THE FORUM: April 2024

THE FORUM

The University of Arkanasas Little Rock’s Student Newspaper

NEWS TECH TEAMS UNITE

LRSD & UA Little Rock Shape the Future of the Technical Field

Little Rock School District students are preparing to set out on an educational and innovative adventure by partnering with the University of Arkansas - Little Rock and LRSD.

This team-up will see UA Little Rock’s emerging Analytics Center or EAC joining forces with LRSD students at the Metropolitan career-technical Center or “Metro” to take aim at acing advanced technical skills.

Little Rock School District Superintendent, Dr. Jermall Wright, emphasizes

Story: Bryce Colvert

the significant role that partnerships like this serve in preparing students for the world of higher education and even the workforce.

“We firmly believe that collaboration with industry leaders, community stakeholders and educational institutions is paramount in furnishing our students with comprehensive and pertinent educational opportunities,” Wright says.

LRSD students will work in tandem with UA Little Rock’s EAC students and

faculty to receive mentorship and training in a multitude of digital programs such as Unity, 3D Studio Max, and Adobe Creative Cloud.

“This partnership will enable UA Little Rock students to communicate complex ideas effectively, enhancing their leadership, empathy and motivational abilities,” says Ann Bain, Provost of UA Little Rock

Regina Howard, an instructor at Metro, highlighted the value of the partnership during a tour of UA Little Rock’s

Donaghey College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics or DCSTEM.

Metro students got to participate in a pilot Intro to Project 360 course at EAC, learning to develop 360-degree virtual reality tours

Trelan Washington, a Little Rock Central High School senior, created a virtual reality tour of Metro’s automotive classroom, learning valuable tech skills.

“Through this project, I learned a great deal,” says Washington. “I became more familiar with Unity and the C# language. I also gained insights into GitHub and the importance of backing up your work.”

Washington’s impressive abilities and dedication went far from unnoticed.

“His commitment to academic excellence has always been exceptional,” commented Howard. “While working on Project 360, Tre has transitioned from being reserved to being more assertive in expressing his opinions and advocating for solutions.”

Washington announced his decision to attend UA Little Rock in the fall, showcasing the impact of the partnership in shaping students’ futures.

THE SLOW MARCH OF CAMPUS CONSTRUCTION: A PATIENT PURSUIT OF PROGRESS

Story: Adison Cummings

As we sit patiently, approaching another finals season and still wondering why we have to dodge fences, we wonder what is taking so long. Originally meant to be completed in December of 2023, the construction is not set to be complete fully until December 2024. Definitely a devastating message to all students still attempting to navigate the maze of construction. However, through the gaps of the fencing and the black fabric, one can notice there is a significant change, especially on the side of campus by EIT and the Business building. The

concrete has been poured and fences are starting to be taken down for students to enjoy the newly tiled walkway that runs through the center of campus. However you won’t get far because the fences are still up past the fine arts building. Some of the projects have finished fully, such as the Alumni patio project, which actually provides a much needed update to the site of the building, as well as a nice site to see for students entering the property from that entrance. As construction progresses, they will open up future parts of the pathway that are completed, however, the

library plaza seems nowhere near finished so we will have to wait and see when it opens up. It has become harder to adjust now due to the fencing changing more rapidly, especially with the closing of the pathway by the library and the physics building, but the fine arts building does have a larger opening with a much easier way through. Something that has arisen that will be interesting to see how campus addresses the issue that is arising on the bridge up to ETAS. If you have walked across the bridge, its obvious that the bridge has some issues, especially with the warping

of the boards. However, now there is a portion of the bridge sagging much further than one would want a bridge to sag. Campus has placed construction cones to act as a warning but the rest of the bridge will definitely need some updating. As we move into the fall semester, hopefully campus will be much easier to navigate with the work they get done over the summer. As for the seniors graduating, you’ll always remember the maze that campus has become.

Arkansas Drivers License Emergency Rule

Story: Emily Wells

In March 2024, the Arkansas Legislative Council’s executive subcommittee approved the emergency rules for a new policy in Arkansas that will eliminate the option to select “X” instead of male or female on driver’s licenses and government-issued identification cards. Arkansans are now required to put the gender listed on their original or amended birth certificate on their driver’s license. This policy

comes after Gov. Huckabee Sanders signed an executive order banning gender-neutral language in state documents.

The practice of including the option of “X” has been in place since 2010, but only about 500 of the 3.1 million active license-holders in Arkansas have that designation.

An emergency rule for a policy is defined as a temporary rule that is put in place in response to an imminent peril

to public health, safety or welfare. These policies are given expedited Governor or Legislature approval, but they are not given public hearings.

Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders was quoted as saying, “This policy is just common sense. Only women give birth, men shouldn’t play women’s sports and there are only two genders. As long as I’m governor, Arkansas state government

will not endorse nonsense.” The emergency rules will be in place for 120 days while permanent policies are being worked on. The permanent policies will go through a public comment process.

MARCH & APRIL CRIME BEAT

Story: Rian Newman

Welcome Forum Readers! We are back with another crime beat where I expose the mysterious and dark underbelly of UA Little Rock campus crime.

April

Speeding on Asher

At 3:45 am on April 7, 2024, Officer Steevan Novero observed a speeding vehicle heading west on Asher. Sergeant Christopher Rodgers clocked the speed of the vehicle to be 52 miles per hour, 12 miles over the speed limit.

The officers made contact with the driver who was identified. They noticed an open can of beer in the console of the vehicle. The beer can was taken out of the vehicle and placed on the car’s roof.

According to the narrative of Officer Steevan Novero, the driver showed no apparent signs of impairment such as watery or bloodshot eyes, and no odor of any intoxicants. Both officers decided not to conduct any field sobriety tests. They requested the individual to provide the officers with their license and insurance which they were unable to produce. The individual was cited for speeding, no proof of insurance, no driver’s license, and open container according to Pulaski County Citation #143240.

The individual’s relative came to the scene to drive them home and their car was left at the Edwards Food Giant parking lot.

Bacon Grease Sets Off Fire Alarm

On April 5th, 2024, the Triple S Alarm company placed a call to UA Little Rock Police regarding a fire alarm that went off in South Hall. What’s new?

The Little Rock Fire Department was also called, and they arrived on the scene along with Officer Kenneth Woods.

They went to the room and the occupation explained to the officers that he was cooking with old bacon grease which set off the alarms. The Little Rock

Fire Department cleared the room and reset the fire alarm.

Towed Vehicle in Lot 13

On April 5th, 2024, Officer Solomon Winterz responded to a call to lot 13, where he arranged for the towing of a Honda Odyssey that had been abandoned for three months. Asher Wrecker came and towed the vehicle away.

Burnt Cooking Sets Off Fire Alarm

Early morning of April 6th, 2024 Officer Chester Mays was dispatched to North Hall regarding the fire alarm going off.

When he arrived, he met with the Little Rock Fire Department and they went to the mechanical room to see which room the fire alarm was going off.

According to the narrative of Officer Mays, upon arriving at the dorm room, he observed smoke coming from the kitchen and realized it was from burnt food.

The fire department checked the other rooms and then opened up the windows to clear out the smoke with a fan. The fire alarm was reset and Captain Ware gave the all-clear to leave.

Village Party Gets Shut Down

On April 4th, 2024 Officer Chester Mays received a radio call about a loud music complaint over at the Village.

According to Officer Mays’ narrative, he arrived at the scene and went to the apartment where he could hear loud music.

After several knocks a person answered the door. Officer Mays told all the partygoers that they needed to leave and told the D.J. to turn down the music.

The resident of the apartment came forward and asked what was going on. The officer told the resident that it was quiet hours and the party needed to come to an end.

When Officer Mays entered, he observed several

liquor bottles and beer cans throughout the apartment.

The officer also noticed that the bar stools that sit on the balcony and the ottoman were thrown on the grass outside along with trash on the ground. The resident claimed that they did not know where all the people came from and did not know the university rules regarding parties.

Officer Mays asked for dispatch to send out the resident assistant to assess the damage. Once the R.A. arrived they explained that they received a noise complaint earlier in the evening about the apartment.

They went and told them to turn down the music. At the time, they complied with the warning but several minutes later the music was turned up again. Officer Mays estimates the damage to the university property at approximately $200.

