IMAGINATION TRANSFORMATION SEE FEATURES, PAGE 6
KRISTIN SHAW/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
WSU TUITION SPIKES PAGE 3
WSU GRAD EXCELS AS CHICAGO BEARS GM PAGE 8
JULY 3 - JULY 10, 2013 | WAYNE STATE UNIVERSITY’S STUDENT NEWSPAPER SINCE 1967 | THESOUTHEND.WAYNE.EDU | DETROIT, MICHIGAN | FREE
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CORRECTIONS
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US SUPREME COURT SAYS ‘I DO’ DOMA OVERTURNED, HISTORIC WIN FOR LGBT COMMUNITY
The Current
PUBLICATION
The South End is published Wednesdays during the fall and winter semesters by Wayne State University students. Copies are available free of charge at various locations throughout campus. The Student Newspaper Publication Board, established by the Wayne State University Board of Governors, acts as the publisher of The South End. The board establishes and ensures compliance with publication, editorial and news reporting guidelines. All complaints, comments and suggestions concerning the student newspaper should be directed to doso@wayne.edu.
site-sex couples differently
week. According to another arti-
however: why do our fellow Americans have to fight for
without violating constitu-
cle published in the Detroit
their rights in the first place
tional protections, accord-
Free Press June 28, “[a]
- in the land of the free?
ing to an article published
federal judge in Michigan
on the Detroit Free Press
has blocked the state from
able means by which a per-
website June 27.
enforcing a 2011 law that
son should be discriminated
bans public employers from
upon, and yes, this includes
landmark for 13 states and
offering benefits to same-
marriage rights—telling
Washington, D.C., where
sex couples, concluding
one group of people that
piece of American history
same-sex marriages are,
the law is discriminatory
they can do one thing while
June 26, when the United
or soon will be, performed
toward the gay community.”
another person can’t, for
States Supreme court found
and recognized. It says the
the Defense of Marriage Act
federal government can-
public employers from of-
(DOMA) unconstitutional—a
not treat married couples
fering health benefits to
landmark decision for the
from those jurisdictions
same-sex couples, according
movements before it—the
gay-rights movement in the
differently when it comes to
to the Free Press article.
women’s suffrage move-
U.S.
Social Security, estate taxes
In addition, the Michigan
ment and the black rights
CHRISTINA CLARK Staff Columnist
ONLINE POLICY
The South End publishes articles online and in print. Visit our website at thesouthend. wayne.edu. While we support the right to free speech and expression, there are guidelines for morally and socially acceptable content. Comments and feedback deemed offensive are subject to editing or removal.
treat same-sex and oppo-
We all witnessed a small
According to an article
“…[T]he ruling is still a
The 2011 law prohibited
There are not any justifi-
whatever reason, is a form of discrimination. Like the other civil rights
or other federal benefits, no
House Democrats unveiled a
movement—the gay rights
published on the Washing-
matter what sex they are,”
package of bills that aim at
movement is here, and our
ton Post website, DOMA was
the article in the Free Press
legalizing and recognizing
country is, hopefully, on the
signed into law by former
said. “[T]he court’s decision
gay marriage in Michigan,
cusp of yet another power-
president Bill Clinton in
failed to shed any new light
according to an article pub-
ful, and positive change.
1996 and defined marriage,
on whether statewide bans
lished by the Detroit Free
for the purpose of federal
should be legal.”
Press June 24.
law, as being between a man and a woman.
While the gay-rights
All of these are incredibly
It should not matter the color of your skin, your gender, religion, or sexual
movement across the
positive steps for the gay
orientation. A person is a
United States saw a positive
and lesbian communities
person and they should be
the 17-year-old law null and
change, the LGBT commu-
of both Michigan and the
treated as such—including
void because the federal
nity right here in Michigan
United States.
in matters of love and mar-
government can’t legally
also saw a boost this past
The 5-4 decision rendered
2 I JULY 3 - JULY 10, 2013 I THESOUTHEND.WAYNE.EDU
Let us think for a moment
riage.
NEWS CAMPUS
WSU tuition jumps 8.9% Increase highest among Michigan universities
KEITH BROWN The South End
“Wayne State University has worked hard
“We want to inform everyone that we as a
those in higher paid positions could take a pay
over the years to maintain low tuition amid
Senate had one vote. That vote was for you,
cut, but WSU also increased their scholarship
steadily declining state support, including
and we voted NO,” wrote the Senate. “Obvi-
dollars. So I guess there is a silver lining in
a 15 percent cut just two years ago and the
ously, the results did not end in our favour
every cloud.”
voted to bolster its $576 million 2014 budget
lowest percentage increase among Michigan’s
(the increase was passed by a 6-2 margin.)
on the backs - and bank accounts - of prospec-
public universities for the second year in a
As we have always done, the Student Senate
Wayne State will increase its financial aid
tive students.
