April 10, 2018 Kscope by Kaleidoscope UAB

TUESDAY, APRIL 10, 2018

UAB’S OFFICIAL STUDENT NEWSPAPER

VOLUME 59, ISSUE 11

Kaleidoscope The

‘Opportunities like this’ Simple summer street market represents a neighborhood ready for revitilzation. Woodlawn’s newest draw brings crowds in a display of the community’s growth. Read more on Page 10.

PHOTO BY LAKYN SHEPARD/PHOTO EDITOR

FOOTBALL

First looks show promise

“

UAB Spring Game brings the Green and Gold back to the field Connor Gentry Sports Editor czgentry@uab.edu

The UAB Football Team took the field on a dreary and frigid Saturday, April 7 for the UAB Spring Game. The first opportunity

to see the 2018 team was met with a brisk wind and light rain as the Blazer faithful watched on. "I really want to say how much I appreciate our fans coming out today in some tough conditions and supporting these guys,” said UAB Head Coach Bill Clark. “It was also good to see some of our former players come out today and support our

Redshirt senior James Noble III (No. 24) runs by senior Jamell GarciaWilliams (No. 99) during the UAB Spring Game Saturday. PHOTO BY LAKYN SHEPARD/ PHOTO EDITOR

I really want to say how much I appreciate our fans coming out today in some tough conditions and supporting these guys. — UAB Head Coach Bill Clark players." Usually in spring games, the teams’ quarterbacks wear non-contact jerseys to keep them from being hit, but the Blazers played fully active quarterbacks. This means that the quarterbacks can be hit and tackled to the ground just like in a real game. “Anytime you can come out of a spring game with no injuries, it's a good day," Clark said. "It was probably a little colder than we thought, but our guys

handled it and competed really well.” The Green team was led offensively by the second team and defensively by the first team while the Gold team featured the first team offense and second team defense. Last season, the first team offense played against the second team defense and vice-a-versa. Senior A.J. Erdely led the Gold offense with 135 yards through the air and one touchdown. Sophomore Spencer Brown started for the Gold offense and tallied 31 yards on six carries. Junior Kingston Davis

See FOOTBALL, Page 7

KEEPER OF THE DREAM AWARDS

Several recognized for observance, advocation of Dr. King’s principles Bella Tylicki Metro Editor btylicki@uab.edu

On the 50th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination, the Southern Christian Leadership Conference honored Apple CEO, Tim Cook, for keeping King’s dream alive.

Human Rights called upon King and the SCLC to join their struggle against segregation and discrimination in Birmingham. It was their joint efforts, non-violent sitins and marches, that gained the attention of the national media and, shortly thereafter, of the world.

King was the first president of the SCLC at its founding in 1957. Its conception closely followed the Montgomery Bus Boycott and aimed to maintain the momentum of non-violent protests against segregation, and for civil rights. In 1963, Reverend Fred Shuttlesworth and the other members of See COOK, Page 8 the Alabama Christian Movement for

We cannot afford to listen to those who have told us to have patience... It’s up to us to answer Dr. King’s call for justice, to bend that arc of the moral universe, to never stay silent on the things that matter, to be real heroes. —Tim Cook

PHOTO BY LAKYN SHEPARD/ PHOTO EDITOR

Tim Cook, others accept MLK award

Tuesday, April 10, 2018

Volume 59, Issue 11

here & there FROM YOUR PERSPECTIVE

2 THIS WEEK IN STUDENT MEDIA

JOKE OF THE WEEK A chicken walks into a bar. He says: The name’s Ken. Chicken. - Kristina Balciunaite, Life and Style Editor

Sign up for the Second Annual Speak Your Truth Poetry Festival Saturday, April 14, from 1-8 p.m. We’re going to have workshops throughout the day to help you expand your craft. This event is free and open to all poets and artists. Check out our website for more information on registration, workshops, and the showcase.

PHOTO OF THE WEEK

Contact Aura at auraartsreview@ gmail.com.

PHOTO BY LAKYN SHEPARD/PHOTO EDITOR Mayor Randall Woodfin wavew to supporters after he parachutes into Railroad Park Monday, April 9.

THIS WEEK IN HISTORY

INSIDE THIS ISSUE Opinion

Get your weekly dose of Alabama corruption in this week’s issue, as we discuss the most recent developments in the Luv Gov’s case.

Campus

Undergraduates get hands-on experience with research and even get the chance to present their findings at an institutional conference.

Sports

Baseball gets back to action at home, and Blazer football picks up steam in its spring game. That and more in this week’s edition.

Metro

Apple CEO Tim Cook returns to his Alabama roots, this time to accept an award. No, he didn’t give away iPhones. Calm down.

Life & Style

What do fried chicken and shoes have in common? Absolutely nothing. But they’re both in this week’s issue.

April 10, 1866: ASPCA is founded The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is founded in New York City by philanthropist and diplomat Henry Bergh, 54. April 11, 1814: Napoleon exiled to Elba Emporer of France and one of the greatest military leaders in history, abdicates the throne and is banished to the Mediterranean island of Elba. April 12, 1861: The Civil War begins The bloodiest four years in American history begin when Confederate shore batteries under General P.G.T. Beauregard open fire on Union-held Fort Sumter in South Carolina’s Charleston Bay. April 13, 1997: Tiger Woods wins first major 21-year-old Tiger Woods wins the prestigious Masters Tournament by a record 12 strokes at Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia. April 14, 1865: Lincoln is shot John Wilkes Booth, an actor and Confederate sympathizer, fatally shoots President Abraham Lincoln at a play at Ford’s Theater in Washington, D.C. April 15, 1947: Jackie Robinson breaks color barrier Jackie Robinson, 28, becomes the first AfricanAmerican player in Major League Baseball. April 16, 1943: Hallucinogenic effects of LSD discovered In Basel, Switzerland, Albert Hoffmann, a Swiss chemist, accidentally consumes LSD-25, discovering its effects.

If you wish to see your event displayed in our calendar, please contact Chandler Jones at chanj1@uab.edu.

The Beat Battle is happening on Thursday. All producers, bring your best tracks for a fun, competitive atmosphere. For more information, go to UAB.edu/ studentmedia

Contact BlazeRadio at alex96@uab.edu.

UABTV will has released the very first episode of College Talk this week. This new series focus on UAB students giving their opinion on array of social topics. Also, we will be releasing a new series on the best fast food chicken nuggets on Tuesday at noon. Be sure to check out these productions this week.

