JANUARY 28,2016 | @THEHILLTOPHU | VOLUME 100 ISSUE 22
so icey.
Photo from the Blizzard 2016
PHOTO BY REL THE PHOTO MAN
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JANUARY 28, 2016
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The Hilltop Editorial Office 2251 Sherman Ave. NW (202) 806-4749
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United States and Cuba diplomats visit Ralph J. Bunche International Affairs Center were quite friendly and each remarked how an event of this nature would have been impossible a year and a half ago.
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DIANDRA BOLTON
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Tonija H. Navas
Deputy Director of Ralph J. Bunche International Affairs Center
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pproximately 30 people gathered at the Ralph J. Bunche International Affairs Center for the January installment of our ongoing series “CUBA: Beyond the Headlines” on Wednesday, Jan. 20. The Bunche Center identifies a theme for each academic year that focuses on a contemporary global issue. Given the shift in US policy towards the island nation of Cuba, we thought it timely and appropriate to focus on Cuba for this academic year, and have sought to cover a wide variety of topics to break through the mainstream media’s representation of the country. Last Wednesday’s session focused specifically on the U.S.-Cuba relations moving forward, and featured two top diplomats from each government, Ms.
Joan Perkins, Deputy Director of the Office of the Coordinator of Cuban Affairs at the U.S. Department of State and Mr. Miguel Fraga, First Secretary of the Embassy of Cuba. Ms. Perkins and Mr. Fraga each spoke on the issues surrounding U.S.-Cuba relations, and then the floor was opened for questions. Despite the fact that more than a year has passed since President Barack Obama announced the shift in policy, this was the first time the diplomats, Fraga and Perkins had met. And the second time since the process of normalization began on Dec. 17, 2014 with a dialogue of this nature between two representatives of this stature. The discussion was a lively one, not because the diplomats disagreed, but because of the tough questions from audience members, many of whom heard about the event on the website
DistrictofCuba.com and identified as supporters of the Cuban Revolution. The nature of the diplomats’ comments were complimentary. Perkins presented a timeline of the U.S. relationship with Cuba over the years. Fraga highlighted some of the contradictions of US policy towards Cuba over the years. Perkins then reiterated that the Obama Administration wholeheartedly supports lifting the embargo, a key barrier to the establishment of normal relations, and has urged Congress to do so. Fraga further discussed Cuba’s desire to have the U.S. base at Guantanamo Bay returned to the Cuban people. The diplomat explained that the U.S. government has been paying $4,085 to the Cuban government every year since 1903. The Cuban government has yet to cash any of those checks, since the beginning of the Cuban Revolution in 1959. The tone of their comments
These conversations are important because they offer insight into a country that is often misunderstood. Hopefully, with a shift in policy, there will be increased opportunities to experience Cuba firsthand (meaning Howard University students CAN spend a semester in Cuba through the Ralph J. Bunche International Affairs Center!). But until then, these conversations can fill that void as we aim to bring the voices of Cubans living in the metropolitan area to campus. In addition to, individuals who have spent significant time in Cuba both personally and professionally and can speak to the different themes outlined with this academic year’s series. Next month’s topic will focus on Race in Cuba. How is it defined? Does racism exist? What are the main issues facing AfroCubans? The event will take place on Feb. 17th at 6 p.m. in the Bunche Center. The following month will focus on Women, and then the last session of the series ending in April concluding on Sustainable Tourism. Students can stay updated on information on events and study abroad opportunities by following the Ralph J. Bunche International Affairs Center on Facebook: “Ralph J. Bunche International Affairs Center-Howard University” and Twitter: @ Bunche_Intl_HU.
