Volume 101, Issue 10 Oct. 24, 2016
The Student Voice of Howard University Since 1924
HOMECOMING SPECIAL ISSUE
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Howardwood Genius Talk with Alumni Simone Missick & Laz Alonso
By Jacinth Jones Campus Staff Writer In its seventh year where Hollywood meets Howard and where hustle meets opportunity, Black Entertainment Television (BET) and May Sister Entertainment brought Howardwood featuring Simone Missick, actor Lazaro “Laz” Alonso and journalist Jeff Johnson. Johnson, who is a moderator of “Genius Talk,” discussed the trials and trib-
ulations within the entertainment industry through the personal narratives of Howard alumni, Missick and Alonso. Both Missick and Alonso never relayed their passion for acting as a child. Alonso stated, “I had no courage to tell my mother I wanted to be an actor.” After Alonso’s Howard career as a business marketing major, he executed his 5-year
plan to relocate to New York while being an investment banker at Merrill Lynch on Wall Street and focusing on theater programs. Although Missick was enamored with television at a young age, her journey began as a freshman at Howard by taking an acting class for non-majors. As an english major and theater arts minor. “My family thought I was
Left to Right: Lazaro Alonso, Jeff Johnson and Simone Missick (Photo by Last Bison Standing)
attending Howard to become the next Cokie Roberts. It was unclear how I was going to follow my dream without telling my parents,” Missick said. In spite of the fact that Missick and Alonso were uncertain of their journey, their various filmographic success such as Alonso’s role in “Jumping the Broom” and Missick’s role in Netflix’s new series “Marvel’s Luke Cage” were due to their Howard experience. “[Howard] was the best four years I could have ever spent in a college setting. The diversity of the black diaspora gave me the confidence to be the black woman that I am today” said Missick. Their Howard experience was not the only thing Missick and Alonso contributed to their success. “I knew it was God
when I received the opportunity to perform in “Jarhead”. The breakdown specifically wanted a black Cuban and as an AfroCuban, the only thing the breakdown didn’t say was Laz Alonso” reflected Alonso. Missick agrees with as she also attributes her successful journey towards God. “When I started surrendering everything to God, there was continuous success. I was not allowing faith and prayer to coincide with my career, but I learned by trusting in God with all my heart that everything will come in due time,” reflected Missick. In an exclusive interview with the Hilltop, Missick and Alonso discussed the importance of speaking to students at their alma mater. “With Howard being my alma mater, I
find it important to share my experience post Howard. I hope to kick down the door of opportunity for people like us as long as they walk into it and kick the door for other graduates to come” said Alonso. Missick concurred. “I remember Isaiah Washington and Paula J. Parker speaking at Howard. It was impacting moment to see someone who was in the industry. I feel responsible to impart wisdom to students whose shoes I were once in”. Genius Talk provided insightful messages to Howard students of any major. Alonso and Missick’s testimonies and recommendations for life after Howard helped portray the potential any Howard bison has to offer.