March

Vehicle Breaking and Entering

On March 27, 2024, Officer Winterz received a call from dispatch regarding a car break-in. Officer Winterz made contact with the victim in the Student Services Center roundabout and led them to Lot 1 to further investigate.

The victim explained that they left their car unlocked due to a malfunction preventing them from being able to lock it on the driver’s side.

They had noticed that their belongings were scattered throughout the vehicle. Several personal items were missing including their backpack, purse, headphones, and important identification documents.

There is no further information at this time.

Intoxicated

Driver on Campus

In the early morning hours of March 27th Corporal C. Rodgers and Patrol Officer C. Ewell observed a four-door black car turn northbound on 30th Street into Lot 15 on the UA Little Rock campus.

After noticing the erratic driving, the officers turned on their emergency lights to initiate a traffic stop. The driver parked and the officers approached the vehicle.

Immediately they noticed the smell of intoxicants and the driver’s bloodshot and watery eyes. Corporal C. Rodgers stated the reason for the stop and requested their license, insurance, and registration.

The officer had to repeat himself three times before the driver produced their registration.

Corporal C. Rodgers returned to his police vehicle and asked dispatch to run the driver through ACIC and NCIC for any wants and warrants. After it was confirmed that they had no wants and warrants, he returned to the subject’s vehicle.

He asked the driver if they had anything to drink, and they replied, “Not enough to make me drunk.”

He then asked the driver to step out of the vehicle to conduct Standard Field Sobriety Tests to make sure they were safe enough to drive. When asked how much they had to drink, they said 2 to 3 beers.

After performing the tests, it was concluded that the individual had a blood alcohol level over the legal limit of 0.08%. The driver was then placed under arrest for DWI and transported to the University Police Main Department to fill out paperwork and to contact agencies to get a certified BAC (Blood Alcohol Concentration) operator.

Arkansas State Police send a trooper out to assist and transport the suspect to Pulaski County Detention Center. After testing the suspect’s sample, the results stated their blood alcohol level was at 0.15%.

According to the narrative of Corporal Christopher Rodgers, an Arrest and Disposition report was filled out and the suspect was charged with DWI §5-65-103, Careless

and prohibited driving §27-51-104, as well as Failure to notify a change of address §27-16-506. There is nothing further to report at this time.

Criminal Trespass

At 2:19 AM on March 26th, Officer Christian Ewell and Corporal Christopher Rodgers observed two individuals behind bushes on the south side of the University Plaza parking lot. After making contact with the two individuals, they were informed they were loitering on campus property and were asked to identify themselves.

Corporal Rodgers requested dispatch to run them through NCIC (National Crime Information Center) to check for any outstanding warrants and wants.

Officer Chester Mays was unable to get a valid return so Officer Ewell was asked by Corporal Rodgers to go to the dispatch center, while Officer Mays assisted with the subjects.

While at dispatch, they were able to locate subject 1 and discovered they had an active felony absconder warrant out of the Arkansas Board of Parole. When Officer Ewell went back to the scene, the two subjects were in handcuffs. After a pat down, they were both placed in the patrol vehicle.

However, after finding out that subject 2 had no outstanding warrants, they were let go, issued a trespass warning, and told not to return to campus.

Subject 1 was transported to the main police department until Pulaski County Detention Center could be contacted to see if they would hold the subject on the warrant.

They were advised that

without any new charges, they would not hold on the warrant. The subject was released from the handcuffs and placed outside the police department. They were given a criminal trespass warning and told not to return to campus.

Lot 2 Intruder: Another Car Break-in Strikes Campus

On March 21st, the victim came into the Department of Public Safety to report their car had been broken into. The victim explained that they parked in the EV charging spot in the Lot 2 meter at approximately 11:45 am.

They went to the library and at 12:15 returned to get their lunch. They realized their car was broken into because the center console was open and several items were gone. These items included a Bluetooth speaker, Hydro Flask, some cash, a gym bag, and prescription medication. The victim was not sure if they locked their car.

Officer Aaron Birmingham examined the car and noticed no signs of forced entry. There were minor scratches on the outer frame of the driver’s door, but the victim was not sure if they were new.

At this time there is no further information.

Former Disgruntled Baseball Player’s Disruptive Visit Sparks Concern

On March 12, 2024, Officer Joshua Webb was called into Chief Carter’s office regarding a phone call made by UA Little Rock Head Baseball Coach Chris Curry.

Coach Curry wanted to report that a former player went to Hogan Field to

have a discussion with him.

Curry said it was reported to him this former player confronted a recruit who was on an official visit. The former player made disparaging remarks regarding the program.

According to Officer Webb’s narrative, Curry said that the former player was dismissed from the team six years ago and had a non-favorable attitude toward him and the program.

Coach Curry wanted to report the indecent in case the former player came back again and the behavior continued. He then described the subject’s vehicle.

At this time, there is no further information.

Harassment at Dickinson Hall

On March 5, 2024, Officer Christian Ewell and Desiree Williams were dispatched to Dickinson Hall concerning a harassment report. They made contact with the victim and they explained the incident.

Around 12:45, the victim knowingly parked illegally behind Dickinson Hall in front of the loading dock door.

When they came back to their car, they noticed a parking ticket in their window. As they were backing out to leave, a man on a golf cart pulled up behind her, blocking her in. The victim sat there a minute, but the man would not move nor did he say anything to them.

So, the victim stepped out of the car and asked the man to move. The man asked, “Who do you think you are?” the victim then started to look around for witnesses outside, when he stated, “You need

to stop parking illegally.” He still did not move after saying this. The victim took out their phone and began taking pictures, and they were able to identify him later. The victim also stated that a similar encounter occurred with this same man a week ago.

Unauthorized Intruder at East Hall

At 12:21 AM on March 18, 2024, Officer Chester Mays received a call from dispatch regarding a male subject walking around the building at East Hall. upon arrival, the officer noticed the subject with two resident assistants.

When asked what was he doing on campus, he claimed he was working. The subject had an I.D. badge clipped to his shirt. It was later found out that this I.D. did not belong to him. It was confiscated and put in the dispatch center.

Corporal Rodgers and Officer Ewell came to assist. After correctly identifying the subject, he was issued a criminal trespass warning and advised to not return to campus. What an eventful past couple of months! From disgruntled former players coming to stir up some trouble, to car break-ins and criminal trespassers. Remember to always call DPS if you ever feel unsafe or notice any suspicious activity. Their number is (501) 916-3400.

I hope finals treat everyone well! As always, stay safe and stay pretty! Xoxo, The Forum Crime Beat

Via Pexels

APRIL IS NATIONAL POETRY MONTH

Story: Skylar Boone

“LET US TURN TO POETS TO PORTRAY US AS WE ARE—OUR TIMES, AND OUR WAYS OF LIFE” said Marie Bullock, founder of the Academy of American Poets in 1934. Eight years after her passing in 1986, the Academy of American Poets designated April as National Poetry Month. National Poetry Month has become the most celebrated literary event in the United States, due in large part to the Academy’s continued support and funding of poetry initiatives in schools and libraries across the country. To take part in this celebration, some staff members of The Forum wanted to share their favorite poems with you.

Val Bell-O, writer and photographer for The Forum, says that Maya Angelou’s “Phenomenal Woman” is her favorite poem, “it excused a woman’s confidence within herself.” The poem is as follows:

“Pretty women wonder where my secret lies.

I’m not cute or built to suit a fashion model’s size

But when I start to tell them, They think I’m telling lies. I say,

It’s in the reach of my arms, The span of my hips, The stride of my step, The curl of my lips, I’m a woman

Phenomenally.

Phenomenal woman, That’s me.

I walk into a room

Just as cool as you please, And to a man, The fellows stand or Fall down on their knees. Then they swarm around me, A hive of honey bees. I say,

It’s the fire in my eyes, And the flash of my teeth, The swing in my waist, And the joy in my feet.

I’m a woman

Phenomenally.

Phenomenal woman, That’s me.

Men themselves have wondered What they see in me. They try so much

But they can’t touch My inner mystery.

When I try to show them, They say they still can’t see. I say,

It’s in the arch of my back, The sun of my smile, The ride of my breasts, The grace of my style.

I’m a woman

Phenomenally.

Phenomenal woman, That’s me.

