HT GLORY APPROACHING
SEPTEMBER 28, 2015 | @THEHILLTOPHU | VOLUME 100 ISSUE 9
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SEPTEMBER 28, 2015 The Hilltop Editorial Office 2251 Sherman Ave. NW (202) 806-4749
STAFF
THE HILLTOP
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TAYLOR TIAMOYO HARRIS EDITOR-IN-CHIEF EIC@THEHILLTOPONLINE.COM
NILE KENDALL
BUSINESS MANAGER BUSINESS@THEHILLTOPONLINE.COM
PRECIOUS OSAGIE-ERESE DEPUTY EDITOR
DELORES TERRY
ASSISTANT BUSINESS MANAGER
CONGRESSMAN JOHN LEWIS DELIVERS POWERFUL MESSAGE AT 148TH CONVOCATION
LEANNA COMMINS SENIOR COPY CHIEF
SYLVESTER JOHNSON III ASSISTANT COPY CHIEF
DEVIN BARNWELL
WHAT ALL GOES INTO PARTY PROMOTING? ARE HOWARD’S FINEST PARTY THROWERS READY FOR HOMECOMING?
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CAMPUS EDITOR CAMPUS@THEHILLTPONLINE.COM
PAUL HOLSTON
NEWS EDITOR NEWS@THEHILLTOPONLINE.COM
DIANDRA BOLTON
VARIETY EDITOR VARIETY@THEHILLTOPONLINE.COM
NKECHI NNOROM
SPORTS EDITOR SPORTS@THEHILLTOPONLINE.COM
RISHARA JOHNSON
GRAPHICS DIRECTOR DESIGN@THEHILLTOPONLINE.COM
CRYSTAL SMITH
PHOTO EDITOR PHOTO@THEHILLTOPONLINE.COM
WILLIAM FOSTER
MARKETING DIRECTOR EVENTS@THEHILLTOPONLINE.COM
JAILYN ANDERSON
DIRECTOR OF PRODUCTION PRODUCTION@THEHILLTOPONLINE.COM
WHAT’S UP WITH THE HOMECOMING COMMITTEE AND YARDFEST? GET THE INSIDE SCOOP ON WHAT’S REALLY GOING ON
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If interested in contributing to The Hilltop, please email eic@thehilltoponline.com
THE HILLTOP
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CAMPUS SEPTEMBER 28, 2015
Howard Sprints to Glory Jalyn Stovall Staff Writer
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n the wee hours of the morning on Saturday September 27, the Howard University community sprinted their way to glory in the first official, second annual 5k Homecoming Charity Run/Walk, sponsored by Target. This year, the proceeds will go towards additional research and funding at the Howard University Diabetes Treatment Center (DTC). “It’s another way to incorporate the community as well as alumni, current students, faculty and staff in just a day of fitness and health,” said Lynda Hodge, assistant chair to homecoming committee and general coordinator of the race. Outside of Cramton Auditorium on 6th St, NW, a large red flag marked the start and end point of the race. Runners ran down 6th St NW, and back up 4th St NW,
where several people stood at each marker cheering them on. They continued back around to the finish line where they received their time.
After registration, runners stretched and began their warmup. Karibfit, a Caribbean dance and fitness group, led the warm-up for all the runners.
This was the first time that the 5k was officially timed by the Mid Atlantic Timing company and the first three winners received medals.
“It’s definitely important that we continue to incorporate the 5k into the Homecoming events,” Edjr Rese, a senior Political Science major said. “We should have more events like this. It’s good to have fun at Homecoming but we should also bring awareness to something through it.”
“Winning the 5k feels great. It was the third 5k that I’ve won this year,” winner, Paul Edwards, a senior 3-D Animation major said. “It was a little tougher than usual because it was all up and down hill.” Hodge says that the Homecoming committee decided to have the race officially timed this year as a way to try a different approach to get more people to come. The race is now an event that is embedded in the Homecoming week and the course is certified for the next 10 years.
According to statistics of the Center for Disease Control, diabetes continues to be 1.7 to 2.2 times more common among American Indians and Alaska Natives, non-Hispanic blacks, Hispanic/Latino Americans, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. More than 6 million people aren’t even aware that they have the disease. Diabetes disparately affects the
Black community--there is a 60% higher incidence of the disease in African American phenotype. The DTC focuses on treatment, counseling, and more importantly education of diabetes. They also conduct community focus groups in particular neighborhoods and develop relationships to provide treatment access to at-risk patient populations. “Diabetes affects a huge portion of the black community, so it ties into our school since we are an HBCU and it makes diabetes awareness important,” said senior biology major Wisdom Ikoro and public relations volunteer for the Glory committee. Registration for the walk began at 7 a.m. outside of the Administration Building, where runners received a t-shirt and running credentials as DJ Kaptain played upbeat music to get the runners pumped and ready to go.
Several different organizations attended the race, including the National Society of Black Engineers, some Omega Psi Phi fraternity brothers, and a health and wellness group from Philadelphia known as Nuyelo. Also in attendance for the race were several alumni and community members. President Wayne Frederick, even peeked his head out of the Administration building that morning to show his support to everyone in the race. Class of 1985 alumnus Pamela Saunders said she came to the 5k to show support for many of her friends and family that have been afflicted by diabetes. “It’s a great idea to kick-off Homecoming with fitness,” Saunders said.
