achievements in four areas: learning; certificate and degree completion; employment and earnings; and high levels of access and success for minority and lowincome students. “With the progressive vision of our board of trustees and a lot of
n Jessica Tidwell will talk about the nursing profession 1-2:30 p.m. and 3-4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 17 at Watson Library as a part of the continuing “Day in the Life” lecture series.
NELDA TURNER Staff Writer
KC among 150 CCs eligible for $1M Aspen Prize FROM STAFF REPORTS
17
hard work by our faculty, staff and administrators, we are excited to be honored for our achievements in these four cornerstones of our mission,” said Dr. Brenda Kays, KC president. “We are quite pleased once again to be one of the 150 institutions recognized by the Aspen Institute.” KC will move forward to the next round of the competition for the Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence by submitting
an application to be reviewed through a rigorous evaluation for a spot on the top ten Aspen Prize finalists list. Top ten finalists will be named in May 2018. The Aspen Institute will then conduct site visits to each of the finalists and collect additional quantitative data. A distinguished Prize Jury will select a grand prize winner, finalist(s) with distinction, and rising star(s) in spring 2019.
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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2017 n PAGE 3
KC hits reset on program Office professional program gains new moniker as Business Computer Office Management LUCAS STROUGH Digital Content Editor The Office Professional program at KC Longview is now known as Business Computer Office Management as the majority of courses in the program have a strong focus on computer applications. This is not the first name change for the office training program. There has been some form of professional office training program at KC since the college first opened in 1935 and the name has been amended over the years to reflect the changing nature of office work environments. Despite the most recent name change, the courses available through the current BCOM program have not been modified and they remain focused on preparing students to handle any task in a modern office with confidence, whether they are completing workplace responsibilities or managing other employees. As with many courses at KC, the students enrolled in the BCOM program come from a variety of backgrounds. “Some students are first-time students and some others are making a career change. There is nothing you can do without these skills and students with an office management education will not be limited,” Molly Reavis, program director, said. Obtaining a fulfilling and
rewarding career is the primary goal in the BCOM program and the coursework is designed to help students prepare for long-term employment. Students learn skills that help them communicate in a professional manner over the telephone, how to handle a customer service position, be successful in an interview and how to create a professional portfolio. In the third semester of the BCOM program take a Job Search Skills course which teaches them the best strategies for finding a career. The program also features an internship program for those pursuing an associate’s degree this allows them to gain additional work experience. Many graduates of the BCOM program students have found gainful employment in local police departments, medical centers and professional offices. Some graduates have found careers in education at KC Longview where they now help new students learn the skills that helped them advance their own careers. Rosemary Owens used the skills she learned in the program to transition to a new career as a Support Specialist for KCPD. “In 2005 I was working for GE when they moved the plant to Mexico,” Owens said. “They gave us a choice. We could become a displaced worker or enter a retraining program and go to college. I had never thought
about college, I didn’t really use computers but I wanted to get out of the factory.” In the program, Owens learned proper phone etiquette, management skills and became proficient with computers. Owens worked hard in the BCOM program and found her way to success, earning a 4.0 GPA before graduating and working part-time in Longview. She was hired at the purchasing department at KC, where she worked for six years, and eventually was hired by KCPD where she has worked for the past four years. “It opened a lot of doors,” Owens said. “Now I have choices, not chances. I hire, I fire, I oversee other workers and I work with other local police departments.” Reavis is confident in the abilities of her students and believes that the BCOM program builds an excellent pathway to employment. Regarding people who may want to enroll in the program, Reavis said “I’d be thrilled if they’d contact me. I would be happy to sit down and talk to them. We do put people to work.” To learn more, anyone interested in the BCOM program may contact program director Molly Reavis by phone at 903- 236-2010 or by email at mreavis@kilgore.edu. Her office is located in Room 504 in the Hendrix building at the KC Longview campus on 300 South High St. in downtown Longview.
