Feb. 20, 2018 Issue

February 20, 2019

Est. 1948

Volume 71 | Issue 1

the pace press

INSIDE @thepacepress

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NEWS

page 3

Cory Booker launches 2020 Presidential campaign

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ARTS

page 7

African American feminist student art gallery

FEATURES

page #

Students launch club for professional women’s empowerment

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NEWS

February 20, 2019

L train shutdown derailed Gov. Cuomo calls off April L train closure million. The new plan is expected to cost around the same.

In preparation for the closure, transportation officials spent years drawing up travel alternatives for the affected commuters. The MTA planned a network of bike lanes, additional bus lines, and pedestrian advancements that would help riders travel over the Williamsburg Bridge.

The Department of Transportation started work on bus-only lanes in Manhattan, as well as began outlining plans for a busway on 14th street that would ban all but public transit and emergency vehicles.

However, since the announcement, MTA claimed they will no longer go

moved out of their homes in neighborhoods off the L line, or scrambled to find new locations for their businesses in time for With only a few months left before the shutdown, the news was received with the L train was scheduled to shut down resentment and anger. for 15 months, Governor Cuomo made a Not to mention, those who rely on the surprising announcement: It won’t.

L for late nights and weekend service have During a three hour press conference been met with numerous closures across the held in his midtown office, he announced line that are scheduled to last until March that the shutdown, scheduled for April 18, only adding to the already complicated 27, to repair damage in the L train tunnel service restructuring. caused by flooding from Hurricane Sandy Despite the fact that the L train line would be replaced with a plan that would does not directly serve the University, avoid a complete shutdown. many students commute to campus from The partial shutdown will begin on the Brooklyn, or rely on L train service to get same date as the original plan, with track to the 33rd street line Path stations now that work taking place on the tunnel overnight the WTC Path station is and on weekends instead. closed on weekends until One tube will close at 2020.

10 p.m., while the other “The issue transcends will stay open during the the ‘Brooklyn Hipster’. repairs so trains can still The L train goes further travel in both directions. east into Brooklyn, ending The Metropolitan Transit in Canarsie, where the Authority expects the lack of accessibility to project to take 15-20 public transportation months to complete. really limits the The announcement community,” said came after Cuomo University sophomore ventured into the tunnel Sarah Perniciaro. with engineers from She continued, “it’s Columbia and Cornell clear that several stations, universities to see if it as well as the subway needed to be closed down system as a whole, need completely. improvement. However, “I have confidence to have even considered in saying to the people the shutdown the ‘best of New York that this is measure’ is ignoring the shortest, best route to how vital the direct repairing the tunnel”, said access to Manhattan is Cuomo, who was joined L train closure at 3rd Avenue station Elizabeth Burger for individuals who live by acting MTA chairman further away from transit Fernando Ferrer at the briefing. He continued, “With this design, it forward with creating the busway, along lines. Now, with unannounced overnight would not be necessary to close the L train with scrapping plans to make G trains and weekend closures, it makes it even more difficult to travel.” tunnel at all, which would be a phenomenal longer.

Although the shutdown, coined the Additional service on the G, M, and benefit to the people of New York City.”

“L-pocalypse”, has been avoided, many are 7 train lines will still be provided, but the The shutdown was announced in 2016, and would have halted service between fate of a proposed ferry route mentioned at left wishing for improved communication Bedford Ave. in Williamsburg and Eighth the beginning of the project is not clear yet, within the city. With advanced notice, the Ave. in Manhattan, limiting train service despite urges from city council members confusion and chaos the closure caused to within Brooklyn only. It was intended to to utilize the prospective plans for the could have been prevented.

That being said, the future of the repair the extensive damage to the tunnel shutdown as an opportunity to improve project looks optimistic, but unforeseen caused when it flooded with 7 million public transportation around the city.

For the 225,000 daily commuters who complications could always arise. Don’t gallons of salt water during Hurricane use the L train between Eighth Ave and forget to check your travel or subway Sandy. The flooding destroyed tracks, signals, and cables, among other things, Bedford Ave, the shutdown’s cancellation smartphone apps for more information on and was contracted to cost about $477 may seem like a relief, but for those who closures and updated schedules.

SAM UNGER News Editor

February 20, 2019

NEWS

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Cory Booker announces 2020 campaign ALEXANDRA PUGA News Intern On Feb. 1, the first day of Black History Month, New Jersey Senator Cory Booker officially announced his run for the 2020 presidential race as a Democratic candidate.

Booker has been serving in Congress since 2013 following a stint as the mayor of Newark from 2006 to 2013.

“The lines that divide us are nowhere near as strong as the ties that bind us. When we join together and work together — we rise together,” Booker said in his campaign video.

He is most known for his efforts to end the drug-abuse epidemic and help repair criminally active areas, as well as aiming to fight off slumlords in Newark. “I am the only senator that comes home to a low-income, inner-city community, the first community that took a chance on me.”

Aside from social and criminal justice reforms, Booker has made strides to decriminalize marijuana at the federal level.

In 2017, long before announcing his run, he introduced a bill pushing states to legalize marijuana and punish states that had “especially restrictive marijuana laws.” The senator has also pushed for a job guarantee program and a ‘baby bonds’ bill to reduce income inequality. Cory Booker in Des Moines, Iowa.

This bill is aimed towards low-income children and provides them with a set amount of money for their future, whether it be for college tuition or purchasing a home. Booker was one of many to sign Sen. Bernie Sanders’ Medicare-for-All plan. Booker also recently supported the Green New Deal, proposed by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.

While people nationwide struggle to decide on a Democratic candidate for the presidential election, students at the University, many of them from the tri-state area, have expressed their views on his decision to run. “I’m very excited to see that Cory Booker is running! I’ve always agreed with the vast majority of his policies, but more importantly, I have total confidence in his integrity and in his strong morals,” University sophomore Julia Rourke said. “I’m looking forward to seeing what ideas he brings to the forefront of public discourse with his campaign.”

Charlie Neibergall Booker is the second person of color to announce his campaign following Sen. Kamala Harris (D-C.A.), who announced she was running for president on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The Black Student Union on campus weighed in, sharing, “BSU does NOT support Senator Booker’s decision to run for president; we do not feel he has the proper qualities to hold the position of chief in command.”

BSU continued,“Also, we want to HIGHLY express that all kinfolk ain’t skin folk, meaning that just because he is a black man, it is not guaranteed that he has the best interest of the black community in mind.”

Although timing is everything in politics, it is unclear whether or not Booker intentionally announced his campaign on the first day of Black History Month.

Regardless, he has become one of the most high-profile Democrats in the Senate and is heavily regarded as one of the leading contenders for the presidency in 2020.

Dylan Share

NEWS

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February 20, 2019

The issue with subway accessibility ALEXANDRA PUGA News Intern When Malaysia Goodwin died after falling down the stairs at the Seventh Avenue station on Jan. 29 while carrying a baby stroller, the issue with accessibility in subway stations sparked a conversation between the city government, the MTA, and New Yorkers.

Out of the 472 subway stops in New York City, only a quarter of them have elevators, and many of those are likely to be out of service. New York City Council Speaker Corey Johnson tweeted, “The lack of accessibility in our subways is literally killing people.”

Goodson’s death drew attention to the inaccessibility present within the subway system. The MTA issued a statement regarding their Fast Forward Plan that “acknowledges and prioritizes this work as one of four key priorities, and aims to ensure that riders will never be more than two stops away from a station with an elevator.” The plan will add 50 elevators over the next five years and rides “will never be more than two stops away from a station with an elevator” their statement concludes.

University Sophomore Owen McGonigle said, “As a frequent user of the MTA, and someone who sees the masses of individuals who also use the MTA system, I feel that

Elevator and stairs to the Fulton St. subway station.

Elizabeth Burger

elevators at every station possible is vital and needed in our system. There have been many occasions that I have desired the presence of an elevator due to things I may be carrying, or injuries I may have been through. With that being said, imagine someone who is disabled, but needs to travel throughout the city.” He continued, “Are we okay with imagining a disabled individual struggling down or up a staircase? Stations should be handicap accessible. Deaths due to lack of accessibility in stations should not occur.”

New York State Senator Brad Hoylman made a statement on Jan. 30 following Goodson’s passing at the Senate transportation Committee hearing. “At my urging, the MTA has committed to looking into making accessibility improvements at the station where Malaysia Goodson died in my district. As a parent who navigates our city’s subways with a stroller, I understand the urgency firsthand. It is unacceptable that a heavily trafficked station in Midtown Manhattan would lack a functioning elevator, and I’ll be counting the days until this project is completed. We can’t afford to wait.”

Following his statement, the MTA considered urgent accessibility upgrades at the station.

The unfortunate accident also sparked discussion of accessibility within the University. Elevators on campus have been known to be less accessible. The long wait times and claims of “elevators dropping several floors” have been a topic of discussion among staff and students.

“I really wish they could have fixed certain elevators, or maybe added more of them instead of just painting them white,” said University sophomore Kat Zelaya.

Although the Student Accessibility Services on campus didn’t respond for a quote, their information page states what they provide for students. SAS provides “reasonable accommodations for the needs of students with disabilities”, according to their page on the University’s main website.