NEWS
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JANUARY 28, 2016
NEWS
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Public Schools Brave Snow to Feed Children Robinson, the cafeteria supervisor at McKinley Technology Middle School, headed to work Monday with a smile on her face, because she was doing the one thing that she really loves. “My passion is for feeding kids, more so than being in a classroom setting,” Robinson said in between checking with staff to make sure all was prepared properly for the children. “It brings me joy to feed students. Some children go without eating in the morning. Some are homeless. Some don’t have the income to provide enough food.” So, even though the D.C. Public School System was closed, McKinley and nine other public middle schools opened their doors to feed any children who might not have enough to eat. This morning, 15 students braved the still unplowed streets around the school to eat breakfast at McKinley in the Eckington neighborhood in northeast Washington.
Ronald Fonville dishes out a hot meal of chicken nuggets, corn and bread Monday for one of McKinley Technology Middle School’s students as part of the D.C. Public Schools’ effort to feed needy students at 10 middle schools. PHOTO BY DIANDRA BOLTON, HU NEWS SERVICE
Diandra Bolton
Howard University News Service
put a frown on many faces, but not Loletta Robinson.
WASHNGTON – The snow that has blanked the region and has kept millions confined to their homes, has
On a day when most people stayed at home and businesses, schools and organizations were shut down,
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The staff made a hot and cold breakfast option in addition to a hot lunch. Those who came were able to get a meal with a protein, fruit, juice, veggies and a carbohydrate. About 90 percent of the students at the McKinley eat two of their meals during the day as part of the school’s free meals program, said Lori Leetz, a district manager for Chartwells, a food service management organization that provides services for all DCPS. The staff attributed the low turnout to the snow that still surrounded the school. “We started out kind of slow and it picked up,” cook Ronald Fonville said. “We had a nice little rush about midway, and then they said they would be back for lunch. We’re looking forward to more for lunch than we did breakfast, because the streets have been cleared off a little more.” Chartwell supervisors said they were more than happy to come in
despite the inclement weather. “We love serving kids; we love giving back,” said Mikia Dixon, an area manager. “I didn’t like that we had to come out into the show, but I think that it’s really, really good that this option is available.” Representatives from the mayor’s office and the school worked diligently to clear the roads before the end of the day, said Roberta Downing, a member of the mayor’s office who was on site Monday. “This type of event is always a concern when schools are closed for snow days to make sure kids are getting food,” Downing said. “For the snow event, we have an all hands on deck situation where everybody is working in a number of roles to make sure that we can dig out and respond.” Students and their families also turned out to eat at Brookland Middle School in the 1000 block of Michigan Avenue near Catholic University in northeast D.C. The cafeteria was staffed with six volunteers and four Chartwell employees. They fed around 17 students and family members a cold breakfast in addition to cheese pizza for lunch. “One man came and got food to bring home for his father,” said Kenneth Grady, cafeteria manager at Brookland. Despite the lower than expected turnout, the meals still made an impact in the communities that they served, Leetz said. “You walk through and you see the kids eating and knowing that some of those kids may not have another meal,” she said. “I really stress to my team that we want them to feel that this is a place where they can come, where it’s safe and every day they know can get a meal and see a smiling face.”
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JANUARY 28, 2016
NEWS
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City Developers Looking to Replace Walmart in Ward 7 Walmart was to be the anchor store in this artist rendition of the Skyland Town Center by Massa Montalto Architects. Leanna Commins
Howard University News Service WASHINGTON -- City officials and the Skyland Town Center developer told frustrated Southeast residents Thursday they will continue to search for a retailer to replace Walmart after the company announced it will not be building a store in Ward 7. Gary Rappaport, CEO of Rappaport Companies, the development company handling the Skyland Town Center, told residents during an Advisory Neighborhood Commission meeting that his company has been talking with other big box retailers, but he was unwilling to discuss which companies. “There’s not a retailer that is in Washington, D.C., or ever wants to be in Washington, D.C., that doesn’t know about Skyland, because we’ve been working on this project for 15 years,” Rappaport said. “It’s not going to happen in a couple of weeks, but at least everyone knows the project.” Rappaport said his company does have a signed lease with Walmart as of December 2014, but said it can’t force Walmart to open. “You could look at the
liabilities, and we can go down that road, with the District’s help, but at the same time, we can’t wait,” he said. “So, what we do is we list every kind of retail tenant that could possibly fit in this space. We have put together that list and we have started calling that list.” The city and developers learned Jan. 15 that Walmart was pulling out of a project to build two superstores in Ward 7 east of the Anacostia River, citing disappointing performances at the three stores it has opened in the District since 2013. The other store was to be built at Capitol Gateway Marketplace on East Capitol Street in northeast Washington, another property owned and managed by Rappaport. The Skyland Town Center is a property that was sold to Rappaport in Dec. 2014, a decade after the city seized the property. Sitting on the intersection of Good Hope Road, Naylor Road and Alabama Avenue in southeast Washington, the 18.5 acres of land is to be home to 340,000 square feet of retail space and 480 residential units. The retail space was to be anchored by Walmart. As
of early December, Skyland Town Center was still under construction.