Contact UABTV at morris95@uab.edu.

hursday

What: BlazerCon 2018 Where: Hill Student Center When: 6 p.m.

What: Men’s Tennis vs. Southern Mississippi Where: George Ward Park When: 12 p.m.

What: Softball vs. Western Kentucky Where: Mary Bowers Field When: 1 p.m.

What: 2018 Alabama Auto Show Where: The BJCC When: 10 a.m.

What: Artspace Underground Spring Market Where: Birmingham Oddities When: 10 - 5 p.m.

What: Spring Food Truck Rally Where: Avondale Brewery When: 1 p.m.

What: Sunset Yoga Where: Campus Green When: 5 - 6 p.m.

onday

What: National Walk@Lunch Day Where: Linn Park What: ChrysoWhen: 10:30 a.m. - poeia: The Transmutation of Black 1:30 p.m. Identity Where: The Jaybird When: 8 - 10 p.m.

What: Neighbor - Works by Emily Rice Where: Manitou Supply Co. When: 6 - 9 p.m.

sunday

What: 2018 Steel Reel Film Festival Who: BEA Student Media Club at UAB Where: Hill Student Center When: 6 - 9 p.m.

What: Social Spotlight Film Festival Where: Hill Student Center Alumni Theater When: 4:30 - 9:30 p.m.

aturday

What: UniverSoul Circus Where: Legion Field When: 7 p.m.

uesday

What: Softball vs. Troy Where: Mary Bowers Field When: 6 p.m.

riday

WEEKLY SCHEDULE

ednesday

If you would like to be featured in our “In Your Perspective” please contact Will Harris at willhrrs@uab.edu.

Tuesday, April 10, 2018

Volume 59, Issue 11

3 opinion Just say period. Period. Spring 2018 Editorial Board

STIGMAS

Chandler Jones Editor-in-Chief chanj1@uab.edu

Wallace Golding Managing Editor wsgoldin@uab.edu

Sufia Alam Campus Editor sufia@uab.edu

Bella Tylicki Metro Editor btylicki@uab.edu

Kristina Balciunaite Life & Style Editor kribal@uab.edu

Connor Gentry Sports Editor zcgentry@uab.edu

Will Harris Social Media Director willhrrs@uab.edu

Lakyn Shepard Photo Editor layshep@uab.edu

to re-open the conversation about menarche. More specifically, it’s time to talk not only about the social stigma that e are all familiar seems to crowd and censor with the historicalevery discussion surrounding ly infamous “Red menstruation, but also about Scare.” But what if I told you how commercialization and that there is a “Red Scare” of marketing of menstrual proda different sort, which has exucts is implicitly encouraging isted perhaps even longer than this stigma. the threat of Communism? A “Seeing it all on TV from fear so deeply embedded before hitting puberty into every young girl just brainwashed me that it keeps her out of into believing it was pools in the summer, silently agreed by society hiding sanitary napkins that periods are a taboo up her sleeve every trip subject,” said Aleena to the restroom and Khan, a freshman in compulsively checking physics. Rose the backs and bottoms Specific examples of her shorts. of this include menstrual care “I remember how hushproducts being marketed as hush it was when I got my “feminine hygiene” products, period,” a female UAB stuimplying your period no longer dent who wished to remain a sign of womanhood, but a anonymous. “No one really hygiene problem that, with the treated me differently, but my right flowery-scented products, mom stocked up on sanitary can be quietly taken care of. products and told my dad that “I think a lot of non-menI couldn’t go swimming on struating people see menstruvacation. No one I really talked ation as “gross” which is just to discussed their periods, and ignorant,” Khan said. “We see something in me felt like it was a lot of that on TV as well.” meant to be that way.” It’s not unlike any other That’s right folks, it’s time social fear propaganda we have Parker Rose Columnist pdrose@uab.edu

seen before, but it’s definitely more subtle. Joseph McCarthy switched out with a pony-tailed tennis-skirted blonde lady. I’m your Venus. So much of the marketing for these products focuses heavily on words like “discreet” and “invisible,” implying that periods are something you are obviously trying to hide. While I’m not suggesting periods are something which every woman wants to be particularly open about, this kind of language encourages the embarrassment and shame women feel. It’s a natural process which occurs regularly for nearly half their lives however periods get characterized as something that must, at all costs, be kept secret. This kind of media treatment is especially dangerous for young, impressionable girls who are just learning about themselves and their bodies. “Media doesn’t prepare people around the age girls get periods [on] how to respond to something so life changing since it is so stigmatized,” said Alex McKay, in biomedical sciences. It stifles and discourages

open conversation about issues and questions young women may have about their health, which could lead to very dangerous misconceptions and possibly unwanted consequences like accidental pregnancy. “I think a way to combat the stigmatism around periods is to, first and foremost, stop acting like they don’t exist,” McKay said. By encouraging young girls to not be ashamed or embarrassed by their periods, we can open up the conversation on a whole host of other topics as well. “With more people being informed on how periods work and affect those who have them, we can work together to make a future where we can openly discuss bodies and their issues without stigma,” anonymous said. If young girls can understand that what their experiencing is not just an embarrassing hygiene problem, but a natural function of the female body, they will be perhaps view themselves and their bodies in a way which fosters open and confident conversation about reproductive and sexual health.

Marie Sutton Student Media Director masutton@uab.edu

Patrick Johnson Production Manager plj3@uab.edu

ILLUSTRATION BY LEISHA CHAMBERS/ILLUSTRATOR

STATE GOVERNMENT

Luv Gov’s case reaches climax Letters to the Editor can be submitted to Chandler Jones, Editor-in-Chief, at chanj1@uab.edu. The Kaleidoscope functions as a memeber of UAB Student Media in association with UABTV, BlazeRadio and Aura. Website: UAB.edu/kscope Twitter @UABkscope Facebook facebook.com/uabkscope/ Instagram instagram.com/ uabkscope/ The Kaleidoscope is produced in the office of UAB Student Media. Suite 130 Hill Student Center 1400 University Blvd. Birmingham, 35233 (205) 934-3354