It also states, “Federal law, including the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act, both as amended, as well as state and local laws prohibit institutions of higher education from discriminating against students with disabilities.” It continues, “The Americans with Disabilities Act defines an individual with a disability as a person who has a physical or mental impairment which substantially limits one or more major life activities of the individual, has a record of such an impairment, or is regarded as having an impairment.”

This being said, the SAS page emphasizes “Personal attendants, individually prescribed devices, readers for personal use or study, wheelchairs, hearing aids, and other devices or services of a personal nature are the responsibility of the student, not the University.”

As construction in the University has come to an end, there is still elevator traffic, but more entrances that allow for less congestion. New York City and the MTA have become more conscious of the fact that the city, specifically subway stations, are less accessible for people with children, disabilities, or those needing an elevator for any particular reason. Student Accessibility Services is located at 156 William Street on the 5th floor.

Uber and taxis increase base fare KELSEY NICHOLSON Executive Editor As of Feb. 1, Uber is implementing an increase in the dominant share of the market. Juno said this new rule The fare increase could be a potential source of the base fare of their ride sharing services due to new would “destroy competition in the New York City ride- concern for University students who rely on Uber and New York City legislation. The Taxi and Limousine hail market.” The IDG condemned their decision to sue, other ride sharing services for travel. “I think that, based Commission recently enacted the Driver Earnings Rule saying, “simply enforcing the minimum wage would on the very basic service they provide at various quality that requires new mile-per-minute rates so drivers can increase driver earnings by nearly $10,000 per year. [levels], it would be unreasonable for them to raise earn at least $27.86 per hour depending on the number of Shame on Lyft and Juno for prolonging the suffering for prices!” said University junior Sarah Gibney. customers a driver has per hour. their drivers – thousands of hardworking New Yorkers – In addition to the base fare increase, government Uber released a statement on their blog expressing and their families.” mandated taxes and fees will add to the overall price their approval for the fare hike. “It aligns of an Uber trip. City and state governments with one of our core missions: to connect collect an 8.875% sales tax on rides, as well drivers to the best earnings opportunities.” as a 2.5% surcharge for the NY State Black The company also promised to “ensure Car Fund and a NYS congestion surcharge of that your ride remains as affordable as $2.75 for rides in Manhattan below 96th Street. possible.”

The latter surcharge will go to the MTA, not The fare increase is a victory for to Uber employees. According to the Uber members of the Independent Drivers Guild blog, “comprehensive congestion pricing is the which consists of approximately 70,000 best way to fully fund mass transit and reduce New York City-based drivers employed by traffic in Manhattan.” New York’s hope for the companies such as Uber, Lyft, Juno, and surcharge is to encourage citizens to use public Via. Since the city’s $15/hour minimum transport and avoid driving. wage requirement doesn’t apply to University junior Annie Dunne is a independently contracted drivers, the fare commuter student who relies on the subway to hike will benefit drivers. They’ll be making get to and from the University on a daily basis. about $17.22/hour, which is $5 more than “I think [the congestion surcharge] is ridiculous. they currently make, according to Vox. When I take an Uber, it’s because I can’t take the However, other ride sharing subway, so for a charge to be tacked on to go to companies Lyft and Juno are suing the the subway just feels really unfair,” Dunne said. state of New York over the minimum Regardless, there are only so many ways wage increase. Since the rule is based on for students to get around New York City, so it Tsun-Chueh Huang might be time to either budget for the new fare, how many rides a driver gives in an hour, An Uber in New York City, marked with the Lyft claims it benefits only Uber, which has Uber logo at left or invest in some walking shoes.

NEWS

February 20, 2019

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Trump delivers SOTU & declares national emergency How changes to policy and diversions of funding affect University students KATRINA ALONSO Editor-in-Chief The political machine has been working in full force the last couple of weeks: President Donald Trump delivered the State of the Union on Feb. 5, and on Feb. 15, President Trump’s administration announced an impending national emergency.

Both the State of the Union and the national emergency have a lot to do with immigration and border control. The one hour, 22-minute-long address to Congress is the third longest in American history, and the president spent a good portion of it announcing various achievements that have been made by the administration in the past year. His statements were fact-checked by the Washington Post, which found that he inflated many of the numbers regarding job creation, unemployment, taxes, and immigration. Despite the White House’s promises prior to the address that it would be bipartisan, these inflated numbers suggest that he is still trying to push for the passing of certain laws to fit his party’s interests.

To wit, President Trump did also speak a great deal about the policies that were in the works. During his address, he announced that the U.S. would “end its military presence in the Middle East.” His administration is negotiating an end to the war in Afghanistan, which is actually in South-Central Asia. In addition, he is planning his next meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.

For University students who have family in the military, this may come as a great relief. In addition, with more veterans returning from service, the University may see inflation in veteran students.

Of the policies he hoped to enact this year, he spoke about projects to improve infrastructure and bills that may lower the cost of prescription drugs. Both of these are goals both parties support. He also asked Congress to approve the renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement, citing successful tariffs on Chinese products.

Should these policies be enacted, students may see roads and public transportation systems improved over the next few years, though they may also find that products from popular online retailers like Shein or fast fashion outlets like Forever 21 will become more expensive as these tariffs climb.

Finally, his asserted that he would find a way to cheapen healthcare and start an initiative that will end HIV by 2030, which will have an outstanding effect on

Congresswomen wore white to pay tribute to the suffragette movement during the State of the Union

Alex Wong

everybody’s ability to pursue medical attention.

As positive as these plans seem to be, they seem significantly difficult to reach from where Congress is currently. Fresh from the longest government shutdown in history, these senators and representatives are still haunted by the issue of border security, which is what forced the shutdown in the first place.

The Feb. 15 announcement of a national emergency, which was done via a screenshot of the Notes app on Sarah Sanders’s Twitter, said that President Trump will sign the bill to continue funding the government, but that he would also “take other executive action—including a national emergency—to ensure we stop the national security and humanitarian crisis at the border.” Sanders continued, “The President is once again delivering on his promise to build the wall, protect the border, and secure our great country.”

Effectively, this message portends President Trump’s intention to officially declare a national emergency, granting him emergency powers that he could potentially use to funnel funding into building the wall along the U.S.-Mexico border.

On Feb. 18, a coalition of 16 states, which includes

New York, Connecticut, and New Jersey, announced a lawsuit against President Trump over that same intention.

According to The New York Times, the states argue that the president does not have the power to divert spending into constructing the border wall, even during a state of emergency, because Congress controls the spending.

Ordinarily, the states would not have a case, since it is legal for a president to control spending during an emergency. However, the National Emergencies Act, which is what gives him the power to do so, did build a check into the system. Congress may resolve to end the emergency should they feel the president is acting irresponsibly or that the threat has dissipated. If the Democrat-controlled House of Representatives cannot rally enough Republicans to end the emergency, the House may choose to file a lawsuit on its own.

As of now, this emergency stands to threaten students who are undocumented Mexican immigrants.

The diversion of funding, however, may prove fatal to the efforts to revitalize Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria. Currently, FEMA’s top experts have yet to pass White House clearance, and the National Flood Insurance Program is entering a five-month work stoppage.

Less than super Super Bowl ALEXANDRA PUGA News Intern Not only was Super Bowl LIII the lowest scoring game in Super Bowl history, but it also received its lowest rating ever. The New England Patriots won, beating the Los Angeles Rams 13-3 at the Mercedes-Benz stadium in Atlanta.

A large number of University students are increasingly ditching cable television for cheaper streaming services. This has led to students watching the game at sports bars around campus, or ultimately not watching it at all.

University sophomore, Angel Hermosillo from California said “I didn’t watch the Super Bowl. However, I hopped on the bandwagon and did not want the Patriots to win.”

Some say they only watch the Super Bowl Mercedes-Benz Stadium for the commercials, and others are keener on the halftime performance. Emma Note, University sophomore, shared, “I didn’t really pay attention to the commercials that much since I was with friends, but I did like the halftime show. I like how Maroon 5 used their older songs and the SpongeBob reference was a great touch!”

The halftime show was the subject of controversy for some time. Many artists

turned down the opportunity to perform, such as Rihanna and Cardi B, citing support for Colin Kaepernick. Even after securing Maroon 5, the NFL was still in search of someone to perform alongside them, later finding Travis Scott and Outkast rapper Big Boi. Note continued, “I personally think it was a very good defensive game which makes it a low scoring game and then, in turn, a boring game.

It wasn’t that exciting because nothing was happening offensively throughout the game.”

University sophomore Kat Zelaya said, “I didn’t watch the Super Bowl because it’s not something that particularly interests me. I don’t find the need to take off of work for a football game.” She continued, “To be honest, the Puppy Thomson200/Wikimedia Bowl keeps me more interested than the Super Bowl.”

Whether or not you were able (or even wanted) to watch the Super Bowl, the majority of the University community seems to agree that it was less than spectacular.

On a campus where sports is not necessarily the highest regarded pastime, it comes as no surprise that many students simply didn’t bother to make arrangements to watch the game. The good news, however, is that it seems they didn’t miss much.

