The Forum November 2019 Edition

Nov ‘19 The University of Arkansas at Little Rock’s Student Newspaper

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Also in this issue:

students gathered to protest an employer event on campus. Read more on page 5.

IS

Library hosts el dia de los muertos alter - Page 13

UA Little Rock competes in first wrestling match ever - page 20

CHANCELLOR DRALE? Find out on Page 4

A new batch of student and faculty spotlights - page 10

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NOVEMBER 2019 EDITION

STAFF

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EXECUTIVE EDITOR JORDAN WOODSON

NEWS EDITOR SPORTS EDITOR

MARIA ROMERO HARRISON HUDSON

ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

COPY EDITORS

OKSANA DURKEE MIRIAM BATTLES JORDAN WOODSON STAFF

ALEX BALL

ALEX BROWN

ANALEE JONES

LATOSHA NEWMAN

CHLOE MCGEHEE

MAGNOLIA RISLEY

KOLTON RUTHERFORD

ADRISHI YADAVA

Executive Editor: Jordan Woodson @jordanjwoodson

News Editor: Maria Romero

@mariafvromero

GUEST WRITERS

KEELY REEVES

ARTISTS

ANDREA BENBROOK

ASHISH BHAKTA

IVAN HENLEY

KENNETH REED

ADVISER SONNY RHODES

The Forum is the official student newspaper at UA Little Rock. It is published monthly from the newspaper office in the Donaghey Student Center Room 116. Any UA Little Rock student is welcome to be a staff member.

Opinions expressed in The Forum are those of the staff and contributing writers and do not represent the official views of UA Little Rock.

Any inquiries should be directed to the Forum’s executive editor, Jordan Woodson, at editor@ualr.edu.

The Forum welcomes letters to the editor on any subjects as well as comments on our news coverage and editorial positions.

- Letter should include the author’s name, classification, major or position and a contact telephone number for confirmation.

- Letters are subject to editing to meet space limitations.

Please limit letters to 500 words or less.

- The staff will not alter the meaning of a letter, but will correct spelling and punctuation.

- The editor reserves the right to reject any letter, especially one that is considered libelous, obscene, or incoherent.

Letters should be emailed to editor@ualr.edu.

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NOVEMBER 2019 EDITION

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Who is Christina Drale?

Get to know your new Chancellor better

Chancellor Christina Drale in her backyard over the summer.

By Oksana Durkee & Jordan Woodson The Forum

Having lived in Southern California most of her life, Dr. Christina Drale, newly named Chancellor of UA Little Rock, now lives with her spouse Cheryl, away from her mother and two brothers. She moved to Arkansas after getting a job here at UA Little Rock in 2006.

“I worked at Missouri State for almost 20 years so I did a good part of my career there,” she said. “I knew some people that had been at Missouri State that had been to UA Little Rock and one of them invited me to apply for a position here and I did.”

Some words Drale uses to describe herself are that she is an avid reader, a chef, a gardener, and an outdoor enthusiast.

She has climbed to the top of Mt. Fugi as well as earned a brown belt in Japanese style karate. She loves to travel, Spain and Nova Scotia, Canada being her top pri

orities to visit, as well as she loves to explore the nature that Arkansas has to offer.

“I’m trying to make it a point to get to all of the different state parks in Arkansas because there are some great outdoors areas in this state,” she said.

“One of my favorite ones was Crater of Diamonds State Park in Murfreesboro. I went to try to find a diamond there but didn’t find anything, so every time that I read about someone finding a diamond there I think ‘that could’ve been me.’”

While she does enjoy these leisure activities, something else that was apparent, is that Drale is a dedicated educationalist.

“I deeply believe that education, any kind of education, is truly a transformational experience for all people.“ Drale said.

“I am passionate about the transformational potential of education. It saddens me that there are a number of people questioning the value of education and questioning if it is going to improve their lives.”

Some core values Drale holds herself to inside and outside her position here at UA Little Rock, are honesty, respect and integrity.

“Those are probably at the heart of what I always try to embody in that treating people with respect and being honest with people and transparent, even when you have deep disagreements or you’re on opposite sides of an issue, always has something to be gained by working with people coming from that perspective,” she said. “I think you usually get to a better outcome that way.”

In her day-to-day life, Drale identifies herself as an introvert, a systems thinker, and a collaborative individual.

“You might not know this by just meeting me for the first time, but my basic personality structure is an introvert.” Drale said. “At the end of the day, I need to have some quiet time to charge my batteries, to think and to be introspective. I would probably still describe myself as a quiet leader, not flamboyant or anything like that, but somebody that approaches things very deliberately and just kind of works through it step-by-step.”

While she is not the first woman Chancellor at a university in the state, she is the first woman along with the first LGBT Chancellor at UA Little Rock. While she does recognize the mile stone, she does wish it wasn’t such a big deal.

“It is in many ways remarkable to me that even in 2019 that it is a big deal,” she said. “I think that’s also a good experience for this university and then after me it doesn’t have to be this big thing. Being the first at UA Little Rock, you know it does feel like a turning point. It’s not that all women Chancellors are going to be exceptional by any means, but I think that now that we’ve done that, it doesn’t have to be a thing that we’re waiting for.”

Coming into her new role at UA Little Rock, Drale has channeled Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg (RBG) as a role model for many reasons that aren’t limited to her being the first female Supreme Court Justice. Drale even has an RBG doll in her office that someone gave her.

“She went up against unbelievable odds, not only in her

professional career but in the arguments she was presenting to the courts in her career in trying to get gender equality in a variety of areas,” she said. “She was faced with outrageous sexism and outrageous kinds of arguments and treatments, but never lost her cool.”

Last year, Oscar nominated documentary about the Supreme Court Justice, titled “RBG,” came out that presented Drale with a quote that she has taken home with her.

“There’s a part in that film when she’s talking about her mother and the advice her mother gave and when I first heard the first part of what she said, I was like ‘oh this doesn’t sound right,’” she said. “Her mother told her to always remember to be a lady and I thought ‘oh that sounds pretty old fashion, what does she mean by that?’”

Drale explained that what RBG’s mother meant was to not show one’s anger in a professional workplace when you’re a female trying to get ahead in life.

“It is still in some ways a gendered bit of advice, but I have to say that for females going into any kind of profession where you’re not expected to be successful or you’re not expected to rise up to a certain level, emotional maturity and control is really, really vital and she embodies that,” Drale said.

As per her goals, Drale also

spoke on some of the changes coming to UA Little Rock in the near to distant future. The first issue Drale spoke out on was balancing the budget at UA Little Rock. She plans to prioritize this issue and one way she discussed to get the finances in order was with budget cuts. (more information to come next semester) “One of the reasons that I have stayed at UA Little Rock and I have agreed to take on this position is that I strongly believe in the potential of this institution and of the people who work here and the people who come here,” she said. “I think we are a terrific resource for Central Arkansas and the state of Arkansas and I think that the faculty and staff also believe in that potential. We just need to make sure we are rowing in the same direction and I’m absolutely confident that we are going to do that.”

Some other goals Drale has for the university is to stabilize the drop in enrollment and increase attendance at sporting and on-campus events. She plans to do this with recruitment and reintegration of campus life.

“I want to see more people going to the concerts, to the games, to the public speaking events,” she said. “I want to see engagement all the way around because we have some really impressive people doing some really cool things.”

Chancellor Christina Drale at the Little Rock Air Force Base with Kaycee Greenwood who nominated her for a Patriot award for supporting military students at UA Little Rock.

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Students protest against CBP employer event

Renea Goddard, Courtney Williams and other UA Little Rock students protest CBP employer event. Photo by Kolton Rutherford

By Kolton Rutherford The Forum A small collection of UA Little Rock students gathered outside the Career Center Wednesday, Nov 6 in protest of the university’s On-Campus Employer Event involving U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

The protest, organized by the campus justice organization Advocating for the Wellbeing and Respect of Everyone (AWARE), came at a volatile time for the nation in political rhetoric regarding the border and immigration. Renea Goddard, leader of AWARE and organizer of the protest, learned of the campus event Tuesday afternoon and worked to create a protest which involved flyers, shirts, signs and chants in an attempt to bring attention to and inform students of alleged human rights violations promoted by CBP. “We just want to demonstrate that as UALR students we don’t support the presence of CBP in our community and on our cam-

pus, especially [when they’re] trying to recruit our students,” Goddard said. “Many of the students here [at the protest] believe that CBP is an organization that promotes human rights violations and we just want to inform people of these facts and make our voices heard.”

Almost 15 protesters participated at various points in the two hours CBP were on campus. Bryant Parnell, a sophomore majoring in history, was one of the protesters.

“My biggest thing is the separation of families,” Parnell said.

“I don’t believe that has a place on this campus and I wish the university didn’t allow it.”

Another protester, Javier Hernandez, attended despite not being a UA Little Rock student. He heard about the protest through social media.

“The political climate is so hot,” Hernandez said. “And [for CBP to be present] on campus here? In the capital of Arkansas?

It’s a little frustrating.”

CBP representatives first entered the Career Center as pro-

testers began to gather. At the conclusion of the employer event, the CBP representatives were escorted out by campus security. Protesters chanted at them slogans like “Abolish ICE*” and shouted for education instead of deportation.

“Many of the students here believe that CBP is an orgwwanization that promotes human rights violations and we just want to inform people of these facts and make our voices heard.” - Renea Goddard The university responded to the Forum’s request for comment regarding the employer event.

“It’s routine for the university to have all manner of business and government entities on campus for recruitment events,” a spokesperson for the university said. “It’s a way to provide our students access to career possibilities after graduation.”

UA Little Rock also responded to the protest.

“The university respects our students’ opinions and their rights to protest on this and other issues,” they replied.

*Note: CBP and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) are two separate federal agencies.

While both work together and collaborate in a variety of endeavors, ICE enforces U.S. immigration laws, while CBP performs inspections and patrols U.S. borders.