politics the past couple of years than the case of Governor Robert Bentley. The case began when nytime Alabama Bentley fired Alabama Law shows up on Enforcement secretary national news, Spencer Collier, claimit’s never a good sign. ing there was a misuse Whether some rural of state funds. county school still has However, when a plantation owner as an independent autheir football mascot dit found no links to or a teacher uttered a Bentley’s claims things Stewart in the Alabama State racial slur, Alabama is never in the spotlight Government began to for a good reason. I physiheat up. cally cringed at my television Shortly after, Collier when I heard John Oliver, on claimed Bentley was having his show Last Week Tonight, an affair with his senior politsay, “And now we turn to ical advisor, Rebekah Mason. Alabama, a state whose flag Within the following weeks, is the universal sign for no detailed text messages and absolutely not!” And thus recordings made Collier’s allebegan the late night talk show gations a reality. One recordconversation about Alabama’s ing, published by Al.com had equivalent of Bill Clinton. Bentley telling Mason, “When Alabama certainly has its I stand behind you, and I history of messy politicians, put my arms around you, but nothing has been more and I put my hands on your memorable about Alabama breasts… and just pull you Taylor Steward Aura Editor-in-Chief tws2014@uab.edu

real close. I love that, too,” Despite the recording, Bentley maintained his innocence. After pleas for impeachment, Bentley announced his resignation from office on April 10, 2017. Now a year later, the state of Alabama has come forward and stated that they will not be pursuing any further charges against Bentley. “It’s absurd, any person should be held accountable for their actions whether they hold a government position or not,” said Allison Nichols, sophomore in theater. After announcing the close of the investigation, Mike Cason reported on AL.com that the report stated, “We found a number of serious concerns about current state law that hinder successful prosecution.” This is just another example proving that the state government prevents itself from achieving a rightful democra-

cy. Even when impeachment files were brought toward Bentley, many lawmakers found that the state had no procedure in place to impeach. Think about that. Alabama has been declared a state for almost 200 years, and no one ever thought to put a clause that said, “Hey, if your Governor is breaking the law, he probably shouldn’t be doing that.” “If there’s evidence that he broke ethics violation, which he did, there’s no reason we should excuse that just because he’s no longer in office,” said Caton Reynolds, junior in education and English. While the government states they will be looking into make the laws more specific, nothing is ever going to change unless the people of Alabama fight for it. This is something voters need to be aware of as elections for our next governor begin later this year.

campus Tuesday, April 10, 2018

Volume 59, Issue 11

CAMPUS EVENTS

PHOTOS BY SUFIA ALAM/CAMPUS EDITOR Mathew Pouncey (left) and Stephanie Sims (right) provide students information on how to be involed in the organization, Alabama Institure for Deaf and Blind.

Inclusion for the marginilized UAB Disability Support Services lessens stigma Lauren Moore Campus Reporter lrm33@uab.edu

Tuesday, April 3, the walls of the Hill Student Center’s Ballroom D were covered in colorful notes, each stating a student’s commitment to providing accessibility and inclusion. Booths populated the room promoting various of organizations, each one eagerly sharing flyers, trinkets and information in the name inclusivity on campus. The Inclusivity Fair, hosted by UAB Disability Support Services, serves as part two to the ‘Challenge the Stigma” campaign run by DSS last year. DSS provides UAB students with any accommodations they need in the classroom. “This semester we’re wanting to promote inclusivity,” said Ashleigh Johnson, DSS program coordinator. “One thing we noticed is that disability is left out a lot in diversity discussions. We wanted to make sure that our students and other students with disabilities know that they have resources within our UAB community and the Birmingham community.” The Alabama Institute for the Deaf and Blind had a booth

UAB Community Health and Human Services’ informed students about health risks of HPV.

providing braille and sign language alphabet handouts. They are a structure disability program for people becoming blind, teaching independent living skills including cooking, cleaning and navigating Birmingham. “We provide a variety of services for people of all ages,” said Stephanie Sims, an early

initiation employee. “We have an early institute for children birth to three and, after that, we provide case-management services for the deaf and blind.” The program also provides video phone and interpreting services. Student Counseling Services had a booth focused on their work with interpersonal vio-

lence promotion and the “That Don’t Fly” campaign. The Awareness Ability Management Program assists current and applying faculty and staff at UAB with any sort of special needs that they might have. Their booth provided information on a number of resources for faculty and staff, including the Blaze Ride, a campus paraplegic bus service. “Disability support services helps students, and we help everybody else,” said Thelisia Boykin, H. R. specialist. The UAB Institute for Human Rights puts much of their focus on disability rights. They have many resources available through their website, including a human rights blog, where guest bloggers share their experiences with human rights. “We are trying to research and empower the rights of persons with disabilities,” said Nicholas Sherwood, a graduate student in Anthropology of peace and human rights. UAB Community Health and Human Services’ booth provided information on the Human Pavelone Virus vaccine and health risks of contracting HPV. Students can obtain the vaccine through student health and wellness. The UAB Student Outreach’s booth advertised their program that assists students through crisis, helping them find options and resources on campus and in the Birmingham area.

LECTURE

Yoruba traditions linked to hip hop Thabiti Willis demonstartes the significance of the Masquerades

Mallorie Turner Campus Reporter matrun31@uab.edu

A lecture by author John Thabiti Willis, Ph.D. Thursday, April 5, examined the kinship between the Yoruba tradition of masquerading and the African American art of hip hop. In his newly published book “Masquerading Politics: Kinship, Gender, and Ethnicity In A Yoruba Town,” Willis argues that masquerade is a core aspect of Yoruba speakers in Africa. Masquerades, or Egungun, is a type of ritual dance that showcases masked characters in layered clothes or wooden attire. These figures represent reincarnated spirits and are typically accompanied by drummers, dancers and villagers. “Masquerades are central to the political culture, the social relations and the ritual practices of Yoruba speakers,” Willis said. “By looking at this town [Otta], we are able to understand

really the ways the masquerade impacted how people experienced the expansion and decline of the slave trade.” Willis was awarded the Fulbright-Hays Doctoral Dissertation Research Abroad Fellowship in 20052006 while pursuing his Ph.D. at Emory University, which granted him the opportunity to do research on the Masquerade tradition. He had a research affiliation with the University of Lagos in Nigeria where he was supported by the institution for his research on the people of the Otta town in Nigeria. Despite no references to hip-hop in his book, Willis notices correlations between the music genre and the ancient African tradition. “There is an emphasis on orality, oral tradition, oral performances of poetry, of praise songs as really being major cultural imperatives… that hip-hop emerges out of,” Willis said. Rachel Raimist, Ph.D.,

associate professor at the University of Alabama in journalism and creative media, offered her own hip-hop-related perspective on Willis’s research after his lecture. “When looking at Yoruba culture and masquerading traditions there is a lot that can be learned and connected to contemporary hip-hop culture,” Raimist said. “Both are community-based engagements based on individual beliefs and commitments. Both often center around the drum, the beat and rhythmic music that fuels the community activities.” She added that a great amount can be learned about people, faith and culture through a gendered perspective, specifically in the way a community treats its women. Raimist aided Willis in Africa by taking photos for an ethnography of the Yoruba people in Otta. She is considered an acclaimed scholar for her studies in the hip-hop genre. She began filming hip-hop in her twenties and has since directed multiple hip-hop films and organized major