O Rufus Lovett / SPECIAL TO THE FLARE
Latasha Goodwyn director of the Adult Education and Literacy program introduces the public to the new computer lab at KC — Longview.
Longview Campus opens new lab The KC—Longview campus recently dedicated a new computer lab to allow students and instructors greater flexibility in preparing for the future. The lab includes 32 new computers with a wide variety of software including Microsoft Word and Odyssey, as well as access to training programs like Khan Academy. The lab will serve as a multifunction space with room for activities, interactive learning and presentations. Students will be able to pursue courses of study in CNA nursing programs, Texas Success Initiative and ESL programs, among others. The Adult Education and Literacy program and Intensive
DACA: Ins and outs of act explained From page 1 young immigrants to stay in U.S. legally while 22 percent are opposed. There are 19 percent in favor of deportation. What is DACA? The DACA initiative was put in place by former President Obama on June 15, 2012. The policy addressed undocumented adults who were brought to the U.S. as children. Under this policy, President Obama exercised prosecutorial discretion in the enforcement of the immigration laws that existed. According to Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano, in a memorandum to qualify for the DACA program, participants are required to: n have come to the U.S. under the age of 16 n continuously resided in the U. S. for five years before June 15, 2012 n be currently enrolled in school, have graduated from a high school, obtained a GED certificate, or have been honorably discharged veteran of the Coast Guard or Armed Forces of the United States n have not been convicted of a felony offense, significant misdemeanor, multiple misdemeanors, or otherwise pose a threat to
national security or public safety n not above the age of 30. Napolitano’s memorandum states “this confers no substantive right, immigration status or pathway to citizenship. Only Congress acting through its legislative authority, can confer these rights. “ Frustrated by Congress’s lack of passing immigration reform such as the DREAM Act. Obama said, “We focused and used discretion about whom to prosecute, focusing on criminals who endanger our communities rather than students who are earning their education.” What is the difference between DACA and DREAM Act? DACA is a policy that does not create a pathway to citizenship and Dream Act is a bill that leads to citizenship which is currently being debated by Congress. The DACA program was put into policy to protect students in the U.S. from the fear of deportation. It’s not a permanent solution to the immigration problems. This is a two-year program subject to renewal; an individual must have the essential requirements in addition to an extensive background check, biometric test, a fee and a work permit. There
are nearly 800,000 people in the United States that qualify for this program. There is no path to citizenship with DACA. The Dream Act stands for Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors Act. It was first introduced to Congress in 2001. It’s a bipartisan bill that has been in existence for more than 16 years in various forms. The Dream Act came close to passing in 2010, but lacked five votes of the 60 votes needed in the Senate. If Congress passes the bill, it will give a pathway to citizenship for the undocumented people who came here as children (aka Dreamers). The last immigration bill that passed into law was the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 under President Ronald Regan. Why is this DACA an important issue? DACA is a deferred action, policy which states a “discretionary determination to defer a removal action of an individual as an act of prosecutorial discretion. The individual may have a lawful presence in the United States; however, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) can terminate or renew deferred action at any time,
Homecoming: Events planned From Page 1 KC vs. Trinity Valley Community College 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21, at R.E. St.
John Memorial Stadium. A Pep Rally will be held at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 19 in the Lee Mall/Mike Miller Plaza. A free lunch will
follow for KC students and employees. Barbecue will be served.
TCCJA: Magazine picks up wins From Page 1 Additional awards include: First place: Newspaper Advertising — Meaghan Morton; Newspaper News Writing — Meaghan Morton; Magazine Cover Design — Timothy Stuckey; Picture Page/Panel — Tina Marie Reed; and Sports Photography – Tiffany
Johnson. Second place: Newspaper News Photo — Tiffany Johnson; Newspaper Sports News Story — Allison Taliaferro; Picture Page/ Panel — Grace Garcia, Tiffany Johnson, Sarah Redford and Tina Marie Reed; and Sports Feature — Da’Jah Thompson.
