The Student Voice of Howard University Since 1924 Volume 101, Issue 15
Thursday, January 19, 2017
Washington, D.C.
Farewell
44th
CAMPUS #HUOdesToObamas Pages 3-5
@TheHilltopHU
NEWS
CULTURE
Farewell Mr. President Legacy of MLK’s Words Page 7
www.thehilltoponline.com
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@TheHilltop1924
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BLACK THURGOOD MARSHALL
(July 2, 1908 – January 24, 1993)
Associate Justice, U.S. Supreme Court, 1967-1991 Thurgood Marshall was born in Baltimore, Maryland, on July 2, 1908. He graduated in 1930 from Lincoln University and in 1933 from Howard University Law School in Washington, D.C., ranking first in his class. Marshall began his legal career as counsel to the Baltimore branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). He joined the Association’s national legal staff in 1936 and in 1938 became its Chief Legal Officer. In 1940, the NAACP created the Legal Defense and Education Fund, with Marshall as its director and Counsel. Marshall coordinated the NAACP effort to end racial segregation for the next twenty years. In 1954, he argued the case of Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka before the Supreme Court of the United States, a case in which racial segregation in United States public schools was declared unconstitutional. Other cases argued by Thurgood Marshall include: Smith v. Allwright, 1944 - Which ruled that a Southern state’s exclusion of African-American voters from primary elections was unconstitutional. Shelley v. Kraemer, 1948 - Which ruled that state
HISTORY
judicial enforcement of racial “restrictive covenants” in housing was unconstitutional. Sweatt v. Painter and McLaurin v. Oklahoma State Regents, 1950 - both of these cases ruled against the concept of “separate but equal” facilities for AfricanAmerican professionals and graduate students in state universities. In 1961 President John F. Kennedy appointed Marshall to the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. This was followed four years later by his appointment to Solicitor General of the United States by President Lyndon B. Johnson. President Johnson then nominated Marshall to the Supreme Court of the United States on June 13, 1967. After lengthy and often very heated debate the Senate confirmed the appointment on August 30, 1967, making Justice Marshall the first AfricanAmerican Justice to sit on the Supreme Court. Marshall served 23 years on the Supreme Court, retiring on June 27, 1991, at the age of 82. Justice Marshall died on January 24, 1993. ***From: The Supreme Court of the United States: Its Beginnings and its Justices, 1790-1991. Washington, DC: The Commission on the Bicentennial of the United States Constitution, 1992.
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The Hilltop Editorial Office 2401 4th Street NW, 68B, Washington, D.C. 20059 (202) 806-4749
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Brittany Webb Sports Editor
Dawn Richard Layout Editor
Alpha Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., introduced their Fall 2016 line, Renascent 50, Friday, Jan. 13, on The Yard. (Photo Credit: Kyndal Buchanan, Contributing Photographer)
Zora Neale Hurston (18911960), co-founder of The Hilltop Newspaper, is considered one of the preeminent writers of 20th century AfricanAmerican literature.
THURSDAY, JANUARY 19, 2017
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CAMPUS
Dear President Barack Hussein Obama,
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Obama:
In second grade I wrote in our class book “When I grow up I want to be the first Black president of the United States”. In 2008, the world and I were blessed to see that you beat me to the punch. And eight years later resembled an eternity. When you first parachuted into the national spotlight I was a mereseventh grader with an oversized “Yes We Can” shirt who brazenly blasted the 2008 anthem, “My President is Black Remix.” Now, I have transitioned into writing research papers analyzing your use ofpresidential commutations and pardons.I developed into the young man I am today and the man I am becoming during the Obama presidency,and in large part to the Obama presidency. A young man who no longer had to dream about being thefirst Black president, but being next or third or fourth. I could be anything, we could be anything. Andthat hope that filled me on election night in 2008 still sits at the core of my being. President Obama,not just your policy but you have personally changed the trajectory of this country.As your presidency comes to a close, “political pundits” attempt to question and cap your legacy andframe how you would be remember. I can emphatically state your legacy is intact. Your legacy will not be marred by Republican plans to dismantle Obamacare or the 45th president’s plans to roll back executive actions. The nexus of your legacy is not based on public policy. Your legacy is with us. Your legacy lies with the children who for their entire lifetime only knew a Black president, with theelders who thought they would not live to see a Black president and everyone else you inspired inbetween.Over eight years ago, your call to us was “Yes We Can!” Our response is “Yes We Will!”
