Est. 1948
THE PACE PRESS
Feb. 25, 2020
INSIDE: @thepacepress @thepacepress /ThePacePress
Volume 72 | Issue 4
NEWS
ARTS
Tribute to NBA legend Kobe Bryant
2020 vision: upcoming in the arts
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FEATURES University student Justin Winley talks music PAGE
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TOP STORIES
www.thepacepress.org Feb. 25, 2020
BSU Editorial: Black History Month AMIR MAXWELL Contributor Black History Month is an annual celebration in the United States that recognizes and celebrates the remarkable individuals and events in the history of the African diaspora. I am a creation of the African diaspora, and though I am not American, I still feel connected to the successes, struggles and resiliencies that are celebrated during this month. My family comes from the Caribbean. My grandparents did not live through the Civil Rights movement, so the significance of this major historical event is not passed along by word of mouth from generation to generation within my family. However, growing up in America, Black History Month has helped me learn more about the incomparable individuals who were able to fuel this movement, from Bayard Rustin to Ericka Huggins. I have been able to learn from many of the influential people who were part of the movement, such as Fannie Lou Hamer, who was willing to withstand racial
violence in order to fight for the rights of our community, the rights that we continue to benefit from today and Esau Jenkins, a South Carolina AfroAmerican Human Rights leader, businessman, and community organizer. He was the founder and moving spirit of many organizations and institutions which helped improved the political, educational, housing, health and economic conditions in his community. This month also highlights a major theme that has to be discussed within the African American community, with the theme for 2020 being African Americans and voting. The theme of the vote this year should also include the rise of black elected and appointed officials at the local and national levels, campaigns for equal rights legislation and the role of blacks in traditional and alternative political parties. The year 2020 marks the centennial of the Nineteenth Amendment and the culmination
of the women’s suffrage movement. The year 2020 also marks the sesquicentennial of the Fifteenth Amendment and the right of black men to the ballot after the Civil War. The theme speaks to the continuing struggle on the part of both black men and black women for the right to vote. This theme has a rich and long history, which begins at the turn of the 19th century, in the era of the rarly republic, with the states’ passage of laws that democratized the vote for white men while disfranchising free black men. To me, Black History Month is a celebration of every single person who is a part of the African diaspora. It is representative of our struggles, our resilience and our triumphs. It shows that we are all connected, that we all share the same problems and that we can all work together to find solutions. It represents our unity and our continued effort to do better and be better. It celebrates our will to push through adversity and also highlights how far we
have come. It represents my connection to a part of my identity and also emphasizes the responsibility I have to both myself and my community to continue to strive
for greatness.
—Amir Maxwell,
President of the Pace University Black Student Union
@bsupace on Instagram
NYC historical sites to visit during Black History Month DINNIAH BARTHOLOMEW Features Intern Black History Month is the time of year to reflect on the many black Americans who have influenced the course of history and how Americans view these contributions today. The legacies of Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, the Black Panther Party and many other African American figures who shaped our livelihood are recounted. For University students who are looking to learn more about black history, there are many places for them to visit in New York City. Visit these historical sites to learn more about how black people helped change the course of history for the better.
Apollo Theater Located on West 125th Street, the Apollo Theater opened in 1914 and was originally a burlesque club owned by Sydney Cohen and later obtained by Benjamin Hurtig and Harry Seamon. They named the building Hurtig and Seamon’s New Burlesque Theater, and like many clubs, made it an all-white theater. However, in 1931, the club was shut down by the mayor, and Cohen re-opened and rebranded the theatre as the Apollo Theater. The club became open to black performers
such as Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, Billie Holiday, Sammy Davis Jr., James Brown, Gladys Knight and many other icons. “It’s a beautiful theater and you really just have a sense of history as you walk in,” University senior Gabby Boone said. To this day, they host amateur nights and various performances regularly. For University students interested in attending a show, the tickets range from $24 to $36 and can be purchased online in advance.
Louis Armstrong House Louis Armstrong was an iconic trumpeter who left his mark on jazz. He traveled all over the world, performing in various films, on records and ensembles. Armstrong was one of the first people to succeed as a jazz soloist, which was uncommon during his time. In 1943, Armstrong and his wife settled down in an apartment on 10th Street in Corona, Queens, where they would spend the rest of their lives. The house became a notable landmark with their belongings properly preserved to celebrate the musician’s legacy. It is open to the public to visit and offers guided tours that are held Tuesday through Sunday. Students can go on these tours for $8, but for those who plan on traveling with a large group (eight people or more), the price goes down to $7.
African Burial Ground National Monument In 1991, while working on a new federal building in Lower Manhattan, a construction worker stumbled upon the graves of over 400 African Americans. It turned out that the site used to be a swamp area where they would lay enslaved African Americans to rest. Since then, the bodies have been examined by Howard University and the building has become a national monument. Students can visit the burial ground, as well as go inside the building to learn more about how the enslaved individuals were treated and impacted. The burial ground is open Tuesday through Saturday and is free for students.
Studio Museum in Harlem For University students who want to celebrate black artists and creatives, look no further than the Studio Museum in Harlem. This was the first museum devoted to showcasing contemporary black artists. It was founded by local artists who were looking for a way to showcase
talented creators who might not have received proper recognition otherwise. The Studio now prides itself on promoting art education, especially for children and seniors, through a variety of programs. They are currently open Thursday through Sunday, from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Students can go to the museum for free if they attend on Friday at 5 p.m.
Mother African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church In 1796, the Mother African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, also known as “Mother Zion,” was founded. This was New York City’s first church for black Americans. In the 1930s, it became very popular, gaining elite black scholars, entertainers and civil rights activists as its members. Well-known legends such as Joe Louis, Langston Hughes, W.E.B. Dubois and Madame C.J. Walker attended the church regularly. The church is always open to the public. Black history is something that affects all Americans, regardless of their backgrounds. University students are encouraged to immerse themselves in history to gain a full view of how far America has come, and how much further it needs to go.