Third place: Newspaper Sports News Story — Allison Taliaferro. Honorable Mention: Magazine Photo — Diana Castillo; Newspaper Editorial Writing — Staff; and Newspaper In-Depth/ Investigative — Leah Bryce.
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at the agency’s discretion” according to the DHS website. The Trump administration has acted to revoke this program all together in six months. This gives Congress time to come up with a legal solution, forcing Congress to work on immigration reform. Important to note is that DACA does not apply to every immigrant, only to children who were here five years prior to the memorandum, and who attend schools in America. Under this program, the children who are now adults can stay in the country while attending school, working, or serving in the military. Amnesty Program DACA is not an amnesty program as immigrants are not allowed to stay in the U.S. if they don’t renew their DACA status. Congress is the only ones that can grant amnesty to the recipients under the DREAM Act bill. The status of the DACA program is pending in Congress.
College Readiness programs at KC Longview will also be using the resources provided by the new computer lab. These programs provide non-traditional students with transitional materials to prepare them for the next step in their lives while also teaching them writing skills, study skills and money management. “Non-traditional students are the bread and butter, they are the backbone of our programs,” said Charmyn Tumey, AEL Lead Teacher and Coordinator. “We are so excited, our students are so excited. Our goal is to meet students where they are so this works for everyone.”
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PAGE 4 n FRIDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2017
THE FLARE
KC reins in Broncos
Rangers secure victory after last minute fumble KENDALL HURTT Staff Writer KC Rangers managed to escape defeat against conference opponents New Mexico Military Institute, winning 17-15. KC returns to .500; with a record of 3-3 for the season and 2-2 in conference. NMMI now stands at 2-4 for the season. Defensively, the Rangers would not let off the pedal from beginning of competition to the end. Offensively, KC scored enough in the first half that failing to score in the second half didn’t affect their victory. A forced fumble recovery set up QB Jacob Frazier to sneak inside of the endzone from the one yard line; quickly giving the Rangers a 7-0 lead early in the first quarter. After receiving possession again, NMMI’s own Monte Turner threw an interception to KC’s Morgan Vest. Kilgore’s momentum on defense motivated Demarcus Smith to rush for a seven yard TD; putting them ahead 14-0. The rush by Smith was the last time a KC player crossed the goal line for a score; Jose Goite kicked a 41-yard field goal, making it 17-0. The Rangers started the second half with a different pulse. Accumulating 110 yards in penalties allowed NMMI to nearly mount a comeback. The Broncos first couple of points came from a sack inside KC’s territory, making it 17-2. On the next possession; NMMI scored on a 29- yard pass but missed the PAT, leaving the scoreboard at 17-8. The Rangers defense forced NMMI to fake a field goal halfway through the fourth quarter; KC’s defense
Grant Worley / THE FLARE
Jacob Frazier pushes through a wall of New Mexico Military Institute Bronco defenders on his way to the endzone for the Rangers. stopped the Broncos; but another penalty set up a Bronco TD. Pulling within two points, NMMI’s defense forced KC to punt. To the Rangers’ advantage, NMMI was called for roughing the kicker, which gave KC another opportunity to drag out the game offensively. With a little over two minutes left KC defense picked up the gauntlet
NMMI threw down, sacking the Broncos putting them in a third-and-long situation. Forcing them to throw for a Hail Mary pass Qunton Edney forced a fumble for KC which was recovered by Troy Burnett to seal their victory. KC travels to play Navarro College at 3 p.m. Saturday in Corsicana.
Grant Worley / THE FLARE
Hall of fame inductees are recognized during the the game day ceremony. KC administrators Jimmy Rieves, athletic director (left), Dr. Brenda Kays, president (second from right) and Dr. Mike Jenkins, vice president of student affairs (far right), join the inductees on the field.