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By Jason Ajiake Assistant News Editor Hundreds of excited students filled the stands at Greene Stadium for the pep rally, Howard University’s first major homecoming event on Tuesday, October 18. With fists raised in the air as a symbol of Black power, the night started off with a powerful rendition of the Black national anthem, “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” . Unfortunately, the excited energy soon turned to confusion after a series of sound complications. Although music was playing, it was hardly loud enough and lacked consistency, as nearly every song was followed by periods of inactivity. After hosts Malachi Dozier and Michele Henix announced that
COLUMN -- Pep Rally Recap: It’s Complicated Shy Glizzy would be the special guest performer, mixed excitement began to fill the stadium once again. Glizzy, who tweeted the previous year about being frustrated that Howard had never invited him to a homecoming event, was prepared to nail the performance and save the night. The excitement was met with confusion yet again, as the event coordinators gave him a microphone that didn’t work. Visibly frustrated, Shy Glizzy couldn’t properly give a live performance. Instead, his music played in the background while he danced with the non functioning microphone in his hands. Another long period of inactivity followed while the event coor-
dinators tried to figure out what to do. For many though, it was too late — a line to exit the stadium began to form. In final attempt to stop people from leaving, the DJ played “Swag Surfin,” accompanied by the actual creators of the song, Fast Life Yungstaz (F.L.Y.). While it succeeded in halting the exodus, it was only a temporary solution to the problem and people continued to leave after the song had finished. “The event felt very last minute, with no sense of organization at all,” said sophomore undecided major Isaiah Evans. “Howard had so much to prove following last year’s pep rally flop, and once again they disappointed. I know Howard can do
better, so I’m left wondering what caused this event to go completely wrong.” After the event, the #Blueprint Homecoming Committee tweeted the following: “Apologies for the sound complications tonight! Hope y’all all enjoyed our Pep Rally.” Despite the apology, many students still felt disappointed. “It just didn’t live up to the hype. Maybe next year we could opt for a smaller venue like the Burr Gymnasium, it’ll contain the energy better. But I appreciate all the hard work the Homecoming Committee did in making this event happen,” said senior political science major Alexandra Joseph.
Rapper Shy Glizzy makes an appearance during the Howard Homecoming Pep Rally in Greene Stadium. (Photo by Ralph Jones, Staff Photographer)
(Photos by Ralph Jones, Staff Photographer)
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EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Paul Holston BUSINESS MANAGER Almani Jackson SALES MANAGER Akiah Singfield MANAGING EDITOR Rushawn Walters 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 CULTURE EDITOR Gabrielle Oliver HIRING: hiring@thehilltoponline.com SPORTS EDITOR Brittany Webb BUSINESS: business@thehilltoponline.com LAYOUT EDITOR Dawn Ri’chard
Zora Neale Hurston (18911960), co-founder of The Hilltop Newspaper, is considered one of the pre-eminent writers of twentieth-century African-American literature.
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Recap: The Hurston/Wright Legacy Awards
By Justin Cohen News Staff Writer The Hurston/Wright Foundation, an organization that seeks to discover and honor writers dedicated to the development of Black literature, hosted its 15th annual Legacy Awards on October 21 at the Washington Plaza Hotel. The Hurston/Wright Foundation was founded in 1990 by award-winning author Marita Golden and bibliophile/cultural historian Clyde McElvene. The organization is named after literary masters Zora Neale Hurston, who is also a co-founder of The Hilltop Newspaper, and Richard Wright, in order to illuminate its platform on preserving the legacy and work of future Black writers and the literature they produce. “If we don’t celebrate ourselves and our accomplishments no one will,” said Junot Diaz, acclaimed author and recipient of the MacArthur “Genius Grant.” Diaz received the Ella Baker Award for recognizing writers and art activists for ex-
ceptional work that advances social justice. The night was an award ceremony afare. The events started off with mistress of ceremonies Michel Martin saying a few words on the night and its significance. Some prominent artists were honored with the North Star award and the Ella Baker award, and finally all the awards for the different genres were distributed. The foundation’s highest honor, the North Star Award, was presented by author Mitchell Jackson to famous African-American author and essayist Ernest J. Gaines. Gaines’ many works depict recent experiences of African-American migrants to the urban North. “It may be an honor to be granted this award for my work, but it is a greater honor that this award was given in the name of Zora Neale Hurston and Richard Wright, two of the greatest African-American writers in this country,” said Gaines upon receiving the award.