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February 20, 2019

THE PACE PRESS

EDITOR’S NOTE

EDITORIAL BOARD Katrina Alonso Editor-in-Chief Kelsey Nicholson Executive Editor Sam Unger News Editor Brooke Sufrin Arts Editor Mae Martinez Features Editor Dylan Share Graphic Design Duke Huang Photo Editor Brianna Adkins Social Media Jake Cameron Business Manager Dr. Seong-Jae Min Faculty Consultant

AWARD WINNER FOR BEST IN SHOW 2017

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

Dear Pace Community, Before anything, we would like to thank you for picking up this issue. Your readership is incredibly important to us, and we strive to ensure that we are telling the stories you are interested in reading. You voted for us as your favorite organization at the University, and your support has inspired us to continue learning and developing as young journalists.

In keeping with our commitment to uplift the unique voices of the University, we chose to focus on Black History Month as the theme for this issue, the first print issue of The Pace Press for the Spring 2019 semester. As a media organization, we know how important it is to highlight and support underrepresented groups of people, whether it is by hiring them for leadership roles, casting them in major movies, showcasing their art, electing them to public office, or featuring the activities and organizations that they belong to. In this issue, you will find stories about Black leaders, Black artists, Black organizations, and more. You can find these stories on pages 3, 7, 8, 12, 15, and 16.

The Pace Press will continue to do our best to give you the diverse and interesting stories that are important to you, and we intend to learn more about how best to do that at the conference we will be attending. At the end of this month, we’ll be putting our skills to good use at the Associated Collegiate Press’s Midwinter National College Journalism Convention in La Jolla, Calif., where we will learn more about the art of reporting, fulfilling the need for representation, and conducting ourselves ethically as student reporters. We hope that when we return, we can bring you a host of fresh content that truly reflects the culture of the University.

Thank you again for your readership, and we’ll see you in March!

All the best, Katrina Alonso Editor-in-Chief editor@thepacepress.org

DISCLAIMER: These opinions are expressed by contributors (students, faculty, administration and staff) to The Pace Press. These opinions are solely those of the individual writers and do not reflect the opinions of The Pace Press, the members of The Pace Press staff or Pace University. The Pace Press is not responsible and expressly disclaims all liability for damages of any kind of arising out of use or relevance to any information contained in this section.

ARTS

February 20, 2019

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African-American feminist art featured in the student gallery at 41 Park Row GRACE VESPA Arts Intern 41 Park Row has a new look and plenty of new student spaces. One of these is a new art gallery located on the ground floor that acts as a venue for the University’s new initiative, Project Student Show. The initiative was launched on Dec. 14, 2018 and focuses on showcasing the artwork of University students and alumni. One major piece of art located in the center of the gallery is “Prints and Origins” by Sophia Uwase, a University alumna.

An international student from Rwanda, Uwase majored in Economics and double minored in Finance and Time-Based Digital Art. Although painting is a new activity for her, Uwase said she is “amazed by how much fun [she’s] having exploring it.”

Uwase painted “Prints and Origins” in 2018 and uses the media of acrylic on canvas and ink jet photographic prints on paper. The photographic pieces highlight an elder woman, a young woman, and a middle-aged woman placed diagonally against a white background, all wearing clothing that represents their roots. Both the unique color scheme and the acrylic on canvas and printed papers, which together imbue the piece with life and texture, are a nod to Imigongo, a traditional Rwandese art form pioneered by women. Uwase said that this specific artwork explores her origins and those who influenced her the most: her mother and grandmother, who are featured in the piece.

The art itself evokes a sense of wisdom and grace from each of the women pictured and shows the progression of age, along with their beautiful clothing and traditional patterns. While the photographs themselves are bright, the panels on the canvas have a darker tone, with burgundy, black, light pink, and light blue colors in abstract patterns.

Other artists featured in this exhibit include University senior Adam Greenstein, who used tessellation, acrylic on canvas, and blunt wooden panels in his 2018 work “Liquid Glass.” It shows a mosaic with varying tones from specific color families for each window panel. The first and middle paintings are near reflections of one another, using varying hues of blue, yellow, red, purple, and orange in each window panel. The third panel is complete with dark orange and brown tones. The three blunt wooden panels beneath each artwork are close mirror images of their respective paintings, with the same geometric patterns.

Wing Yung Ng’s multimedia project “A Sense of Being,” uses many different types of media for all thirteen installments of her work. On her website Wingography. com, Yung Ng said her collection explores “sensory, psychological and spiritual elements of the human experience.” A mannequin stands at the center of the exhibit, covered in feathers and ribbon, along with a multi-colored jacket and two floor lamps decorated with ribbons, fake foliage, beads, and various fabrics. Throughout the exhibit, there is a wooden board covered with dark and neon photo prints, along with two pillows covered with gold, white, and blue fabric and sequins. Yung Ng shared in a blog post that she deconstructed the found objects in order to explore “the notion of what a human soul would look like in physical visual form, with individual objects and findings representing a jumble of memories, experiences, thoughts and emotions, collected over the span of lifetimes.” Similar to Uwase’s work, Yung Ng’s multimedia project explores the sense of self and the formation of identity through individual, cultural, and physical experiences.

Opening night for the Project Studio class during the fall 2018 semester

Will Pappenheimer

Art works by students

Tsun-Chueh Huang

Café 101’s new musical app: Rockbot AMY VANDERHEYDEN Contributor At the onset of the spring 2019 semester, students were welcomed back to the University with many new changes. One of these new additions has really engaged the student body: Rockbot.

Rockbot is a free app that lets students create a DJ profile, then select songs that will be added to a queue of songs to be played throughout the cafeteria. Anyone who downloads the app has a say in what songs you hear at Café 101.

The television screens that line the walls of the café display the song name as well as the DJ who picked it. Other users can “upvote” or “downvote” song selections on the app, which affects the order of songs in the queue. Users can also purchase credits that can be used to prioritize their song selection.

Café 101 has begun to feel nostalgic, since students often select throwback hits like “Determinate” from the 2011 Disney Channel movie “Lemonade Mouth” and “Party in the USA” by Miley Cyrus. Big Time Rush is among one of the most played artists in the space.

“I love how we’ve democratized the music in

the cafeteria,” said Michael Hirschhorn, University freshman. “I’ve noticed a tremendous spike in 2000s pop music from the likes of Jonas Brothers, Ashley Tisdale, Aly & AJ, and others being played.”

Users can choose from the University’s approved song roster, which has a fairly wide variety of music and is growing every day. However, some songs aren’t available to play due to Café 101’s set preferences.

Regardless, students still seem to be very excited about choosing the music they hear while in the caf.

Some students are taking this app as an opportunity to share their favorite music from lesser known artists.

“We get to discover new music from up-and-coming artists that aren’t mainstream,” said Juliette Miliani, a University freshman.

The Café 101 employees also find the addition of Rockbot to be enjoyable, especially due to the diverse variety of songs played. Café 101 employee Monique Coates said, “I like the music. I listen to all types of music, so it’s good.”

While most students enjoy being a part-time DJ for their meal, some have not had as great an experience

with the new music system. “I try to submit a song everyday and it never goes through,” said University freshman Olivia Watson.

There is a waiting period once a song has been added to the queue. If users want to hear their song selection, they might have to stay in the caf for an extended time or purchase credits through the app to boost their choice.

Despite the addition of Rockbot, the Starbucks employees continue to play their own selection of music in the background. This has created somewhat of a sonic conflict, as two separate songs can be heard at the same time in some sections of the eating area.

However, the employees think having the option of both can be an advantage.

“I don’t think it’s a problem at all,” said Nahla Bankhead, a University Starbucks employee. “I’ll listen to our music and I’ll listen to Rockbot’s, so I think it’s a really good thing.”

The Rockbot app can be found in the App Store or Google Play for Android.

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ARTS

February 20, 2019

The representation of people of color in film ELIZABETH FILIPPINI Contributor Hollywood has been criticized for marginalizing people of color in regards to award ceremonies and castings. Sometimes Black actors are represented in stereotypical and harmful ways, such as the mammy archetype, which depicts older Black women as onedimensional caregivers. While the film industry has made some improvements over time, there are still serious issues in cinema regarding the lack of diversity shown in movies, as well as the unacknowledged difference between representation and stereotyping.

The highest grossing film of 1949 is a movie titled “Pinky,” the story of Patricia “Pinky” Johnson, a white-passing black woman who returns to her home in Mississippi after completing nursing school and falling in love with a white doctor in the north.

Analyzed through a modern lens, this film might be considered problematic, as Jeanne Crain, a white actress, plays Pinky. To wit, many of the characters in the film are stereotypes—Pinky’s grandmother, Dicey Johnson, (played by Academy Award nominee Ethel Waters) embodies the age-old mammy archetype that white Hollywood has been struggling with since its birth.

Despite these clear and upsetting problems with the film, it was among the earliest movies with a black female protagonist. At the time, it was met with a lot of backlash.

In fact, the state of Texas fought to have it banned simply because it featured an interracial couple (which, keep in mind, was illegal until 1967).

“Representation is important because seeing someone like you is proof that you can make it too,” said University senior Deanna Wright. In the context of pre-civil rights Hollywood, “Pinky” attempted to display some of the hardships faced by Black people at the time.

The film also addresses police brutality, sexual violence, and racial slurs, among other troubling experiences that are still shared by the Black community 70 years later. The film, despite its issues, offers a great conversation about why it is vital to have diverse representation in film and how appropriate representation

can be conveyed.