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NOVEMBER 2019 EDITION

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Students attend International Model Arab League conference

UA Little Rock Model Arab League Students and Dr. Rebecca Glazier (middle back) in Morocco. Photo by L.J. Rhodes

By Miriam Battles The Forum UA Little Rock professor Dr. Rebecca Glazier and a group of students returned from a trip to Morocco. Her and seventeen UA Little Rock students went on a week-long trip to participate in the International Model Arab League conference.

Students from different majors went on the trip. Their majors include psychology, philosophy, international studies, special education, political science, history, anthropology and criminal justice. The students that attended were Mariam Bouzihay, Sydney Brazil, Madeline Burke, Prince Beasley, Ryan Bourgoin, Molly Edwards, Landon DeKay, Anika PartlowLoyall, Claire Mitchell, Madison Rodgers, Solomon “Ra’phael” Davis, Brittany Fugate, Maria Romero, Issac Thomas, Allie Woodville, Colin Davies and Katie Zakrzewsk.

Glazier is an affiliated faculty member of the Middle Eastern Studies program. She took the students to the conference at

the International University in Rabat. The trip was from Oct. 17-26.

“I am just so thrilled that the Middle Eastern Studies program and the university can provide our students with these high impact learning opportunities,” Glazier said. “I know that it will be a highlight in these student’s lives.”

According to the Modern Arab League website, it is a program that teaches students about the culture of the Middle East and Arab. The program also helps students build essential skills like diplomatic skills, research skills, public speaking and writing. Conferences are held in the Fall and Spring.

At the conference, students were given a country to represent in different committees.

After doing research, they advocated for their country and negotiated with students representing other countries. After the committee sessions, students voted on who performed the best as a delegate.

Two UA Little Rock students received awards. Senior Sydney Brazil won the Outstanding

Delegate Award representing Tunisia and Junior Madison Rodgers won the Honorable Mention Delegate Award representing Oman.

The whole trip wasn’t solely focused on negotiating at the international conference, however, as students also got to experience the Moroccan culture. For four days, Glazier and the students went on a cultural immersion and traveled around Morocco.

“The experience was so awesome,” Rodgers said. “We got to be immersed in so many different communities and see so many aspects of the culture. It really allows you to see a different perspective on life.”

During those four days, students created unforgettable memories like riding camels in the Moroccan desert, visiting the third largest mosque in the world, creating new lifelong friendships and more.

On the university’s website, the students logged their dayto-day experiences during the trip. Each day is told by a different student. In their writing, you can read a first-person perspec-

tive on preparing for the trip and learn about the culture they experienced in Morocco. Their accounts are titled Adventures in Morocco under the Public Affairs School department.

On Nov. 8, there was a community event at UA Little Rock

Downtown. The event held a silent auction which included hand-crafted Moroccan items like jewelry, rugs, pottery and more. The money raised went to a scholarship fund to help students study abroad.

Check out the student’s day-to-day experience using this QR Code

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NOVEMBER 2019 EDITION

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UA Little Rock honors First-Gen students

By Alex Brown The Forum UA Little Rock has launched a new series where first generation students are celebrated on their Facebook Page. Several students have shared their personal stories and how they overcame obstacles they were faced with.

To identify as a first-generation student means that their parent(s)/legal guardian(s) did not graduate from college. This can be difficult when one is embarking on their journey, and many students can relate to this.

Lucee Lugo: Lucee Lugo is a graduate student. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies with concentrations in Biology/Spanish/Health and Exercise Science in May of 2019.

“My parents were never able to attend college, and so attending college has always been a personal goal of mine,” Lugo said.

Growing up, Lugo realized how vital education is and how many jobs require a college education.

“Being a first generation college student can be tricky because you don’t have anyone to help you with things like FAFSA, admissions applications, scholarship applications, etc.,” she said. “It is hard to keep up with deadlines and things like that because it is your first time dealing with things surrounding the college world.”

Lugo’s parents moved to another state after she graduated high school; however, she chose to stay in Arkansas and attend UA Little Rock. Adjusting to college and being far away from her family was a difficult challenge for Lugo.

“I had to learn how to practice ‘adulting,’ which required lots of time management that I wasn’t used to,” she said.” Even though I was a good student in high school, I definitely struggled with keeping up with my course load for the first year and a half

of college.”

Counseling and joining organizations like Kappa Delta helped Lugo persevere through the obstacles she endured.

“I joined a sorority and am a CLC scholar,” she said. “I was able to form relationships with people my age who were going through some of the same things I was going through at the time.”

She recommends that new and first generation students get involved on campus by joining different organizations that caters to a student’s interests.

“Don’t be afraid to ask questions and put yourself out there,” she said. “You aren’t alone in how you are feeling. Utilize the resources your university offers (counseling/health services). Go to your professor’s office hours if you don’t understand something.”

Faith Bedwell: Faith Bedwell is in her first year of the Master’s of Social Work Program.

“I was inspired to go to college by my love for learning, my children, and to make my mom and dad proud,” she said.

Initially, Bedwell felt lost because she is a non traditional student. However, she learned her age was a benefit and that kept her focused on her studies.

“My advice to future college students is to get to know your professors,” she said. “You are your best advocate. Be proud of yourself and never stop learning, never quit.”

Keely Reeves: Keely Reeves is a senior double majoring in motion picture and professional/technical writing.

“Growing up, we were poor,” she said. “We struggled to make things meet. There wasn’t always food on the table or in the cabinets.”

Reeves understood the importance of education because of her situation. She knew she always wanted to go to college since her freshman year of high

school.

“I wanted to get an education so that maybe, I wouldn’t have to struggle as much as we did growing up,” she said.

She expressed how there is a lot of pressure being a first generation student, but she admittedly puts a lot of it on herself.

“I am going to be the first of my siblings to graduate college,” she said. “I am also going to be the first grandchild. It is a big deal. Due to that, I feel like I have to be the absolute best. I have to have straight As and get all the scholarships and internships so I can show my family that I can succeed. I want to be an inspiration to them.”

Money was an obstacle she had to face. However, Reeves qualified for a large pell grant and obtained scholarships to fund her schooling.

Reeves explained that another obstacle she encountered was switching her major in fall 2017.

“I started out as a double major with journalism and professional/technical writing,” she said. “After the first semester of mass communication classes, I realized that the classes I really enjoyed were the video classes. I had more fun filming. I switched my major from journalism to motion picture, and kept my professional/technical writing.”

Though switching her major has taken her a little longer to graduate, Reeves remained positive and knew she would. She advises future college students to pursue what they are passionate about.

“If you are passionate about something whether that is art, history, science, theater, math, etc., then go for it,” she said.

“Get an education because it’s what you want to do, what you are passionate about. Ignore the people who say that you can’t make money off that. Just do what you love. You’ll be all the happier for it. Trust me.”

Jaylon Lucas: Jaylon Lucas is a freshman majoring in nursing.

“My mom inspired me to go

to college,” he said. “I always told myself I wanted to be different and go to school out of state to obtain my degree.”

Lucas expressed that being a first generation student is challenging. Time and organization were the biggest obstacles he had to face. He perseveres through these obstacles by practicing everyday to master them.

He views college as a beautiful experience and advises students to try to take chances.

Kaycee Greenwood: Kaycee Greenwood is in her first year of the Ed.D in Higher Education with a concentration in student affairs.

Greenwood worked in a day care and an after school program in high school. This contributed to her love for working with children and desire to become an elementary teacher.

Greenwood didn’t know how she would pay for school so to avoid student loans, she joined the United States Air Force.

“While I was in the military, I worked diligently towards my degree,” she said. “Finally after eight years, I obtained my Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education. Along the way, I realized I made some decisions that prolonged my education. I could have completed the degree sooner if I would have known how to navigate through college.”

She wanted to help others avoid similar situations, so she continued to obtain her graduate degree in higher education. Greenwood’s Master of Arts in Higher Education Administration was conferred and she chose to get out of active duty and switch to the Air Force Reserve in 2018.

“My Post 9/11 GI Bill became an option for me with this decision,” she said. “Knowing that I had this benefit to use, I decided to approach my Ed.D. in Higher Education with a concentration in student affairs.”

Greenwood’s experience being a first generation student was prolonged because she

didn’t have someone explain to her how college works.

“If I would have had someone to talk to about college, I might have known better,” she said. “The reason I joined the military is because I assumed that because I did not apply for scholarships there was no way to pay for college. I don’t even remember going to any colleges in high school to visit.”

She expressed how her lack of guidance hurt her. Greenwood wasn’t aware of how higher education worked, and joining the military created more obstacles for her.

“Several times I was deployed days before class began,” she said. “I had to work with my instructors, because of my limited internet connections or not having my books.”

Being deployed didn’t stop Greenwood from obtaining her degree. Her advisers helped her any time she had questions and her instructors worked with her throughout her deployments.

“In the military, I was an aircraft mechanic,” she said. “This involved a lot of flying. If I had a paper due, I would save each reference I needed to my laptop and work on the paper while flying from place to place.”

Greenwood expressed that asking for help will benefit students on their college journey.

“It is okay to not have all the answers or understand everything,” she said. “The best way to gain knowledge on things you don’t know is asking. Either find a student, faculty member, or staff member that can help guide you along in your journey.”

Every student has a different story, but they all have one thing in common: seeking a college education in hopes of pursuing the career they’ve dreamed of.

Students will encounter obstacles on their journey. However, these students show that it’s not impossible to reach the destination.

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NOVEMBER 2019 EDITION

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2020 Presidential Election - Looking a year forward

By Chloe McGhee

Bernie Sanders

The Forum As the 2020 election and presidential race quickly approaches, the political climate can be hard to navigate. With a historically large pool of 18 Democrats and three Republicans running, concepts can be confusing and it is hard to decide who to vote for.