CRYSTAL SMITH PHOTO EDITOR
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SEPTEMBER 28, 2015
THE HILLTOP
Q&A WITH CALVIN HADLEY,
CAMPUS
STUDENT OMBUDSMAN
Gabrielle Headly Staff Writer
After #TakeBackHU flooded Twitter with grievances and hopes for a better Howard University, the administration worked to find a facilitator for these concerns. On Sept. 10, President Wayne A.I. Frederick appointed Calvin Hadley as the official Student Ombudsman. As a 2008 Howard alumnus, Hadley is familiar with the struggles students are facing. After graduating from Howard, Hadley taught and studied in West Africa, served as a program manager for an academic development program for men of color at JPMorgan Chase & Co. and earned a Masters degree in Public Administration, International Public and Non Profit Management at New York University. While many opportunities were offered to Hadley, the Howard alumnus decided to come back home when offered the position of Strategic Initiative Advisor to the President at Howard University in October 2014. With the passion of helping students to reach their full potential, Hadley said he always dreamed of coming back to Howard to help the university continue to produce students who change the world. Learn about his background and his vision as ombudsman for the future of Howard University below:
Calvin Hadley, Student Ombudsman HT: For those in the Howard community that do not know, could you explain what exactly an ombudsman is and what your job entails here at Howard? CH: Students should think of my position as an appointed official. I am appointed to follow up on complaints and inquiries. My role is to advocate on behalf of the students, to work expeditiously to follow up on student complaints, to ensure President Frederick knows every week what is taking place on campus, what the university climate looks like and what students’ needs, inquiries and wants are. HT: Could you briefly talk about your time as a student at Howard University, as well as what all you have done before coming back to The Mecca? CH: I was very involved on campus. People who see me now who knew me in college often have to take a double take because now I have locs halfway down my back. As a student, I had a very clean cut and that’s because I wanted to be President of the United States. I came in with one of the only suits I owned and a portfolio with my name on it that I received as a gift. I went down to Capitol Hill with my resume and I told my congresswoman why I deserved my first political job and I ended up getting that job. I really prided myself in being active. I never traveled outside of [my hometown of] Los Angeles much, but when I came to Howard my fourth or fifth week of school, I was offered the opportunity to go to Paris with the College of Arts & Sciences’ Honors Program. By time I graduated I went to 10 countries and lived in three. HT: Do you think you can relate to what the majority of the student body are presently facing with the administration? If so, can you expound on some of the trials you have personally experienced as a Howard student?
CH: I came in as a dually enrolled high school student, so I started my freshman year with 26 credits. When I got to Howard, I essentially skipped a year of school. In my final year I went to do my graduation counseling in the office in the College of Arts and Sciences a couple weeks before graduation to get all my materials. The lady counseling me then said, “You aren’t going to be able to graduate.” I was confused. I didn’t know what was going on. Apparently, a course I transferred in that I took in high school didn’t fulfill a requirement. She continues on to say, “These things that you thought you already handled as a freshman is not fulfilled and although you have well over the amount of credits you need, you will not be able to graduate because this requirement is not fulfilled.” That was of course disheartening. Someone told me something would count, and then it didn’t count, so I ended up in a place I shouldn’t have been in. I was extremely upset and I noticed I was articulating myself the same way I’ve seen a lot of students articulating themselves over the past couple of weeks. Fast forward a few weeks later, I got everything to be rectified and I was able to graduate. Now, as an administrator, because I had that experience I feel like I’m able to interact with other administrators and advocate passionately on behalf of the student body. HT: Being aware of the known systematic flaws throughout the university, were you hesitant to return? What exactly brought you back to Howard? CH: No, not at all. I was a student at Howard for four years, I’ve stayed in close contact with Howard after graduating and I ran to Howard, not away from it. First of all, I realized that today and yesterday, historically and contemporarily, we produce and have produced people who change the world, not just the black community. When I got out into the world I realized our graduates ran the country. When I was in New York, although I graduated from New
York University, it was my Howard network that I relied upon to help me move forward. So when I thought about coming back to Howard I saw nothing, but opportunity and the ability to positively affect my community, culture, and my race. Most importantly, I wanted to help make this institution even better. HT: How does holding this position at a young age during this time of a turning point for the university make you feel? CH: I don’t completely buy into “new Howard.” I was here from ‘04 to ‘08 and although there have certainly been some new changes; I think that Howard is constantly evolving and “new Howard” is just “better Howard.” As we continue to move, we learn from what has come before. There is no place I would rather be in the world right now than Howard University. If President Barack Obama called me with an appointment right now I wouldn’t take it. I consider it a privilege. HT: The #TakeBackHU movement has continued to make its presence on campus since the social media attention a couple of weeks ago, following the protests on campus. Were you able to address their concerns? CH: I had a meeting with some of the leaders of #TakeBackHU last week and I think that they immediately realized that I’m a person here to advocate on behalf of the student body and to ensure that their voices are heard, not merely an appendage of the administration. When I met with them, they were very transparent with me. They said there are a lot of question marks surrounding my position and appointment. They told me at the beginning of the meeting a lot of students had questions about how effective it can be as a person appointed by the president. They said, “How could somebody appointed by the president check the entire university culture and really be an advocate for the student?” I was really pleased that after our
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convo- [both parties] walked away with a collaborative spirit, and I think the team realizes that in order to make Howard as great as we want to see it, it is a lot easier to work together than against each other. HT: What do you hope to achieve- shortterm and /long-term- as the newly appointed Student Ombudsman? CH: I would like to produce reports based on students’ complaints, inquiries or issues. As the office of the ombudsman is being developed, I want to create a platform that allows me to communicate seamlessly between the departments on campus on behalf of the students. My goal is not to undermine the systems currently in place to address student concerns. My job is to give answers to students who are not being responded to. HT: What do you personally believe should happen with the dialogue and transparency between administration officials and student bodies across all HBCUs nationwide? CH: We have to continue to work on the conversation, the dialogue and the transparency. I think we have to promote that across the university. We have to meet students where they are. There has to be a more candid conversation between student leaders and the entire administration. As stated in a memorandum, the Office of the Student Ombudsman is located in the Office of the President. Students are encouraged to contact Mr. Hadley at HUstudentadvocate@howard.edu or 202806-2500. Students can also directly access the inquiry/concern form under “Student Ombudsman” on the President’s webpage at www2.howard.edu/about/president. When issuing inquiries or concerns, please reserve 48 business hours for a response.