Now you understand Just why my head’s not bowed, I don’t shout or jump about Or have to talk real loud. When you see my passing, It ought to make you proud. I say,

It’s in the click of my heels, The bend of my hair, the palm of my hand, The need for my care.

’Cause I’m a woman

Phenomenally.

Phenomenal woman, That’s me.”

Emily Wells’—editor, writer, and photographer— favorite poem is “Dulce et Decorum est” by Wilfred Owen. Wells says that “This poem criticizes a poem by the Roman poet Horace, which says that ‘it is sweet and fitting to die for one’s country.’ ‘Dulce et Decorum Est’ was written by a soldier in WWI who died in the trenches. He wrote about his experiences, and the horrific reality of the war. It was published posthumously.”

The poem is as follows: “Bent double, like old beggars under sacks, Knock-kneed, coughing like hags, we cursed through sludge, Till on the haunting flares we turned our backs,

And towards our distant rest began to trudge.

Men marched asleep. Many

had lost their boots,

But limped on, blood-shod. All went lame; all blind;

Drunk with fatigue; deaf even to the hoots

Of gas-shells dropping softly behind.

Gas! GAS! Quick, boys!—An ecstasy of fumbling

Fitting the clumsy helmets just in time,

But someone still was yelling out and stumbling

And flound’ring like a man in fire or lime.—

Dim through the misty panes and thick green light,

As under a green sea, I saw him drowning.

In all my dreams before my helpless sight, He plunges at me, guttering, choking, drowning.

If in some smothering dreams, you too could pace

Behind the wagon that we flung him in,

And watch the white eyes writhing in his face,

His hanging face, like a devil’s sick of sin;

If you could hear, at every jolt, the blood

Come gargling from the frothcorrupted lungs,

Obscene as cancer, bitter as the cud

Of vile, incurable sores on innocent tongues,—

My friend, you would not tell with such high zest

To children ardent for some desperate glory,

The old Lie: Dulce et decorum est

Pro patria mori.”

Kaitlin Jackson, a writer for The Forum says that “My favorite poem is Gwendolyn B. Bennet’s ‘Fantasy’ because I love the dreamlike writing and imagery, and I like how hopeful the poem is.” The poem is as follows:

“I sailed in my dreams to the Land of Night

Where you were the dusk-eyed queen,

And there in the pallor of moon-veiled light

The loveliest things were seen

A slim-necked peacock sauntered there

In a garden of lavender hues, And you were strange with your purple hair

As you sat in your amethyst chair

With your feet in your hyacinth shoes.

Oh, the moon gave a bluish light

Through the trees in the land of dreams and night.

I stood behind a bush of yellow-green

And whistled a song to the dark-haired queen …”

Rian Newman, marketing manager and writer, says that her favorite poem is an untitled spoken word piece by Joshua David (@joshuaslyfe on Instagram). “I like it because it shows the simple domestic side of love that we all crave. It took simple concepts and made them beautiful. I believe this type of love is something we all can’t wait to have,” said Newman. The poem is as follows: “That dress looks great on you. But I bet it would look even better on my bedroom floor… In fact, I think all of your clothes Would look better on my floor. Or spilling out of my dresser drawers, So I could pick them up and throw them in the laundry. And then I could fold them Or iron them when they’re clean. I’d like to find your mail in my mailbox and bring it in for you to read. I’d like to take cold showers So you can have all of the hot water you need. I would like to take clean mugs out of my dishwasher And put them in the cupboard. And then I would like to watch you drink from them the next morning. I’m not going to give you the moon or the entire world. Or anything crazy like that. But I will give you everything sane. Everything mundane. And everything plain.”

THE TRANS EXPERIENCE IN ARKANSAS

Story: Bryce Colvert

On Apr. 24 UA Little Rock students, faculty, and alumni gathered in a small room on the fifth floor of the Ottenheimer library to attend a panel lead discussion about experiences and challenges faced by the transgender community in Arkansas.

The panel gives attendees to ask about societal, legal, social, and even medical information and resources available for the trans community. This panel plays a budding role, as it is only the second such panel to occur at UA Little Rock outside of faculty training.

“We do training every fall and spring.” Says Sharon Downs, Assistant Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs for wellness and wellness and inclusion, “ We do for our training for employees, faculty and staff, you learn about how to be an ally to the LGBTQ community.”

The success of the panel

with the faculty and staff led to an idea that would ultimately stretch to involve students, faculty, and members of the community. Bringing this event to UA Little Rock students and faculty allied for a degree of recognition for diverse groups of people who may not always feel seen or represented on campus

“We always have as part of the training as the LGBTQ panel because it’s always been the highest rated part of the trainings because we get a chance to really hear what these people say,” Says Downs.

“So, this is a chance to get people to be able to interact with folks in a totally safe environment.”

With charged topics like this, respecting the privacy and integrity of participants is paramount. For this event, all questions are submitted beforehand so that no one has to identify themself

to ask a burning question.

There is also a policy in place to protect the shared experiences of the attendees and panelists, a take on the classic “Vegas rule” we all know and appreciate.

“You know, the Vegas rule is what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, right?” Downs says.

“The modified rule is the stories that are told in this room stay in this room, they belong to the people who try the stories. The modified part is we want to take everything you’ve learned from this time together and take it up with you in the world and share it.”

Riley Drown, a student who attended the panel found the information very useful and says this event will likely help her get more involved on campus.

“I believe that events like this are instrumental in allowing people to understand what trans and queer people

go through.” Drown says.

“Many friends around the university know someone who is trans but don’t know the struggles behind it. With events like this, the trans and queer student body is seen and better understood by their peers”

Drown was also happy to see trans success in her community, something she laments that she isn’t used to seeing.

“Seeing successful trans people in the community shows not just to other trans people but also to cis people that we are here.” Drown says.

“And I feel it’s especially important to trans students to see that there is a future where not only you can be successful”

Panels like this give cis and trans students alike a window into the perspective of other trans experiences, tools, and resources right here in their community. For more information on LGBTQ+ resources, perspectives, and campus spaces, please contact the campus safe zone through their email: safezone@ualr.edu

Bryce Colvert

ENTERTAINMENT

THE DARK SIDE OF CHILDRENS TV: A Review of Quiet on Set

Quiet on Set is a five part documentary series directed by Mary Robertson and Emma Schwartz. It is currently watchable on MAX and Discovery + streaming platforms. Its content hit widespread popularity as kids from the 90s watched their childhood shows unravel at the seams. If something within this series is triggering for you, it may be wise to avoid it.

The show heavily relies on those who have had negative experiences with Nickelodeon producer Dan Schneider. Schneider has been accused of creating a hostile work environment for both the writers and actors that would be in his productions. The show goes in chronological order for his timeline and we hear from two women writers, Christy Stratton and Jenny Kilgen, who discuss having to share wages illegally, as well as some of the

Story: Daneisha Whitaker

provocative things he would make them do as a “joke”.

As the series progresses, it begins to bring in the former child actors, who recall moments that made them uncomfortable or jokes they were forced to do that they did not agree with. Notably, it discusses a lot of the innuendos that could be seen throughout Schneider’s shows, such as crude and sexual jokes on Victorious, like Cat (Ariana Grande) having to inappropriately pour water on herself or squeeze a potato. We hear from a mother who talks about how her child would send emails to one of the crew members and his responses grew more and more inappropriate until she

put an end to them altogether.

The Amanda Show is also a topic within the series, discussing how there were obvious favorites within the cast and that if you were one of the creators’ favorites, you would get anything you wanted.

One woman, Raquel Lee Bolleau discusses how the crew was berated for getting her a birthday cake that was too large. As the docuseries continues, it goes deeper and deeper into the problematic environment that was created. Its penultimate discussion is when Drake Bell comes into the chair and

explains the abuse done to him by Brian Peck. It was clearly hard for Bell to vocalize what he experienced. Bell stated “think of the worst stuff that someone could do to somebody as a sexual assault. And that’ll answer your question.” It is gut wrenching to think about how shows we loved as children could be traumatizing for those who we watched. I think that this show is the tip of the iceberg for Hollywood and child actors. It’s eye opening and hard to watch, but their voices must be heard.

Whos the Big Three: J. Cole, Kendrick, and AI Drake?