This is a guide to each candidate and their signature issues.

The Democrats currently running are Michael Bennet, Joe Biden, Cory Booker, Steve Bullock, Pete Buttigieg, Julián Castro, John Delaney, Tulsi Gabbard, Kamala Harris, Amy Klobuchar, Wayne Messam, Deval Patrick, Bernie Sanders, Joe Sestak, Tom Steyer, Elizabeth Warren, Marianne Williamson and Andrew Yang. Currently leading the polls are Biden, Sanders, Warren and Buttigieg, with 19%, 19%, 13% and 6% respectively.

The Republicans currently running are incumbent Donald Trump, Joe Walsh and William Weld. Trump is currently leading with 89% of the polls.

DEMOCRATS

Joe Biden

Former Vice-President Joe Biden has run for President twice and claims that 2020 is the last year he will run. He is widely popular with moderate Democrats and was popular as VP under Obama. He falls short with younger and more radical voters and has a history of flipping his viewpoints. His main issues are restoring America’s international standings and relations as well as adding more protections for lower-class citizens.

Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders ran for President in 2016, but lost to Hillary Clinton in the primaries. Sanders describes himself as a democratic-socialist, which is different than socialism itself. Sanders’ main goals are free medicare for all, free college tuition and curbing the influence of billionaires in American politics. He is highly progressive and radical, which earns him both criticism and praise.

Presidential race and has gained a lot of attention in recent news.

Buttigieg has fundraised more than any other candidate in the race and has proven to be widely popular with college age voters. Buttigieg has focused on American identity, economic issues and climate change. While he has gained popularity for his service and younger mindset, some criticisms have risen over his inexperience and age.

Kamala Harris

Elizabeth Warren

Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren has 13% of the polls and a lot of her concepts closely align with Sanders.

Warren has released her long and detailed plan for reshaping the American economy, as one of her main arguments is the need for a structural change.

This plan has received many criticisms, but economic experts say it might have potential. Warren’s main issues are income inequality and helping the middle class.

Pete Buttigieg

California Senator Kamala Harris originally gained strong traction for her debate skills and star power, but lost poll points after some questionable bills and comments she made were brought to light. Her main issues are middle-class tax cuts and civil rights.

Joe Walsh

Tech executive Andrew Yang’s signature concept is giving households a universal basic income of $1000 a month. He currently has 2% of the polls.

OTHERS Castro, Klobuchar, Gabbard, Bullock and Steyer all hold 1% of the polls, but will likely not make it to the primaries. Williamson, Delaney, Messam and Sestak all currently have less than 1% of the polls.

Running against Trump is former Illinois Congressman and radio show host Joe Walsh. He has come under fire for some controversial comments about President Trump, but is still holding 5% of the polls. His signatures are getting Trump out of office, restricting government control and reducing the national debt.

William Weld

REPUBLICANS Donald Trump

Cory Booker

New Jersey Senator Cory Booker currently has 2% of the polls, but some of his arguments are popular with the voters. He is running on a policy of love, unity and equality. He wants to combat mass incarceration and the racial wealth gap.

Veteran and South Bend, Indiana Mayor Pete Buttigieg is the youngest candidate in the

Andrew Yang

The frotnrunner candidate for the Republican primary is incumbent President Donald Trump, as he holds nearly 90% of the polls, and it has been historically difficult for any other candidate to beat out an incumbent. Trump is sticking with his 2016 signature issues of building a wall on the Southern border, cutting taxes for the upper class, undoing bills of the Obama administration, and withdrawing American troops from overseas while renegotiating international relations.

The final Republican candidate is William Weld, the former governor of Massachusetts.

Weld is representing moderate Republicans in the race, and has continued to be a strong critic of Donald Trump since the 2016 race. Weld is running on giving a voice to moderate and mainstream republicans, as well as free trade and immigration reform There is a historically large number of Presidential candidates this race, which means it is more imperative than ever to vote in not only the primaries, but also the main election.

The Arkansas primaries are Tuesday, Mar. 3 of 2020, with the Presidential election Tuesday, Nov. 3 of 2020.

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NOVEMBER 2019 EDITION

Police Beat

By Alex Brown // The Forum The UA Little Rock Police Department had reports of disturbance, a car on fire in front of Eats Hall and many bechichal accidents.

Disturbance: Officer Roy Mayo was dispatched due to there being two complaints that stated there was a fight in the Big Lot’s parking lot Oct. 18 at 11:15 a.m. The suspects were located between the speech building and motor pool. With the help of Officer Hurst, the suspect was detained and transported to the police station. Mayo received further information by talking to the victim. The victim stated that the suspect was living at the shelter on Roosevelt St.. The victim stated that her boyfriend offered the suspect a place to live and they agreed on rent. She then expressed how the suspect had been living with her and her boyfriend for about nine days and hadn’t paid his part of the rent. The victim then stated her and her boyfriend were driving down University Avenue and saw the suspect.

She then yelled for the suspect to come here and the suspect started running toward the Big Lot parking lot. It was there they got into an argument about rent.

The argument escalated, and the victim stated that he hit her and

made her drop her child.

Mayo then interviewed the suspect for his side of the story.

He stated he was living at the shelter on Roosevelt St. when he met the victim and her boyfriend. They asked him to move in with them. The suspect started he was leaving the Big Lot’s parking lot and that’s when the victim started yelling at him and hitting him from his viewpoint.

The suspect stated that the girl and her boyfriend took turns hitting him and that’s when he yelled for help.

Mayo then talked to the people who complained about the argument and were witnesses to it. They both stated that the suspect was getting punched by the victim and her boyfriend.

This caused the suspect to yell for help. The witnesses both wrote statements. Based on the complaints and statements, no charges were filed on the suspect and he didn’t want any charges filed on the victim.

Hit and Run Vehicle Accident: Officer Jerome Bailey responded to Lot 12 in regards to a hit and run accident Oct. 21 9:36 a.m. When Bailey arrived at the scene, the victim explained she made a turn westward onto W 32nd St. from Fair Park and came to a stop behind a white vehicle due to the vehicle dropping someone off. She then stated that as she began to pull around the white vehicle, the white vehicle pulled out and

struck her vehicle. This caused scratch marks on the passenger side front fender. The victim stated she noticed the driver of the white vehicle was not going to stop. The victim took a picture of the vehicle from its rear and got a look at the license plate. She didn’t need any medical attention when asked by Bailey.

Officer Sharon Houlette examined the report made on Oct. 24.

Because the victim had taken photos at the time of the accident, Houlette ran the license plate number and was able to identify the suspect. Houlette left a voicemail for the suspect to call her. About ten minutes later, the suspect did so. Houlette informed the suspect she received a report that he was involved in a hit and run vehicle accident and that she would need to take a look at his car. Upon looking at his car, Houlette noticed damage on both sides of his car. The suspect finally admitted that he hit the victim’s vehicle because he was in a hurry. The suspect expressed how remorseful he was and would return with an updated insurance card.

Other vehicle accidents: Officer Boyd was called over at the University Village in regards to vehicle property damage on Nov. 3 at 3:52 p.m. Boyd made contact with the student and she explained that when she was trying to park into a spot, she saw a car coming to her left trying to pull out. The student said she

honked the horn to let the other vehicle know she was parking in a spot close by. Before she knew it, the other vehicle bumped into the back rear driver’s side of her vehicle. She explained to Boyd that this happened around 1:45 p.m., but she decided to go ahead and make a report to have it on file after talking to her father about the incident. The student did not obtain the other victim’s information due to the individual having to work at a certain time when this incident took place. She stated that the individual who hit her told her, “It’s okay, I have to be at work.” The student never exchanged any vehicle information, insurance or name of the individual that hit her. There is an estimated $500 worth in damages.

Officer McGee responded to a call at Lot 5 in reference to a motor vehicle accident involving two vehicles, without any reported injuries on Nov. 4 at 1:29 p.m.

An eStem student attempted to enter into Lot 5; however, since she is not a UA Little Rock student, she did not have a campus ID to enter the parking lot. The student then backed her vehicle out in an attempt to leave the lot and struck another vehicle. The other victim opened the gate of Lot 5 so both parties could be there when the University Police arrived. After assessing the damages on both vehicles, Officer McGee observed minor damages to the vehicle that got hit near the bumper alignment on the driver’s side. No paint or scuff

9

marks were present at the time of the incident. The student’s vehicle did not have any damages or marks in regards to this accident. Both parties exchanged insurance information and gave a UA Little Rock report number.

Car on Fire: Officer Thompson received a call from Little Rock Police Department Communications about a vehicle on fire in front of East Hall on Fair Park Nov. 6 at 10:33 p.m. Thompson and Officer Horace arrived at the scene at 10:11 p.m. They blocked off 30th and Fair Park to 32nd and Fair Park. They secured the scene until Little Rock Fire Department arrived while keeping approaching vehicles away. They observed a vehicle engulfed in flames. The driver and the passenger were able to escape out of the vehicle after they observed smoke and fire coming from under the vehicle. Before the fire department arrived on the scene, the vehicle exploded. The fire department arrived on the scene around 10:15 p.m. and successfully extinguished the fire. No one was injured and there was no other property damage.

Contact the UALR Department of Public Safety at

501.569.3400

This is the FINAL PRINT EDITION of the fall 2019 semester!

Keep up with the latest news online!

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10

Spotlights

NOVEMBER 2019 EDITION

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Faculty Spotlight Jami Hollingsworth

Jami Hollingsworth has signed for celebrities like Bruno Mars. Photo by Brad Sims

By Oksana Durkee The Forum Having interpreted for Cher, Bruno Mars, and Jeff Dunham, just to name a few, Jami Hollingsworth is a prominent member of UA Little Rock’s Interpreter Education (IEP) Program.

“I love interpreting anything artistic, especially concerts, plays, and cruises, she said.