row,” wrote Gilmour, who added in a letter
will continue to listen and lobby for the best
by $6.2 million, or 11 percent, for those that
to alumni and donors that state funding is at
interests of WSU students.”
qualify. The budget for financial aid will grow
The Wayne State Board of Governors
Undergraduate tuition for 2013-2014 will increase by 8.9 percent - which amounts to
the same level it was in 1991 (not adjusted for
$904 for in-state undergraduate students
inflation).
taking 30 credit hours over the course of the academic year. Based on percentage-of-increase, the
Alexander Simeon, a junior double-majoring in psychology and pre-physical therapy,
“After a thorough analysis of our financial situation, which includes budget cuts of more
terms the 8.9 percent increase “ridiculous.” “It’s already bad that most college students
To soften the impact of the tuition bump,
to $62.2 million, a 231 percent increase since 2002, and a 78 percent increase since 2007. According to a university press release, an estimated 80 percent of all WSU undergradu-
than $50 million over the past three years
are going to be about $25,000 to $30,000 in
ate students receive some form of need or
WSU 8.9 percent boost was the highest in the
and $19 million for the upcoming fiscal year,
debt, but WSU is adding to that debt by this
merit-based financial aid. WSU Director of
state by a considerable margin.
we have reached the point where we need ad-
increase, “ Simeon said. “However, the future
Communications Matt Lockwood confirms
ditional revenue to invest in maintaining our
may be in question if students are not going to
that the additional funding will be grant-
academic and research quality.”
be able to afford the costs. We are just going to
based institutional aid that doesn’t have to be
see more underclassmen not return to WSU,
repaid.
In comparison, University of Michigan in-state undergraduate tuition rose 1.1 percent, while Michigan State University
WSU will forego an 0.29 percent increase
bumped its rates by 1.9 percent for freshman
in state funds over the year. To receive these
which is sad because this really is a good
and sophomore’s and 3.6 percent for juniors
monies, it had to agree to cap tuition increases
institution.”
and seniors. Oakland University and East-
at 3.75 percent. The proposed increase was by
Shelia Grant, 2012 WSU graduate is also
ern Michigan University both jumped 3.75
far the state’s lowest - by comparison, Grand
unhappy with the increases at her alma mater.
percent, and Central Michigan University
Valley State University is set to net a 4.20
recorded a 2.47 percent increase.
percent state-funded boost.
The move runs counter to the university’s
“I’m glad I got out of WSU before the tuition hike was put in place. I haven’t heard
dollars will be spent on maintaining and enhancing the value of a WSU education and continuing its urban mission. “Any increase is difficult and a burden for
the school give vaild enough reasons for the
our students. But we cannot afford to neglect
history. WSU has a legacy of low tuition rela-
most difficult since I joined the board,” said
increase and benefits that students will reap
the University’s quality, which is an asset to
tive to Michigan’s other public universities
BOG Chair Debbie Dingell. “The State has
from the increase. It’s not going in line with
our students, our community and the state of
and major research universities nationally.
decided higher education is not a high prior-
other schools and is disproportinate to the
Michigan,” Gilmour said.
Following the tuition increase, WSU’s full-
“This year’s budget decision has been the
Gilmour empathizes with students on the increased costs, but notes that the tuition
ity, despite our business community recogniz-
services being offered to students,” Grant said.
time undergraduate freshman tuition ranks
ing that research universities are a primary
“With this huge tuition hike, how can WSU be
ted to being both a major research univer-
fifth among Michigan’s 15 public universities
engine for the state’s economic growth. We
competitive in attracting students ?”
sity and a university of opportunity, where
(based on 30 credit hours), and lower than
have to face the limitations of our basic fund-
Michigan’s two other major research universi-
ing source – student tuition.”
ties (Michigan State and the University of Michigan).
Predictably, the decision is not sitting well with WSU students.
In an open email to WSU students, Presi-
In an email communique to its constitu-
Aaron Amos, a senior at WSU, has been
“Wayne State University remains commit-
students from diverse backgrounds have a
monitoring the situation, and describes his
chance to earn a college degree in an environ-
reaction as “content.”
ment of academic excellence — a chance they
“I knew that our state funding has been
might not get elsewhere,” Gilmour said. “To
cut over the years,” Amos said. “I just feel as
continue fulfilling these important missions, we must invest in our future.”
dent Allan Gilmour blamed declining state
ents, the WSU Student Senate sent a resound-
though the university should have found other
support for the unprecedented jump.
ing message.
ways to make up for the money. Maybe if
Resident Undergraduate (Includes all Tuition & Fees)
FY 2013
FY 2014
Change
% Change
Per Credit Hour
$532.35
$572.60
$40.25
7.6%
3 Credit Hours per Semester
$1,184.15
$1,283.20
$99.05
8.4%
6 Credit Hours per Semester
$2,161.85
$2,349.10
$187.25
8.7%
12 Credit Hours per Semester
$4,117.25
$4,480.90
$363.65
8.8%
15 Credit Hours per Semester
$5,094.95
$5,546.80
$451.85
8.9% COURTESY WWW.WAYNE.EDU/TUITION
THESOUTHEND.WAYNE.EDU I JULY 3 - JULY 10, 2013 I 3
NEWS CHRIS EHRMANN/THE SOUTH END
???????
