Volume 119, Issue 19
the
VISTA “Our Words, Your Voice.”
vistanews1903 @thevista1903 @thevista1903 The Vista ucentralmedia.com Tuesday, Feb. 22, 2022
Isaiah Wade named to the Top 50 watch list Brinlee Lenochan Contributing Writer
UCO’s own Isaiah Wade was just named to the Small College Basketball’s Bevo Francis Watch List Top 50, making him among the best 50 players in the country. Wade, a senior forward, is known to be one of the most athletic players in the MIAA. Wade is Central’s leading scorer at 18.9 points per game and he averages a team-high 8.7 rebounds per game to rank him fifth and second in the MIAA. Wade has scored double figures in 20 of 23 games played this season. He’s scored at least 20 points in 10 of the games this season. But when did Wade’s love and determination for the game begin? “Honestly, I played all the time at neighborhood parks,” Wade said. Wade said the first time he ever picked up a basketball was in fourth grade, when he tried out for a youth sports team. But after not making the team, he did not attempt to play team sports again for several years. “I’ve been playing basketball all my
life, but never took it seriously until my junior year of high school,” Wade said. Wade attended East High School in Waterloo, Iowa ,where he had a standout senior season averaging 15.2 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists per game. From there, he attended Iowa Western where he played two seasons and earned All-Region honors averaging 12.1 points, 9.5 rebounds and had 16 double-doubles. After his JUCO experience, Wade made the move to D1 school, Washington State. At WSU, Wade Played in 29 games during the 2018-19 season, two of which he started. He had a career-high of 17 points and 10 rebounds. It would be the next season that Wade found his way to UCO. “It was hard leaving Washington State, but after a change in coaching staff I felt out of place.. so I left without a destination,” Wade said. “I met Coach [Bob] Hoffman on an Continued on Pg. 3
Isaiah Wade (above) played against Fort Hays State at Hamilton Field House on Feb. 5. The Bronchos won 75-68. (The Vista/ Madalyn Nix)
Students majoring in strategic communications will host a drive-thru event on Thursday, in the Liberal Arts building parking lot (above). Students will be giving out “goodie bags” and educational resources for students and faculty to learn about lymphoma. (Provided/ UCO website)
Students to host lymphoma education event for contest Ainsley Martinez Managing Editor
A group of strategic communications students will host a drive-thru event 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Thursday, outside the liberal arts building, to promote awareness about the effects of lymphoma. “I think that it’s really fun that we have a lot of creative freedom, and can figure out ways to promote this and get people more informed about what lymphoma is,” said student Cami Audas.
The students are a part of a campaign class on campus that competes in a public relations contest, the Bateman Case Study Competition. This year, the Lymphoma Research Foundation was announced as the client for the competition. “Their goal for us this year was to promote awareness to adolescents and young adults, since they are typically an audience that isn’t aware of the fact that it could be them being diagnosed with lymphoma,” student Suzeth Gallegos said. “Our whole campaign
is centered around promoting awareness and informing them.” The drive-thru event will have “goodie bags” and educational resources for students and faculty to learn about this type of cancer. While doing research on the project, some of the students involved said they discovered unexpected information about the potential risks of lymphoma. “The ideas that people hold toward cancer is they Continued on Pg. 3
2 | The Vista
Tuesday, Feb. 22, 2022
Feb. 22, 2022
on Central Missouri at Hamilton Field House. Women’s basketball starts at 5:30 p.m. and men’s basketball starts at 7:30 p.m.
Black History Month presents: Baseball: UCO baseball takes on Gospel Explosion: Beginning at 7 Southwestern Oklahoma State at 3 p.m. in the Nigh University Cenp.m. at Wendell Simmons Field in ter Constitution Hall, celebrate Edmond. the history and center the experiences of the Black community. COVID-19 Testing: IMMY Labs is offering free, drive-thru COVID-19 Testing: IMMY COVID-19 testing at 312 E. Main Labs is offering free, drive-thru St. in Edmond from 7 a.m. to 1 COVID-19 testing at 312 E. Main p.m. and 3 to 7 p.m. St. in Edmond from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 3 to 7 p.m. Hockey fundraiser: From 6 to 8 p.m. at Chicken N Pickle, locatThursday, Feb. 24, 2022 ed at 8400 N. Oklahoma Blvd. in Oklahoma City, meet the UCO COVID-19 Testing: IMMY hockey players and support the Labs is offering free, drive-thru team. 10% of all food and drink COVID-19 testing at 312 E. Main purchases (including to-go or- St. in Edmond from 7 a.m. to 1 ders) will be donated to the team. p.m. and 3 to 7 p.m. Jazz combos concert: This performance begins at 7 p.m. at the Jazz Lab, located at 100 E. Fifth St. in Edmond. Tickets are free for students with a valid ID and $18 for all others. Tickets can be purchased online or by calling (405) 974-2100.