CAMPUS
THE HILLTOP
SEPTEMBER 28, 2015
Congressman John Lewis
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Encouraged Students’ “Necessary Trouble” at 148th Convocation
BERYL KESSIO
Brooke Madison Staff Writer
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oward University had its 148th annual Convocation Friday, Sept. 25., welcoming new students to the Mecca and kicking off the start of a new academic year. U.S. Representative for Georgia’s Fifth Congressional District and the last living speaker from the 1963 March on Washington, Congressman John Lewis, was welcomed as this year’s opening speaker. For nearly 30 years, Lewis has been a member of the U.S. House of Representatives. Before Lewis took the stage, President Frederick made opening remarks mentioning accomplishments Howard University has made and apologizing to students for the controversy that incited protest at the beginning of the school year. President Frederick also said that this year’s freshman class was the largest class in three years, with two students already being published authors. The president
described the student body and campus as socially active, both online and off, and appreciates the student body’s insistence in involvement regarding important decision making. Lewis’ speech was a history lesson in itself, starting with the beginning of his life as the son of sharecroppers. Lewis joked about how, as a child, he would preach to the chickens he was responsible for gathering on his family farm. After jokes, Lewis directed his speech to a more serious note, discussing his childhood experiences of segregation. Dr. Gerunda Hughes, professor and director for the Office of Institutional Assessment and Evaluation, reflected on Lewis’ segregation experiences he described in his speech. “I appreciated hearing history from someone who was there,” Hughes said. “It made me think of the early [19]60s when I was a child… and I remember those signs… I have chill bones just talking about it right now.”
At age 15, Lewis was inspired by Rosa Parks and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and their involvement with the famous Montgomery Bus Boycott.
Lewis continued his fight for to civil rights.
“I felt like Dr. King was speaking to me, saying ‘John Lewis…you too could do something. You could make a contribution,’” Lewis said.
“The message was really powerful and inspirational,” Golden said. “I really feel like now I have more of a purpose at Howard. It made me want to get out and do more and get involved.”
While attending Fisk University, Lewis led sit-ins in Nashville. In 1961, Lewis volunteered as a a Freedom Rider, leading him to be severely beaten by angry mobs on multiple occasions, as well arrested. From 1963 to 1966, Lewis was the chairman of the Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee (SNCC). In 1963, Lewis was a keynote speaker at the famous March On Washington at the Lincoln Memorial.On March 7, 1965, a day known as “Bloody Sunday,” Lewis led 600 protestors on a march from Selma, Alabama to Montgomery, Alabama. On this day, wearing a backpack with two books, Lewis suffered a skull fracture from a severe beating by an angry mob. Despite the injury,
Freshman Morgan Golden was moved by Lewis’ message.
Many freshmen felt that Lewis’ message was a great way to start off their first semester at the university. “I thought convocation was a good experience,” Kyana Harris, a freshman journalism major, said. “[Lewis] had a very powerful, uplifting message. It was good to hear for the start of the new year.” Lewis also praised Howard University and its students. “[Howard University is] a wonderful place,” Lewis said. “Three of the [previous mayors] of my city, the city of Atlanta are graduates of Howard University,” Lewis said.
Interim Chair of OBGYN, Oscar Mims, Jr., who is also an alumnus of Howard, said it took him 20 years after he graduated to fully appreciate his Howard education. Lewis serves as an inspiration for this appreciation. “Events such as today, remind me of the history of Howard, sacrifices other people have paid to give us an opportunity to give us an education,” Mims, Jr. said. “Our education is a great liberator.” Lewis encouraged students to continue to stand up for themselves and be bold. “I call on members of this university community to get out there, to continue to educate our young people.” Lewis said. “Continue to inspire. To give people hope. To stand up. To speak out and find a way to get in the way. To get in trouble. Good trouble. Necessary trouble.”
SEPTEMBER 10, 2015
WHAT’S THE MOVE?