DIA’s Kresge Court honors new space Modern and traditional furniture revitalizes Detroit’s ‘cultural living room’ CHRIS EHRMANN News Correspondent One of Detroit’s greatest treasures received a new design for its meeting area. The Detroit Institute of Arts recently opened up its new and modern Kresge Court on June 14. In a press release sent out by the DIA, it said the area would include, “new seating, lighting, and easy technology access for visitors.” Bradford Frost led the project of redesigning the area and Patrick Thompson designed the room. Frost is a Detroit Revitalization Fellow at the DIA, and he said that the idea for redesigning the Kresge Court for a more modern and sociable area started in the fall of 2011. Frost said the DIA had the option to apply for a grant with ArtPlace America, which is a company that does creative place thinking in cities and towns all across the country. ArtPlace chose Frost’s project as one of forty-seven grantees out of 2,300 applications nationally. According to Frost, the idea they wrote for ArtPlace was called the “Cultural Living Room” and from trying to think about how to reimagine Kresge Court for local residents, students, and professionals to frequent and to come and have meetings, work, study, reflect, and connect with others. Another reason why Frost wanted to redesign the DIA is to increase the amount of visitors year round.
He wanted to redesign the Kresge Court, as well as other parts of the DIA, to make the institute a place that people visited like “your favorite coffee shop” and not just a place someone would visit once or twice in a year. The old Kresge Court, Frost said, used to have old ballroom-style furniture that was frequently moved and rearranged based on programs or rentals, but now, the area has more modern furniture. “We completely transformed the furniture plan; it has different spaces for working, dining, meeting and connecting with others. So there’s totally transformed furniture plan, totally transformed technology access to increase WiFi, new audio systems, and new lighting.” Frost also said that were some organizational changes to the court room as well. He said the court will no longer be closed for private events, due to the new rules. “The space is always open to the public during public hours. And if you’re having an event, you have to use the floor plan as it’s laid out,” Frost said. Hopefully, these new changes are going to bring in more visitors to do what they would normally do at their favorite bookstore or coffee shop. “I think, already, the first few weeks, the change has led to a lot more frequent use. You see more people studying there, having quick
4 I JULY 3 - JULY 10, 2013 I THESOUTHEND.WAYNE.EDU
meetings, grabbing a quick bite to eat from local business,” Frost said. “I think we are seeing a real change in the overall use and volume of people coming in. There is a mix of people coming in, there are students coming in, and there are professionals grabbing coffee or having lunch together. I know I have seen some of the local business owners, that are from the Park Shelton for example, coming in and having meeting with colleagues,” Frost said. Two residents, who live in the Park Shelton, Victoria Yu and John Turner, visited the Kresge Court for the first time. They said it is a nice change from their typical local coffee shop. Yu, who comes to the DIA to visit the artwork all the time, said it is nice to see that Kresge is “soaked in art.” Both also agreed that they could definitely see themselves coming to the court more often. Annmarie Erickson, the executive vice president and chief operating officer of the DIA, said she absolutely loves the new look of the Kresge Court. “I think that it is such a pleasant spot to sit, and eat, and drink, and talk to people for friendly reasons or business reasons. I think it really honors one of the most beautiful spaces in the museum, and it’s being used exactly like we hope it would,” Erickson said. She said that they wanted to
change it because the space did not really honor how beautiful of a space it was. “We felt like people didn’t really feel like they were comfortable here,” Erickson said. “Now people come in they sit down and do work, they have coffee they read. That is what we wanted to see.” Jennifer Goulet, works for a state-wide organization, and said she is always on the move and does not always get to come into the court area. She said that she really likes the way the design has made it feel more welcoming for people. Two more residents, Tom and Phyllis Henderson, who haven’t been to the DIA in over a year, said they liked the new change to the court. “I enjoyed walking through, I think it’s a much better display than what it used to be,” Henderson said. In addition to the new Kresge Court, Frost also said they will also be building a new picnic area on the Woodward facing side of the DIA. He said that he wants people to come and recognize it as a place to hang out and enjoy art as well. The hours of the DIA are Tuesday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday through Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets for the DIA are $8 for adults, $6 for seniors, $5 for college students, $4 for youth. Wayne, Oakland, Macomb county members admission is free.
