The Student Voice of Howard University Since 1924 Volume 101, Issue 11
Thursday, November 3, 2016
Washington, D.C.
New Name, New Chapter: Cathy Hughes School of Communications
Cathy Hughes poses with other members of Howard University staff and guests at the Celebratory Brunch made in honor of the new Cathy Hughes School of Communications building on October 23, 2016. (Photo Credit: Samantha Corsey, Contributing Photographer)
By Jacinth Jones Campus Staff Writer Howard University hosted an official ceremony to rename Howard’s School of Communications (SOC) in honor of Cathy Hughes’ multimillion dollar donation. The event was held on October 23 at Armour J. Blackburn University Center’s Ballroom after the closing events of Howard’s Homecoming entitled BLUEPRINT. Howard attendee and moderator Anthony Anderson, other notable alumni such as Debbie Allen and Elijah Cummings and Hughes’ family, friends and associates spoke and gave gratitude upon Hughes’ contribution towards SOC. Howard President Wayne A.I.
INSIDE: @TheHilltopHU
Frederick was also in attendance appearing grateful and appreciative as he began the ceremony with an introductory speech. “This is my first time unveiling the name of a school to an AfricanAmerican woman,” said Frederick. “I want to thank Cathy for her contribution which shows the countless hours dedicated by faculty/staff who have matriculated through Howard all the while upholding our motto ‘truth and service.’” “Thank you Cathy for reevaluating and reinventing the legacy of Howard University and being an inspiration to all of us as a mother, woman and visionary,” said Allen. “This is the beginning of another chapter in
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the name of Cathy Hughes and helps present a global image of who we are as a people.” “Thank you for making our dreams your dreams. Thank you for giving so much. Thank you for touching so many lives and thank you for being you,” added Cummings. The celebratory brunch developed into a mini concert with live performances from R&B singer Joe as he sang “All the Things” and “I Wanna Know” and the Howard University Gospel Choir featuring gospel artists Donald Lawrence, Richard Smallwood and Vashawn Mitchell. Following the performances, Hughes concluded the event with her acceptance speech thanking
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Howard University and others for their support. “This day would have not been possible without President Wayne Frederick. I want to thank [Dean] Gracie Lawson-Borders and all my family and friends for their support. I also want to thank my son, Alfred, for being the best partner and son I could ask for. Thank you for being the wind beneath my wings. This will be the most joyous memory until I can remember no more,” said Hughes. With Hughes’ endowment, her contribution demonstrated her dedication towards the media industry in order to produce the best professionals at Howard University.
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Student Spotlight: The Black Rapport Balances Style with Social Activism
By Maya King Campus Editor ‘What a Time to Be Black’: a phrase, Snapchat filter and t-shirt design. Also something one could see on The Yard as many sported the graphic tee on campus during the Homecoming weekend’s events. This exposure was precisely the goal of The Black Rapport, a clothing line with a socially-charged mission. Founded in early 2016 by alumni Malika Michaud and Brent Jackson, The Black Rapport was originally a passion project. Since its cre-
ation, the line has gained the support of more than 200 students across the nation. The Black Rapport aims to give members a way to empower themselves and make a public statement while keeping the conversation going about important issues facing the Black community. To its founders, while the clothing and its mission go hand-in-hand, the latter remains most important. “For those stories that are being overshadowed without proper justice, we want to bring light to these issues,” Michaud said of her brand. “Reaching a wider audience
will help us gain support of the masses and influential people,” she said. BreAnn Jackson, a senior Health Sciences major and brand ambassador for the clothing line, admires the enterprise for more than the fashion statement it makes. “The Black Rapport shows an appreciation for Black history, culture and beauty,” she said. “(The clothing) strikes up conversation every time I wear it.” In addition to its mission of spreading awareness of Black issues, The Black Rapport aims also to empower those abroad. A portion of