Drive-Thru to Fight Lymphoma: From 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Liberal Arts parking lot, Public Relations Student Society of America students will be providing information about lymphoma to UCO students. Goodie bags will also be provided.
Around Campus
sity Center ballrooms, the Black Student Association invites the community to an evening that will honor the Harlem Renaissance period.
at 8 p.m. at the Jazz Lab, located at 100 E. Fifth St. in Edmond. Tickets are $50 and can be purchased by calling (405) 340-8552.
OBI blood drive: The Oklahoma Sunday, Feb. 27, 2022 Blood Institute is having a blood drive from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the COVID-19 Testing: IMMY Nigh University Center, Ballroom Labs is offering free, drive-thru A. Friday, Feb. 25, 2022
COVID-19 testing at 312 E. Main St. in Edmond from 11 a.m. to 5
COVID-19 Testing: IMMY p.m. Labs is offering free, drive-thru COVID-19 testing at 312 E. Main St. in Edmond from 7 to 11 a.m. Monday, Feb. 28, 2022 and 2 to 6 p.m. Vince Norman and Friends: This performance begins at 8 p.m. at the Jazz Lab, located at 100 E. Fifth St. in Edmond. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased online or by calling (405) 974-2100. Saturday, Feb. 26, 2022 Basketball: It’s senior night for basketball. UCO takes on Missouri Southern at Hamilton Field House. Women’s basketball begins at 1:30 p.m. and men’s basketball begins at 3:30 p.m.
COVID-19
Testing:
IMMY
Labs is offering free, drive-thru COVID-19 testing at 312 E. Main St. in Edmond from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 3 to 7 p.m. Study abroad informational fair: Come learn more information about studying abroad 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Nigh University
Center ballrooms. Contact Jared Harlem Renaissance: A program of Black History Month: Begin- Verlon Thompson and Shawn Scism at jscism@uco.edu for more Basketball: UCO basketball takes ning at 7 p.m. in the Nigh Univer- Camp: This performance begins information. Wednesday, Feb. 23, 2022
To submit events for next week’s Around Campus, please email thevista@ucentralmedia.com. Include the title of your event, time and place, and a brief description. Descriptions are subject to editing.
the
VISTA
Staff
Madalyn Nix Ainsley Martinez Brandon Dale Hollye Carroll Sam Royka Graycee Hubbard Sierra Perkins Manuela Soldi Michaela Todd Shaoren Chuah Logan Gassett Jamie Hammock Brinlee Lenochan Kejuan Neal Jordan Prichard Jonathan Richardson Baylee Schmidlkofer Camryn Sturgill Tyler Whitehead George Lang
Advertise with us!
Editor-in-Chief/Photographer Managing Editor Sports Editor Reporter Reporter Photographer Photographer Photographer Social Media Coordinator Contributing Writer Contributing Writer Contributing Writer Contributing Writer Contributing Writer Contributing Writer Contributing Writer Contributing Writer Contributing Writer Contributing Writer Adviser
The Vista is published weekly during the spring, summer and fall semesters. In all issues, The Vista has opportunities for both digital, online and print ads. For information or questions contact: 405-974-5549 or thevista.ads@gmail.com
UCO’s Student Voice Since 1903 The Vista is published as a newspaper and public forum by UCO students, weekly during the academic year, at the University of Central Oklahoma. The issue price is free for the first copy and $1 for each additional copy obtained.
EDITORIALS
Opinion columns, editorial cartoons, reviews and commentaries represent the views of the writer or artist and not necessarily the views of The Vista Editorial Board, the Department of Mass Communication, UCO or the Board of Regents of Oklahoma Colleges. The Vista is not an official medium of expression for the Regents or UCO.
LETTERS
The Vista encourages letters to the
editor. Letters should address issues and ideas, not personalities. Letters must be typed, double-spaced and must include the author’s printed name, major, classification and phone number. Phone numbers are included for contacting purposes only. Letters are subject to editing for libel, clarity and space, or to eliminate statements of questionable taste. The Vista reserves the right not to publish submitted letters.
