THE STUDENT VOICE OF HOWARD UNIVERSITY SINCE 1924
Volume 102, Issue 03
Washington, D.C.
September 14, 2017
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It’s Pageant Week At The Mecca By: Bria Horsley, News Editor
@autobriagraphy
Front Page Photo Credit: Jonné Simpson
Members of the royal court hand over their titles this week as pageants seek to find new royalty. Students have spent the last three weeks perfecting their stances, talents and walks, all in hopes of earning the title as the Mr. or Miss of their school or college. Howard Renaissance, the theme this year’s pageant season, paid cultural homage to the Harlem Renaissance.
hard-hitting spoken word pieces and few song selections sprinkled throughout.
“I think we’re in a new renaissance of embracing our blackness and social media has had a lot to do with that,” said Jori Gilbert, coordinator for the CNAHS pageant. “We have talented black people in all facets of the arts. In film, music and even in sports. We’re making a comeback.”
“What I’m looking for the most is perfection of each individual part. So, not stuttering on your platform and messing up when a question is answered,” said Gray. “Tonight’s questions were pretty general so the ability to articulate your answer and get straight to the point is what I wanted to see. The amount of work the contestants put in shows on stage. I just want to see more people perfecting everything because a lot of people don’t account for the nerves.”
Monday evening, CEA, CNAHS, and SOE held a joint pageant. Many were confused and unaware of the collaboration until three separate titles were given out at the end. Each school or college only had one male participant. Whereas, there were at least two ladies competing for each respective school or college. “I like the change. I feel like for the smaller colleges, especially CNAHS, it made it a little less awkward as opposed to one woman and one gentlemen just presenting themselves,” continued Gilbert.
Former Miss Howard University Victoria Gray took her seat as a judge for the contest. Being on the other side of the crowd, she emphasized that judges are mostly looking for confidence in the contestants delivery.
The newly crowned Mr. College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences, Arthur McGahee, Jr., and Mr. CEA, Vincent Roofe, were both thrilled for their new positions. “It’s truly an honor to represent the College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences,” Said McGahee. “I’m looking forward to what’s in the future and I’m ready to put in the work.”
With the pageants taking place so quickly into the semester, former title holders are saddened by the abrupt Mr. CEA echoed McGahee’s sentiments. “I’m looking stop. Their reign is one month shorter than its has been forward to really pushing out my platform,” said Roofe. in past years. I feel like I grew up seeing a lot of things and wanted to make a change. And now, I have the opportunity to make “It has been a pleasure to be a leader in my school,” that change.” said Janiah Beezer, the 2016-2017 Miss School of Education. “I’m really sad it’s over. It came too quick The new members of the Royal Court for 2017-18 are: this year. I came back thinking I was going to be able to Nyja Rivers (CNAHS), Arthur McGahee Jr. (CNAHS), implement a few more things, but I’m sure my successor Vincent Roofe (CEA), Morganne Veal (CEA, Daniel will be amazing.” As expected, contestants brought their Lindsay (SOE), J’Lyn Henderson (SOE), Miana Massey best to the stage. (SOC) and Brandon Allen (SOC). At Tuesday night’s Cathy Hughes School of Communications pageant, platforms ranged from empowering society to women being the foundation of the universe. The talent portion was saturated with
By the end of this week, all of the royal court positions will be chosen and their schools will begin to see the winners platforms come to fruition.
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WHAT’S HAPPENING AT CHAPEL! Members of the Howard Bison Football Team visit Chapel after their historic win.
To receive more information about the Chapel visit: http://bit.ly/2uN3Tvw (case sensitive)
Join us this Sunday at 11am… Wayne A. I. Frederick, M.D., MBA President , Howard University Washington, D.C.