Hollingsworth grew up in Little Rock and graduated from the IEP program here at UA Little Rock in 1986. She has been interpreting ever since. Aside from artistic interpreting, she also enjoys interpreting for the DeafBlind community.

“I love anything Deaf-Blind related, and I do it for the people,” she said. “I really enjoy being in that community.”

Hollingsworth shared some of her experiences in the community, “One time, I was interpreting

for a Deaf-Blind individual in an airport, and the security guard commented on my abilities after the individual had been through the metal detector,” she said. “‘Wow, you must be really good at reading minds.’ I was baffled but I had a job to do and wasn’t able to educate in that moment.”

“Another time I had the opportunity to be a Support Service Provider (SSP) for a Deaf-Blind family on a cruise ship,” she said, “The most amazing thing about it was just being able to provide access to some experiences that were not only new for them, but new for me as well.”

She also took some time to talk about her process to prepare for any upcoming assignments for the classes she teaches.

“It all depends on where the area of focus is placed,” she said.

“If it is medical or a generic interpreting assignment, then I find out as much as I can about the deaf consumer to better accommodate their language requirements. If it is a concert or play,

then I focus more on the information from the hearing consumer and how-to better relay what they are trying to say.”

“Get involved in the community. Your allies, support system, network, and resources are all there in the Deaf community.”

- Jami Hollingsworth Being a 27-year veteran at UA Little Rock, Hollingsworth has acquired a long list of classes she

teaches.

“I currently teach a lot of classes here, and I love it,” she said. “My top three would have to be Manually Coded English (MCE), Artistic Interpreting, and Interpreting for Persons who are Deaf and Blind.”

“I’m a proud graduate of UA Little Rock,” she said, “I like the fact that the university helped me become who I am, and I work in these classes to help students become who they will be.”

Hollingsworth gave some advice for interpreting students currently enrolled in the program.

“Get involved in the community.” she said. “Your allies, support system, network, and resources are all there in the Deaf community.”

“I found they (the Deaf community) want students to succeed. They want more people to be able to sign. They want more interpreters.” she said, “It (the Deaf community) is an underutilized resource for students.”

There is one piece of advice that Hollingsworth has taken with her in life.

“However uncomfortable the process of learning is, makes it more worthwhile. The more work you put into learning, the more you’re outside your comfort zone, and the more you put yourself out therethe more likely you are to succeed.”

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Student Spotlight Ra’phael Davis

By Harrison Hudson The Forum In fourth grade, Ra’phael Davis picked up a book on the Holocaust that sparked a lifelong dedication to human rights work.

“I got very angry and said, ‘This is horrible,’” Davis, now a senior International Studies and Philosophy major at UA Little Rock, said. “They need to be punished. Somebody has to stop this from happening.’ So at that point in time it became my ultimate goal to be somebody that helps prevent genocide.”

As a high school student at the competitive Arkansas School for Math, Sciences, and the Arts (ASMSA), Davis engaged in research on international media coverage of genocide.

He was accepted into UA Little Rock’s Donaghey Scholars Program, and was soon introduced to the International Studies department.

“The first international relations class I took was Peacebuilding and Post-Conflict Reconstruction, and that got me started on the transitional justice route,” he said.

Davis participated in the Conflict Management and Peace Science program at the University of North Texas, where he began conducting graduatelevel political science research.

At UNT, Davis developed a project about the effects of post-Civil War justice on peace and statebuilding. He has since presented his research at three conferences, including the Midwest Political Science Association Conference in Chicago, one of the nation’s largest.

Davis helped establish UA Little Rock’s International Studies Club, citing a need for intercultural and human rights awareness on campus. He has served as president of Phi Sigma Tau, the philosophy honor society, for the past two and a half years, and is also involved in

Ra’phael Davis eating lunch with fellow UA Little Rock student Sydney Brazil.

Model Arab League and in the ing the walls. They basically had “I see my career going into process of becoming an SGA nothing. international peace research,” Justice.

“I saw a man that was against Davis said, adding that his goal As a volunteer for the United the wall to my left, and he was is to become a professor or proNations, Davis has collaborated writhing in pain. He was crying gram director. “I want to go into with Education Watch Pakistan, what resembled tears of blood, academia, but at the same time, an organization that promotes and I couldn’t do anything about I don’t want to be one of those human rights education in the it. I was forced to watch these academics that gets stuck in the Middle East, to produce two three police officers wielding ivory tower.” books. He has also had research crowbars at him, mock[ing] him, published in the SIR Journal and they were yelling at him, of International Relations and telling him to get up while they the Journal of the International beat him down again.

Honor Society in Philosophy.

“You read about it in a book Davis has spent time abroad all the time,” Davis said. “But to in Spain, Holland, and Morocco, see it happen in real life… The and said that most of his time very thing that got me interested was spent interacting with inter- in this in the first place was hapnational forced migrants from pening right before my eyes.” sub-Saharan Africa. He recalled Davis had a similar expeone experience in Barcelona, rience in Holland this sumSpain, as particularly influential mer, noting the barriers faced to his work. by migrant communities in “I was walking through a Maastricht.

Barcelona metro station, basi“My heart goes out to migrants cally shoulder-to-shoulder with in general, but especially forced a host of forced migrants who migrants,” he said. had recently fled violence in Davis’ experiences abroad sub-Saharan and West Africa,” have helped shape his career he said. “There were people lin- outlook.

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NOVEMBER 2019 EDITION

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Library houses Dia de los Muertos Altar

By Chloe McGhee The Forum UA Little Rock’s Ottenheimer Library hosted a Dia de los Muertos altar this October and November.

The altar was created by faculty members from the Department of World Languages and Multicultural Center, as well as the students of the League of United Latin American Citizens or LULAC. The President of LULAC, Elizabeth Santillan had a large role in the creation of the altar.

“I wanted students to feel like they had a part of their culture here on campus,” Santillan said. “I also wanted everyone of other cultures to see a live representation of what they saw in things like the movie Coco.”

A lot of preparation had to go in to the making of the altar.

“I met with a lot of people in the beginning of September, and they agreed to help me out [with the altar],” Santillan said. “We

Dia de los Muertos alter exhibit in the library. Photos by Chloe McGhee decided on the library because we wanted the most people to see it. Also, [the altar] is a really historical representation of our culture and the library represents all types of history and culture.”

“I hope everybody else can see a small part of our culture and that they can relate to it.”

- Elizabeth Santillan

The Day of the Dead is a three day long celebration to remember the deaths of loved ones.

Oct. 31 is All Hallow’s Eve, Nov. 1 is a day to celebrate the deaths of infants, babies and children and Nov. 2 is the Day of the Dead where the lives of adults are celebrated. The altar plays a key role in celebrating and explaining the holiday.

“There are three levels to the altar,” Santillan said. “The top represents when your life starts, and the one at the end is when your life ends. The orange on the altar symbolizes joy, the purple means mourning someone and the black means death. There are also many pictures of people who passed away and different religious symbols.”

There are a lot of steps in order to have a true altar.

“We bring special objects and offerings,” Santillan said.

“We also have the Day of the Dead bread that we only eat during the Day of the Dead on the altar.”

Santillan hopes to recreate the altar next year.

“Hopefully next year we can make it bigger since this is the first time we’ve done it,” she said. “I hope everybody else can see a small part of our culture and that they can relate to it, and that the Hispanic community feels like they have a place on campus.”

14

NOVEMBER 2019 EDITION

Entertainment

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Student Artist Q&A TwoTxne met him through another talented artist Alexis Ray Parker. We were freestyling one day and he kind of pulled me to the side and said “I think you need to do this bro. You’re good at this.” It was that moment when somebody I felt like could rap encouraged me and said I can rap. These people [were] doing this a little bit longer than me so that’s what brought me in.

* JaeTizzle, a Little Rock artist, started Franchise Records a couple years before him and TwoTxne met. Two years before they met, JaeTizzle started releasing music. Franchise Records is an independent label located in Dallas. Now it is a partnership between the two.

Ok, now let’s talk about your music. How would you describe your style?

Antonio Long, 21, is a UA Little Rock Mechanical Engineering student and a musical artist who goes by his stage name TwoTxne.

By Miriam Battles The Forum This month’s Student Artist Q&A focus is on UA Little Rock’s student Antonio Long. Long is a senior majoring in Mechanical Engineering and started releasing music during his junior year of college. His supporters may also know him by his stage name TwoTxne.

What made you chose Mechanical Engineering instead of music?

TwoTxne: Mainly because I didn’t start trying to do music at a young age. I kind of just started releasing music a year ago, but I’ve been making beats and writing [during] my 11th grade of high school. I never took it seriously and I think that’s how a lot of people start.

So do you see music as a dream job or just a hobby?

TwoTxne: I see it as a dream

job, however, I’ve been trying to get more into the social side of me. I’ve always been antisocial. I feel like if it blew up and became my job, I honestly would probably be like a PARTYNEXTDOOR. I just want to make good music.

You said as a kid you weren’t into music so can you tell me about your journey on how you got into music?

TwoTxne: My journey into it would be more of I found it as an outlet when I started going through some things in college.

For some reason, I couldn’t get over certain situations, but writing about it and people relating to it felt good. I was like I’m writing about it and people want to hear it so it kind of pulled me in.

Was there a specific memory that you have when you realized you could rap?

TwoTxne: I would say when I ran into my boy Jamal (JaeTizzle).

We’re in Franchise together, a label we’re trying to get going. I

TwoTxne: I just feel like it’s a vibe. I listen to the beat and I write what I hear more than forcing something that doesn’t go. Most people say I sound like 6lack. I don’t hear it but I like to make music you can listen to while you relax and chill out.

That’s funny that you say you sound like 6lack. Somehow I found your Instagram and I discovered S.L.A.N. (So Late at Night) and you do sound like 6lack. Do you make your beats?