disappointment does not describe the perspective,” Kenner said.
Rappaport said Walmart’s decision has made it unclear whether construction for the Skyland property will continue. CVS will be moving into the temporary trailers in the parking lot of the property in the first week of February. They will continue to operate until Skyland is built.
Councilmember Yvette Alexander of Ward 7 tried to assure residents, the city is working with Rappaport to finish the Skyland Town Center project.
“I can’t answer anything else after four or five days other than we are out there as fast we can, trying to build our anchor tenants again,” Rappaport said. “We were under construction and we’re actually as of today still under construction. But we can’t continue to build unless we have some interest [from retailers] at some point.” Deputy Mayor Brian T. Kenner told residents city officials were as disappointed as they were. The project may not be completed if the city and developers cannot find a large retail store to replace Walmart. “To say that it’s disappointing, not only in terms of us getting Skyland shopping center to a point where we all felt it was ready to move forward,
“What we can do on the council and working with the executive [office] is to offer whatever incentives that we can for any retailers that are interested in coming,” Alexander said, “and that’s something that I definitely want to do and that’s something that the mayor is willing to do at this point, because we have to get these projects done. “So, I just want to say it’s not over. We’re definitely committed to getting it done and it will get done.” Despite Alexander’s reassurances, some residents were frustrated that the city never had a written contract with Walmart that required it to build in Southeast. Kenner said the city had what he described as a “pledge” from Walmart to build in neighborhoods throughout the city, but no official contract. Tiffany Brown, an Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner for Ward 7, said that many residents
were under the impression that there was a signed agreement between Walmart and the District. “I just wonder who does business like that,” Brown said. “[The District is] dealing with people’s lives and livelihoods. There’s no place to shop. There’s no place to work. There’s no place to eat. There’s no place to live.” Residents also express concern that while the city and developer attempts to find a new retail tenant, the Skyland Town Center property will become troublesome for those who live near it. “When I look at other construction sites in other places, when there is a hole, immediately [developers] will put up walls,” Brown said. Gary Butler, another Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner, said he thinks the city should start the Skyland Town Center project over in its entirety after 15 years of development. “We really need to stop dealing with big developers and start trying to nurture some of small midsize developers that actually serve the city,” Butler said.
NEWS
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JANUARY 28, 2016
THE HILLTOP NEEDS WRITERS!!! YOU DON’T HAVE TO BE IN SCHOOL OF C!
WHERE YA AT?! EMAIL THE EDITOR IN CHIEF EIC@HILLTOPONLINE.COM
WHAT’S HAPPENING IN CHAPEL Did you know that there are locations on campus for silent prayer and mediation? Andrew Rankin Memorial Chapel Monday – Friday ~ 8:30 A.M. – 5:30 P.M. Interfaith Prayer Room (Blackburn Center Room 142) Daily ~ 7:00 A.M. – 10:00 P.M.
Brothers of the Alpha Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. share their Call to Chapel.