To audition for the Chapel Choir visit: http://bit.ly/2ucHS94 (case sensitive)
Connect with us: ca__howardu
The Hilltop Staff Jazmin Goodwin, Editor-in-Chief Almani Jackson, Business Manager
EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT:
Brittany Read, Executive Operations Manager Jerry Augustin, Sales Account Executive
CREATIVE DEPARTMENT:
Autumn Dalton, Creative Content Director Oluwatobi Oladejo, Creative Content Coordinator Brianna Sims, Social Media Specialist
EDITORIAL DEPARTMENT:
Kimberly Nnorom, Senior Copy Editor Bria Horsley, News Editor Kai Sinclair, Assistant News Editor Oluchi Ike, Assistant Campus News Editor Clarice Metzger, Life+Style Editor Lawrence Dow, Sports Editor
The Hilltop Newspaper Office 2401 4th Street NW, 62B Washington, D.C. 20059 Phone Number: (202)806-4749 For Zora. For Howard For You. Est. 1924.
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Fresh Cuts for Freshmen: Howard University Opens Free On-Campus Barbershop By: David Robinson Jr., Campus Reporter
Howard University opened the doors to its first-ever on-campus barbershop. President Wayne A.I. Frederick received the inaugural haircut from barber and Howard alumnus LaMont Russell in the Charles R. Drew Hall location. Russell, better known as “Uncle Zeno,” is an entrepreneur and currently serves as the barbershop’s sole barber.
@drdavphoto
in promoting unity and tradition in our communities, all characteristics that we want to continue to Russell, a former Drew Hall resident, began cutting uphold with hair before arriving at Howard. the residents in Drew and “My best friend and I, we decided to cut hair to make Cook Hall.” a little extra money,” said Russell. “We each bought something [for the barbershop]. He bought the linRussell’s ers, I bought the clippers or vice-versa and we cut plans for the hair the summer before we went to Howard. And barbershop then he became my suitemate.” include incorporating The barbershop was created in honor of Asa O’Nean app called al, a former Drew Hall resident who died last No“Taper,” an vember. A dedication plaque hangs to the left of the electronic Barber LaMont Russell cuts the hair of a Howard University Student at barber shop door. Denise Rose-Clare O’Neal, Asa’s system creat- Charles R. Drew Hall barbershop. Photo Credit: David Robinson Jr. mother, spoke at Friday’s opening ceremony. ed by Bowie State alumnus and HBCU Buzz founder Luke A. Freshman Peter Lubembela reflected on her hopeful Lawal, Jr., which will be used for scheduling apmessage, “She talked about the barbershop and how pointments in advance. He also wants to facilitate it’s supposed be a community,” said Lubembela. “It’s meaningful conversation at Howard through his Bara place where people can go together and come under bershop Talks Program. the memory of Asa and also be a place where people can help each other out.” “It’s just a discussion space for community issues, similar to what the tradition of the barbershop is,” The barbershop is a partnership between Rob’s Bar- said Russell. “Talking about things really helps peobershop Community Foundation (RBCF), Corvias ple understand, and the more avenues that you have and the University. RBCF is a non-profit organizafor that allows for people to think more and take tion that serves the community through the distribu- more time and be more thoughtful moving forward.” tion of funds used for the development of grooming and self-care services. The new barbershop will lay a solid foundation for the Howard community to grow into an engaged and “This barbershop goes beyond providing haircuts caring community. Currently, only residents of Drew and grooming services to students,” said Evan Allen, and Cook Halls can receive grooming services. The Community Management Director for Corvias. “His- haircuts are free of charge and available for 15 hours torically, barbershops have played an essential role out of the week.
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In The Spotlight: Howard’s Student TV Network Prepares for New Changes By: Tia Lowe, Campus Reporter
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@TiaMLowe
Spotlight Network, Howard University’s student-run television network, is in the midst of exciting new projects for the upcoming school year. The network provides opportunities for students in various fields of communications such as production, writing, public relations and reporting. This year, Spotlight will be partnering with the Undergraduate Student Association and the Campus Pals to promote campus events. The network has also begun broadening its coverage by attending events such as the Essence Photo Credit: Zach Gibson, courtesy of The New York Times Music Festival and Black Girls Rock, an awards show that celebrates black women and their stressed keeping an ear out for this upcoming impact on communities. Both are opportunities week as there will be mixers for interested that assist in Spotlight’s credibility and growth. students and appearances by big guest speakers. Although Spotlight seeks to broaden its horizons, the network stays ultimately focused on being in touch with the University and its students. Yard Talk, a series on Spotlight, provides a source for prospective students to get a look into Howard. Special edition episodes have touched on Black History Month, the freshmen class and a UGSA collaboration–the All-White Party. Behind the Bison is another new addition to Spotlight. The new project will highlight students and their involvement around campus.