TwoTxne: We have a producer in Franchise that makes most of our beats now. I do still, like the regular person, get beats off YouTube. [The] S.L.AN. beat was a YouTube beat. I haven’t been dropping consecutively because I’ve been trying to find local producers. I probably could do it now though.

What makes the beat the one?

TwoTxne: If the beat talks to me then I got to put something on it. I look for a vibe beat for my vibe style.

What are three words that describe your style?

TwoTxne: Versatile.

Unique.

Vibe.

Was S.L.A.N. a product of an ex-girl that did you wrong?

TwoTxne: I wouldn’t say she did me wrong. It was more of a wrong timing situation. I’m a be honest, we both had just got out of relationships. I got attached to the feeling of just needing somebody and we both had to come to reality. I was up every night until about 4 writing this same song.

And that’s crazy because usually, the stigma is that guys get over a relationship quicker than women, but guys go through it too.

TwoTxne: That’s why I feel like my music is more different because a lot of guys don’t talk about being heartbroken in that instance.

What other singles do you have out?

TwoTxne: I have Playboy with JaeTizzle and I have my latest song with DeeAyee, Narcotics.

I am going to put out a project probably in February. You’ll be the first person to know the name, Heartheaded.

What are your thoughts on the Hip Hop scene in Little Rock?

TwoTxne: One thing I can say is last year everybody acted like you couldn’t blow up in the city. We [had] ZaeHD & CEO and Bankroll Freddie blow up in the city. We got people making it on big platforms. I feel like the music industry in Little Rock is unique. Everybody makes music differently.

What about UA Little Rock?

TwoTxne: We need to get together as artists and try to get performances on campus. We should get a couple artists to come out and perform for free to help build their fanbase.

Do you feel like that’s possible at UALR? It’s not a lot of student life on campus and I’m having a hard time understanding why.

TwoTxne: Well I know that the numbers are down at UALR as far as enrollment goes. I feel like it only takes a post for somebody to get this stuff going. I don’t ever think it’s not possible for anything to happen if the plan is good.

So I know you dropped Playboy and Narcotics, so is the next thing the project or another single?

TwoTxne: Yes I do. My next song is probably also going to be another feature, however, it’s not going to be a hook feature.

Also maybe another video. I do plan to drop one of the songs [from the proect] just a little bit before it comes out to give people a feel of it.

Who are your dream collabs locally and famous?

TwoTxne: A1 Nino and B. Tee as far as local artists. As far as famous people 6lack, Chance the Rapper, J. Cole, Drake, H.E.R, Bryson Tiller, Jhene Aiko, PARTYNEXTDOOR and Erykah Badu in her prime.

What has been your most memorable memory?

TwoTxne: I would say my most memorable memory is my first performance last year. It was the crowd’s first time hearing it and my first time performing it. I get to perform and try to bring the energy too. Everybody was rocking with the song.

TwoTxne is expecting to release his debut project, Heartheaded, at the top of the year. He has three singles out, two of them being with other local artists. Listeners can stream his music on all streaming services.

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CLC hosts annual Battle of the Talents

NOVEMBER 2019 EDITION

Tory Lanez brings nostalgia with Chixtape 5

15

Eric Church Performs at newly named Simmons Bank Arena

By Oksana Durkee The Forum

Battle of the Talents winner, Caleb Cache, singing “I Have Nothing”

by Whitney Houston. Photo by Magnolia Risley.

By Magnolia Risley The Forum Chancellor’s Leadership Corps (CLC) put on their ninth annual Reach 13k Battle of the Talents showcase on Nov. 14 at the Stella Boyle Smith Concert Hall.

The purpose of the show was to raise 13000 items for the food pantry. Caleb Cache kicked off the show singing Whitney Houston’s “I Have Nothing.” He was followed by Dako, who performed magic and shocked the audience when his tricks were unveiled.

Lauren Black sang, succeeded by a sign language song performance by Alanis Bradley. Next was a group song performance

by Joshua Gregory, Camerone Bone, and Danyelle, and an individual song by Favi Alba. Kammi Shae Ward closed the show with spoken word. Between performances, emcees Emma Guerra and Shane Johnson engaged with the judges and the audience to keep everyone entertained.

This aspect of the show was sophomore Charlee McCall’s favorite part.

“The audience interaction

was lit,” she said.

One member of the audience was so enthusiastic that organizers were inspired to create a new award, Most Hyped Audience Member, during the event to be presented at the end specifically to Makira Hines, who received $20.

In the end, Cache was named the winner by judges Katie Zakrzewski, Amanda Dreyer, and Brittany Fugate. Cache, the recipient of a $50 prize said.

“Winning felt amazing,” he said. “Honestly I didn’t do it for the money, I did it for my singing and hopefully someone’s day was made better by my singing.”

Event organizer Becca Davis was proud of her event’s success.

“This is my sixth year participating and being apart of Battle of the Talent’s creation and I’m so excited because every year, the acts get better and better,” she said.

CLC raised 2441 items fromt his event, bringing them that much closer to reaching their goal of 13K this year.

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FOR MORE INFORMATION

Album cover of Lanez’s new album. Art by Kenneth Reed series. The first single from the

By Miriam Battles project, Jerry Sprunger, was released on Nov. 2. It was the The Forum first song to set the mood for the rest of the tracklist. I’m Sprung was sampled in the song and it Reminiscing on where you also featured R&B artist, T-Pain, were and how you felt when the original artist of the song. classic R&B records dropped in “[On] all of my favorite the 2000s era is the goal that records, I made the original artTory Lanez accomplished when ist come back and hop on the he created Chixtape 5. Whether records. Tory Lanez sampling you were riding down the free- something and making it totally way listening to Nelly’s Hot in brand new,” said Tory Lanez Herre or thinking about an ex- during an MTV interview. lover while listening to Mariah This album takes us on a Carey’s We Belong Together, musical journey down memory R&B music over the years has lane as we listen to the original undealiably helped people cre- records play alongside his lyrate and remember life memo- ics. Some of the samples include ries.

Take You Down by Chris Brown, Lanez released Chixtape 5 on Your Body by Pretty Ricky, Can’t Nov. 15, two years after releasing Let You Go by Fabulous, Lil Mo his previous mixtape, Chixtape 4. and Mike Shorey, and U Already The first Chixtape was released Know by 112. as a mixtape on Feb. 24, 2011. He In an interview with didn’t include samples but it was HipHopDX, he said that he inspired by Chris Brown’s debut wanted to go for the records album, Chris Brown. Lanez start- that would make his listeners ed using samples in his chixtape think, “How did you even get series in Chixtape 2, which came that cleared.” Chixtape 5 can go out in 2014. down as one of the best-influEvery chixtape after Chixtape enced albums in R&B. Lanez has samples from a specific era perfectly executed this album by in music. Chixtape 2 is the early picking real R&B records to flip 90s, Chixtape 3 is the mid-90s, and recreate them to his style.

Chixtape 4 is the late 90s and Lanez toured with Chris Chixtape 5 is the 2000s.

Brown on the Indigoat tour that Lanez sampled some of the ended on Oct. 19. His album, biggest hits from that era and Chixtape 5, is available on all made it his own in this fifth streaming platforms. installment of the Chixtape

On Oct 25, Simmons Bank Arena (formally known as Verizon Arena) hosted contemporary country music artist Eric Church on his Double Down Tour. Although he is most known for his hits “How About You,” “Guys Like Me” and “Drink in My Hand.” Church also brought out some less popular hits and put on an incredible performance for North little Rock.

Church came out onto the stage around 9:00 and the crowd was very enthusiastic. He opened up with “Drowning Man” and informed the crowd “Normally this show is done in two nights, but I’m only here for one night.

Y’all get two shows in one night.

We are going to see what Little Rock is made of tonight!”

Some songs that were preformed included: “Sinners Like Me,” “Talladega,” “Country Music Jesus,” “Drink In My Hand,” “Mr. Misunderstood,” and “Love Your Love the Most”. Joanna Cotton, Church’s back up vocalist, wowed the crowd with her amazing voice on many songs with her high pitched notes, and drawn out vocals.

Many memorable moments between the standing room audience and Church occurred throughout the night. High fives and hand shakes were some of many interactions. A highlight of the night included church taking the American flag from someone in the audience and wrapping it around his shoulders while he sang “Kill a Word.” In the middle of the performance of “Jack Daniels,” Church did a behind the scenes moment backstage as him and the band took shots of whiskey.

16

Entertainment

Movie Reviews NOVEMBER 2019 EDITION

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Executive Editor: Jordan Woodson rules set up by the first two movies. Specific rules about Terminators that T1 and T2 established that I won’t spoil in this review are either completely forgotten or thrown at the waste side because there are a couple broken in this film.

Like I said, this isn’t a bad movie, it’s just not good. If I had to rank it, I’d say it’s the 4th best, having “Salvation” and “Genesis” below it. First off, Hamilton is in fact back and better than ever.

She is just as good in her role of Sarah Connor as she was in the 80s and 90s. Also, Mackenzie Davis is really surprising and such a badass in her role. I could definitely see her having a huge action career in her future.

The actions scenes are well made for the most part and are undoubtedly fun. You can definitely see Miller’s best work is with the actions scenes and can totally tell it’s from the director of Deadpool when watching them. The CGI however is surprisingly not great. I would go as far as saying that the CGI in T2 was slightly better, and that was made in 1991.

Overall, we really need to say goodbye to this franchise unless someone can think of a fresh, interesting story to go along with it. “Terminator: Dark Fate” had promise and shows signs of it, but it just needed a better story for the amazing cast and competent director to work with.

“Harriet” is directed by Kasi Lemmons, written by Gregory Allen Howard (writer of “Remember the Titans”) and stars Cynthia Erivo (“Bad Times at the El Royle” and “Widows”) as the legendary historical figure Harriet Tubman. In the very first feature film ever about legend herself, it follows Tubman on her journey escaping slavery, becoming free up north and

Photo: Lionsgate going back down south to lead the underground railroad, while trying to stay out of the sight of the white slave owners that are on the hunt for her head.