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CAMPUS
THE HILLTOP
Howard University’s Party Promoters HU PLAYMAKERS
Obria Shaw Krylios Clarke Staff Writers
HowardLantaVegas2, #HennyThingGoes, HU Models and Bottles and Watch the Throne DC dominated the Howard homecoming party scene in 2014, and Howard’s prime party promoters plan to keep it going this year. These aren’t your typical college house parties with cramped dancing space and D.C. metro police threatening a raid at any moment, but wellwrought functions that attract the full spectrum of homecoming attendees, from students to alumni. Justin Austin, a junior Computer Science major and one of the members of Power Circle, went to his first Howard Party during the Class of 2017’s Accepted Students Day. The fun he had would inspire him to plan parties for years to come. “From the Diddys of the world to the David Castains of the world to the Alaska’s [VeryOwn], the iHoes…this is pretty much a lineage that is being passed down year after year. It’s a way for people to flex their muscles and show the entrepreneurial spirit of Howard University,” he said. Over the last four years, formal parties organized by students have become very widespread across campus. More and more students are entering the
party promoting field and, as a result, the competition between promoters has turned into the most difficult aspect of the trade. “During [Howard’s] Homecoming Week, the competition is so intense,” said Rashaan Everett, senior marketing major and one of the founders of the HU Playmakers. The competition among promoters has much to do with the revenues and perks that are earned with promoting during such a heightened time. “Depending on the Homecoming event, you can easily make about $300,000-$400,000 on an event,” said David Castain, a Howard alumnae and well-known party planner around campus. Competition can, at times, have an effect on how a party is promoted and the different strategies and marketing used to stay ahead of the competition. Party planners have to make sure that their event is in higher attendance than their counterparts to be financially lucrative, logistically flawless and, most importantly, fun. “You do a power hour, but what time? What else is going on in the world? Do you do it right after Empire or before Empire or during Empire because everybody’s going to be online or will they just ignore it?” Everett said when discussing how
Playmakers attempt to promote events. Other factors, such as the day of the week, the official Howard Homecoming event and time preceding the party and age restrictions also play a significant role in the attendance of an event. “Depending on who’s in town that night is who you can get to appear at the club or who you can partner with,” Austin said. Most of the known promoters have been
POWER CIRCLE
party promoting since the infamous Howard Homecoming of 2012 that ended the traditional YardFest. This eradication of one of the main events of the weekend had an effect on how that night would play out for students. “To be honest, it’s made things better,” Austin said. “It gives us the chance to outsource the events and therefore we get to use our connections and look to our celebrity talents and get investors involved and fund everything ourselves
which looks better on our resumes at the end of the day. It gives us a challenge - which we love - to properly entertain the crowd.” With Homecoming just days away, expect the promotion of various parties and events to kick into high gear. With the competition and the expectations set high, this year’s parties promise students at least a partial return to the legendary Howard homecoming experience.
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THE HILLTOP
SEPTEMBER 28, 2015
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FACING THE MUSIC Another Year Without YardFest Performances
Devin Barnwell Campus Editor
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or the 91st time, Howard University will enter a week that is looked at by some as the single defining moment of their collegiate experience, and is widely known as a legendary gathering in celebration of those who’ve made it to the Hilltop. This year, the uncertainty about the return of a yardfest concert still looms over the heads of the Glory homecoming committee. We’ve seen the way in which it can all fall apart in 2012, when Drake’s surprise appearance by caused students to bumrush the stage and in 2013, when 9 people were injured in the chaotic rushing of the gates, and the concert was abruptly shut down. As a result, the 2014 Crown homecoming committee were compelled by the university to a re-brand Howard’s notoriously homecoming. Not many were, nor are, happy with the change; countless tweets, blogs and think pieces all lamented the eradication of a free concert featuring the hottest names in hip/hop, rap and R&B for yardfest. Homecoming will definitely (yes definitely) not feature a free concert in 2015. The committee says a ‘traditional’ Howard homecoming is still in place, with vendors and D9 organization alumni returning to the yard for festivities.
COURTESY PHOTO
“We’re mainly doing the exact same thing as 2014, across the board. It’s not the only way to plan a safe homecoming, but it was never up for discussion,” said Blake Newby, Glory’s yardfest coordinator. According to the committee, the drama of 2012 and 2013 are the main reason why the university has modified yardfest. Last year’s homecoming was free of any major incident, but it is still too soon for the university to receive more bad press. “Nothing would have made me happier than to plan a yard fest from before. When I think of what old Howard homecoming was, even though I wasn’t here for it, it’s the concert . . . But, there are things that are things that are completely out of our control,” said Newby. The Glory committee also didn’t have as much time or money to prepare as in previous years. They weren’t provided with university summer housing to prepare due to student activity budget cuts, though some members did commute to campus starting in July to plan. “Those who lived close to campus drove in on their own tab. Homecoming budget is already almost half less than what it was last year, and we have to spread that money throughout the week,” said Newby. “I’m playing with the cards I was dealt right now, and we really did the best that we
could,” she said. Newby says it is up to the attendees of homecoming to give a good impression this year. After all, there is always the possibility of the yardfest concert returning--upon quote, “good behaviour”. The former Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner (ANC) for Ward 1, junior Allyson Carpenter, states that the rapidly gentrifying area surrounding Howard also put pressure from DC city officials to end the concerts, allegedly due to overcrowding Howard’s open campus, which in turn congests the neighborhood. “Obviously live performances are more attractive, but the complaint isn’t about how many people there are, it’s which people,” Carpenter said. Carpenter recalls the population demographic shift as a large factor in changing administration management of yardfest. Interactions with homecoming chairs in the past have been directly influenced by President Wayne A.I. Frederick, who restricted specific largely contemporary Black hip/hop, rap and R&B artists from homecoming. “There is an [undisclosed] list of artists that cannot come to campus. I think it’s being branded that the community [Le Droit, U Street] wants a ‘family friendly’ event, but we should challenge that. The old Shaw/
Howard U did think of yardfest as a family friendly event, because it was their music as well. To me it’s about not wanting ‘our kind of music’ played, it’s racist,” Carpenter said. She makes the distinction that it is, however, ultimately the university’s decision. “Howard is a privately owned university. If we wanted several thousands of people on our campus, we could do that under full protection of the law,” she said. Come what may, this week we will bear witness to how 2014 shaped homecoming for the foreseeable future. As usual, specifics aren’t given beforehand, but the committee is confident in the upcoming activities. “I’m excited for the third pep rally that’s been done for homecoming, and we’re making it a high-school style event to bridge the gap between students and alumni. It’s going to be more socially interactive,” said Micah Collins, Tuesday’s pep rally and the R&B concert cocoordinator. “We’ve gotten a good response from people from [social] media and the events we’ve had . . . we can focus on school spirit as a community. Which is really what homecoming is about,” said Collins.
