SEPTEMBER 10, 2015 | @THEHILLTOPHU | VOLUME 100 ISSUE 5
What exactly was
#TakeBackHU? Student-led movement takes on Administrative Building
Devin Barnwell Campus Editor
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n Friday, Sept. 4 at 8 a.m., crowded in the Mordecai Wyatt Johnson Administration building’s entrance, a group of now-famously fed up students did the only thing left to catch the attention of Howard’s administrative services: sit. Founded by Howard’s class of 2016, the social media explosion and student-led activist group named “#TakeBackHU” began as a group chat between exasperated seniors needing assistance in multiple aspects of Howard’s administration- most prominently, the departments of financial aid and housing. Leader of the #TakeBackHU twitter movement, Nadalee Marcell, a senior, human development major from Cincinnati, Ohio, directed the sit-in throughout the day and passed around sticky notes for students to share their experiences and stick them around the foyer of the Admin. building. The dissatisfaction with Howard’s administrative affairs wasn’t a studentonly affair, - parents were also present at the protest. Sheila Carter, mother of senior biology major Darius Carter, has dealt with her son’s homelessness and inability to register since the beginning of August. “It seems like things only get done when I come. They keep turning the students around over and over again, and it’s disrespectful,” she said. “They [Office of Financial Aid] look at me like, ‘why don’t you let him do it?’ but nothing happens that way. So now I took the trip out here to support him.” The sit-in migrated around a couple areas on campus throughout the day, and only about twenty or thirty students arrived in the A-building that morning. They were met by a group of policemen, no less than eight strong. The police were called ahead of time, apparently in anticipation of a larger group.
“As a law enforcement agency we try to help people who try to exercise their constitutional rights,” said Campus Police Officer B. K. Jordan. “We want to make sure that those things are done and it’s done consistent with the rules of the university, the rules of law and the constitution.” Along with her quiet, intermediate reminders of the implied silence in protest, Marcell encouraged protesters to present an air of militancy, and more specifically, not to partake in the refreshments, which the office of financial aid offered to the protesters earlier that morning. Students became chatty and some partook in snacks, much to Marcell’s chagrin. The crowd itself was surprisingly few-and-far between considering the high volume of outrage expressed on social media. Just two days before the protest, the hashtag, “#TakeBackHU,” was a top five trending topic in the U.S. It was that same day Marcell and her fellow seniors planned the sit-in on Friday from 8-12 p.m. in the front of the Admin. building. In anticipation of Friday’s events a private meeting was held in the basement of the Andrew Rankin Memorial Chapel last Thursday, with representatives from prominent student groups on campus, including the Howard University chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), the Howard University Student Association (HUSA) and the Transfer Student Association (TSA). President Frederick also made an appearance at the meeting, unannounced, along with his cabinet. When informed of the anticipated protest, the President responded to the plans, stating that like Howard’s administration, the student activists had to “do whatever they felt they needed to do.” “We were really happy that he came because it was our ultimate goal to get a meeting with administration,” Marcell said. “We look forward to working with HUSA
CRYSTAL SMITH PHOTO EDITOR
and all of student groups for the rest of the year, it’s going to keep administration accountable, and they’re going to keep us accountable.” During Thursday’s meeting, the president attributed the current volatile economic climate combined with the majority of the student body who consistently need financial aid as cause for the strain on resources. “HUH (Howard University Hospital) just became cash positive [from a deficit] in July of this year. 95 percent of you get financial aid. The amount of touch point we have is higher, we have to invest even more toward that aspect,” he said. On the issue of customer, he stated that a department-wide training initiative for all administrative staff and employees will be launched and will run throughout the end of this year. Similar to the HUH’s CARES (Comprehensive Area Resources Entitlements and Services) program, the initiative will create a culture of support and engagement between the administration and the student body. “It has worked well [in HUH], and now we need to take it to the rest of the campus,” President Frederick said. President Frederick stated that after Friday’s protest, there would be a call center in the lower level of Blackburn to assist students with housing or financial aid concerns. The day of the protest, the
call center was actually an in-person assembly of live volunteers in the lower level of Cramton, who are scheduled to be available throughout the week. No tangible announcement of a venue change took place during the protest, but by word-ofmouth, everyone re-grouped for another sit-in downstairs in Cramton by the early afternoon. HUSA 2015 President, Brendien Mitchell, is already developing another avenue to handle student grievances. It would serve as Howard first committee to strategize viable solutions directly with President Frederick. “The goal of that is to facilitate a space where students can develop solutions and those same students can meet with Dr. Frederick to develop solutions,” Mitchell said. “We all have a different experience at Howard, and I personally appreciate everyone voicing their opinions and expressing their concerns. That’s why we have a HUSA.” “We are releasing a good number of surveys-the first will be on student affairs… residence life, student services, facilities etc.-, and we [would] quantify that data so we can go into the room [with President Frederick] and say or a certain percentage of students has had a problem with this or that,” he said. “The conversation will be solution based.” According to Mitchell, a university-wide announcement is set to go out sometime this week to gage student interest via email.
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SEPTEMBER 10, 2015
The Hilltop Editorial Office 2251 Sherman Ave. NW (202) 806-4749
STAFF TAYLOR TIAMOYO HARRIS EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
NILE KENDALL BUSINESS MANAGER
THE HILLTOP
From the Desk of The Hilltop The Hilltop would like to express its views concerning the movement #TakeBackHU. While covering this movement, we found various issues on every level from students to administration. We are a newspaper that has been the student voice in the Howard community since 1924.We keep a watchful eye on events going on in the Howard community and serve as an informant for the community, being as accurate and informative as we can. When we noticed the #TakeBackHU movement developing on social media, we immediately discussed the event as a staff. In all honesty, we can relate to students’ concerns. Conditions of our newsroom and equipment, among other things, have been obstacles for us in our efficiency as a publication that we are currently trying to resolve. However, as always, we put our issues aside and attempted to cover this story as unbiased and accurately as possible.
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DELORES TERRY ASSISTANT BUSINESS MANAGER
LEANNA COMMINS
While covering #TakeBackHU, we discovered some issues that raised a high concern for us as students and as a publication. First off, in the letter sent Thursday, Sept. 3, by our President Wayne Frederick, he mentioned he met with student leaders and HUSA on Monday, August 31, and on Thursday, Sept. 3, he met with student leaders to “identify solutions to the problems”. The Hilltop questions the true value of that meeting with HUSA and other student leaders. How were student leaders and the President able to truly discuss problems concerning the student body when these student leaders never met with the student body formally to hear and understand the concerns of the students prior to the meeting?
SENIOR COPY CHIEF
Even with the meeting called between the president and various student leaders, the student body received very little information in regards to what was discussed and brought up in the meeting between the president and HUSA.