Rangers 2-1 at UT Tyler tourney From Staff Reports TYLER - Kilgore College Softball ran its record to 7-7-2 in fall league action on Saturday by going 2-1 in Tyler. The Rangers fell 21-0 to UT-Tyler, but bounced back to defeat UT-Tyler (4-0) and North Central Texas College (12-3). In the opening loss to UTTyler, KC managed three hits - singles by Tori Tovar, Laci Hambalek and Taylor Christopher. Katy Worrell and Jayda
Emerson handled the pitching chores for KC. Christian Herrera tripled, singled and drove in a run in Kilgore’s 4-0 win over UT Tyler. Tovar added three hits, and Hambalek and Marissa Moliana both drove in runs. Worrell worked five innings inside the circle for the win, striking out two, walking three and allowing four hits. In the win over NCTC, Hambalek homered, singled and drove in two runs. Tovar had three hits and an RBI. Cailon Palmer
chipped in with two hits. Hailey Nash drove in three runs. Herrera plated a run. Alyssa Maldonado had two hits and an RBI, and Mallery Stanley added a single. Christopher worked seven innings for the pitching win, striking out two, walking one and allowing no earned runs. Kilgore will face Houston Baptist at 1 p.m. and Alvin at 3 p.m. Saturday in Houston.
GAME DAY RECAP
Football team gets tackled on the road by NE Oklahoma The KC Rangers lost their second straight game of the season in a tough loss on the road to NEO 42-14. The loss now gives KC a 2-3 overall record for the season. NEO propels their record to 3-2. KC could hardly get anything going against a stout NEO team and was outgained 632-362 for the game. In his first career start for KC, Jacob Frazier was 10-21 with 138 yards and two touchdowns through the air. Frazier also ran nine times for 26 yards. Leading the ground attack for KC was Demarcus Smith, who had seven carries for 65 yards.
The leading receiver for the contest was Greg Mims, who had three receptions for 59 yards and a touchdown. Roger McCuller, who primarily plays quarterback, played a role at tailback in the contest. He ran three times for seven yards, and had two receptions for 17 yards and a touchdown. Defensively, Troy Burnett made 12 total tackles, eight solo, and also made a fumble recovery. Edward Hayes made 11 tackles, nine solo, and Dillon Hall recovered a muffed punt. — by Alec Reyes
FOLLOW THE GAME ON KDOK WITH THE FOLLOWING FREQUENCIES IN THE EAST TEXAS AREA: 1240 AM/105.3 FM IN KILGORE, 101.9 FM IN LONGVIEW AND 107.9 FM IN HENDERSON. KILGORE COLLEGE SPORTS BROADCASTS ALSO WILL BE STREAMED LIVE ON THE INTERNET AT WWW.KDOKRADIO.COM, WWW.TSRNSPORTS.COM AND THE TUNEIN RADIO APP.
Grant Worley / THE FLARE
Linebacker Troy Burnett, Missouri City sophomore, reacts in an attempt to recover the ball after a Broncos fumble in the first quarter of Saturday’s game against New Mexico Military Institute.
PREVIEW KC VS. NAVARRO WHEN:
Tiger Stadium in Corsicana
KILGORE DEFENSE: LB Troy Burnett (70 tackles, 2 fumble recoveries, 1 Int) DB Edward Hayes (51 tackles, 1 fumble recovery, 1 sack) LB Ty Hayter (41 tackles, 1 fumble recovery, 1 sack)
COACHES:
DID YOU KNOW?
3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 14 STADIUM:
Kilgore: J.J. Eckert Navarro: Cody Crill LAST WEEK: Kilgore 17, New Mexico Military Institute 15; Navarro 37, Tyler 26 PLAYERS TO WATCH: KILGORE OFFENSE: QB Jacob Frazier (44 of 64, 463 yards, 4 TD, 2 Int; 37 carries, 129 yards, 2 TD) RB Carlos Frank (56 carries, 310 yards, 3 TD) WR Anthony Thomas (13 catches, 131 yards, 1 TD)
KC has played Navarro five times since 2012 with KC going 2-3 overall. Last season, the Bulldogs narrowly defeated the Rangers 52-45. In 2015, KC and Navarro played twice that year with Navarro winning the regular season matchup 36-17, and KC avenging that loss by defeating them in the SWJCFC Championship 42-28.