“When it comes to films, seeing a character you can relate to not only emotionally but physically makes you feel like you’re understood,” Wright continued. “You aren’t as alone and isolated as you think you are.”

It seems like such a simple concept: people of color should be in films because they aren’t invisible, and their stories matter just the same as everybody else’s. Teaching Tolerance Magazine identifies recognition of multiple perspectives and various stories and backgrounds as that which “…does not silence the voices of those most affected [by racism]…and does not ignore where it [racism] comes from and why it has staying power.”

The portrayal of people of color Wikimedia as complex characters can be Jeanne Crain and Ethel Waters in “Pinky” (1949) beneficial to a diverse society.

This idea of incorrectly using characters simply as plot Encouraging positive worldviews of people of color, devices rather than as fleshed-out, unique characters rather than harmful and constricting stereotypes, can that could bring representation to a piece is a marketing contribute toward changing attitudes for the better. phenomenon known as woke-washing. According to The “We watch movies as an escape from our lives, and Guardian, “woke-washing is not just lazy and hypocritical, it’s always best when we can relate to the characters we it can be harmful.” see on screen,” said University junior Abby Davis.

In the latest season, however, the Doctor is played by “Doctor Who,” one of the longest-running television a woman for the first time in its nearly 60-year run, and Bill shows of all time, attempted to diversify the cast with was replaced with Ryan Sinclair (a black man played by the character Bill Potts, a Black gay woman played by Tosin Cole), Graham O’Brien (Ryan’s grandfather played Pearl Mackie, who traveled through time with the show’s by Bradley Walsh), and Yasmin Khan (a Pakistani-Muslim lead, the Doctor, during the show’s tenth season. Before woman played by Mandip Gill), and the show’s ratings the episodes aired in 2017, fans generated a lot of media have skyrocketed. The episode of the new season that did buzz about this type of representation, but sadly, Bill’s the best among audiences was titled “Rosa,” in which the character fell short of expectations and could claim no gang travels to Montgomery, Alabama right before Rosa other characteristics besides being a Black gay woman. Parks famously refused to give up her seat on a bus for a

The cast of “Black Panther” (2018) at San Diego Comic Con Gage Skidmore/Wikimedia

white passenger. The episode featured many well-rounded Black characters, explored their thoughts and feelings on racism, and captured what it meant to deal with racism in both the civil rights era and today.

2018’s “Black Panther,” part of Marvel’s cinematic universe was ranked the 40th highest-grossing movie of all time in North America and 12th highest-grossing movie of all time worldwide. University senior Chris Do said that with every hit film of a similar nature to “Black Panther,” “…the stereotypes in Hollywood are slowly dying out.”

This film’s success reiterates the importance of empowering Black-led films which celebrate African culture. This film, though a fictional superhero movie, celebrates Black women, cultural identity, and political tensions. “The Asian character doesn’t have to have a super heavy accent, the black character doesn’t have to be a thug...they now play normal people who were once reserved for white actors,” said Do. “There’s still a long way to go,” said Davis in regards to equal and accurate representation in film, however, “the more diversity [there is] in film, the more people can have the best experience.”

Although race is represented in Hollywood now more than it ever has been, a recent study conducted by the University of Southern California found that in the 100 top-grossing mainstream films from 2017, about 71 percent of characters were white.

As audiences become more and more vocal about demanding films with narratives that support people of color, Hollywood has slowly been making progress, and over the next few years, there are multiple diverse films set to come out including, Disney’s “The Lion King,” “Us” (the follow-up to Jordan Peele’s “Get Out”), and “The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind.” These projects will hopefully lead Hollywood to be more involved with honest stories for and about the black community.

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February 20, 2019

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Soar high with PPA in Pete(Her) Pan ARELYS PEREZ Staff Writer

From Jan. 30 to Feb. 3, Pace Performing Arts musical theatre students sprinkled the Schaeberle Studio with some fairy dust. At the onset of the spring semester, University students were invited to purchase tickets to see a new PPA production: “Pete(Her) Pan”, directed by Amy Rogers Schwartzreich. It was based on the book

by Melvin Tunstall III, and featured a score by Michael Thurber and Douglas Lyons. The production team also featured choreographer Shea Sullivan and music director Justin Brown.

“Pete(Her) Pan” tells the classic tale of ‘Peter Pan’ with a fresh perspective. The story is centered around a now-grown-up Wendy (played by University sophomore Christine Suddeth) sharing her legendary Disney adventures with her daughter, Jane (University senior Susie Carroll). Carroll described the play as “a magical new spin of Peter Pan that teaches young kids that everybody has their own adventure.”

This is not the first time PPA has performed a “Peter Pan”-based production; “Peter and the Starcatcher”, another PPA production, ran from Nov. 27 to Dec. 2, 2018.

Both plays have several aspects in common, such as their physical comedy, small casts that made some actors play dual roles, physical stunts (flying!), as well as intimate show venues, but where “Starcatcher” is a more wellknown Broadway production, “Pete(Her) Pan” is a newer, experimental show.

The small, intimate Schaeberle Theater in 41 Park Row allowed audiences to be “in” on many of the show’s jokes, as characters break the fourth wall from time-totime, especially Caption Hook. Traditionally, Hook is played by a man in the movie, book, and other versions of the story. However, in this production, Caption Hook was played by University freshman Drew Springer-

Susie Caroll as Jane in Pete(Her) Pan Alec Addalia Miller. Miller’s broad vocal range gave the character an undeniably powerful presence on stage. Hook often inserted timely jokes and snarky one-liners as a part of the audience looking at what Peter Pan was up to.

The play’s unique name, “Pete(Her) Pan” embodies an original narrative that focuses on a new generation.

The character Jane wasn’t featured in the original 1953 film, but rather made her debut in Disney’s “Return to Neverland” (2002). ‘“The story of ‘Peter Pan’ is shown through Jane’s eyes because she wants to hear it from her mother again, so Jane is the [titular] ‘her’,” Suddeth said.

The ensemble rehearsed for only two weeks, which is referred to as a “workshop play” for those in the business.

“While we were in rehearsal they were changing the script and the songs because they were getting it ready to put it out into the world,” Carroll said. “This is their first time putting this show up on its feet, so it was a lot to learn in a short amount of time.”

Suddeth also enjoyed the rush of the workshop. “We had like two and a half weeks of rehearsal. It’s been such a short process, but it’s been so great. I love all these people,” she said.

The rush of rehearsals certainly paid off ,as University students were on their feet giving the actors a standing ovation at the end of the show. “I grew up watching all the ‘Peter Pan’ movies and I love that I was able to see a great spin on a story I love so much,” audience member and University sophomore Rich Passafiume said. “I always find it impressive that the students are able to sing, dance, and memorize that choreo. I think it says a lot about how amazingly talented the PPA students are.”

“Pete(Her) Pan” delivered audiences with doses of magic and nostalgia that brought them to a place where nothing was impossible. The music brought out many emotions in the audience, and the dance numbers made it hard not to dance along. The play reminded audiences to stay fearless and desire for adventure.

The evolution of rom-coms GRACE VESPA Arts Intern The chilly month of February calls for time to cuddle up with your significant other, relax, and watch a sweet, lighthearted rom-com. Romantic comedies are the quintessential movies to put you and your S.O. in the mood for love, whether those endearing movies can make you laugh, cry, swoon, or yell with delight.

Romantic comedies offer a suspension of disbelief and enough romantic tropes to keep the viewers engrossed, although they have evolved based on the times and the target audience. It’s no surprise that William Shakespeare’s plays highlight an early formula of most modern romantic comedies, such as “Much Ado About Nothing.”

His most famous works have been adapted into celebrated films like the 1996 film “Romeo + Juliet” and the inspired 1961 musical-turned-film “West Side Story.” The 1999 romantic teen comedy “10 Things I Hate About You” is a loose adaptation of Shakespeare’s “Taming of the Shrew,” and was a box-office hit when it premiered.

In the past, many rom-coms have focused on heterosexual relationships with a dominant male love interest, although there were cases of headstrong women. In the 1930s, the term “screwball comedy” was used for romantic comedies that featured strong female leads and stories about the battle of the sexes. In the 1950s and early 1970s, those romantic comedies focused on the differences between men and women, which caused rivalry between the love interests. During this time, actress Marilyn Monroe was America’s biggest “sex symbol,” and starred in the hit 1955 movie “The Seven Year Itch.”

Romantic comedies have long been referred to as “chick flicks,” such as movies like “When Harry Met Sally” and “27 Dresses.” Those movies, targeted mainly toward women, seem to reflect our society’s dismissive attitudes toward women’s interests. However, in the 1980s and 1990s, director John Hughes became wellknown for his coming-of-age films which include the famous romantic comedy films “Pretty in Pink” and “Sixteen Candles,” which both feature Molly Ringwald as the titular character. Those films place the problems of teenagers at the forefront of the story, in which they explore unrequited love, friendships, adolescence, peer pressure, and class differences; all hallmarks of a good romantic comedy and a typical Shakespearean play. The majority of movies created between the 1990s and early 2000s showcase imperfect yet interesting relationships, such as “My Best Friend’s Wedding” in 1997, and the 1999 classic “Never Been Kissed.” In the early

2010s, there was a shift as movies focused on the nuances of marriage and long-term love, rather than an unrealistic relationship, such as “Crazy Stupid Love” in 2011 and “This is 40” in 2012.