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Tribute to NBA legend Kobe Bryant ALEXANDRA PUGA News Editor On Jan. 26, not only did the NBA lose a legend but the world suffered a great loss. Kobe Bryant, the Lakers four-time All-Star MVP, husband, father and much more was tragically killed in a helicopter crash along with eight other passengers in Calabasas, Calif. Among them was his daughter, 13-year-old Gianna Bryant. The other passengers on board were John, Keri and Alyssa Antobelli, Sarah and Peyton Chester, Christina Mauser and pilot Ara Zobayan. The Bryants were on their way to a youth basketball tournament when the helicopter crashed due to poor weather conditions. According to the New York Times, the helicopter lacked a key warning system. Originally from Pennsylvania, Bryant spent much of his young life in several cities throughout Italy. His father, Joe Bryant, a former NBA player, retired and brought his family overseas when Bryant was just six years old. While living abroad, he learned to speak fluent Italian. Bryant found his love for basketball at the age of three and aspired to play for the Los Angeles Lakers. When Bryant was 13, his family relocated to Philadelphia, where he attended Lower Merion High School, where his American basketball career started. He was the first freshman in decades to start on varsity. After four years of high school basketball, he began his search for a future college basketball team. He was scouted by many Division 1 teams, such as Duke, Michigan, North Carolina and Villanova. However, instead of attending college, he joined the NBA. After graduating from Lower Merion in 1995, he went into the 1996 NBA draft and was picked up by the Charlotte Hornets as the 13th overall pick in the first round. With many back and forth talks with the Lakers, the Hornets followed up by trading him. As a rookie, Bryant signed a three-year agreement with a $3.5 million payout. As he was 17 at the time of the draft, his parents legally had to cosign his contract with the Lakers. Bryant stayed with the Lakers for 20 years, wearing the numbers eight and 24 until his retirement in 2016. During his time on the team, he won five Championships. He is also recognized for his achievements on the U.S. Olympic basketball team and NBA West All-Star team. Off the court, Bryant was also a devoted father, husband, philanthropist, writer and film creator. He met his wife, Vanessa Laine, when he was 21 and she
was 17 in November 1999. They started dating and were engaged in May 2000. They later married in April 2001. Bryant is survived by his three daughters: Natalia (17), Bianka (3), and Capri (8 months). Bryant was also the official ambassador of the After-School All-Stars. The organization provides afterschool programs to children in 13 cities across the U.S. He and his wife also started the Kobe and Vanessa Bryant Family Foundation to help young people that are homeless. Additionally, Zach Braff and Bryant presented the Call of Duty Endowment with a $1 million check to help veterans transition to civilian life after serving. Abroad, he started the Kobe Bryant China Fund, partnering with the Soong Ching Ling Foundation that is backed by the Chinese government. The fund raises money for education and health programs. In 2018, Bryant became the first black man to win the Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film for “Dear Basketball.” He is also the first athlete to be nominated and win any category in the Academy. It was written and narrated by Bryant, who worked alongside director and animator Glen Keane. The film is based on Bryant’s 2015 letter announcing his retirement from basketball. Later in 2018, Bryant opened the Mamba Sports Academy with the CEO of Sports Academy Chad Faulkner. The facility is a space for men, women and children to have access to activities. The Mamba Academy says it “educates and provides an opportunity for humans to unlock their full potential.” The facility also operates a charitable foundation now called the Mamba & Mambacita Sports Foundation in honor of Gianna. The “Mamba Mentality” is a term coined by Bryant that is now used by almost every athlete. Bryant emphasized that the saying was about more than just basketball. When speaking with Amazon Book Review he said, “Mamba Mentality is all about focusing on the process and trusting in the hard work when it matters most…It’s the ultimate mantra for the competitive spirit. It started just as a hashtag that came to me one day, and it’s grown into something athletes—and even nonathletes—embrace as a mindset.” The phenomenon led to a book
authored by Bryant titled “The Mamba Mentality: How I Play.” It discussed his mentality and how it spread throughout the league to his close friend Lebron James. A shrine was set up in front of the Staples Center after the announcement of Bryant’s death, the same night as the Grammys. Vanessa Bryant requested all of the items be sent to the Bryant family. On Feb. 7, the Bryants were laid to rest during a private funeral service. The funeral was held at Pacific View Memorial Park in Corona Del Mar, Calif. A public memorial service will be held Feb. 24 at the Staples Center. The date is significant as February is the second month, representing the number 2 on Gianna’s jersey, with the date representing the 24 on Bryant’s. “Kobe Bryant’s death transcended just the sport of basketball,” University senior Amanda Velazquez said. “More than just fans of the NBA were affected by it.”
@kobebryant on Instagram
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Democrats take on 2020: Iowa and New Hampshire NAOMI BITTON News Intern The 2020 Iowa Democratic caucuses were held on Feb. 3. These caucuses were the first nominating contest for the Democratic Party towards the upcoming 2020 presidential election. A week later, seven candidates faced off in the 2020 New Hampshire Democratic primary. In a primary, party members vote for the best candidate to represent them in the general election. There are two types of primaries: an open primary and a closed primary. In a closed primary, registered voters may only vote for candidates within their registered party. In an open primary, registered voters can vote for a candidate in any political party. Party members select the best candidate through a series of discussions and votes. Participants raise hands or separate into groups according to the candidate they choose to vote for. The results from caucuses determine the delegates present in each county. The Iowa Democratic caucuses resulted in a recanvass of votes after Sen. Bernie Sanders and former South Bend, Ind. Mayor Pete Buttigieg were within thousandths of a percentage point of one another in the state delegate count. Technically having more counts than Sanders, Buttigieg was in the lead by two delegates to the Democratic National Convention, according to the caucus rules. Both Sanders and Buttigieg personally declared victory in the Iowa Democratic caucuses. Sen. Elizabeth Warren followed
in the third rank. After the New Hampshire primary, Sanders led the competition with 76,324 votes. Buttigieg placed in second with a 3,867 difference in votes. Sen. Amy Klobuchar, Warren and former Vice President Joe Biden followed respectively. Shortly after the polls closed, candidate Andrew Yang and Sen. Michael Bennet both announced their resignation from the presidential race. The Pace Press interviewed students on whether or not they watched the Iowa Democratic caucuses or the New Hampshire Democratic primary, and what their thoughts are. University freshman Jolie Breitbach said, “No, I did not watch [the debates] but I wish I did. I feel like I have disconnected from politics now that I am in college. It seems like college should have had the opposite effect, but I feel like I am between less political tension here than when I am at home with family.” Additionally, University sophomore Emily Drachman commented, “No, I didn’t watch because honestly, I didn’t know that they were happening. I guess I’m in a position that I can afford to ignore a lot of the news but I also find that right now it’s hard to keep track of everything that goes on. When it gets closer to the primary elections I hope to do more research and seek out the information to make an informed decision but at this point, I am more focused on my schoolwork.”
The next two Democratic party presidential debates will take place on Feb. 25 in South Carolina and on March 15 in Arizona. The Center for Community Action and Research at the University
hosts Democratic debate watch parties where students can watch the debate, learn more about the primary election and register to vote.
@berniesanders on Instagram
President Krislov’s State of the University address KELSEY NICHOLSON Editor-in-Chief On Feb. 3, University President Marvin Krislov delivered his 2020 State of the University address. This is the second SOTU Krislov has delivered in his time as president. The address outlined Krislov’s plans for the University going forward. He began the speech by expressing his dedication to the University’s motto of “Opportunitas” and promising to uphold the values of the University. He then emphasized the changing state of higher education. “Demographics are changing. America’s population is shifting, and there are fewer students of traditional college age in the Northeast. International enrollment, long a growth area for American colleges and universities, is volatile in the current climate,” Krislov said. “We know that for Pace to succeed, we must embrace these changes and expand our offerings to meet the needs of today’s students and today’s employers.” Krislov went on to talk about the changes that will be made to the Pleasantville campus and the Elisabeth Haub School of Law, though neither changes were as drastic as the changes to the city campus. In Pleasantville, Krislov plans to “best position Pace as a hub for biotech and health education in Westchester” with the help of a task force of faculty, staff and administration known as the Strategic Plan Task Force. At the School of Law, Horace Anderson has been appointed as the new dean. The University was also ranked as the number one school in the country for environmental law. The Strategic Plan Task Force was created with the purpose of setting a longterm plan for the University moving forward. In his speech, Krislov said, “They are now defining the institutional priorities that will give us direction as we move forward. Those include: being nimble in designing and offering innovative and interdisciplinary academic programs oriented toward future skills; leveraging our locations and our connections as we evolve to meet the demands of a changing workforce; and nurturing a culture of belonging and connectedness across departments, schools and colleges, and campuses.” With this initiative, the University will be integrating online education fully into its curriculum for undergrads. Krislov also spoke about diversity at the University. He discussed the appointment
of Tiffany Hamilton as the first-ever diversity officer. “We are standing strong in our commitment to immigrant students and to our international students,” Krislov stated in his speech. However, Krislov, Career Services and the administration came under fire in November 2019 for offering a webinar hosted by Customs and Border Patrol at the University. Many students were upset given the current state of immigration in the country and the controversy surrounding ICE. Krislov moved on to the topic of mental health. “I will soon be launching a Presidential Task Force on Mental Health, a group of faculty and staff on all three campuses, to help us identify University-wide strategies for confronting what is becoming a national crisis and giving our students the support they need to succeed.” The president also mentioned changes in staffing at the University. “At the end of this academic year, Nira Herrmann will end her term as dean of the Dyson College of Arts and Sciences, and Neil Braun will end his as dean of the Lubin School of Business. Nira will take on an important new role, continuing as a professor of mathematics while overseeing our interdisciplinary efforts and also directing a new program in data science. Neil, who had a long and successful professional career before he came to Pace, is moving on to a new chapter.” He continued, “We have searches well underway for new deans, and we have a very strong group of candidates. As the search committees proceed in their work, you will have a chance to meet finalists on campus visits.” Krislov concluded his speech by summing up the recent achievements of the University. “Our graduation rate increased, we launched new programs across our schools, and our students and faculty continued to win major awards,” Krislov said. He specifically mentioned the achievements of the Federal Reserve team, who won the national championship, and PPA student Celia Gooding, who is currently starring in “Jagged Little Pill” on Broadway. Krislov continued, “Building a strong University is hard work. But we are succeeding. Together, all of us at Pace will create our strong future.”