The awards ceremony also honored student writers who contributed toward the legacy of Black literature with the award for college writers in fiction and poetry. Recipient of the student fiction award, John S. Wilson III of Princeton University, won a $1,000 prize for his story “4, 6, 8.” “Winning this award means a lot. I am mostly in a classroom with no people of color and I feel like I have to do a lot of translating,” Wilson said. “It is fortunate to me to be honored by people ‘looking through the Black gate’, because when I have already written a story and I can tell them to enjoy it as it is.” “If we look at the number of Hollywood films that are produced by Black people that star black people and the fact that most of white America will not go to see those films, what the mass of people will consume is more sports and not literature, I think this night takes on more and more importance,”
said Haynes Davis, a poet attending the events of the night and a supporter of the arts. As it is important to recognize the accomplishments of Black artists when they are hardly noticed by the public at large, the Hurston Wright Legacy Awards depicted an amazing celebration for many Black literature writers who are still daring to represent the culture. The Hurston Wright Legacy awards highlighted the renowned esteem that Black literature has for many people of color, and the recipients were honored to receive an award named after writers who embodied Black excellence. “We have to support the arts. We have to keep supporting them as much as possible in order for them to flourish,” said Mr. Robert Richardson, a supporter of the Hurston/Wright Foundation.
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On the Run: Homecoming Week Kicks Off with Annual 5K Race
By Nathan Easington Sports Contributing Writer Howard University students, alumni and family commenced for the third annual 5k Homecoming race, Saturday, October 15. This year’s approximate 3-mile trek was the second official run, and the amount of support proved that the event is here to stay. This year’s event had a smaller turnout than expected, with a little over 50 participants. However, the importance of the race was still felt through the
dedication of participating runners. One runner seemed much more dedicated than the rest. Freshman Kiwane Perry won the race in a blistering 20 minutes. “I had a really good time,” Perry said. “I’m naturally a competitive person, so it worked out well that I won.” The route of the race was one that many Howard students and alumni alike have walked time and time again. The starting
point was the front of the administration building. Participants would then begin running to the medical school, up 4th Street NW towards the reservoir then back to the administration building. Participants ran the route twice for completion of the race. “For me running back up through the reservoir was the hardest part,” Perry said. “It’s the longest stretch and it’s really twisty.
Starting unofficially in 2013, the race’s original purpose was to bring together all members of the Howard community including students, alumni and staff. It was to promote a healthy lifestyle while fostering the opportunity to make new connections and strengthen old bonds. The 5k Race, which was recognized as a Homecoming event for the first time in 2014, received sponsorship from Target that same
year. As a result of the participants enjoying the race, the university’s Homecoming committee added the 5k Race to the official event list for the next eight years. “It was a really good time,” said freshman Aly Fall. “[It] was surprisingly worth the early start.” As the race is the flagship event that starts off Homecoming week, the race gets the minds of Homecoming attendees going. It serves as
that beginning boost of energy. As the event is on the roster until 2022, it is expected that the number of participants and range of support will increase over the next decade.
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“Committed to Breathing” Town Hall Discussion Held in Blackburn
By David DePriest News Contributing Writer During this year’s Homecoming, a panel discussion entitled “Committed to Breathing” Town Hall was hosted in the Blackburn Ballroom on Wednesday, October 19. The event was organized as part of a broader push by the administration and the Howard University Homecoming Steering Committee to center Homecoming around student action on key issues regarding the nature of anti-Black violence and the roles that students can play in pushing for reform. The town hall was studentled as Alexis McKenney, junior political science major, moderated the discussion. The panel, consisted of five of Howard University’s most prominent voices on criminal justice reform, featured Dr. Lisa Crooms-Robinson, professor of law and associate dean for academic affairs
and Dr. Bahiyyah Muhammad, associate professor of criminology, in addition to student activist Kamau Waset, Chief of Police, Brian K. Jordan and retired D.C. MPD, Ronald E. Hampton. Students who attended questioned policing’s historical links to slavery, property protection and implementing transgender and queer identifying people into policing. “I think a lot of people see police brutality as a modern issue, when it has been a historical issue,” said Ayana Evans, a junior transfer economics major. “The frame of the conversation could have used a little bit more contextual information for people who do not understand how this has been an ongoing thing.” In addition, discussion included how many people failed to understand the foundations of police brutal-
