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Volume 90 Issue 9 • Feb. 1, 2016
210-486-1773 • Single copies free
Financial aid special circumstances applications accepted today to July 28 Page 3
online now Board unanimously approves two degree programs
Thousands march, unify as one
President not worried about $4 million loss
Measures are being taken to increase enrollment, which should help budget. By Wally Perez
gperez239@student.alamo.edu
The amendments to policy B.8.1 were tabled unanimously because the board didn’t like an overall time limit and didn’t feel it was clear how the board chair should determine whether a student or employee had exhausted all options. In October, the board approved changes to a policy regarding board member authority, barring trustees from conducting “hearings, listening sessions or fact gathering directly from employees.” Celita Avila, reference and distance learning librarian and president of this college’s chapter of the American Association of University Professors, said faculty and students do not misuse opportunities to speak at board meetings. “We’re not the ones who go to board meetings without exhausting administrative options,” Avila said of the proposal.
A dip in enrollment in the fall semester caused a $4 million loss in the budget. “Each student who enrolls generates what we call a contact hour,” Dr. Robert Vela, college president, said during an interview Jan. 22. “These contact hours have formula funding attached to them. Since there’s a two-year lag from the state, we have to develop our own budget model on how to allocate the budget year.” The budget model depends on whether the college generated contact hours. If there’s a decline in enrollment, then there’s a reduction in the budget for that fiscal year. That’s exactly what happened, and the college didn’t get the allocation that it’s used to, Vela said. “When the economy is doing well, students work more and take less hours,” he said. Vela said now the college is seeing an incline in enrollment, which he says is normal because it’s not unheard of for it to fluctuate year to year. “There are some efficiencies that we’re looking at to ensure that we’re maximizing every effort,” Vela said. “If our average class size — which does impact our budget — is 25, we need to be sure that our classes are running at least 23, 24 or 25; not four or five.” Traditionally, the Alamo Colleges have seen a slight decline in enrollment, but enrollment is starting to pick up, which may be because of low oil and gas prices; there is a lot to factor, Vela said. He said although $4 million is enough to talk about, it isn’t a large hit to the overall budget for this college, which is about $65 million. “In the grand scheme of things, we’re still financially healthy — we just have to be efficient in our
See POLICY, Page 3
See LOSS, Page 7
People protest the shooting of Walter Scott by a North Charleston police officer during a demonstration against police violence April 8 in front of North Charleston City Hall. Photographer and former student Paul Zoeller of the Post and Courier in Charleston, S.C., will speak at the opening ceremony of Black History Month at 10:50 a.m. today in the auditorium of McAllister Fine Arts Center. Read the stories on Pages 4 and 5. Paul Zoeller
Controversial policy change expected to return Campus AAUP president condemns policy limiting students’ and employees’ ability to speak at citizens to be heard. By Kyle R. Cotton kcotton11@student.alamo.edu The Alamo Colleges board of trustees on Oct. 27 tabled a proposal that would limit students, faculty and staff from speaking at board meetings, and one trustee says the citizens-to-be-heard policy could return for discussion at the Feb. 16 committee meeting. “While I don’t know for certain, I’ve heard rumors that the policy could be on this month’s agenda,” District 8 trustee Clint Kingsbery said. Eduardo “Eddie” Cruz, district ethics and compliance officer who handles policy items along with the Alamo Colleges legal team, said he has yet to receive any revisions to the policy.
The revisions tabled in October included a time limit of one hour for citizens to be heard and Procedure B.8.1.1, which says, “The board chairperson shall not allow employee or student complaints at citizens to be heard without determining that the speaker has exhausted available administrative remedies. “Should students or faculty groups wish to interact with the board regarding substantive issues already worked with administration, or should a trustee seek their input, the board chairperson, after consultation with the chancellor, may schedule a brief special board meeting before the commencement of a regular board meeting, or an agenda item for a board retreat from time to time for the purpose.”
Alamo Colleges election process now open Applications for Districts 1, 2, 3 and 4 are due Feb. 19. By Kyle R. Cotton
kcotton11@alamo.edu
Voters will elect four trustees on the Alamo Colleges Board in May, and one of the board’s newest members wants to see candidates willing to hear the concerns of faculty. District 8 trustee Clint Kingsbery, who was elected in 2014, said “Regardless of whether or not they are an incumbent or newcomer, I want someone who understands what we are trying to do with AlamoAdvise and the AlamoInstitutes when it comes to student success, and is looking to open up access to more
students and is willing to listen to the concerns of the faculty.” “We want someone who’s going to listen to all parties involved, such as faculty and students, to come to a reasonable decision in regards to policy,” he said. Applications for the May 7 election of trustees for Districts 1, 2, 3 and 4 are due at 5 p.m. Feb. 19 and must be submitted to Sandra Mora, board liaison and Alamo Colleges election administrator, at Killen Center. Mora said as of Thursday, she has yet to receive applications for any of the positions. Applicants who are elected will be one of nine trustees on the Alamo Colleges district board of trustees.
See ELECTION, Page 7
Lights, camera, SACtion
Student writes and directs scenes for a movie four years in the making. By Wally Perez
gperez239@student.alamo.edu
A man sits in a chair, worried, wondering whether he should go through with a task that may change the outcome of society with one single bullet. As he contemplates the pros and cons, another man, whose face is hidden, tries to persuade him into completing the task. As the first man loads a bullet into a rifle, “Cut!” is yelled, a camera stops rolling and both men drop character. This is the scene Jan. 4 of film sophomore Matthew Caballero’s movie, “The Devil’s Disciple,” which he has spent four years writing. His love for movies has propelled his desire to work in the industry to a point where now, for him, it’s a real possibility.
Actors Carlos Gonzales, J-Ro Zelaya and Jacob Martinez converse during a break between takes while shooting in May at Frank’s Tire Shop in Floresville. Courtesy Currently, he does freelance work for companies around this city and Austin and reviewed movies on www.gotchamovies.com. When he was 13, he saw his first
R-rated film, “Predator,” which led to watching films like “Starship Troopers” and “RoboCop.” “After watching movie after movie, I
See SACTION, Page 3
SAConnected
2 • Feb. 1, 2016
www.theranger.org/calendar
Just dance
The Tap 1 dance class follows Instructor George Ann Simpson for across-the-floor movements Jan. 25 in Room 113 of Candler. Candler includes a pool, conditioning room, basketball and tennis courts for student use. The pool is open 1-4 p.m. Monday and Wednesday and 3-4:30 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday The conditioning room will be open 2-4 p.m. Monday-Thursday. Basketball courts will open 1-4 p.m. Monday and Wednesday in Gym 1 and 2-4 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday in Gym 2. The tennis courts are open any time before 3:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday and all day Friday. For faculty and staff, the workout room is open 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Friday. Hillary E. Ratcliff
dents walking in the mall Wednesday. The live-action play “Oh, What Love” is a tour that will be 11:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m. Thursday in McAllister. For more information, call the Christian Student Association at 210-736-6750. Jose Arredondo
today tues Event: Spring Start II Session begins. Schedule changes available. Continues until Feb. 2. SAC Deadline: Distinguished Graduate Application. Apply online or pick up applications in Rooms 215 or 221 in Fletcher. Call 210-486-1386. SAC Event: “Lapsing In & Out,” an exhibition of the art of Sal Torres sponsored by the Alamo Colleges 10 a.m.-noon on the fourth floor of Moody. Continues through May 6. PAC Event: University of Texas at San Antonio recruiters 10 a.m.-2 p.m. in student center. SAC Event: Karaoke sponsored by the office of student life 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Fiesta Room of Loftin. Call 210-4860125. SAC Meeting: Student Government Association noon1 p.m. craft room of Loftin. Call 210-486-1209. NLC Basketball: Men’s vs. St. Philip’s College 7 p.m. Wellness Gym. SAC Basketball: Men’s vs. University of Incarnate Word 8 p.m. in Gym 1 of Candler.