It’s insane that after over a century of cinema, it took until now for a movie about Harriet Tubman to be made. Thankfully, this movie does it factually, but not in a boring way. After doing some research, almost every

‘Harriet’ is the perfect movie to show in a history class

Photo: Paramount

‘Terminator: Dark Fate’ proves the franchise needs to stop being back “Terminator: Dark Fate” is directed by Tim Miller (director of “Deadpool”) and takes place decades after the events of “Terminator 2: Judgement Day,” following the “Halloween” franchise route of ignoring all the critically not liked sequels. This film brings back Linda Hamilton as Sarah Connor who runs into a Mexican woman named Dani Ramos (Natalie Reyes) and a genetically enhanced human from the future named Grace (Mackenzie Davis). Teaming up, Sarah and Grace must protect Dani from a terminator sent to kill her from the future in order to once again stop judgement day.

Now I love T1 and T2, the movies after that however… not so much and that continues with this installment. There was hope that it would be good with Hamilton and James Cameron returning to the franchise (Cameron only producing, not directing). The movie isn’t bad but it’s not good either.

First off, this franchise is so

repetitive. Every single movie aside from “Salvation” has been able a terminator being sent to kill someone that has some connection to leading the resistance against the machines while having someone else sent back to protect said person. This movie has the exact. same. plot. It’s getting old. Also, there’s a “twist” towards the beginning of the film (not the controversial twist in the first 5 minutes) that has already been done in a previous Terminator movie that was also spoiled in the trailer.

This film has the same screenwriter as Christopher Nolan’s Batman trilogy (David S. Goyer), however, it also has a writer from the movie Gemini Man that came out last month (Billy Ray) and if you read my Gemini Man review, you know how I felt about that script. I don’t know how much involvement Goyer or Ray had with Dark Fate’s screenplay, but based on their previous work, I’m guessing Ray did most of the work.

The movie also doesn’t know how to be consistent with the

aspect of this film has at least some sort of historical record of happening. It even mentions things that I was never taught about in school that I wish I knew before. Obviously, it’s a movie so not everything is factual, but about 90% is, making it the perfect movie to show to Middle School or High School students in a history class.

If a history teacher did make the smart decision to show it, I don’t think the students would be bored. Yes, it does follow a very similar formula as a lot of historical movies and the pacing is a little slow at points, but Lemmons makes the story at least a little bit unique by adding a bit of a thriller element to it. I do wish she would’ve made it a little bit more of a thriller, but there is enough action here to keep everyone entertained.

However, it is Erivo that is truly the one that makes the movie entertaining. I’ve seen every movie she’s been in now (she’s new so she’s only been in three) and I truly believe she is the best up-and-coming actress there is that everyone should keep an eye out for. Her performance is so raw, emotional and empowering, truly embodying Tubman herself. The film may have a few minor flaws (as most movies do), but there are zero flaws in Erivo’s performance.

The cast surrounding her is great as well. Janelle Monáe (“Hidden Figures”) and Leslie Odom Jr. (“Hamilton”) are two very charming actors playing freed slaves up north and, although in small roles, do a great job with what they have.

The one weak link I would say is Joe Alwyn, who plays the son of Harriet’s slave owner who is on the hunt for her. He does a pretty bad job portraying a racist Southerner, which I guess in some way is a good thing, but from an acting stand point, he could’ve done much better convincing me.

“Harriet” does for the most part follow a very familiar formula and can feel slow at points, but in the end it is still an extremely powerful film that showcases an incredible lead actress that embodies the brave woman that risked her life for thousands.

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NOVEMBER 2019 EDITION

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December Movies DEC. 6 The Aerinauts - Drama A Million Little Pieces Drama PLAYMOBIL - Animation Portrait of a Lady on Fire Romance (LIMITED)

DEC. 13 Black Christmas - Horror Jumanji: The Next Level Action Richard Jewell - Drama (LIMITED) Uncut Gems - Thriller (LIMITED)

DEC. 20

Photo: Warner Bros.

‘Doctor Sleep’ honors both Kubrick’s and King’s visions of ‘The Shining’ “Doctor Sleep” is written and directed by Mike Flanagan (writer and director of “Gerald’s Game” and “Ouija: Origins of Evil”) and is both a sequel to Stanley Kubrick’s “The Shining” and based on a book by Stephen King of the same name, which is also a sequel to The Shining novel. This film follows Danny “Doc” Torrance (played by Ewan McGregor) when he connects with a girl who also has the ability to “shine” (played by Kyliegh Curran), he must protect her at all cost before a cult comes to kill her and eat her shine.

“The Shining” is one of the best horror films I’ve ever seen, and a bunch of people would agree with me. No, this film does not live up to the masterpiece, but honestly if anyone thought it would, they need a reality check. This film did exactly what it needed to do to honor the legacy the previous film has created for itself. Stephen King famously despised Kubrick’s version of The Shining, but I believe Flanagan has created something that both could be happy with.

Let’s start with Flanagan’s direction. He’s such an underrated horror director and both his movies that I’ve seen of his have been very solid. He doesn’t ever use cheap jump scares in his films, truly letting the situations and built-up tension do the scaring for him. He, along with the cinematography, create this feeling of dread that haunts the

entire film, building up to an amazing final act.

The acting is also terrific across the board. There is not one single weak link in the entire cast. Rebecca Ferguson does incredible in her villain role as Rose the Hat, truly giving the best performance of her career.

Also, this is only Curran’s second credited acting role, her first being a small role in an incredibly unheard of film, and her performance is absolutely jawdropping with how good it is with so little experience under her belt.

Where the film does falter is the first act. Like I said, the third act is amazing, but the first is super slow and drags on for quite a bit. There are three different storylines going on at once, parts of some don’t even seem necessary to the overall plot, and with how long the film already is, parts of it could have definitely been shorten. Once McGregor’s and Curran’s characters finally meet in person, that’s when the film finally picks up. However, once they start heading to the Overlook Hotel, buckle up because you’re in for an incredible ride.

“Doctor Sleep” might have a sluggish first act, but the rest of the film, Flanagan’s directing as well as the incredible talent on display truly make this a movie that would make both King and Kubrick satisfied, despite their differences.

Photo: 21st Century Fox

‘Ford v Ferrari’ will take you on an adrenaline-filled ride “Ford v Ferrari” is directed

by James Mangold (director of “Logan” and “Walk the Line”) and tells the true story of race car designer Carroll Shelby (played

by Matt Damon). Shelby, along with driver and best friend Ken Miles (played by Christian Bale), must work together to battle corporate interference, the laws of physics and their own personal demons to build a revolutionary race car for Ford Motor Company and take on the dominating race cars of Enzo Ferrari at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in France 1966.

I’m not a race car fan. I actually have zero interest in NASCAR or anything like that, but man did I have so much fun with this movie and that’s mostly due to the racing scenes, ironically.

Mangold’s directing mixed with the film’s cinematography, editing and most importantly the sound design help keep the audience completely at the edge of their seat with their heats pumping like never before. If this film doesn’t win an Oscar in at least one of the two sound categories, we’re rioting.

Damon and Bale also helped add to the fun of this film. Their performances are both heartfelt and endearing, truly making you feel for these characters. Not to mention their chemistry is on point. As for the rest of the cast, Noah Jupe (the kid from “A Quiet Place”) is adorable as Miles’ son

while Caitriona Balfe, who plays Miles’ wife, is not giving much to do and, unfortunately, takes a back seat as the stereotypical “supportive wife” role.

The film also explores relevant themes of the artist vs the businessman, a theme that relates to Hollywood and movie making in so many ways. A lot of filmmakers (the artists) have to deal with the studio executives (the businessman) getting in the way of their craft, and that’s exactly what Shelby and Miles experience in this movie. This theme is handled very well and is present from the starting line to the finish.

My one problem with the film is the beginning. Ironically, just like Ken Miles’ start at the 24 hours of Le Mans, it was slow and rocky. I don’t know what else they could have done to fix this problem, but I did feel myself becoming uninterested at the beginning. However, all of that changed as the film continued and surged ahead to an incredible last two acts.

“Ford v Ferrari” features great performances from our two leads with incredible racing sequences that will keep the audiences’ hearts racing and feel as if they’re actually in the cars themselves, a testament to the incredible filmmaking on display.

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Read more of Jordan’s Reviews on his offical website:

18

NOVEMBER 2019 EDITION

Entertainment

Wildwood Part for the Arts brings arts and nature to Little Rock

Shea Williamson as Dorothy in Wizard of Oz.

By Keely Reeves Guest Writer Wildwood Park for the Arts is the perfect place for students who love the arts. Wildwood accepts students from a variety of majors such as theatre, mass communication, professional/technical writing, graphic design, nonprofit management and many more. This park and cultural arts center has become the home for UA Little Rock alumni such as Shea Williamson.

Shea Williamson, who recently came off the stage as Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz, feels that Wildwood is important to the community because it’s the best venue in Little Rock. It has everything from Swan Lake to the gazebo to the grounds to the theatre. It has something for everybody. Whether students want to be social media writers, crew members, videographers, or photographers, Wildwood has many opportunities for students to expand their experience in a supportive environment.

Williamson received a master’s in music degree in Opera Performance from Oklahoma City University. She graduated from UA Little Rock with a B.A. in Vocal Performance and a minor in education in 2009. She is a lower school and early childhood teacher at Pulaski County Academy where she teaches music appreciation. Williamson said that she enjoys teaching music and watching as students develop a passion or appreciation for music and seeing the joy on their faces as they express themselves through music. She believes that she was born to be a part of music and has always

had a passion for the theatre.

Williamson had this advice for students, “Whatever you’re passionate about, figure it out, go to school for it, learn about it, try it out.”