ADDRESS LETTERS TO:
Editor, The Vista, 100 N. University Dr. Edmond, OK 73034-5209, or deliver in person to the editor in the Communications Building, Room 131. Letters can be emailed to thevista@ucentralmedia.com.
Wade/Lymphoma/Big Event
Feb. 22, 2022
Applications open for UCO’s Big Event
Baylee Schmidlkofer Contributing Writer
Preparations for UCO’s Big Event are already underway with team leader applications now open for students. Big Event is a student-led, campus-wide service project that helps students engage with their community. The goal for each group is to help fill the needs of the metro area and community agencies that participate in the spring event. Students can clean up trash, do yard work, paint, garden and various other light labor activities inside or outside. Big Event averages between 600-800 students and 100 service sites each spring. Team leaders serve as leaders for each work site and oversee communication with site
volunteers, as well as coordination and supply pick up on the day of the project. Former team leader and current Director of Sites Tyler Garcia emphasizes the importance of volunteering for opportunity. “I have been involved with Big Event since I was a freshman,” said former team leader and current Director of Sites Tyler Garcia. “Since then, I always look forward to Big Event and getting to see the impact I make on people’s lives. I have the opportunity to personally talk to every site that applies for Big Event and they are always thankful for the UCO community.” Applications are now available for team leaders on UCORE. For any questions you can email bigevent@ uco.edu.
Provided/ UCO Big Event’s Instagram
The Vista | 3
Students compete in PR contest Continued from Pg. 1
consider it for people who are weaker, for lack of better words. They think older people or very young people are the ones that are getting cancer, but with lymphoma, the group that is dealing with most are people just like us,” student Madison Jones said. As many of the students are now upperclassmen, the courses they have taken in the past have helped prepare them for this project. They have written press releases and made social media posts in anticipation for the event. “Everything we’ve done up until this point we’ve already learned,” student Haylee Hildebrand said. “So we’re using what we’ve learned the past three or four years, and it’s just all coming together in our minds.” Having the experience of going out in the field and doing this project has been inspiring, student Abigail Heinz said. “I think it’s great because we’ve been able to do all these things separately in classes where you’re analyzing audiences and you’re trying to build posts that will maybe get some higher engagement— and you do all those things separately,” Heinz said. “But whenever you’re finally able to do it together, it kind of helps you see the big picture.” When Heinz started at UCO, she said she was not sure if she truly want-
ed to go into public relations, but being hands-on has made her realize the actual work taking place. “This project kind of helped me put it all together and realize, ‘OK, so this is why we’re doing all this.’ This is what it’s going to look like whenever it’s all done, and we’re going to be able to actually complete something from start to finish,” Heinz said. “I think it’s validated why I want to be here.” Still, there are obstacles with any P.R project. Student Savonte Pickens said the lasting effects of COVID have required the students to be flexible. “I will say the thing that’s most challenging with the project is right now we’re in a pandemic, so sometimes we meet as a group, sometimes we’re all at home, working together through Zoom or FaceTime. But I have a very strong group, and they make everything work out,” Pickens said. Ultimately, this project with the Lymphoma Research Foundation has made a mark on the students, and highlighted the importance of what they do, Gallegos said. “I think PR is very important and people don’t realize it, and I think it’s still a very unrelated field. Yes, it’s a career, but it’s also a career that helps social change and makes a difference if you’re doing it passionately,” she said.
Wade thrives on playing ‘everywhere on the court’
The Vista/Madalyn Nix Continued from Pg. 1
unofficial visit and we just connected and I knew he wanted to help me create an opportunity to be successful and have a bright future.” The 2020-21 season is where Wade really began to show off, playing in 23 of 24 games for the Bronchos and starting in each of them. He averaged
14.8 points per game, led the team with nine rebounds per game, had 25 steals — the second-most on the team — and led UCO with 12 blocked shots. Wade scored in every single game he played in and scored in the double-digits in 18 of the 23. Wade is extremely versatile on the court, he is savvy on offense and has a physical defense.
“I am a position-less player,” he said. “I play everywhere on the court.” This season, Wade is continuing to bring an unreal amount of heat to the court. Most recently, in the Bronchos game against Rogers State, Wade had 23 points and six rebounds. He made seven of 12 shots and eight of 11 free throws. Wade helped bring home the win with a three-pointer to give the
Bronchos an 81-71 lead with about a minute left. “My favorite thing about basketball is the tempo, physicality, fast reactions, fans, and how much love comes with this sport,” Wade said. Wade’s love for the game can be experienced in person on Wednesday as the Bronchos face Central Missouri at Hamilton Field House.