KEYS TO VICTORY: Stellar play on both sides of the ball. Offensively, Navarro brings many weapons to the table. Their quarterback has already thrown for over 1,000 yards this season. They also have a twoheaded monster rushing attack of two sophomore running backs who combined for 248 yards and two touchdowns against Tyler. Defensively, the Bulldog’s unit consists of very talented defenders including a cornerback leading the nation with five interceptions, and a defensive lineman garnering interest from FBS schools. Coming off awn upset win over Tyler, expect the Bulldogs to come out highly motivated to keep their playoff hopes alive.
Information gathered by Alec Reyes
THE FLARE
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2017 n PAGE 5
The Student Newspaper of Kilgore College Since 1936
Vol. 81 • No. 5 Friday, October 13, 2017 Executive Editor Allison Taliaferro Page Editors Lisa Harris Kaitlin Mitchell Sarah Redford Lonnie Ross Lucas Strough Copy Editors Whitney Ervin Kendall Hurtt Gabriel Wade Yasmine Wilson Staff Writers Moises Ela Jamie Hwang Nelda Milligan-Turner Alec Reyes Chris Williams
Uywww UywwwUwywyxXX UwywyxXX/ THE / THE FLARE FLARE Photo Illustration by Mason Myers / THE FLARE
THE power of
PROTEST
Athletes have rich Better methods for making change tradition of protest K I neeling has become the sign of protest. Colin Kaepernick kneels to protest inequality against people of color. Others kneel in protest of him kneeling. Still others kneel to pray for those kneeling. What has “taking a knee” really done? SARAH It has caused REDFORD division. It NEWS EDITOR has caused the focus to shift from protest to disrespect. Disrespect for the American flag, the national anthem and the United States of America. In a memo to the National Football League club executives from Commissioner Roger Goodell, he stated the anthem issue is divisive and the NFL needs “to move past this controversy.” He had no comment as to whether the wording in the game manual will be changed from “players on the field and bench area should stand at attention,” to “must stand.” Kneeling has caused division within the NFL, within teams and within families. It doesn’t seem to be about inequality anymore. It has morphed and grown into an entity that is causing dialogue, just not the dialogue it intended. Instead of a solution, it has created an entirely different set of questions. It has muddied the waters and caused hurt. There have been those who have taken a knee years before Kaepernick. Martin Luther King, Jr., protested many times against racial inequality. When he knelt, it was in prayer. He never went against the United States. Over 50 years ago protesters knelt to combat racial segregation. This action was also misconstrued. According to Stephen Haynes, Rhodes College professor and author of “The Last Segregated Hour,” in writing about the 1964 kneel-ins at the Second Presbyterian Church in Memphis Tennessee, Haynes said “the utter disconnect between the way the protesters saw themselves and the way they were seen by those inside the church.” After all these years of kneeling, there is still racial inequality, social injustice and violation of civil rights. Maybe kneeling isn’t enough. Kaepernick has been donating $100,000 per month to various
charities since he made a pledge to donate $1 million, plus the profit he receives from the sale of his jerseys. According to his website, as of April, he has donated $900,000. The monies have gone toward purchasing beds for single mothers and their children, to female empowerment in the tradition of Asaata Shakur. It has funded workshops to train leaders in the Grassroots Leadership in Austin, to confront mass incarceration and end reliance on the criminal justice system. The lowest paid player in the NFL makes $400,000 per year. The highest contract is for $27 million. Instead of kneeling during the national anthem in a country that gives them the freedom to do so, the protesters should get off their knees and make a difference. These players are famous. They are using that fame in a passive way. Just taking a knee might bring their message into the light, but as recent history has proven, that light is being shed on a completely different message. It is being construed to be about disrespect for our nation’s symbols, not civil injustice. Using a more aggressive approach might bring about the change they seek. Volunteering during the offseason is an option. There are many organizations that would benefit from such highprofile support. Another idea is to ramp up programs the NFL already has in place, such as “My Cause My Cleats” campaign where players’ cleats are auctioned to benefit their causes. Public service announcements work. They are cost effective and have a good return on investment according to psaresearch.com. Money to causes that have a proven record will always be needed. Perhaps the best way to get their message heard is through education. Young or old, we all need to be reminded that we are all in this life together. Not all white people are privileged and not all people of color are oppressed. Not all police officers are brutal, not all southerners are racist. The world can be a better place for all people. It will take hard work, commitment and dedication. Get off your knee and get busy. Sarah Redford is a sophomore Journalism major from White Oak.