Professors are involved at Wildwood Park as well. Dr. Karen Kuralt works at UA Little Rock as the M.A. program coordinator for Professional and Technical Writing. She has taught for 19 years at UA Little Rock. When she is not at UA Little Rock teaching, Dr. Kuralt helps promote Wildwood Park for the Arts as the publicity coordinator. She helps to promote events at the park through print, radio, and television, as well as social media such as Facebook and Instagram. Dr. Kuralt believes that “Wildwood is a major contributor to both the arts and nature conservation in Arkansas, and the public needs to know about our events so they can take full advantage of the resources we offer.”

Dr. Kuralt has been a part of Wildwood for five years.

She originally got involved in Wildwood through the UA Little Rock Community Chorus. She is one of the founders of Praeclara.

When Praeclara needed a theatre to call home, they joined with Wildwood, and thus a new partnership was formed. Dr. Karen Kuralt is a member of the board of directors at Wildwood Park for the Arts.

Dr. Bevan Keating is the former Director of Conducting and Choral Studies at UA Little Rock.

Now, he is the executive director at Wildwood Park for the Arts. He is celebrating his first anniversary in this position this month. Dr. Keating had this to say to UA Little Rock students: “I just wanted to make sure that

if you are at UA Little Rock now and you’re doing a degree in the arts, that you realize that you have to put it all together. You’ll never get that perfect job where you work only one position. I’m an old man now still putting two, three jobs together for one position. You can make your living in the arts in Little Rock, and my wife and family are proof of that.

The people who are on my stage are proof of that. Don’t let people tell you that you can’t do this because you can, and you can even do it in your home state.”

That summer education program has turned into Wildwood Academy of Music and the Arts (WAMA). It is one of Wildwood’s biggest programs. This summer program is for students 6 to 18 years old. Younger students take classes in singing, dancing, violin, ukulele, yoga, nutrition, and natural studies. The intermediate students can pick lessons of their choice, as well as participate in nature or visual arts lessons. For students who have previous experience in vocals or instruments, their lessons focus on honing those skills. WAMA helps provide students with a community of like individuals that love the arts as much as they do.

The mission of Wildwood Park for the Arts is to encourage the community to get involved with the arts and nature. Wildwood houses the Cabe Festival Theatre that can house over 600 people to see performances. Past performances include Dracula Unearthed, The Pirates of Penzance, H.M.S. Pinafore, Seussical, Annie, Into the Woods, and The Wizard of Oz. Wildwood introduced its first Westoberfest, a festival that celebrates the culture and traditions of Bavaria in September.

After Westoberfest, Wildwood went right into their production of The Wizard of Oz. Their next performance is Godspell in March and April.

Every director has their own spin on this tale. Normally Godspell is set in the 1960s, but Dr. Keating is bringing it to the 21st century by setting it in New York post 9/11 when the economy was failing.

life.ualr.edu/forum

Model Arab League host silent auction

Honree Miguel Lopez holding to Model Arab League Excellence Award. Photo by L.J. Rhodes work, Lopez was honored and

By Maria Romero given the Model Arab League The Forum Excellence Award.

The night consisted of an UA Little Rock Model Arab aromatic tea scent, delicious League team organized an event Moroccan inspired food, beautiin the UA Little Rock Downtown ful images of Morocco, stunning location to honor alumni Miguel images, and so many beautiful Lopez and hosted a silent aucpieces of Moroccan culture that tion that would benefit the UA were part of the silent auction.

Little Rock Model Arab League By the end of the night, the fund. auction and donations climbed The team embarked on a jourup to almost $6,000 in just a ney to the International Model couple of hours. If you would Arab League Conference in like to contribute to their cause, Morocco this past October and you can scan the QR code below brought back beautiful artisan that will take you to their donapieces from Morocco to showtion website. case and sell to raise funds for future Model Arab League members to be part of the wonderful experience that the beautiful country of Morocco is.

Miguel Lopez is a former UA Little Rock student who was part of the 2017 Model Arab League Conference in Morocco.

Lopez worked incredibly hard to make that journey happen and was key to the auction this year. Because of all his hard

life.ualr.edu/forum

Entertainment

NOVEMBER 2019 EDITION

19

Forum Comics

“College Holidays” by Andrea Benbrook

“Trojan Woman!” by Ivan Henley

“Trojan Man!” Art by Ashish Bhakta. Written by Ivan Henley

Due to Thanksgiving and winter break, there will be no contest for this edition of The Forum. Please stay tuned for the Amazon gift card contest to return in our February edition

20

NOVEMBER 2019 EDITION

Sports

UA Little Rock Wrestling competes in first match ever

By Analee Jones The Forum The Little Rock Trojan Wrestling opened its inaugural season with the Oklahoma City University Tournament at the Abe Lee Area in Oklahoma City on November 9th. They traveled with a total of 25 wrestlers and competed very well.

The wrestling team worked well together and encouraged and coached each other from the coach’s corner. Each wrestler with their own strengths and purpose brought to the table competing for a championship of their own weight division. Each match was different and each wrestler in that match had a way to go about using his strengths. Our Trojans never backed down when things weren’t going their way in the beginning. They picked themselves up and started over again which led to some amazing comebacks. Such as, Freshman Joseph Bianchi in the Quarterfinals of his division was in a circumstance where he was down by substantial amount points with a few minutes left till finish. Bianchi ended up getting some confidence from the sideline and ended up pushing till the end. He won the match 13-11.

Junior Paul Bianchi wrestling opponent. Photo by Analee Jones 5 competitors placed in certain weight ones that didn’t place showed incredclasses; Which is as follows: Junior Paul ible talent and a promising season to come.

Bianchi placing second in the 133-weight Coach Neil Erisman told me after the tournaclass, Freshman Joseph Bianchi placing sec- ment, “Overall I am happy. We had some ups ond in the 141 division, then Freshman and downs but we showed a lot of fight. We Jayden Carson taking third in 125 division, showed what we gotta work on but, it was Junior Jose Champagne also taking third in a good day.” the 157-weight class, then last but not least The tournament was a great debut for our Freshman Marcus Castillo placing fourth in Little Rock Trojans. Now we will see what his weight class. else they bring to the table in the November Each of these competitors including the 24th dual here in Jack Stephens Center.

Freshman Marcus Castillo. Photo by Analee Jones

life.ualr.edu/forum

LR Volleyball’s November to forget

Janae Thurston (#3) jumps to return the ball to the opposing team.

Alyssa Nayar (#4) stands by her side to assist if needed.

Photo by Miriam Battles

By Kolton Rutherford season proved a killer for LR’s hopes of a place in the Sun The Forum Belt Tournament. Three games Little Rock (LR) Volleyball in a five-day stretch against ended their disappointing sea- Arkansas State, Texas State and son much like they started it. UT Arlington proved too difficult With a multi-game losing streak. for the Trojans. They failed to Despite starting the month with muster a set victory in all three consecutive victories, November contests in straight sets losses. proved difficult for the Trojans, Further, LR couldn’t crack the with LR finishing their season 20-point threshold in any set.

2-5 in the month of November Hopes of turned fortunes with and 6-22 total.

LR’s return to the Jack Stephens The Trojans opened the Center for the final two games of month with consecutive home the season were short-lived, as games against Georgian Sun Belt the Trojans lost their final two opponents Georgia State (Ga. St.) games of the season to Louisiana and Georgia Southern (Ga. So.). opponents Louisiana-Monroe Against Ga. St., LR won in five (ULM) and Louisiana-Lafayette sets 3-2. Despite LR wins in the (ULL). first two sets, Ga. St. dramatically Against ULM, the Trojans won won the next two sets, sending two sets, but were now on the the match to a fifth set tiebreak. losing end of a five-set thrillIn an equally competitive fifth er. A highly competitive match set, the Trojans pulled out the in which the Trojans and ULM 15-12 victory. Standout Trojans traded set victories ended with included senior Carol Barbosa a 15-13 ULM win in the fifth set and sophomore Nathalia tiebreak. Barbosa led LR with Vigineski. Barbosa led LR with 22 kills, while sophomore Laura 24 kills, while Vigineski recorded Jansen recorded 22 digs.

29 assists.

In the final match of the season The following night, LR took against ULL, LR honored seniors on Ga. So., recording a straight Carol Barbosa, Diana Giordani sets victory. LR dominated the and Anna Hurlburt. Despite a opposition, winning by nine close first set, LR failed to record or more in two of three sets. a set victory and lost the match LR leaders included freshman in straight sets. In their final colJanae Thurston and senior Diana legiate matches, Giordani tallied Giordani. Thurston record- 12 digs, Barbosa added seven ed three service aces, while kills and Anna Hurlburt recordGiordani totaled 17 digs. ed a block.

The final road trip of the

Sports

life.ualr.edu/forum

NOVEMBER 2019 EDITION

21

LR men and women basketball kick off new season

Freshman Nicole Hemphill (#32) takes a shot at home game. Photo by: Analaee Jones

By Analee Jones The Forum The Women Little Rock Trojans opened their season at 1-3. The ladies had two games on the road against the Aggies of Texas A&M and the Owls of Rice University.

Also, the last two games have been home in the Jack Stephens Center against the Tigers of Lousiana State University and bears of the University of Central Arkansas.

Game by Game Recap The first game for our Lady Trojans was against the Aggies.

The Trojans had a few star players with Guard Kyra Collier getting 13 points and Forward Krystan Vornes with 7 points.

Our Ladies had a 14.3% threepoint average and 16-58 field goal average. Our Trojans put up a good fight to the very end. They

ended the game 35-78.

The second game was against the Owls of Rice University.

The star players in this game were Forward Teal Battle with 11 points and Guard Kyra Collier 16 points. The ladies had 29 Rebounds and 7 Steals.

Defensively the ladies were bringing it strong and offensively moving the ball and trying to get those shots. The ladies were struggling to get points in the first half and ended the whole game at 40-66.