Thank you for your proud and honorable service to our country as our 44th President and First Lady. Your service to our country from what you have done legislatively to how you represented yourselves to our nation was second-to-none. You brought a class and integrity to politics that has been missing greatly in many instances. Above all, you always brought a cool and calm from start to finish. You challenged us as a nation to be better both in our politics and in our lives in general. No matter how tough things seemed to be, you took a stand when you needed to take a stand, but more importantly you just kept on shoveling to make our country better. Along the way your family represented us at home and abroad very proudly and never disappointed yourselves nor our nation regardless of what many others have said. I wish your family nothing but the best going forward and thank you again for showing our nation what it means to serve in our government.
Forever Beholden, Sylvester Johnson III Copy Chief
Sincerely, Jonathan Davis, HU Class of 2005
#HU
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Dear First Lady Michelle Obama,
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ODES TO OBAMAS
Your impact on this country within these past 8 years is unmatched. You affected my life, my family and friend’s lives, and the lives of all young African-American women who are on the path to finding themselves and trying to see where they fit in this country. Back in 6th grade, I specifically chose Whitney M. Young Magnet High School to attend simply because you went there. My mother wore certain outfits because you had been seen rocking them recently on the news. My classmates, though they didn’t have much of an option, ate healthier due to your ban on junk food in high school vending machines. I can whole-heartedly say there will never be another beautiful, influential, graceful First Lady of the United States of America like you ever again. Maya Reese Contributing Writer, The Hilltop
Dear Obamas,
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Dear President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama, Thank you. This letter is dedicated to you both. In hopes that you know how much you’re loved, and will be missed. To appease the naysayers, I’ll start by admitting that no president is perfect. Heck, no one is perfect. But you’re presidential imperfections brought you spitting distance to it. America needed something real and you were that. You never pretended to be more than. You weren’t the show off cousin, but the down-to-earth uncle. And you always brought along that equally vibrant aunt. Yes, I said equal. During my junior year at Howard, I took an elective course dedicated to the presidential First Ladies. (Very random, but folks had to graduate.) First Ladies normally discussed White House decorations, and stood proudly as a wife and/or mother. Holding lady-like events synonymous with the role of a woman, but never the span of aspirations. But Michelle Obama, she was never just a part of the package. She didn’t luck into marrying a U.S. President. He found luck with that Chicago girl destined for her own greatness. Quite honestly, she could stand in a room all by herself, but she wanted to stand next to you. And there’s nothing more beautiful than that.
You were the first public couple my wife and I aspired to emulate. We are forever grateful for the honorable example you have been to us, our sons and daughters, and all Americans. While this is the end of a chapter, we eagerly await the next. Ready to stand in support of what you all choose to do next!
Barack and Michelle Obama, I will miss you for so many reasons. You single-handedly revived this country in more ways than one. I’ll miss what you say about love and what you say about us. You were an unspoken representation of all things true. And though we won’t be able to reach you at the same address, you’ll never be far from our hearts. The legacy you’ve designed will inspire generations. Yes We Can. Because of you.
Much Love,
-Kelly Sharp, HU Class of 2015
Daniel and Chanel Gilmer, HU Class of 2008 Dear President Obama, These few words cannot fully describe how I feel about you completing your second and final term as president of the United States come tomorrow, January 20, 2017.For many students at Howard University, we have grown with you over the last eight years since your 2008 presidential campaign. For some of us, we have displayed great appreciation in a Black man with a Black family taking the highest, political position in America. We have also held our breaths throughout the entire eight years for your safety and protection until the day of your departure. It is with gratitude that you are finishing your chapter as the 44th President and moving on to the next chapter as a citizen.You were my commander-in-chief during my time serving in the United States Army for five years. As a Howard journalist and intern for the Associated Press, I have reported on you on at least three occasions. Although we have never personally met, it is with appreciation of having the opportunity to serve under you as a member ofthe Armed Forces and to cover you as a journalist. While I understand the political realm of the United States presidency, your two terms have reminded me that for African-Americans and marginalized groups across the country that the groundwork continues...and there is still much work to be done. While I did agree on some of your decisions, I also disagreed with other decisions you made...and this is of course a part of politics. I hope to one-day sit down with you as a fellow citizen to discuss about various topics that are near and dear to my heart, which include Historical Black Colleges and Universities, grassroots advocacy, and above all, continued work for our people in the African diaspora.In your remarks during Howard University’s 148th Commencement Convocation,you expressed to my fellow Howardites to “Be confident in your heritage. Be confident in your Blackness.” It is with hope that these words continue to ring across The Mecca for many years to come.Thank you for your service. All Power To The People. Very Respectfully, Paul Holston, 2016-2017 Editor-in-Chief of The Hilltop Newspaper
THURSDAY, JANUARY 19, 2017
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Dear First Lady Michelle Obama,
President Barack Obama,
Representation matters and that is true of what your legacy as being the first African-American first lady of the United States has shown the black community. The impact that seeing a black woman, from the south side of Chicago, who look like the many black and brown girls who are told they are not good enough, that their skin is too dark, or that their hair is too tough will further instill values of healthy self-esteem and healthy self-worth in little black girls around the world. Thank you for setting a standard and giving us black girls hope. It brings me great joy that in my life’s work, while mentoring and educating young black girls, I am able to tell them that they can do and be anything they want to be, which now includes sitting on the highest pedestal as a first lady all while keeping your standards high, setting forth to accomplish all that you dream, and keeping GOD first. You are the true definition of black girl magic.