the money received from each purchase goes towards a UNICEF fund to provide aid to the victims of Hurricane Matthew. This only further ties into the clothing line’s purpose, which stresses “purpose over profit.” Though only established for a little less than a year, The Black Rapport is growing fast. In the next few years, according to Michaud, the brand plans to continue to expand both its stock and its platform, with the ultimate goal of gaining recognition from America’s top Black media outlets. “We want to become cor-
THE HILLTOP STAFF 2016-2017 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Paul Holston
BUSINESS MANAGER
PHONE: (202) 806-4749
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Almani Jackson
MANAGING EDITOR Rushawn Walters SALES MANAGER Akiah Singfield COPY CHIEF Sylvester Johnson III ASSISTANT COPY CHIEF Devin Barnwell CAMPUS EDITOR Maya King EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: eic@thehilltoponline.com NEWS EDITOR Amber Broaden MANAGING: managing1@thehilltoponline.com SPORTS EDITOR Brittany Webb HIRING: hiring@thehilltoponline.com LAYOUT EDITOR Dawn Ri’chard BUSINESS: business@thehilltoponline.com CULTURE EDITOR Gabrielle Oliver The Hilltop Editorial Office: 2401 4th Street NW, 68B Washington, D.C. 20059
respondents on high-level platforms and cover the stories that are being overshadowed,” she said. “(We wish to) highlight those persons making improvements in innovation and history.” Above all things, The Black Rapport is a movement. Since its earliest days of production it has aimed to empower and outfit black Americans and their allies. Those wishing to learn more about the organization and its products can visit theblackrapport.com or follow on Instagram @theblackrapport.
Zora Neale Hurston (18911960), co-founder of The Hilltop Newspaper, is considered one of the pre-eminent writers of twentieth-century AfricanAmerican literature.
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CAMPUS
Q&A: The Hilltop and Luke Cage’s Deborah Ayorinde By Maya King Campus Editor Actress and alumna Deborah Ayorinde has spent the last decade in Atlanta and New York City honing her skills as a actress, model and visual artist. Now, she stars alongside fellow alumna Simone Missick in Netflix’s Luke Cage series by Marvel. Campus Editor Maya King sat down with Ayorinde to talk to her about her journey from Howard to Hollywood (or in her character, Candace Miller’s case, Harlem).
What did you do? A: When I came in I was a business management major. It wasn’t me. I was an artist. I was a creative. And I needed to be where that was. After my freshman year I changed to the School of Communications and minored in Fashion Merchandising— two things I’m very passionate About. As far as organizations I was involved in, I was in Howard University Film Organization, Endustry Power Players and Entertainment Law.
Q: Who has been your biggest source of inspiration throughout this entire process? Why? A: I would definitely say my mom and my sisters. They have lifted me up, supported me and affirmed me in more ways than I can put into words. Them and God. They’re my rock. I thank God for them every single day. I’m surrounded by strong, resilient, driven, awesome women. There really is no black sheep among us.
Q: What about your rise to fame? How did that process start from when you graduated to now? A: I always knew I’d be a performer. It’s nothing that I ever decided, I think it was more so the “how” that was a variable. I dipped into the various aspects of the arts. I began to get serious about my acting career while I was at Howard. I got my degree in Film Production and was a rising junior when I got my first talent agent in New York. That’s where I started. When I graduated I went to Atlanta, built my foundation, built my credits and now I live in New York.
Q: What does being back at Howard mean to you? ` A: It’s amazing. I really feel like I’m coming home because I really feel like I’m connected to Howard and D.C. It’s a full-circle moment, especially to be on a show that represents us so truthfully and to have the reception and come back and celebrate that. Q: Tell me a little bit more about your time at Howard.