ity in America, and its historical connections to many Black people today. “It is important for us to understand why people are fearful of us,” said Waset. “You cannot detach concrete policies from the narratives that we are trying to resolve. “The policies are both the result and the cause of the things we are seeing in terms of anti-Black attitudes. Those two things cannot be divorced,” he said. This brought on a passionate response from Jordan, who argued that forums like these often focus on all that is bad with policing, as opposed to the instances where a pronounced police presence is welcomed, like in Chicago. “What happens is, when we take a 90-minute conversation, we spend at least 85 minutes redescribing the problem every time,” said Jordan. “Talk about the his-
tory of policing, talk about the history of slavery, or Black folks.” In order to start shifting the perspectives that many seem to hold about the police department, many in the audience felt that it’s important to understand the ways for people to take action against the issues that many deal with in terms of policing. “How can we change this? We get involved in the process, stand up and tell them that ‘I’m not going to accept this,’” said Hampton, who spoke against the “power, privilege, and entitlement” segment. Amongst the discussion, other topics such as the inclusion of women and queer people into policing discussions that generally prioritize Black men were brought into the conversation. With these topics brought up, the tone of the discussion
from them on felt short and less incisive discussions took place, in part because most of the men on the panel either refused to engage or did so sparingly. However, this also brought on the event’s most noteworthy statement made by Muhammad. “Love yourself,” said Muhammad. “I do not think anyone’s apology, regardless of where it comes from, is going to be able to give you that strength and that conviction to live life in this skin.” “I think that once you love yourself, you love the skin that you are in, you’ll be fearless,” she said. The panel discussion was full of robust opinions and emotions about the state of Black culture being terrorized by police force, but the premise of the discussion was to use love to overcome the challenges that our community faces.
Professor Dana Williams, chair of Howard University’s Department of English, announce winners to “Comitted to Breathing” essay contest. (Photos by Leaynet Sahilu)
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Phresh Off the Runway: Fashion Show Amazes Crowd
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(All photos by Briana Ellis-Gibbs)
By Christian-Alexis Bacon Contributing News Writer The hype for this year’s Homecoming Annual Fashion Show, entitled “Untitled to UNITED,” took place Thursday, October 20, in Cramton Auditorium, rode on whispers and speculations on social media of music artist, Chance the Rapper, to possibly being in attendance. Unfortunately, no A-list celebrities performed or were in attendance that night. Lead organizer of the fashion show, Kelsey Ashley, did however award a random audience member with a designer mask made by Bradley Douglass Jordan. “I’m not exactly sure how the fashion show will go if a well known performer doesn’t up. If you leave people in the dark when it
comes to $40 and $50 tickets, you cannot disappoint them,” said junior english major Rheabecca Rhoussel. Although with with some expressed concerns, students and attendees were not too disappointed and many reported the event successful despite the controversy. “I was initially skeptical about the show,” said Tashedah Green, junior computer science major. “But this was an aesthetic masterpiece that was so worth the money.” Social media sensation and live violinist, Matt the Violinist, was present as people walked into the auditorium, filling up the nearly all seats in the front row. The violinist, dressed in all black, performed contemporary violin covers of songs
like “Return of the Mack” by Mack Morrison, “On & On” by Erykah Badu, in addition to classically remixing songs by artists like Fetty Wap. Two, huge projection boards with abstract patterns and warm lighting illuminated the audience as the crowd continued to pour in. The show soon commenced after, and models began to stream out in designs by Nikoli Augustine, Khala Jones, Hoodlvm, Bradley Douglas Jordan and Tvenchy. Each model looked confident, calm and prepared as they glided down the aisles to Sango, Beyoncé and Mac Miller. “There is a lot of effort that goes into making it look effortless. It was intense,” said Deja Logan, junior sociology
major and a Howard University Elite model who was featured in the show. “Practices ran late into the night as the show came closer because formations and walks need to be fine tuned.” As a treat, the Howard University Gospel Choir made an appearance dressed in all white performing the chorus of Kanye West’s “Ultralight Beam” as the beautiful white, cream and nude gowns and formal wear of Lillie Designs were showcased. During the first intermission, the Duke Ellington School band performed. The second intermission featured the classically trained ballerinas from the Fine Arts performing to revolutionary themed songs like “Free-
dom” from Beyoncé’s “Lemonade” album. Television personality and Howard alum Yandy SmithHarris was also in crowd and applauded everyone involved. “I expected to come to the Howard fashion show, but what I got was an experience,” said Smith-Harris.