A&E
Detroit MCs SPIT it out Local web series gives artists a stage SOPHOCLES SAPOUNAS Contributing writer SPIT is a brand new web-series based in Detroit that was conceived by Riggs Webb, a local videographer and recent graduate of Specs Howard. The show was set in motion by Malcolm Walker (a.k.a DJ Bleek). According to Riggs, SPIT showcases local talent in the art of the cipher. MCs are encouraged to not only rhyme, but to try and instill their personality into their lyrics and flow. Backed by the music provided by DJ Bleek, the participants gather in various locales chosen by producer Jack Drose in the Detroit/Hamtramck area. The stage is set by host and cyphermaster Terry Minor (a.k.a Row), who prompts the switch between the artists’ freestyle by shouting “SPIT” at random intervals.
OP-ED
An episode consists of two or three rounds, and is usually five to eight minutes in length. Created as an outlet for local talent, SPIT has grown into a small community where artists get to know each other, and hone their respective arts. However it is not just about the lyrical weavings of the MCs, but the music as well. “DJ Bleek is the man when it comes to hip-hop, new and old,” Riggs said. “He spins the type of tracks that can challenge an MC to go beyond what they normally may spit to.” It is this symbiotic relationship between beats and words that makes up the backbone of SPIT and the result is unique every time. The series can be watched on YouTube on the SPIT: Detroit channel and is six episodes deep. DJ Bleek was kind enough to answer some questions about the origins, and
the direction of SPIT. Why did you decide to do SPIT? “As a DJ, I take pride in familiarizing people with artists, especially locally. My videographer, Riggs, also known as Rx Filmz, had an idea for a cypher series, invited me to help put the plan in motion and we built from there. There was no way I could pass the opportunity up.” I recall it’s in the first season, how far are you trying to take it? “Yes, currently we are in the first season. As a group, we plan to take it as far as the supporters and participants want to take it. I feel like we have something solid, unique and genuine. With that, I feel that the possibilities are endless. We’re going to take it one step at a time, but expansion is definitely in our plans.” How long does a season last? “That’s the fun of SPIT... we have our
plan, but nothing is set in stone. We do what feels right. The first season could last for the summer or through the year. Who knows? Has SPIT found a new venue, or is it still in the works? Yes and yes. SPIT:Detroit has been welcomed and have shot at two local boutiques. DSE Detroit, which is downtown off of E.Grand River and The Local Collective on the corner of 7 Mile and Livernois on Detroit’s west side. We’re open and appreciate all offers to shoot at local shops, stores and buildings. The more the merrier. Is there a specific way someone can get on the show to be featured as one of the artists? Yes, anyone interested in being featured on SPIT: Detroit can be submit mp3 and/or videos to spit313@gmail. com.
More than skin deep Documentary sheds light on topic of skin tone
JAMILAH JACKSON The South End Th e d o c u me nta r y “ Da r k G i r ls ” brough t th e i ssu e o f li g h t s ki n v er s u s d a r k sk i n to t h e fo r efr o n t . Th e mo v i e h as b o n e-ch i lli n g i n ter vi e w s th at i nc lud e t a le s o f s elfhatr e d and l o a th i n g . For y e ar s, p e o ple i n t h e A fr i ca n Amer i c an c o m m un i t y h a ve d e b a t ed whe th e r th e c o l o r o f y o ur s ki n i s valu abl e . W a tc h i ng “ D ar k G i r ls ” o pen e d my e y e s to so ma n y t h i n g s ( a l thou gh I w as ne ve r n a ï ve t o t h e deb ate ) . I t w a s h a r d to wa t ch t h e s e b ea u tif ul d ar k sk i nne d wo m e n t a lk abo u t th e i r str u g g le s wi t h t h e i r s k in to ne . I’v e a lwa y s wa n t ed t o have th at sm o o th ch o co la t e s ki n . He ar i ng th e nam e s peo ple ca lle d thes e w o me n, su ch a s m ud d uck, made m e c r i nge . O n e wo uld t h i n k
t h i s c am e from pe ople of anothe r r a ce b ut it cam e from black pe ople . I n t he docum e ntary, m e n s pe ak a b o ut w he the r the y w ould date a li g h t s kinne d or dark s kinne d wo m an. A young m an, w hos e ide n t i t y i s ke pt s e cre t, talks about how h e would ne ve r date a dark s kinne d g i r l b ecaus e dark s kinne d girls are mean. O t he r m e n fe ature d in this s e c t i o n c ounte re d the young m an’s a r g um e nts by s aying the y rathe r d a t e a dark s kinne d w om an be ca us e the darke r the s kin, the m ore t h e wom an re s e m ble s royalty. A s a black w om an that com e s fr o m a fam ily w he re all s kin tone ca n b e s e e n, I don’t think I ’ve e ve r s t r ug g le d w ith thinking m y lighte r s ki n n e d cous ins w e re be tte r than me. A s I continue d to vie w the m ovie , I a s ked m ys e lf “W hy is s kin tone s o i m po rtant? ”