It was only recently that films like “Crazy Rich Asians” and “Love, Simon” showed diverse and non-heterosexual relationships. “Crazy Rich Asians,” directed

by Jon M. Chu and based on the book of the same name, follows a Chinese-American woman who travels to woo her boyfriend’s family after discovering they are one of the wealthiest families in Singapore. This movie has been praised for its all-Asian cast and for shining a light on the lack of Asian-American representation in romantic comedy films.

Netflix also produced an Asian-American lead rom-com this year. “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before,” based on the bestselling book by Jenny Han, features Asian-American actress Lana Condor as the teen protagonist Lara Jean, with Noah Centineo opposite her as “soft jock” Peter Kavinsky.

“Love, Simon,” directed by Greg Berlanti, focuses on closeted Simon Spier as he attempts to discover the identity of the anonymous boy he has fallen in love with over email. Critics praised the movie for its similarity to John Hughes’ movies, which notably only focused on heterosexual relationships. Similar to “Love, Simon,” the Netflix original “Alex Strangelove,” directed by Craig Johnson, features Alex Truelove in his journey of self-discovery as he comes to terms with his sexuality and offers a more explicit relationship between sex and teenagers.

2018 has also shown the release of movies focusing on self-love and selfconfidence. Netflix’s “Dumplin’,” based on the book by Julie Murphy, follows an outspoken and plus-sized teenager named Willowdean as she enters the beauty pageant run by her overbearing mother. In contrast to previous films such as “She’s All That,” and “Grease,” the protagonist falls in love without changing her physical appearance or her personality.

Romantic comedies, like many forms of art, are often a form of escapism, but they reflect the attitudes and ideals of their respective time periods. They’re a glimpse of what each generation feels toward love and romance, even though those insights are from a limited point of view. Finally, LGBTQ+ people and people of color are seeing themselves reflected positively in a romantic comedy. Slowly, as more romcoms are being created, their representations of love and life will be shown with their own commentaries and viewpoints.

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ARTS

February 20, 2019

The evolution of Ariana Grande’s cultural appropriation BART CARMODY Contributor Pop singer and songwriter Ariana Grande has quite a large and dedicated fan base, especially after her recent hit singles: “thank u, next,” “imagine,” and “7 rings.” Despite her success, fans are noticing the apparent changes in Grande’s social presence in terms of her mannerisms, appearance, and articulation. Some believe that the pop artist has been adopting aspects of cultures other than her own in order to appeal to a new audience and further her music career.

The dictionary defines cultural appropriation as adopting another culture’s appearances, linguistics, and mannerisms, “…or using things from a culture that is not your own.” Sometimes artists experiment with their sound or genre to grow and develop their work and to appeal to a wider audience of listeners. Grande, however, seems to be demonstrating this type of cultural appropriation through her recent social media posts, music videos, and branding.

The most controversial and apparent changes the pop star has gone through thus far are her drastic changes in skin complexion and vocal intonation.

Mikaella Dutra, University senior, argues that Grande “gets away with a lot of things other white artists cannot” because “her style, way of speaking, and things of the like are taken from brown and black communities but no one really talks about it because she is presenting herself as though she is from those communities.”

During her time playing Cat Valentine on Nickelodeon’s “Victorious,” Grande had pale white skin and dyed dark-red hair. As she transitioned into her solo music career, Grande ditched the red hair for a long, dark ponytail and a dark tan. As she is of Italian descent, this was not immediately

Grande in 2010

alarming to anyone.

Her continual skin-darkening became concerning around the same time the singer had dropped her third studio album, “Dangerous Woman,” where she explored the genre of R&B and even some rap and, as The Atlantic writes, “made a show out of leaving behind her child-star innocence.” Grande also exclusively employed AfricanAmerican guest vocalists to perform alongside her on that album.

Grande is often featured alongside black pop-rap/ R&B artist Nicki Minaj for music collaborations. The duo performed their song “Side to Side” at the MTV Video Music Awards and some fans noticed their skin colors were very similar.

“Her actions are speaking for her,” said Dutra. “She’s created a brand, [and] people have forgotten that she is white. She is not mixed, nor is she Latina, but a lot of people think she is.”

Fans and non-fans alike have noticed a significant change in her mannerisms and vocabulary as well. Any of her public interviews from her days on “Victorious” or during press events for her freshman and sophomore albums compared to the interviews she gives today show a significant change in the tone of her voice and mannerisms. People have also pointed out her usage of African American Vernacular English while she speaks.

These features seem most apparent while she’s promoting her trap-influenced music in interviews and on social media.

University junior Bianca Garcia also believes that Grande “can get away with a lot” due to her large fan base. “I haven’t listened to her new album but I think she just takes big issues too lightly,” Garcia said. “Millions of people rally behind her to defend her. Plus she surrounds herself with people who are either famous because of her or are on her payroll, so they’ll always take her side on these issues and encourage her to do whatever she wants, which skews what’s right and wrong.”

On her recent cover of Time magazine, Grande drops the usage of AAVE and appears startlingly paler compared to her recent music videos and performances. However, this magazine cover is from the same era as her “sweetener” album, where she started solidly using elements of black culture. Grande keeps constantly and willingly switching between her two personas: her original pop persona and the hip-hop and R&B artist she is becoming.

Despite the clear evolution between her first few pop albums and “sweetener,” Grande’s public display of cultural appropriation was often dismissed, at least until she released the music video for her hit single “7 rings.”

“7 rings” is described by Grande as a “friendship anthem” that celebrates the idea of one’s success allowing them to partake in the finer things in life. That being said, the song’s music video shows a contrast from the subject matter of the song itself.

Throughout the music video, Grande is depicted engaging in practices that are supposed to represent elements of Japanese culture: eating sushi, posing underneath different displays of Japanese lettering, using Japanese characters as branding, and portraying herself as an anime-like character with over-the-top neon hair and clothes.

Some viewers may see this as “harmless” and simply brush it off as Grande “enjoying” what Japanese culture has to offer, but Grande received a considerable amount of backlash for the video. In a series of since-deleted tweets, Grande apologized for her actions and saying they were the product of appreciation, not appropriation. She noted that her team has removed the apparel in her merchandise store that feature Japanese characters on them and that, as a person with crippling anxiety, she “doesn’t like hurting people” and wishes people would be more “forgiving and gentle when someone has made an innocent mistake.”

Victorious Wiki

“I definitely agree with Bianca [Garcia],” said Anthony Cordi, University junior. “Her stans are so dedicated and will bend over backward no matter which direction she goes in. I also think she’s reached a level within the general public where what she does passes off as ‘quirky’ as opposed to cultural appropriation.” Cordi is referring to the tattoo on Grande’s hand that was supposed to say “7 rings” in Japanese characters but ended up saying “BBQ Grill Finger” instead.

In response to the “7 rings” backlash, many of Grande’s fans have defended her by referencing the fact that a large portion of her fanbase is actually from Japan.

In the past, she has made an effort to encourage more interactions with her Japanese fans, such as by consistently attempting to learn Japanese and kanji from a professional tutor since 2015.

“I’d say one has to appreciate her effort to learn another language to connect with her fans,” said Dr. Satish Kolluri, a professor of Communications at the University.

“Although, appropriating a Japanese aesthetic for her video as a gesture of love to her fans, in my opinion, was cringe-worthy and disrespectful. Interestingly, what we see as cultural appropriation in America, her fans in Japan see in her music video a celebration of Japanese culture at best or a non-issue at worst.”

Cultural appropriation is a slippery slope, one that many can find themselves unintentionally treading without even realizing its consequences, though not many are in the spotlight as much as Grande is. “Other stars with less of a base or acclaim would be more harshly scrutinized than Grande because of her current position in pop music,” said Cordi.

University sophomore Colleen McGovern believes that as a society we should “shed more light on what is defined as cultural appropriation.”

Grande might be a great example, due to her large platform and following, to begin recognizing and expressing how harmful and oppressive cultural appropriation can be, no matter how innocent it may seem.

Grande in 2019

@arianagrande / Instagram

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February 20, 2019

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Pixar and Gillette open discourse about toxic masculinity Pixar is planning to release six short films that showcase new individual artists and their filmmaking at Pixar Animation Studios, as part of their new SparkShorts initiative. According to the president of Pixar Studios, the SparkShorts program is “…designed to discover new storytellers and explore new storytelling techniques.” Thus far, Pixar has released two short films, “Purl” and “Smash and Grab,” that feature different artists and animation styles. Their first short film, “Purl,” tackles sexism in the workplace, specifically in boy’s clubs that promote toxic masculinity.

The film centers on a talking ball of yarn named Purl who is at odds with white men in suits that surround her new workplace. The new firm is appropriately named B.R.O. Capital and the men who work there prefer using “aggressive” business tactics and make coarse jokes by the water cooler. After Purl is consistently dismissed and ignored by her new coworkers, she changes her appearance to fit in with the crowd. She flattens her round shape into a square, lowers the tone of her spunky attitude, wears a suit, and makes misogynistic jokes at the water cooler, whereupon she’s invited to go out for drinks during happy hour.