4 | The Vista
Feb. 22, 2022
Esports/Keep it Local
Coach Straudt talks next steps for UCO Esports Jordan Prichard Contributing Writer
A UCO esports coach is looking to raise awareness of the existence of the co-op facility and the esports program to better serve students interested in finding employment within the industry. “I think that most of the university is not adequately exploiting the program and the facility. And I’m going to be very deliberate with my terminology here,” said Ben Straudt, one of the coaches that oversees the co-op facility, “So when I say exploit, I mean exploiting the same way that one exploits minerals from a well or a mine or, you know, a quarry. So essentially, like they built this resource, but it’s not being fully utilized.” Straudt said the school could benefit from advertising the esports program and the co-op to the public as a resource that can be used. “And I think that that is the next step, The Vista/Archives right? Like when the academic side of ments. And it’s been a really enrichthe school is like, ‘Hey, can we use the ing experience for them, because not space for X, Y and Z? Can we use this only do they get to play the game, but space for that?’” Straudt said. “Because they’re also getting better as perforthen, the different parts of the school mance players. will be able to say, ‘Hey, come to the “They’re also getting a lot of valuable co-op — we’re doing blah, blah, blah industry experience running events, club night or, you know, something being organizers handling money, reright?’ I think those will help a lot in solving issues, calling sets,” he said. “I terms of raising awareness.” think that’s a really enriching experiUCO’s Co-op Gaming Arena is ence that is not offered everywhere.” more than just a venue for people to The Co-op Gaming Arena is also rent out as a space to play video games. used as an educational space to recruit Straudt also hosts weekly and monthly future UCO esports students and to gaming tournaments to bring people teach what skills can be obtained to the facility. through the esports program or the “Those events have been very suc- Esports Media minor degree. cessful, and we’ve run, like, 20 or 22. Edmond Public Schools and the And what’s really cool is that they’re YMCA are already taking advantage actually run by the student club,” of the commercial partnership with Straudt said. “I have two student lead- the university, including an organizaers for Smash specifically, and those tion called GearUp. two essentially run those tournaStraudt asks that the UCO gaming
community is patient with the university while the growing esports program continues to rebuild momentum — momentum that was lost due to the COVID-19 pandemic beginning around the same time as the grand opening of the co-op. “There’s so much more that the school can do to utilize this space before I think it becomes appropriate to answer the question of is this program getting enough support because like, it’s brand new, right, the school just operates slowly,” Straudt said. “We usually like to talk about stuff after the school is finally done with the red tape, and afterward, we’re ready to present it and it can make for these long periods where it seems like nothing is getting done or things are moving slowly. And that is frustrating. I think, for everybody involved. I think it’s OK to acknowledge that it’s frustrating.”
Straudt has been a part of the UCO gaming community since its beginnings, seeing every iteration as the program has grown from student organizations and clubs to a fully built gaming arena. Straudt continues his work building relationships to further UCO esports into a competitive and educational space preparing youth for a future career in the esports industry. “I like that the school built this space, but the awareness of the facility and awareness of the program, the media minor and what it does, those things are all relatively low, especially compared to a lot of the other stuff that the campus has,” he said. “That seems like a logical next step to me, raising awareness for those programs and exploiting them.”
Keep It Local helps area business build brand loyalty Logan Gassett
Contributing Writer
Keep It Local, an organization that supports locally-owned businesses, has become an essential business aid since the pandemic began. Primarily, Keep It Local focuses on partnering with independent businesses through social media marketing, advertising sales, store events and other announcements through a $500 annual contract. The business started in January 2010 when co-founder Chris Branson came up with the idea and approached local graphic designer and photographer Bryce Bandy. Because of Bandy’s existing connections with business owners
in the area, the idea of Keep It Local already had its foot in the door. “It’s a pretty simple concept. For the public, we’re trying to encourage them to think about spending their money with local and independent businesses in Oklahoma,” Bandy said. Keep It Local also sells cards for $15 for those interested in exploring hidden gems in Oklahoma and support area businesses. The Keep It Local cards are accepted at each participating location, where customers are given either a reward or discount. Around 170 businesses in partnership with Keep It Local across the state, however, that number fluctuates monthly because of the way the con-
tract is designed, Bandy said. One of Keep It Local’s most recent partnerships, Rice N Buns, offers a burger served with a ramen bun. The cards are designed by local artists. This year’s artist is Jake Beeson. Each business promoted by Keep It Local has the option to sell the cards in the store and choose the amount of the customer reward. Window clings with the Keep It Local logo are normally displayed outside participating stores. Keep It Local also extends a helping hand to those in need by donating a dollar for every card sold and splitting the profit between two nonprofit organizations. This year’s adopted non-
profits are Restore OKC and Lindsey House. “We try to come into every situation with a win-win,” said Bandy. To purchase a Keep It Local card, visit keepitlocalok.com or find a participating location that offers cards onsite. A Keep It Local OK app is also available, which Bandy said will be updated in the near future. Keep It Local is open to all local, independent business owners, whether fresh out of college with a business plan or an existing company that needs an extra boost to get content promoted. To sign up a business, visit www.joinkeepitlocal.com.