PAC Event: Black History Month — Ozuna Library Exhibit, “The Road to the Promised Land: Martin Luther King Jr. and the Civil Rights Movement” 8 a.m.-9 p.m. MondayThursday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday in Ozuna Library. Free. Call 210-486-3125 or visit https://www.alamo.edu/pac/ blackhistorymonth/. Continues until Feb. 27. PAC Event: Texas A&M– San Antonio recruiters 9 a.m-1 p.m. in student center. Call 210-486-3131. Event: Museum Highlights, Gallery Talks 4:30-5:30 p.m. Continues Tuesdays and 11 a.m.-noon Sundays. San Antonio Museum of Art, 200 W. Jones. Call 210-978-8100. Event: Sketching in the Galleries 6-8 p.m. $10 for nonmembers. Continues Tuesdays. San Antonio Museum of Art, 200 W. Jones. Call 210-9788100. NLC Event: Spring Film Series – “In the Heat of the Night” 6:30-9 p.m. Northeast Lakeview Performing Arts Center theater. Free and open to the public. Call 210-4865624.
Jump around
Edwin Velazquez, psychology sophomore and president of the Parkour Club, practices side and front flips Wednesday in the mall between Loftin and chemistry and geology. The club practices 12:30-2 p.m. Monday and Wednesday and is open to anyone interested. Raffy Gubser
wed
thur
fri
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PAC Event: “Club Rush.” Join a campus club 10 a.m.-1 p.m. in the Central Courtyard or student center annex in case of rain.
SAC Event: Wild West Rodeo Roundup hosted by the office of student life. Food, music, dancing and more, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. in mall. Call 210-4860125.
NLC Meeting: Student Government Association 11-11:30 a.m. Room 136 of the student commons building.
NVC Event: Vista Vista, for students wishing to enroll for summer and fall 2016 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Visit http:// www.alamo.edu/nvc/visitvista/.
NVC Sports: “NBA 2K16” tournament 11 a.m. in Huisache Hall. Call 210-4864612. SAC Event: Pizza with the President hosted by the Student Government Association. Q&A session with President Robert Vela, free pizza to students who attend. Noon-1p.m. in Fiesta Room of Loftin. Call 210-4860133. SAC Meeting: Students for Environmental Awareness 2 p.m. at EcoCentro. Call Lisa Cervantes at 210-563-0447. SAC Workshop: MESA assists with scientific research papers 3 p.m. in writing center. Call 210-486-1825. SAC Meeting: Faculty Senate/Super Senate meeting 3-5 p.m. Room 120 in visual arts center. SAC Basketball: Women’s vs. University of the Incarnate Word 6 p.m. in Gym 1 of Candler. Call 210-486-0125. SAC Basketball: Men’s vs. Northwest Vista College 8 p.m. in Huisache Hall. Call 210-486-0125.
PAC Event: Black History Month — Film “4 Little Girls” 10-11:45 a.m., 12:15-2 p.m. and 2:15-4 p.m. in student center annex. Free. Call 210-486-3125.
SAC Meeting: Staff Council meeting 2:30-3:30 p.m. in faculty/staff lounge in Loftin. Call 210-486-1208.
sun
SAC Performance: “Oh, What Love” live tour sponsored by the Christian Student Association 11:30 a.m.12:15 p.m. in McAllister. Free. Call 210-736-6750. SAC Meeting: SAC Future Teachers Organization 1:452:30 p.m. Room 108 of Gonzales Hall. SAC Meeting: Student Activity Fee Committee 3-5 p.m. in President’s Large Conference Room. Call 210486-0906. NLC Event: Open audition with Bexar Naked Playwrights 6:30-9:30 p.m. in Northeast Lakeview Performing Arts Center theater. Must have prepared comedic and dramatic monologues, each one minute long, and arrive at least 15 minutes before audition time. Continues 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday. Call 210-486-5628 to sign up.
Event: Tower Climb and Run fundraiser for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation 6 a.m. at Tower of the Americas and Hemisfair Plaza. $50 registration. Call 210-829-7267.
SAC Event: 3rd Annual Charity Ball hosted by the Student Government Association and the office of student life 8-11 p.m. at Koehler Cultural Center. For admission, donate one piece of clothing, one toy or three non-perishable food items to Room 260B in Loftin. Call 210-486-0133. SAC Meeting: Asian Pop Society 2-5 p.m. craft room of Loftin. Email apopofsac@ gmail.com
Documentary: “Virtuosity the 14th Van Cliburn International Piano Competition” by ARTS San Antonio 2-3:30 p.m. McNay, 600 N. New Braunfels. $15 donation. Call 210-824-5368. PAC Event: Story and Craft time with readings and paper lantern crafting 3-4 p.m. and 4-5 p.m. first floor of Ozuna Library. Concert: Las Estrellas de Ayer– Las Tesoros de Hoy 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. Esperanza Center, 922 San Pedro. $5 at door. Call 210228-0201.
mon Deadline: Spring 2016 16-week, last day to withdraw for a 70 percent refund. SAC Event: AIDS Awareness Day HIV and Hepatitis C testing, education and information distribution sponsored by the San Antonio AIDS Foundation 9:30 a.m.- 2 p.m. in the mall. Free. SAC Event: MESA new member orientation 11 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Room 204 of Chance. Call 210-486-1825. Continues Feb. 9 with addition of 6 p.m. SAC Meeting: Student Government Association noon1 p.m. in craft room of Loftin. Call 210-486-0133. SAC Meeting: Club AMAR general meeting 3 p.m. in craft room of Loftin. Call 210-4860601.
Illustrations by Estefania B. Alonso
What is love? Student life intern Luke Robinson hands out fliers to stu-
!
For coverage in SAConnected, call 210-486-1773 or e-mail sac-ranger@alamo.edu two weeks in advance. Visit theranger.org for more upcoming events.
News Special circumstances can increase financial aid www.theranger.org/news
Financial circumstances changed from the FAFSA make students eligible. By R. Eguia
sac-ranger@alamo.edu
Students might be eligible for additional financial aid for the current academic year if they experienced a significant decline in income, according to this college’s financial aid office. Special circumstances include loss of employment, divorce, death of a parent or spouse and high-unreimbursed medical expenses, which
Feb. 1, 2016 • 3
significantly alter a student’s financial situation since completing the FAFSA application. Rose Carreon-Muñoz associate director of financial aid, said not all Texas colleges are required to accept special circumstances applications, but all Alamo Colleges are accepting them until July 28. “We have always accepted special circumstances because of the diversity on campus,” said CarreonMuñoz. “The acceptance period has never been this long. District recently changed it.”