Story: Avianna Kagler

Unless you’re a total recluse from society, or possibly too overwhelmed with the looming pressure from end of semester requirements, you most likely have heard of the burgeoning feud in the hip-hop industry between rap elites: Drake, Kendrick Lamar and J. Cole. I also must add, as an avid hip-hop aficionado, the order in which I listed the above artists holds no significance to my writing.

Now that that’s out of the way, the rap beef between the “Big Three” in the mainstream hip-hop arena began publicly with the release of Future & Metro Boomin’s “We Don’t Trust You” album on Mar. 22. The release contained a surprising feature from Kendrick (also known as K Dot, Kung Fu Kenny and just plain Dot) on the album’s chart-topping single “Like That.” The West Coast lyricist and Atlanta Veteran Future took social media and the airwaves by storm, with Kendrick’s controversial bar where he blatantly disrespected J. Cole and Drake by proclaiming himself as the rap g-o-d.

Hip-Hop has contained a competitive undertone from its inception in the “boogie down” Bronx, NY, in the late 1970s. This competitive spirit also emerged from rap duels in the 1990s and early 2000s, between the likes of West Coast icon Tupac Shakur and East Coast legend Notorious B.I.G. The 2000s shared similar lyrical controversy in the rap community between Jay-Z, Nas, T.I., Lil’ Flip, Gucci Mane and Jeezy. This supports my earlier commentary about how competition has always been an element of the rap game. However, artists of today have the gift and the curse of new technologies, like AI, to gain a creative edge over their opposition. This was most recently demonstrated by Drake, who used AI to his advantage with the release

of “Push Ups.” Drake has reigned supreme on the charts for over a decade. His never ending success has caught up with him, landing the rapper in the crossfire of this “Drake vs. Everybody” rap battle. Since the release of the “Like That” single this spring, we have received responses from rappers J. Cole, Drake, Kanye West and Rick Ross “The Boss,” who has established himself as a successful businessman outside of his music career.

When it comes to the “Big Three” that Kendrick royally dissed, he discredited the talent and star power of Drake and J. Cole, putting himself (obviously) at the top of the rankings. J. Cole’s response was in the form of an entire album titled “Might Delete Later” that was released on Apr. 5. The North Carolina MC received mixed reviews on this album, filled with subtle and not so subtle disses to Kendrick.

The Dreamville Founder later recanted his statements in the diss, “7 Minute Drill,” where he lyrically picked apart and criticized Kendrick’s

discography over the years. Fans were quickly humbled, but also empathized with Cole, who apologized for the diss and removed the track from all streaming platforms.

Those in favor of Cole quickly stood in allegiance with the rapper being on a “more elevated level spiritually” than his counterparts.

Cole’s quick response left no time to spare (or so we thought) for the juggernaut that is Drake, who didn’t respond until three weeks after the initial release of “Like That.”

The Toronto native cut deep with his words when he finally responded not once, but twice. He did so with the aforementioned “Push Ups,” which included AI verses from the deceased Tupac, and, very much alive, Snoop Dogg. This raised many questions in the music industry regarding music integrity.

Supporters of Drake view this as a strategic power move, placing the rapper in the forefront of innovation in the music industry by playing such a risqué move. Many argue that

it was tasteless, and goes against the authenticity that naturally derives from the creative process. Do you think others in the music industry will follow the trail blazer’s path? Drake is no stranger to posthumanism guest appearances; his song “Don’t Matter to Me” from his 2018 “Scorpion” album featured Michael Jackson. Of course “Push Ups” was fueled by malice and controversy, so it was not received favorably. Not having consent from Tupac’s Estate was adverse. However, as a fan I found it entertaining. Where do you see the uses of AI in the music industry going? Tennessee lawmakers recently enacted the E.L.V.I.S. (Ensuring Likeness Voices and Image Security) Act on March 21, 2024, for these exact reasons. From a marketing point of view, did Drake just catapult his fame by being a pioneer in showcasing the variation of AI usage for a song? I don’t know, but I’m looking forward to this summer in hip-hop with all three.

EXPLORING THE WASTELAND: A REVIEW OF THE

NEW FALLOUT TV SERIES

Story: Adison Cummings

Based on the hit games series, “Fallout,” which has multiple sequels, Prime Video has released a show entitled “Fallout.” Rapidly becoming a hit, the post apocalyptic series explores the wasteland of a vintage futuristic timeline where mutually assured destruction did not stop the bombs from dropping.

In a society where survival was monetized, we see the future where humans either survive in vaults designed by the company Vault Tec, or they survive in the wasteland, where radiation is not the only problem they encounter

200 years after the day the world was blown to bits.

The show specifically explores Vault 33, where they have lived in harmony and peace ever since the vault door sealed shut and cut them off from the surface. Lucy, a resident of Vault 33, petitions for a trade with Vault 32, a connecting vault, for husband. This request is granted, but things go bad when they realize Vault 32 was breached by raiders, and Lucy’s father is taken. This brings Lucy to an environment she has never encountered before on the search for her father, where

“Who We Are Now”

she meets Maximus, a knight in rusty armor, as well as a ghoul who has a familiar face. She also encounters a runaway scientist, some very interesting technology and a secret she was never meant to uncover.

Within the craters of what is left of civilization, Lucy will find life is not what she thinks it is, and the viewers will find out how truly terrible humans are. Each episode sitting at an hour long is filled with facts from the games as well as some quirky humor and some tense moments.

The final two episodes really connect everything together and will have you on

is a

the edge of your seat and your jaw on the floor. After your watchthrough, it’ll leave you questioning not only what’s next, but also humanity itself.

Whirlwind

Comingof-Age Story You Can Read in a Day

TW: Mentions of SA and substance abuse

I picked up “Who We Are Now (A Novel)” by Lauryn Chamberlain entirely on a whim, expecting it to just pass the time. I ended up not being able to put it down, finishing it in a day.

The book follows the stories of 4 friends over 15 years, starting the night before their college graduation in 2006. The story of each year is told through different characters’ point of view. (If you like this format, I recommend “Tell Me Lies” by Carola Lovering, although it is infuriating at times.)

There is not an exact conflict throughout the story – it’s more like a coming of age story. Over the span of the 15 years, different conflicts arise as the friends weave in

Story: Emily Wells

and out of each other’s lives. Each character – Dev, Rachel, Clarissa and Nate - deal with their own personal struggles like sexuality, substance abuse, sexual assault and family. All of the characters are learning how to navigate life after college, with jobs, relationships and friendships not turning out exactly how they planned.

The only problem I have with this book overall is that I wish there was more insight into the character’s minds, especially Clarissa and Nate. We get a glimpse of what they’re going through, but the book is relatively short to cover 15 years of four different people’s lives.

Another minor issue is that the book gives away the mystery before the book even starts. The book opens in 2018, where three of the characters

are at a funeral for the fourth character, but it doesn’t tell us who it is until towards the end. Except, spoiler alert, if you look at the table of contents, the name of the last chapter gives away who dies.

I think that this book was so striking to me because I graduate in a mere couple of weeks, and like everyone else, I have no idea what the future holds. And I’ve realized – that’s okay.

Even when you meticulously plan out each aspect of your life, you have to realize that ultimately, a lot of things are out of your control. And it’s okay if things don’t turn out exactly the way you planned. A story where you can guess the ending, with no twists and turns, isn’t a very good story.

I recommend this book to anyone that is scared of what the future holds. Although

the book is heartbreaking at times, it still weirdly reassures the reader that things will be okay. Everyone is navigating through life for the first time.

Book Review: “Portraits Without Frames” by Lev Ozerov

Story: Kaitlin Jackson

In honor of National Poetry Month, I decided to read one of my unread poetry collections. I had been wanting to read it for a while, so I decided to read it for this month’s book review. After reading through Lev Ozerov’s “Portraits Without Frames”, I’m glad I decided to pick up the collection!

Lev Ozerov’s “Portraits Without Frames” is a poetry collection that was edited by Robert Chandler and Boris Dralyuk. It was translated from Russian to English by the aforementioned editors alongside Maria Bloshteyn and Irina Mashinski.

Lev Ozerov, also known as Lev Adolfovich Goldberg, was a Soviet Jewish writer born in Kyiv, Ukraine on Aug. 10, 1914. Although Ozerov was involved in many different art forms, he was mainly known as a poet, essayist and translator.