SYLVESTER JOHNSON III
Although social media and specifically Twitter was how the students’ complaints were primarily noticed, hash tags do not serve as a master list for student grievances to be discussed in a formal meeting with administration and student leaders.
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Before any action was taken by HUSA, student leaders and the president, students should have been consulted of what was intended to be discussed at the meeting. Still, we are pleased with the transparent and informative letter that the president sent to the Howard University Community. We would also like to commend the university, President Frederick and his administration for the Student Customer Service Care Desk set up to provide assistance on Friday, Sept. 4, to address problems that students have noted to reporters of our publication for years. Next, we would like to acknowledge the passiveness of HUSA’s actions on this serious matter. HUSA failed to act on #TakeBackHU until Thursday, Sept. 3,when this movement started via social media earlier in the summer and resurged beginning around Sunday, Aug. 30. Specifically Howard University students’ issues were discussed and trended on social media on a national level. There is no reason HUSA, the organization responsible for representing students’ issues, should have remained dormant on this issue as long as it did. When HUSA did act, information on a meeting held in Rankin Memorial Chapel was not communicated effectively to the students. The announcement was made on one social media outlet and no official email to students was sent out by HUSA. This left most of the student body uninformed about any actions being taken by HUSA. Just as a meeting with the president took place between HUSA and student leaders, an official meeting between student leaders and the students should have been called to take place. HUSA must not be passive and late to act on student issues and must be as in touch with the students as they are with the President in order to effectively serve as representative for the student body. Lastly, the Hilltop would like to acknowledge the student body as it relates to #TakeBackHU. While the Hilltop stands to cover issues of the student body, no student led movement or protest will and can occur effectively without the known presence of student leaders and organizations rallying behind it. The leaders of this student movement need to make their presence known to the students and effectively communicate and disseminate pertinent information to students. Several times, The Hilltop staff attempted to get in contact with students claiming involvement in the movement and found that they were not responsive to our questions or did not know who the leaders were themselves. Moving forward, The Hilltop will continue to report on every perspective of the Howard University community, from administration to faculty to students. We will still serve as a strong source of news and information for the university. We hope that the president and his administration, students, student leaders and faculty continue to work efficiently to address student issues. In the meantime, we will continue to do our job and cover the full story.
Respectfully,
The Hilltop Staff
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SEPTEMBER 10, 2015
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THIS ISN’T IDOL Empire auditions blaze campus
Jalyn Stovall Staff Writer
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n Tuesday, Sept. 8, students lined up outside Cramton Auditorium awaiting there time to shine and board the big golden tour bus plastered with the word “Empire”. A mixture of anxiety and excitement filled the air as student singers and dancers crossed their fingers hoping to land a role on Empire, Fox Network’s hit show. The hip-hop centered drama television series is looking for new talent to star in the third season and are holding auditions in 15 locations on their nationwide bus tour entitled “Fox’s Next Empire Artist.” The performer who is selected from the audition process will have a walk-on role in the third season of the show. Taraji P. Henson, Howard’s very own alumna, stars in the series as leading lady Cookie, the brassy matriarch that everyone loves to hate.
Taraji,” FOX HBCU Alliance representative Anastasia Kouriator says. “She has a huge support here and there’s a huge support for Empire and music here, too.” There was an abundance of Henson fans in line waiting to audition. “I think auditioning will be a good opportunity, and I can meet Taraji!” Ellington Barron, a senior from Bowie, Maryland said.
Many of the applicants were not aware that this event was happening, but found a place in line and auditioned on the spur of the moment. Some applicants, such as junior Swiezo Anderson on the other hand were quite prepared for the auditions. “I listened to Yazz’s ‘Drip Drop’ 3,000 times before I went to sleep last night,” Anderson said. “I’m prepared.”
Those who auditioned for the role visited the “Mobile Tour,” the name FOX gave the tour bus. The bus’ mobile recording studio provided those auditioning with lyrics to the song of their choice from the “Empire” soundtrack to perform. Whitney Sweetwine, a senior from Washington, D.C. sang “What Is Love” by V. Bozeman, a star on the show. “I actually wasn’t that nervous,” Sweetwine said. “I think I did good, and if I didn’t, somebody will like it.”
“We definitely chose Howard because of
Kouriator said that FOX has an idea of what kind of artists they are looking for to star in Empire. “[FOX is] looking for artists with a great personality, charisma and obviously, great at singing,” Kouriator said. Although she didn’t rehearse the night before, junior Toni Lloyd from Philadelphia believes that she has what it takes to make the difference on the show. “I think they are looking for someone marketable and someone that viewers will want to see,” Lloyd said. “I offer a different
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dynamic to the storyline that doesn’t get much media coverage.” The audition was not just limited to Howard students. Community members and staff were also encouraged to audition for the show. The second season of Empire begins Sept. 23. As far as a spoiler alert for the new season Kouriator says that she “doesn’t get any insider info!” Be on the lookout for the upcoming season and perhaps in the third season, we may see 75004 another one of our very own.
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SEPTEMBER 10, 2015
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LGBT FUNDRAISER SET TO KICK OFF AT HOMECOMING
IRENE BEAUVIS
Krylios Clarke Staff Writer
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he LGBTA community of Howard University is expected to get some long-awaited recognition on campus this upcoming month. The university is set to host its first officially recognized LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender) fundraiser on Oct. 1, during the 2015 homecoming celebration. The fundraiser, entitled “The Inaugural LGBT Renaissance Reception of Howard University” will donate its proceeds toward The Lavender Fund, a charity which provides community support and a culture of inclusion to LGBT students on Howard’s campus. The man behind this fundraiser is Christopher Cross, the current Graduate Trustee at Howard. “Developing this proposal and bringing it to the Office of the President was a matter of inclusion,” Cross said.“This fundraiser serves to generate funds for LGBT students and allies and to allocate resources – because we know the university needs resources – to not only students here, but also alumni, faculty and individuals in the surrounding community.” As Graduate Trustee, Cross’ role is to advocate for the students’ voice as it concerns macro-level decisions that the university faces. Howard has been a center for social justice and uplifting disenfranchised communities since its inception, much like the mission of other HBCUs. However, one area that remains a controversial ‘gray-area’ among social
justice in HBCUs, are issues in the LGBTA. According to the Campus Pride Index, only 21 of the 106 HBCUs nationwide have active LGBT-specific organizations. These statistics alone are what led Cross to strategically choose the date for the event. “We wanted to do it around Howard
IRENE BEAUVIS
and longevity of the Coalition of Activist Students Celebrating the Acceptance of Diversity and Equality (CASCADE), the longest surviving LBTQA organization at any HBCU in the United States. Howard University’s chapter of CASCADE will celebrate their 15th anniversary in October, and their Vice President Deidre Bellafonte
“If this is done properly, great, but there is a very high chance of Howard turning this into a heteronormative event, rather than actually dealing with the issues of discrimination and persecution of the LGBTQIA community on this campus. As Bison, we deserve the same respect and recognition as any other organization.” Homecoming because it is like D.C.’s homecoming and having it then could be really essential,” he said. Cross reveals that the name for The Lavender Fund is an homage to a report devised by the first openly gay student trustee, Victoria Kirby, called “The Lavender Report.” In it, Kirby outlines the different LGBT pioneers that have come through Howard’s gates, as well as the work
was elated at the long-overdue recognition of Howard’s LGBTQ community. “When I was first made aware of this reception I was like ‘Okay, snap it up!’” she said. “The first thing that we got accomplished this year was LGBTQ training for RAs, SAs and advisors and I’m very excited that this has been incorporated into Howard’s wider community,” Bellafonte said.