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SEPTEMBER 28, 2015
THE HILLTOP
NEWS
IRENE BEAUVIS
DISCOVER THE ALGIERS:
DIFFERENT SOUND. POWERFUL MESSAGE.
Don’t bother trying to define Atlanta-based trio The Algiers. Just feel them.
Carmen Frost Staff Writer
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heir style ranges from gospel and punk-influenced protest anthems to somber, poignantly soulful ballads. Their in-your-face political awareness and blatant rejection of society’s racial status quo is something one may not expect from a band with two white members out of three man group, but these traits are the backbone of punk music. The soul and aggression behind the group’s vocals may be a surprise coming from such young artists, but these traits are obvious marks of growing up in the Southern United States. Lead singer Franklin James Fisher, along with Ryan Mahan on backing vocals, synth and
bass, and guitarist Lee Tesche, performed at the Rock & Roll Hotel in D.C.’s artsy Atlas district on Sunday, Sept. 20. The set opened with the instantly identifiable, rhythmic handclap of their album cut, “Black Eunuch.” The crowd danced a quick-paced foot shuffle and sang along with the battle cry-like chant before Tesche brought the opening number to a climax with an electrifying guitar solo. Particularly inspiring was the live rendition of their single, “Blood.” Preceded by a soundbite of Malcolm X on the negative portrayal of black men in the media, this wake-up call in the form of a protest anthem challenges its listeners on both sides of the color line to acknowledge the lasting effects of
blindly consuming mass media. Fisher’s throaty vocals really carried the weight of his forewarning, as he urged the modern Black community not to squander what generations before us worked to build and preserve after centuries of torture, but to not allow our ancestors blood to be in vain. His cry of “four hundred years of torture” does not leave the mind easily. Each line of the chorus ended by grunts as it transformed from tiresome at the beginning of song to aggressive by the end. By this change in tone, they called out the denial of our nation’s history and modern society’s complacency in its aftermath. An album stand-out entitled, “But She Was Not Flying,” confronts systemic racism and white supremacy without mincing words:
“I know a woman with a scale in her hand They bound and gagged her with the laws of the land She couldn’t tell what she was measuring So they tilt the scale to meet their own personal ends Saying, ‘I’ll shoot your son if he’s out of line I’ll rape your daughters underground where I hide And I can murder anytime that I like Cause I’m protected at my left and my right’” Mahan, erratic, yet rhythmic throughout the show, added energetic vocal interjections to heighten the song’s sense of urgency. His more precise, rock-influenced backing vocals under Fisher’s gospel-like moans served almost as a metaphor for
the emotions one feels living in a time where lyrics like these are necessary: half angry, half discouraged and just plain tired. If one were to score an action film about the execution of a revolution, the self-entitled Algiers’ debut album would be the perfect fit. This group delivers the sense urgency, despair and power that a group would need to overcome a choking sense of oppression. Check out their KEXP studio session on YouTube for a wicked musical experience, and if you ever get a chance to experience this group live for yourself, please do so and bring a diverse group of friends. The night’s conversation and soundtrack will be unforgettable.
NEWS
Georgia Avenue
THE PROGRESS WITHIN A YEAR
Ogechi Onwuemenyi Contributing Writer
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any at Howard University associate the long street of Georgia Avenue as another familiar place to call home. But this past year, the D.C. community once affectionately known as “Chocolate City,” has seen Georgia Avenue undergo several changes. From new businesses opening, to the influx of new, higher income residents moving into nearby homes and apartments, the change in the area has been visually and economically felt. Many individuals have called Georgia Avenue their home for generations. Those same individuals, however, are now the ones being forced out of their homes due to the rise in property value. This process of gentrification poses the question: Who are these improvements for? According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, gentrification is defined as the process of renewal and rebuilding accompanying the influx of middle class or affluent people into deteriorating areas that often displaces poorer residents. Along with the introduction of the brand new Chipotle and Yoga Heights on Georgia Avenue, the area is seeing less and less of the AfricanAmerican community. “I think of gentrification not only as physical, but mental. [Gentrification is implied as] the colonization of a Black person’s mind,” junior political science major Juan Machiavelli said. With the process of gentrification, more stores, restaurants and outlets will continue to pop up due to redevelopment. Small businesses owned by local African Americans in the community have relied on students from local schools like Howard for business and support. “Students have come in and done projects
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here in the [Best Cuts] barbershop, and all have been well mannered and professional as students,” said Kerry Brandt, a regular customer at Best Cuts Barbershop along Georgia Avenue. The local community has also reciprocated Howard University’s support. “People in the community have been really helpful and supportive coming to our productions [on campus], volunteering and lending us a hand whenever we need it,” said Teresa Watson, a junior music technology major and native of the DC. Joseph Vaughan, a Howard alumnus, class of 1992, and former Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner (ANC-4C) expressed the drastic changes that have been happening across Georgia Avenue. Vaughan said that although there’s been an improvement in the quality of residential housing in the community, the reality is that, with the improvements, there’s not enough affordable housing. “The majority of residents are coming in with high net worth, pricing long term D.C. residents out of the community,” Vaughn said. This disparity between the white and black community in D.C. is quite apparent to some students. “I do see a lot of homeless people on Georgia Avenue, and that really bothers me, more so because they are [people of] color,” said Dominique Vernon, a sophomore audio productions major from Sacramento, California. Georgia Avenue’s historic significance in the black community definitely has a different perspective according to Vaughn. “Before desegregation, African-American stars such as Bill Cosby and Smokey Robinson would come to Georgia Avenue to have dinner, to celebrate and to be a part of the community. Now, as a result of gentrification, many of those businesses [they enjoyed] are gone.”