The Vista | 5
Feb. 22, 2022
SQ776/Postelle
State lawmaker files bill to end death penalty
Sam Royka Reporter
Rep. Mauree Turner has filed a bill that would, if passed, prohibit capital punishment in Oklahoma. The bill currently waits to be heard by a committee. Nationwide, Gallup polls show a changing climate around capital punishment. In addition, a poll of 500 Oklahoma residents conducted in June 2021 showed that 60 percent of those surveyed supported clemency for Julius Jones. Though this poll was regarding a specific case, it may speak to a shifting climate. However, in 2016, Oklahoma passed state question 776, which dealt with protecting the power of the state to designate methods of execution and said that a death sentence would “not be deemed to be or constitute the infliction of cruel or unusual punishment under Oklahoma's Constitution.” This was the last time a state question about the death penalty was on the ballot. SQ 776 was two years after Clayton Lockett’s botched 51 minute long execution. It was only called off after he began writhing in a pool of his own blood after the IV was incorrectly placed, leading to execution drugs being administered in subcutaneous tissue. In The Vista’s last student survey, forensics majors brought up the eighth
Oklahoma State Rep. Mauree Turner. (Provided/Oklahoma House of Representatives)
amendment as a reason why some might oppose capital punishment. The eighth amendment reads that “Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.” Turner’s bill would ask Oklahomans “if they think the death penalty is cruel and unusual or not. I think it’s important because I think people are maybe starting to change their minds
a little bit more about how we should deal with crime and things like that.” said Philana McHenry, a public health and nursing major. The Vista also asked Paden Douthitt, an english education major. “I think the death penalty should be prohibited because I believe in a complete and absolute preservation of human life. I think that the use of capital punishment has been considered
divine judgment or righteous revenge against certain criminals. And I think there is no crime that deserves the punishment of death, regardless of if a life was taken or not, Douthitt said. “I don't think having an eye for an eye is going to fix any problems in the world,” Douthitt said, calling capital punishment “archaic and brutal.” Douthitt also echoed the results of nationwide polls, saying that “public opinion about the death penalty has shifted a lot in recent years, I think people are no longer willing to take a life as punishment for a crime committed. I think a lot of people realize that by taking a life you prevent any future chances, add rehabilitation, and true reform and remorse.” Douthitt went on to say that “if our prison system was truly unbiased, if it was truly focused on rehabilitation instead of punishment, and it was truly made to take care of people, that the death penalty would be obsolete. I think because prisons are bloated and underfunded, and typically treating its prisoners as less than human, it gives essentially a reason to use the capital punishment as sort of lightening the load on the prison system. If the prison system was truly reformed itself, the death penalty would never be needed as those who have already obtained life sentences could be maintained for as long as necessary, rather than being put on death row.”
Oklahoma executes death row inmate Gilbert Postelle Jonathan Richardson Contributing Writer
Gilbert Postelle, found guilty for the murders of four victims on Memorial Day in 2005, was executed Feb. 17. He is now the second person to be executed in Oklahoma this year. This action came after he was denied an execution change from lethal injection to firing squad. The four victims of the murder were Amy Wright, 26, Donnie Swindle, 49, James Alderson, 57, and Terry Smith 56. Postelle’s defense said that his motive was to go after Swindle for allegedly injuring his father in a motorcycle incident. There has been no evidence to prove Swindle was a part of the incident. Many opinions have emerged from not only Postelle’s execution but the entire decision to go forward with lethal injection in Oklahoma. Some citizens believe that justice was served; others think the state has carried out serious murder. “Today did not end anyone’s suffering,” said Swindle’s sister, Shelli Milner. “Today did not put closure on anything. Today ended the monster’s life who stole four people’s lives. His family grieves as our family has grieved for 17 years.” Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt did not use an executive order to intervene in Postelle’s execution.