However, she and Zora Barclay, CASCADE’s historian, also voiced some concerns. “I definitely feel that Howard has an antiquated idea of what it is to be a Howard student,” said Barclay. “If this is done properly, great, but there is a very high chance of Howard turning this into a heteronormative event, rather than actually dealing with the issues of discrimination and persecution of the LGBTQIA community on this campus. As Bison, we deserve the same respect and recognition as any other organization.” Just last semester, anti-LGBT group Westboro Baptist conducting a protest on Howard’s campus last semester by picketed with anti-gay slurs and offensive stereotypes. The movement prompted support from the Howard community. “I am excited that Howard is doing this because I believe that support for the LGBT community on Howard has been pretty isolated outside of the efforts of CASCADE,” Maya Naipaul, a sophomore English major said. “Something as large a scale as this should be wonderful.” To support the Lavender Fund before October, visit: www.howard.edu/give, and type LAVENDER FUND into “Other Fund Description” to give a tax deductible gift. Checks with Lavender Fund in the memo can be mailed to: Howard University P.O. Box 417853 Boston, Massachussetts 02241-7853
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SEPTEMBER 10, 2015
In Rememberance: THE 14TH ANNIVERSARY OF 9/11
Kennedy Rose Staff Writer
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eptember 11, 2001 is not merely a tragic day we remember; it has changed the entire course of our nation’s history and the lives of its citizens. This tragic day began in four different locations, when 19 terrorists boarded four different planes with four different major buildings as targets. The terrorists hijacked each plane by
using violent force against crew members and passengers. Only the fourth plane’s hijackers were unsuccessful in hitting their target, as passengers risked their lives to thwart the terrorists’ attack on the plane.
Of the three planes that were successfully hijacked, the first was American Airlines Flight 11, which crashed into the North Tower of New York’s World Trade Center at 8:46 a.m. The 81 passengers in the plane were killed instantly. United Airlines Flight 175 left just after the first and hit the South Tower at
9:03 a.m.
All 56 passengers were also killed. The last flight left Dulles Airport in Washington, D.C. at 9:37 a.m., hitting the Pentagon and killing everyone on-board. In addition to the passengers on the plane, many were killed inside each building bringing the total death toll to almost 3,000 victims. In 2004, militant-Islamist-extremist group Al Qaeda, with its leader and founder,
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Every year on the anniversary of this American tragedy, a ceremony is held at Ground Zero, along with many similar ceremonies that are held nationwide. Locally, D.C. has several events intended to honor the lives lost and to remember the tragic event on Sunday, Sept. 11.
NATIONAL DAY OF SERVICE AND REMEMBRANCE Started in 2009, National Day of Service and Remembrance honors the lives lost during the 9/11 attacks by gathering the Greater D.C. area together in service. According to the event’s website, participants will be cleaning parks, revitalizing playgrounds, sorting food for the hungry and more. General volunteers pay $25 for participation. For more information on how to get involved, visit http://gdcc911.kintera.org/faf/home/default. asp?ievent=430453
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Osama bin Laden, admitted to the attacks. The reasoning behind the attacks was the unwanted presence of United States troops in Saudi Arabia. Since the destruction of the World Trade Center, the space in which the north building use to stand has been built into what’s referred to as Ground Zero with an adjacent memorial. The memorial pays homage to the many passengers, policemen, firefighters, medical workers and other victims that lost their lives during the attacks.
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THE PENTAGON MEMORIAL To commemorate the 184 lives lost in the Pentagon on 9/11, visit The Pentagon memorial on I-395 at Boundary Channel Drive, Washington, D.C. The memorial is accessible from the Pentagon Metro Station and is open 24 hours, every day. The event is free. For more information, visit http://pentagonmemorial.org.
9/11 UNITY WALK Starting in 2005, the Unity Walk brings people from all walks of life together to walk in honor of the lives lost during the 9/11 attacks and to dispel hate and intolerance of differing culture. This year’s walk will take place on Sept. 27 on Embassy Row in Washington, D.C. This event is free and open to all. For more information, visit http://911unitywalk.org
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SEPTEMBER 10, 2015
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CARPENTER ATTENDS HER LAST MEETING AS ANC1B COMMISSIONER
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for another Howard student to take her place as a local official. “I was proud of my time as ANC as I think we got a lot of good work done. But when I ran, it was my goal to reconnect Howard University and the community…and I don’t think that goal is accomplished,” said Carpenter. “I am eager to see another Howard University student to fill the seat…. It will be a process of course and won’t happen overnight, but I think that Howard is taking the right steps to make it happen.”
Before the meeting closed, Carpenter left attendees with final thoughts about her upcoming, vacant position. “For the next 10, 15 years, I hope that pretty soon we have about 3 Howard students to keep this seat,” Carpenter said. “The challenge is finding people who are [selfless], genuinely passionate about the community and passionate about serving.”
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. Tuesday morning to be included in the Chapel service.
Join us this Sunday… Dr. Michael Eric Dyson Professor of Sociology, Georgetown University Washington, DC
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WHAT’S HAPPENING IN CHAPEL?
Email: Chapel@howard.edu
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Since May 2014, Carpenter has held the ANC1B10 Commissioner position. Due to her upcoming departure, Carpenter hopes
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“It’s very important because a lot of issues are discussed [about the community] and their voices can be heard,” Brown said.
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“[Like last year], we are bringing back the family-oriented, community-based activities for this year’s Yardfest,” Pyles said. Newly appointed ANC1B04 Commissioner Lakisha Brown expressed that she wanted to encourage more of the Howard community, specifically students, to participate in ANC meetings in order to get involved with the neighborhood that they reside in. As an ANC commissioner, Brown believes the commissioners to be the link between the neighborhood, government officials and specifically, the Executive Office of the Mayor.
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“This year I have implemented and added to our line-up community service-based events, as well as different drives to give back to the community. That’s something the university stands on,” said Shaniece
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ANC1B local officials discussed a variety of topics, including new developments and businesses around the area, discussions of both D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser’s “Safer, Stronger D.C.” agenda and plans to end homelessness in the city by 2020. ANC1B local officials also discussed safety on Howard University’s campus, noise and the upcoming Homecoming festivities.