However, her glee at being able to be “one of the boys” is short-lived when another ball of yarn appears, and Purl is at odds with standing in solidarity with her or joining the boys’ club that she worked so hard to get into. Eventually, Purl comes to realize that the only way to create change is to be more inclusive of all types of people (and yarns), without changing personality or individuality. At the end of the short, the office becomes a more inclusive place for everyone, and men are shown mingling happily with various types of yarns. The creator of the film, Kristen Lester, told Glamour that she has been in situations similar to Purl’s and felt very alone, so she hopes that “being accepted for who you are [in a workplace] is possible.” Many women took to Twitter to

GRACE VESPA Arts Intern

express their gratitude for this short film that explains the difficulty of trying to fit in to a man’s world.

Recently, the razor brand Gillette also tackled the issue of toxic masculinity with their new ad, “We Believe: The Best That Men Can Be,” which promotes the ideals of the #MeToo movement. Gillette’s official statement states that the company has a “responsibility to make sure we are promoting positive, attainable, inclusive and healthy versions of what it means to be a man.” In order to achieve that goal, they created a two-minute advertisement that challenges the stereotypes of what it means to “be a man.”

This ad highlighted the harmful effects of toxic masculinity, in which men shown in the video were “mansplaining,” bullying other men, and sexually harassing women for comedic effect. Immediately after the men shout the classic tagline “boys will be boys,” the video switches to focus on empathic and caring men who lift other men up, with the voiceover, “It’s only by challenging ourselves to do more, that we can get closer to our best.”

Gillette plans on donating $1 million per year for the next three years to non-profit organizations that educate and enable men of all ages to achieve their personal goals as part of their “The Best That Men Can Be” campaign.

University freshman Nora Shala said that the video “wasn’t meant to be negative,” rather, it was about “men stopping violence.” Shala continued, “I don’t think it makes men seem weak at all.” In contrast, University freshman Sabrina Vee said that the ad “shoved all men into a box, or focused on heterosexual cis men, [but] it does spark conversation, so that’s always good.”

The public and some companies disagree with the video’s message, and believe that the ad is very anti-men.

The video itself has 29 million views, with almost 769,000 likes, but almost 1.4 million dislikes. Three days after the video was released, Dollar Shave Club posted a tweet that read “Welcome to the Club,” a direct response to Gillette’s

video that goes against boys’ clubs.

On Twitter, @willpowers5 called the ad “offensive and insulting to imply that men just fight, barbecue, and harass women.” In response, @kirrasdad tweeted back that the ad suggests “we try to be better people.” For Gillette’s part, they told NPR in an email that their goal was to get people to “reflect and challenge themselves… [to which] this campaign will be a success.”

When the FineBros filmed a reaction video for this advertisement called “Fathers & Sons React To Controversial Gillette Commercial,” high school student and one of the aforementioned sons in the video Tyler Fraser said his “main issue” with the ad was that “not all men are like that.” He continued, “the way that the video goes about it kinda seems a little condescending.”

However, since Gillette makes razors for both men and women, their marketing angle made viewers wonder if Gillette’s intentions were completely pure. Vee continued to say that Gillette’s advertisement was a “really bad marketing move [because] Gillette does mark up women’s razors, so it’s kind of contradictory.” A Gillette Fusion razor for men with four blades cost $15, while the Gillette Venus razor for women with four blades cost $17, which is almost a 12 percent difference in price.

Gillette’s executive board is all male, and since the advertisement’s statement about toxic masculinity contradicts their capitalist gain on their razors, “they can’t say these things and not put them into practice.” At this point, it is unknown how Gillette’s controversial ad impacted the sales of its razors.

With society today attempting to achieve gender equality, media such as films and advertisements are incredibly vital to the cause. Both Pixar’s short film “Purl” and Gillette’s advertisement seem to contribute to a national discourse on what it means to be a man and how extreme masculinity affects women.

McLaughlin and Akkaya: NYFW glamorous designers BART CARMODY Contributor

With 2019’s first New York Fashion Week coming to a close, New York fashion fans have a variety of fresh and unique looks to process, all from a diverse crowd of celebrated designers. Hogan McLaughlin, a dancer-turned-designer from Chicago, exhibited a romantically gloomy line of clothing over abstract silhouettes. Hakan Akkaya, renowned Turkish designer for 16 years, themed his show "glam rock," the outrageous style of rock music that began in the 1970s. Both designers captivated a large audience for their NYC shows, and expressed their ideas flawlessly on the catwalk.

McLaughlin is a man of many talents: before holding his current fame as a designer and illustrator, he performed as a ballet dancer for Hubbard Street 2 in Chicago after graduating high school. Within a very short amount of time after moving to NYC to pursue his passion for visual arts, he linked up with fashion icon Daphne Guinness through Twitter. After landing this significant co-sign, his works began being featured in numerous hotspots, such as Guinness’ exhibitions at the Fashion Institute of Technology, the windows of Barneys New York, and issues of The New York Times. McLaughlin went on to move even further into the center of the spotlight when Lady Gaga took interest in his work, and the two collaborated on multiple pieces that later went on to be the promotional images for her Born This Way Ball. His NYFW show was hosted in Industria on Feb. 7, and while it was hosted in a fairly small venue, the show drew a very sizable crowd.

McLaughlin's works featured in this show were further developed expansions of his previous ideas of minimalism against modernism. The designer has this way of perfectly colliding earth tones with vibrant yellows and oranges—and it pays off.

One minute a spectator can be given a simple streetwear look complete with a darkolive knitwear top, workwear-style pants, and a pair of white sneakers. The next, they can be observing a long, gorgeously-crafted, sunshine-yellow dress. Through his constant contrasting of different styles, McLaughlin displayed his wide range of talent wonderfully. These kinds of color and style choices are McLaughlin's signature. Multiple pieces from the show featured oversized hoodies and sweaters with sleeves that draped off of the models' arms and across the floor, a style made widely popular by the French designer brand Vetements.

The show also featured the unveiling of McLaughlin's collaboration with Doctor Marten, which presented illustrations of a ghastly white and leafless tree illustrated on the side of multiple pairs of boots, complete with different colorways.

This style of drawing came back into play at the very conclusion of the show: a model wore a boxy black sweater with a white figure portrayed on the back of the piece. McLaughlin's illustrations are unmistakably haunting and unique. The image on the back of the final outfit looked like something out of a beautiful nightmare.

With over a decade and a half of professional clothing designing experience under his belt, and a participant of NYFW shows since 2012, Akkaya has built a very solid foundation for himself. He has held numerous honors in Turkey, such as becoming the first Turkish designer in "Who's Next Paris" and "Bread & Butter" exhibitions, and hosting the Istanbul Textile and Raw Materials Exporters Association’s 9th, 10th, and 11th International Fabric Design Contests. He hosted his 2019 NYFW show at Spring Studios' Gallery 1 on Sunday, Feb. 10. The venue's catwalk curved around spectators in a right-angled "U" fashion, and although large, the showing room quickly filled up.

As previously stated, Akkaya’s 2019 exhibit was "glam rock themed"—a style of rock music and fashion made famous in the 1970s by rock n' roll legends such as David Bowie, Elton John, Alice Cooper, and Freddie Mercury. The style of glam rock was often androgynous and played with nontraditional gender roles, promoting confidence in what the person wore no matter their traditional or "expected" clothing choices.

Right as the show begun, it was clear that "self-confidence is the best outfit" was the message that Akkaya was trying to portray. Female models with buzz cuts and comb overs boldly strutted the catwalk, followed by male models rocking face makeup, painted fingernails, and dyed hair. The idea of nonconformity is gaining traction fast in today's world of fashion, and it was executed impeccably by Akkaya's design, and by the models who wore them so confidently.

As for the clothing itself, the pieces featured ranged everywhere from dark and grungy, to chrome and futuristic, to extravagant and dazzling. The outfit that Akkaya himself emerged in after the final walk fit his theme and was stunningly designed—a spiky, studded leather jacket that gleamed in the light.

McLaughlin's seamless conglomeration of illustrative art and fashion pieces not only make a statement, but give fashion onlookers a different type of art to observe.

Akkaya's show drove home the idea of nonconformity, something that, if steadily assimilated into today's fashion industry, can promote self-expression and dissolve toxic gender roles.

NYFW and fashion in general is built by these kinds of designers—the one with new and unordinary ideas; the ones who take risks.

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FEATURES

Bulletin board outside the Office of Multicultural Affairs.

February 20, 2019

Tsun-Chueh Huang

Your guide to the Office of Multicultural Affairs BROOKE SALAMONE Features Intern The University’s Office of Multicultural Affairs has released their Spring 2019 calendar of upcoming events and opportunities happening on campus throughout the semester. The Pace Press sat down with Dr. Santiago, director of OMA, and put together a short guide to the office and its upcoming events.

What is OMA? With offices located on the ninth floor of 41 Park Row, OMA provides students on campus with opportunities to examine race, ethnicity, nationality, cultures of gender, gender identity, poverty, violence, differing abilities, and more.

“Multicultural affairs for us goes beyond the scope of ethnicity and race,” shared Santiago. “We examine everything from gender to poverty, to discover what the unifying factors in our society are.”