“Over a year ago, we would only accept these applications outside of peak registration times,” she said. If a student wants to request independent status or override dependency status before they are 24, they must submit a special circumstance request form during the specific time period. Students may request an adjustment to their cost of attendance if they need to pay for daycare in order to attend school or they travel long distances to attend school. Students who are parents may be
eligible for additional financial aid if they pay for private school or experience unusual medical fees on their children’s behalf. Students can pick up an application from the supervisor on duty at the financial aid office in Room 101 of Fletcher Administration Center where they will be given specific instructions and assistance, CarreonMuñoz said. Special circumstances requests are subject to a six-week verification process administered by the financial aid office.
Once a student is verified they will have six weeks to turn in supporting documents, such as additional tax transcripts, police reports or documents associated with a special circumstance. Decisions will be based on evidence and the professional judgment of the financial aid department. All decisions are final and cannot be appealed, because special circumstance consideration is not mandatory. For more information, call the financial aid office at 210-486-0600.
VP candidate is former student of college A new app will keep all academic information in the palm of a hand. By Melissa Luna
sac-ranger@alamo.edu
Dr. Juan Garcia, one of three candidates in the running for vice president for student success at this college, made it clear Tuesday his biggest goal is to help students start their academic career the right way by pushing a program he called “proactive advising.” Garcia has been vice president for student success at New Mexico State University-Alamogordo since 2012. If selected here, under his leadership, new students will be assigned a Garcia trio of advisers who will help the student every step through their academic career at this college. Each advising team will include an academic, financial aid and career adviser.
SACTION from Page 1 reached a point where I was wondering, ‘How did they do that?’” Caballero said. “I realized I wanted to trigger people’s curiosity and feel the same way that I was feeling.” While taking media classes in high school, he worked on short movies like a 10-minute epic on the Vietnam War. At the end of his sophomore year, he decided to write his own movie. “I started writing it during that summer, and worked on it off and on throughout high school,” he said. During his senior year he hit a wall trying to figure out how to make the pieces of his story work. It wasn’t until his time at this college that he finished his script and felt he could be proud of his product. “I had about three-fourths of the movie written, but it’s pretty time consuming, it took me around a month to write one fight scene,” Caballero said. “Taking the time to work on something you love to make sure it is up to your standards is key.” The movie is about a man whose mistakes come back to haunt him, and years later, he confronts them, he said. “I took a lot of inspiration from ‘Mad Max’ and other revenge flicks like ‘Kill Bill,’” Caballero said. “Quentin Tarantino, George Miller and Robert Rodriguez are some of my biggest inspirations.” He watched “Mad Max Fury Road” 34 times last year, and dissected it from start to finish. He said he can’t watch a movie nowadays without analyzing it. His friends, biology sophomore
The goal is for the advisers to reach out to the student four times during the semester to follow up and see how the student is doing. “This is a way for the college to approach students, instead of waiting for them to approach us,” Garcia said. College leadership has learned that once the student approaches someone for help, it’s too late, he said. Garcia said all proactive advisers will be trained in career development; developmental success; allied health; transfer and articulation; and retention and anti-drop out approaches. Along with proactive advising, Garcia emphasized a new app idea just approved by his current college president to develop. In the app, students can access all financial aid, academic and degree information. Students will be able to view information such as course schedules, classroom loca-
Dominic Solchaga and film sophomore David Sarafin, play the protagonist and antagonist in his movie. “I thought I knew movies until I met Matt,” Solchaga said, describing Caballero’s knowledge of film. Business/film sophomore Jackson DeFreest is Caballero’s director of photography for the first scene, which they worked on over winter break. “I met Matt in Intro to Cinema and we kind of hit it off,” DeFreest said. “I was definitely interested when Matt asked if I wanted to help him out with his movie.” During events like South by Southwest, he got a chance to meet idols like Rodriguez, known for movies such as “From Dusk Till Dawn,” “Desperado” and “Planet Terror.” He discussed his movie idea with Rodriguez, a San Antonio native. “One of the things he told me was to shoot in a close proximity,” Caballero said. “It’s much cheaper to find local areas to shoot.” Shooting some scenes created obstacles which discouraged him at times. He planned a scene at a tire shop after getting permission, but production fell through when several actors failed to show. Over winter break, he assembled a new cast and crew to shoot two scenes, one in a neighborhood on the far West Side, where he used a balcony as a vantage point for a rifle. “Ideally, I wanted something like a sniper’s nest, but you have to make some compromises” Caballero said. He also found ways to save money by making his own equipment. He made light stands out of
tions, contact information for assigned advisers and what courses they should be attending the following semester. Garcia asked Tuesday afternoon during an open forum, “As students, what do you expect from your vice president for student success?” Several students emphasized to the need for more interaction between advisers and student body to ease the process of registration and financial aid. Pre-nursing freshman Kylie Cott wants the chosen candidate to follow through with proposed plans, such as proactive advising and the student app. “If we could choose someone who really wants to help students, then no one loses,” Cott said. Liberal arts freshman Dwayne Hert has had a hard time talking to the right people during his first semester in college. “My professors have been helping me as
much as they can, but they can’t do everything,” Hert said. “It’d be great if we had a system like Dr. Garcia explained.” “If I’m fortunate enough to come back to my alma mater, my door will always be open to students,” Garcia said. Garcia, a first-generation college student, started his academic career at this college in the late 1980s. Dr. Gerardo Moreno will conduct a student presentation and discussion 12:20-1:30 p.m. followed by an open forum 3:15-4:20 p.m. Thursday in Room 120 of the visual arts center. Moreno, assistant vice president for student success at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, is the third candidate to visit this college. Dr. Diane Walleser, vice president, enrollment management and student services at Columbus State Community College in Ohio, visited Thursday. Email Tammy Perez, vice president search committee chair, at tperez@alamo.edu.
POLICY from Page 1
Biology sophomore Dominic Solchaga, film sophomore Matthew Caballero, business sophomore Jackson DeFreest and sound engineer Zow Martinez shoot a scene Jan. 4 for Caballero’s movie, “The Devil’s Disciple.” The movie is a revenge story about a man looking for the person who ruined his life while enduring an anarchistic society in the U.S. Wally Perez cymbal stands from his drum kit by attaching clamp lights, using colored bulbs and wax paper as a diffuser. “I saw the prices for lighting equipment and thought that there had to be a cheaper option,” Caballero said. “I found these how-to YouTube videos and saw how easy it was to make light stands.” On shooting day, Caballero, Solchaga, Sarafin, DeFreest and audio engineer Zow Martinez congregated at Martinez’s niece’s home, setting up on the second floor. A lot goes into preparing for the scene, but the multiple takes to get the best out of actors and equipment may be overlooked. Caballero was expressive on how he wanted both actors to behave, from mannerisms to the delivery of their lines. Two minutes of dialogue turned
into 30 minutes as he searched for the perfect take. As the day ended and the last scene was shot, Caballero was thrilled to have accomplished what he set out for before the break. “I can’t wait to work on this in post (production),” Caballero said. “I’m so pumped that we were able to finish this in a day.” He plans to work on the movie sporadically when he finds time, but one thing is clear: his dream all those years ago may finally become a reality. “You can come from anywhere and achieve greatness, you just need to set your goals and do it,” Caballero said. “If you have the chance to do something you love, do it; it’s better than wondering what could have been.”