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EDITORIAL
The lover zone OWEN MCGONIGLE Events Manager In the field of love and romance, one has probably been faced with “the friend-zone” a few times. You think what you have could be going somewhere, but you’re soon hit with everyone’s favorite f-bomb. It’ll come out in the middle of what you told your friends was a “date,” or a few slip-ins over text will get the message across to you. It happens to the best and worst of us, and is almost as universal as love itself. What happens when the reverse occurs, though? Was there ever a time when you couldn’t be friends with someone… but only their lover? The thought came to me over a morning coffee, a few weeks prior to Valentine’s Day. At the local drugstore, hearts of chocolates were beginning to occupy more store space than personally desired, and I was forced to face the reality that I would be spending another Valentine’s Day alone in my bedroom, ‘Fifty Shades of Grey” playing in the background. As a sigh escaped from my mouth, and I moved past the chocolates to retrieve some sparkling water, he texted me. He was the Virgo whom I had been declared friends with, but knew deep down I could fall in love with the minute he asked. He was everything one could’ve wanted: cute, attentive, smart, and came from a wealthy background. While texting was not really his forte, his ability to maintain eye contact throughout an in-person conversation would make even the most detached person melt. The only problem was that he wasn’t really into men the way I was. As a normal and sane individual, I was not in the market to persuade him to feel otherwise, but I also knew that I couldn’t control my heart from wanting whatever it did. I could, however, control my mind in filtering the actions which my heart wanted to enact. So we maintained a quant friendship. We would text about the class we had together, the fact that his sign made him a tad bit pretentious, and I would do everything in my Cancerian power to alleviate the insecurities that he struggled with. Things began to shift, however, (at least from my perspective)
over the weekend of my grandfather’s funeral. It was intense, and while my relationship with my grandfather was very much distant, I could not help but feel an abundance of various emotions, some of which I can’t even put into words (so much for being an English major) bubble to the surface of my being. The Virgo made the mistake of being there for me during that time. While I didn’t really ask him for emotional help, or to be there for me in that sense, he was present throughout. And even after that period of time passed, and my life began to feel mundane again, it felt as though a shift in our dynamic occurred. I found my casual flirtation reciprocated, almost as if, in a playful way, they were taunting me. My romantic side thought this meant something had changed in him; a door to something neither of us knew about had been cracked just a bit. My realistic side knew that he merely craved the attention that I gave him oh-so willingly, and knew that playing along with my desires would merely get me to give in more. So naturally, in true Sagittarius rising form, I disengaged from the situation before my Pisces moon could take over and cause me to wallow in self-pity for the next month. I sat with myself for a bit, but soon found myself in the company of Veronica, my best friend for the past decade. Veronica, who in the glory of her own relationship saw chaos in my single adventures, couldn’t give me a lot of advice when it came to a situation of this nature. However, she had the ears to listen, and that was merely enough to get some things off of my mind. “I don’t know how I can be friends with him,” I began, as my large Dr. Pepper fizzled in the cupholder next to me. We had parked in a distant lot in order to eat our cheap drive-thru food, so naturally a conversation of this nature had to occur. “At least not right now.” “Why?” Veronica asked, cuddled up atop the driver’s seat. “I don’t know,” I responded, as another sigh escaped, “I just think I need to take some time before I get attached.” “Well evidently you’re quite attached,” Veronica
shot back, but soon apologized as my puppy-dogs eyes made it clear that the joking mood was not reciprocated at the hour. Regardless, she was correct. I was attached, and that was the problem. I was attached to the fantasy of something that I knew would never come true. Was that the appeal of it all? Was this merely endless foreplay that would never lead to the happy ending? Was I to dance this tango until the two of us got tired of the game, or until one of us actually found someone worth having in reality? At that moment in time, I couldn’t tell if reality had become difficult to decipher, or, (and this is the one that scared me more), reality was so clear that I refused to succumb to it. Was there actually no mystery in regard to my desire to escape the reality that oh-so haunted me? At the end of it all, did I know that he could never love me in the way that I wanted him to? It got me to wonder: why couldn’t I allow myself to be friends with him? The answer, through the foggy mist of it all, was clear. If I continued down this road with him, I would end up wanting something that he would not agree upon. Taking the time to get my mind out of that headspace would benefit the friendship as a whole. Why couldn’t I just turn the switch off in my brain? Why is it that I had to distance myself in order to escape the perfect illusion I had surrounded myself with? Were there people in our lives that we were conditioned to love, but not to befriend? As love merely feels like a more romantic offset of friendship, this seemed odd. But in my current mindset, I couldn’t help but think so—I would not want to be friends with half the men I dated in the past. Even with some of the awkward break-up tension out of the way, I saw them as lovers, not someone I’d wanted to get drunk and watch “The Bachelor” with. Was this merely the flaw in the way I dated? Was I too busy looking for lovers when I should’ve been looking for friends? Or even worse, was this the reason I had to let go of the Virgo? Had I finally gone looking in the right direction, but was met with the one candidate that would never view me as such?
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THE PACE PRESS EDITORIAL BOARD
K ELSEY N ICHOLSON E DITOR - IN -C HIEF S AM U NGER E XECUTIVE E DITOR B ROOKE S UFRIN B USINESS M ANAGER O WEN M C G ONIGLE E VENTS M ANAGER A LEXANDRA P UGA N EWS E DITOR B RITNI D UNN A RTS E DITOR B ARBARA R UCCI F EATURES E DITOR J ESSICA L A F RANCE G RAPHIC D ESIGN D YLAN S HARE A RT D IRECTOR D UKE H UANG P HOTO E DITOR D R . K ELLEY K REITZ & I NBAL A BERGIL F ACULTY C ONSULTANTS
The Pace Press is the student newspaper of Pace University’s New York City campus. It is managed and operated entirely by members of the student body as it appears above. The Pace Press welcomes guest editorials and letters from students, faculty, administration and staff. The Pace Press reserves the right to not publish any submitted material, both solicited and unsolicited. All submissions must include the author’s full name and contact information. The Pace Press 41 Park Row, Rm. 906 New York, NY 10038 www.thepacepress.org editor@thepacepress.org Copyright 2019
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Attention 2020 New York City Graduates! Student Undergraduate Commencement Speaker & Undergraduate/Graduate Singer Undergraduate Speaker: An UG student speaker will be chosen from among the candidates for undergraduate degrees who apply for this honor. Speeches are to be approximately three to four minutes in length (about 400 to 750 words depending on rate). If you are interested in applying to be the commencement speaker, please contact Ms. Mary Stambaugh in the Communications Studies Department (212) 346-1510, 41 Park Row 5th floor. Auditions will be March 25 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. in room 512 in 41 Park Row.