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By Maya King Campus Editor
LGBTQA Reception Showcases Black Excellence
A celebration of the most diverse communities at Howard University was held at the Lavender Fund’s second annual Renaissance Reception, Thursday, October 20. The event, Howard’s official LGBTQA Homecoming program, was held in the Louis Stokes Library and recognized the advancements of members of the Lesbian, Gay, Transgender Questioning and Allied communities both on Howard’s campus and beyond. The program included remarks from Victoria Kirby, National Campaigns Director for the National LGBTQ Task Force, Howard University Student Association
Executive President Allyson Carpenter and Howard President Wayne A.I. Frederick. Additionally, two students, Amber Broaden and Jubria Lewis, were recognized for their contributions to the LGBTQ community through a scholarship from the Lavender Fund. In its two years of existence, the Lavender Fund has raised more than $10,000 in donations for Howard students, faculty and administration to go towards clinical research within LGBTQA communities. Christopher Cross, Founder of the Lavender Fund, expressed his pleasure with the night’s events, saying it “exceeded
expectations.” The Renaissance Reception served to continue the work of the Lavender Fund, which is to spearhead clinical research related to youth and adults who identify as members of the LGBTQ community Broaden, a senior at Howard, has spent time working with LGBTQ youth in the District of Columbia as an advocate and mentor. As a self-identifying queer person of color, the psychology major said she felt the Renaissance Reception and scholarship held value for outside of the financial award. “[Receiving the award] has helped me to feel like I can
be myself entirely,” she said. “We’ve all been in spaces that make us feel uncomfortable, limited or not able to be ourselves…this experience has made me want to hold myself and love myself and people like me who are looked at as different.” Similar to Broaden, Lewis, a graduate student, plans to use the scholarship funds to further the cause of youth in the LGBTQ community. His hope is to use the money from the Lavender Fund to continue his work with youth aged K-12. Students, too, recognized the value of events like the Renaissance Reception and the role administration plays
in their success. “The ceremony was an incredible testament of the beauty and resilience of Howard’s LGBTQ students and alumni,” said Maya Williams, a 2017 graduate Howard master of business administrations student. “I was glad to see so many allies in attendance as well--particularly Howard’s President, Provost, Dean of the Chapel, Campus Police, Student Affairs leadership and the President of the Alumni Association. It was a packed house that crossed generations and experiences at the Mecca.”