I am so grateful for all you have done in eight years. On November 4, 2008 I had tears as I watched the results come in and knew that yes we had done it. Your Presidency has made me proud in many ways. The no-drama Obama has lived up to what was needed under incredible circumstances. The obstruction that you encountered can’t be measured but yet you stood above it all and just kept moving forward, making one accomplishment after another. Thank you for your cool. Thank you for your vision. Thank you for big picture view. Thank you for the model you set for all Americans but most importantly, thank you for the reflection in the mirror you provided for every black male of every age.
With Love, Cindy D. HU Doctoral Student Dear President Barack Obama, 8 years ago, standing in front of my TV, I watched as you took the oath of office. Goosebumps covered my skin as tears formed in my eyes. I didn’t understand what everything meant, I was only 11, but I knew that it was good. You were my president. My Black president. The next morning I wore my brand new shirt to school. It read: “Martin Luther King Jr. had a dream and President Barack Obama turned it into a reality,” with a picture of you standing right next to the civil rights legend. As I proudly walked toward my English class, my teacher, Mrs. Haynes, stood at the door and raised her right fist, and in that white space our Blackness temporarily ruled the world. As I grew older, I watched as you gracefully avoided confrontation, often minimizing the systemic nature of white supremacy. Even so, I defended you with the utmost zeal because to defend you was to validate my Blackness and to reaffirm my faith in the sanctity of America. As I became more aware of my miseducation, I turned my quest for truth toward you. I scorned as you effortlessly maintained a public connection with the Black masses while supporting and advocating for anti-Black policies. I began to resent you — you were no longer my Black savior, but rather, a puppet for the liberal establishment, hiding behind the blinding effects of symbolism. Today, although I’m not looking forward to your successor, an orange fascist, I’m relieved by your departure. Your manipulative relationship with the Black masses has pacified the people, allowing this settler-colonial empire to function without substantial resistance; though, your presidency taught me that Black liberation will never come from assimilating into systems sustained by exploitation, to say the least. All power to the people. Jason Ajiake, News Editor
First Lady Michelle Obama, I admired you from the beginning. You set your priorities just perfectly. First, ensuring your daughters were settled well. Some worried that might marginalize what you could accomplish but I knew that your role as Mom-in-Chief would bear fruit for the nation. You recognized the incredible value of our military and let the nation know what we all could do to embrace them and their families. While partisan rancor tried to criticize your focus on child nutrition and Let’s Move efforts, not surprisingly the results have shown what your initiative could do. You were undaunted and took it on anyway. The baby shower for pregnant military moms stands out in my mind. As a professional woman and mother, I looked at myself and my women friends and we each stood a little taller because of you. We took extra care in our wear, our style, our fitness, our jewelry. You have been the ultimate role model for all women and mothers and your opening of the people’s house to all the people is memorable for generations to come. I rushed to watch the performances at the White House and see the enjoyment that you and the President had at those performances and the diversity of the artists. To say thank you is hardly enough, but thank you. Janine Rouson HU School of Business Class of 1981