Published posthumously, Ozerov’s “Portraits Without Frames” encompasses fifty imaginative and descriptive poems that offer glimpses into the lives of Soviet writers and their interactions with art, politics and daily life. It includes both renowned and lesser known writers, many of whom had interacted with or befriended Ozerov throughout his life.

The collection is separated into different categories: “The Poets,” “The Prose Writers,” “The Yiddish Poets,” “Soviet Ukraine,” “The Visual Artists” and “Music, Theater and Dance.” The collection concludes with a poem Ozerov wrote about his father.

In “Portraits,” a brief biography is included before

each poem about the writer. These biographies include the writers’ birthplace, their works and careers as writers, significant movements and events throughout their lifetime, their deaths and more. They’re essentially mini encyclopedias or brief narratives. Sometimes, lines and stanzas will have accompanying footnotes that add to the lore about the authors and the news. I think “Portraits” is unusual, mostly because I’ve never read poetry that seems more like a memoir with its topics; I will say, though, I think it would be a great inspiration for some of my own writing.

I was a bit conflicted about my enjoyment of the language in the poems. Usually, I prefer writing and reading poetry that has more decorative and pretty language, so I found myself hoping for something more when it came to the language. I like to see more imagery and metaphors, even if the poems have the occasional comparison or inference. This is a more personal matter, though, and I think other aspects of the poems counteract this. Also, when imagery is used, I think it’s done very well!

On the other hand, I enjoyed the more hidden aspects of the poems in “Portraits” (such as additional details for events noted in the biographies). Reading the biographies really enhanced my reading of the poems, as they typically included references to the person’s life, their works, etc. The references allow the author to hide very important and interesting information about Soviet politics and society at the time. In this way,

I could look past what seemed like simple language because it was almost like a secret code. Reading “Portraits Without Frames” was very enjoyable for me. Reading this collection felt like getting history lessons or gossip sessions in poem format, which I found very amusing and interesting to read. “Portraits” is such a distinctive collection: I’ve never read a

collection with other creators and their lives as the topics, so having the opportunity to do so was really interesting. Overall, “Portraits Without Frames” is an excellent and unusual book, and I highly recommend it for poetry and history lovers, especially those who are interested in Russian art.

Courtesy New York Review Books

Taylor Swift continues to provide her fans with new content, while also being on a record breaking world tour and re-recording her albums, yet she still found time to write, record and release two new albums. Not only that, her most recent release on Apr. 19, The Tortured Poets Department, released 15 new songs at midnight, and in common Swift fashion, released another 16 songs at 2 AM, entitled TTPD: The Anthology. We hereby conduct this deep dive into this album, which

Swifts ‘TTPD’: a From Two Fans

Story: Adison Cummings

has received both critiques and praises. Swift is well known for her easter eggs and this album was no exception. In her announcement during her Album of the Year acceptance, she held up two fingers, leading many to wonder what she meant.

After seeing her, as well as others doing this before the release of TTPD, many wondered if it was a hint about the upcoming album. It was revealed that Swift and her friends were hinting at her double drop of the songs.

At a first glance of the album, you’ll see it is not stacked with many features. However, those who are included on the album carried their weight.

The opening song is entitled Fortnight, ft Post Malone. My bingo card for 2024 did not include this

collab, but Swift knew it was what everyone needed. The harmonizations between the two leaves the ears satisfied and wanting to hit repeat.

Not only is this the first song on the album, it also received the music video treatment which Swift is also known for. She did not hold back in this. The music video keeps the vibes of the album, of that old world style, with the black and white music video, as well as the typewriter, which is iconic to the album.

When Post Malone is introduced, they introduce the world to a harmony it was not ready for, and that is evident throughout the entire video. There are also significant cameos by some actors from the beloved movie Dead Poets Society.

AAs the album progresses, listeners experience the heartbreak she endured from her breakup with Joe Alwyn, her short yet controversial relationship with Matt Healy, as well as her experience with the Eras Tour, with hints towards her relationship with Travis Kelce. Swift did not hold back on her exes on this album with breakout songs such as My Boy Only Breaks His Favorite Toys and The Smallest Man Who Ever Lived.

She shares what it was like to end a 6 year relationship and still have to continue to perform, which is highlighted in her catchy hit: I Can Do it With a Broken Heart. Her other feature is entitled Florida, which features none other than Florence + the Machine. Both provide a ‘chefs kiss’ performance. It is debated whether this song is about her breakup with Joe Alwyn, or if Florida is a metaphor for Matt Healy or even if it is about Joe Jonas and Swift’s friend Sopie Turner divorce. Whatever it is about, you can keep on guessing while listening to the

Story: Camryn Jacobs

s a Swiftie, I was super excited for the April 19 release of “The Tortured Poets Department.” For me, the album came out at 11 p.m. and I got straight to listening. I did not have any expectations going into the album, because I knew it was an album of extreme heartbreak and vulnerability. Upon first listen it was a lot to digest.

We aren’t just talking about breakup songs, but depression, fame, addiction and really deep heart wrenching topics.

If you don’t know the lore behind the album, Taylor Swift broke up with her boyfriend

of six years, Joe Alwyn. In a lot of the songs on the album she explains to us how much she wanted to get married. In the song “So Long, London” she says, “You swore that you loved me but where were the clues? I died on the altar waiting for the proof.”

After the break up she started the Eras Tour, where she was performing three nights a week. This is when “I Can Do It With a Broken Heart” was born. It is a song about her struggles to perform while she was so heart broken. The song “Clara Bow” is another song about the idea of being famous. She is very open about her problems

masterpiece that is Florida.

One standout on the album is thanK you aIMee, which the debate is about whether the song is referencing Kim Kardashian due to the history between Swift and her. As stated earlier, Swift did not hold back in this album.

The lyrical genius of Swift cannot be understated, but some simpler lyrics really leave an impression, such as in Who’s Afraid of Little Old Me, Swift states, “...who’s afraid of little old me…you should be.” Trust me, Swift, everyone’s afraid of your ability to plan everything the way you have.

This album has received heavy praise especially from the Swifties, while some have critiqued it saying it has a similar sound to her recent album Midnights and really does not provide much variation in type or sound of the songs throughout the album.

Whether one believes this or not, quite a few of these songs stand out to me, and I have them on my playlist on repeat.

and how being a celebrity is not all it’s cut out to be. It will take more than one listen to be able to comprehend what she is trying to convey. All this being said, I don’t think the album will be for everyone, but after listening you can’t say Taylor Swift is not an artist. She turned the theme of heartbreak from a relationship perspective to a worldly outlook to show us living in and of itself can be just as heartbreaking.

Courtesy Republic Records

BEHIND THE CURTAIN WITH PROFESSOR DIANE KESLING

Story: Val Bell-O

On Mar. 14, 2024, during a convocation presentation in the Stella Boyle Concert Hall, Professor Diane Kesling spoke about the Metropolitan Opera in New York where she once had a full-fledged career as a performer, along with her husband Jascha Silberstein, who was the principal cellist there, before she came to be a vocal instructor at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock for 15 years (since 2009). After giving such a fascinating presentation, she agreed to sit down for an interview to talk about her life as a performance artist in New York at the MET.

The MET, the largest opera house in the world, was designed by an American architect by the name of Wallace Harrison. It took him five years and $50 million to build it starting in 1960, and it was completed by 1966. It is one of four theaters in Lincoln Center, with the Juilliard School across 65th Street. The chandeliers inside, made of Austrian crystal, were donated by the Vienna State Opera to thank America for rebuilding their opera house after it was bombed during World War II in March 1945. The walls are made out of rosewood, which is the best acoustic wood in the world shipped from Africa.

The house holds 4,000 people with six levels of seating, including five balconies. Even with this Kesling pointed out that no microphones are used.

The backstage is 43,000 feet and there are two side stages as well. The loading dock is on Amsterdam Avenue. Every year 200 performances of 27 different operas are presented, and are planned three to five years in advance. The operas have been broadcast on Saturday afternoons for 95 years now. The opera house is open from September to April.