(Photo Credit: Paul Holston, Editor-in-Chief)
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Howard, Homecoming and Hip-Hop
By Jaylin Paschal & Nicole Hutchinson Culture & Sports Staff Writers It’s no secret that Howard University has a special place in Hip-Hop’s heart. Howard has shoutouts in several hip hop songs, like Drake’s “Make Me Proud,” The Game’s “Celebration,” J. Cole’s “Grown Simba” and so on. It’s not uncommon for a Hip-Hop artist to dedicate a line to the real HU, recognizing the school’s reputation in academics, style or attractive students. Mentioned even more frequently than the university itself is Howard Homecoming. As this year’s homecoming slogan related to the celebration of the past, present and future of Howard, celebrities--alumni or otherwise--make their way to the Mecca to celebrate Homecoming. As Ludacris explained in his song “Pimpin’ All Over the World,” some of the biggest Hip-Hop artists, influencers, and enthusiasts in the music industry treat Howard Homecoming as an annual holiday: “Then jump in the car and just ride for hours/ Makin’ sure I don’t miss the homecoming at Howard.” A large Hip-Hop presence has been a monumental as-
pect of Howard Homecoming since Notorious B.I.G. performed one of his first shows at International Yardfest in 1992. Jay-Z and Kanye West are other artists who made Yardfest appearances before their careers exploded into the cultural phenomena they are today. Previous homecoming appearances have also included performances from huge names in the industry such as Rick Ross, Young Jeezy, Pusha T, Big Sean, T.I. and Drake. This year, on Friday, October 21, this tradition of Hip-Hop continued as performances were from music artists Faith Evans, Common and Fabolous. Fabolous, who took the stage with surprise guest Lil Uzi Vert, also shocked the crowd by bringing out Wale as the second unannounced appearance of the event. The shock of these guests invigorated the crowd, almost to the point of rowdiness. The many of the thousands of attendees put their attention and energy towards rapping or dancing along to the performances. Local artists and DJs also performed short sets in between the
larger performances. Yardfest is not only a huge musical event, but also a chance for music to prompt socialization between current and previous Howard students. It’s not unusual to see alumni telling younger students about the Yardfest performances from “back in the day,” nor is it uncommon to see younger students teaching alumni new dance trends. Current and previous students bonded over classics and new hits. These conversations were sparked by everything from Greek letters to long food truck lines, and it is likely that members from both “old Howard” and “new Howard” left with new insight on all that it means to be a Bison and “one Howard.” “I feel that it’s great because of all the alumni that return to show Howard students what they’re capable of. It shows students what they can achieve in life. It’s very motivating,” said Hawkins Owens IV, a junior biology major. Yardfest had high expectations, as previous years lead to disappointment in regards to the event. It seemed as if
the reinstatement of Yardfest and its traditional customs met these expectations, or at the very least offered hope for the future Yardfests to come. “I went to Yardfest my freshman year and last year it rained. It’s kind of of getting back to where it used to be; it being free, for one, and it being like a carnival,” said Natalia Christian, a junior french major chemistry minor. Though battling doubt, presumptions and rain, Yardfest had an amazing turnout and, in many cases, surpassed relatively low expectations. The success of the event punctuated the statement “Yardfest is back.” International Yardfest is a central part of Howard Homecoming, and therefore has a meaningful contribution to each student’s Howard experience. To be a part of a community which wholeheartedly embraces your Blackness and encourages your academic endeavors reminds many of us why we chose Howard in the first place. Yardfest is a manifestation of Black unity, love, and excellence, embodied
in one massive festival-style celebration. But Howard’s relationship with Hip-Hop is more intimate than Yardfest, or even than Homecoming week. Several entities of Howard culture document the ongoing love story, from Hip-Hop legends like Sean “Diddy” Combs creating scholarships for Greeks strolling to rap songs. Few events are more unifying than a school-wide collaborative performance of F.L.Y.’s “Swag Surfin’.” First Friday’s are nothing without the latest hip hop chart toppers. Campus DJ’s are widely known and respected. The Howard Showtime band performs covers of Kanye West songs. Hip-Hop courses are also offered to enhance students’ curriculums. Just as one can argue that Howard’s cultural influence has impacted the course of hip hop, from completing lyrical punchlines to catapulting music careers, it can also be argued that hip hop has impacted the course of Howard culture. All of this is evidence of the fact that although hip hop loves Howard, the feeling is mutual.