Eve n now , w he n m y f a ther jok es around and s ays I ’m l i gh t sk i n , I com bat his s tate m e nt b y cl a i mi n g I am dark s kin. W hy does i t b other m e that m y dad think s I’m l i gh t s kin? Why do I find a h i gher v a l u e in having darke r s kin? U nfortunate ly, I ca n ’t a n swer thos e que s tions for you . I don ’t know w hy I w ant to ha v e a sk i n n ed tone that re s e m ble s t ha t of my gorge ous ly dark s kin b oyf ri en d. It m ay s te m from m y m oth er’s con s tant re m inde r of how b ea u ti f u l my s um m e r (us ually tanned) sk i n i s. A s I grow olde r and I sta rt to think about w hat I wi l l tea ch my childre n about s kin t on e, i t sca res m e . I know I w ill te ach my da u gh te r to love he rs e lf no ma tter wha t he r s kin tone is . My fe ar com e s from th e thou gh t of having a s on. D o I tea ch my son that the darke r the s ki n , th e b et te r? Will I be ups e t if h e ev er sa ys
he pref ers l i gh t sk i n n ed women ? How do I respon d to th a t? I don ’t k n ow wh y sk i n ton e h a s b ecome su ch a n i mporta n t topi c i n th e Af ri ca n -Ameri ca n commu n i ty. Wa tch a s I ex pl ore the topi c f or mysel f . Th e Sou th E n d ha s gi v en me the pl a tf orm to ex pl ore a topi c so cl ose to my hea rt. Not on l y wi l l I pi ck the b ra i n s of da rk sk i n n ed women , b u t I wi l l a l so spea k to women of a l i ghter compl ex i on a s wel l , l ea rn i n g a b ou t th ei r f eel i n gs towa rds the stereo types th a t come a l on g wi th l i ght sk i n v ersu s da rk sk i n . I tha n k the di rectors a n d produ c ers of “Da rk Gi rl s,” D. Cha n n si n Berry a n d Bi l l Du k e, f or open i n g u p th e con trov ersi a l topi c. M y “Da rk Gi rl s” i n spi red mi n i -seri es wi l l docu men t n ot on l y th e l i v es of oth ers b u t, a l so my own sel f di scov ery of the col ori sm wi th i n my ra ce.
THESOUTHEND.WAYNE.EDU I JULY 3 - JULY 10, 2013 I 5
FEATURES COMMUNITY
PHOTOS BY KRISTIN SHAW/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Homegrown nonprofit tackles blight LYNN LOSH Contributing Writer Across the lawn from the old train station, a nonprofit group is working to revitalize a small area in hopes of making a change within the city. The Imagination Station adopted two historic homes adjacent to Roosevelt Park. The nonprofit’s Facebook page best describes their mission statement: “The Imagination Station of Roosevelt Park will be a catalyst for change in Detroit. With community engagement and new, creative uses of the internet as its cornerstones, the Imagination Station of Roosevelt Park will seek and implement innovative solutions to Detroit’s economic, community and cultural challenges.” Jeff DeBruyn, Jerry Paffendorf and Mary Lorene Carter founded the Imagination Station in 2010. The trio purchased two historical homes, affectionately dubbing them “Lefty” and “Righty.” The original idea was to restore one or both of the homes, and turn them into a media center and art gallery. Unfortunately, a fire last summer put the plans up in smoke, leaving the homes too damaged to restore. “The whole idea was to physically transform the space just south of Roosevelt Park. We are (now) in the process of tearing down the abandoned homes and letting artists come in and reinterpret the space,” said Brandon Walley, the director of development. The campus currently consists of the two skeletal homes and the three lots next to them. “We’re working on keeping the neighborhood active. Corktown is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Detroit, and there’s already an interest in the area,” Walley said. Last fall, students from a Lawrence Tech sculpture class built a 17-hole putt-putt golf course on the campus. The course is called Roosevelt Par and is still unfinished, but it is playable. There are student-made, wooden putters and golf balls. The course is free to the public. “The name Imagination Station is a play on words,” Walley said. “It’s like imagining what the station and neighborhood could be.” The area’s potential is limitless, and the station is more than willing to hear ideas from the public. “We want to engage the community and let them decide. We’re open to ideas. We’re constantly asking interested people ‘What are your ideas?’ It’s kind of like the more the merrier,” Walley said. A main goal of the station is to bring more