PHOTO BY MAC HOWLEY Thaabiti Willis shares the significance of ritual dances engrained in African culture.

events about women’s hiphop. Ralph Dele Ajayi, a research and travel support and logistics specialist based in Lagos, Nigeria, served as a research assistant to Willis. Ajayi helped Willis navigate through various parts of Nigeria as his translator and co-designer of research questions and interview strategies. Ajayi noted the importance of masquerade

to the Yoruba culture. “Masquerading in Yoruba is one of the most dominant religions of the Yoruba people,” Ajayi said. “We believe that the ancestors who have left always come back. We try to celebrate the ancestors by having masquerade festivals.” Willis hopes to continue his research on the masquerade tradition in his future trips to Africa.

Tuesday, April 10, 2018

The Kaleidoscope

Campus | Page 5

STUDENT INVOLVEMENT

Finding the perfect fit Students share experinces of working at different research labs throughout campus Myah Clinton Campus Reporter mkc16@uab.edu

As one of the nation’s best funded research centers with over $420 million in sponsored studies and departments across 10 schools, UAB strives to bring groundbreaking and relevant research to individuals from around the globe. Undergraduate student research has increased over the years, according to Gareth Jones, assistant director of the Office of Service Learning and Undergraduate Research. Jones said UAB’s distinction as an R1 institution allows the university to receive the maximum level of research funding, which creates more opportunities for students. “Traditionally, most people, when they think of undergraduate research, they think people in lab coats, syringes and pipettes,” Jones said. Jones sees something apart from that. He said the social sciences and humanities such as “psychology, sociology, computer science, [and] criminal justice” all have research opportunities. Kane Agan, senior in public health and research ambassador, does research in peace studies. “[I] look for certain qualities that indicate the best environment for a peaceful society,” Agan said. His research methods focus on analysis of documents from a collection called the Standard Cross-Cultural Sample, which gives ratings to societies across the globe at different time periods. Alice Grissom, sophomore in English and history, is presenting research she did last semester on the Civil War. Grissom said her paper inves-

PHOTO COURETSEY OF GARETH JONES Alice Grissom presents her research on the Civil War at the EXPO hsoted by UAB.

tigates “the way Southern state governments used revisionist history to promote the ‘Lost Cause’ narrative of the Civil War in school textbooks and attempted to justify the continued oppression of African Americans.” Jones recommends students look for research opportunities early, so they “can have multiple experiences

along your undergraduate career.” Research ambassador Ramya Nyalakonda, junior in biology on a pre-med track, has worked in a neonatologist lab since her freshman year looking for a cure to hypoxia, a condition that cuts off oxygen to infant’s brains. “I really didn’t know how to begin when I first started, so I wanted

“

Traditionally, most people when they think of undergraduate research, they think people in labcoats,syringes and pipets. —Gareth Jones

to give other students that experience [and let them know] that it’s easy to get involved in research and to find something that you actually like,” Nyalakonda said. Jones said students can use the website ScholarBridge to connect with researchers for undergraduate research opportunities. Sebastian Schormann, junior in biomedical sciences, researches under Samiksha Raut, Ph.D., a biology professor. Schormann and James Boyett, sophomore in biomedical sciences, study how to implement active learning into the STEM curriculum. “Personally, research has improved both my writing and speaking communication skills,” Schormann said. “Specifically, presenting posters and giving talks have improved my ability to communicate with other people from different socioeconomic backgrounds than my own.”

Tuesday, April 10, 2018

Volume 59, Issue 11

sports

BASEBALL

PHOTO BY MAC HOWLEY/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Redshirt junior Brett Blackwood (No. 8) swings and hits the ball during the Blazer’s loss to the FIU Golden Panthers Sunday, April 8.

Tales from the diamond Blazers battle the elements and the Panthers in a three-game home series Sarah Oetken Sports Reporter sarahoak@uab.edu

The UAB Baseball Team may have picked up its fourth consecutive victory on Friday afternoon, but it was all Florida International Sunday at Young Memorial Field. The Blazers could not extend their winning streak as the Panthers swept the double header over the team, 4-6 and 3-0. The Panthers improved to 16-17 overall and 6-6 in Conference-USA play while the Blazers fell to 14-16 overall and 6-6 in league play. “It was a great Friday night Conference-USA battle and a great win for our team,” said UAB Head Coach Brian Shoop. It was in the top of the second inning when the Panthers took a 1-0 lead with a solo home run to left field. The Blaz-

Football From Page 1

led the Gold team’s rushing attack with 71 yards on 10 carries. Davis led all Gold receivers with 46 yards on two catches. The Green team’s offense was led by sophomore Tyler Johnston III who passed for 130 yards. Johnston led the rushing attack for the Green team with 75 yards and one touchdown on 10 carries. Redshirt senior James Noble III also scored a touchdown on the ground while amassing 74 yards on 14 touches. Redshirt junior Nick Vogel gave the Gold team an early 3-0 lead in the first quarter on a field goal after the Gold offense stalled out. Erdely then connected on a 13-yard strike to a diving Redshirt senior Colin Lisa for the first touchdown of the game. The score gave the Gold team a 10-0 lead that the team held until the Green team punched in a two-yard run by Noble to bring the score to 10-7 just before the half. The second half started fast with a 79-yard completion to redshirt senior Sederian Copeland from Johnston. Copeland would have scored on the play but he was tackled at the two-yard line. The Green team

ers answered with senior Carter Pharis hitting a leadoff homerun to tie the game 1-1. Junior Tanner Graham and teammate senior Carson Jones helped the Blazers by pitching for the five hit, one run dominant performance. When the Panthers threatened the Blazers in the seventh inning with a lead-off single, Graham retired the side with a ground out and two strikeouts to end the Panther threat. Graham did not stop there as he finished the night throwing seven innings and allowing just five hits with one earned run, while also striking out six batters. “Tanner was awesome,” Shoop said. “He spent a ton of energy in the seventh when FIU got a runner to third with one out. That takes a toll on not only pitch count