Q: What did you do in Atlanta? A: I mainly acted, but I had every side job known to man. I mean, that’s one of the reasons why I connected to Candace Miller so much. When you meet her, she’s a bottle service host working at Harlem’s Paradise, she doesn’t really like the
Photo Credit: Nathan Johnson
job but she’s doing it to take care of her family and fund what she loves because she’s in night school to become a nurse. When I saw that I thought, “that was my life!” Q: What was the most difficult aspect of your rise to fame and how did you cope with that? A: I can’t really say there was just one difficult thing because, you know, being an artist and trying to make it into a career is a hard thing in itself. Everyone’s journey is different, but I would say that is the most difficult thing—just learning how to make this thing that I’m so passionate about and really enjoy into a lucrative career. Q: How do you feel that your Howard career prepared you for your acting career? A: Being at Howard taught me to be bold. It taught me drive (and) confidence. I
(wouldn’t be doing this) if I didn’t go to Howard, because it taught me how to never take “no” for an answer. It really built me up as a woman and as a person. It made a fighter. In a good way. Q: And Simone Missick, your co-star, is also a Howard alumna. A: Yes, we call each other Bison sisters. We connected immediately. She’s an amazing person. She has such a beautiful spirit and we immediately connected. On set we had some amazing conversations about life, about God, about the industry, about everything. Q: Tell me about Candace Miller. A: She works with Luke Cage at Harlem’s Paradise. She gets caught up in a messy situation where she has to choose to either be on the side of the bad guys to
protect herself and her family or to do the right thing no matter what that means for her. It’s a great story. I really connected with Candace right away. Q: What would you tell Howard students who have goals of making it in the acting business? A: Stay true to yourself. When you’re in a school like Howard with so many strong people and strong personalities it’s easy to try to be like someone else. To say, ‘look at that person over there,’ and ‘okay, well, I need to be in THAT organization’ or ‘I wanna be like her.” And it’s okay to be inspired by somebody, but when you’re in that type of environment you have to (be) more conscious to stay true to yourself. You’re who you are for a reason. So be inspired and be around people who inspire you, absolutely.
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Refusing to Vote is a Valid Political Act Column of historical revisionism. While it
ducted by the Pew Research Center, By Jason Ajiake 33 percent of Trump supporters will Assistant News Editor vote for him simply to keep ClinIn only a matter of days, either Hillton out of office, and 32 percent of ary Clinton or Donald Trump will Clinton supporters will vote for her be announced as the next ‘POTUS’. simply to keep Trump out of office; While some confidently wait in line only 11 percent of the people will to cast their vote, others are much more hesitant about their choice. The be excited if Trump wins, only 12 latter is at this point, almost empiri- percent of the people will be excited if Clinton wins, and 60 percent of the cally proven inept, and the former, people are either “frustrated” or “discompetent if not celebrated; but no gusted” with this election altogether. matter the outcome of this election, These statistics should be alarming, voters lose. especially within our ever celebrated How much can our civic duty really (yet paradoxically, often imposed) matter, then? democracy. It is undeniable that voting is an Voting is accompanied by a parimportant part of democracy, but ticularly unique sentiment within there is nothing democratic about a the Black community because for so bipartisan election in the first place. When combined with the politics of long, we were not allowed to vote. fear, our two party system inevitably One of the most common arguments is that our ancestors and elders turns elections into a battle over the fought for the right to vote, therefore “lesser of two evils.” it is our duty to vote. This is a logical According to a Sept. study confallacy, contingent upon the facade
may seem reasonable on the surface, it takes a two-dimensional approach to a significantly more complex reality: our ancestors and elders were fighting to be free, voting was simply the means in which they believed liberation could be achieved. Yet after a half-century of consistent voting, we have little to show for it as a collective group, alluding to the definition of insanity — to expect different results for the same action. If we are to truly honor those who came before us, we should continue in the spirit of resistance to seek new methods of liberation. This does not mean that voting is pointless altogether. If the policies of a candidate align with the moral consciousness of a voter, regardless of their opponent, it would behoove them to vote. The statistics, however, suggest that neither candidate is preferred.