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ver 30 people, including members of the Howard University community and residents of D.C., attended the Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) 1B’s monthly meeting Wednesday, Sept. 3. Being that 1B’s jurisdiction includes Howard’s campus, the meeting was held in Founder’s Hall of the Founder’s Library and also served as a farewell to ANC1B10 Commissioner Allyson Carpenter, a Howard university junior and political science major, who is heading to the University of Oxford to study for a semester.
Pyles further announced that there would be changes implemented in both the Homecoming Parade and 5K-race routes. She also provided some clarification on how the Homecoming Steering Committee intended to structure this year’s “Yardfest” event.
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Pyles, chair of the 2015 Howard University Homecoming Steering Committee.
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H Howard dU Univ i St Student d tA Association i ti L Leaders d Mr. Brendien Mitchell, HUSA President and Ms. Lindsey Foster, HUSA Vice President join Dean Richardson and Ambassador Suzan Johnson Cook for a moment after Chapel.
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SEPTEMBER 10, 2015
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HOWARD COMMUNITY PROTESTS AT WHITE HOUSE
TO LIBERATE THE CONGO Alexa Spencer Staff Writer
“I
t’s time for you to go!” echoed from the mouths of protesters on Saturday, Sept. 5 in front of the White House. Over 30 protesters, including students, activists and residents, stood in solidarity with the Congo-Brazzaville Republic to bring attention to the political disorder occurring in Africa. The peaceful protest included a speech platform to give protesters the opportunity to speak on the many issues surrounding the Republic of Congo, as well as an atmosphere of both tradition and amendment throughout the event. Free the Congo, a political organization, is desperately fighting for the freedom of the Congolese people with the 2016 presidential election gradually approaching. For 32 years, the people of CongoBrazzaville have been suffering under the
rule of Republic of Congo President Denis Sassou Nguesso. Throughout the course of Nguesso’s presidency, the educational and health systems in the Congo have weakened significantly due to negligence and the mishandling of public funds. In response, Howard University professor Dr. Teylama Miabey, along with several other leaders of Free the Congo, have committed themselves to urging the CongoBrazzaville government to transition from dictatorship to democracy. “We need to be conscious of what’s happening,” Miabey, who also serves as the Free the Congo nation coordinator, said. “Like Dr. King said: ‘An injustice anywhere, is an injustice everywhere.’ This is an injustice that is happening.” While the fight for political liberation in Africa brought the protesters together in D.C., it was not the only circumstance they shared, as many once called the Congo home.
ALEXA SPENCER
“I was just there in December [of last year]. It’s unbelievable how people are suffering over there. It makes me feel sad,” said Prosper Gondo, a Congo native. “They can’t speak their minds or they’re going to get killed. They’re not truly free. That’s no way to live for a human being.” Congo natives were not the only ones who felt the need to protest. Free the Congo movement has many African-American supporters who also felt it important for them to be at the protest. “I represent young African-Americans as a whole. As African-Americans, we have African lineage,” said Keyon Gillans, a freshman political science major. “Their struggle is our struggle.”
has not diminished the protest’s ultimate message. “By dealing with the issues and exposing them, we can come together and engage in some type of action,” said Miabey. “It’s not like [the Republic of Congo] lacks natural resources. We have natural resources. We have billions of dollar and these billions of dollars are being stolen by the president himself and those who are around him. We need to stop this.” In the end, democracy was at the center of the protests.“We are here for democracy,” said Franck Jocktane, a political activist from Gabon. “Democracy is not a European, or an American concept. It’s a universal concept where the power should come from the people.”
Differences in African and American culture
SUFFERING IN SILENCE Mental Health in the African-American Community
Maya King Staff Writer When Vester Lee Flanagan fatally shot a television reporter and cameraman during their live filming in Roanoke, Va. Aug. 26, the African-American community shook its head at the sight of a Black man committing such a heinous crime. There is no denying that what he did was wrong and unjustified, yet, it is important to note that Mr. Flanagan, like thousands of other Black Americans, was battling a mental illness that had not been properly attended to, according to his colleagues. Flanagan’s actions reveal that, just like any other ailment,mental healthis multifaceted and if left untreated, can be lethal. The American Psychiatric Association reports that mental illnesses affect one in every four adults in the United States.In many instances, people who are mentally ill are neither aware of their ailment nor
open to the idea of receiving help. This is especially true of African-Americans, who, according to a study by Mental Health America, are just as likely to become mentally ill as their white counterparts, yet less likely to actually seek treatment. Within the Black community, those who are living below the poverty line are three times more likely to succumb to mental illness, according to the Department of Health and Human Services. Fear, social stigmas, and socioeconomic status are some of themajor factors keeping people from getting the help they need. It is clear that reform—of both public policy andattitudes towards mental health—is necessary. As long as Americans continue to ignore the issue, the barrier between mental and physical illness will continue to grow, especially among members of the Black community. To many Americans, mass shootings and
public acts of violence have become the most recognizable examples ofmental health, or lack thereof. What many fail to realize, however, is that mental health does not equate violence. In fact, most people with mental illnesses are nonviolent. Sensationalizing more extreme examples keeps that stigma alive. Furthermore, the absence of mental health from the public health agenda is limiting both patients’ and healthcare professionals’ options. With few services available to people, particularly youth, outside of non-profit organizations, a once proclaimed,minor illness can worsen into something more serious, just like a common cold without medicine may become the flu. However, it is also important to note that mental illness is no longer the social “death sentence” it was once considered. Americans, including members of the Black community, have begun to understand the importance of physical and psychological
health. On Howard University’s campus, access to counseling services is available to any student who desires it. On Capitol Hill, the Mental Health Reform Act of 2015 is gaining traction among members of the Senate. At the same timethough, students who fear being seen as “weak” or “crazy”fail to seek help while senators with little interest in issues of mental health fail to add the legislation to their agendas. Mental health is too precious to be an afterthought. Understanding the issue of mental health is the first and biggest step to accomplish within our community. This not only bridges the gap between psychological and physical illnesses, but alsokeeps our communities fully in-tact and more aware of the people who need assistance and more importantly, support.