Gilbert Postelle was executed on Feb. 17. (Provided/Oklahoma Department of Corrections)
Just hours before Julius Jones’ execution, Gov. Stitt made a decision to commute Jones’s sentence to life in prison without parole. Since October 2021, there have been four executions in Oklahoma. James Coddington is the next scheduled execution in March. Coddington was
granted a stay in his execution and a trial is set to begin next month. He is a plaintiff along with other death row inmates challenging the lethal injection protocol.
6 | The Vista
Feb. 22, 2022
‘Clue’/Kanye West
Crawford finds ‘Clue’ to stage success Camryn Sturgill Contributing Writer
Bellah Crawford, a junior theater performance major at UCO, has been consumed by her passion for acting since before she can remember. Although Crawford was born in Oklahoma City, she spent most of her childhood in Los Angeles, where she received formal training through a variety of coaches and teachers. Crawford was involved in the theater department at Southmoore High School before graduating in 2019. She now lives in Yukon and commutes to UCO every day. Crawford recently portrayed Miss Scarlett in UCO’s production of “Clue.” However, this was not her first time performing in the Mitchell Hall Theatre. Last year, Crawford was cast as Daisy in Eugene Ionesco’s “Rhinoceros,” and as a freshman, she played Mirren in an adaptation of the book “We Were Liars” by E.L. Lockhart. Crawford is influenced by many well-known actors and actresses, but she ultimately credits her classmates as her greatest source of inspiration. “I have learned more from watching my peers grow, explore and create than I have from watching people in the movies,” she said.
Crawford’s love for acting is only matched by her love for words. Although her main focus is theater, she is also pursuing a minor in creative writing at UCO. With every mention of acting, Crawford uses her words to paint the most beautiful picture of a passionate young actress who is deeply in love with her craft. “The humanistic value and reflection of life within this art has produced a fire that burns within my soul, and is released in a sort of catharsis for me on stage,” she said. Crawford received an impressive number of awards for acting in high school, including the Best in Show title and an automatic qualification for the International Thespian Festival, a week-long theater festival for high school theater groups, in 2019. For Crawford, acting is all about the process. This includes hours of intense research. “When I am given a role, I sort of attempt to perform a dramaturgical analysis of the piece and study it so that I understand it to the best of my knowledge,” she said. Crawford’s first step in the process begins with the character she’s playing. It is important for her to know the character’s unique set of circumstances as well as the setting in which they
Bellah Crawford in a production of “Cinderella.” (Provided/Bellah Crawford)
operate. “[For ‘Clue’] I researched the dialect and language of the decade and place, and overall attempted to gain a general awareness and understanding of the world during this time and the world that these characters live in,” she said. Crawford considers her friends, es-
pecially those within the theater department at UCO, to be her greatest supporters. After finishing her bachelor’s degree, Crawford plans to attend graduate school and earn her MFA in acting.
‘Jeen-Yuhs’ takes West fans back to the early 2000s Tyler Whitehead Contributing Writer
As he currently engages in more public conflicts with family and friends, Kanye West is the subject of “Jeen-Yuhs: A Kanye Trilogy,” a set of documentaries that reflect on his journey and how he became the wellknown rapper he is today. The film takes the audience through West’s back story, starting with archive footage from 1998. The mind behind the documentary, Coodie, narrates the film and gives insight on West’s career. Ye started as a music producer, but his rap group Go-Getters got him into creating his own music. What makes the documentary unique is the use of only archival footage with narration throughout. Each clip is arranged and specifically labeled to showcase important moments in West’s career. After his move to New York in 2002, West focused his time making beats for music he would rap on. The next item on the agenda was to be a part of Jay Z’s record label, Roc-A-Fella. West keeps striving to put his name on records. The footage takes you into
Provided/GC image
West’s process of creating a beat and coming up with lyrics for any and every studio that was willing to take his work. The documentary takes a shift when we start seeing West freestyle rap. At this point, the audience sees when he switched to rapping on his own beats. The film gives the background of some of West’s earliest pieces. For example, there is a scene in which his mother,
the late Donda West, reminded him of a rap he used to do when he was a kid. Many of the titles they mentioned came to be part of his work. What makes West stand out is the ability to lyrically not hold back lines. It makes you root for his successes hearing and seeing his true emotions and feelings and how much the people around him believed in him. When you see how much confidence he has
in himself, it shows how much his dedication paid off. The film ends with West signing onto Roc-A-Fella, but we get taken back to his childhood home. Here, we experience some sweet moments between Ye and Donda. They share stories from his childhood and put a focus on her influence on him. There are moments where the audience themselves get taken back to the present day. For example, West mentioned changing his name to Ye back when he was first making his way into the industry. A lot of beats in the documentary were distinctly edited in a way that makes the film feel like looking into a time capsule. Another huge part of the documentary is the nostalgia. The footage, the fashion and aesthetics of the early 2000s are all there, which makes it a must-watch if you’re wanting to be taken back to that era. However, the main purpose behind the documentary is to watch West’s journey from being an unknown music producer to becoming one of the most well-known rappers of all time. Stream the first part of the trilogy exclusively on Netflix. Parts two and three will come out in the following weeks.