To simply vote for the “lesser of two evils” is to authenticate an admittedly illegitimate system, allowing a false dichotomy to be sustained indefinitely. The implication that political engagement can only exist within the space provided — the ballot box — is a declaration of learned helplessness, completely ignoring the function of contentious politics (i.e. revolutionary organizing). A non-vote is often an active political decision, a form of conscientious objection. By itself, the decision lacks comprehensive substance, but when combined with the various manifestations of contentious politics, refusing to vote is a valid political act. As Malcolm X once said, “a ballot is like a bullet. You don’t throw your ballots until you see a target, and if that target is not within your reach, keep your ballot in your pocket.”
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Millennials: We Must Vote Column
By David DePriest Contributing News Writer There are now approximately 200 million people registered to vote. More than 70 percent of the country is eligible, and as of this year the plurality of those eligible are young people aged 1835, more than the baby boomers and Generation X. For many, this is great. The thought of our generation, a generation more accepting and progressive than any before, leading the way on the major challenges that our country faces is an alluring
thought. Our generation is the one where the idea that Black Lives Matter isn’t up for debate, where capitalist-greed fueled projects like the Dakota Access Pipeline are detestable, where the wide-eyed democratic socialism of Bernie Sanders is celebrated, not because of political expediency, but because of the responsibility we as a people have to our most vulnerable citizens. Having our generation lead the way on these and many more issues should excite us, forcing us to step forward and have our voices heard. Right? Unfortunately, for us
and our shared political goals, the drive to vote just is not there for many young people. We gripe on social media, fecklessly tweeting #NoDAPL in solidarity. We march, phone in hand, when another Black person is robbed of their right to life. As the primaries marched on, we shared Bernie’s Facebook posts, we parroted the “lesser of two evils” idiom, but neglected to vote or even register when our state primary dates rolled around. We rebuke Trump’s racism passively, while still dutifully watching the breathless news coverage that fueled his
ascendance. Throughout the course of the last few years, we as a generation have shown ourselves to be more civically-minded and compassionate than any generation since Woodstock. But when it comes to getting up, getting out and doing the legwork to ensure that our altruist ideals turn into reality, we often hope that others will do the work. This election, more than any other one in our lifetimes, will shape whether we as a generation will truly own the future that we’ve been born to have. Not just in the short term, either.
Voting in representatives at all levels that defend the human rights of Black and other people of color is of paramount importance in this post-Obama world of escalated racial insecurity and reactionary bigotry. So too is defending the rights of native populations like those of Standing Rock, or the oft overlooked transgender community. If we truly want to see the brilliant and inclusive democracy that was promised to some in our Founding documents broadened to include all of us, we must vote. We need to hold flip-flopping career
politicians to account. We need to buttress the escalating violence of rouge institutions. More than anything else, we need to stop allowing other people and other generations dictate the world that we live in. We have a responsibility, not just as so called citizens but as the Black inheritors of a rich legacy of activism and social justice, to take on these challenges, and finally put an end to an era of toxic conservatism and regressive politics in our country.
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 Join us this Sunday… Cramton Auditorium – 11:00 A.M. Professor Emeritus of Sociology, Eastern University Founder and President, Evangelical Association for the Promotion of Education Saint Davids, Pennsylvania
Jalen Saunders and Victoria Gray (Mr. and Miss Howard) share their “Call to Chapel” during Homecoming Sunday.
Stay tuned to learn the organization that won the FREE organizational profile in The Hilltop for attending the Student Leader Commissioning Service with the most members!
Deeper in Faith – Wider in Community!