Additionally, Spotlight’s general manager Nayo Campbell is excited to cover more topics. “I think the growth of Sports Production is what I look forward to most this year at Spotlight,” said Campbell. Our sports programs are doing really well right now, so it will be fun to cover.” Along with the development of sports coverage, Campbell expressed her passion about the station and her excitement to “create some of the best media at Howard.”
All of Spotlight’s programs are aired on ResNet and can be viewed in dorms throughout campus. “Howard students are so talented and we want Following last week’s interest meeting, students to share that with our viewers,” said Eva applied to be a part of the team. A new group of Mayanja, Spotlight programming director. reporters, writers and production assistants will Mayanja mentioned other projects the network is be starting with Spotlight soon, but the network working on, such as HU Eats, a show that will is always in need of volunteers. In addition to highlight various restaurants around campus. the network’s airing on ResNet, content can be found at Spotlight’s Youtube Channel, Spotlight She also shared that the network will be hosting Network. “Spotlight Week,” to build students’ interest in the network and what is has to offer. She
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TedXHowardUniversity Date: 09/14/17 Time: 6:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Location: Cramton Auditorium College of Arts & Sciences Pageant Date: 09/14/17 Time: 7:00 p.m. Location: Blackburn Ballroom Mr. & Ms. Freshman Pageant Date: 09/15/17 Time: 7:00 p.m. Location: Blackburn Ballroom Rangel International Affairs Graduate Fellowship Info Session Date: 09/14/17 Time: 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Location: Ralph J. Bunche International Affairs Center
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Singing of a New American: Pauli Murray’s Legacy and Justice in the 21st Century Date: 09/15/17 Time: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Location: Howard University School of Law, Moot Court Room, Houston Hall Bldg. 355 2017 National HBCU Week Conference Date: 09/17/17 Time: 4:00 p.m. - 12:00 a.m. Location: Crystal Gateway Marriott Prioritize & Lead: HBCU Symposium on Study Abroad Date: 09/17/17 Time: 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Blackburn East Ballroom #BISONLEAD : Annual Student Leadership Conference Date: 09/24/17 Time: 9:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Location: Inclusive Innovation Incubator (IN3DC)
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NEWS
Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure Hits D.C. By: Kamilah Tom, Campus Reporter
@adventourouskam
vision “a world without breast cancer” and have taken on the responsibility to see the advancement of research, education, screening and treatment. Volunteer coordinator Sasha Lee has been with the organization for over three years. “Although there are times I wake up at 3 a.m. and I work long hours, it’s all worth it,” said Lee, holding back tears. “The energy I feel here makes it worth it.” Kate Poole, a Maryland resident, joined the organization in May and feels great knowing that she is helping to fulfill the promise that Nancy made to her sister. Women of all ages gather for annual 2017 Komen DC Race for the Cure. Photo credit: info-komen.org
A sea of pink and white filled Pennsylvania Avenue in Downtown D.C. as men and women gathered to raise funds for breast cancer research. On Sept. 9, in addition to raising funds, thousands participated in the Race for the Cure 5K event to support breast cancer survivors and to remember those who have passed. “I lost my aunt to breast cancer in year 2009. Ever since then I started walking in these events,” stated event-goer Michael Linder. “I am an advocate of breast cancer [awareness] and try to be involved with anything that is related to breast cancer.” Susan G. Komen is an international organization that hosts annual Race for the Cure events in multiple cities throughout the country to fundraise and to educate for breast cancer. The organization was founded in 1982 by Nancy G. Brinker who promised her sister Susan, before she passed away, that she would do everything she could to end breast cancer. The Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure is now the largest non-profit organization fighting to end breast cancer on multiple platforms. Seventy-five percent of the proceeds are poured into communities to fund breast health programs, while the remaining 25 percent is invested in cancer research.