would not be denied however, as Johnston faked a pitch to Noble and dove into the end zone for the third and final touchdown of the game. The Gold team attempted to mount a comeback but were only able to muster a field goal in the fourth quarter. The Green team held on to win the game 14-13. Green team’s defense was led by redshirt senior Craig Kanyangarara who tallied five tackle, three tackles for loss and two sacks. The Gold team defense was led by sophomore Thomas Johnston with seven tackles. The secondaries for both teams held the receivers in check allowing few passes that went for more than 15 yards. “I am really pleased,” Clark said. “I thought we had a really good spring. The effort was good. We have a lot of work to do this summer, but today was the culmination of a good spring.” The Blazers turn their attention to summer conditioning as

but also on energy because you work so hard to get out of it. Then, he turned it over to Carson who went six up and six down so he was great, too.” Sunday, the Panthers took a 1-0 lead before tacking on two more runs heading into the third inning of the first game. However, the Blazers found their footing as they answered in the bottom of the fourth with Pharis, sophomore Thomas Johns and senior Stephen Dobbs drawing walks to begin the inning. The Blazers then added another run in the sixth inning as Price Visintainer reached home on a fielder’s choice. This, however, did not signal things to come for the Blazers as the Panthers scored three more runs with just one hit in the top of the seventh inning to take a 6-3 lead that they would not relinquish. As game two moved along, the Panthers took another lead in the fifth inning. The Panthers led off the frame with a single through the right side of the field before Blazer redshirt junior pitcher Tyler Gates

hit a batter to put two runners on with no outs. The Blazers floundered in the seventh inning as the Panthers retired the side with two fly outs and a strikeout and won the series 2-1. “This was another typical Conference-USA weekend as all three games could have gone either way,” Shoop said. “FIU scored nine runs on the day, and seven of those got on base either by being walked or getting hit by a pitch, which makes it tough on the defense. We had 12 hits to their eight, but 11 of ours were singles, and that makes it hard to score and if you don’t score any you can’t win which is what happened in the second game. A hit here or a hit there changes both games, but we are in the thick of things at 6-6. I look forward to playing Alabama and heading to Old Dominion.” The Blazers head to Norfolk, Virginia, to take on the Old Dominion Monarchs in a three-game series beginning April 13.

PHOTO BY LAKYN SHEPARD/ PHOTO EDITOR UAB tight end Donnie Lee rushes the ball during UAB’s Spring Game Saturday, April 7, at Legion Field.

they prepare for their first game Thursday, Aug. 30, against Savannah State. The Blazers look to continue the momentum they found last season after finishing with a record-setting record of 8-5.

April, 10, 2018

The Kaleidoscope

Sports | Page 7

MEN’S TENNIS

SOFTBALL

Series win down south Clutch win Lady Blazers score 18 runs during three-game series

Erwin batted in two runners in the seventh inning and sealed the 7-3 victory for UAB. The Blazers carried their momentum from the first game into the next, scoring two runs in their first inning at bat. UAB kept their lead until Savannah Snowden Southern Miss scored two runs of their own in the Sports Reporter bottom half of the third inning to tie up the score. savsno@uab.edu The score stayed tied until the Golden Eagles were able to crank out a third run in the bottom half of The Lady Blazers started strong Saturday, April the third inning. Southern Miss shut out UAB for 7, in Hattiesburg, but ended the day splitting their the rest of the game and took a 3-2 victory. doubleheader with Southern Miss. The first game After the split in Hattiesburg against the Southwas a 7-3 sweep by UAB, and the second was a ern Miss Golden Eagles, the UAB softball team defensive face-off between the Blazers and the took a C-USA series victory, sealing the victory Golden Eagles that ended with a Southern Miss with an eight-point win, 9-1. The Blazers are now victory 3-2. 15-24-1 overall and 7-4-1 in conference play. Senior Rachel Rogers hit two home runs in the Southern Miss opened Sunday’s scoreboard first game, while freshman Sarah Crawford and with their first and only run in the bottom of sophomore Natalie Erwin both hit two runners in, the first inning. From there, UAB pitchers senior twice each—Rogers, CrawMegan Smith and Kachel shut ford and Erwin tied for two out the Golden Eagles’ ofruns batted in by the end of fense for the next six innings. Most Hits the game. The team had a In the top of the fourth For Series total of nine hits and made inning, UAB showcased their seven runs out of it. Freshoffensive play as they scored Destini man pitcher Emily Kachel three runs to put the team England (7) threw for five innings, only ahead, 3-1. The Lady Blazers letting three runs go through would not relinquish this out of Southern Miss’s seven lead. Most hits. Sophomore Ashton Clem Strikeouts The magic started to hit an RBI single to drive happen for UAB at the top of Smith in for the 1-1 tie. Emily Kachel the fourth inning. Sophomore England and Erwin scored (3) Destini England hit a double two more runs for the lady to begin the inning, and the Blazers. Most RBIs rest of the team carried her This offensive hot streak momentum. Erwin struck continued into the fifth inning For Series a single to push England to with three more runs by the Destini third. England ran home on Lady Blazers. Clem drove an errant throw to break senior Molli Garcia home. England (3) Southern Miss’ lead. England then drove home Erwin scored on a home two more runners in as well. Most At Bats run by Crawford, who The game closed with For Series smacked the pitch straight three more runs by UAB in over the centerfield wall to the seventh inning. This time, Destini give the team a two-point senior Rogers RBI singled England (13) lead after tying up the game, England to home plate. Sophbut the Blazers weren’t done omore Claire Blount drove in yet. Rogers stepped up to bat and blasted a second Erwin for another run, and Garcia batted one last home run, putting the team at 4-1 for the start of player to home for a dominant 9-1 victory over the bottom fourth inning. the Golden Eagles. Rogers came back swinging just as hard in the UAB softball returns to action against the Trotop of the sixth inning, scoring another home run. jans of Troy University, Tuesday, April 9, at 6 p.m.