culture and art into the city. They have a broad idea of what they want to do, but are willing to let artists shape it. “We’re trying to make it more inviting, more like a pocket park, an extension of Roosevelt Park. We want to make it a place where people can relax and enjoy local art,” Walley said. The project has garnered attention from various people and artists alike, even some from different countries. “We’ve had artist residency. DARE-DARE, a group from Montreal, came in and did the mural on the side of Roosevelt Hotel, and had an outdoor film projector. They (conducted) artist talks about their program and how it relates to Detroit and local artists,” Walley said. “The idea of the trip was an artistic exchange between two cities. They’re really interested in artists coming to the city and continuing the city exchange.” The city of Detroit, with all of its wear and tear, does have its gems, and the Imagination Station is aiming to highlight this,as well as add to it. “There’s great things and changes happening in the city. What I love is (when) you don’t just go on the ruin tour. You show them the little businesses and the art, and nine times out of 10, they fall in love with it,” Walley said. Walley, a former Wayne State student, is a filmmaker, but has been involved in nonprofits around the city. He is also the program director at Corktown Cinema. The team at the Imagination Station is involved with a multitude of other projects. Founders Carter and Paffendorf run Loveland Technologies, which develops crowd funding and social mapping systems. Crowd funding is the main way that the Imagination Station raises money for their projects, through sites such as kickstarter.com. One of the bigger projects the Imagination Station has fundraised is a RoboCop statue. “A city also needs culture and art. There is a place in Detroit for a $60,000 RoboCop statue that people all over the world helped to pay for. It’s about to come over from California, and probably around this time next year we’ll install it,” Walley said. The station is also funded by individual donations and business sponsors, but most of the work is done by volunteers. Interested people from the area come to help clean up the area around the homes and the homes themselves. Though the Imagination Station has gone through obstacles in the short time since it began, it is still pushing forward to make an impact on Detroit. “The campus is always in evolution,” Walley said.
6 I JULY 3 - JULY 10, 2013 I THESOUTHEND.WAYNE.EDU
FEATURES SPORTS
DCFL kicks-off season fans, players gather for good-natured fun NICOLLETT BARBARA WARCZAK Contributing writer The Detroit City Futbol League’s fourth annual summer season began on two beautiful city landmarks on May 28. Parallel to each other, both Belle Isle and Fort Wayne are transformed weekly into openair arenas that welcome players and fans to a private paradise. The charming island of Belle Isle welcomes the soccer community with a windows-down, slow coastline roll towards the fields, and the haunting architecture of Fort Wayne is a true display of our city’s history. The DCFL is made up of students, artists, and residents from 32 distinguished neighborhoods across the city that have joined together for the love of the game, and the reason for the DCFL’s unity has proven to be individual craving for connection to the city. The consistency of the club has allowed Detroit residents to have some kind of routine in the city, and to be defined as members of an organization that is largely concerned with the developmental aspects of Detroit’s growing society. Building stronger communities through the game of soccer has started a large fan base within the different teams. These beginning years have allowed fans to accompany their neighborhoods and star players right on the sidelines, and the easy-going atmosphere makes every Tuesday a perfect summer night.
COMMUNITY
While the members of the DCFL are praised for their performance on the field, they also gain points for their contributions around the city. The members’ volunteer work is valued equally as important as their footwork, both types of points are awarded to teams at the end of the season. “I joined the team because I was interested in primarily playing soccer, but I kept coming back for the excellent environment that the DCFL made possible. This league does not only assemble great people to play a great game, it also builds everlasting relationships, and a great appreciation for the city of Detroit,” said Anne Cousins, Wayne State student and co-captain of the Eastern Market league. Regardless of what neighborhood you adore, and for whatever reason, you can find it represented in the league this year. The summer season runs until July 30 with games every Tuesday at Belle Isle and Fort Wayne from 6:30 until 8:30. On August 2 and 3 all qualifying teams play to win the final game and to be rewarded the COPA. After every game, a chosen neighborhood hosts an enjoyable night at a local bar where you can analyze the games with the players, admire the personalized jerseys, or end your night with a few celebratory drinks. Everyone in Detroit, from the inspired fans to those who don’t follow sports, is ready to cheer on the Detroit City Futbol League.