The opening show was “Antony and Cleopatra,” composed by Samuel Barber, and starred Leontyne Price. This opera was specifically written by Samuel Barber for the opening of the newly built opera house. The original opera house was located on 39th Street on Broadway. The orchestra for the MET consists of 100 members and 20 permanent subs. Everyone that performs there must belong to a union; the union mandates that the opera shows cannot go past midnight. Each show costs $100 thousand and performers are paid overtime if they do go past 11:59 p.m. The starting salary is about $68 thousand a year for

a chorus member, and average pay is around $140 thousand. There are 800 employees who work at the MET on a full time basis. There is a full time chorus with permanent subs, a children’s chorus and a ballet company of 30 people. The performers there rehearse six days a week with a crew of 20 coaches. A new production at the MET costs $40 thousand.

Kesling made her debut at the MET House on Christmas Day in 1982, when she was 24 years old. She now lives in Hot Springs, near Lake Hamilton. She fell in love with Hot Springs on her way to San Antonio, Texas, with her husband while on a road trip in 1996. They stopped for lunch there and subsequently never actually made it to Texas. Although her husband has passed away now, she still has her two cats to keep her company: Penny, named after her husband’s favorite bartender, and Charlie.

Kesling has graciously granted another interview to delve more into her career and experiences while employed at the MET. We will unpack the shows she performed in and share interesting true stories. Stay tuned for Part 2 of “Behind the Curtain with Professor Diane Kesling” this Fall right here in The Forum.

Little Rock

Eclipse Event at the Jack Gracelyn Johnson

Chasing Totality: How Little Rock Celebrated the Eclipse

Multiple cities in Arkansas saw an increase in tourism, but Little Rock was a top pick, as it was right in the path of totality, where the moon completely covered the sun. According to nationaleclipse.com,the eclipse began in Arkansas at 12:29 p.m., with totality beginning at 1:46 p.m. Totality lasted a little over two minutes, and during this time, it was safe to look without eclipse glasses.

Little Rock hosted multiple events leading up to the eclipse, like SOMA In The Dark and the SOMA Eclipse Festival, and many stores offered eclipsethemed treats and items.

Story: Emily Wells

On the day of the eclipse, the city had multiple options for viewing the eclipse, like a Pink Floyd cover band concert at the River Market Amphitheater downtown, family-centric activities at the Jack Stephens Center at UA Little Rock, and of course, the state parks like Pinnacle State Park. Many locals chose to take the day off to enjoy the eclipse, and many businesses shut down in the middle of the day so that employees had the chance to go outside and check out this natural phenomenon. It was a gorgeous, clear day, so it was very easy to get a good view of the eclipse.

While the increase in tourism gave many local businesses a boost, it had an unexpected outcome for some local restaurants. According to The Mighty Rib, a local food blogger, several restaurants over prepared in anticipation for extra mouths to feed, but actually ended up with less customers than usual. Despite this, the city tourism bureau says that the influx of tourists was a big boost for the local economy.

Little Rock Eclipse Festivities

Story: Camryn Jacobs

On Apr. 8, a good chunk of America got to experience the 2024 solar eclipse. It was a super cool, once-ina-lifetime encounter that students at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock got to enjoy together. The staff at UA Little Rock put together an awesome festival for the students. They put up a

giant screen that had the eclipse in real time, so that you could watch it without eclipse glasses without risk of eye injury. If you wanted to experience it without the screen, staff at the festival provided special eclipse glasses. There were also fun events set up such as bouncy houses, telescopes and face painting. This event helped the community of Little Rock come together. I was one of the lucky people at the event and I thought

it was put together very well. Since the eclipse was around lunch time, UA Little Rock did have food trucks available for hungry people. Then as it got closer to eclipse time people started counting down until the moon was fully covering the sun. The community celebrated in unison as the sun reappeared from totality.

UA Little Rock

Eclipse Event at the Jack Gracelyn Johnson

Ramadan in Little Rock: a Month of Fasting and Celebration

In the heart of Little Rock, Ark., a vibrant Muslim community comes together every year to observe Ramadan, a sacred month of fasting, reflection and spiritual growth. This annual tradition, deeply rooted in Islamic faith and culture, serves as a time of self-discipline, communal unity and devotion to Allah. In 2024, Ramadan took on an even more special significance as Muslims fasted for 30 days, culminating in joyous celebrations on Apr 10.

For Muslims around the world, Ramadan represents one of the Five Pillars of Islam, emphasizing the importance of fasting from dawn until sunset as a means of purifying the soul and developing empathy for those less fortunate. Throughout the month, individuals abstain from food, drink, smoking and other physical needs during daylight hours, while also engaging in increased prayer, Quranic recitation and acts of charity.

In Little Rock, the Muslim community embraces Ramadan with great fervor, coming together each evening to break their fast with a meal known as Iftar. Families and friends

Story: Sathi Gulledge

gather at local mosques or in homes to share in the blessings of food and fellowship, reinforcing bonds of kinship and community. It’s a time when individuals set aside worldly distractions to focus on spiritual growth, seeking forgiveness and drawing closer to Allah.

The observance of Ramadan in 2024 held particular significance as it coincided with the fast lasting for the full 30 days, in accordance with the lunar calendar. This rare alignment added a sense of unity and determination among the faithful, as they persevered through the entire month with unwavering dedication.

As the final days of Ramadan approached, anticipation grew for the celebration of Eid al-Fitr, the festival marking the end of the fasting period. On Apr. 10, Muslims in Little Rock joined millions around the world in joyous festivities to mark the conclusion of Ramadan and the beginning of Shawwal, the month following Ramadan in the Islamic lunar calendar.

The day began with communal prayers at local mosques, where congregants

gathered to offer thanks to Allah for the strength and blessings bestowed upon them during Ramadan. Following the prayers, families exchanged heartfelt greetings of “Eid Mubarak,” meaning “Blessed Eid,” and children received gifts and treats to commemorate the occasion.

Throughout the day, the spirit of Eid was palpable as neighborhoods came alive with vibrant colors, music and the aroma of delicious traditional dishes. From savory samosas to sweet baklava, culinary delights from diverse cultural backgrounds filled dining tables as families hosted feasts to honor the day.

Beyond the joyous festivities, Eid al-Fitr holds profound spiritual significance for Muslims. It serves as a time of renewal and gratitude, a moment to reflect on the lessons learned during Ramadan and carry forward the spirit of compassion, generosity and humility into the year ahead.

In Little Rock, the celebration of Eid al-Fitr is not just a religious observance but a testament to the strength of community and the richness

of cultural diversity. Muslims of all backgrounds come together to share in the joy of Eid, bridging differences and fostering understanding among neighbors.

As the sun set on Apr 10, marking the conclusion of Eid al-Fitr, the echoes of laughter, prayers and celebration lingered in the air, serving as a reminder of the enduring bonds of faith and the resilience of the human spirit. In Little Rock and beyond, Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr continue to serve as beacons of hope, unity and love in an ever-changing world.

I Marathoned Taste of Little Rock

Story: Emily Wells

On Apr. 2, the University of Arkansas at Little Rock’s Jack Stephens Center was jam packed with alumni, staff, students and visitors hoping to get a Taste of Little Rock. The perimeter of the court was lined with tables for the many vendors that came to the event. The court itself had tables with seating and standing tables in the middle. Additional seating could be found in the bleachers.

Many people used this as an opportunity to mingle with coworkers, classmates and former alumni. Not me. I decided to treat Taste of Little Rock like an extreme sport. My goal? To try as many foods as possible.

Needless to say, I was not able to try all 41 of the restaurants that attended. I didn’t even get close, and

I’m still stuffed. I tried lots of delicious foods, but there were some notable stars.

First up was Afrobites, where they served rice, chicken, greens and peas. The food was so flavorful, and the chicken was so tender that it just melted. The saffron rice was aromatic but did not overpower the other dishes.

Another dish I fell in love with was the white barbeque chicken at Smackey’s Catering Services. He sold me on trying it by saying that the white bbq sauce was his own recipe, and there was nothing else like it. It was absolutely delicious. It was creamy and tangy, with just the right amount of sweetness to pair beautifully with the smokiness of the chicken.

Of course I had to go visit

my friend Zach over at CBR’z Catering. Zach is a vet with 25 years of restaurant experience, and opened CBR’z in 2019.

He always goes all out, and Taste of Little Rock was no exception. His table boasted of a mac and cheese bar with toppings like caramelized onions, jalapenos and different kinds of cheeses.