Undergraduate/Graduate Singer: If you are interested in auditioning to sing the National Anthem and Alma Mater for Commencement 2020 please contact the Dean for Students Office, (212) 3461306, located at 41 Park Row, room 907 to arrange an audition appointment. Groups or individual singers are welcome.
NYC GRADUATION IS MAY 20, 2020
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2020 vision: upcoming in the arts BRITNI DUNN Arts Editor
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UPCOMING ALBUMS
UPCOMING MOVIES
Adele: “30” Lana Del Rey: “White Hot Fever” Playboi Carti: “Whole Lotta Red” The 1975: “Notes on a Conditional Form” Alicia Keys: “ALICIA” Niall Horan: “Heartbreak Weather” Sufjan Stevens: “Aporia” Cavetown: “Sleepyhead”
“Mulan” “No Time to Die” “Tenet” “Wonder Woman 1984” “Last Night in Soho” “Black Widow” “In the Heights” “I’m Thinking of Ending Things” “The Invisible Man” “Dune” “Tenet” “Da 5 Bloods” “Candyman” “Bill and Ted Face the Music” “After Yang” “A Quiet Place Part II” “Pieces of a Woman” “The French Dispatch” “The Lovebirds” “Onward” “Antebellum” “West Side Story”
UPCOMING ALBUMS TBA Lady Gaga: “LG6” Rihanna: TBA Fionna Apple: TBA Haim: TBA Frank Ocean: TBA Azaelia Banks: TBA Ty Dolla $ign: TBA Miley Cyrus: TBA
UPCOMING TELEVISION “Dave” “Devs” “Dispatches From Elsewhere” “Hollywood” “I Am Not Okay With This” “Little Fires Everywhere” “Lizzie McGuire” “Mrs. America” “Space Force” “Solar Opposites” “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier” “The Letter for the King” “The Pale Horse” “The Plot Against America” “Twenties” “WandaVision”
BART CARMODY Arts Intern
@iamnotokaywiththis on Instagram
UPCOMING THEATRE “1776” “Birthday Candles” “Caroline, or Change” “Company” “Diana” “How I Learned to Drive” “Mrs. Doubtfire” “MJ” “Sing Street” “Six” “The Music Man” “Take Me Out” “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?”
“Notes on a Conditional Form” Wikipedia
MISS AMERICANA: THE LIFE OF TAYLOR SWIFT DYLAN SHARE Art Director Taylor Swift’s new Netflix documentary offers fans a never-before-seen glimpse into her life. A record of her rise to fame, fall from grace and hard-fought climb back up to the top are all documented in one hour and twenty-five minutes. Her gilded cage of glamor and fame hides the insecurities and obstacles that attempt to tear her down. Most importantly, the film depicts the woman behind the artist and highlights her journey of finding her political voice and becoming “Miss Americana.” One of the many candid shots in the film shows Swift passionately arguing with her dad regarding remaining apolitical. Swift mentions how quickly the Dixie Chicks lost their career after publicly condemning President Bush for the Iraq War. Swift explains how she was taught to keep her true feelings secret rather than risk her career. “Throughout my career, label executives and publishers would say ‘Don’t be like the Dixie Chicks... But a nice girl doesn’t force their opinions on people. A nice girl smiles and waves and says thank you. ’” Before the pop star could use her political voice, she had to first “deconstruct an entire belief system.” Many of Swift’s detractors have accused her of insincerity and “cashing in” on the LGBTQ+ community
and politics. They cite her seemingly fake support or the suspicious timing of her political allegiance. University junior and former fan Sophia Beck said, “She has historically been quiet on social and political issues, despite having a large platform. I think that she’s only starting now because it benefits her and her record sales.” However, Swift addresses these views and her hypocrisy in the film with a number of fragile moments. She shares her deep regret for not commenting on the 2016 presidential election, which occurred during her year-long hiatus. The film also contains the moments before Swift’s famous first political post. She points out the hypocrisy, saying, “I think that it is so frilly and spineless of me to stand on stage and go ‘Happy Pride Month, you guys,’ and then not say this, when someone’s literally coming for their neck.” Though she had garnished a lot of hate (President Trump even saying that he likes her music 25 percent less now), her post created an unprecedented spike in voter registration. The most poignant aspect of the film is Swift’s transition from a timid girl into a fully-grown woman. Unfortunately, that little girl with such high hopes and dreams was crushed under the magnifying glass that comes with fame. For the first time, Swift opens up about her sexual assault, stalking and body dysmorphia. Her continuous struggles are only exacerbated by the media’s portrayal of her as an unstable, attention-seeking
liar. She recognizes that even with all the privilege in the world, she isn’t immune to the horrendous issues women continuously face. “It was awesome to see Taylor grow up through this documentary because we grew up with her. ‘Miss Americana’ is so nostalgic for our generation and watching her become so successful felt like a journey for us all,” said University junior and life-long fan Lucy Yesulines. University junior and Arts and Entertainment Management major Maddie Willard said it best. “Miss Americana was a beautiful representation of a brilliant comeback story. We watched Swift recover and become stronger from her internal struggles, as well as the struggles she faced from public opinion. In the end, she decided to end her political silence because she knew it was the right thing to do despite any repercussions. Swift has proven herself to be a champion for change and she’s not going anywhere.” Despite the hardships Swift faces, the documentary ends on a triumphant note. In her song “Only the Young” (which debuted along with the documentary), she discusses current political corruption and states that any hope for our future lies with the youth. Whether you love her or hate her, the documentary captures a vulnerable Swift and her path to finding her freedom.
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2020 Grammy Awards highlights GRACE POTTER Arts Intern This year’s Grammy Awards were highly anticipated by music and pop culture lovers around the world. The show was full of surprises and performances that left only some viewers satisfied. However, no one can deny that the 62nd annual Grammy Awards left a mark on pop culture. After the usual pre-show red carpet, the Grammys began with nominee and pop singer Lizzo taking the stage, accompanied by her famous flute. She dedicated her performance of “Cuz I Love You” to the late Kobe Bryant. It was an emotional opening to the show, especially so soon after Bryant’s tragic death. Alicia Keys and Boys II Men also dedicated their performance to Bryant. Both Tyler, the Creator and Lil Nas X represented LGBTQ+ people of color with their performances. From his 2019 album “IGOR,” Tyler performed “EARFQUAKE” and “NEW MAGIC WAND.” Both Charlie Wilson and Boys II Men joined him on stage, along with a group of backup dancers all in matching IGOR costumes. Tyler took home the award for Best Rap Album, fulfilling the 2010 tweet in which he stated, “I’m going to get a grammy[sic]. Watch.” (@tylerthecreator.) Lil Nas X, in a bright pink Versace cowboy suit, took the stage with his hit “Old Town Road.” The performance featured Billy Ray Cyrus and K-pop band BTS. He then went right into a performance of “Rodeo.” Nominated for a total of six awards, Lil Nas X won Best Music Video and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance, both for “Old Town Road.” Nominee Ariana Grande also took to the stage halfway through the show with a mashup of “imagine,” “My Favorite Things,” “7 Rings,” and “thank u, next.” Her vocals, choreography and pink backdrops elevated the performance.