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Millennials: To Vote or Not to Vote, That Is the Question By Jenae Addison Contributing News Writer The 2016 presidential race has been anything but normal, even by the most liberal sensibilities. With less than a few days until election night, frontrunners Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton are not holding back any punches. As voters line up for Nov. 8, they will be faced with the formidable question: Clinton — America’s potential first female president, or Trump — the man with the “plan” to make America great again. Whatever the choice might be, the pressure to actually get voters, specifically millennial voters, to the polls is on. An August study from the Pew Research Center reports millennials and Gen. X’ers now outnumber baby boomers as the country’s largest living generation. However, younger
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generations between the ages of 18-35, are typically unpredictable during election season. With the shift in population, millennials could be a key influence in the upcoming elections — if they turnout that is. “I think you are either one type of person in this election. On one side of the race, supporters are very strong in their decision, they are not wavering, but there are other voters that are dissatisfied and torn,” said Samiah Ross-Wheatley, senior nursing major. The Center for Information & Research on Civic Learning and Engagement website states that 19.9% of millennials made up the electorate in the 2014 congressional elections. In the 2012 presidential elections, 45% millennials voted, a drop in
comparison to 51% in 2008. The decline in the millennial vote might be a continuing trend as their all around mood regarding this year’s candidates is indifference. Some young people claim they would rather not get into the nitty gritty of politics. Potential voters have already witnessed an array of outbursts, character attacks and scandals from both parties. And for some, politics are simply uninteresting. “I have not decided who I am voting for yet. I am not aware of politics like that, so it is not something that I am consciously thinking of,” said Anaya Cox, graduating senior, sports medicine major. The discontent with Clinton and Trump is so stark that it is pushing some young voters to look beyond the binary political parties and toward third party candidates; in other words, a protest vote. “I think protest voting is a popular generational notion to many people. But there is a reality here that is also in place,” political science professor Richard Seltzer said “The reality is that they are not equivalent in their negativity, the two candidates. And one of them is so demonstratively bad that that is a different dynamic, if this was four or eight years ago, I (could) understand it. But this is really different.” Currently, the two candidates for third parties are Green Party nominee Jill Stein and Libertarian Gary
Johnson. Both hold their own ideals and perspectives on key issues such as healthcare and environmental concerns. Although Johnson and Stein are not making waves in the polls, their candidacy holds significance. The third party candidates could sway the votes in major battleground states’ focus. “I’m an international student so I can’t vote. If I were voting this election, I would definitely vote as an independent. I don’t really trust either party and I think by not voting it’s sending a message,” said junior legal communications major Anne Cyril. In a head-to-head race among Clinton, Trump, Stein and Johnson, the race could potentially be winnable for Trump, as a third-party vote would presumably take away from Clinton’s votes. “From the data that I have seen it’s probably at this point unlikely to because Hillary has such a large lead but it’s a close election. (It appears) that the protest vote (will) probably help Trump then Clinton,” says Seltzer. The bottom line? Millennials have a lot to consider this election season. As Atlantic News reporter Derek Thompson put it, this generation seems they’re “all throat and no vote”. With the perplexing uniqueness that is this election year, the potentially influential bloc might just be a force to reckon with. We’ll see in five days.
Correction
The “Step Show Electrifies Burr Gymnasium” story on Page 12 of Oct 24. had several errors throughout the story. The revised story can be read online at: thehilltoponline.com
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CULTURE
What’s Poppin in Music? Artist Spotlight: NxWorries By Jaylin Paschal Culture Staff Writer Praised by many as one of the best new artists in the game; including XXL; rapper, singer and musician Anderson .Paak has been an innovative voice since his 2014 release of Venice. His work has been experimental and creative, separating him from other artists on the rise and even those dominating the mainstream. Although .Paak just satisfied his fan base with his critically-acclaimed album, “Malibu”, earlier this year, he recently teamed up with producer Knxwledge to form NxWxrries, and dropped the collaborative album, “Yes Lawd!”, on October 21. Knxwledge, like .Paak, has quite the track record, although he hasn’t been as widely embraced. His work has been celebrated as eloquent and meticulous; and these qualities make the duo Nx-
Wxrries successful as a rapper-producer combination. Their two separate visions seem to merge together seamlessly, as one. On “Yes Lawd!”, .Paak takes on an obnoxious, lustful and larger-than-life persona, and maintains his character throughout the project. This character is just corny enough to be funny, just clever enough to catch you off guard and just insightful enough to make you consider his propositions-although absurd on the surface. The album is light-hearted commentary on modern romance, spoofing the “pimp/player” role many men seem to glorify. .Paak’s character is “the man,” taking pride in all of the moral deficits he embodies and highlighting his own contradictions. He is the man that’s only good at being no good. “I keep trying to tell you/ You can’t keep me on a leash/ No matter how hard you train me/ I’ll do what I want in the end,” .Paak explains.