The mac and cheese was creamy and delicious, and the perfect base for the savory brisket.

Certified Pies was present, with samples of their different drinks in adorable little bottles. I got a peach drink, which tasted exactly like a peach.

It was sweet, with just the barest hint of acidity.

With all of the bbq and soul food, I needed a palette cleanser, and Trio’s had my

back. They were serving a dish called Peck’s Special Salad, which had toasted almonds for a delicious crunch, and a vinaigrette dressing that was light and refreshing.

The proceeds from Taste of Little Rock went to the UA Little Rock Alumni Association Scholarship Fund.

The event honored alumnus Travis “Tre Day” Rowan for his continued support of UA Little Rock. Rowan is the host of a popular radio show on 92.3, and a credit to the Mass Communications program at UA Little Rock.

Out of the Darkness: A Walk to End Suicide

According to the National Library of Medicine, suicide is one of the leading causes of death for college students. As mental health experts, college staff, and students fight with and look for solutions to this growing problem, UA Little Rock’s own Dr. Aresh Assadi and countless dedicated students, staff, and community members do their part and combating this epidemic.

On Friday, Apr. 26 hundreds of students, faculty, staff, and community members gathered on the UA Little Rock campus and indulged in a courtyard, full of vendors, festivities, food, and fun. This was a great opportunity for students to mingle with each other, community members, and different campus organizations, the gathering was only a prelude to a much greater purpose.

These festivities were held As a way to draw attention to the actual cause, UA Little Rock’s

Story: Bryce Colvert

annual suicide prevention walk. Held by counseling services, the pre-walk festivities and the eventual culminating 1-mile walk around campus are held annually both to honor victims, survivors, and anyone affected by suicide attempts, as well as to bring attention and awareness to such a critical issue facing aged adults.

“It’s the second leading cause of death for folks in this demographic in this age range between the ages of 15 to 24.”

Says Dr. Aresh Assadi, UA Little Rock’s Director of Counseling Services, “So it’s something that’s really important impacts a lot of people I think about 1200 student college students die each year by suicide. So we knew we had to raise awareness on this and try to reduce the stigma of asking for help.”

The events root begin in a tragic history of life lost to suicide at UA Little Rock that Assadi and UA Little

Rock community have worked tirelessly to to combat and even spin into hope for a better future.

“Around 2012 We had a lot of suicide attempts on campus and we knew something had to be done.” Assadi says, “So we started doing different programming. And then we finally connected with a group called the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, and I actually joined their board as well the Arkansas chapter of that and they do these campus walks and we thought that would be great to bring it on campus”

Events like this take extreme effort from many parties on campus and in the community, but one that play an especially important role was the UA Little School of Nursing. Nursing students helped tremendously with event planning, set-up, the walk itself, and take-down. Nursing student Manvi Arora comments on this unique relationship.

“Today, we focused on suicide prevention because it’s an important thing.” Says Arora “As nursing students, We’re able to see that patients frequently struggle with this problem, So we did a walk today to kind of raise awareness on the topic.”

Though she admits that she is fortunate not to have dealt with the issue personally, Arora still emphasizes the severity of the issue.

“Suicide is becoming such a big issue right now.” Arora says “Life can be very challenging for students, you know, so I feel like it’s really important that students also raise awareness and also see it so if they need any assistance, they can always get assistance when needed.”

Whether they’re overcoming a personal struggle, raising awareness, or just showing support, students, staff, faculty, and community members walk for all kinds

of important reasons, students like Keely Reeves who works in the Disability Resource Center and helped to organize the event. Reeves walks for Brother who attempted when she was younger.

“My brother tried to commit suicide.” Says Reeves “Thankfully he’s doing much better now. I was here walking for him.”

Reeves notes that like her, many students have been affected.

“I think it’s important.” Reeves says. “ I’m sure there are lots of people who’ve been affected by us by suicide, whether that’s if they have struggled with their own issues, or if they have known someone who has attempted or committed suicide, to know that they’re not alone and that there’s resources all around campus and everywhere that can help you out.”

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health UA Little Rock Urges you to reach out and ask for help. For more information and resources on campus please contact Counseling Services, you can make an appointment by calling 501916-3185. You can also email them at counselingservices@ ualr.edu or stop by the office on the first floor of the Student Services Center, suite 118.

If you are experiencing a mental health emergency off campus, please call or text 988. 988 is the national Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. It provides 24/7, confidential support to people in suicidal crisis or mental health-related distress.

As Dr. Assadi says, “Suicide prevention is not just one person’s job everyone has to pitch in.”

POETRY

get up

Emma Beattie

do you ever feel completely and utterly stuck? immovable and unmotivated fully knowing you are maintaining this feeling through your inability to simply get up

the carpeted floor feels warm even though you are entirely bored of laying there the bland ceiling makes you calm only because it is not spinning recklessly you wish it could just stop all of these useless thoughts they cloud your brain leaving no room for the comprehension of galaxies millions of light-years away if your brain was a galaxy it would be a spiral one clouds of gas and many blue stars young and constantly forming when you think there’s no more left to think another thought appears in a blink look at that you could remember a small crumb of the knowledge you will need to know a small crumb like our planet stellar debris of a supernova a long, long time ago

that makes you think why do i need to know? you are 1 of 8 billion inhabiting a crumb you are so incredibly small you are nothing if you are nothing why does your mind insist on analyzing everything? why can’t you stop thinking? why can’t you get up? i am pleading with you to simply get up

As April’s gentle breezes usher in the blossoms of spring, “The Forum” proudly presents a curated collection of poetry, specially selected to honor National Poetry Month. Within these pages, you’ll

find verses that dance with the rhythm of life, painting vivid portraits of emotion, nature, and the human experience. Let these words be a sanctuary, a celebration of the power and beauty found in the art of poetry.

I’m okay

Sierra Owens

I’m okay with the idea that when I wake up every breath is an aching cry

I’m okay with the thought of being lonely because in my time of solitude, I realize no one can hurt me

Im okay knowing I will never be someone’s first choice

And anytime I speak up about my feelings i lose my voice

I’m okay with the constant nightmares of ending up in a deserted forest holding on to dreams of 10-year-old me

Im okay forgetting about my passion because im never complete without the other half of me

Im okay

I’m okay with putting on a smile that’s forced to please the eyes of those that surround me I’m okay with the constant darkness that engulfs me

Im okay because that’s the easiest thing to say when they ask me how i’m doing

In reality, i’m grasping onto every breath

Knowing i have nothing left

Im okay

Because that’s all i know to say when the walls are enclosing

It’s the only thing i am able to say because If i let you in you’ll drag it to my grave

Im okay...printed on my headstone

Because if someone truly heard me They would have tried to save me

Joshua Gregory

The clock ticks an endless tempo, No matter the rain, sun, or snow. On and on, it ticks infinitely: Even if we all froze, Even if we all burned, Even if we all fall, Even if we all rise.

Lone Star

Joshua Gregory

In the vast canvas, that is the black abyss, I am here. A one star constellation, God has left me

There’s wondrous marvels, colliding spheres, bursting nebulas and silence; Silence I crave and detest.

In this silence I realize how everything is meaningless. Or rather I am meaningless I hold no planets no moons not even an astroid.

I am a true lone star.

I’m told I’m gazed and marveled at and that somewhere many admire me, But they are not here. Here in this desolate space, I float deeper and deeper away, the brighter I shine the darker it becomes It is my fear filled core that is afraid to pull great celestial beings to me, one that’ll not be conquered. May I float ever so gracefully deep into the abyss

Moment in a Field

Kaitlin Jackson

I dream of lying flat in a meadow of flora, one so sweet, soft, and secure, as pleasant as a budding release, as numb as anesthesia.

I dream of being engaged in an affair with the sky. The dead of night would be abloom with stars and constellations would swirl in the darkness above. Each celestial holds a tale of its own–starlight would gleam legends to me.

I dream to be peacefully in solitude, in a harlequin lea, to rest with white roses and lavender, to love and ease, naturally at peace, ringed by creation’s artistry.

Hidden Beauty

Michelle Malone

Where do the flowers go when covered with winter snow?

I checked one time to see if they were hidden beneath, but they were nowhere to be.

What I saw was frozen death! The life had turned into a horrid, hard, ugly brown mess!