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SEPTEMBER 28, 2015
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NEWS
Nation’s Classic
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SEPTEMBER 28, 2015
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PHOTO RECAP
Relive the GLORY
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SEPTEMBER 28, 2015
NEWS
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Deciding America’s Fate:
DOES VOTING MATTER?
Will Fuller Staff Writer
many Americans – specifically young adults – are reluctant to vote and feel that their single vote will not make a difference.
lthough many Americans are eager to exercise their democratic rights by voting for the 2016 presidential candidate, a scarcity amongst voters is continuing to intensify nationwide.
“There is a lack of urgency when it comes to voting because we may feel that it is something we don’t have control over,” said Cyrene Tankard, a sophomore public relations major.
On Tuesday, Sept. 22, also known as “Voter Registration Day” many citizens crowded around registration polls to register to vote. The day was created in 2012 to engage discouraged voters in the presidential election. Approximately 93 million Americans didn’t vote in the 2012 Presidential Election, according to a survey conducted by The Medill School of Journalism.
“[The millennial generation] are more focused on social media and the world they can control rather than the actual reality of the world.”
A
“[The number of voters] saddens me because [Americans] obviously don’t know the impact of their vote,” said Jerron Hawkins, freshman political science and economics major, and political action chair of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People’s (NAACP) Howard University chapter. “Just as a person may have a bunch of dollars or pennies, the little things do add up.” Remington Gregg, the legislative counsel of Human Rights Campaign, says the history of voting rights should be persuasion enough to vote. “People have fought, have been beaten and brutalized for the right to vote. We should respect their memory and their work by voting,” said Gregg. “Voting can be vitally important for not only your immediate future, but your long term future and success.” According to the U.S. Election Assistance Commission, the public has a significant influence in the outcome in which the ruling political party chooses an executive. But
IRENE BEAUVIS
ones that are changing the dynamics of the political climate,” said D.C. local Deborah Scott, who is also a Howard University alumna. “If young people aren’t exercising their rights, what will the next generation look forward to?” In order to vote in the District, a resident must be a U.S. Citizen, at least 18 years of age and have maintained a residence in the District for at least 30 days before the date of the election. Also, a person that has been incarcerated for committing a felony is not allowed to vote.
Aside from many people’s personal beliefs about voting, frustration with voting hours, finding transportation and waiting in the long lines with large crowds at voting polls are barriers causing hindrance that many Americans face when it comes to voting.
Although many young people may feel that their votes are insignificant, studies show that young people have had a stark impact in previous elections. According to POLITICO.com, Mitt Romney would have cruised to the White House had he managed to split the youth vote with now President Barack Obama. “Young people, historically, are the
“I know [voting] is simply checking a box, but checking a box could determine whether you live a good life for the next eight years or not,” Jerron said.
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“I feel like [voting] is a waste of time. You have to wait in extremely long lines to register. You have to do all these unnecessary things [to vote] in my opinion,” said D.C. native Ta’Shaun Thomas. Many state officials have recognized that several citizens find the traditional voting process inconvenient and strenuous. They are allowing their residents with state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards to fill out a Voter Registration Form through the Internet. According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, a total of 24 states, plus the District of Columbia, offer online registration, and another five states have passed legislation to create online voter registration systems.
Qualified D.C. residents can register to vote in-person Monday through Friday – with no registration deadline – at the D.C. Board of Elections Office or online at www. Vote4DC.com. College students that are registering for the first time must register in person to receive an absentee ballot for their first election.
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VARIETY
THE HILLTOP
SEPTEMBER 28, 2015
The Ghost of Homecoming’s Past
HIGHLIGHTS OF HOWARD’S MOST FAMOUS (AND INFAMOUS) YARDFESTS
1995: The Notorious B.I.G.
Accompanied by Howard Alumnus P. Diddy, Foxy Brown and other members of Bad Boy Record, Biggie Smalls visited Howard University to perform on YardFest’s stage. The crowd went absolutely wild as he performed his hits, including “One More Chance” and “Get Money.”
Jade Grier, Staff Writer
2001: Jay-Z and DMX
Howard’s Homecoming committee of 2001 managed to snag rappers Jay-Z and DMX for a YardFest performance. Jay-Z had the crowd jumping as he performed his hit “I Just Wanna Love U (Give It 2 Me).”
2003: Kanye West
Howard University’s students are notorious for being harsh critics. In 2003, a young Kanye West hopped onto the YardFest stage, performing now-famous hits like “Through the Wire” and “All Falls Down.” The crowd, not feeling the intensity and emotion in his music, booed him off the stage. Less than a year later, West dropped one of the most iconic hip-hop albums of all time, The College Dropout, that includes both songs he performed at Howard’s 2003 YardFest.
2011: Young Jeezy
Rapper Young Jeezy made his pilgrimage to Howard University’s 2011 YardFest to perform hits like “Dey Know,” “Who Dat, We Dat” and “Trap Star.” The crowd danced and passionately rapped along with him.