“I got involved because breast cancer is prevalent. One in eight women are diagnosed with cancer,” said Poole. “Because so many people are impacted, there should be a lot of support.” Participants of all ages, whether they ran or walked, have all been personally affected by the life threatening disease, compelling them to partake in the Race for the Cure. Fourteen-year-old volunteer Ayonnah Tinsley has joined the fight to defeat breast cancer. “I’ve been volunteering for three years,” said Tinsley. “This is my way of showing support because my mother’s friend was diagnosed with breast cancer.” As participants reached the final stretch, they were met with motivation to keep going from those who finished early, like Dianna Webb. Webb, a breast cancer survivor, joyously cheered on runners as they crossed the finish line. “I have been a survivor for 18 years,” mentioned Webb. “I was diagnosed in 1998 and I have been walking in the Race for the Cure ever since.”
This year’s race raised over $727,000 and is steadily reaching its goal of $1.2 million. The Foundation plans to continue its mission of eliminating breast cancer by 2026. Donations can be made to the organization on its website Since the organization’s inception, many have adopted the http://www.info-komen.org.
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News of the Week By: Kai Sinclair, Asst. News Editor
@kai_sinclair
United States
Apple unveiled its latest gadgets at its annual new product announcement on Tuesday. The Silicon Valley, California based company confirmed the rumors of a special edition, tenth anniversary iPhone X (pronounced “iPhone 10”) with prices starting at $999. This is in addition to the company’s expected iPhone 8 and 8 Plus upgrades, both of which can be charged wirelessly. A new Apple TV, with 4k capabilities, and Apple Watch Series 3, with all new software, are also set to hit store shelves soon. On Wednesday, the U.S. State department announced that it would stop issuing certain visas to four counties that refuse to take back its citizens who’ve been deported from the United States. Cambodia, Eritrea, Guinea, and Sierra Leone’s all face varying degrees of these visa sanctions that are part of President Donald Trump’s effort to crack down on illegal immigration. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said that the restriction can be lifted, but only after the countries accept their deportees.
Asia
Singapore elected its first female president on Wednesday, but did so without casting a single vote. Halimah Yacob, a Muslim woman, was awarded largely ceremonial position after authorities deemed her rivals ineligible based on strict criteria. Critics call the move undemocratic, with some Singaporean Twitter users tweeting with the hashtag “#NotMyPresident.” Authorities only allowed candidates from Singapore’s minority Muslim community in an effort to foster harmony in the city-state. North Korea threated that the United States would suffer “greatest pain” on Tuesday, following the unanimous adoption of UN sanctions on the regime. The sanctions restrict oil imports, ban textile exports, and keeps North Korean overseas workers from applying for new visas. The measures were suggested by the U.S. and were accepted by North Korean allies China and Russia after alterations were made. The goal is to limit the amount of funding the county has available to put towards its weapons program. The move comes after North Korea’s largest nuclear attack earlier this month.
Europe
The International Olympic Committee announced on Wednesday that the 2024 Summer Olympic Games will be held in Paris. The French capital and Los Angeles were the only two cities in the race to host the games, but Paris immerged victorious and Los Angeles agreed to wait until 2028 after guaranteed funding was offered. Though unsuccessful in its bids to host the games in 2008 and 2012 summer games, Paris will have celebrate the 100 year anniversary of the last Paris games in 2024 with these games.