Basketball/Contest
Feb. 22, 2022
The Vista | 7
Bronchos pick up two wins on the road Kejuan Neal
Contributing Writer
The men’s basketball team is back to their winning ways after completing their last two road games before finishing the regular season at home. Last Wednesday, the Bronchos took on Rogers State. Rogers State jumped out to an early first half lead, going up 40-34. “It was back and forth early, and we were down at halftime but the guys just kept playing,” said Head Coach Bob Hoffman. The Bronchos ran away with the game in the second half, outscoring the Hillcats 55-39. “When we got the lead, they kept working,” Hoffman said. “That was a good win tonight and we hope we can keep playing at this level.” The Bronchos won this game in large part due to the play of freshman standout Jaden Wells. Wells finished the game with a career-high 32 points, 8-13 from the field and 7-9 from three, and added nine rebounds. Isaiah Wade also had himself a game, finishing with 23 points and six rebounds. On Saturday, the Bronchos took down Northeastern State 75-62. The Bronchos got off to a rough start in this game as they were only held to 27 points in the first half while also giving up 41. They also struggled from the freethrow line early, only shooting 50%. “We were really flat in the first half, but the guys didn’t let that get them down,” Hoffman said. The Bronchos went on to rally in the second half to complete the comeback, outscoring the Riverhawks 48-21 in the second half and shooting a perfect 16-16 from the free-throw
No. 13 Carson Calavan looks for a shot during the Feb. 5 home game against Fort Hays State. The Bronchos defeated the Tigers 75-68. (The Vista/Madalyn Nix)
line. “I’m so proud of the way these guys are fighting,” Hoffman said. “They responded and played great in the second half. I’m really proud of them.” Callen Haydon led the way for the Bronchos, finishing the game with 23 points and four assists. Haydon was also 9-9 at the freethrow
line. Wade finished with 17 points and nine rebounds. The Bronchos will wrap up the regular season this week at Hamilton Field House. They will compete against Central Missouri on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. and Missouri Southern on Saturday at 3:30 p.m.
Freshman wins President’s Public Speaking Competition Logan Gassett
Contributing Writer
Isabel Baker, a UCO freshman and professional media major, won the $500 scholarship from the first President’s Public Speaking Competition held Feb. 16 in the Liberal Arts Lecture Hall. The purpose of the new contest is to give students the opportunity to present their public speaking skills and to recruit more members for the UCO speech and debate team. It is also a chance for students to voice their concerns for the campus community. Overall, the goal and theme of the speech competition was to persuade the audience to make UCO a better place. Students are required to give a 10-minute speech and are graded on presentation and quality public speaking skills. Baker saw an opportunity to speak on a topic that hit close to home and has an ongoing presence in the campus community. Within the award win-
ning speech, Baker spoke on mental illness and how it affects the students of UCO. “I want to help others who also have experiences like I do, especially at UCO...at a campus that I feel has done a fairly decent job at dealing with mental health but could be better. Students could also work towards letting themselves get that help that they might need,” said Baker during her acceptance speech. Other topics that Baker discussed in her speech included anxiety, self harm, and depression. She mentioned her love for “Stress Paws” in the campus library and the impact of UCORE, a centralized Campus Engagement Network. The next President’s Public Speaking Competition will be coming this fall. Although the theme is undecided, Matthew Moore, director of speech and debate, said they are trying to keep the themes focused on campus life. To be eligible for the next competition, a student must be enrolled as either part time or full time at UCO. “Stress Paws” is from 3 to
Freshman Isabel Baker won the first President’s Public Speaking Competition. (Provided/UCO Speech and Debate)
5 p.m. every Thursday on the fourth floor of the Nigh University Center. To find out more information on UCORE, visit ucore.uco.edu.