Lisa Black, president of this college’s Faculty Senate, said Tuesday the senate would not comment on the proposal before meeting with the decision-making design team. The team is composed of members of Faculty Super Senate and administration, who will discuss possible revisions to Procedure B.8.1.1. The meeting, scheduled for last Friday, took place after The Ranger went to press. “We don’t want to comment on something where the ink isn’t dry yet,” Black said. Faculty Super Senate comprises the Faculty Senates from all five Alamo Colleges. Harley Williams, psychology sophomore and this college’s Student Government Association president, said about the procedure, “I understand where they are coming from; sometimes there are students who speak at the board meetings that just end up butting heads with the board. At the same time, I feel the way it’s worded is a bit weird.” Williams said she thinks the policy is fine, but wants it to outline a clear route for student concerns. “The board should tell students what they need to do, rather than just ‘no, you can’t do that.’” Avila said the proposal violates the First Amendment rights of students and employees. “It’s an open meeting,” she said. “Students and employees are taxpayers, too.” If approved, the proposal will go to the full board Feb. 23.
Prem
4 • www.theranger.org/premiere
Samariah Johnson, 6, watches from under a tent as rain falls during funeral services for Cynthia Hurd, librarian and community leader, June 27, at Emanuel AME Church. Paul Zoeller
Michael Weeks of North Charleston leads an impromptu praise and worship service in fron to pay his respects and felt led to sing and said he was soon joined by others. Paul Zoelle
Photographer talks o Charleston pair to discuss year of covering race hate crimes. Wally Perez gperez239@student.alamo.edu
Members of the Loyal White Knights of the Ku Klux Klan from Pelham, N.C., argue with members of the crowd at the Statehouse July 18, in Columbia. Paul Zoeller
S.C. reporter shares year of tragedy Charleston pair to discuss year of covering race hate crimes. By Wally Perez
gperez239@student.alamo.edu
filled her in on what had happened. “He introduced himself and seemed just as confused as I was,” she said. “He then invited me to Scott’s fiancee’s home where I met some of his family members who all seemed confused and heartbroken, stating that it all seemed odd.” They found it hard to believe that Scott could do anything to deserve being killed. “It was hard covering Obama, Haley mourn with Ho ly City; fugitiv e captured in N.C. all aspects of that story,” Elmore said. “The whole Community’s newsroom was scrambling songs, tears, Hate crime prayers flow may be S.C.’s to make sure we had all deadliest the details and we were up to date with any information.” “Then, just when you think you have some time to breathe, another incident occurs.” Elmore referred to the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church shooting June 17. During a Bible study, Dylann Roof, 21, shot and killed nine African-Americans, later admitting that he was trying to ignite a race war. “It was difficult to witness these tragedies happening one after another … you never expect something like this to happen, even though they Jennifer Pinckney and daughters, Eliana and Malana, watch as an honor guard carries happen every day across the world,” Elmore said. See REPORTER, Page 7 Pinckney, Reverend of Emanuel AME Church, into the Statehouse in Columbia, June 24. Laur FOUNDED
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Last year, the city of Charleston, S.C., was a focus of national headlines and media when the city experienced racial issues, violence and heartbreak that began when white North Charleston police officer Michael Slager shot and killed unarmed African-American Walter Scott. Reporter Christina Elmore of the Post and Courier, who has been on the frontlines of some of these stories, will share her experiences during the opening ceremony of Black History Month at 10:50 a.m. today in the auditorium of McAllister Fine Arts Center. Elmore, a native of Charleston, graduated from the University of South Carolina in 2011 and has been a crime reporter for the Post and Courier for the past five years. Elmore is no stranger to racial tension, having lived in a region where racism dates back hundreds of years, and is still palpable. “I grew up here … I attended college in Columbia, S.C., I’ve been around racial conflicts but even then, that doesn’t mean it doesn’t faze me,” Elmore said. Elmore was the first reporter from the Post and Courier to respond to the April 4 shooting of Scott and said the scene seemed stranger than normal. “I arrived that morning when the incident occurred and noticed there were more officers than usual and there weren’t a lot of details that had been disclosed,” she said. It wasn’t until an African-American man claiming to be Scott’s cousin noticed Elmore and
This Black History Month a photojournalist who witnessed the tragedy, racism and devastation last year in South Carolina will be among guests. Photographer Paul Zoeller of the Post and Courier in Charleston, S.C., will speak at the opening ceremony at 10:50 a.m. today in the auditorium of McAllister Fine Arts Center. The opening session of the college’s observation, “Charleston: Grace Through Tragedy,” co-sponsored by The Ranger, will also feature Christina Elmore, a reporter at the Post and Courier. Zoeller is a former student of this college and a staff member of The Ranger from 1995-97. He graduated from the University of Texas at Arlington in 2000. After working for papers like the Bryan-College Station Eagle and the Odessa American, he moved to Charleston as a freelance photographer, eventually taking a job at the Post and Courier. The Post and Courier has shown up
on national headlines in the p incidents such as the shooti Scott, the killing of nine membe African Methodist Episcopal Ch Confederate flag controversy. “Charleston has had quite the said in a Jan. 21 phone intervie what surreal when you have tragedies when you may not ex happen in your city.” “It’s a whole different story wh is the one in the spotlight,” he sa After North Charleston p Michael Slager fatally shot Scott he fled from a traffic stop beca functioning brake light, Zoeller of the Post and Courier had over selves covering all aspects of the “It can be exhausting — it when we thought we could tak another incident surfaced,” Zoel The staff of the Post and Co themselves to the brink aga Emanuel AME Church shooting 17. “I recall covering the funera the victims — nine different four days, nine different familie
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Profiles of the victims. A4-5 Brian Hicks: issue — Just A black-and-white pure evil. A6 Obama renews healing, gun calls for racial control. A6 Confederate height causesflag flying at full stir. A6 Church a place of prayer steeped in history . A6 Churches to ring bells in unity. A10
Online
for complete shooting at coverage of the emanuel Ame Church, includi videos, photo ng victim profiles, more, go to galleries and postandcouri com/churcher. conversation shooting. Join the using #Char on social media by lestonShoot ing.
To our read ers
the placement ad on the front of a sticky note home deliver page of some on thursday y newspapers was a deeply regrettable coincid ence. We apologize.
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by adaM parke r and MeLISSa aparker@post bOUGHTOn mboughton@pandcourier.com ostandcourier .com bursts of loud applause punctu Thursday’s midday ated prayer vigil honoring the nine first modern victims of Charleston’s mass praise and loud shooting. Heartfelt the evening vigilsinging characterized baptist Church at royal Missionary . and at Second byterian Church pres, worshippers the pews for a somber prayer filled service Charle ston Mayor please see Vigil, GrACe Joe Riley, Gov. Sen. Tim Scott page a8 Nikki Haley BeAhm/StAff and Brown AME attend a prayer vigil held at Morris U.S. Church on Thursd ay. Chance of storms . high 97. low 77. Complete 5-day forecast, B10
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by deanna dpan@postan pan dcourier.com
The mass shooti Charleston black ng at a histor ic night may mark church Wednesday crime in South the deadliest hate Carolina history cording to a promin , aca lone gunma ent local historian. worshippers n shot and killed nine at emanuel aMea prayer meeting inside oldest africa Church, the first and congregationn Methodist episcopal book photo of in the South. a Facethe suspect arreste d for please see hate, page a9
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Feb. 1, 2016 • 5
Contest promotes research
The Rev. DePayne Middleton Doctor’s family members released doves from Emanuel AME Church after her funeral. She was one of nine people fatally shot during a Bible study at the church on June 17. Wade Spees
The theme of Black History Month this winter is “On Hallowed Grounds: Sites of African-American Memory.” In conjunction, students enrolled this spring in at least six hours with a GPA of at least 2.0 are eligible to enter a Black History Month essay contest. Complete rules for the essay contest are available in the writing center in Room 203 of Gonzales Hall. The deadline is 5 p.m. Feb. 17. Four essay topics are defined that include the negro national anthem, Juneteenth, the Black Cowboy and descendants of San Antonio church congregations
founded by former slaves. The essay is a research-based analysis of at least 850 words that integrates at least five historic and scholarly sources. The winner will receive a $500 prize, second place $250, third place $150, and two honorable mentions receive $50 each. Those who place will participate in a read-in during the awards presentation 10:50 a.m. Feb. 23 in the Library Performance Area on the fourth floor of Moody Learning Center. For more information, email English Professor Jane FochtHansen at jfocht-hansen@alamo. edu.