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Infamous Hurricane Irma by the Numbers By: Leah Simone S., Global News Reporter
Hurricane Irma made history as the strongest Atlantic basin hurricane in history and wreaked havoc in the Caribbean, Puerto Rico and Florida within one week. At its strongest, the storm boasted 185 mph winds and spanned 70,000 square miles, which is 5,000 square miles larger than the area of the state of Florida. The Hurricane first made landfall as a Category 5 storm on the dual-island nation of Antigua and Barbuda on Sept. 6, leaving behind a trail of destruction. It demolished nearly all the island’s manmade structures and left about half of its population homeless. Hurricane Irma moved eastward to St. Martin, leaving half of its homes uninhabitable and 11 people dead. Similarly, widespread destruction was reported in the British and U.S. Virgin Islands. The U.S. territory of Puerto Rico avoided a direct hit from Hurricane Irma, but storm surges on the island caused more than half of its 3 million residents to lose power and running water. Hurricane Irma made landfall in the Florida Keys on Sept. 10 as a Category 4 storm, causing power outages and major flooding. “Everything is underwater, I mean everything,” said Larry Kahn, an editor for the local newspaper, The Keynoter. Local officials instituted a curfew from dusk to dawn in the hopes of reducing dangerous travel and discouraging looting, which has become an issue throughout the state in the wake of the storm. The storm downgraded to a Category 3 before assaulting Miami and causing flooding that left the city unrecognizable to residents. Streets became rivers in the South Beach area after waters breached the city’s seawall. Additionally, officials said winds were so strong that they caused two construction cranes to snap. Hurricane Irma weakened to a tropical storm as it made its way up Florida’s coast, then to a tropical depression as it moved through Georgia.
@LEAHSIMONE
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LIFE+STYLE Comic
By: Devariae “Yae” McDaniels “Why they’on hire us, ma?”
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@YaeTBG “Don’t Bite the Apple”
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“dynamic”
Savannah Parker Sophomore English Bowie, MD
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“layered”
Jessica Daniels Freshman Undecided Chicago, IL
By: Tanasia Smith, Fashion+Style Reporter @TanasiaSmith
“historically relevant”
Xavier Handy-Hamilton Senior Journalism Columbia, MO
“spontaneous”
Jahkada Chai Sophomore Finance Brooklyn, NY
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INTENSITY.
By: Malcolm Wyche
THEHILLTOPONLINE.COM
@ByMalcolm
Everyone is different in their own way. Being different has never bothered me, but, until recently, I never understood the things about me that made me different. Looking back on my life, I’ve always cared. No matter what I’m doing, I have to give it 1000%. And in fact, I care so much that I often want other people to care, too. My friends can attest to how often I attempt to include them in my various plans. And how often I stress, not bad stress though. I try to think of everything and I question myself until I can’t think of anything else. Oftentimes, this leads to continuous activity involving planning, discussions, and thinking. My days in California have consisted of meditating, brainstorming on a whiteboard-covered wall, writing, sending emails, and constant conversations. Aside from the basic necessities, I have dedicated myself to a routine of focus and organization,all because of a project that I care about. This week, I heard a message from T.D. Jakes about intensity. He made an interesting point about being intense as a defining factor of success. Intensity is defined as very strong, great, and deep. It can also be very emotional. When you are intense everything matters to you, you care deeply about everything in its totality. You can’t just get the work done; you have to do it in the most efficient manner. In the simplest terms, you care about the little things. Being intense means you feel strongly and this causes you to become sensitive. When you’re sensitive you can’t place yourself in the same situations and you abandon old habits. Your sensitivity makes you quick to react. You react to anything that goes against intensity, but you also feel compelled to share why you are so intense. Often, this can come across as emotional and is misconstrued as passion. It also needs to be noted: being passionate and being intense are not synonymous. Passion is aligned with emotion; emotion is secondary when it comes to intensity. Intensity is the opposite of passionate and is mistaken to look boring. You become boring because you develop unwavering focus. Your discipline and organization grows in such a way that it allows you to attack life with intensity. That is why being intense is directly aligned with being great, because there is no middle-ground. Either you’re going to decide to give your life 100% or you’re going to
Photo Credit: Business Insider
continue to live unfulfilled. Being intense is what has allowed me to stand by myself. It has led me to always have a plan and be intentional about how I dedicate my time. It is intensity that keeps me learning and digging deeper for answers. Through seeing what my intensity has provided for me, I want my friends to be intense too. Intensity fuels the entrepreneurs, vegans, activists, and religious advocates. Intensity separates the good from the great. Realizing this me made think that instead of rejecting intensity, we should accept it. If we are intense, then we will care, and when we care, we change. Many times I think about the friends who are labeled as “always preaching”, “know-it-all’s”, and “caring too much”, and wonder why we ignore their intensity. If we took our intense friends more seriously, then eventually we would become more intense too. When we become more intense as a collective, then we can start to change the world. We’ll be more motivated to strive for greatness. That’s what makes intensity the tremendous force that it is. The title of T.D Jakes’s message was “Get Up And Eat.” To eat and achieve your goals, you have to be intense. You have to be great. You have to be deep in your expertise. You have to be strong to endure what comes with greatness. When you start caring about the little things, you’ll see change. Your intensity matters.