“Yes Lawd!” is playful and funny, making it impossible to sit still through the entire album. At some point, you’re going to dance, unless you have an unprecedented amount of self control. Percussion, bass and violins provide the jazz-influenced instrumentals that allow you volley back and forth from idea to idea with .Paak’s stream of consciousness. Knxwlegde was able to capture the spirit of the lyricism in the production of the album, appropriately punctuating all of .Paak’s statements. With each song on the nineteen-track project being glorious in its own right; plus the presence of standouts like “Livvin,” “Get Bigger/Do U Luv,” “Khadijah,” “Scared Money” and “Suede”; “Yes Lawd!” will go down as one of the best albums of 2016.
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A Long Time Coming: Cubs Make History in the World Series
Dexter Fowler, center fielder, Chicago Cubs (Courtesy Photo)
108 years. The last time the Chicago Cubs won a World Series was over a century ago. No other professional sports team that won a national title has gone that long without winning another championship. While their return to the World Series is one of the most electrifying events to happen in Chicago in years, there is another matter that is historically important for the Cubs. On Tuesday, Oct. 25 Carl Edwards, Aroldis Chapman, Jason Heyward, Jorge Soler and Dexter Fowler took the field as the first African-American Chicago Cubs to play in the World Series in Cleveland. All of the players have key roles on the team from pitching to playing the outfield. Although the Cubs haven’t won the Series in over 108 years, they did make it to the Series back in 1945. During that time, Blacks were not allowed to play Major League Baseball (Jackie Robinson did not start playing for the Dodgers until 1947). Fowler was the first of the players to take the field on Tuesday, being the Cubs leadoff hitter. “It’s awesome to be the pioneer, the very first one,” Fowler said in an interview with USA Today. “It’s great
just being here in the World Series, but to add that aspect of it definitely makes it that much better.” Last season, Fowler became a free-agent. The Cubs were prepared to replace Fowler, knowing he had options. Despite rumors that Fowler signed to the Baltimore Orioles, he returned to the Cubs, signing a oneyear $13 million contract. “At the end of the day, this is where I wanted to be,” Fowler said. The Cubs organization created a stigma and history being their team being unsuccessful in making it to the World Series. There was the “goat” curse back in 1945 and the Steve Bartman fiasco in 2003, causing the Cubs to lose to the Marlins following three games in the National League semi-finals. However, one curse the team was able to avoid was being the only MLB team to not have had Black players present in the World Series. With the series tied three games to three at press time, the Cubs may have made history for being the only team without a title for over a century, but they are making history for fielding their first player of color in the World Series. By Nathan Easington Contributing Sports Writer
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SPORTS
T he Long Walk Home:
Howard University to Induct Hall of Famers By Brittany Webb Sports Editor On Saturday, Nov. 19, Howard University will hold its bi-annual Hall of Fame induction ceremony at 6:30 p.m. in Blackburn Center. During the ceremony, 28 former athletes, administrators, teams and three Buffalo Soldier Award recipients will be inducted. Former administrators that will be inducted into the Hall of Fame include Dr. Carl E. Anderson, as well as the late Leo Miles and Sondra Norrell-Thomas. The 1980-81 and 1986-87 men’s basketball teams will be inducted, alongside the 1961-68 swimming and diving teams, the 1969 cricket team and the 1994 women’s volleyball team. Seventeen former athletes will be inducted into the Hall of Fame. Among them