Save The Date! – Monday, January 25th Faith & Ethics in the Workplace with Dr. Otis Moss, III Blackburn Forum, 12:00 Noon
Join us this Sunday… Rev. Dr. Otis B. Moss, III Pastor, Trinity United Church of Christ Chicago, Illinois “Deeper in Faith – Wider in Community”
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Awareness
CULT
profess a religious focus, but have potentially dangerous practices and influence. These groups and individuals will often target students, especially new students,
Some groups on university campuses
because they are in an unfamiliar environment away from their established friends and family.
These groups are often identified as cult or “high pressure groups” and they operate without recognition or approval from Howard University nor the Office of the Dean of the Chapel. They: - Are often dishonest about their true identity - Aggressively recruit and sometimes harass and agenda. students.
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SOME THINGS TO LOOK OUT FOR:
Leader claims divinity or a special relationship with God. Leader desires members to be faithful to him or her. Encourage members to separate from family and friends, especially if they do not share the group’s beliefs. Ask potential members to confess/tell all past sins/mistakes to members of the group.
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Seek to have total control over members’ lives. Want influence in every decision members make. Want members to keep things about the group secret. Desire to diminish members’ sense of self. Exploit members’ finances. Want members to be a part of this group and no/few other groups.
What’s the Harm?
Loss of free will and/or control over your choices. - Loss of long-term friendships and relationships. - Loss of independence and planning for your future.
What Should You Do?
- Only visit Bible Studies, Prayer Groups, and Spiritual Discussions on the APPROVED LIST from the Office of the Dean of the Chapel. (Our goal is to protect you & support your spiritual journey). - If you believe you have seen a group that may be a cult, have a friend being recruited by one, or have been recruited or harassed yourself, contact the Office of the Dean of the Chapel
immediately at 202-806-7280 or chapel@howard.edu.
You have the power to keep our campus safe!
SPORTS
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SPORTS
JANUARY 28, 2016
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Men’s Basketball Looks to Improve to .500 Against Bethune-Cookman
PHOTO COURTESY OF HOWARD BISON ATHLETICS
Howard Bison Athletics WASHINGTON, DC --- The Howard University men’s basketball team will be looking to keep pace in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) race when it hosts the Wildcats of Bethune Cookman University at 6 pm in Burr Gymnasium. The recent weather has created havoc with both teams’ schedules. The Wildcats (6-14, 3-3 in the MEAC) arrived last Thursday to play Maryland Eastern Shore on Saturday and they dropped a 74-72 decision to the Hawks. B-CU was then set to face Howard on Monday but the game was rescheduled due to inclement weather. The Bison (9-10, 3-1 in the MEAC) had an equally interesting schedule. After the game at Delaware State on January 11 was suspended due to a clock malfunction with 15:41 left in the second half, Howard had to go back to Dover on Wednesday to complete the game that resulted in a 69-61 victory. They were then scheduled to play Florida A&M University at home on Saturday, but again, the weather had some say, forcing the contest to be rescheduled to February 24.
As for the game, Bethune Cookman is a formidable foe. The Wildcats lead the MEAC in both blocked shots and in steals. They feature forwards Laron Smith (7.4 rebounds per game) and Mario Moody (12.6 points, 7.5 rebounds per game) who just happen to rank Numbers 1 and 2 in the conference in blocked shots and guards Jordan Pitts (16.4 points, 4.5 assists) and Ricky Johnson (10.1 points per game). Howard will counter with junior guard James “J-Byrd” Daniel, III, who leads the nation with 28.4 points per game, junior center Marcel Boyd (9.0 points, 9.3 rebounds), junior forward Tyler Stone (6.8 points, 6.4 rebounds) and junior guard Damon Collins (11.4 points per game). The Wildcats did a good job of holding Daniel under wraps in Daytona Beach, FL last year, but James “JC” Carlton proved to be the difference in a 45-42 Howard win that snapped a four-game B-CU win streak. Despite the fact that the Bison hold a 44-22 advantage, the games have been hotly contested of late and often go down to the wire.
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JANUARY 28, 2016
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