have had discussions with people over the past couple of weeks about the taking the knee movement with the NFL football players and the national anthem. Here is what I’ve discovered; for the people who do not agree with “take the knee,” there LONNIE is a common ROSS theme in their PAGE EDITOR statements of players who don’t want to stand for the national anthem. They include disrespect for the flag and the military, and that the players are not Americans or patriotic. This is not the first time athletes have used their platform as social activists. In the 1968 Summer Olympics, U.S. Track and Field athletes Tommie Smith and John Carlos raised their arms for civil rights. In 1967, Muhammad Ali lost his boxing title for refusing to join the US Army during the Vietnam War draft. The reason he gave was “Why fight for the rights of others, when as a black man (I) don’t have rights” referring to the Civil Rights movement in America. In 1996 NBA star Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf was conflicted with his religious belief and the flag. The flag represented oppression and racism. Why do people protest? AbdulRauf said, “Sometimes it takes people of that stature, athletes and entertainers, because the youth are drawn to them, [more than] teachers and professors, unfortunately. “ So why is this a surprise, that someone decided to do it in the NFL? Did they ask why the players took the knee? What is the reason behind this movement? Let’s break it down. San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick started a movement in August 2016, because he was upset about the racial injustice and police brutality in America especially after the shootings of Alton Sterling and Philando Castile. Kaepernick used his platform as a football player to do a silent protest during the national anthem to make people aware of the situation and start a conversation. Kaepernick went from sitting out the national anthem to taking the knee after meeting with a former NFL player and Army veteran
Nate Boyer. After their discussions, Boyer helped Kaepernick decide to kneel instead of sit. “Soldiers take a knee in front of a fallen brother’s grave to show respect,” Boyer said. In a 2016 interview, Kaepernick said “This country stands for freedom, liberty, justice for all, and it’s not happening for all right now.” These players are American. They are expressing the First Amendment right for people to assemble peacefully, according to the Constitution of the United States of America. Fans have yelled and booed at the players while they are taking the knee during the singing of the national anthem. Let’s look at it this way: If a player burns the flag, made noises or held up signs during the national anthem, I can see where people could get offended. However, the taking of the knee is a silent protest, it is more disrespectful when the audience is making all the noises above the person singing the national anthem. It’s a silent protest! In general, men and women police officers serve and protect across this country. When the police arrive on the scene, they have seconds to determine what’s happening in any given situation. It’s a high-pressure job and subject to some tense conditions. No one is arguing that point. However, the police brutality part comes when an officer takes it too far. There are a few police officers who become judge, jury, and executioner in a short amount of time while dealing with a suspect. The person changes roles from the suspect to the victim. The victim never made it in front of a judge or got a trial by jury, or even sentencing. However, they did get the executioner. Not all police officers who commit the brutality are held accountable for their actions. According to Leon, “1,155 people were killed by police officers in 2016. Only 13 were brought up on charges and no convictions so far.” That is a lot of shootings happening and there has been little accountability. Kaepernick takes the knee for those who have fallen. He is remembering Eric Garner, Michael Brown, Freddie Gray, Alton Sterling and Philando Castile. They will never be able to stand for the flag or hear the national anthem again. Lonnie Ross is a sophomore Journalism major from Longview.