are former basketball player Eugene Davis. “Being inducted into the Howard University Athletic Hall of Fame is a distinguished honor that I accept with pride, appreciation and humility,” Davis said. “It is a tremendous feeling to know others think highly of my performance. Words are not sufficient to express my deepest gratitude.” Davis played for the Howard basketball team from 1965-1969. In 1968, he was appointed as team captain for the 1968-1969 season. Standing at 6-foot-3-inches, Davis served as the team’s sixth man. His strong defense and shooting skills paved the way for him to be named to the D.C. Metropolitan Area Basketball Collegiate All Metro Team in 1969. Despite all his accolades
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throughout his basketball career, Davis credits his success throughout his Howard basketball career to men and persons other than himself. “Basketball is a team sport; it takes a team,” Davis said. “There is no ‘I’ in team. I accept this honor with every teammate I played with in mind-- along with the coaches I played for, especially Coach Marshall T. Emery (Rest In Peace), Howard University, Coach Frank P. Bolden (Rest In Peace), Cardozo High School, [and] Washington, D.C.” Another former athlete included in the seventeen is former basketball and track and field star Donna Wood. “I am very grateful and bumble for this recognition,” Wood said. “Being inducted to the Howard University Athletic Hall of Fame for basketball is a very special, honorable, prestigious and proud time of my life. I will always remember the day that I received the call from Mr. Bruce Williams… I was elated and could not believe it.” Wood credits her grandmother, Amanda Wood, for starting her legacy along with her mother, DeLois Warfield’s, always telling her “I know you could, Donna Wood.” Wood was a track and field star, alongside her best friend James Grayton, at Taft Junior High School and McKinley Tech High School. She would later attend Howard University where she displayed her talents
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on the track and field and women’s basketball teams. However, this year, Wood is being recognized this year for her contribution to the women’s basketball team. She was named the MVP of the 1982-1983 women’s basketball season. “My greatest memory as an athlete at Howard was in March 1982 at the MEAC Women’s Basketball Championship in Greensboro against South Carolina State,” Wood said. “The Lady Bison played a very competitive game and won an impressive victory. I scored 15 points and had 10 rebounds; I was selected to the MEAC All-Tournament team. [We] received an automatic bid to the NCAA Women’s Basketball playoff.” That year, the women’s basketball team made NCAA history as the first women’s basketball team to play in the
tournament from an HBCU. “I would like to thank God for blessing and selecting me to become a member of the 2016 Howard University Hall of Fame,” Wood said. “I couldn’t not have made it without Him.” Along with the induction of former athletes and teams, Howard will also present the Buffalo Soldier Award to Deborah Johnson, Ed Hill Jr. and Karen House. According to “Bison Express,” inductees have shown loyalty and support to the Howard University athletics program over time. The inductees will be publicly honored at Greene Stadium during Howard’s final football game on Nov. 19 prior to the evening banquet.