nt of Emanuel AME Church June 20, in Charleston. Weeks said he came er
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heartbreak,” Zoeller said. “Before then, I don’t think I had even been to that many funerals in my life.” “You have to push yourself, mentally and physically, when dealing with stories of this magnitude,” he said. “Taking photos inside the church on a balcony, weathering temperatures over 100 degrees, knowing you can’t leave because you’re waiting for the best photo possible that will describe what you’re A day of for giveness an d thought in afterm witnessing takes a lot out of you.” ath of chur ch slayings Even now, Zoeller said it is difficult to look at photos from these events because of the memories that accompany them. Zoeller said it felt like he shot a lifetime of journalism in one year. One of these stories was the removal of the Confederate flag from the state Capitol. Zoeller covered protests in Columbia, S.C., where black educators Thousands at prayer unite protested for the “Black Lives Matter” vigil In an hour Charleston changes fo , a church support to community lends family me rever movement and the Ku Klux Klan came mbers Diverse Bib considere le study group had d postponin g meeting to town voicing their opinions and disturbing the community. “I had never seen so much hate,” Zoeller said. FOUND
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Parents of Tywanza Sanders, Tyrone Sanders and Felicia Sanders comfort each other at the graveside of their son Tywanza Sanders June 27, at Emanuel AME Cemetery in Charleston,S.C. Grace Beahm
BHM events begin today By Wally Perez
gperez239@student.alamo.edu
This college will be celebrating Black History Month with activities, events and performances beginning with “Charleston: Grace Through Tragedy.” The event is co-sponsored by The Ranger, and will feature photographer Paul Zoeller and reporter Christina Elmore of The Post and Courier in Charleston, S.C., at 10:50 a.m. today in the auditorium of McAllister Fine Arts Center. They will discuss their experiences covering events last year such as the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church shooting, the shooting of Walter Scott, the Confederate flag controversy and flooding in Charleston. Later in the month, there will be HIV and See Photographer, Page 7 Hepatitis C testing for AIDS awareness, which is sponsored by the San Antonio AIDS Foundation, as well as information distribution and education 9:30 a.m.–2 p.m. Monday in the mall. A dating game is scheduled for 11 a.m. Feb. 11 in the cafeteria of Loftin Student Center. Selected contestants will be awarded prizes. Those interested should email Dee Dixon, student success specialist, at ldixon4@alamo.edu. Dixon has been a part of the Black History Month Committee since 2012 and wants people to understand the importance surrounding Black History Month. “You have to know your history — you have to look for it,” Dixon said. “If we don’t talk about the President Barack Obama hugged members of the Pinckney family June 26, in Charleston. Obama delivered the contributions to history, they may eulogy for Sen. Clementa Pinckney, at his funeral. Paul Zoeller Mona Lisa Staggers of Goose Creek cries out as she BY AND prays durin REW KNA g a mem aknapp@p orial servi ostandcourPP ce Friday ier.com night at TD Aren Dylann Storm a at the Colle Roof stared front of him Photo ge of Char at leston. graPhs by grace beahm He saw a and blinked occas the camera in /staff ionally. crying. But judge on a video room on he couldn’t see thescreen and heard talk to the the rest other end of couldn’t of the videothe courtof fatally 21-year-old Easto see the peop ver man suspe shoot tears and link. He African Meth ing the nine stood up le who fought cted peopl throu in He heard spoke of hurt, odist Episcopal e at Emanuel the word the crowded room gh she rose Church. grief and say goodb and spoke s of Felicia Sand . They longi ye of killing to . Roof had ers as offered forgiv the people theyng for a chance to ers watch her son and eight been accused Roof, a white eness, despite theloved. They also ed two night others as Charleston accus man, Sand s earlie ation worst Amer had carrie r at a down that “We welco church. town at the histor ican hate crime d out one of the med you Wedn s of ble study with esday Roof also ically black churc the generation you, but may open arms,” she night in our Bih. room, wherecould not see beyon said. “We The bond God have mercy enjoyed d the by tragedy Charleston has been trans courtas the first hearing Friday on your soul.” strife reign into a ground zero forme aftern opportuni for the raciad ty for famil oon served “black lives ited in recent y members l years charges in matter.” He faces by a call of to The sky the attack turns pink an underbelly that somenine murder as the sun of say the Deep to the surfa exposed sets Frida South y over Eman Wednesday ce in a bloody way that bubbled uel AME at 110 Calho around 9 Church. p.m. un St. Please see ShooTing, Page A6 Inside Frank Woo ten: Justic delayed e is justice denied. A2 haley calls for death penalty. A6 events to honor victim s. A7 florist helps catch suspe ct. A8 conservat BY CHR iSTiN show suppive icon in town and Bo PETE A ElMoRE to ort. A8 RSEN celmore@p how you Coming can help. bopete@po ostandcourier.co sunday A7 m standcouri the Post confederat er.com will publi and courier controvers e battle flag EdItor’s Thousands sh a foury renewed. memorativ page cominterviews NotE: this story A10 Arena for who filed into NaacP: shoo TD the nine e section hono investigato with friends and was written based night unitea prayer vigil Frida ring people terrorism.’ tings were ‘racia famil rs, court on A10 l document y members, churc To deal withd for one purp y the shooting at who died in ose: church. emanuel s and wire an unfat cyberattac horror as ame stories. h officials, BY jENN homable a Post and k temporarily halts The servic community. and DouiFER BERRY HAW courier webs ES Stom ment office Charleston e, hosted by the city ite. B1 jhawes@poG PARDuE csU stude achs grum rs, clerg ymen a gunman , came two days of the Charleston ble. “let’s do dpardue@pstandcourier.com from mother’s nt inspires after after surro unlea area ostandcour death shed unpr and beyon edented violen Thompson a little of it,” Myra unded . C1 ier.com d ecce inside The atten them. Afric an The 59-ye suggests. Eman Abou t 60 Meth ar-old peop Church killin odist Episc uel thew Boyddees included Matistry Emanuel le wrap license was , whose minopal online up is eager while spewi g nine, reportedly Barbara. The Sr. and his wife quarterly AME Church’s usual to lead thejust renewed, for comp Fami ly ng racist comments. gunman walkchurch doors the Bible study The welcome conference, a time the distri . to Doct Rev. DePayne Midd the shoo lete coverage of the arena of the victims filled Wednesday ed through late elder and ct’s ting were the leton tackle routin presiding have or agrees. only the church, inclu at emanuel ame worn and’s front rows, looki same matters. minu passe e business ng walkWest Ashley coup ones ding victim profiles, ing on to disconsolate, hang presiding d since the distri tes ed it’s late and videos, phot each speak - their through a year le had and more State lawm o galleries comed the elder officially ct’s er’s son’s wedd ago on The Rev. everyone’s hung , go welakers, law words. to 49-ye ing postand courier.co day. 74-ye ar-ol Daniel Simmons,ry. ranks of licens ar-old into the enforcePlease see Join the m/church-shoo suggests d retire d mini a odist Episc ed African Meth conversatio ting. 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be lost in time.” The Dallas Black Theatre will be performing an assortment of dances at 7 p.m.-9 p.m. Feb. 12 in McAllister, presented by this college’s Fine Arts and Cultural Series Committee. The Dallas Black Theatre was founded in 1976 to inspire minorities to express themselves in dance and is composed of all races, ages and backgrounds. The dancers perform to a mixed repertory of jazz, ethnic and spiritual pieces by nationally and internationally recognized choreographers, according to dbdt.com. A poetry slam featuring local spoken-word poets Mondrea Harmon and Tasha Green will begin at 11 a.m. Feb. 18 in the cafeteria of Loftin. Prizes will be awarded those who recite. To sign up, call 210-486-0598. “People really seemed to enjoy the poetry last year during Black History Month,” Dixon said. “We’re hoping for a good turnout.” Dixon said the audience last year responded well to Green’s reading of “Grace” and hopes she does it again. Returning for its third year, the African Festival will be 11 a.m.–1:30 p.m. Feb. 25 in the Fiesta Room of Loftin. Percussionist T-Bow Gonzales and Deirdre Lacour, assistant dance director for Urban15, will perform percussion demonstrations by Gonzales and capoeira demonstrations by Lacour. There will be authentic food and drink from the central and western regions of Africa, Dixon said. The month will close out with a performance by this college’s Concert Choir and Chamber Singers who will perform gospel, spirituals and jazz written by black composers 7:30 p.m. Feb. 25 in McAllister. All events are free and open to the public. For more information, call Barbara Knotts, director of creative multimedia, at 210-486-0593.