8
SEPTEMBER 10, 2015
NEWS
THE HILLTOP
THE ERA AFTER OBAMA: DEMOCRAT COMPETITION Former Governor Chafee v. Former Senator Webb Aesha Atherley Staff Writer
I
n part V of our series, we will take a look at two Democratic candidates for the 2016 presidential elections: former Gov. Lincoln Chafee and former Sen. Jim Webb. Both of these Democratic candidates have noteworthy backgrounds and views on specific issues. Former Rhode Island Gov. Lincoln Chafee announced his intentions to run as a Democratic presidential nominee on June 3. Chafee comes from a long line of Republican politicians from his father John Chafee, who was a Rhode Island governor, secretary of the Navy and a four term senator, all the way back to his greatgreat-grandfather who was Rhode Island’s governor and a great-great-uncle who was a U.S. senator. Chafee and his wife, Stephanie, have three children and live in Warwick, Rhode Island. In 1992, Chafee became the first Republican mayor of Warwick, Rhode Island in 32 years and was re-elected in 1994, 1996 and 1998. In 1999, Chafee was appointed into the U.S. senate to fill his father’s unexpired term when he passed away. In 2000, Chafee was elected to a full six-year term. Chafee had different views to those in the Republican Party, such as voting against authorizing military action against Iraq, as well as supporting gay
marriage and women’s right to choose on abortion. He subsequently left the Republican Party in September 2007 after losing a run for a second term as a U.S. senator. Chafee ran for governor of Rhode Island as an independent in 2010 and won. While he was governor, he officially registered as a Democrat on May 30, 2013. Former Sen. Jim Webb, announced his run as a Democratic nominee for the 2016 presidential campaign on July 2.
CHAFEE Said that there should be a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants and that they should be given access to in-state tuition. Also believes that federal officials should be the ones to enforce immigration laws.
Webb has six children and lives in northern Virginia with his wife, Hong Lee. Webb’s family has a strong citizenThe only soldier military tradition; his father was a Republican senator career Air Force officer and Webb himself to vote against the Iraq graduated from the Naval Academy in War in 2002. He said the 1968 receiving a special commendation assumption that enemies for his leadership contributions. He was in the Middle East were in first in his class of 243 at the Marine possession of “weapons of Corps Officer’s Basic School and he mass destruction” was a false served as a rifle platoon and company premise for going to war. commander in Vietnam. residence in the country. In 1984, he was appointed Assistant Secretary for Defense for Reserve Affairs and in 1987, he became Secretary of the Navy. Webb is also a writer, journalist, screenwriter and producer. He has written ten books, taught literature at the Naval Academy, received an Emmy Award for his PBS coverage of the U.S. Marines in Beirut in 1983 and his original storymade-movie “Rules of Engagement” held the top slot in U.S. box offices for two weeks.
Believes that decisions about abortion and pregnancy should be left to the women involved. He has long supported samesex marriage, even when he was a Republican senator.
WEBB
IMMIGRATION
WAR AND PEACE
SOCIAL CLASS
Supports a possible path to citizenship for immigrants who are in the country illegally after the border is secure. He also supports expanding and reinforcing a fence along the United States’ southwest border.
Was opposed to President George W. Bush’s 2003 invasion of Iraq and warned that war in Iraq would lead to a long occupation and unintended consequences.
Said government power should stop at the front door. He applauds the Supreme Court’s decision on same-sex marriage and believes that abortion access should be allowed.
VARIETY
RS
CU L ON 3C
Pattern
3C hair is voluminous and has defined spiral curls. Consequently, hair texture is perfect for the “wash and go” style and requires little to achieve a natural curly style. For washing 3C hair, Mixed Chicks products are a go-to. Mixed Chicks Shampoo ($12) is recommended for use typically once a week to once every three weeks depending upon how oily your hair gets. Constant shampooing is not recommended because curly hair is often naturally dry and the coveted natural oils your hair produces get washed away with shampoo, which cause your hair to become dry. When you are not shampooing, a deep conditioner is recommended for weekly use. Once your 3C hair is clean, Shea Moisture’s Curl Enhancing Smoothie ($13) should be applied throughout your hair to hydrate your curls.
FL
4A
K
THE HILLTOP
SEPTEMBER 10, 2015
9
A Natural Hair Guide Montana Couser Contributing Writer
A
lthough many women take pride in their appearance, hair is often considered to be what pulls their look together from head to toe. As more African-American women rock their natural hair texture, more women are inspired to do the same. But going natural can be a tough process that leads to a lot of questions.
Defining your hair texture can help answer your questions, because effective methods and products vary from hair to hair. Texture can provide you with insight into what your hair needs from you. Many AfricanAmerican hair textures range from 3C to 4C hair. Along side all of your beloved YouTube tutorials and natural hair blogs, check out this product guide for ladies with 3C to 4C hair texture. You can find most of the products listed at your local beauty store, Target or online at CurlMart.com
4B
Pattern
Pattern
4B hair is coarser and has a “Z” shaped pattern. This type of hair is very prone to shrinkage, so when looking for products, look for products that will retain some of your hairs length without weighing it down with too much product. Flexi Rods are also useful if you want a longer hairstyle without using heat. On 4B textured hair, Beautiful Textures Tangle Taming Leave in Conditioner ($5) is great for detangling and prepping for your desired style. Once you’ve used your conditioning product, let your hair air dry, then continue with OGX Moroccan Argan Oil Healing Dry Oil ($6). This hair texture also dries out, so it needs oil or conditioner to be applied at least twice a day.Similar to to 4B hair, 4C hair texture is known for major shrinkage.
4A hair has what’s called a “S” shape patterned curl but tends to get tightly coiled when it begins to dry. This hair is best when styled with a product, and left to air dry or diffuse. When washing 4A hair, a sulfate free shampoo and conditioner works best. Sulfate- free products will not dry out your locks. A great sulfate free brand is Curls, with their products including Pure Curls-Clarifying Shampoo ($12) and Coconut Sublime Conditioner ($16).When styling your 4A curls, Creme of Nature’s Butter-Licious Curls ($7) is a good option. This butter crème adds shine, reduces dryness and cuts down on breakage. To finish off your desired hairstyle, Murry’s Edge Wax ($5) is a reliable product for holding down untamable edges.
4C
Pattern
4C also can dry out and break out because of the tightness of the curls. For washing this texture hair the As I Am Coconut CoWash Cleansing Conditioner ($9) is a go-to product. This conditioner has all natural ingredients and removes dirt or built up product from previous styling without drying out your curls. When styling this hair texture, add EcoStyler Styling Gel ($5) on damp or dry hair to help define curls. This gel doesn’t cause curls to stick together, but still gives them the hold they need throughout the day.
10
SEPTEMBER 10, 2015
VARIETY
THE HILLTOP
Black is the New Netflix Netflix has tons of movies and shows to stream but the options are limited, especially as far as Afro-centric titles go. Here is a list of new alternatives to Netflix that specifically highlight the Black experience. Kyana Harris Staff Writer
KweliTV a.k.a. the Black Netflix
YouTube Original Series
Created by broadcast journalist, activist and writer DeShuna Spencer, this new streaming website will officially debut in December. A 30-day free trial is currently available until the formal debut. KweliTV will feature documentaries, docu-series, independent films and educational content specifically for the global Black community. According to the website, the service costs only $19.95 a year and includes free passes to events and unlimited streaming on up to three electronic devices. Spencer’s mission is to make Black television and film as accessible as possible to the global community.