COURTESY MATTY FRANKLIN/EASTERN MARKET FC
Gallery nights celebrate hip-hop Activities empower women, youth
TAHMEED KAHN Contributing writer After moving to a new Midtown location, 5e gallery hosted its first official event on Jun. 8, 2013. After facing financial distress, the gallery, formerly located on Michigan Avenue, relocated to the corner of Forest and Cass. 5e gallery has done a tremendous job empowering the youth, and they host an event called The Foundation every Tuesday night to highlight the importance of women in hip-hop. The gallery hosts numerous familyfriendly events throughout the summer to keep the Midtown/Downtown area lively. Recently, the gallery has teamed up
with local group The Motor City Rockerz to throw their annual event called “Who Got Da Props” in efforts to raise money to further develop the Detroit youth, gallery, and dance community. The Motor City Rockerz is a local group that has impacted the city through more ways than just dancing. Through their partnership with 5e gallery, they have become an important staple to the Detroit community as they push to help promote good health, knowledge, and youth empowerment through hip-hop. The Motor City Rockerz and the 5e Gallery plan on organizing community events throughout the summer to bring in diversity to the Detroit area. Events such as “Who Got Da Props” are becoming consistent fixtures that
cater to all age groups and invite guests from out of town to come to the area. Such events also educate the youth on topics as they relate to hip-hop knowledge and positive youth culture. The world famous DJ Skeme Richards took part in this month’s “Who Got Da Props”, and dancers from all over the Midwest flocked to dance and support the Detroit community. DJ Skeme Richards, who resides in Philadelphia, is a very respected and well-known voice in the hip-hop community. After the event, Richards said, “One of the best things about hanging out in Motown yesterday was learning so much about the Detroit hip-hop scene and the pride the people take in their city.” The event itself is an annual event, which has brought a large number of
dancers and hip-hop enthusiast to visit and move into Detroit. The purpose of the event is to bring more people into the Detroit area, and do it with a positive attitude. The event bills itself as not only a chance for the local hip hop scene to dance, but also as a chance for the youth to learn and network with people from all over the state and region. 5e gallery has many programs that will take place through the course of the summer, such as beat making workshops for the youth, open mic nights, dance events, breakdance workshops, and discussions with knowledgeable community figures, as well as help the community events. For a detailed schedule, please check the official 5e website at www.5egallery.org.
THESOUTHEND.WAYNE.EDU I JULY 3 - JULY 10, 2013 I 7
SPORTS ONE IN A SERIES
FOOTBALL
Bears benefit from Detroit Connection WSU grad strengthens Chicago team as general manager ALLISON KOEHLER Contributing Writer When Phil Emery was hired as general manager of the Chicago Bears last year, he was certainly one of hundreds of Wayne State graduates to make an impact in his field. It was a long, significant journey to the top and Emery is grateful for each step taken. Emery has done a little bit of everything since the dawn of his football career that helped shape him into the GM that he is today. Aside from scouting and line coaching, he’s also served as the equipment manager, scout and team manager, as well as made travel arrangements and lined the fields. Jobs most would consider grunt work. Emery cherished those duties. “All those experiences helped in this role.,” Emery said. “Every one of them represents different administrative and organizational experiences; reading, learning, talking with others.” “Having been a strength and conditioning coach, it helped me tremendously. I learned that I was working for everybody. You’re part of everybody’s staff, so you learn people skills, establish rapport with them, and help them achieve their goals. “And that’s really what being a general manager is about. It’s about helping the organization; the players, coaches, staff, and everybody that works for the Bears, towards our goal to win championships.” Emery was a three-year letter winner as offensive lineman under Dick Lowry. Lowry said Emery was an “ideal student-athlete” who “wouldn’t be outworked by anybody.” And that holds true today. A student of the game, he is known for being one of the hardest workers in any front office. Emery’s blue collar qualities were inherited from his parents. His father, then a factory worker for General Motors, helped give Emery direction while he worked at GM for two summers. His variety of service industry jobs, and the intense labor of a factory worker, increased his motivation to earn his college degree. It’s clear Emery met the qualifications the organization was seeking in a new general manager. Former scouts are the sexy hires to take the reins of a team and its personnel. Much of the position focuses on draft picks, thus requiring finesse with drafting the best player that meets the foremost needs of the team. Known as “Doc” to scouts around the NFL , Emery is deemed meticulous, detailed, and tremendously loyal by his colleagues. Bears staff
from his first go-round recall him as “smart” and “extremely professional”.. He is also touted for his vast strengths in evaluating talent. Emery’s scouting style is similar to that of former colleagues Thomas Dimitroff (GM, Atlanta Falcons) and Scott Pioli (former GM, Kansas City Chiefs). Both men speak highly of his abilities in all aspects of the NFL. “When my best friend needed a director (of scouting), the first person I called about to recommend was Phil,” Dimitroff said in a previous interview. So it should’ve been no surprise when Kansas City’s Pioli snapped Emery up in 2010. “He’s one of the hardest workers I’ve ever been around,” Pioli said, echoing Dimitroff’s sentiments. “I can’t overemphasize the hard working part. He’s outstanding at his job.” Emery helped Kansas City win the AFC West title in 2010, the year one of the league’s top safeties , Eric Berry , was drafted. Emery would later pay Dimitroff’s recommendation forward when he heard former Warrior quarterback Mickey Berce was persistently pursuing a job in football. Emery