6 • Feb. 1, 2016
www.theranger.org/editorial
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Editor Kyle Cotton
Managing Editor Mandy Derfler Assistant Managing Editor – Features Wally Perez
Staff Writers TiffanyAnne Bermea, Sarah Duffy, R. Eguia,
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©2016 by The Ranger staff, San Antonio College, 1819 N. Main Ave., San Antonio, TX 78212-4299. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without permission. The Ranger news outlets, which serve the Alamo Community College District, are laboratory projects of journalism classes in the Department of Media Communications at San Antonio College. The Ranger is published Mondays except during summer, holidays and examinations. The Ranger Online is available at www.theranger. org. News contributions accepted by telephone (210-486-1773), by fax (210-486-9292), by email (sac-ranger@alamo.edu) or at the editorial office (Room 212 of Loftin Student Center). Advertising rates available by phone (210) 4861765 or as a download at www.theranger.org. The Ranger is a member of the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association, the Associated Collegiate Press and the Texas Community College Journalism Association. Guest Viewpoints: Faculty, staff, students and community members are welcome to contribute guest viewpoints of up to 450 words. Writers should focus on campus or current events in a critical, persuasive or interpretative style. All viewpoints must be published with a photo portrait of the writer. Letters Policy: The Ranger invites readers to share views by writing letters to the editor. Space limitations force the paper to limit letters to two double-spaced, typewritten pages. Letters will be edited for spelling, style, grammar, libel and length. Editors reserve the right to deny publication of any letter. Letters should be emailed to sac-ranger@alamo. edu. Letters also may be brought to the newspaper office in Room 212 of Loftin Student Center, mailed to The Ranger, Department of Media Communications, San Antonio College, 1300 San Pedro Ave., San Antonio TX 78212-4299 or faxed to (210) 486-9292. Letters must be signed and must include the printed name and telephone number. Students should include classification, major, campus and Banner ID. Employees should include title and telephone number. For more information, call 210-486-1773. Single Copy Policy: Members of the Alamo Community College District community are permitted one free copy per issue because of high production costs. Where available, additional copies may be purchased with prior approval for 50 cents each by contacting The Ranger business office. Newspaper theft is a crime. Those who violate the single-copy rule may be subject to civil and criminal prosecution and subject to college discipline.
Alexandra Nelipa
Citizens to be heard silenced Board proposal disallows faculty, staff and students to speak during open forum.
A tabled policy restricting faculty and student access to the citizens-tobe-heard portion of board meetings is being readdressed in the next board meeting. Policy B.8.1 Public Participation proposed amendment states: “The board chair shall not allow employee or student complaints at citizens to be heard without determining that the speaker has exhausted available administrative remedies.” This keeps administration from hearing about problems for the first time at board meetings, President Robert Vela said in “Proposals limit student, employee access to trustees” published by The Ranger Oct. 19. Student and faculty concerns must
be screened by administration before trustees will even think about granting an audience during an open forum “to hear persons who desire to make comments to the board,” according to — the irony does not escape us — policy B.8.1 Public Participation. Unfortunately, the subterfuge doesn’t stop there. Should a faculty member or student go through the proper channels, speak with administration, yet still feels the problem is unresolved, speaking at citizens to be heard continues to be out of the question. Instead, if the chancellor deems it worthy, a special meeting can be arranged prior to the board meeting or board retreat at the request of the board chair. What does this say for transparency? People with an interest in speaking are being singled out and taken behind
closed doors. The administration, the media and the community are now unable to listen to grievances of those segregated. The citizen is no longer being heard. Or maybe students and faculty are no longer considered citizens. So far this maneuvering has kept the chancellor looking like a golden boy to trustees while the consequences of his decision-making sow confusion, poor morale and busy work. If this is the way trustees want to be played by the chancellor, OK. But if there’s any life left on the board, perhaps they might remember they are elected officials accountable to their electorate, most of whom work for or attend the Alamo Colleges. Trustees: Realize this is a bad policy and remove that portion of the proposal.
Services abound; just use them Getting help can be the difference between failing and succeeding.
It’s a new semester, and myriad student services are ready and available. However, many of these services get unused or students just don’t know about them. Services like the writing center in Room 203 of Gonzales Hall are there to help students succeed through oneon-one, peer-to-peer tutoring along with an extensive collection of writing learning materials. The center is open 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Tuesday and 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Wednesday-Thursday. There are also four math labs in McCreless Hall with walk-in tutoring for both college and developmental math. The student fitness center in Room 260 of Loftin Student Center is open 8 a.m.-4 p.m. and offers treadmills, elliptical machines, stationary bikes and weight training equipment as long as students are wearing appropriate exercise attire. Moody Learning Center houses a wide variety of services, including the library, the student learning assistance center and the student megalab, which
offer places to work and assistance with technology and some tutoring. Disability support services is there to give students who have any diagnosed disability, whether physical or mental, the tools and support they need to be successful students. Student veterans have access to a support system, both financially and socially, through the veterans’ affairs office, which they’ve earned after serving in the U.S. military. The first three Mondays of every month, the Student Government Association meets to hear student concerns. The early-childhood center offers a sliding scale for child care for children ages 1-4, providing a program that helps children develop both socially and emotionally. Student life regularly puts on events that students can participate in and enjoy, such as boxing exhibitions by the boxing club, movie nights and opportunities to learn about student clubs through activities such as Weeks of Welcome. In addition, spring semester annual events include Black History Month, Women’s History Week and the
Multicultural Conference. Student email includes public relations newsletters that show the opportunities around campus as well as program and student success stories. The weekly crime report from the Alamo Colleges Police Department keeps the community abreast of safety issues and trouble spots to watch out for. Study abroad opportunities take students to many countries for a combined education and cultural experience. Students have already paid for these activities with tuition and a student activity fee charged at a rate of $1 per hour enrolled. Look around. Bulletin boards in every building post upcoming events and opportunities for socializing and learning outside the classroom. Now students just need to do a little research to find just the help they need. For some students, asking for help is hard to do, but going it alone can be a lot harder and have much bigger consequences. So take advantage of all the tools out there to succeed. Because at the end of the day, students are their own best advocates.