There has been a huge spike in independentlyproduced web series created by black filmmakers, particularly Black women such as Issa Rae, producer and star of “Awkward Black Girl”, and Michelle A. Daniel, creator of “Between Women.” YouTube Original Series cover all different genres and topics. For instance, “MisSpelled” is a show about witchcraft, fantasy and spirituality. The star and creator of the show, Lindsey McDowell, created “MisSpelled” because she felt her and her other acting friends were being typecasted as “the black woman” instead of being represented in sci-fi and fantasy worlds on movies and television. There are also a number of original series that exemplify the beauty and struggle of Black love, including “First”, The “Couple”, and “Roomieloverfriends.” Many of these shows can be found on YouTube channels dedicated to black entertainment, like “Black&SexyTV.”
Kindred “Kindred” is an online series that follows three twenty-something Black women through their struggles with family, relationships and body image. The online series creators Maureen Aladin, Ella Turenne and Jessica Hartley are also the founders of SistaPAC Productions, an entertainment production company that focuses on film, television, news and interactive media. The trio decided that a show like this needed to be made because of the lack of shows featuring Black women supporting each other. In an interview with Televisual, Turenne said, “After being involved in the industry, each of us over a decade really, we were concerned about what we’ve seen on television.” After pitching it to HBO and Showtime and being turned down, they decided to bring the show to life online. Although no longer in production, older seasons of Kindred can be found on vimeo.
High-Tech Fashion:
TECHNOLOGY YOU CAN WEAR
Jazmin Goodwin Staff Writer
I
f you thought the release of FitBit, Google Glass and Apple Watch was cool, check out Polo Ralph Lauren’s latest gear. PoloTech, released to the masses in late August, is an innovative piece of apparel that works with your iPhone to measure your heartbeat, steps taken and breathing balance. Over the last year, wearable tech has gone mainstream with the explosion of smart watches, fitness trackers, eyeglass wear and other connected devices that you can incorporate into your everyday style. They aren’t simply limited to being a fashion statement; the U.S. government recently decided to join the ever-growing wearable tech market as well. The Obama administration is working to implement a new initiative that focuses on creating high tech gear that is flexible and durable enough to be attached to a jet. Their goal is to create better ways to monitor medical health and develop universal connectivity for both consumers and the military. Take a look at some of the amazing hi-tech wearable devices that are available to consumers today!
SMART WATCHES Perfect for runners and gym rats, Smart Watches are wrist-worn devices that connect to your mobile phone to not only tell you the time, but also notify you of calls, messages, email and social media updates. They also enable you to make video calls. Instead of rifling through your purse when you hear your phone ring or putting your clunky phone in your pocket as you go running, Smart Watches allow portable hand-free SMART CLOTHING connectivity. OPTICAL Smart Clothing encompass AVAILABLE PRODUCTS: HEAD-MOUNTED DISPLAYS functionality that is fashionable Samsung Smart Watch, Apple and innovation. Smart Clothing Watch and Pebble Smart Optical head-mounted displays devices discreetly notify you of texts, Watch are able to allow wearers to see calls and emails, along with other both artificial images as well as real features, when out of reach from your images through the glass. Users are FITNESS cellphone. TRACKERS able to take photos and videos, check emails, search the internet, etc. Fitness trackers range in a variety AVAILABLE PRODUCTS: of sizes, shapes, colors and PoloTech by Ralph AVAILABLE PRODUCTS: abilities. Generally worn on the wrist Lauren Google Glass or clipped to a belt, fitness trackers help you to keep count of the number of steps you take each day, keep track of your sleep cycle, monitor your heart rate and measure your running speed, among other things. AVAILABLE PRODUCTS: FitBits Force, Polar Loop, Jawbone UP and Smart Socks
VARIETY
THE HILLTOP
SEPTEMBER 10, 2015
11
HAPPY STUDENTS LOVE HAPPY HOUR Check out these D.C. spots
Ava Robinson Staff Writer
As the saying goes, it’s happy hour somewhere!
Everyone loves to wind down after a long day at work or school with a good happy hour. Grabbing a drink and socializing after work or school doesn’t have to empty your wallet, particularly in the District, where affordable and fun restaurants are in abundance. Check out a list of the best happy hours in the U Street/Shaw/14th Street area! Alero Lounge
Ben’s Next Door Restaurant and Bar
1301 U St NW #113 Washington DC
1213 U St NW, Washington, DC 20009
Menu Items: Quesadillas with steak,with chicken,or with veggies, $6.50 Taquitos de Chorizo,$5.99 Platanitos, $5.99 Alero Chicken Wings, $6.99 Nacho Platter, $6.99
Menu Items: Small plates include Next Door Signature Wings, Thai Calmari, Fried Shrimp, Angus Beef Sliders, Half Smoke Bites, Stuffed Mushrooms, Spinach and Artichoke Dip, $6 each Idaho Fries, $4 Drinks: All House Well Selections, $5 Select Draft Beer, $4 All Signature Cocktails, $2 off original price Select Wine by the Glass, $6
Drinks: Super Mega Margarita, $15.99 Coronarita, $17.99 Beer, $3.99 Wine, $4.50 House Mojito, $5.99
Brixton 901 U St NW, Washington, DC 20001 Menu Items: Chicken Sliders, $7 Cheeseburger Sliders, $7 Veggie Sliders, $7 Jumbo Wings, $10 Samosas, $5 Falafel, $6 Meatballs, $10 Drinks: Draught Beers, $5 Bud Light, 4$ Miller Lite, $4 Wine, $6 Rail Drinks, $5 All New Amsterdam Vodka, $5
You could be a paralegal by fall
Bin1301
Satellite Room
1301 U St NW, Washington, DC 20009
Menu Items: Loaded Tots, $5 Burgers, $10 Fried Chicken, $13 Fried Catfish, $12 Caesar Salad, $7 Wedge Salad, $7 Tuna Melt Sandwich, $11 Quesadilla, $9
Menu Items: Sausage on a Bun, $5 Pickled Deviled Eggs, $5 Wild Mushroom Panini, $6 Warm Olives, $5 Bruschetta, $5 Harissa & Honey Hummus, $5 Drinks: Cocktails include Wind in the Willow, Champagne Cocktail, and Vermouth and Tonic, $6 each Wine, ranging from $5 to $6 each
Drinks: Drafts, Wines, and Rails, $5 each
Prepare to enter the in-demand paralegal profession in just one summer with a Graduate Certificate in Paralegal Studies. The GW Paralegal Studies Summer Academy begins this May. On-campus housing is available. Offered in association with the GW Law School
Learn more about the Summer Academy: Visit cps.gwu.edu/paralegal or call 571.553.0321 The George Washington University is an equal opportunity/ affirmative action institution certified to operate in Va by SCHEV.