knew all too well the shoes in which Berce stood. When Pioli was looking for a player personnel assistant, he recommended the former quarterback, and coincidentally was offered the job. Berce is now a scouting assistant for the Indianapolis Colts. During Emery’s tenure with the Atlanta Falcons, 2004-09, he worked his scouting magic helping to land quarterback Matt Ryan and receiver Roddy White. Atlanta advanced to the postseason twice, including a title game berth in 2004. Previously, as area scout, his first stint in Chicago saw the drafting linebackers Brian Urlacher and Lance Briggs, cornerbacks Charles Tillman and Nathan Vasher, receiver Marty Booker, safety Mike Brown, and defensive tackle Tommie Harris. All players were Pro Bowl members and Chicago won the NFC Central in 2001, its first division title since 1990 and first playoff appearance since 1994. The McCaskey family of owners must have been hoping for that same success Emery had as a scout to rub off onto his role as GM. Emery was one of five candidates to interview for the position, and he and Patriots director of pro personnel Jason Licht were the two finalists vying for the call. The Chicago Bears are one of the founding teams of the NFL, andEmery is only the sixth general manager in franchise history. This bodes well for Emery, and it says a lot about his work ethic, past history, and endurance. He is truly first-class. It will be some time before
number sievencomes along. As for his re-entering the Bears’ organization, Emery said, “I developed relationships, with the scouts in particular, because they were the ones who had been there more consistently through the years. “I also got to know team president (Ted Phillips) when I was there the last time. Having known the personnel, the organization, what they would be like, and the positive things that they brought, their expectation level – that helped.” As the highest-standing employee in the team’s personnel department, the life of an NFL general manager is an exhaustive one. Charged with the daunting tasks of the draft, hires and personnel moves that will essentially shape a franchise, general managers’ stress levels are undoubtedly high. Being media savvy is also a big bonus. At the conclusion of the 2012 season, seven GMs were fired – the most ever in league history. Nevertheless, being a general manager is a dream for most personnel. Whether GM was his goal when he set out, Emery has ultimately spent his career preparing for this role, now in his sophomore year. It took three decades of nose-to-the-grindstone hard work; from the college system to the pros. After WSU, he joined Central Michigan’s staff as graduate assistant (1981-82), before moving on to Western New Mexico for three seasons to become offensive line/strength and conditioning coach. He coached the defensive line at Georgetown College from 1984-85. Emery performed in the same capacity at Saginaw Valley State from 1985-87 before heading to Tennessee where he was assistant strength and conditioning coach. During his four years with the Volunteers, the team enjoyed back-to-back Southeastern Conference championships. His last collegiate stop landed him at the U.S. Naval Academy, where he was responsible for the Midshipmen’s development, administration and supervision of all strength and conditioning services. The team won the Aloha Bowl in 1986. Additionally, he managed to serve as an associate professor from 1991-98. In his first season as GM, Emery traded for three-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Brandon Marshall and signed unrestricted free agents RB Michael Bush, QB Jason Campbell, WR/ KR Eric Weems. Keeping with the Bears philosophy of “rewarding their own,” the team extended the contract of seven-time Pro Bowler Lance Briggs while resigning other key players. According to Forbes, the Chicago Bears are currently the eighth most valuable team in the
NFL, with $65 million in operating income and $286 million in revenue. In finding that missing piece of the puzzle after firing Lovie Smith, the organization spared no expense. There is no doubt that Emery is an extremely thorough individual, and the process of searching for a head coach to fill the shoes of Smith was no simple feat. Marc Trestman, former coach of the Canadian Football League’s Montreal Alouettes, was just the man for the job. “His success in the CFL is one of the primary reasons I hired him. He had demonstrated success as a head coach, having won two CFL championships,” Emery said. “To me, the level did not matter. Marc had accumulated skills over many years, and I was confident he could handle the transitions and changes. He’s been able to put it all together over time. “The primary relationship in the building has to be between the head coach and the quarterback. Quarterbacks are the focal point to that team; he has to be their leader, to bring his organization and his team toward the goal. So that relationship is paramount. “Marc has demonstrated time and time again his relationship with the quarterback. It goes beyond just his expertise as an offensive coach. It speaks toward his ability to foster that relationship and that role and still be a high quality head coach. He’s always been excellent at coaching quarterbacks. “Everybody in the organization is committed to winning championships. That’s the only acceptable goal in professional sports. You’re in it to win championships, to have success, to provide a level of success to everyone that supports the program. Marc had done that, and that separated him from 99.9 percent of the candidates. “He’s demonstrated that he has follow through; that he can keep it on track. He’s had all kinds of personnel in Montreal that he’s been able to keep it goal oriented and team oriented and people oriented throughout all those processes during his time as a head coach in Canada. “He also did that as an assistant coach,” Emery continued. “Every stop that he was at, he had individual success in raising the level of performance in players that he coached.” Sound familiar? Though many pundits have praised Emery for his selections in this year’s draft, we’ll have to wait until September to see if his aggressive moves this offseason will indeed pay off. No matter the Bears’ season, one thing is clear: If Phil Emery is involved, you’ve already won.
THESOUTHEND.WAYNE.EDU I JULY 3 - JULY 10, 2013 I 8