www.theranger.org/news
News
Feb. 1, 2016 • 7
ELECTION from Page 1
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The board is responsible for formulating public policy for the district and oversees and controls the district’s activities. Celita Avila, reference and distance learning librarian and president of this college’s chapter of the American Association of University Professors, agreed with Kingsbery. “We want a trustee who is open to communication,” Avila said. “For those of us who work with students, we are the first ones to see how policies are implemented, so it’s important to have somebody who is willing to listen to employees.” Harley Williams, psychology sophomore and this college’s Student Government Association president, said potential applicants “need to understand what it’s like to be at a community college.” “The colleges need someone who is fair and passionate for higher education,” Williams said. To be eligible, a person must be a U.S. citizen 18 years or older and a qualified voter of the district by the Feb. 19 filing date. Applicants must be a resident of Texas for 12 months and six months in the district where they are seeking election. Applicants must not have been convicted of a felony or determined by a judge to be mentally incapacitated without the right to vote. For more information, call Mora at 210-485-0030, or visit www.alamo.edu/ district/board/elections.
practices to ensure we don’t compromise what we do for our students,” Vela said. There are measures being taken to reduce the chances of it happening again. One such measure is exposure and assuring that students, whether they be in middle school or high school, have the opportunity to attend this college in the future. It’s no secret that this college is surrounded by neighborhoods that can average a household income of $12,000, Vela said. “We’ve held focus groups with our students and a majority of them agreed that because they live in the surrounding neighborhood, they see this college as an ivory tower,” Vela said. A new program is being assembled called Outreach and Recruitment, which will ensure that all schools that feed into this college are aware that attending is a viable option. The program is currently still in development. “We want students to remember that this college has been there for them since the third grade,” Vela said. “We know often times that when we have underrepresented, undeserved communities, college may not even be in their vocabularies so we want to make sure that we
Foul play Criminal justice sophomore John McVea is fouled hard by Schreiner forward Travis Short while battling for a rebound under the net. See slideshow online at theranger.org. Brandon A. Edwards
are there for them.” Vela said he is also focusing on the students already attending this college. Part of enrollment management is ensuring that they graduate or successfully transfer. With the $4 million loss, Vela wanted to make sure students know it hasn’t impacted normal operations around the college. Programs have not been cut; in fact, they have increased with federal and state grants, such as Title 5. “If we’re ever going to cut programs or anything of that matter, we want to make sure students are well versed and understand what and why it’s happening,” Vela said. He said the only possible cuts would affect some adjunct faculty. When managing class sizes and filling them come into play, it may be necessary to combine two classes taught by adjuncts, which may result in a reduction in positions. Vela said he wasn’t too worried about the loss. He said this college is part of the Alamo Colleges and the board would never allow one college to take a major hit that compromises students, while another school in the district flourished.
REPORTER from Page 4 “This story in particular was one of the hardest I had to cover,” she said. “I remember all of us in the newsroom watching the coroner announce the names of the victims, and after the fourth name, I lost it.” Elmore finally reached a point where she couldn’t hold back her tears and had to take a moment to compose herself. After these shootings, Elmore was emotionally and physically drained. “These are people that had their own lives, families, friends and maybe children,” she said. “I don’t know these people personally. I don’t attend that church, but I am a member of this community. I am a black woman.” It could have easily been her or a family member, she said. Elmore said that although these stories have taken a toll on her and fellow staff members, as a reporter you have to carry yourself with professionalism and not let your emotions or opinions get in the way. “I’m a reporter first — I have to take myself out of the situation,” she said. “Although there’s no escaping my feelings, I need to stay objective no matter the story.” The events fueled the debate over use of the Confederate flag. When the Confederate flag was taken down from the statehouse, Elmore said many people were present expressing their views on the situation — some for, some against. “I talked to a gentleman who thought the flag would never come down — stating that many people have died over it,” Elmore said. “Then, on the other side you have people who support the flag and were vocal about their opinions.” South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley would go on to remove the Confederate flag from state Capitol grounds. Among these events, another had hit South Carolina that some cities weren’t prepared for. In October, flash floods hit Charleston and South Carolina, leaving the city under 2 feet of water in some areas. “Just when you think it couldn’t get any worse, it does,” Elmore said. The historic flooding swept through cities, which hit some harder than others. Columbia, for example, wasn’t prepared for this type of disaster; people didn’t know how to deal with it, she said.
Phyllis Holmes takes a moment to pray with her 3-year-old granddaughter after placing a candle at a memorial on the sidewalk in front of Emanuel A.M.E. Church June 18 in Charleston. Paul Zoeller
An honor guard from the South Carolina highway patrol removes the Confederate battle flag from the Statehouse grounds July 10 in Columbia, S.C. Grace Beahm
PHOTOGRAPHER from Page 5 to show support. “There was a barrier dividing these two During legal proceedings for Dylann Roof, groups; on one side you have the KKK, and the gunman in the church shooting, the famion the other you have the Black Lives Matter lies of the victims voiced their forgiveness protesters,” he said. and sent a message that they would not Tensions rose and both succumb to hate, two days groups loudly expressed after the incident. frustration with the other, Roof confessed to Hundreds lean he said. authorities that he wanted on each oth er in faith, uni ty as Emanu el AME Chu rch reopens “The KKK were shoutto ignite a race war. ing racial obscenities and Members of other chanting ‘White Power!’ churches came from all while you have protesters over to offer their support on the other side trying to to Emanuel AME to ease the tear down the barrier and pain. attack them,” he said. Zoeller said after a few Zoeller said he had months, Charleston is still trynever covered anything ing to get back to normal, but that hard to see before. it will be a hard thing to forget. Despite the anger “I followed up with the Strangers joi and hate that folchurch six months after the n ha nd s acr in powerful show of unityoss bridge , peace lowed after the Scott incident, sitting in on a Bible and church shootstudy group, in the same room ings, members of where Roof committed these the Charleston commurders … noticing the walls had munity also united to been redone, the room was fixed spread peace and love. up, but you could tell,” Zoeller Community members gathered to help said. “The memory lingers; nothing will ever Emanuel AME by donating food and drinks be exactly the same.” FOUNDE
Monday, June 22,
“Some people assumed that their insurance covered the flood damages, only to realize that it didn’t,” Elmore said. “It was just an incredibly difficult year for everyone there.” Even though it’s a new year, Elmore said these stories are far from over. “We’re still in the middle of it. … Dylann Roof is still in jail awaiting trial. Officer Slager was recently let out on bond awaiting his trial,” she said. “People are very involved and concerned on the outcome of these cases. There is still a lot to be covered.” Elmore hopes the new year will be nowhere near as devastating as the last. “I made a conscious note to take a step back, breathe and take a mental break to regroup for as long as I can,” she said. “It’s hard to imagine that anything can top 2015 for Charleston and it’s hard to imagine moving forward,” Elmore said. “This was the most difficult year of my career, but there’s still work to be done.”