Photographers Lacey Bunn Diana Castillo Alma Cedillo Taliayah Clark Brooke Harris Grace Garcia Tiffany Johnson Elizabeth Lumpkin Mason Myers Dina Robinson Grant Worley Mary William- Smith Adviser Rachel Stallard Photography Adviser O Rufus Lovett
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THE FLARE
PAGE 6 n FRIDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2017
The Crucible
Grace Garcia / THE FLARE
Martha Corey (Lauren Fields) is forced to confess her sins while a church council surrounds her.
Elizabeth Lumpkin/ THE FLARE
Abigail (Madison Gable) sacrifices a rabbit while practicing witchcraft.
The cast of “The Crucible” by Arthur Miller act out a scene in a courthouse where the lead female Abigail pretends to hallucinate about a bird.
Elizabeth Lumpkin/ THE FLARE
REVIEW
A Devil in Salem LUCAS STROUGH Digital Content Editor When Arthur Miller penned “The Crucible” in 1953, his dramatization of the 17th century Salem Witch Trials sharply criticized the fearmongering and political hysteria of McCarthyism in 1950s America. In our own era of political anxiety and distrust, this dramatic work is as potent and as prescient as ever. The KC Theatre Department’s production of “The Crucible” deftly balances the play’s cautionary message with a stylized portrayal of a dark time in colonial New England. The set design was sparse, appointed with trees and autumn leaves. A platform stood at an angle across center stage, reaching from downstage left toward the back of the performance space. This sharp angle added an element of unease as the play opened, hinting at the troubling events to come. The tall support beams at the sides of the stage reached upward toward the roof like long fingers slowly closing around the town of Salem. The play opens with lanterns hovering across a darkened stage and, as the lights come up, we see John Proctor, portrayed by Lazarus Salinas, embracing Abigail Williams, portrayed by Madison Gable. This embrace is a suggestion of the trouble that is about to unfold. The stage briefly empties before several young women enter, cackling maniacally and singing as they take center stage, casting spells and dancing in the shadows of the New England forest. The
subject of witchcraft lies at the heart of this play and the ominous music and muted colors of the set and costumes create a Gothic atmosphere that is well-suited to themes of darkness and suspicion. The story moves quickly from the very first scenes, as Betty Parris, played by Madison Brown, begins to suffer from the effects of an apparently demonic affliction. Almost as soon as the otherworldly assault begins, accusations begin to fly. The second half of the play opens on a grim tableau as the accusations have given way to courtroom oaths and the threat of the hangman’s noose. DeputyGovernor Danforth, played by Thomas B. Thomburg, holds sway in the court, striking an imposing figure as he demands confessions and threatens the wrath of God. Director Micah Goodding made excellent choices in regards to set design, casting and the overall rhythm and feel of the production. The performances were executed with a maturity that belies the age of the actors. “The Crucible” is not an easy play to watch but it is an affecting and worthwhile experience. The play beckons the audience to examine the roots of paranoia and suspicion and, as the play draws to a close, we are shown the grim result of uncontrolled accusations. As we watch John Proctor weigh the cost of saving his good name, we can’t help but notice the similarities to our own lives. The Devil is loose in Salem and we would all be well-served to pay close attention.
Grace Garcia / THE FLARE
Elizabeth Lumpkin / THE FLARE
Top left: Ezekeil Cheever (Robby Childer)becomes inebriated before fetching John Proctor’s ( Lazarus Salinas) written confession. Top Right: Elizabeth Proctor (Stephanie Barajas) comforts her husband while they are anticipating punishment. Bottom: The church council (Hunter Ballard,Ian Kirkpatrick,Skylar Yarbrough, Robby Childer and Thomas B. Thornburg) collect a confession from John Proctor. Elizabeth Lumpkin / THE FLARE