One of the most talked about moments was Billie Eilish taking home five out of the six awards she had been nominated for. Eilish replaced Taylor Swift as the youngest solo artist to win Album of the Year. People on social media felt that Eilish did not deserve these awards, although she was extremely humble when accepting them. After her third award, she outright said that she did not deserve it and that it should have gone to fellow nominee Grande. Eilish also performed ‘when the party’s over’ with her brother, Finneas O’Connell. The two showed how well they worked together, with O’Connell on piano and backup vocals as she sang. Spanish singer Rosalía performed as well, gracing the stage with “Juro Que” and “Malamente.” She was nominated for Best New Artist and Best Latin Rock,
@billieeilish on Instagram
Urban, or Alternative Album, and took home the second award for her 2018 album “El Mal Querer.” The singer has gained a lot of popularity and recognition over the past year and was ecstatic to win this award for her hard work. Ever since Demi Lovato announced her return to the Grammys on Instagram, Lovatics were excited for her performance and the debut of her new single “Anyone.” Fans know how much passion Lovato can bring to the stage, and this emotional performance was no exception. Viewers could tell how important the song was to Lovato after she got slightly choked up at the beginning of the song. There were plenty of Grammy Awards listening parties at the University. “Personally, I think sweeps are very boring for award shows, and that was still the case this year,” University sophomore Stephen Insalaco said. “If there was anyone to sweep, I’m happy it was Billie. she delivered such a strong debut album. I like seeing the new generation of artists who’ve been taking over music such as Billie, Lil Nas X and Rosalía earn their dues, but I was sad to see veterans Lana Del Rey, Ariana Grande and Taylor Swift be shut out.” University sophomore Ty’ren Tillet said, “I was very happy with all of the performers who are responsible for influencing a new era in music. From Ariana’s beautifully arranged performance of ‘7 Rings’ to Lil Nas X’s larger than life performance of his two hit songs featuring many incredible guests. Lizzo opened the show by fueling us with all of the excitement we needed to continue with the rest of the event. I do believe Lana Del Rey should have won album of the year, but I’m not disappointed by Billie winning. All nominees were equally deserving of the awards in my mind, and this is the first time I have ever thought this!” Whether it entertained or disappointed, the actionpacked night was certainly one for lovers of music to remember.
NBC’s “The Good Place” ends after four seasons KELSEY NICHOLSON Editor-in-Chief
SPOILERS AHEAD! The final episode of “The Good Place” aired on Jan. 30, 2020, after its fourseason run on NBC. The show, created by “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” showrunner Michael Schur, was always meant to last four seasons, even though it became wildly popular among sitcom viewers. The final episode was titled “Whenever You’re Ready,” which is apt considering the planned ending of the show. In the finale, the humans were given the option to leave the Good Place once they felt content and wished to end their existence. Rather than dragging out the show to a place where it was unsatisfying, Schur decided to stop when the show had reached its natural conclusion. University freshman Jay Servedio commented on the planned ending of “The Good Place,” saying, “I have endless respect for Schur and his decision to end the show. Of course it was a hit! There’s never been anything that has blended the study of ethics, philosophy, the afterlife, and comedy, and Schur did it in such a way that no one will ever be able to again.”
Servedio, a Film and Screen Studies major and member of the production company Skuttlbut Studios continued, “The show told a phenomenal story that answered some of life’s greatest questions, and it ran its course gracefully. I think the story we were given was perfect from start to finish, and I wouldn’t have wanted to see it end any other way.” “It’s bittersweet, and a little maudlin, and all of the other clichés one might expect it to be,” Schur told Fortune. “But none of my sadness is related to the creative decision, which I’m still sure was the correct one.” Schur realized that the show’s arc would reach a natural conclusion after about fifty episodes. “At the end of the day, we don’t want to tread water just because the water is so warm and pleasant,” Schur wrote in his announcement about the show’s finale, which was shared on the official “Good Place” Twitter account (@ nbcthegoodplace). This kind of ending might feel odd in the current media climate. So rarely do shows reach a natural conclusion—it seems they are either cancelled before their time, or they continue on past their prime while they still make money. Popular shows that have reached their end early on are fan-favorites like “One Day at a Time” and “The Get Down,” while shows like “The Office” and “Supernatural” managed to air long past their expiration dates.
Media corporations usually put profit before art, often at the expense of quality. “The Office” wasn’t quite the same after Steve Carrell’s departure, relying on a constant rotation of regional managers trying to fill the void. This tactic is known as jumping the shark, defined by Wikipedia as “a moment when something that was once popular but has grown less so makes an attempt at publicity which only serves to highlight its irrelevance.” For example, “Family Guy” killed off main character Brian as an attempt to attract new viewers
and “The Fairly OddParents” introduced Cosmo and Wanda’s new baby, Poof. Hopefully, moving forward, creators will allow their shows to end in a natural place that is satisfying for the viewers and completes the characters’ arcs instead of sacrificing artistic integrity for more money in the bank. However, it is often the corporations and not the creators that push for shows to last longer than necessary. In the future, all we can do is hope that shows get the endings they deserve.
@nbcthegoodplace on Instagram
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ARTS
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Oscars 2020: snubs, shade and sweeps BART CARMODY Arts Intern The 92nd Academy Awards took place on Sunday, Feb. 9, and for many reasons was a pivotal moment for the culture of awards shows. There are plenty of wins, losses, snubs and bizarreness to unravel, so let’s start with the red carpet. As awards shows are more politically-charged than ever, there were some polarizing looks on the carpet this year. Perhaps the most notable was Natalie Portman’s Dior dress complete with a matching cape embroidered with names such as “Gerwig” and “Wang.” If you don’t recognize these names, it’s okay, because the Academy doesn’t either. The names represent the female directors whose films did not receive nominations. Without saying a word, Portman shouted out “Hustlers” director Lorene Scafaria, “Little Women” director Greta Gerwig, “The Farewell” director Lulu Wang, “Honey Boy” director Alma Har’el and more. Another woke wardrobe choice was from “Booksmart” star Beanie Feldstein, who proudly wore a blue ACLU ribbon atop her Miu Miu dress, an admirable nod towards advocating for marginalized groups. On the more wholesome side of things, Keanu Reeves brought his mom to the show and the two looked adorable walking the carpet together. “Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood” star Julia Butters cleverly packed some sandwiches in her purse as a mid-ceremony snack. Spike Lee sported a touching tribute to the late Kobe Bryant: a custom Gucci purple-and-gold suit with a “24” patch stitched on. After the attendees shuffled into the Dolby Theatre, the ceremonies began. The night started strong with a staggering performance by Janelle Monáe, whose act included some films that were either snubbed or excluded from the ceremonies completely, like “Little Women,” Melina Matsoukas’s “Queen & Slim” and Ari
Bong Joon-ho making his Oscars kiss
Aster’s “Midsommar.” Even “Pose” star Billy Porter joined Monáe to deliver a few energizing bars. Afterward, comedians Steve Martin and Chris Rock delivered a not-so-warm welcome to the crowd. The two relentlessly went after the Academy’s exclusions towards female directors and black nominees, and even went jokefor-joke on the attendance of Jeff Bezos. Among these presentations was Billie Eilish’s chilling cover of “Yesterday” by the Beatles and Eminem’s confusing surprise performance of “Lose Yourself,” which, if anything, turned out to be a good opportunity for meme creators. As for the awards themselves, it was a monumental night for the Oscars. Brad Pitt won Best Supporting Actor for his role in “Once Upon a Time... In Hollywood,” and in his speech included some jabs at the shady nature of the impeachment process. “They told me I only have 45 seconds up here,” the actor said, “which is 45 seconds more than the Senate gave John Bolton this week.” The joke, clever as it was, received hesitant but supportive applause from the crowd. For Best Supporting Actress, Laura Dern finally got her incredibly overdue Oscar for her role in “Marriage Story.”