I ran away, heart broken from the sight tears streamed down my face many a winter’s night.

But then the snow melted and I peaked out my window to see soft green life and flowers were once more free!

That is when I realized I must have patience and wait until the ground is ready to be shown for flowers have a time of darkness which they need so beauty may be grown.

Just a Quick Reminder

Rian Newman

Let’s remember the beautiful things, yes?

Remember when the trees amazed you when they turned into an array of golds and reds? When the sun is setting, casting pinks and blues across the sky, and the clouds look like cotton candy from the fair.

Remember when it snowed and you would wish that school was canceled? Or when you went to school and a light snow would fall, sticking to your hair, glasses, and coat? When you would laugh and try to catch the cold snow on your tongue. Remember dandelions?

The way they would sit in the grass with only half of those white feathery tufts left on itself as if someone blew on half of it and left the other half for someone else. Or for you.

Remember when the “pitter-patter” of rain would put you to sleep as a lullaby would?

Remember when you would play in the rain?

Catching the raindrops in your mouth, letting the cool water fall as a calmness leaves you drenched. Remember when a butterfly would fly circles around you, and you try to resist the childlike urge to chase it?

Remember when the orange sun is going down creating a golden rim outlining the clouds?

When it’s just gotten dark and you notice the bright glow of fireflies in the grass, so you stay still, hoping they won’t mind if you stay awhile, and continue to glow for you.

Remember the stickiness of popsicles and watermelons getting washed off in the pool, the strong smell of chlorine, and the hot concrete on your feet?

Remember?

The beautiful times, the ethereal happenings, the euphoric moments... They are here.

Sunrise, Sunset

You are the sunrise

And I am the sunset

Georgia Green

We miss each other just barely

Almost like we’ve never met I think about you each day

Ending every one with regret

Because I leave and you arrive

So the world can reset

It is sad to know

That I can never get passed

The fact that we are so different

And opposites attract

Although you don’t see me

I keep wondering why I relish in the moment

That you come back to the sky

A thought pops into my head

That you may think of me too

But then again how would I know

If wishful thinking had come true

Though you may never know me

And I may never know you

I must always remember

That you are only a view

Because all the days that pass

Will never let me forget

That you are the sunrise

And I am the sunset

The Age of iPhones

Emma Beattie

We crave to be connected

Yet with our phones

We are left alone

In a world where likes control us

And Snapchat is our home

We miss out on reality

A screen defines our lives

Without a picture

It never happened

We’re blinded by its light

All for a beautiful world

But we never see it

Our dream jobs a reality

But we could never be it

No more of a social connection

Just a device delivering Small doses of affection

Playgrounds are now deserted

There’s no more “time” for play

All the kids rather sit on ipads

It takes up their entire day

There’s no emotion

No more talk

Only people staring down

While they walk

Fun times spent with friends

Truly spent chatting with someone else

All of us are literal zombies

This cannot be good for our health

When will we realise

It’s time to awaken

To look up from your phone

And see the life these things have taken

With no recognition

To this addiction

We are alone

SPORTS Soccer

Soccer & Volleyball

Track and Field

Gracelyn Johnson

OPINION

My Spring Break Trip in Nigeria, Africa

Story: Val Bell-O

During Spring Break in March, I traveled to Africa to spend the week with my husband in Lagos, Nigeria. We were married last year during Spring Break 2023 in Benin State, Nigeria after I flew into Lagos and then took a 6-hour

road trip by van two days after. This year we celebrated our first-year anniversary as we continue to wait for the immigration process that will allow him to join me here in the United States. So back to this year’s Spring Break; on the third day while I was there in Lagos, we took a

two-hour road trip to visit a town called Badagry which is a coastal town within Lagos State in the Benin Republic. It is located on the North bank of the Porto Novo Creek, an inland waterway that connects Lagos and the Benin Republic.

African slaves were sold in this area and we were able to tour the compound where it all took place. There were several buildings that we walked through that were set up like museums that showed the actual chains that were used to enslave men, women and children. I had a personal realization of the experience that these enslaved men and women had when leaving out of one of the rooms they were held in.

I am 5 ‘10 and did not duck low enough to miss hitting my head on the door frame of the room that forty men were packed in naked overnight with nowhere to use the bathroom but right there where they were with only a small open window overhead. I should also mention that I did not have to duck down to leave the separate room that the women were kept in. Many of the men, women and children died in those rooms because of the conditions they had to suffer through.

Towards the end of the tour, we took a boat to an island which was called “The Point of No Return”. Once

the slaves were taken to this island, they had to walk for 25 minutes in shackles and chains completely naked in the burning hot sun to the Atlantic Ocean where the ship in which they would be carried away to an unknown destination where they would spend their lives in slavery was anchored. Instead of walking that trail, my husband, our Uber driver and I were driven on motor bikes to get to the ocean. We stopped on the way by a well where the slaves were given water. We were told that it is believed that something was put in the well to make the slaves lose their memory before they finished their trek to the ships that were anchored down in the ocean instead of docked at the beach, the slaves had to be taken to the ships on boats. This whole experience was very sobering. Hearing and reading about it is definitely not the same as getting an actual visual in the very place it happened. The Atlantic Ocean was very beautiful one we arrived there but just thinking about how the newly made slaves could not enjoy the view like I was because of what was happening to them was so very sad to ponder over during my visit. Nevertheless, I was glad to be able to see all of this of which I had and read about for decades with my own eyes.

On the sixth day of my visit with my husband in Lagos, Nigeria we went to the Nike Art Gallery on our wedding anniversary right before going to dinner at a restaurant called Nok by Alara. I had done a little research on the gallery and put it on our itinerary for places for us to go while we were in Lagos together. The art gallery is owned and is the namesake of Mrs. Nike Okundaye who is also fondly known as “mummy Nike ‘’ which is pronounced (“nee-kay”), so not like how you would pronounce the shoe that we are so familiar with here in the United States.

The Nike Art Gallery is West Africa’s largest art gallery. It can be found in four locations

in Nigeria. Abuja, Kogi, Osun and Lekki. My husband and I visited the one in Lekki. Lekki is a small town around Lagos pretty much like North Little Rock, West Little Rock, Bryant, Benton is to Little Rock. The gallery is housed in a fivestory building which means we had to climb up four flights of stairs to see every floor that displayed the art. There was also art outside around the entrance and on the side of the building. There is a collection of 8,000 diverse artworks from various Nigerian artists. All of the art that I saw was amazing, so many different projections of people and places from within the country. My husband pointed out prominent figures that were

well-known in Nigeria such as politicians and musicians that took controversial and political stances that affected change within the country. It was a very educational and enlightening experience to view all that I saw.

A few other mentionable places that we went to was The Lagos Hard Rock Café, The Good Beach that was adjacent to The Landmark Beach which was one that I had researched before I came to visit and an outside fish market by the lake. I enjoyed my second trip to Nigeria more this year because it was well planned out and we were able to rest and enjoy ourselves as newlyweds as well.

My first trip to Nigeria was a bit busy with the business of getting married and meeting my

new family and friends. Because my husband is Nigerian, I am sure to visit many more times even after he immigrates to the United States. There are a lot of cultural differences that I have to make adjustments to but I have discovered that to see and experience a country with your own eyes can change one’s perspective and point of view.

Val Bell-O

CONTRIBUTORS

@skylarbooneart ExecutiveEditor/Designer

SKYLAR BOONE

@emlywlls ExecutiveEditor

EMILY WELLS

@iamvastihernandez ExecutiveEditor

@rian_willow Marketingmgr./Poet

VASTI HERNANDEZ

RIAN NEWMAN

DANIEL BREEN Advisor

SATHI GULLEDGE Writer

CAMRYN JACOBS Writer

BRYCE COLVERT Writer/Photographer

AVIANNA KAGLER Writer

DANEISHA WHITAKER Writer

KAITLIN JACKSON Writer/Poet

GEORGIA GREEN Poet

@valerissie4real Writer

VAL BELL-O

@cummings_adison Writer

ADISON CUMMINGS

@kate_benne Writer

KATE BENNE

@graciellaisabella.artworks Photographer

GRACELYN JOHNSON

GREGORY

MICHELLE MALONE

EMMA BEATTIE Poet

SIERRA OWENS Poet

JOSHUA

Poet

Poet