WOMEN’S TENNIS

Final match ends in sorrow Lady Blazers finish regular season on a low note Sarah Oetken Sports Reporter sarahoak@uab.edu

The UAB Women’s Tennis team traveled to Hattiesburg, Mississippi, to face Southern Miss in their final game of the regular season. The Lady Blazers could not pick up their usual energy as they fell to their Conference-USA foe, 5-2, at the Southern Miss Tennis Facility. The Lady Blazers finished the season 12-11 overall and 1-2

in conference play. The team also tallied a 4-5 road record. This is the team’s most road wins in as many as eight years. The Lady Blazers dropped the doubles match point and fell through 2-0 early with their opening singles match. The Blazers then saw junior Alexandra Shchipakina pull a match back for the Blazers with a 7-6, 6-3 victory. From there though, Southern Miss worked off three-straight sin-

gles wins against the Lady Blazers. These wins included a 7-6, 6-2 win on by Claudia Castella, to clinch the overall victory for the Golden Eagles. One small victory for the Lady Blazers as Marlene Herrmann toppled Rikeetha Pereira of Southern Miss, 4-6, 6-2, 6-2 in the number two spot. Herrmann is now 14-4 in singles play and 13-4 playing at number two. The Lady Blazer will now turn their attention to the Conference USA Tournament, which will begin on April 19 in Norfolk, Virginia.

on the court

Last second win decide match for the Blazers Savannah Snowden Sports Reporter savsno@uab.edu

The UAB men’s tennis team traveled to Mobile to take on the University of South Alabama Jaguars in their final road game of the season. After five games between the Blazers and Jaguars, the Blazers were down by a single match, 3-2, and waited for the next two matches to determine their fate. Sophomore Tim Dollman and junior Kenton Parton pulled out wins, putting the Blazers ahead 4-3 for the win. UAB finished the season with three road victories. A doubles match brought UAB an early lead as senior Anru Fourie and Parton sped through to a 6-1 win on court 2. Sophomore Nikolai Manchev and senior Henry Paiste won in a close match, 7-6(4) on court 1 to give UAB the first team point of the match for the 1-0 lead. Manchev, after losing two singles matches, won in a decisive singles match 6-4, 6-3 over to tie the match, 2-2. Sophomore Giovani Pasini fought valiantly but ultimately lost in the third set of a singles match. Dollman, a steadfast singles player, came through with a tough singles match win that went to three sets: 7-6, 5-7, and 7-6. With the team score now tied 3-3 between UAB and USA, the pressure of both teams was certainly on Parton on court 4. Parton also went to a third set, but channeled the pressure into his game, winning 6-2 in the final set to secure a 4-3 win for the Blazers. The team finished with a 12-9 record, winning three of six away matches. The Blazers return to home against the Golden Eagles of Southern Mississippi for their final regular season game. The Blazers conclude their campaign in the Conference-USA tournament April 20-22, in Houston, Texas.

Tuesday, April 10, 2018

Volume 59, Issue 11

metro

BODY POSITIVITY

The new ‘F-word’

Panel talks candidly about body positivity, fat-shaming, health Sufia Alam Campus Editor sufia@uab.edu

When Melodi Stone, founder of Birmingham Birth Workers Cooperative and owner of Reproductive Journeys Doula Care, was in sixth grade, her parents received a letter informing her that her body weight was too high for her agem and she would be weighed every three months at school until her weight reached acceptable limits. The same day, her parents received another letter congratulating them on their daughter being one of the top runners in the school’s track team. “My weight was good enough for me to be the pride of the school but apparently not low enough to have my dignity maintained,” Stone said. Wednesday, April 4, UAB Gender and Sexuality Diversity hosted a fat acceptance panel. Speakers included Stone; the Rev. Dr. E-K. Daufin, member of the Association for Size Diversity and Health organization and Mary-Berkley Gaines, founder of Beautiful Bodies Birmingham. The panel discussed how society perceives being overweight and how the media

Cook

From Page 1 At the 10th annual Keeper of the Dream Awards Banquet, the presidents of both the SCLC local chapter and national organization, Bishop Calvin Woods Sr. and Dr. Charles Steele Jr. respectively, awarded Cook the Human Rights Award for continued observance of King’s teachings and consistent advocacy for safe and fair workplace conditions. Steele, a Tuscaloosa native, gave a speech in Memphis, Tennessee the morning of

chooses to portray a specific narrative when it comes to the representation of obese people. “The idea of fat acceptance implies that you at least accept different people come in different sizes through no fault of their own,” Daufin said. Fat-shaming is so steeped in modern culture that most people don’t realize that they have been conditioned to think only thin people are capable of being attractive. “When we think of fat people in the media, we only think of fat and lazy, or fat and lonely,” Daufin said. “Any praising of the thin, or

associating anything negative with the word fat, you are adding on to the problem. Why don’t we ever see fat and sexy or even thin lazy, because we have been conditioned think only one type of body can be seen as desirable in our society.” The panel then discussed how modern medicine has been benefiting from diet culture and much of the health standards in western medicine are not applicable to all races, cultures and body types. “BMI is bad science,” Gaines said. “It’s outdated and it’s not working. It was made by a bunch of thin, white people with European ancestry that did the science behind BMI, and it doesn’t apply to all of us. We all have different backgrounds who need different things.”

“

BMI is bad science. It’s outdated and it’s not working. It was made by a bunch of thin, white people with European ancestry that did the science behind BMI, and it doesn’t apply with all of us.

Wednesday, April 4, at the National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel, the site of King’s murder. He quipped to a crowd of 30,000 people that that night, he would travel to “the real civil rights town…I’m going to Birmingham... I’m Alabama through and through,” Steele said. “Birmingham, Alabama, is all over the world. Everywhere I go, they talk about Birmingham.... Mr. Cook, we thank you because you’re spreading that word and you exemplify what it takes [to be] in the spirit of Dr.

—Mary-Berkley Gaines Martin Luther King Jr.” Mobile native and a graduate of Auburn University, Cook expressed his gratitude to the SCLC for the award and for being “a part of both the struggle and the progress in the South for decades.” “During the Civil Rights Movement, our state and our nation witnessed people making important choices every day,” Cook said during his speech. “Whether to stay silent or speak out; whether to look away or look forward; [and] whether to wait for change or act with urgency. Dr. King always chose to look forward. He chose to come here, to Birmingham. He chose to protest the injustice that he saw.” He named “heroes” of then and now that made that same choice: “women who hopped on a bus to register voters; the people in the back office at SCLC or CORE or SNCC stuffing envelopes; the shopkeepers who refused to discriminate; the school principals who refused to segregate; [and] the students who welcomed new classmates with a hand of friendship.” “They are the students of Parkland, Florida, fighting to make our schools safe,”

According to Gaines, exploitation of larger people is so common in western medicine practices that it sometimes hinders them from receiving proper treatment. “I still remember the time I had a back spasm and avoided going to the ER because I did not want to deal with being fat shamed,” Gaines said. “We’re [larger individuals] avoiding proper care. We’re going in for one thing and all we’re being told is to lose weight. I could have cancer and my doctors would still continue to tell me to lose weight.” According to the panelists, the best way to combat fat phobia is to accept all bodies as good bodies. “Cis, white and thin people, the world was built for them,” Gaines said. According to Stone, another method to combat fat phobia is to be active members of organizations such as the National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance network. “I really loved the overall body positive message that was expressed,” said Jarian Benning a senior in public health. “But one thing that really spoke volumes to me was what Daufin said that we need to focus on each individual person’s wellbeing and not the mold that is often forced upon us made for only certain individuals.”