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Two Wrongs Don’t Make A Right: The NFL’s Response to Domestic Violence By Nkechi Nnorom Contributing Writer On Tuesday, Oct. 25, the New York Giants released veteran kicker Josh Brown days after Washington state authorities released letters, along with 165 journal entries, in which the veteran kicker admitted to abusing his wife, Molly, since 2013. Brown had served a one-game suspension in the 2016 season-opener after being arrested in May 2015 for an incident with his wife that occurred in the Seattle area. Authorities recently closed the investigation, and Brown was not charged. When I read the allegations, I was in disbelief. But when I saw the league’s response, I was furious but not surprised. It was another nail in the coffin for a league that has ways to go to earn back their respect. The NFL suspended Brown for only one game because of their inability to speak with his wife and get timely information from the sheriff ’s
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office during the league’s 10-month long investigation, which ultimately led up to Brown’s light sentence. Brown has since released a statement through ESPN’s Adam Schefter apologizing to the New York Giants, team owner John Mara and his supporters for his actions, mentioning his hopes of rehabilitation. Now, let’s rewind to earlier in the year when the NFL battled in court with New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady over allegations that he was “more likely than not” involved in a plot to deflate footballs in the 2015 AFC Championship Game. As a result, Brady received a 4-game suspension. FOUR games for deflating footballs. Only ONE game for abuse. After the NFL received a wide range of criticism for the handling of the Ray Rice debacle, Commissioner Roger Goodell promised the
league would take a tougher stance on domestic violence. Initially, the NFL had suspended the former Baltimore Ravens running back for two games, effective during the 2014 season, for punching his now-wife. The NFL now implements a 6-game suspension for players involved in domestic violence cases. The policy allows for aggravating circumstances that can make the suspension longer or mitigating circumstances that can make it shorter. So how did Brown end up missing only one game? Streams of questions will continue to be asked, and the league’s answers will most likely continue to fall short. It took TMZ releasing a video and staunch criticism to increase Ray Rice’s ban from two games to an indefinite suspension. Now, it’s taking court documents spanning from
2013 for Brown to be released from the Giants. To say the NFL didn’t know is a lie. To say the NFL would turn a blind eye is a cringe-worthy feeling. An excerpt from the NFL’s mission statement says: We always look to make the right call. We do the right thing when no one is looking, and even if it’s unpopular when they are looking. We demand accountability and we expect fair play. We say what we mean, mean what we say, and always follow through. We accept responsibility when we get things wrong and then work to make them right. Ray Rice in 2014. Josh Brown in 2016. Two wrongs certainly don’t make a right. NFL, when is enough, finally, enough?
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What to Expect for the 2016-2017 NBA Season
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Despite their lost, the Warriors won a prize during their off season. Former Oklahoma City Thunder On Tuesday, Oct. 25, the 2016-2017 star player Kevin Durant signed with NBA season began. After an intense the Warriors after being a free agent. playoff and Finals series, fans have His move received mixed reviews been anticipating seeing their favor- from fans, fellow players, NBA legite teams and players step back onto ends and the general manager of the the court for another exciting season. Thunder Sam Presti. Returning from a nail-biting sea“It was disappointing, it was hurtson, last year, are the Golden State ful; but at the end of the day, it was Warriors. Last season, the Warriors what he felt was best for him,” Presti broke the Chicago Bulls’ 20-year said in an interview with ESPN. record, finishing the season 73-9. Durant wasn’t the only star player Despite being the “top dogs” in the to change his jersey. Derrick Rose, a NBA, the Warriors lost to the Cleve- former Chicago Bull, signed with the land Cavaliers in the Finals. This lost New York Knicks alongside Joakim formulated a new rivalry within the Noah. Miami Heat star Dwayne NBA. By Chad Vines Clarke Sports Staff Writer
Wade and former Celtic Rajon Rondo signed with the Chicago Bulls. Both teams have had successful starts in the 2016-2017 season. Basketball fans have also been waiting to see how the LA Lakers and San Antonio Spurs will play this season both teams lost one of their most valuable players, if not the most valuable player. Both Kobe Bryant and Tim Duncan played their last NBA game last season, as they both retired from the game. Although the Lakers are eleventh in the Western Conference, many are putting their faith in D’Angelo Russell, who came in as a rookie last season.
As for the San Antonio Spurs, they are managing without Duncan, holding a 4-0 record thus far. In regards to the Eastern Conference, the Cavaliers are on top with a 3-0 record to begin the season. Despite their loss last season, commentators and fans are predicting the Warriors will take another shot at being the No. 1 team in the NBA, making their way to a three-peat finals appearance. It is unclear how this season will turn out as last season proved that the NBA season won’t always finish as fans and experts expect it to. However, it is certain that we can expect and exhilarating season.
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