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Yes, You Need to Get Your Hands on Some Fenty Beauty By: Jamara Robinson, Life+Style Reporter Edited By: Clarice Metzger, Life+Style Editor
@itsJamara @_itsClarice
Soft Matte Foundation comes in 40 shades (yes, 40!). With red, green, blue and pink undertones, there are plenty of options for darker skinned-toned women, who are too often neglected in the mainstream beauty industry.
Photo via: Getty Images for Fenty Beauty
Rihanna has made her mark in the music and fashion industry throughout her career. After a number of collaborations with major brands such as PUMA, MAC and Manolo Blahnik, the 29-year-old has branched off to finally create her own—Fenty Beauty. On Sept. 7, Rihanna released her line to the world.
The collection also features: Twenty shades of the Match Stix Matte Skinstick, six shades of the Killawatt Freestyle Highlighter, the Pro Filt’r Retouch Primer, Match Stix Shimmer Skinsticks, Invisimatte Blotting Paper and the Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer. All of the products from the line are 100 percent paraben, sulfate, phthalates and cruelty-free. “My only reaction to the Trophy Wife highlighter was SHOOK,” says Howard junior and YouTuber Zoe Alexondra. “It is like a literal gold brick where a little goes a long way. It has more of a sparkle base where you can see the individual sparkle flecks which I am a fan of. [It’s] completely worth the $32.”
Hours before dropping online and at Sephora stores nationwide, Rihanna celebrated the launch of Fenty Beauty during New York Fashion Week. Models featured in the ad campaign, including Duckie Thot and Leomie Anderson, were alongside the bad gyal herself as they took over a giant warehouse in Brooklyn. While there, Rihanna spoke to attendees about the importance of representation and inclusivity in her makeup line stating: “That was really important for me in every product. I was like, ‘there needs to be something for a dark skin girl, there needs to be something for a really pale girl, there needs to be something in between…’ You want people to appreciate the product and not think ‘oh that’s cute, but it only looks good on her.’” Developed by San Francisco-based brand incubator Kendo Brands, the line ranges from foundation and primer to highlighter and lip gloss. The Pro Filt’r
Photo via: Zoe Alexondra
Haven’t grabbed your Fenty Beauty yet? No worries about missing out as it has been alleged that the brand has back stocked up for two years and has yet to sell out. The collection’s prices range from $10$35 and can be bought online at fentybeauty.com and at Sephora, both in-stores and online.
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SPORTS
Q&A with Caylin Newton: Getting to Know the True Freshman QB By: Nicole Hutchinson, Sports Reporter
@nikkih0227
After Howard University’s history making upset Saturday, Sept.2, against UNLV, Caylin Newton, the Bison’s true freshman quarterback has proved that he will be the one to lead the Mecca’s way back on the map. Q: Howard University’s football team has not won a season opener since 2010 so beating UNLV was huge. How does it feel for you as a starting freshman quarterback? A: It felt great. Right after the game it felt like we got the job done, and that’s all that mattered. Q: How does it feel to make a name for yourself other than “Cam Newton’s little brother?”
team, pretty much everything that night?