he said. “They are the citizens standing up for the Dreamers and other immigrants because they make our country better. They are the women upending the status quo with two simple words: ‘Me too’ … Real heroes, known and unknown. Real heroes. Some of whom are with us tonight. We recognize you. We applaud you.” Earlier in the day, Cook met with students from Birmingham schools. “They give me hope,” he said. “They believe anything is possible, and they do not accept the status quo.” He said that whether one marched with King or later learned of his courage from a textbook, “We all believe in equality. We all believe in Alabama. We all believe in the young people here, the generation that will lead us forward.” He gave a nod to the priests’ message to King when he was in jail. “We cannot afford to wait,” Cook said. “We cannot afford to listen to those who have told us to have patience, to give time. This is the time…50 years later, it’s up to us to answer Dr. King’s call for justice, to bend that arc of the moral universe, to never stay silent on the things

CITY COUNCIL

Tuesday, April 3, the Birmingham City Council authorized the mayor to enter an agreement with the State to lead to $2.2 million worth of resurfaced City streets paid for by the Alabama Department of Transportation. The Mayor’s Office and the City Council will determine which streets will be repaved. The Council also voted to authorize the Mayor to execute a $50,000 funding agreement with the Red Mountain Theatre Company to allow the public free access to their cultural events and training. RMTC is a non-profit that has provided arts education and entertainment to the Birmingham area for the last 30 years. These funds are intended to make RMTC programming more accessible to the public, including an estimated 13,000 students. In addition, Wahouma Park in East Lake will soon see redevelopments, including a walking trail, provided for, in an amount of $300,000, by Community Development Block Grants out of the Housing and Urban Development Grant Fund. Another $100,000 will come from the same fund to upstart a small business grant program to be expounded upon in an announcement by the Economic Development Department coming soon.

PHOTOS BY LAKYN SHEPARD/PHOTO EDITOR ABOVE: Lajuana Bradford presents Isabel Rubio the Civil Rights Award. BELOW: Bishop Calvin Woods Sr. makes closing remarks on behalf of the Birmingham Metro Southern Christian Leardership Conference.

that matter, to be real heroes.” Cook revealed that Dr. King’s call to action in his Letter from Birmingham Jail, a call to “awake from our moral slumber,” is a call that he heeds as the CEO of Apple. He emphasized the particular urgency of justice that all champions of human rights regard. “[Dr. King] said that time can be used either destructively on constructively,” Cook said. “We think about this a lot at Apple, because time has sped up. In many ways, our company has helped speed it up…The tools

to transform society are literally in our hands, and, as a result, change can happen faster, but only if we put in the effort and only if we infuse these tools of technology with the humanity that makes everyday people capable of greatness. I’ve never been more hopeful that we’ll do just that.” In addition to Cook, Isabel Rubio, Robert Dickerson Jr., DeJuana Thompson and the Woods family received Keeper of the Dream Awards for their dedication to King’s pillars of civil rights, economic justice, voting rights and leadership sustainability respectively.

Tuesday, April 10, 2018

Volume 59, Issue 11

life & style

9 TRACK TAKES

CAMPUS FASHION

Making shoes fit you

A sneaker peak into some of the smoothest kicks at UAB Juwayriah Wright Life & Style Reporter juwright@uab.edu

Sneakers built up a legacy that is no longer exclusive for hitting the gym. Complimenting an outfit with a comfortable set of shoes is a great way to stay casually active as a college student. Their frame allows for plenty of space to express a distinct look, which students have been taking

advantage of by coupling them with either classy or relaxed outfits. Sneakers built up a legacy that is no longer exclusive for hitting the gym. Complimenting an outfit with a comfortable set of shoes is a great way to stay casually active as a college student. Their frame allows for plenty of space to express a distinct look, which students have been taking advantage of by coupling them with either classy or relaxed outfits.

Originality

Individuality tends to be the driving force behind many sneaker purchases. Sneakers can be a simple way to express yourself. The way you look doesn’t have to reflect the entire culture. It can be made into your own personal style. Following trends requires a projection of the brand or style on yourself, but this can be done in a nonconformist way. Jean Paul Osula, junior in biomedical science, said he likes to look for unique shoes

by avoiding pairs that are in a high demand. His pair of Adidas Alpha Bounce have eye-catching silhouette that are comfortable to wear with any outfit. “I’m not looking for something that’s really popular at the time,” Osula said. “I’m looking for what I like, what fits me and what I think other people won’t have. I won’t get excited over hype. If I don’t like the sneakers that other people like then I won’t just collect them.”

Culture

Neutral Tones

Notable talents of April Alex Jones General Manager of BlazeRadio alex96@uab.edu

Sneakers have attracted a large following for decades now, and the consumer demand has been increasing at an alarming rate. Perhaps the most critical component of the craze is pricing, which can reach up to thousands of dollars for limited edition pairs. For students who want to save money, spending a pretty considerable amount on a single pair is not an

option, but it’s possible to find the right pair for a good price if you look at the right places. Ryan Wong, junior in biology, got his pair of Adidas NMD’s from an outlet mall in Atlanta. He opted for a casual look, with a soft sole with plenty of give and return. “I bought these because they look good, they feel good and were only seventy dollars,” he said.

Great Deals

DJ Swole’s Last Track Takes As the semester closes, I decided to write on three different topics this week, as there was a lot that happened over the weekend.

Jones

CARDI B’s NEW ALBUM

Cardi B is making sure that none of you forget about her this year. After her hit single “Bodak Yellow” became a summer anthem and reach No. 1 on the Billboard charts, Cardi still made waves in the industry with another single “Bartier Cardi” and her verse on “Motorsport” with the Migos and Nicki Minaj. Cardi B released her debut album “Invasion of Privacy” on Friday, right before her performance on Saturday Night Live. I wouldn’t say that it’s a classic, as I have to let the project marinate. However, off first listen, the album is solid, and Cardi B is showing that she is here to stay. Most of the songs on the album are bangers, with features from Chance the Rapper, YG, SZA and others. Check out the album, as it is filled with many Instagram captions worthy lyrics, and summer anthems as well. DRAKE DROPS “NICE FOR WHAT”

Sneakers don’t always have to be too loud or over-the-top to be eye-catching. Everyday looks are easier to attain when sneakers have simple and dynamic design, like Flickinger’s Adidas NMD’s

‘Japanese.’ “I don’t like colorful sneakers,” said Anna Flickinger, senior in nursing. “I like neutral ones. I look for a pair that will go with multiple outfits.”