Our Pledge Against Oppression Panel Series This event will be taking place in the Schimmel Lobby in One Pace Plaza. Titled “Go Back to Your Country! Xenophobia & The Culture of Fear,” will be from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesday, March 12.

According to Santiago, a petition was started on campus right after the 2016 elections that agreed to keep the University a positive and accepting place, despite the current political climate. It was signed by over 700 faculty members and students.

Since then, ōMA has been hosting programs with the help of students on campus that maintain this open dialogue.

This specific panel will address what is happening between the U.S. and the Mexican border. Faculty members will discuss current issues surrounding this topic. In addition, they will question the culture of fear surrounding “the outside.” Communication Studies professor Satish Kolluri will serve as the moderator.

Women & Wellness The Women and Wellness events will be taking place in two different locations.

The first event in this series is titled “Self Defense for Women,” which will be located in the OMA lounge, room 913, in 41 Park Row from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. on April 4 and 11.

According to Santiago, this will be a class taught for

women who would like to learn self-defense. The class will be taught by a professionally trained black-belt. All female-identifying individuals are welcome.

The second event is titled “Women of Color Swim” and will take place on Sunday, April 7 at Riverbank State Park in Harlem at noon. This event is open to all women who do not know how to swim and are eager to learn. The Riverbank State Park in Harlem has a 50-meter pool in which an instructor will help guide women in swimming lessons. All those who would like to attend will meet at the University and travel together.

Social Justice Reading Club Wednesday The Social Justice Reading Club events will be taking place in the OMA lounge, room 913, in 41 Park Row from 12:10 p.m. to 1:10 p.m. There will be three different sessions on Feb. 27, March 27, and April 24.

This semester, the Social Justice Reading Club will take a new spin. As Santiago emphasized, college students already have a ton of books to read for their courses. Therefore, these upcoming events will be a place where students can read articles, rather than full books, ranging from topics like food and security to the #MeToo movement.

The club is also open to taking student recommendations in regards to timely and interesting articles to read as a group.

Shades Women of Color Collective This event will be taking place in the OMA Lounge, 41 Park Row, Room 913 from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. throughout the semester. Meetings will be held on Feb. 7, 14, 21, 28, March 7, 28, April 4, 11, 18, 25 and finally May 2 and 9.

Knitting Salon Fridays This event will take place in the OMA Lounge, 41 Park Row, Room 913 from noon to 2 p.m. Meetings will be held on Feb. 8 and 15, March 1, 8, and 29, and lastly April 5, 12, 19 and 26.

During these meetings, students will be able to knit their stresses away for a good cause! Santiago described these gatherings as a place to bring together students young or old, where everyone can learn to knit, forget all the outside boundaries. While knitting, the room is open for conversation and discussion.

This year, all items made during Knitting Salon Fridays will be donated to The Door, a social organization where young people of New York who have left their homes can go to seek education, counseling, career development, school and job preparation, health care, activities and arts, meals, and more.

These children are often in need of the hats, socks, gloves, and scarves that the knitting group creates from scratch and then donates.

Volunteerism The Pace Produce Initiative will take place at the Pace Vegetable Garden on Spruce/Gold Street on March 20 and 27, April 3, 10, 17, and 24, as well as May 1 and 8.

University seniors Cole Wright and Shane Kertan led the initiative to revitalize the University garden. On these days, University students can join forces with the team to help keep the garden alive. The University has also paired with the Museum of Modern Art, who donates compost for the garden.

Come out and help plant and harvest the University garden! Active volunteers are always greatly appreciated.

The New Roots Community Farm in the south Bronx volunteer events will take place on April 12 as well as May 3 and 10. Santiago shares that this a wonderful opportunity to volunteer in a community that has a “bad rep,” but in actuality is wonderful.

The Orchard Beach Clean-Up will take place in the Bronx on Friday, April 25 at 10 a.m. Students can join together to clean up Orchard Beach. With trash bags in hand, get ready to clean up your community while having a fun day with your friends. All those who would like to attend will meet at the University and travel together.

Through the development of these events and activities for students on campus, ōMA provides a space for individuals to explore and develop community and inclusively at the University and beyond. OMA offers more events in addition to the events listed above. If you get a chance, check out these amazing opportunities going on throughout the semester, they sure will not disappoint.

Contact the office for more details via email at dsantiago@ pace.edu

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University students react to the new spaces BARBARA RUCCI Features Intern As the majority of the University students and faculty know, the first phase of “the Master Plan” has come to an end, and University students seem to be reacting to the changes with excitement and relief.

When the Master Plan was presented to the University community in Feb. 2017, many students thought the initiative was “intimidating” and “inconvenient.” Finally, after 18 months of construction, the new spaces became open to the public with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Jan. 28.

The front entrance of One Pace Plaza, which was the first section of the school to close, welcomes students through revolving doors and into pristine facilities. Students can study independently, talk with friends, get snacks, and collaborate on group projects. In the center of the new student spaces, an open staircase creates more efficient travel between the first floor and the “garden level,” previously called B-level. The 9 Spruce Street entrance remains open, giving students an entryway to the admissions office and courtyard. Access to classrooms are available from the front entrance, where you can catch elevators from garden level up to the sixth floor, as well as the east side elevators, which have seen some renovations of their own over winter break.

Students have noticed the merits that come with the newly-revealed upgrades. University junior Gabby Boone says, “There is more space for everyone to actually lounge and work between classes instead of going to the library.” The spaces will hopefully be helpful in spreading students out and making more room in the previously-cramped library, Setter Lounge, and cafeteria.

In addition to more room, the upgrades also provide a significant change of scenery. They are decorated with classic white, black, and gray

tones, but there are a handful of walls with vivid artwork that was commissioned by the University and created by members of the community. The colorful new spaces also house the Market Shoppe & Eatery, colloquially known as the Wall Mall, which was once downstairs on the east side, as well as the campus bookstore that was once on William Street.

“I think the new space is great because we now have more places to do work and collaborate” University senior sophomore, Jessica McIntire says. “It would be cool to have more tables and chairs though. I think there is a lot of wasted space that could be utilized.”

Instead of studying in Cafe 101 or the library, there are singular tables and chairs throughout the space to work on individual assignments as well as conference rooms for group work and meet-ups.

“I will be here a lot in between classes, and will definitely be on campus more because this is a place where I can grab a snack and talk with friends.” University senior Chelosku Martinez says.

“While I am indifferent about the whole plan, I do enjoy this new space now that I see the final product. And I like the bubble chairs” University senior, Devin Dugan, says. “Those working on this plan were provided with jobs, so power to them.”

The construction and behind-thescenes work took years of planning and piecing together, but there is no denying the convenience of having all that you need in one organized spot on campus. The new space will give University students not only a place to have fun and study, but also a place to gather with the rest of the community.

New student workspaces and meeting places on the first floor of 41 Park Row

Booths on the first floor of One Pace Plaza

Sophie Isbell

Sophie Isbell

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February 20, 2019

Leaving the façade behind with a finsta BROOKE SALAMONE Features Intern It may not come as a surprise that “fake Instagrams,” known as “finstas,” are still on the rise. The craze has now been active for several years. While the name may be fun and trendy, it is filled with irony. These accounts, in fact, are hardly fake at all.

According to Hubspot, “A Finsta is a shortened term for Fake Instagram, which is an Instagram account used by teens and young adults to document more real, candid posts they share with only close friends.”

Finstas have become a place where users post unedited images of themselves in their daily routines—a contrast to their regular Instagram pages, which are often full of edited pictures and witty captions.

Posts on “real” Instagram feeds are crafted to create the perfect image of an individual’s life to their wide variety of followers. Finstas, on the other hand, typically have a smaller group of followers that have a closer relation to the account owner.

“The reason I like finsta is because I can be who I really am and only have the people I am close with follow me,” says University sophomore Bennett Hausman. “My finsta allows me to express my true self, and just have fun.”

While finsta accounts have become a place where individuals can be their authentic selves, boundaries seem to disappear. With no confines, a darker, more serious side of people’s lives can sometimes be revealed. It has become acceptable to say anything and everything, and people do.

The intimate nature of these accounts allows the user to feel a sense of comfort in the page. They can vent about a bad day or express a personal problem in detail.

“Social media can be harmful when it starts to cross boundaries, like spending too much time on your phone, comparing yourself to unattainable standards, feeling isolated from people in-person, or when it impacts your self-worth,” said Netta Admoni, an

employee at the University’s Counseling Center.

“Finstas can be a helpful way to reach out to one’s closest network and share how they feel,” Admoni continued. “I think it is really important to supplement posting on a finsta with inperson discussions about how you feel and connect with a mental health professional if you feel like you need to. It could also be good for friends to reach out if they see something posted on a finsta that makes them concerned.”

In a larger sense, our society’s constant focus on perfectly cultivated social media feeds creates a need for another platform where individuals can express their true selves. With the comfort of posting things with no judgment, finstas unveil the façade behind a normal Instagram account.

Revealing the true self can be a sense of release for many individuals. This dichotomy of accounts creates a divide between the self.