8 | The Vista
Feb. 22, 2022
Lawsuit/Workshop
Texas sues Meta over facial recognition Meta it states, “Further, in Europe, Facebook has been involved in litigation since 2015 over its practice of gathering the personal information of user and non-users for advertising purposes without first obtaining their consent.” This does not mark the first time a big tech company has been sued, in recent years lawsuits against Microsoft, Google, and Amazon also involved using facial recognition without their users’ explicit consent.
Jamie Hammock Contributing Writer
The state of Texas is suing Facebook parent company Meta for exploiting the biometric data of millions of people in the state. Those included individuals who did not use the platform. A suit filed by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton said that Meta violated state privacy laws and should be responsible for billions of dollars in damages. It also involves Facebook’s “tag suggestions” feature which was removed last year. Paxton alleged that Meta collected facial recognition data without the consent of users, shared the data with other third parties and did not destroy the information in a timely manner. In Texas, the fine for each violation of the Capture or Use of Biometric Identifier Act and the Deceptive Trade Practices Act is $25,000. This is not the first lawsuit for Facebook involving the misuse of facial recognition practices. In March 2021, Facebook paid $650 million to users who had their data
Chesnot/Getty Images
used without their consent in a class action lawsuit in Illinois. 1.6 million Illinois residents received at least $345 under the settlement. “Facebook will no longer take advantage of people and their children with the intent to turn a profit at the expense of one’s safety and well-being,” Paxton said in a statement. “This is yet another example of Big Tech’s
deceitful business practices and it must stop.” Under Texas law companies must obtain “informed consent” from users to use their biometric data. Meaning that people have to be informed about their data being collected from companies and it can only be done if they agree. In the official complaint filed against
The complaint also added that “these examples illustrate Facebook’s pattern of betraying users--promising privacy while secretly disclosing personal information to third parties for its commercial gain, and failing to remove users’ personal information even after they had left Facebook.” Texas is asking the court to fine Meta $25,000 for each violation of the informed consent rule and $10,000 for each violation of the state’s deceptive trade practices act. No official court date has been set.
Business workshop discusses work/life balance Shaoren Chuah Contributing Writer
The UCO College of Business Student Success Center will be hosting a new workshop on Wednesday via Zoom. The under-construction workshop, called “Adulting 101: Work-Life Balance,” is being developed and led by Dr. Niccole Miller, senior director of strategic initiatives for student success in the college of business. According to Miller, “Work-Life Balance” will discuss how students can balance their responsibilities outside of school, such as raising a child, having a job or both. “We’re going to be talking about how they can organize their life and find a better balance, maybe even compartmentalizing some of the different facets of life in order to eliminate stress,” Miller said. “The goal is to help students be better organized and to have a better sense of balance in their life,” said Jordan Scribner, director of business career and transfer student services at the Student Success Center.
Scribner said that her role in “Work-Life Balance” is to STLR tag and advertise the workshop on social media pages and the UCO master calendar. The approach and agenda for the
Provided/UCO College of Business
workshop is yet to be determined, but Miller said that her general approach is to conduct a presentation while allowing participants to ask questions. She said that if the workshop discusses sensitive topics, students may ask and answer questions via survey and remain anonymous. “There’s different methods and ways to encourage interaction, so
I try to make sure that people are discussing when it is appropriate and when they’re willing to talk openly,” Miller said. “I also want to respect their privacy.” If needed, participants can make an appointment with her after the workshop and discuss the topic with her on a one on one basis. “Those conversations with students are what remind me of why
I do what I do and why I love what I do,” said Miller. The workshop does not require registration and is open to all students and the general public. The Zoom link can be obtained through the UCO master calendar and the Student Success Center workshop calendar. “Prior to every semester, all of the individuals responsible for leading the workshops get together and plan out our calendar with what topics, what dates, what times, what settings we want the workshops to be,” Scribner said. “We review the feedback from previous workshops to see if there’s a need that we haven’t hit on yet. That’s partly where ‘Work-Life Balance’ came from, because even though we were offering a stress management workshop, there was a bigger need for a work-life balance.” Participants will be awarded with Health and Wellness STLR credit. For more information, email the college of business Student Success Center at cbsuccess@uco.edu.