Happy Homecoming Bison! Show your Bison Pride by using Bison Bucks to purchase Howard Gear at the bookstore!
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SEPTEMBER 28, 2015
A BISON’S FIRST HOMECOMING Do’s and Don’ts DO’S
VARIETY
THE HILLTOP
Dawn Richard
Contributing Writer Upperclassmen will tell you Howard’s Homecoming is one for the books. Filled with epic events, amazing fashion, community outreach and great music, your first homecoming is bound to be magical- so long as you follow a few simple do’s and don’t’s of homecoming etiquette.
DON’TS
Buy Your Tickets Early & With Friends
For the events you really want to check out, get your tickets early. That’ll ensure you get the best prices before the tickets rise in price or sell out. Some events also have assignment seating (i.e. the Step Show), so make sure to get your tickets with your friends so you can scream and shout next to each other.
Get to Events Early
The lines during homecoming are absolutely crucial. To avoid settling for crappy seats or being stuck in a line while all of your friends are inside the event, get to the event early.
Get Your Closet Ready
Howard’s homecoming fashion is well-known and beloved. Don’t be left in the dust by being over or underdressed for the various events. Do your research and plan your outfits accordingly so you can enjoy yourself without worry about how you look at the events. Also, make sure your outfit is weatherappropriate. With long lines and outside functions, you’ll be spending a lot of time exposed to the elements. As cute as you may look without a jacket, you don’t want to get sick off one event and ruin the rest of your homecoming.
Budget Yourself
If you can’t already tell, with all the events plus the clothing and hair and makeup expenses, Howard’s homecoming is an expensive endeavor. Don’t go out and blow your cash on clothes, allotting you no money for events. Figure out what events you want to attend and what you’ll need for each event. Also make sure you always have some spare change for spur of the moment homecoming expenses.
Tailgate Indiscriminately
Even if you decided to forgo the football game, still check out the tailgate! Often filled with celebrities and good music, Howard’s tailgates are famous for a good time.
Do Your Homework, Kids
Professors don’t often care all that much about your homecoming schedules, so plan accordingly. Get all your homework and studying for your classes out the way early so you won’t realize mid-way through a turn-up you have something due on Blackboard at midnight.
Be Smart and Safe
Howard’s homecoming is hectic and that’s when things can get dicey. Make sure you travel in packs, watch your alcohol intake, stay hydrated and eat well, watch your personal property and stay calm. Don’t let the craziness of homecoming get the best of you.
Don’t Let Peer Pressure Sweep You Up
A lot of people will tell you homecomings the perfect time to get experimental. Don’t commit yourself to anything you’re not comfortable with. Don’t put yourself in danger for one night or one event. It’s truly not that deep.
Don’t Go Style Crazy
Homecomings the perfect time to get bold with your clothing. But there is a fine line between bold and crazy. Bold is a new hairstyle. Crazy is five inch heels on the muddy Yard. Comfort is always king, especially during homecoming where enjoying the events should be the priority.
Don’t Accept Candy From Strangers
Homecoming brings a lot of people to Howard’s campus. Stick with people you know and don’t accept things from people you just met. There’s nothing wrong with interacting with new people, but there’s no reason to get too friendly as though they’ve been shootin’ with you in the gym.
Don’t Blow All Your Cash
Homecoming will really have people feeling like they have to ball out. There are a lot of homecoming events around the city and around campus that are affordable or free. Show your bank account a little love and take advantage of those events.
Don’t Skip All Your Classes
Your family didn’t send you to Howard for homecoming alone and hopefully you didn’t come here for just that. Classes should still be priority, even during hectic homecoming. A little less focus is to be expected, but your professors aren’t obligated to show you mercy during the week of homecoming.
VARIETY
THE HILLTOP
SEPTEMBER 28, 2015
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STOP BREAKING YOUR BANK Affordable Howard Homecoming Events
Diandra Bolton Variety Editor
We get it- Howard’s Homecoming is endlessly expensive and, unfortunately, not many of us have endless bank accounts to accommodate all that we want to do. Instead of scraping the bottom of the barrel for funds or begging your parents for a little cash, check out our list of affordable homecoming events!
Event: TrapHouse HUHC Date: October 3, 2015 Time: 10:00pm – 3:00am Location: Eden 1716 I Street NW Washington, DC 20006 Price: $25 plus fee
Event: HU Freaknik Date: October 3, 2015 Time: 9:30pm – 3:00pm Location: Dirty Martini 1223 Connecticut Avenue Washington, DC 20036 Price: General Admission $40 plus fee, VIP Open Bar $60 plus fee, Bottle Table Reservation $200 plus fee
What: HU Homecoming Hangover Brunch Where: Sax, 734 11 St. NW When: Sunday, Oct. 4th 12 p.m.- 8 p.m.