According to The Riveter, “Finstas are the product of repressed social media expression for the sake of ‘aesthetics,’ but at what cost? In short, the price is the splintering of your online identity. Having two Instagram profiles allows for the curation of your idyllic self and your real self, but the choice to compartmentalize the two is ultimately yours.”

Sometimes it comes down to taking a step back and looking at the difference between two Sophie Isbell profiles. We can often learn things from finstas that we did not know about an individual prior. Whether comedic or dark, “fake” Instagram accounts open up a world of reality on social media that is often lost behind the edits and photoshop.

For more information, on this topic check out the Wellness Week event in the Bianco Room called “Instagram vs Reality: How to have a healthy relationship in the age of social media” on Feb. 26 from noon to 1:30 p.m.

Who do we love after Valentine’s Day? BARBARA RUCCI Features Intern

Valentine’s Day has come and gone, but the timeless ideals we express with pre-packaged chocolates and red roses continue throughout the year. Rather than focusing on relationships with other people, University students should take a moment and evaluate the relationship they have with themselves. In the midst of another new semester, adjusting back to scheduled courses and work, and trying to remain organized, it can be difficult for University students to remember to take care of their own selves.

According to an article from Psychology Today, self-love is not rooted solely in emotions, but also requires intentional practice and regular routine. You can’t simply throw on a face mask; you have to carve out time dedicated to yourself. It also means learning to transform negative thoughts into positive ones, which is much easier said than done.

Actively taking care of mental health should be a top priority when practicing selflove. According to Medical News Today, the enemy of self-love is perfectionism, and perfectionists

are more prone to anxiety and depression. They possess a consistent and repetitive “innerbully” that repeats the idea that they are not good enough and hyper-analyzes all of their mistakes.

There is no doubt many University students suffer from perfectionism and selfdoubt while feeling the need to overwork themselves. A way to cultivate self-love is to form habits that calm the mind. When the mind is in a healthy state, the rest of the body will follow suit.

Acknowledging the positive actions and thoughts, even the small ones, are important to your mental health. “Any small victories you give yourself is good. Even applauding yourself for drinking enough water is a way to address a small victory,” said Meaghan Granger, a junior at the University.

You should also be conscious of how much of your time is being spent on yourself.

“If you do not have time to do things for you, that will influence your mental health,” said Annie Pardo, a University junior. This can include unplugging from

Bruce Mars / Pexels electronics for certain amounts of time. Pardo continued, “Not making yourself accessible, shutting off your phone, and logging off of social media are useful ways to quiet your mind

and practice self-love.”

A few methods of self-love include practicing organization, speaking with a therapist, prioritizing time, and meditating.

You must take actions that will

mentally benefit you the most.

Self-love is the key to cultivating growth for a future in which University students can walk confidently.

February 20, 2019

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The BSU: Coordinating something bigger MAE MARTINEZ Features Editor “The Goals of B(lack) S(tudent) U(nion) are to facilitate a campus-wide community on the relationship among Black students, and embracing our deeply interconnected histories and experiences,” said the BSU on their orgsync page. “We attempt to achieve this through regular meetings, coordinated events with social and informational values, collaborative programming with departments and other student organizations, and inviting scholars as speakers. We look to serve as a liaison between students of color on campus and administration to relay all detailed needs and recommendations for improvement.”

The Pace Press sat down with Evelyn Sikati from the BSU with the help of Wesley Goodrich, Amir Maxwell, Chris Darbassie, and Karina Roca.

Mae Martinez: What is your name, major, and year?

Evelyn Sikati: My name is Evelyn Sikati, I am currently a sophomore majoring in Marketing.

MM: How did you find out/start getting involved with the Black Student Union?

ES: I found out about BSU during freshman orientation, I knew I would definitely go to the meetings because I commute and wanted to find my niche.

MM: Why did you want to take up a leadership position in the club?

ES: I quickly grew a bond with the current EBoard, and they all admired the potential I showed as a leader, so they convinced me to run for a position on the

executive board. I could not say no because I knew the kind of impact they had on me and I wanted to have that kind of positive impact on other black students at Pace.

MM: What is your title and what do you?

ES: I am the Event Coordinator, I help plan all of the events such as the AfroCultural Affair, the Martin Luther King Jr. Lecture, and the All Black Affair.

I also run all of our social media accounts along with our Secretary Amir Maxwell. I also send out all of our mass emails and design all of our posters.

MM: What other leadership positions are available?

ES: Besides Event Coordinator and Secretary (as previously mentioned) students are able to run for President, Vice President, Treasurer, and Central Committee, which is a subcommittee of the Executive Board.

MM: What is your favorite part about being in BSU? ES: My favorite part of BSU is honestly having a safe space to talk about being a black person in a predominantly white space, free from judgment and shame. In our meetings, students are often at their most vulnerable and it’s a beautiful experience to share that vulnerability with people who truly understand your plight.

MM: What advice would you give students who are interested in getting involved?

ES: I would say to just go for it.

There is nothing stopping you from being involved on campus, you don’t necessarily have to be a student leader, but there are so many clubs and committees to join. For

Black Student Union me being a commuter student, I thought it would be hard for me to be involved because I am not on campus as much as students who dorm, but I make the time and it makes the college experience more worthwhile.

MM: How has being a part of BSU affected your student experience?

ES: Being a part of BSU has made me feel like I am a part of something bigger than myself. I have people looking out for me, and I do so in return for others.

Black Student Union

My leadership position has allowed me to connect so many people with each other, and I have been able to connect with many staff members to work on various projects. BSU has definitely pushed me to have a higher standard for myself, with everything I do whether it be academically, professionally, or anything in between.

MM: Are y’all doing any events this semester you’d like to advertise?

ES: This semester we will be having our MLK Lecture as previously mentioned, our All Black Affair and Art Symposium.

These events are open to the entire student body, the MLK lecture is opened to outside guests as well.

MM: What do you do during an average meeting and when/where are they?

ES: During an average meeting, we have a main discussion based on either something trending on social media or in politics, or an issue pressing into the black community. Sometimes these discussions become intense, or we digress onto other topics, but nonetheless, students leave our meetings feeling enriched with knowledge.

MM: What kind of ways is BSU commemorating Black History Month this year?

ES: BSU is commemorating Black History Month every month! But this month our Secretary Amir Maxwell initiated a beautiful social media campaign, where black students embraced their blackness. (Be sure to follow us @ bsupace!) Additionally, we have our annual All Black Affair on Feb. 28, which is a panel discussion on Sexual Education and Black Liberation along with food, music, dancing and good vibes.

MM: Any closing remarks/anything else you’d like to add?

ES: We want all students to know they are welcome to come to BSU meetings every Tuesday from 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. in room W616. Not only is BSU a safe space, but an inclusive one, and we ask all of our members to come to meetings with an open mind willing to learn from others, that is the only way we can begin to see real change in our environments.

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February 20, 2019

Black History Month celebration in NYC BARBARA RUCCI Features Intern Black History Month is an annual commemoration of Black history, and New York City is the perfect place to celebrate it. There are plenty of opportunities for University students to participate in the festivities that are just a subway ride away.

Students have endless access to information about pivotal moments in black history. Learning about the powerful figures and events not only educates the public about how important black history is, but can also give a platform for discussion, especially in the current political climate.

For starters, it is important to reflect on what the most well-known leaders have accomplished in history. Former President Barack Obama’s inauguration speech was a pivotal moment in history, as it was the first made by a black president. And while Martin Luther King Jr. Day happened in January, his advocacy, speeches, and fight for equal rights influence our society daily.

There are also many places showcasing black artists, such as the Apollo Theater. A Harlem landmark, the theater is hosting special events all throughout February to celebrate 85 years of providing a venue for African American performers to call home. Tickets for dance performances, concerts, and amateur nights are available on their website.

The Studio Museum in Harlem is a space dedicated to displaying work done exclusively by people of African descent. “I believe museums are one of the best ways to immerse yourself into culture and history. Especially ones that present from a specific culture’s point-of-view because they are direct and highly informative,” said University junior Josh Guerrier. Hours of operations and exhibits are available on their website.

Music lovers will not want to miss out on the Hush Hip Hop Tours, which emphasize the importance of music throughout the years with tours around The Bronx, Harlem, Brooklyn, and Queens. The invention of hip-hop in The Bronx during the 1970s still influences musicians

Hush Hip Hop Tours.

Angie Thomas and her new book “On The Come UP” today. Hush Hip Hop provides various tours to choose from, such as “Birthplace of Hip-Hop Tour,” “Where Brooklyn At?” “Walk This Way Thru Harlem,” and many more. Tickets are available on HushTours.com.

For those who love history, A Shared History is a free event where the audience can experience jazz musician Newman Taylor Baker and his band Washboard XT speak on their personal experiences as African-American artists, in addition to hearing the band’s music. This event takes place on Wednesday, Feb. 27 at 6:00 p.m. at the 14th Street Y. To RVSP, check out Eventbrite.

Anissa Photography While these events are powerful and informative, they barely scratch the surface of all that is offered throughout the city. University students are encouraged to explore the given options above while also finding their own unique ways to reflect on the importance of this month. Students are also encouraged to participate in events on campus, where multiple clubs are presenting Black History Monthinspired events.

Black History Month is a significant time to come together and celebrate all that has been accomplished in the past and all there is to look forward to in the future.

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