Dear Mr. President and Mrs. First Lady, Thank you for so gracefully fulfilling your duties to our country over the past 8 years. It has been absolutely stunning to observe the poise, dignity, and professionalism you projected to the world every day. And I am certain that the precedent of your presidency has elevated the dreams and aspirations of millions. I feel blessed to have personally experienced some of the incremental steps on your historic path tothe White House. In 2008, it was an honor to host a good friend of mine from law school who was aregional campaign staffer. I remember the electricity at your rally at the University of Cincinnati, energized by your message of Hope. And the bitter cold of the day of your inauguration simplyaccented the significance of that moment. These are memories that I will cherish. During your tenure, my wife and I started a family – we now have two beautiful daughters. And I remember the day I asked my oldest if she knew the name of the President. She replied, with a smile,“Barack Obama”. It was clear that she not only recognized you, but she also admired you. And in that moment, I appreciated that you and the First Lady had more than my admiration, you had my trust. I’ve trusted you to demonstrate, to my daughters, self-respect, sometimes humor, and frequentlylove. Thank you. In closing, the future is always uncertain. But while many of us have profound concerns due to signals of what’s to come, I will continue to carry your banner of Hope. Thank you Mr. and Mrs. Obama. We will miss you, and God Bless You. Sincerely, Idris N. McKelvey HU Class of 2002
Compiled by: Paul Holston, Editor-in-Chief & Dawn Richard, Layout Editor
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NEWS Howard Students Arrested For Protesting on Capitol Hill By Justin Cohen Staff Writer Ten Howard University students were arrested on Tuesday, Jan. 10, while conducting a sit-in protest in the office of Alabama Senator and Attorney General nominee of the Trump administration, Jeff Sessions. Among those arrested, five were members of the Howard University chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), including Joshua Parks, Jamieson Davis, Brittany Weary, Oliver Davidson, and Jacquelyn Grant,
president of the HU NAACP. In a statement given to The Hilltop, Grant relayed the accounts leading up to the students’ arrests, which began after the students, accompanied by Democracy Spring, showed up to the Senate floor, where the meeting was being held. After realizing that they would likely be unable to get past the long line, they diverted into Sen. Jeff Sessions’ office where they demanded that he step down from the attorney general appointment under president-elect Donald Trump via Facebook Live.
“I know that refusing to leave this senate building as I demand that senator Jeff Sessions withdraw from his nomination as attorney general may put me on the wrong side of the law, but I’ll be on the right side of history,” Grant said in the video, which was streamed over 60,000 times. The eight or so people along with her visible in the video then went on to chant “I believe that we will win.” After being arrested, the students were taken into police custody and released shortly after.
According to the Howard participants, Sessions is an opponent to voting and civil rights, and that if appointed attorney general, he will not suddenly have a change of heart and therefore he must be held accountable on behalf of the entire country. “As an organization, we believe that Sessions’ failure to acknowledge the threat of voter suppression and his refusal to support the restoration of the Voting Rights Act make him a danger to the civil liberties of black people throughout the country,” said Oliver Robinson,
a sophomore sociology major and chair of the HU NAACP Research Committee. The next step for the HU NAACP in their fight against injustice includes spreading awareness, encouraging people to check their government officials, encouraging vigilance among the community of the growing threats that affect and will continue to affect them and most importantly, riding the momentum of their sit-in protest.
WHAT’S HAPPENING IN CHAPEL? Want to invite the Howard Community to your next event or program? All colleges, schools, organizations, alumni, and community groups are welcome to have a “Call to Chapel.” All “Calls to Chapel” must be submitted no later than 10:00 A.M. Monday morning to be included in the Chapel service.
Email: Chapel@howard.edu
HU students caught serving during Alternative Spring Break, sign-up today!
Interested in Alternative Spring Break? Deadline for Applications: January 22nd For information on all things ASB, visit: http://www.huasb.com
Join us this Sunday…. Cramton Auditorium – 11:00 A.M. Rev. Dr. Calvin O. Butts, III Senior Pastor, Abyssinian Baptist Church President, State University of New York College at Old Westbury
Deeper in Faith – Wider in Community!