David Swanson / Shutterstock
During her post-show press room speech, the actor shouted out director Gerwig and commented on women in the film industry. Dern stated, “I think that our lens should focus perhaps less on the lack of accolades, and more on the (lack) of opportunities and second chances given to female voices,” which segues into the most disappointing part of any awards show: the snubs. As previously mentioned, there was a stark lack of female directors and black nominees in the running, even though 2019 was a huge year for movies of the like. Films like “Little Women,” “Honey Boy,” “The Farewell,” “Queen & Slim,” “Us” and “Dolemite Is My Name” were either snubbed or excluded entirely from their respective categories. Other films such as “The Lighthouse,” “Midsommar” and “Climax” were also noticeably missing from the night. As for wins and losses, there are always some unavoidable upsets. University junior Brittany Opinate said, “I think that ‘Toy Story 4’ should not have won Best Animated Feature. ‘Klaus’ was far more impressive and deserved it way more.” A notable win of the night was Taika Waititi’s “Jojo Rabbit,” which won for
Best Adapted Screenplay. Waititi is the first indigenous person to win in this category, making history at the Oscars. Another spawn of controversy from the night was “Joker” not winning Best Picture, as waves of tweets and YouTube videos showcased a very upset fanbase. However, that wasn’t the most controversial part of the night for “Joker”—Joaquin Phoenix’s acceptance speech for his Best Actor in a Leading Role award caused quite a stir as well. Phoenix took the stage to talk about the unethical and unsustainable plundering of resources that humankind commits on a daily basis, even diving into the grisly details of mass production in the dairy industry. The crowd seemed reluctant to warm up to Phoenix’s proclamations, but the speech still proved to be daring and boundary-pushing. Perhaps the most unforgettable part of the night was South Korean filmmaker Bong Joon-ho’s “Parasite” winning Best Original Screenplay, Best Foreign Language Film, Best Director and Best Picture. This absolute sweep of awards left people astonished and electrified, mainly because “Parasite” is the first foreign film to win Best Picture at the Oscars. This win for the cast and crew is forecasted to open up new doorways for foreign filmmakers and actors at the Oscars. Even Joon-ho himself described the honor as very course-changing, saying, “I feel like a very opportune moment in history is happening right now. I express my deepest gratitude and respect for all the members of the Academy for making this decision.” Throughout his several speeches, he expressed nothing but pure humbleness, gratitude and even some humor, ending one speech with, “I am ready to drink tonight. Thank you.” Overall, through political commentary, long-deserved recognition and unprecedented, groundbreaking triumphs, the 92nd Academy Awards were a success and set a promising example for future ceremonies.
“Hamilton” heads to the big screen BRITNI DUNN Arts Editor The 2015 smash musical “Hamilton” is heading to theaters in summer 2021. Audiences without access to Broadway will be able to see for themselves how “Hamilton” was able to make such a huge mark on history and win 11 Tony Awards. Creator Lin-Manuel Miranda’s hip-hop, jazz and musical theatre inspirations draw in a variety of listeners, making “Hamilton” one of the most popular musicals in the past few years. “Hamilton” took the world by storm and became a cultural phenomenon, with some tickets costing over $500. The musical was more than just a Broadway show that swept the Tonys; it changed the course of modern-day musical theatre. The hip-hop, American Revolution-based musical turned the world upside down and set precedents for theatre that had not been previously explored. “Hamilton’’ is known for its diverse cast, featuring young black, Latino, Asian and mixed-race actors, even though the historical figures portrayed in the musical were white. Miranda takes the concept of colorblind casting one step further by insisting that the historically white figures
are played by actors of color. Since the show is in such high demand, it can be difficult to get tickets. It is no surprise that fans are ecstatic to be able to see the show. With the taping being shown in movie theatres across the country, there is no doubt that it will have a wide reach. Theatre-goers around the world have been waiting for the day the musical would be released on film since Oct. 2016 when Miranda took to Twitter to say “Hamilton” had been professionally filmed. Filming live theatre can be a tricky game to play, considering what makes theatre magical is the energy of a live performance and the audience. In 2017, PBS released a filmed version of the revival of the musical “Falsettos,” which was a huge success. Though “Falsettos” does not have the avid fan base that “Hamilton” does, it played in theaters before being available on the streaming service Broadway HD. If one were to take lessons from this release, it would be that theatre reaches a much larger audience when brought to the public eye. However, some have concerns that filming stage productions will make viewers less likely to buy tickets to shows. This was ultimately proven untrue—when a play or musical is made available to the public, ticket sales
usually rise. There is no doubt that the “Hamilton” screen production will be a smash hit. What makes the movie even better is that it will feature the original Broadway cast, with stars such as Phillipa Soo, Jonathan Groff, and Leslie Odom Jr., to name a few. University sophomore and Anthropology major Kennedy Robinson, a “Hamilton” fanatic, said, “I will be going to see it! It is a great opportunity for people who have not gotten the chance to see it [live]. It is especially exciting that the original cast is in it!” Miranda has also been working on another screen production, “In the Heights,” which is a film adaptation of his 2008 Broadway musical. The show won Best Musical in the Tony Awards and the film version has been in the works for many years. Rather than being a filmed stage production like “Hamilton,” “In the Heights” will be a movie musical through and through. Audiences unable to wait for “Hamilton” can get a taste of Miranda’s original hip-hop musical style. Even five years after its opening, the musical is just as relevant; taking the world by storm with U.S. tours and a stop in London. “Hamilton” will likely be just as, if not more successful, in movie theatres as it is on stage.