12
SEPTEMBER 10, 2015
BREAKING:
Nkechi Nnorom Sports Editor
A
t approximately 9:35 a.m. on Sept. 9, Howard University President Dr. Wayne A.I. Frederick pinned Kery Davis as the new athletic director of Bison Athletics. Davis succeeds Shelley Davis, who had served as interim athletic director since January of this year, after replacing former director Louis “Skip” Perkins who left Howard to take the same position at Delaware State University.
SPORTS
THE HILLTOP
Donning a gray suit with a black and white-striped tie and a fitted cap detailed by the new Howard logo, Davis joyously accepted his new position. Although he no previous ties with Howard, he has a long-credentialed resume within the sports industry. In 2013, Davis, a Dartmouth College graduate and lawyer, stepped down as senior vice president of sports programming for HBO—a position he held since 2000. Davis was directly involved in putting
Kery Davis Named New Athletic Director for Bison Athletics
together the biggest fights in boxing, including those involving stars such as Floyd Mayweather Jr., Oscar De La Hoya, Roy Jones Jr., Manny Pacquiao and Bernard Hopkins. Davis also played point guard for the Big Green before graduating in 1979. President Frederick gave a brief overview of the University’s extensive search for a new director. “We wanted someone who understood the business of sports and someone who is competitive and would understand the life
of a student-athlete,” said Frederick. Davis concluded, speaking on his plans to revitalize Bison Athletics. “I have the passion for the job and I have thirty years of experience in the sports world and I will use my contacts to help the teams succeed. I plan to sit down with the coaches and staff what resources they need for their programs to be competitive and to help the student athletes stay on [academic] track. When we win, I don’t need the credit. I just want to know that we won.”
TCU TRANSFER
IGNITES THE LADY BISON’S OFFENSE
COURTESY OF BISON ATHLETICS
Aaron Dass Staff Writer
S
ophomore forward Kela Gray is making waves as the leading goal scorer and assist getter, and is aiming high as she participates in her first full season after transferring from the Texas Christian University (TCU) program. One of Gray’s biggest attributes is her attacking style as she prefers the ball at her feet as opposed to in the open space. It has been working well for her as she was named the SWAC Offensive Player of the Week, when she scored four goals and grabbed two assists in a record breaking 17- 0 win against Hampton University. “Getting involved with the team and
learning how they play was kind of challenging,” Gray said. “I learned this, but I had to also realize that I was on a new team and things are different.” Her hard work from such a young age was rewarded when she was recruited by TCU, a competitor in the Big 12 Conference and a highly ranked school in the NCAA standings. Gray was one of the freshman class standouts, who was touted to transform the Lady Horned Frogs program around. Gray said that the commitment to the TCU program left little time for other activities. “With what I wanted from my college experience, it wasn’t really [TCU]. I did not want soccer to be the focus of my college experience,” Gray said.
Like most footballing talents, Gray has been playing since the tender age of 4 coming from a family that loves and supports her, Gray fondly remembers her parents coming to every game. “They’ve loved soccer ever since they signed me up for it when I was younger,” Gray said. “They watch it on TV all the time. They may not know everything about it, but they support me.” Junior captain and midfielder Sara Vaughan remarked on what Gray brought as a new arrival to the team. “She is always very focused at practice, pushing everyone else to perform at their best.” Vaughan said. Howard’s close-knit community was the
selling point for transferring for the 5 foot 2 forward. “I wanted to come to a school where I could honestly be around more people I could relate to. I love being surrounded by people like me” Gray said. Noelle McCullom, a past club teammate who Gray has played with since they were six years old thinks Gray will definitely be a hit on her new team. “Off the field, she is very understanding and easy to talk to,” McCullom said. “Her best quality on the field is definitely her strength, her grit to win the ball, and keeping players on her back so that she can turn to the goal.”
SPORTS
THE HILLTOP
SEPTEMBER 10, 2015
13
US! EXCUSE
A T I O N’
In the 9/3 Issue of The Hilltop, The article Fashion means Business was written by Sope Aluko
S
N
CORRECTIONS
TM
The article Safer and Stronger was written by Gabrielle Headly
DC’S ULTIMATE HBCU REUNION
9.16 – 9.20
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS WED 9.16 // 6:30PM // CAPITALE DC
BUY TICKETS NOW!
$15 STUDENT TICKETS
AVAILABLE ON CAMPUS ONLY
FRI 9.18 // 7:30PM // RFK STADIUM
TECHNOIR: The Innovators’ Classic
AT&T Nation’s Football Classic HAMPTON VS HOWARD
THUR 9.17 // 7:30PM // LOCATION TBA
AT&T Kickoff Rally
®
SAT 9.19 // NOON // H STREET CORRIDOR, NE
H Street Festival
FRI 9.18 // 10:00AM // HOWARD UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF BUSINESS AUDITORIUM
Presidential Symposium: An Exploration of Community and Police Relations
SUN 9.20 // 11:00AM // HOWARD UNIVERSITY RANKIN CHAPEL
FRI 9.18 // 1:00PM // HOWARD UNIVERSITY CRAMTON AUDITORIUM
#HashtagLunchBagDC
The Game Before The Game: Howard vs. Hampton Student Debate
Chapel Service
SUN 9.20 // 11:00AM // BAR LOUIE
FRI 9.18 // 1:30PM // WALTER E. WASHINGTON CONVENTION CENTER
HBCU College & Career Fair with Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Inc.
WE LIT!
FRI 9.18 // 4:00PM // RFK STADIUM FESTIVAL GROUNDS
Pepsi Fan Festival
JOIN THE #CONVERSATION! nationsclassic
#RealHU #NationsClassic /nationsfootballclassic
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14
SEPTEMBER 10, 2015
SPORTS
THE HILLTOP
IS STEPHANIE READY? NBA hires its first full-time female NBA game analyst
Brittany Webb Staff Writer
woman in the sports industry, [you] have to really be conscientious of how you get to where you are and again who came before you,” Ready said in an interview with Sam Perley of Hornets.com. “People have worked hard and sacrificed, so you can do things while working hard and honoring the memory and sacrifices of the people that came before you.”
O
ver the past several decades, women in journalism have exceeded expectations by obtaining positions in male-dominated realms, specifically in the realm of sports. Lesley Visser was the first NFL beat-writer. Gayle Gardner was the first female sports anchor to appear weekly on a major network. However, no woman has ever before been given the role as a full-time NBA game analyst.
Gayle Garner, the first female sports anchor to appear weekly on a major network, discusses the adversities of being a woman in sports journalism on American Sportscasters Online.
On Aug. 27, FOX Sports Southeast named Stephanie Ready, a Coppin State University alumna, the first full-time female NBA analyst. “This was the reason that I got into sports, because I wanted to be a game analyst,” Ready said in an interview with Fox Sports Southeast. “Even though I’ve done it all these years—some college games and some NBA games on a fill-in basis—this will be the first time I get to focus primarily on the job that I love most in television.”