THURSDAY, JANUARY 19, 2017
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Farewell Mr. President: Obama Bids America Final Farewell as POTUS By Sabrina Newton Contributing Writer President Barack Obama gave his farewell address in a familiar environment last Tuesday, Jan. 10, in his hometown of Chicago, Ill., which produced the first AfricanAmerican president in American history. Obama began by affectionately recalling his experiences being raised in the streets of Chicago, telling the crowd that, “It was on these streets that I witnessed the power of faith, it was on these streets that I witnessed the struggle. It was on these streets that I witnessed loss.” He then adamantly reminded the country that while its progress may run less than smoothly at times, it is that very undulation that forms a thriving nation. Reflecting on his tenure in office,
Obama said, “If I told you eight years ago, that America would reverse the recession, turn a new leaf with Cuba, capture those parties responsible for 9/11 and shut down Korean nuclear weapons production without a single gunshot fire, many said we have set our sights a bit too high, but that’s what we did. We were the change, and now we are stronger as a nation.” Obama went on to emphasize the crucial nature of solidarity, suggesting that as a nation, America is stronger together than apart. He stressed the need to find a new social compound to secure the success of tomorrow to ensure opportunity for all, as division throws a wrench in the probability of a successful America. Obama continued and urged all in the audience to accept the responsibility as U.S. citizens, noting
that while the constitution is a beautiful gift to our nation, it is simply parchment and thus it is powerless without the participation of its citizens because citizenparticipation constitutes the framework of our Democracy. In his closing statements, Obama reiterated the importance of faith as a people, for according to him, it was faith that made history in 2008, it was this faith that re-elected him in 2012, and it will be this faith which will see us through any obstacle we encounter in the upcoming years, he said. “My fellow Americans, it has been the honor of my life to serve you,” Obama concluded. “I won’t stop. In fact, I will be right there with you, as a citizen, for all my remaining days. But for now, whether you are young or whether you’re young at heart, I do have one final ask of you as your Presi-
dent — the same thing I asked when you took a chance on me eight years ago. I’m asking you to believe. Not in my ability to bring about change — but in yours.” “I am asking you to hold fast to that faith written into our founding documents; that idea whispered by slaves and abolitionists; that spirit sung by immigrants and homesteaders and those who marched for justice; that creed reaffirmed by those who planted flags from foreign battlefields to the surface of the moon; a creed at the core of every American whose story is not yet written: Yes, we can. Yes, we did. Yes, we can. Thank you. God bless you. May God continue to bless the United States of America.”
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‘We Shall Not Be Moved’ Trump Protest: The First of Many By Victoria Jonas Contributing Writer
Despite chilly temperatures, rain, and the forecast of snow, hundreds gathered at West Potomac Park Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial to protest on Saturday, Jan. 14. Led by Rev. Al Sharpton and the National Action Network, the “We Shall Not Be Moved” demonstration focused on fighting against injustices such as police brutality, mass incarceration, gender inequality, etc., in response to the recent election of Donald Trump. “The Trump administration needs to know that we will not take his discrimination,” said Marlene Lewis of the National Action Network.“We are standing up to let him know that we are the people and he must answer to us.” Organizers were devoted to preserving Martin Luther King’s dream and maintaining President Barack Obama’s legacy. “We are gathered here, and we marched in the driving rain, because we want this nation to understand that what has been fought for and gained, that you’re going to need more than one election to turn it around,” said Sharpton. The protesters varied by age from infants in strollers, children, teens, and college students to senior citizens; all different ethnicities and hometowns were represented. Some were individuals, and others were organizations such as
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the National Congress of Black Women, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., Voto Latino and the National Urban League. “The rights that have been fought for are aggressively being threatened and being pursed to be taken away,” said William Whitehead, 54, of New York. “We the people must protest, resist and fight, and we must continue to fight for our freedom and rights like affordable health care.” As protesters walked, they shouted chants such as “the people united will never be defeated,” with fists raised and signs held up containing powerful messages of resistance or solidarity. “We need to fight back in any way that we can, especially when you’re a white person like I am,” said Sarah Walker, a Georgetown University graduate student. “You should use your position of privilege to highlight others who
have less privileges than you.” Organizers plan to continue protesting throughout the week and after the presidential inauguration on Friday, Jan. 20. “We will march until hell freezes over,” said Cornell William Brooks, president and chief executive officer of the NAACP. “When it does, we will march on the ice.”