D 18 0 3
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Jimmy Guyton the first service, who traveled from Greenville since pastor in honor of and state Myra Sen. Cleme nta Pinckn Thompson, stands ey and eight BY ADAM to PARKER others weresing at Emanuel AME aparker@post slain Wedne Church on andcourier.com Sunda sday night Inside during a Bible y morning after the church PAUL ZOELLER/STAFF In a remark study. reopened for sorrow and able display of joy, Statue at The Battery trust, worshi defaced with Emanuel AME ppers at graffiti, Page Church on A4. morning honore Sunday ners by celebra d slain parishio- Flag controversy domina tes faith and commuting the power of Sunday talk shows, Page nity. A4. It was the church sincefirst service in the Services for Pinckn ey Dylann Roof, author ities said this week, Page A4. to be held supremacist, 21, an avowed white gunned down To help people gathere nine on Wednesday, d for Bible study For details on including to funds to how to contribute Emanuel’s benefit those lead pastor, Mother lost Clementa Pinckn who loved ones the Rev. at Emanuel Church, see The service ey. AME Page A4. 1,000 people drew more than sanctuary, to the Calhoun Street could accomthough the building To come toge modate only ther For a list of 800. The about events, see street Page A4. church, closed in front of the for the morninby police, became where people g a sacred space Online hot Charle enduri ng anothe r ston day added voices to the For comple their joined hands singing inside and age of the te coverin prayer in at Emanuel shooting show of solidar a grand cluding AME Church ity. victim profiles , inWhen a woman You Can Lean sang “Jesus Said photo galleries and , videos, more, go to postandcouri on Me,” joined a young trumpe t player and by church-shoot er.com/ church choir, ing. Join the the Worshippers the building shook. conversation on social and cried. clapped and danced #CharlestonShootin by using Thousands It g. gathered the messag was hard to ignore on the Arthur e: strengt h numbers and comes in Ravenel Jr. sense of healing Bridge during the cradle a unity march GRACE of commu begins in gible in spiritual relief was tannity. the swelter The first pew on Sunday. BEAHM/STAFF ing air. Handheld fans fluttere was occupi Gov. Nikki ed by d ily, U.S. Sen.Haley and her fam- Volunteers with theeverywhere. Charle ston Tim Scott, North distributed bottles Red Cross The Rev. Norvel of water. mey, Charle Mayor Keith Suml Goff, presidi ston Mayor elder of the and City Counc ng Joe Riley AME BY Church MELIS SA Dudley Gregor ilman Willia m District, which include ’s Edisto mboughton@poBOUGHTON Mothe r Emanuie, a member of Emanuel, stepped into s Mother the bridge — standcourier.co named after the pulpit. “This is the m Congresswom el, Califo rnia state a former lawma day that “Charleston “I sat and and others an Maxine Waters has made, let us rejoice, the Lord flag suppor ker and Confederate looked at the phrase Sundaystrong” wasn’t just showing suppor ter — and marche and everyo from all walks ” he said, a til they crowd, Mother Emanu ne was t for applau d unmet in the middle of life, The city has night. ding again. on their feet, Pinckney’s el. , cheerin promise,” Santos said. and I feel response to been praised for its and congratulating Securi ty “It gives me each other withg hope.” draped with seat on the altar was at the church dead Wednea shooting that left nine open arms. All around sday night in was choir loft, a black robe. In the tight, with police officers Khalil Santos AME Church the Emanuel ing, laughin him, people were smilsmiled as one directson, an 87-yearrobe of Susie Jack- ing movements and g, huggin of night across , but a walk Sunday sons peered at the themse lves station ing -old victim crowd from his ing strangers. They g and greetshooting, inside and of the Bridge put the Arthur Ravenel Jr. shoulders. his of love, was laid in residents’ solidari seat. her usual the building. The heat outsid e touting peacecarried signs “I perspective. sniffing dog and bombty into whatwant my kids to unders the church and The service scrutin this represe tand stopped of their solidari telling Police estima nts,” ty. followed by began with a hymn rimeter of the churchizing the peThey want for ted impromptu that 10,000 them to underst he said. “I sang 15,000 people prayers to jah!” and shouts of “Hallelu- to dampen the high did nothing Bridge to Peace gathered for the is not the way to live. and that hate “I’mhymns along their walk. and bursts of applau spirits. very emotio I want to have brighte Unity se. A Please event held r futures and them Morris of Durhamnal,” said Ashley to promote Chain, an them to see SERVICE I want peace. see the , Page A5 unity and , or color. We unity, no matter race ing all the differen N.C. “Just seePeople gathere t cultures come are still united. together for And what d on both sides God. I’m proud, ” proud.” of on Father’s better way to do it very Day? he added. than Please see BRIDGE, Mostly sunny. N Page A5 High 98. Low Bridge .............. S ... B7 Crosswor 78. Complete Business d ......B6, .............. D1 5-day Editorials ........... C8 Scene .................. B1 forecast, B8 Classifieds ...........C5 A12 Sports .............. Movies .............. Comics.............. ....C1 .. B5 Sudoku B6,7 Obituarie East Coop ................ s ........... B2 er Gymnastics Television ............ B5 1 week of summe B4 r camp half See A2 off.
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Above: A local Chinese folk dance group performs in January 2014 during a Chinese Festival in the Fiesta Room of Loftin in honor of the Chinese New Year. File Left: Dancers from the Chinese Culture Performance Association of San Antonio perform a dance. The group will be performing again this year from 11 a.m.-noon Monday in the Fiesta Room. File
Illustrations by Juan Carlos Campos
Student life seeks Chinese New Year performances By Mandy Derfler
aderfler@student.alamo.edu
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The San Antonio Chinese Orchestra and Chinese Culture Performance Association of San Antonio will ring in the Chinese New Year with a performance 11 a.m.noon Monday in the Fiesta Room of Loftin Student Center. Carrie Hernandez, senior student success specialist, is looking forward to the costumes. “It’s just really colorful,” she said. “Their costuming is really nice.” In the past, the event has also included traditional Chinese calligraphy, a tea ceremony and martial arts presentations. Hernandez said she reached out to international students to participate but hasn’t received response. “Part of making it a real success is student
engagement,” she said. Hernandez said she will help students showcase a part of Chinese culture. According to the Chinese zodiac, this is the year of the monkey. The order of each animal pairing with a year unfolds in folklore. In Chinese mythology, stories are told of a Great Race held by the Jade Emperor in which animals were challenged to swim across a river to earn a place in the zodiac, according to topmarks.co.uk. The monkey rode across the river on a raft with the goat and the rooster. The emperor was happy the three worked together and awarded them the eighth, ninth and tenth years. Hernandez, a rabbit, will decorate the Fiesta Room with lanterns
matching this year’s colors of red and gold. “It’s really nice just to watch, being able to come out and enjoy their dancing and colorful outfits,” she said. For more information or to schedule a performance, call Hernandez at 210-4860125 or email chernandez@ alamo.edu. The Institute of Texan Cultures will celebrate the 29th annual Asian Festival 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Feb. 13 at 801 Cesar Chavez Blvd. Admission is $8 for advance purchases for adults or $10 at the gate; $5 for children 6-12; and free for children 5 and under. Groups of 10 or more can purchase advance tickets for $6 each. For more information, call 210458-2216.