(Photo Credit: Ralph Jones, Staff Photographer)
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Beyond the Lens: Yardfest Makes a Triumphant Return
(Photo Credit: Kaitlyn Walls, Comtributing Photographer)
(Photo Credit: Briana Ellis-Gibbs, Staff Photographer)
(Photo Credit: Ralph Jones, Staff Photographer)
(Photo Credit: Jaylin Paschal, Culture Staff Writer) (Photo Credit: Kyndal Buchanan, Contributing Photographer)
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By Amber Broaden News Editor
Step Show Electrifies Burr Gymnasium
that through action,” said As the crowd quickly filled Kelechi Ononiwu, junior the stands and many gathpolitical science major and ered to watch their friends, 2016 vice president of Alpha frat brothers and sorority Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., sisters of the Divine Nine Beta Chapter. and Drew Hall Step Team The show featured perforperformed in a variety of mances from Zeta Phi Beta, acts at the Howard HomeSorority, Inc., Alpha Chapter, coming Step Show, entitled Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, “RENEGADE,” on Friday, Inc., Epsilon Zeta Chapter October 21. from Virginia CommonThe winners of the $2,500 wealth University, Phi Beta grand prize, Alpha Phi AlSigma Fraternity, Inc., Alpha pha Fraternity, Inc., themati- Chapter, Kappa Alpha Psi cally reminded the crowd the Fraternity, Inc., Xi Chapter, importance of their orgaOmega Psi Phi Fraternity nization, as well as giving Inc., Alpha Chapter, Alpha the audience a memorable Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., performance. Alpha Chapter, Iota Phi “My brothers worked so Theta Fraternity, Inc., Alpha hard for the show, and they Tau Chapter, and the Drew really went out and showed Hall Step Team.
(Photo Credit: Briana Ellis-Gibbs, Staff Photographer)
Throughout the show, each organization came with their own style and represented various themes in Black history and culture. The second place winners, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., Alpha Chapter, showed variations of Black life during the Jim Crow era. “Those are my neos [new organization members] and I am so proud of them for getting second place,” said Myles Odum, a Howard alumnus and 2012 Phi Beta Sigma (The D.R.Σ.A.M. Team) line member. Throughout the night, many of the organizations fought hard to keep their first place titles, making this year’s competition tougher
than previous years. “We do not step, we march, so we have a lot of enthusiasm,” said Gerald Huggins, member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Zeta Chapter at Virginia Union. “But there is always some bias when the bros march.” Despite the bright energy of each performance, there were organizations that failed to place during the competition, like the Drew step team. “Drew Hall step team’s technique was on point, despite not placing. Their steps were so complex and for the most part it was really entertaining,” said Jacquize Stewart, sophomore psychology major. “It was nice to
see their theme focused on esteeming Black culture after being oppressed through slavery.” During the show’s intermissions, the D-9 organizations filled the media-pit to dance and stroll with the music in between performances. The step show event effectively matched the energy of the crowd with its amazing performances. “I have been coming to Howard’s homecoming for the last ten years, and if I was 35 years younger I would have been out there stepping, too,” said Carol Everette, Howard alumna and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Alpha Chapter line of 1981.
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Peace Corps at Howard University Federal Services Panel Tuesday, October 25 | 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Founder’s Hall, Howard University
Serve at home or abroad. Join us for a Federal Service Panel Discussion at Howard University featuring representatives from the Peace Corps, City Year, White House Initiative on HBCUs, US Dept of State and USAID to learn about Volunteer and work experiences, ask questions about service, and gain knowledge about the application processes. Must register to attend. Free Refreshment will be served after the panel session.
peacecorps.gov
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State of the University Unveils Future Plans for Howard
By Taylor Hopkins Contributing News Writer Howard University President Wayne A.I. Frederick held a town hall meeting with discussions of potential improvements to be made at Howard University during the State of the University Presidential Address at the School of Business on Friday, October 21. “Homecoming at Howard University is a unique experience,” said Frederick. “It not only provides an opportunity for Howard University students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends to engage with one another, but it also reminds us why the Howard University experience is essential to the genetic makeup of the diaspora and the world.” The speech addressed the concerns of students, alumni and faculty in regards to the
university’s future financial plans. Recently, the lack of revenue for Howard’s faculty has caused a university-wide redirection of funds.The Howard University Hospital is currently being sold by the institution in an attempt to pay off debt. “We do not need to own a hospital. I will do anything possible to make sure that we do not,” he said. During the address, Frederick also announced that he plans to continue educating students in the health field through the hospital, though it will not belong to the university. He expressed he has no intentions of discontinuing such practical, realistic, and necessary experience, and is eager to evolve the economics of the university into the age of digitalism.