A: It feels good. My whole life I’ve been called “Cam’s little brother” or “Little Cam,”and at a certain time in my life I found out that it’s my time now. I was okay with it at first, but then when I started in rec[recreation] ball and high school I realized that I didn’t want to be called that anymore.
A: Well I thought about what Coach Marion, my OC told me. He said “you don’t have time to be a freshman,” and that’s what he told me back in the Spring. Ever since that day I just told myself that nobody is going to feel sorry for me, so I had to step up. I couldn’t step the field if I didn’t think we were going to win or if I didn’t believe.
Q: According to the media, you shared that “Howard is not a football program yet but it will be.” What does that mean to you?
Photo Credit: Howard Athletics
Q: Aside football many people want to get to know you personally, so what is one of your favorite pregame songs to listen to?
A: To me I feel that words are powerful, and I feel like you should speak things into existence if you really care A: Ahh. Cell. It’s not hip hop, but it’s a band. It gets about it. Like a quote Muhammad Ali said, “I told my- me going. self that I’d be great even before I knew I was.” Q: What is your favorite locker room moment? Q: You guys were given a prediction of a 1.2% win against UNLV. How was it like overcoming the odds? A: It was awesome. My body didn’t feel too good, but my soul did so that’s all that mattered. Q: Having three touchdowns is not the everyday freshman play. So how was the atmosphere, the crowd, the
A: There’s been so many, but like they say in Vegas, what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas. What happens in Vegas does indeed stay in Vegas, unless it’s an historic upset of UNLV. Caylin Newton has been a great leader of the football team this year and looks to continue to embody Howard’s slogan: Mission Possible.
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Former Olympian David Oliver Hired as Director of Howard’s Track & Field Program By: NyJohn Washington, Politics Reporter
@Buffalo_Mamba
himself.” Oliver obtained his bachelor’s degree from Howard University in business administration in 2004 and moved to Florida to pursue a professional track career thereafter. Oliver returns to his alma mater as one of the most decorated athletes in Howard’s history. He won bronze in the 110-meter hurdles at the 2008 Summer Olympics and the 2013 World Championships. He excelled on the indoor track stage as well, securing bronze in the 60-meter hurdles at the 2010 World Indoor Championships. “I am happy to be back. I am looking forward to taking over the reins and rebuilding our program,” said Oliver. Photo Credit: Twitter, @HowardU
After a summer without a track and field coach, Howard’s athletic director Kery Davis named Olympian and Howard alumnus, David Oliver, as Director for Track & Field. As an officially retired Olympian, Oliver has plans of taking the school’s teams straight to the top. “This is my first coaching opportunity, but I have a lot of real world experience,” said Oliver in his press conference. Oliver is replacing Marc Harrison, following the former coach’s departure from the program. Shelley Davis, Deputy Director of Athletics for the University, explained that she initially reached out to Oliver for advice on a possible replacement. The conversation took a turn when he surprisingly suggested himself.
The student athletes on the track team are eager to have Oliver as a coach, following a rough summer on their own. Aigner Bobbitt, captain, senior and 400-meter dash specialist said her new coach has “valuable connections” and is “an asset in the knowledge of the sport.” The former American record holder maintained top rankings globally for 11 consecutive seasons and received numerous awards for his achievements in the sport. In 2010, Oliver was awarded the Jesse Owens Award which recognizes the USA’s Male Track Athlete of the Year. As two-time AllAmerican at Howard University, Oliver was inducted into the Howard University Hall of Fame and the 2016 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Hall of Fame. Aliyah Hale, a junior 400-meter hurdles specialist, has high expectations for the team. “He [Oliver] will change the mindset, ensuring that everyone is on one accord.”
“I believe under his direction the recruiting process will completely change,” said Davis. “As a highThere is much to be expected this school year as powered alum who has his finger on the pulse of track and field, I sought to him to see who we should students anticipate a positive change in Howard’s consider for the position and he replied by suggesting athletic history.
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