What better way to end your homecoming weekend than with a brunch? Come finish the weekend off strong before classes start back up with a Sunday brunch. Lasting nearly all day, the brunch is perfect for those who may have had a long Saturday night, so no worries, you can still wake up at 5pm and make it! Tickets are $10. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hu-alumni-hangover-brunch-ft-djanonymous-tickets-18295379974?aff=ebrowse
Event: Off the Yard Homecoming Day Party Date: October 2, 2015 Time: 3:00pm – 8:00pm Location: Shadow Room 2131 K street NW Washington, DC 20037 Price: General Admission $25 plus fee, Early Bird VIP $30 plus fee, VIP $35 plus fee, Early Bird Table Reservation $50 plus fee
What: #1000Bottles Where: Howard Theatre, 620 T St. NW When: Friday, October 2nd 11PM-4AM
Event: Howard Homecoming After Party – Reggae Fest Date: October 3, 2015 Time: 11:00pm – 4:00am Location: The Howard Theatre 620 T Street NW Washington, DC 20001 Price: General Admission $20 plus fee
#1000Bottles, the classic Howard homecoming event is back! If there’s one event to ball out on during homecoming, it’s going to be this one. Ticket prices start at $79 for admission and $100 for admission and open bar all night. http://1000bottlesparty.com/ *Prices are subject to change
Event: Midnight Brunch Date: October 1, 2015 Time: 11:00pm – 2:00am Location: Smith Commons 1245 H Street NE Washington, DC 20002 Price: Free RSVP
Event: The Glo Up Date: October 2, 2015 Time: 10:00pm Location: Whino on H St 700 H Street NE Washington, DC 20002 Price: Early Bird $30, Table Reservations Free RSVP Website: Thegloup.splashthat.com
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HOMECOMING SPECIALS $125-Weave Specials $40-Blow Outs $50- Retwist and Style $45-Shampoo and Blow Dry
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Monday-Friday 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM Saturday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Sunday 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM To receive listed Howard Discount prices, you must present this ad or mention "Hilltop" when making an appointment. Shaw Main Streets is a designated DC Main Streets local program and is funded in part by the DC Department of Small and Local Business Development, Muriel E. Bowser, Mayor.
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Join us… Sunday, October 4, 2015 11:00 A.M. Cramton Auditorium
Rev. Dr. Frederick Haynes Senior Pastor, Friendship-West Baptist Church Dallas, Texas “Deeper in Faith - Wider in Community!”
HOMECOMING 2015!
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SPORTS SEPTEMBER 28, 2015
THE HILLTOP
‘his & hers’ Set to Come to Howard
Nkechi Nnorom Sports Editor
J
emele Hill and Michael Smith, co-hosts of ESPN2’s show His and Hers will be shooting a live show on Friday, Oct. 2 on Howard University’s campus.
Hosted by two very good friends who do not always agree, His and Hers offers lively debate and roundtable discussion on topics in and out of the world of sports. The show originates from ESPN’s studios in Bristol, Ct., but on occasion is done from remote locations. Earlier this
year, the show was done from Comic-Con in San Diego and it will originate from ESPN’s Los Angeles studios for a week in mid-October. Both Hill and Smith are excited to do the show at Howard, especially due to the homecoming festivities that will be taken place. “I’ve never been to Howard. It’s one of those things that I have always wanted to do. Howard has one of those atmospheres that is unique. We definitely want to incorporate the flavor of Howard into the show,” said Hill. His and Hers airs on ESPN2 from noon – 1 p.m.
ET Monday-Friday. 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.”
HIRING@THEHILLTOPONLINE.COM
SPORTS
THE HILLTOP
WHAT’S A HOWARD HOMECOMING
WITHOUT A TAILGATE? HOW TO DO IT RIGHT
Brittany Webb Staff Writer
There seems to betwo types of people when it comes to tailgating: those who go to pregame before making their way to the stadium to support their team, and those who have no clue what football entails and make the tailgate his or her final destination for the day, unless they plan to attend anafter-party. Whichever tailgater you identify with, there are a few things you should know to avoid being that person who acts a fool at the event.
Keep Good Company
Make sure the crowd you choose to hang with at the tailgate has your back. Tailgating can get hectic, particularly if its in a parking lot (which it often is). With all the crowds and cars, you need a crew who will make sure everyone is accounted for and safe.
Watch the Drank With tailgating being the king of red cups, people often forget to drink responsibly. As you always should, watch what you’re drinking and make sure you have an eye on your cup at all times. Also, as tempting as it is, avoid drinking until your “cuppethrunneth over.” You’re still in public and want to remain coherent and functioning (if merely just to avoid any videos of yourself popping up on the internet).
Travel Light
No need to bring big bags filled with your laptop, three books, water bottles and your life story. Just bring yourself and a few essentials (wallet, keys etc.). Over-packing can lead to you losing your stuff by the end of the hectic tailgate. Not to mention, lack of mobility with big bags will prove a problem when you try to weave through the crowds.
Maintain Good Vibes
Hopefully, you’re not attending the tailgate to knuck-if-you-buck. Don’t let all the pushing and shoving frustrate you; just focus on having a great time and making memories with your Bison family. Fighting and belligerent behavior will cause the tailgate to come to a screeching halt, making you the biggest buzz-kill of the season.
SEPTEMBER 28, 2015
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SEPTEMBER 28, 2015
SPORTS
THE HILLTOP
WHAT’S WRONG WITH BISON FOOTBALL? THE HILLTOP DISECTS
Quarterba
ck
Offense
• Cons istent start er has yet • Q uarterb to be identi ack pressu fied re from the poor decis defense is ion making leading to • Lacking c hemistry w ith wide rec e ivers
• Slow starts; zero points in the first quarter in four straight games • Offensive line struggling in pass protection • Lack of production from wide receivers • Struggling to find the end zone and finish drives; only two touchdowns on the season
Defense
• Defense is strugglin g to put pre posing qua ssure on o rterb p• Lack of ta ack; zero sacks on the season keaways • 2025 y ards allowe d on the se aso
Missing Players
• Linebacker Devin Rollins who led the MEAC in tackles last season, i defensive lineman Trae Hugabook, defensive lineman Joseph Dillard, defensive end Godspower Offor. Running back William Parker is also injured
Money Games
• Pay-for-play games against higher ranked opponents affecting overall team morale