“We do need to keep it for the clinical laboratory that it provides for the academic environment though. Any deal we do with the hospital, we will only sign a letter of agreement to allow our students to work in the hospital,” he said. The president also took time to shed light on the academic success and scholarly students that represent the institution. One of the goals that he shared with the audience was his plan to grant the majority of the student body with Pell Grants. Howard is one of the few schools that has granted more than the predicted percentage of students with the award, and hopes to continue to surpass the statistic. President Frederick mentioned the cost of attend-
ing Howard to encourage alumni to donate in order to help further their education. While education seems costly to some, the president stressed his commitment to aiding students with financial need. “I would rather see dollars spent on matriculation because [it pertains] to the graduation rate,” said Frederick. Some in attendance were disappointed with the recent turn of Howard University’s economic plan. “The university has entered into partnership with the pharmacy, by selling the bookstore to Barnes & Noble, and discussed an agreement regarding the Meridian dormitory. How much revenue was generated from those transactions and
to what use will the money be put,” questioned Evana Powell, c/o ‘67 Howard Law school graduate. While some within the Howard community still have a question mark on the financial future for Howard, Frederick remains confident in Howard’s financial plan for the upcoming months. “If you look across the landscape of the country, there is no other university doing what Howard University is doing,” the president said. “As time evolves we are developing our economic plan.”
(Photo Credit: Howard University)
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Bison Upset in Game Against NCA&T Aggies
By Nicole Hutchison Contributing Sports Writer The Howard University football team faced the North Carolina A&T Aggies for their Homecoming game at Greene Stadium. The Bison took the field aiming to redeem themselves from their struggling start of their season, but they came up short losing 34-7, on Saturday, October 22. The Bison (1-7, 1-4 in the MEAC) chose to receive, giving the Aggies (6-1, 4-0 in the MEAC) momentum in taking the first opportunity
they could to score on an opening drive. Senior running back Tarik Cohen led the team in a 65-yard drive to bring the Aggies up 7-0, within the first seven minutes of the game. The Bison had an opportunity to add points to the board, but they did not execute the first play exchange, which resulted in a turnover. The Aggies used the faulty offense of the Bison and scored within two minutes, after a 20-yard drive.
The Aggies, known for having one of the top defensive teams in the FCS, made sure to take away scoring opportunities for junior running back Anthony Philyaw. Philyaw came into the game averaging 160 yards per game. The Bison focused on stopping Cohen (20 carries, 133 yards) throughout the game. However, this created more opening for quarterback Lamar Raynard, who was able to pass to other receiv-
ers. Lamar threw two touchdown passes to senior wide receiver Denzel Keyes. The Bison did not end the game where they began. Jason Collins scored a oneyard touchdown with a little over three minutes left in the game. Unfortunately, it was too late for the Bison to take advantage of the momentum and turn the game around. The Aggies had control of the game from start to finish. Raynard finished 13 of 18 for 191 yards, while Co-
hen added 54 yards on two receptions, which included a 45-yard touchdown reception. For the Bison, Philyaw was able to reach a career-high of five passes for 66 yards. Up next, the Bison, looking to gain their second win of the season, will face the Savannah State Tigers in Savannah, Georgia next Saturday, October 29, at 2 p.m.
(Photo Credit: Chad Clarke, Sports Contributing Writer)
16 • 10-24-2016 • THE HILLTOP