THURSDAY, JANUARY 19, 2017
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CULTURE The Legacy of Dr. MLK Jr’s Words: A Celebration and Reflection in 2017 By Imara Bright-Johnson Contributing Writer “But one hundred years later, we must face the tragic fact that the Negro is still not free. One hundred years later, the life of the Negro is still sadly crippled by the manacles of segregation and the chains of discrimination. One hundred years later, the Negro lives on a lonely island of poverty in the midst of a vast ocean of material prosperity. One hundred years later, the Negro is still languishing in the corners of American society and finds himself an exile in his own land. So we have come here today to dramatize an appalling condition.” – “I Have a Dream” Speech by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (1963). Dr. King’s words still hold truth. In 2017, the color of our skin and the texture of our hair are still a crucial determinants of our human value. Even with 154 years since the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation, Brown and Black skin are still seen as unworthy and unappealing. The fight for equal opportunities in the workplace, the right to hold government positions and shop in public places without being stereotyped and followed by management continues. In these times of doubt and disappointment, when an unfitting and
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discriminatory man has been elected to be president of the free world, we must remember the words of Dr. King. When our sisters and brothers are being racially profiled, shot and killed on the streets of numerous cities, we must reflect on the wisdom and hope that Dr. King brought to this world through his igniting speeches. Dr. King was a trendsetter and truly inspiring. His words encouraged many to take a stand and
fight for what they deserved, and still deserve today. Every speech that he gave was strategized to encourage the stamina needed to fight this long fight. We must never forget the impact that his words had, and still have today. Most importantly, we must remember to use his words to our advantage. The fight is still not over. As a people, we must celebrate one of the most monumental figures of our
history. Without Dr. King and many other civil right leaders, we would not be where we are today. Although there is still a long journey ahead of us, celebrating Dr. King and other figures that came before us reminds us of our legacy in this fight--a history of activists shouting and insisting to the world that they are not alone. They weren’t; and with them behind us, we can’t be either.
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Over-The-Knee Boots. These boots are perfect for transitioning from class to going out at night. Over-the-knee boots can be dressed up or down and are a great way to stay warm while serving looks. Suede boots are in trend now, but leather is classic and timeless enough to hold on to for many winters to come.
Knitted Sweater Dress. This simple look is versatile and easily-achievable with an actual sweater dress, an oversized sweater or even an oversized sweatshirt which is a popular adaptation of the classic look. You can almost never go wrong with a knitted sweater dress and over-the-knee boot combination.
Statement Coat. Whether it be bright red, covered in houndstooth print, or a fun texture, a bold coat is the perfect compliment to an understated, neutral colored outfit. A “statement coat” can mean an assortment of things, as long as it’s eye-catching. Grab a coat that demands attention, and make it your signature piece this winter.
Staying Stylish & Warm By Chantè Russell Staff Writer
As we return to Howard to face the colder months of the year, it’s important to stay warm. However, this wouldn’t be the Mecca if we didn’t stay stylish too. You should expect to see nothing less than bundled-up, chic looks while headed across campus; so here are a few essentials and style tips to help you through the D.C. winter. Ankle boots. Available in a
Headscarves. Another way to keep your head warm on the way to class is a big headscarf. With countless patterns and variations of how to tie your scarf, this look is easily customizable and never boring.
variation of heel heights, ankle boots are another Winter essential that can be made to fit a variety of settings. Perfect with jeans, a skirt or a dress and tights, you may find your favorite pair of ankle boots to become a staple in your winter wardrobe.
Turtleneck. Classic and simple,
turtlenecks can be sweaters, dresses or any kind of shirt. They can also be casual or semiformal depending on what you pair them with. Turtlenecks are simultaneously guaranteed to keep your neck warmer than your favorite choker ever could.
Hats. Wear a toboggan, fedora,
beanie, or whatever hat that fits your look that day. The simple and often overlooked accessory can completely pull an outfit together. Classic black fedoras and toboggans as well as beanies with a fur ball on top are amongst the most popular headwear this season.
Long Overcoat. Neutral-toned, long overcoats are warm, stylish and sophisticated. Wearing a long overcoat can make just about any outfit seem well planned out and almost powerful. This winter wardrobe essential is invaluable to your closet.
THURSDAY, JANUARY 19, 2017
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SPORTS
Hopeful: Howard Football Team Acquires a Star Player By Brittany Webb Sports Editor
On Thursday afternoon on Jan. 5, Caylin Newton took to his Twitter account to announce his commitment to Howard University. Newton will be following in his brother, Carolina Panther quarterback Cam Newton’s footsteps in playing in collegiate football as he will be joining the Howard Bison football team. “I’m preparing each and every day to become better so my mind and my body can be in tip top to compete with the other well-talented quarterbacks on the team,” Newton said. While Newton’s decision to attend Howard opposed to a school that receives praise for the football program like his big brother, who attended Auburn University, Newton is expecting more out of Howard than a successful football career. “Personally, I look forward to witnessing the overall Howard experience and what all the school brings to the table,” Newton said. “I’m excited to meet new people and build a great mass of connections this university has to offer.” As the quarterback position is one of the most competitive positions, it can be assumed that the process to being starting quarterback may be rigid next season. However, current Bison quarterbacks Kalen Johnson and Jason Collins don’t seem to have put much thought to the incoming quarterback competition. “It won’t change anything in the way that I’ll train or carry myself as the leader of this team,” Johnson said. “I have always worked extremely hard on my craft and will continue to do so in an effort to improve and grow as a player so that I can be the best teammate possible.” Quarterback Jason says he is more focused on helping the team progress as a unit opposed to Newton’s arrival. “I have no time to worry about who someone is related to because, that will only set me back,” Collins said. “It will set me back from my goal of helping the team come together and bring in more wins, whether I’m accomplishing that goal on or off the field. I have faith that the competition for the starting quarterback spot will be fair, friendly and unbiased.” If there’s one thing the current quarterbacks have in common, it is their faith in the programs coaches and officials, believing them to be fair and efficient. “The nature of the quarterback position is one that it’s very competitive,” said Johnson. “Only one guy can play at a time and I’ve had to compete for playing time since I arrived at Howard so this situation is nothing new to me. I trust in the new direction of the program and believe firmly that the guy who gives the team the best chance to win games will play and that’s the most important thing.” Apart from him joining the football team and with the expected pressures from both the team and Howard community, Newton takes pride in being able to be a Howard Bison. “I am extremely happy to be apart of the best HBCU there is,” Newton said.