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FEATURES
www.thepacepress.org Feb. 25, 2020
University student Justin Winley talks music SAM UNGER Executive Editor The Pace Press sat down with University junior Justin Winley to talk about his music career, inspirations and life in the city. Sam Unger: Tell us about yourself. What’s your major and what do you do around campus? Justin Winley: I’m currently a junior Film and Screen Studies major. On campus, I’m involved in some of the multicultural clubs like the Caribbean and African Student Association and the Black Student Union. I actually` just came back from the Yale Black Solidarity Conference which was a lot of fun. SU: Where are you from? JW: Harlem. Born and raised. Well, technically born on the Upper West Side, but I’ve lived in Harlem my whole life. SU: How did you start making music? JW: When I was a kid, I was really into poetry. As I got older and moved away from the creative aspect of writing (though I was still writing fanfiction on the side— don’t tell anyone) I’d forgotten about poetry. Senior year of high school, I had a teacher, Ms. Healy, who reignited my interest in poetry. Soon after, I started performing spoken word at places like the Nuyorican Poets Café. By that point, I was constantly surrounded by friends of mine who were songwriters and rappers which started to inspire me to lyricize some of my poetry. My debut single started as a poem and later became a song. SU: Do you think growing up in Harlem affected or influenced your music? JW: Yes and no. Even though I grew up in Harlem, I never went to school there. The unfortunate reality is that the quality of education and the financing given to schools decreases in urban neighborhoods. My mother was aware of that, so she wanted to make sure I was getting a full and safe education. By the time I got to LaGuardia for high school, I was used to being surrounded by different types of people. In high school I met other artists, like my friends Amir Royale and Daniel Hall. We were all actors in the drama department, but they also wrote music, so I used them as an inspiration and a guide for how I wanted to start creating the idea of R3FRENCE. On the other hand, I became aware early on of the history that Harlem has in the arts, especially the Harlem Renaissance and the impact of performers like Langston Hughes and Ella Fitzgerald. That’s always been important to me. Just by virtue of being what is it and where it is, Harlem has inspired me, but the direct impact came from my friends. SU: Tell us about R3FRENCE. How did you choose that name? JW: I went through a bunch of different ideas for names. I didn’t want Justin Winley to be known as a musician, or a recording artist, so I immediately I knew I wanted this to be an alter ego situation. When watching a mini documentary on Logic, I figured, “Logic is already taken, but that would be dope. I want a name like that that hints to something cerebral.” There was a spoken word piece I wrote that was essentially me figuring out how many comic book references I could work into a poem describing how beautiful I thought someone was. It wound up being this super long thing. Since I know I am such a nexus of different pop culture phenomena and media, I thought I could lead with that as being my identity, so I chose the name R3FRENCE. I guess you could say it’s a bit arrogant, because all rappers reference things in their music. I tried to create this brand that infiltrates people’s conversations without them knowing about it, because we’re always talking about references. We’re in such a referential culture, with some of the biggest blockbusters of the past few years having been reboots or continuations. That was essentially the logic (ha!) behind the name. SU: How would you describe the music you make? What’s your sound? JW: Someone asked me this question a while ago, to which I answered, “because I’m black, most would
say it’s R&B.” I tend to describe it as alternative, in large part due to the influences that I have, including Kendrick Lamar, Frank Ocean, Childish Gambino and SZA. They sometimes write about the experiences of being black in America, but their art is also universal and philosophical in a way that intrigues me. When I performed for the first time at The Paper Box in Brooklyn, I told the audience that I like to think of every song R3FRENCE writes as a story. So, I wouldn’t necessarily describe every song I write as something that has happened to me, but as something I’m thinking about, and then finding a way to convey it through lyrics. One of my friends recently told me that when they describe me, they say I’m a gospel artist. I guess that’s because of the vocals and arrangement. Having grown up in Church, that’s inevitably going to bleed through. I identify with Alternative R&B the most, though. SU: Is there a song of yours that you feel the most connected to? JW: MayBe So is definitely personal. I wrote it about observations I made about myself, but also about the things that are widespread among us. Not to sound like a boomer, but people our age are very gun-shy about commitment. There has been a sort of priority reversal between generations, in that it used to be, based on what our parents tell us, that sex and any sort of passion was something that you worked up to after you built the intimacy. Now, it’s much easier for people to have a physical interaction, with the heart being the thing you have to work to get to. To me that’s sad, because it indicates that we’ve become used to hurting each other and being hurt. We think that’s less likely to happen if we just hook up, but it happens all the time. “MayBe So” is about that space we find ourselves in a lot—you meet someone and have a litany of experiences that have told you to stop jumping into things, but you think this person is the one who all of those other people were leading up to, never really knowing if that’s the case without going for it. You’re in this paralytic state, and it reflects in the song. SU: Do you have a favorite lyric you’ve written? JW: Yes, from an unreleased song called “Not For Me.” /I’d scour through flowers for hours just to get one with you/Or 24 like Jack Bauer, give up the sun for you/ Yes table 1 for two/The way you look how you do is inconsiderate/I’ve never seen a beauty so rude/I’m in the mood to play house, black Barbie and Ken/Picket fences and hair picks, some pics for your friends/Now pick a good one to post, and let’s pour out a toast,/cuz we lavish and lovin’ it always doin’ the most/ SU: Are you planning to release any music soon? JW: Yes! There is a song I just recorded called “Apocalove.” It’s my attempt at creating a Daniel Caesar “Best Part” and Lauryn Hill/D’Angelo “Nothing Even Matters” type of love song where it’s an encapsulation of devotion and passion to your partner. I had been planning to release it as a duet, but as of right now I am releasing it as a solo single. There is someone I am in conversation with to remix it later down the road, however. “Apocalove” is hopefully coming out by the end of February or by early March. I’m excited about it. It’s another personal one and I just wanted to make something that people felt nice listening to. SU: Aside from music, you also do a podcast. JW: My podcast is called “Harlem’s Very Own.” It was a name I thought of almost immediately, playing off HBO and OVO. I host it with my friend Jude Wilson who I met through martial arts training. He’s from East Harlem, I’m from West Harlem, and we became friends really quickly. He approached me about starting the show in 2018 and then it took us a year to start planning and getting equipment for it. I thought the name was appropriate not only to
honor where we’re from, but as we are coming back to recognizing Harlem as a center of culture and history, I thought it would be smart to capitalize on that. I would describe it as a conversation-based culture podcast, as we cover current events and topics in the media. For example, we talked about Kayne West’s album, “Jesus is King,” in our first episode. I’m Christian and Jude is Atheist, so we discussed it from those perspectives and experiences. We also talked about the MetroCard fare going up, Bernie Sanders wanting to decriminalize marijuana, UFC, etc. Our most recent episode to start our second season is called “Back in Black,” which was about black celebrity representation and what it means to us. It’s really enjoyable, but it’s definitely a lot of work. SU: Any closing remarks or anything else you’d like the readers to know? JW: You see a lot of hashtags on the internet about supporting black artists or black businesses, but you don’t want to just arbitrarily support something that doesn’t mean anything to you. I think it’s important to broaden your horizons—you might find that an artist of any color of background speaks to you in a way that you may not have expected. We shouldn’t limit ourselves, and I’m trying to take my own advice. Find what speaks to you and don’t think too much about where or who it’s coming from. Music is powerful. When we listen to music, we are essentially sound tracking our lives. As much as our taste is based on lyrics or arrangement, it’s also based on “I’m gonna put on this song because I’m sad, or angry, or because it makes me want to work out.” There’s not much else that can move us like that. It’s so omnipresent. If you are a recording artist or make music, you have an opportunity to create art that is relatable on a variety of spectrums. I hope “MayBe So” is something you can absorb and see a multitude of things reflected in it—not just the fact that it’s a young black artist, but that there is something universal about what it’s representing. You can find R3FRENCE on platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, Soundcloud, Tidal and YouTube. “Harlem’s Very Own” podcast is available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