“No one is going to just hand you a job,” Gardner said. “For women especially, this profession will never stop being a struggle with constant blows which must be taken.” COURTESY PHOTO
Being hired as the first full-time female analyst isn’t merely a victory for Ready. With Ready being the first full-time female NBA analyst, women in sports have one more female broadcaster’s footsteps to follow.
As a female broadcaster who followed in the footsteps of others, Ready credits her success to those who came before her, she said in an interview with Fox Sports South, “Being a double-minority, if you will, because I’m African-American and a
As the successful women of sportscasting have endured the hardships to break down barriers for future female sportscasters, women interested in sports careers should not shy away from the field, despite it being male-dominated. The previous and current women in sportscasting have proven that hard work and dedication will make a way for you to be that which you aspire to be.
HOWARD UNIVERSITY FALL SPORTS’ SCHEDULES Date
Time Opponent
Fri 9/11/15
7 pm
American
Tue 9/15/15
4 pm
Fri 9/18/15
Location /Team
Date
Time Opponent
Location /Team
Washington, D.C. Women’s Soccer
Thu 10/15/15
7 pm
Bethune Cookman
Burr Gym Volleyball
Liberty
Washington, D.C. Men’s Soccer
Sat 10/17/15
2 pm
Georgia Southern
Washington, D.C. Men’s Soccer
7 pm
Mount St. Mary’s
Washington, D.C. Women’s Soccer
Sun 10/18/15
3 pm
Coppin State
Burr Gym Volleyball
Sun 9/20/15
2 pm
St. Francis Brooklyn
Washington. D.C. Men’s Soccer
Fri 10/23/15
7 pm
Mississippi Valley State
Washington, D.C. Women’s Soccer
Sun 9/27/15
3 pm
Delaware State
Burr Gym Volleyball
Fri 10/23/15
7 pm
UMES
Burr Gym Volleyball
Fri 10/2/15
7 pm
Southern
Washington, D.C. Women’s Soccer
Sat 10/24/15
2 pm
NJIT
Washington, D.C. Men’s Soccer
Sat. 10/3/15
1 pm
Norfolk State
Greene Stadium Football
Sun 10/25/15
1 pm
Alcorn State
Washington, D.C. Women’s Soccer
Sun 10/4/15
1 pm
Jackson State
Washington, D.C. Women’s Soccer
Wed 10/28/15
7 pm
Delaware State
Washington, D.C. Women’s Soccer
Fri 10/9/15
7 pm
Texas Southern
Washington, D.C. Women’s Soccer
Sat 10/31/15
1 pm
Savannah State
Greene Stadium Football
Fri 10/9/15
7 pm
Hampton
Burr Gym Volleyball
Fri 11/6/15
7 pm
Morgan State
Burr Gym Volleyball
Sun 10/11/15
1 pm
Prairie View A&M
Washington, D.C. Women’s Soccer
Sat 11/7/15
2 pm
Hartwick
Washington, D.C. Men’s Soccer
Sun 10/11/15
3 pm
Norfolk State
Burr Gym Volleyball
Sat 11/14/15
1 pm
North Carolina Central
Greene Stadium Football
Mon 10/12/15
3 pm
Bucknell
Washington, D.C. Men’s Soccer
SPORTS
THE HILLTOP
SEPTEMBER 10, 2015
15
GEARING UP FOR ANOTHER ROUND
WITH BOSTON COLLEGE Bison look to bounce back
Nkechi Nnorom Sports Editor
properly” Harrell said. “We are going to continue to go through scenarios in practice to help us better prepare for Saturday.”
O
Harrell plans to stick with Johnson come Saturday. Johnson is comfortable with competing for his starting spot.
n Saturday, Sept. 12, the Howard University football team will travel to Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, where they will take on the Eagles of Boston College University. The Boston College matchup will mark the Bison’s second non-conference opponent this season. The game will kickoff at 1 p.m. and will be broadcasted on ESPN3.
“Competition is a good thing for any team,” said Johnson. “I’ve been competing all my life. It doesn’t affect my preparation at all. My mindset is to always have the most productive practices that I possibly can because I understand that it translates directly to games…”
In their season opener, Howard struggled on the road against Appalachian State University (1-0). Losing 49-0, the Bison (0-1) conceded 677 yards of total offense. The Bison’s defense was heavily tested. Appalachian State’s quarterback Taylor Lamb threw for a career-high-tying three touchdowns, and running back Marcus Cox ran for 105 yards on just 11 carries.
In order for Johnson to be most efficient on offense, he needs an offensive line that can contain the defense’s pressure, according to Harrell. “[Offensive line] have to be tougher up front. From there, we give Johnson more time to think and execute plays,” said Harrell.
During the game, senior punter John “Jack” Fleck etched his name in Howard football’s history books. Fleck, who averaged 45.5 yards per punt on 8 punts, boomed an 83 yarder. He broke the previous record of 80 yards set back in 1989 by Cedric Rawls against Indiana.
COURTESY OF BISON ATHLETICS
“It’s been a goal of mine since I first committed to Howard to try and break at least one school record and I couldn’t think of a better way to start off my senior season than with a statement like that,” Fleck said. “All I am trying to do is help the team out and put them in the best field position.”
“Boston College could’ve been first in the country. But even still that won’t stop my playing style,” said Freeman. “Whatever I need to do for my team to gain yards and score points, I will do it.”
Redshirt freshman Kalen Johnson notched the starting quarterback position for the Bison. In his college debut, Johnson completed 12-of-20 passes for 119 yards— his longest pass connecting for 43 yards.
In addition, Freeman must relieve some of the pressure off of Johnson.
“Before the game I definitely felt nervous, but I knew that I had prepared myself as much as possible so that mitigated the nerves a little bit,” said Johnson “But once I got on the field I realized that it was just football and I settled in.” Johnson had one interception and -3 in rushing yards. However, Johnson’s solid performance was no match for Appalachian State’s defense. The Mountaineers relinquished only 172 yards of total offense. Howard’s head football coach Gary “Flea”
Along with an offensive line that can impose its will on a defense, the Bison need to conduct an operable running game. The Bison rushed for a mere 36 yards. In the 2014 season, Boston College ranked 11th nationally in defensive efficiency and second-best in stopping the run. Howard redshirt senior running back Aquanius Freeman is a big component to the Bison offense. Freeman rushed for 24 yards on 12 carries and secured 48 yards on five receptions.
“I like to help him recognize the types of defensive fronts and sometimes coverages,” Freeman said. “Our offense is run off of communication. It makes the game go a whole lost easier and slower.”
COURTESY OF BISON ATHLETICS
Harrell believes the Bison can use this game as motivation to improve for Boston College.
“We can’t play high on defense. We have to stay low. Also, the defense has to line up
Boston College (1-0) comes off a 24-3 win over Maine. The Eagles held Maine to a mere seven yards rushing. Regardless, the Bison intend on sticking to their game plan of having a balanced attack.