Photo Source: Twitter.com/NewtonCaylin
“Personally, I look forward to witnessing the overall Howard experience and what all the school brings to the table,” Newton said. “I’m excited to meet new people and build a great mass of connections this university has to offer.”
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Missing in Action: The Tale of a Knicks Star’s Unexpected Absence By Nathan Easington Sports Staff Writer He was there. On the morning of Jan.8, New York Knicks point guard Derrick Rose was present for the team’s early shoot-around. However, come game time, Rose was nowhere to be found for the team’s tipoff against the New Orleans Pelicans later that day. “It was a family issue,” Rose said in a media address at the Madison Square Garden training center. “It had nothing to do with the team or basketball. That’s the first time I ever felt like that emotionally, and I had to be with my family. I just had to get to my family.” Not having contacted any team officials prior to his departure, the Knicks organization was left without a statement regarding his whereabouts or what he was doing and why he was missing the game.
family issues. However, Rose Fans took to social media failing to contact an official or to question Rose’s absence teammate beforehand is what and speculate if he was in put him in the hot seat. good condition. Some even Despite the controversy speculated his absence was a he caused and contrary to the childish result of him being sat pleasure of Knicks fans, Rose down in the fourth quarter in a was allowed to reenter the previous game. Others specustarting lineup without suslated he was tired of losing pension on Wednesday, Jan. and wanted to act out in spite 11, for the Knicks matchup towards the Knicks. against the Philadelphia 76ers. It wasn’t until after the However, the team also orgame that Rose’s two-time dered Rose to pay a fine of teammate (for the Chicago approximately $200,000, a fine Bulls and currently the Knicks) equivalent to 1/110th of his Joakim Noah was able to $21 million wage. confirm that Rose was okay. “The team fined him a pretAccording to Noah, Rose had ty hefty amount—the amount to travel to Chicago to address of the fine for missing a game,” family issues. Knicks head coach Jeff HorRose said that at the time, nacek said in an interview with he did not want to answer CBS Sports. calls and just needed personal Since his return, Rose has space. played his average 30-35 minThe controversy around utes in each game, finishing his departure was not that he with an average of 19 points had to return to Chicago, as per game. nobody can belittle a person’s
Photo Source: Hollywood Life
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The Road to the Super Bowl Who will advance in becoming the next Super Bowl champion?