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National Society of Leadership and Success at the University BROOKE SALAMONE Staff Writer For University students who are looking to gain experience with an on-campus organization that will help to not only build their resumes, but also their skills as a leader, look no further than the University’s chapter of The National Society of Leadership and Success. NSLS is an on-campus organization that provides students with the opportunity to build their leadership skills both on and off campus. As a prospective member of NSLS, students are required to attend a series of events on campus, such as speaker broadcasts where attendees engage in live streamed events with leaders who discuss topics related to the professional field. These topics often range from identifying goals to sharing tips for transitioning into the workforce after college. For many students on campus, the benefits of these events and this organization are endless. “The National Society of Leadership and Success has helped me become a leader and also helped me create goals for myself,” said Lexi Kovalsky, University sophomore and organization vice president. Prospective members of the society must be invited in by faculty and can come from any major or field of study. The exact process for candidacy starts with students accepting their nomination to become recognized as members of the NSLS. Then, students must attend orientation, a leadership training day, three speaker broadcasts, and three success networking team meetings. Upon completion of this program, students who check off all required portions will be introduced as a new member of the organization. With this membership, students receive access to benefits including scholarships and awards, employer recruitment through an online job bank, discounts on computers, textbooks, graduate school prep courses, insurance and more. Another perk for members is the society’s nationwide status. In fact, the organization is the largest leadership honor society in the country with 703 chapters and a total of 1,143,458 members. While students have a large network of campuses across the country, the specific chapter at the University will provide a productive and informative home on campus. “The National Society of Leadership and Success
selects students based on their academic performance and leadership potential, and once enrolled in the society, they have access to a number of events and resources to cultivate their leadership skills and realize their goals,” Francesca Padillas, University sophomore and organization treasurer emphasizes. Led by an executive board of 11 members, there are endless opportunities for students looking to get involved on campus here in New York City. The executive board members of our designated chapter and their on-campus advisor are as follows:
President - Lauren Moser Vice President - Lexi Kovalsky Secretary - Francesca Padillas Treasurer - Adina Balic Success Networking Team CoordinatorHans Harburg Publicity Chair - Lara Paikoff Fundraising Chair - Charly Bisso Membership Outreach Chair - Brenda Hernandez and Ritvi Shah Social Events Chair - Dylan Barth Induction Chair - Ty Corral Chapter Advisor - Anthony Corsitto
With an endless list of academic accomplishments and members working in the New York metropolitan area, this is a great resume builder for anyone on campus. There are many upcoming events for the Spring 2020 semester. “Our chapters vision is to create the leaders of tomorrow,” said president and University junior Lauren Moser. “Some of our goals for this year include expanding our chapter and working as a society to achieve desired initiatives. Since our chapter was established in 2013 we have inducted over 1,000 members on campus and are excited to inducted many more in the future.” Throughout the year NSLS holds several different leadership training events, including leadership training days, social networking team meetings and speaker broadcasts, as well as social and community service events. Secretary Francesca Padillas shared with The Pace Press some upcoming dates for events on campus this semester. Orientation will be held on Feb. 24, 25 and 26. Leadership training days will occur Feb. 29, March 6 and 7. Social networking team meetings will be held on March 10, 25 and 26. Speaker broadcasts will be held on March 30, 31, April 2, 14, 15 and 16. A social mixer is also scheduled for April 1. “All events take place during common hour, and more information is available on OrgSync and the NSLS official website,” Padillas added. The National Society of Leadership and Success is an impressive addition to the University campus community. Whether it be through hosting community service events or teaching students valuable skills such as time management, the organization has a strong presence both on and off campus due to the hard work and dedication of its members. “Overall, NSLS has helped me with my time management skills as well as taking on constant responsibility,” said University junior and organization treasurer Adina Balic. “Being a part of the society where I can become a leader and help my schoolmates do the same is incredible and such a gratifying feeling!” For more information on The National Society of Leadership and Success, visit the organization’s website www.nsls.org.
Lauren Moser
Neighborhood Spotlight: Harlem KENDAL NEEL Features Intern Located in the northern section of Manhattan between 110th Street and 155th street, Harlem has a reputation for being one of the most vibrant and eclectic neighborhoods in the Big Apple. Originally a Dutch village founded in 1658, the neighborhood gained cultural notoriety during an early 20thcentury boom in music, arts, dance and literature widely known as the Harlem Renaissance. With a diverse crowd of locals and tourists, Harlem represents New York at its core. From intimate jazz clubs to soul food eateries, and a thriving African American heritage, Harlem is sure to create a lasting impression on anyone exploring these uptown streets. With a deep-rooted history in jazz and soul music, Harlem continues to pay homage to its past with well-preserved jazz clubs like Minton’s Playhouse located at the Cecil Hotel on 118th Street. Known as the birthplace of Bepop, Minton’s Playhouse has long since been
recognized as the setting for a major jazz revolution in the 1940s and 50s. Anyone who is anyone in the jazz world has performed on the Milton stage along with former bigwigs like Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald and Benny Goodman. Although the music is the real star of the show at Minton’s Playhouse, the perfect night at the club is not complete without a delicious plate of soul food to go along with it. Minton’s regulars suggest that visitors try their signature Ella and Louis Chicken dish complete with garlic mashed potatoes, french beans and topped off with white wine caper sauce. A night at Minton’s Playhouse is sure to be the highlight of anyone’s visit to Harlem. For those hoping to experience the New York theatre scene without the overwhelming bustle of Times Square, look no further than the Apollo Theatre. Located on West 125th Street between Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Boulevard and Frederick Douglass Boulevard, the Apollo Theatre is at the center of Harlem’s artistic heritage. Often referred to as “the Soul of American Culture,” the
Apollo is known for its wildly popular Amateur Nights every Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. As one of New York’s most popular live entertainment experiences, audience members will get to participate in the competition and decide who will “be good or be gone” and win the grand prize After a night at the theatre, visitors can take a stroll to the northern end of Central Park and visit the Harlem Meer for a quiet end to the evening by the water. Those hoping to check off a few more boxes on their New York City food bucket list can find top selections in Harlem. Harlem’s rich and diverse neighborhood offers a wide culinary palette and is guaranteed to give visitors the meal they’ve been dreaming of. Neighborhood locals recommend the Red Rooster as the first stop on their Harlem food tour. Situated on Lenox Avenue, Chef Marcus Samuelsson has created a restaurant that specializes in American comfort food and promises a backdrop of warm colors, thought-provoking art and soulful music to complement every dish on the menu. For the full Red Rooster
experience, Chef Samuelsson encourages customers to try their mouth-watering lobster mac and cheese that is sure to make every visitor feel at home. Those with a more refined palette should try the blackened catfish pairs with pickled mango. Tourists and seasoned locals alike will agree that a trip to Red Rooster will leave you with a full belly and a happy heart. “I think part of what’s kept me in love with Harlem is its genuine sense of community and neighborliness— elements it holds in spades over other parts of the city,” University junior and long-time Harlem resident Justin Winley said. “Even in the face of gentrification, there are still vast stretches of it that have remained unchanged for decades. It’s resilient because of its residents, and I don’t plan on leaving it anytime soon.” From jazz clubs to soul food eateries, theatres and everything in between, there is no shortage of things to be inspired by in Harlem. University students who are planning a day to explore the city should be sure to put Harlem at the top of the list.
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ACTIVITIES
www.thepacepress.org Feb. 25, 2020
The Democratic candidates DYLAN SHARE Art Director
March Horoscopes OWEN MCGONIGLE Events Manager
ARIES Mercury is in retrograde. Your usually aggressive means of communication may be even worse. Try not to make enemies out of everyone you meet.
TAURUS Don’t let comfort get in the way of your loving relationships. Be aware of them, and analyze how you might be taking them for granted.
GEMINI Find the aspects of your life that you are certain of and keep them concrete. Having these will assist in your (possible) erratic tendencies.
CANCER This Pisces season, try and communicate with your mind rather than with your heart. An excess of emotions may lead to future regrets.
LEO Attempt to focus on those around you. Show others they mean something to you, even if this entails checking in on them.
VIRGO Welcome to your opposite. Be mindful of when you are critiquing and when you are degrading.
LIBRA While you are an air sign, don’t forget you are also cardinal. Take control of the situations you desire to command. Show authority in the positions you hold.
SCORPIO Communication with those you consider external may seem difficult for you and retrograde may only intensify these feelings. Try and push against this.
SAGITTARIUS Having friends to join you on your adventures will help in your travels. Find those who provide you with all the optimistic energy your heart desires.
CAPRICORN Take a breath and check in with yourself and those who love you. They want to hear from you, and deep down, you probably want to hear from them too.
aquarius Which of your relationships truly work for you? And if any do, make sure they work with the most genuine version of you.
PISCES Welcome to your season. While I would advise having a good foundation in reality, allowing yourself to dream is also vital.