The first game home was in the Jack Stephens Center against the Tigers of Louisiana State University. The ladies did not disappoint when fighting for that first win at home. The starters pushed to get those points and also defensively made sure those Tigers were not getting shots easily. The star players for this game was again Guard Kyra Collier with 16 points and Forward Nicole Hemphill with 13 points. The first half the ladies made sure that the gap was close enough to where they could get

the lead if they pushed. Trojans ended the game 50-65. The ladies are 0-3 after this game.

On November 16th the ladies took on the bears of the University of Arkansas at the Jack Stephens Center. The Trojans were getting a handle of the ball in the first couple of minutes and managed to get with 2 minutes to spare. They kept the lead in the 2nd quarter until the very last second and UCA managed to get a layup in the last second.

They ended the half 30-31. The nail-biting game continued until the end of the 3rd quarter when the Trojans got a major lead in the game. They ended the game 63-48.

The Men The Little Rock Men’s Basketball Team is 3-1 in their season right now. They have played 4 games which include two games away against the Missouri State Bears and the Illinois State Redbirds. Then the home game was against Illinois State Redbirds.

Freshman Christian Bernabe (#1) at home game. Photo by: Analaee Jones

The Trojans team leaders are Guard Markquis Nowell averaging 20 points per game.

Game by Game Recap The first game to open the season was against the Missouri State Bears. The star player in points was Guard Ben Coupet Jr. with a total of 13. This nailbiting game started with the boys going back and forth with the Bears shot for shot. The Trojans were able to get a total of 33 points in the first half and the Bears had a total of 39. In the second half, they were able to get 34 points while they only got 27 points. In this game, there was a pivotal moment where Forward Ruot Monyyong within the last 4 seconds got the last layup to win the game. The Trojans won the game 67-66.

The second game was against the Illinois State Redbirds.

Forward Markquis Nowell made a total of 28 points in this came and also 4 assists. Guard Ben Coupet Jr. also made 7 rebounds

total in this game. Unfortunately, the Trojans weren’t able to win this one but, they put up a good fight. They kept strong defensively and were able to get a total of 4 blocks and 9 steals.

Again in the last second of the game, Forward Ruot Monyyong made a dunk to end the game at 70-75 and the first loss of the season for the Trojans.

The third game was the first home game played in the Jack Stephens Center and it was against Southwest Baptist. A star leader in this game was Forward Kamani Johnson with 12 rebounds. The Trojans had an a 3-16 three-point average for the game. Also, the Trojans had a free throw count of 16-24.

The game started and Southwest Baptist came strong with their free throws and making shots.

The first half ended with them up by 5. The coach gave some wise words and pushed more full court defensively and were able to come out with a win.

22

NOVEMBER 2019 EDITION

Men’s and Women’s XC post finishes in postseason play

By Kolton Rutherford The Forum Little Rock (LR) Cross Country finished their season with seventh and ninth-place finishes at the Sun Belt Cross Country Championships and 20th and 21st-place finishes at the NCAA South Regionals.

At the Sun Belt Championships in early November, the Trojan men improved last season’s overall standing by three places with a seventh-place finish. Standout men’s performers included sophomore Ricardo Banks II who placed 31st with a 26:08.1 time, his best time of the season. Fellow sophomore Carter Reynolds placed 37th, while senior Emilio Medina placed 40th. Junior Jarred O’Connor and freshman Colby Swecker finished back-to-back at 46th and 47th, respectively.

The Trojan women placed ninth overall with junior Vianney Sanchez leading the team at 36th place with a season-best time

of 19:04.5. Freshman Jordan Edwards finished 46th with a time of 19:15.7, while senior Hunter Paul placed 49th. Ariana Garcia and Amanda Gordan rounded out the LR standings with places of 52nd and 59th, respectively.

In mid-November, LR closed out the XC season at the NCAA South Regionals. Despite some impressive individual performances, the Trojan women finished 20th while the men finished 21st.

The LR women had three top100 finishers, including Sanchez.

She finished 83rd with a time of 23:13.9, while freshman Jordan Edwards and Paul finished in consecutive places at 93rd and 94th, respectively.

For the men, Reynolds placed best for the Trojans at 104th, while O’Connor finished 115th.

Junior Hunter Tucker finished 134th.

Despite the end of the XC season, LR will begin indoor track and field competition in December at the Saluki Fast Start in Carbondale, Ill. on Dec. 7.

LR Swim & Dive out touched by Evansville

By Harrison Hudson The Forum Little Rock (LR) women’s swimming and diving fell to Evansville (158-141) and Indiana State (240-56) at a Nov. 2 meet hosted by Evansville University.

Freshman Fer Moussier won second place in the 200-yard butterfly, finishing 2:07.18. Junior Palmer Ristroph earned third in the 100-yard breaststroke (1:08.30).

LR’s Emma Bleadsell finished fourth in the women’s 1000-yard freestyle (10:53.40), while Ashley Hornbuckle (8th, 11:17.38) and Lily Kerr (10th, 11:23.06) rounded out the top ten.

Trojan sophomore Lea Zengerling finished fourth in the 500-yard freestyle with a time of 5:18.20, closely followed by freshman Asmalia Redzuan in fifth (5:19.95).

A team of Lawrence, Redzuan, Charis Won, and Khadijah Brown won second in the 200-yard freestyle relay with a time of 1:39.04.

The Trojans’ team of Moussier, Ristroph, Lawrence and Caroly Godwin took third place in the 200-yard medley relay, posting a time of 1:52.78. LR also had teams finish sixth and seventh in the event, with times of 1:54.25 and 1:54.35, respectively.

Junior Coy Jones also finished 5th out of 9 with a score of 201.55 in diving.

Sports

life.ualr.edu/forum

Maize named new Debuty Athletic Director

Photo courtesy of UA Little Rock Athletic Department

By Analee Jones The Forum The University of Arkansas at Little Rock recently promoted Darius Maize to Deputy assistant director for internal operations and special projects for the Trojan athletic department on Oct. 25.

Maize studied athletic training during his undergraduate years. He then became an intern and has been working for UA Little Rock going on three years.

During his time at the university, Maize has enjoyed learning about the sports industry and watching people grow on their

journey.

In his new position, he oversees the facilities and game day operations. By overseeing the facilities, he is directing and helping with major roadblocks that the facility department run into. Also, during game day he works behind the scenes making sure the game that our students, faculty and supporters come to goes smoothly.

“I put out the small fires,” he said.

Maize is most excited about working aside our new athletic director George Lee and developing new ideas with him.

Maize also looks forward to working with the student ath-

letes and expanding the life skills program. He is working toward his goals each and every day.

Maize’s goal is to provide leadership to his department and also make the transition to his new position as smooth as possible.

He looks forward to what is coming for our Little Rock Trojans and the Jack Stephens Center.

His sneak peek inside was there may be an upgrade to team store which he is so powered up by.

Another thing he is enthused about is seeing our men’s and women’s basketball team compete at a high level.

Sports

life.ualr.edu/forum

NOVEMBER 2019 EDITION

23

Little Rock announces three new inductees into the Hall of Fame

By Analee Jones The Forum Our Little Rock Athletics have introduced three inductees into the 2020 Trojan Athletic Hall of Fame class.

The three new members of the exlusive club are class of 1992 woman’s soccer player Stacy Johnson-Smith, class of 2004 baseball player Derin McMains and broadcaster Ray Tucker.

They will be officially inducted on Jan. 10 at the Jack Stephens Center with a social gathering at the Letterman’s Social. Previous letter winners will get to visit with their programs through individual activities that morning and will receive two tickets to the doubleheader game that day while being honored at half-

time of the men’s game.

Each one of the inductees was extraordinary in their individual craft.

Stacey Johnson - Smith Stacy Johnson- Smith was on the women’s soccer team in 1992. She went to UA Little Rock for a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and after she finished that she came back for her Masters. Smith is found in the Little Rock soccer’s record book with many accomplishments to name. She still holds the record for being a “prolific scorer” and having the most goals in a game. The 3-year captain went on to do great things in 1990 with an honorable mention. Smith now is educating in the state of Arkansas and is working as an assistant com-

Photo courtesy of UA Little Rock Athletic Department Ray Tucker Newly named Trojan Athletic Director Geroge Lee is thrilled to Last but certainly not least is have these new member join the Ray Tucker. Ray Tucker was the Hall of Fame.

Derin McMains “In Stacy, Derin and Ray we go-to about play by plays in bashave three individuals who ketball. Some people know him The next inductee goes by the as the “Voice of the Little Rock have accomplished an unbelievname Derin McMains. He came Trojans.” He has called some able amount throughout their to UA Little Rock in the 2000s of the most iconic moments in careers as Trojans and in life,” and played 2 seasons of base- Trojan basketball. He has left an he said. “To see how far our socball at the Gary Hogen Field. imprint on the way we look or cer and baseball programs have McMains still is in the top 10 broadcast the Little Rock Trojans come, it is because of the efforts for stats rankings in Trojan in the media. Along with his and achievements of Stacy and Baseball. Also, among all of the many achievements winning Derin who helped set the bar accomplishments that he has two awards for the Best Play- high for our student-athletes had, he is currently holding the By-Play honors, he serves as a today. Ray Tucker is the purest record for runs in 2000. In 2001, co-host for 103.7 the Buzz. example of one who has the Derin McMains got drafted into true heart of a Trojan and what All three people have left a he has helped us build here Major League Baseball where he played 6 seasons with them in mark on our campus and we throughout the years is truly the Minor Leagues. He works are very appreciative of them. special.” now as the Peak Performance Congratulations to them for all The three indutee make 71 Coordinator for the Seattle they have achieved and may official members of the Trojan many more achievements be in Mariners.

Hall of Fame the future. missioner for Learning Services in the Arkansas Department of Education.

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