By Brittany Webb Sports Editor
On Saturday, Jan. 7, the National Football League wildcard games kicked off for teams to get the chance to enter the Divisional Rounds for their chance to be the 2017 Super Bowl Champions. Kicking off the games was the Raiders and Texans matchup, where the Texans beat the Raiders 27-14. The Lions and Seahawks later competed where the Lions faced a 6-26 defeat. On Sunday, Jan. 15, the Steelers defeated the Dolphins in with a 30-12 victory. The Giants played against the 2011 Champions, the Green Bay Packers. Having started the game strong, things were looking good for the Giants, who were the only team to defeat the Dallas Cowboys this season. However, the Packers defeated the Giants 38-13. “No one knows why you don’t go out there and play your best,” quarterback Eli Manning said
during the post-game interview. “Overall, the Packers played better than we did. That’s what it came down to.” And that’s what it came down to this past weekend. On Saturday, Jan. 14, the Seattle Seahawks faced a 20-36 defeat against the Atlanta Falcons, and the Texans were defeated by the Patriots. On Sunday, the 2009 NFL Champions, the Steelers defeated the Kansas City Chiefs 18-16. As for the Packers, they continued to show their fight to obtain another championship title. Having defeated the only team to beat the Cowboys during the regular season, the Packers became the second team to defeat the Cowboys obtaining a 34-31 victory in Sunday’s matchup. This Sunday, the Packers will face the Falcons, who have never obtained a Super Bowl title. Despite being the NFC Champions in 1999, the team lost 34-19 against the Broncos in the Falcons’ first
Super Bowl appearance. The Pittsburgh Steelers, will face the 2015 NFL Champions, the New England Patriots on Sunday night as well. NFL Nation’s Kevin Seifert predicts that Packers and Falcons have a chance at winning factoring in their quarterbacks, Packers kicker, Mason Crosby and the Falcons’ pass offense that has the potential to challenge the Packers “whose mediocre defensive secondary has been perpetually limited by injury.” According to the New York Times, it can be predicted that the Super Bowl will host Tom Brady and the New England Patriots against Matt Ryan and the Atlanta Falcons. Kick off for the Packers and Falcons game is set for 3:05 pm, airing on FOX from the Georgia Dome in Atlanta. The Steelers and Patriots game is set for kickoff at 6:40 p.m. on CBS, from the Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts.
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This Week in Bison Sports By Brittany Webb Sports Editor
As students and faculty enjoyed an extended weekend and commenced for community service events in the name of the late Martin Luther King Jr., some Bison athletic teams traveled to compete in tennis matches and swim relays, while others welcomed rivals to their home court, with hopes of having home court advantage.
BOWLING
On Friday, Jan. 13, the women’s bowling team had their fair share of wins and losses. They lost to Norfolk State 855-913 and Morgan State 703-911. However, they made up for their losses in obtaining three victories against Virginia State (994-729), Bowie State (895-863) and Fayetteville State (925-825). The women carried their victorious title with them to their competitions of Saturday as they beat Fayetteville (964-906), Bowie State (873-806), Virginia State (849-749), Morgan State (960-841) and Norfolk State (896-759). The team will travel this weekend to compete in the Kutztown Invitational.
TRACK & FIELD
On Saturday, Jan. 14, the Track and Field team competed at the Towson Invitational in New York. Upon completion, the team left with several top finishes and qualifiers for the MEAC and IC4A Championships. The Track and Field team will participate in the Terp Invitation in Maryland this weekend.
SWIMMING On Sunday, Jan. 15, the Howard University swimming teams faced New Jersey
Institute of Technology, Saint Peter’s University and Drexel University for the Coastal Collegiate Sports Association competition. The men’s team fell short to both NJIT and Drexel, while the women were tough completion for Saint Peter’s, defeating them 190-39. However, they later came up short to Drexel University’s swim team. The teams will travel to Marymount for their next meet on Friday.
TENNIS
The men’s tennis team also competed on Sunday, Jan. 15. However, victory and titles weren’t theirs to claim. The team was defeated 7-0 in a matchup against Old Dominion. The team will try again at victory on Friday, Jan. 20 in Richmond against the James Madison Dukes followed by a matchup against Saint Francis University on Saturday. The women’s tennis team will also compete against Saint Francis in the District on Saturday.
BASKETBALL On Monday, Jan. 16, the men and women’s basketball team hosted the Cop-
pin State Eagles for a back-to-back matchup. First up: the women. Coming into the game 6-8 overall, 2-0 in the MEAC conference, the Lady Bison refused to let the Eagles taint their winning streak. The women’s team beat their MEAC rival 66-58, winning their fifth straight victory. The Eagles fell 3-14 overall, 3-2 in the MEAC. The Lady Bison will face the North Carolina A&T Aggies on Saturday in North Carolina. With the women defeating the Eagles, it was only right for the men to attempt following suit. However, the Eagles shooting abilities made them unstoppable in the fourth quarter. The Eagles made 70 percent of their shots in the second half, while the Bison, despite their strong first half, missed more than 50 percent of their shots. The Bison, 4-14 overall, 1-2 in the MEAC, lost 72-81 against the Eagles (5-15, 4-1 in the MEAC). The Bison will travel to North Carolina to face the North Carolina A&T Aggies on Saturday, Jan. 21 at 4 p.m. in Corbett Sports Arena.
THURSDAY, JANUARY 19, 2017
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Upcoming Games:
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MEN’S BASKETBALL
WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
MEN’S & WOMEN’S SWIMMING AND DIVING
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