Vintage

Drake decided to bless us this weekend, with a new song and video for his track “Nice for What.” The Lauryn Hill sampled track is a hit, and the accompanied music video, directed by Karena Evans, is even better. The music video is fantastic, as we see Drake skating around, with various footage of famous actresses and celebrities, such as Yara Shahidi, Letitia Wright, Tracee Ellis Ross and more. After his continuous run of No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts with “God’s Plan,” Drake is on a mission in 2018, and after this song, I believe that he is getting ready for a fantastic run in 2018, with an album rumored to be released. WALMART YODELING KID REMIXES

The community has its own virtual stock-market, called ‘StockX,’ with fluctuating values for different pairs. The mass of followers is rightfully named ‘sneaker heads,’ who partake in the industry by either following the releases closely or collecting pairs. A cult-like following of the sneaker craze has become

more abundant. Stephen Williamson, senior in communications, said he admires the sneaker craze, but hates the high prices. “I like the fact that everyone can be unique with their sneakers,” he said. “I’ve tried to buy shoes that were limited edition but they can from 200 dollars to 500 dollars just because people buy and resell them.”

Facets of the sneaker industry can heavily rely on the pretense of older trends. Decades-old styles have been making a comeback in recent years, proving that many aspects of the industry are timeless. Landon Tubbs, sophomore in nursing, flaunts his pair of Nike Air Max Plus, a throwback to older

Nike shoes that feature the classic look as a homage to the original 1998 Air technology. Tubbs said he admires distinctive characteristics while maintaining a fresh fit. “The only reason I don’t collect them is that the ones I want are more appealing, but they cost a lot more,” Tubbs said.

I really hope that you all have seen the “kid yodeling in Wal-Mart”-video, as it has become a meme on various social media sites. Of course, when something is released on the internet, it is never safe. DJ Suede the Remix God recently decided to put his own spin on the viral video by releasing a remix called the #OhLawdChallenge. The challenge has been making waves on Twitter, with many people posting videos to the challenge. We want to see yours! Tag @blazeradio on Twitter with your #OhLawdChallenge, and we will repost the best one! Alex Jones, aka DJ Swole, is General Manager of BlazeRadio and co-host of the DJ & Swole Show, which airs every Wednesday at 10 a.m.

Page 10 | Life & Style

The Kaleidoscope

April, 10, 2018

WOODLAWN STREET MARKET

PHOTO BY LAKYN SHEPARD/PHOTO EDITOR Jones Valley Teaching Farm is an organization participating in the market. “We accumulate more money to the community,” said Jerick Hamilton, employee at Jones Valley Teaching Farm, third from the left.

Neighborhood united Community gathering warms up the streets Kristina Balciunaite Life & Style Editor kribal@uab.edu

Rob Clifton, a community artist, is creating a mural that is planned to be placed between 1st Avenue South and 55th Place North. He has been working on the project for months, searching for a way to best encompass the atmosphere and personality of the Woodlawn community. “I remember when all of these places were vacant,” Clifton said. “Revitalization can be done in a good, positive and inclusive way. This wall means a lot to me because I want provide a message for hope and stay true to the roots.” Upbeat music, scents of various foods and an energetic atmosphere

dominated Woodlawn Saturday, April 7. Over 60 businesses and non-profits participated in this April’s Woodlawn Street Market, a monthly event that is organized every first Saturday during spring, summer and fall. At the market, Clifton lets anyone color in the design. He will later examine it to get an idea of what kind of colors Woodlanders imagine their neighborhood to be. Woodlawn is a neighborhood that still suffers constructional and economic hardships after the middle-class exodus of the 1960s and 70s. However, events like the market bring traffic to the area and promote the growth of the local establishments. Both small and big businesses have a space to share their products and interact directly with the community. “Opportunities like this helps organic grown businesses like mine to

get the exposure we might not normally get,” said Percy Jones, owner of the Magic City T-Shirt. “I think it’s good that we get some business opportunities. We don’t get that on this side of town.” Many of the businesses involved in the market are engaged in improving the conditions and ensuring a better future for the Birmingham community. Jones Valley Teaching Farm, a non-profit organization that specializes in the sale of produce and agricultural education for all grade levels, helps people become more independent when it comes to food and nutrition. “We accumulate more money to the community,” said Jerick Hamilton, employee with Jones Valley Teaching Farm. “It’s really uplifting and positive. I like anything that brings people together.” Merchant tents were not the only attractions of the market. For over

five years, Alabama Dance Nation has organized a dance battle at the market. Dancers and judges from around the state come to be a part of the event. A dense crowd of spectators were bedazzled with the dance performances, which added a energy to the otherwise rainy day. Joshua Valentin, a dancer with Alabama Dance Nation, has not missed a dance battle since the start. According to Valentin, the dance group had been performing pop-up dance battles and events, but after the collaboration with the Woodlawn Street Market, they have brought more dancers together and developed a path for them to advance in their dancing careers. “We wanted to get higher platforms, but Birmingham has never had any,” Valentin said. “For the new dancers now, we have an organized structure where they can grow. The market helps bringing more inclusivity and a sense of diversity.”

HIPSTER EATS

Best birds in B’ham Hot chickens that are worth tasting

Allie Milton Life & Style Reporter miltona@uab.edu

Birmingham, a city famed for its rich history, beautiful locations and thriving food and music scenes, seems to have a trail for everything. From the city’s Civil Right’s Heritage Trail to UAB’s very own academic trail, an abundance of places and topics lay await for all who are interested to explore. However, there is a less well-known trail for all the chicken lovers of the city. Located amongst other Birmingham food favorites on 7th Avenue South, Hattie B’s is a deemed beloved restaurant chain with a variety of chicken options to choose from. Based in Nashville, Hattie B’s offers six spice levels for its chicken dishes, ranging from the heatless “southern” to “shut the cluck up!!!” “The atmosphere just feels like home,” said Aahil Hirani, regular customer at Hattie B’s. “This place has the best chicken in Birmingham.

Exotic Wings and Things boasts not only a great atmosphere, but a wide range of original flavors. One of the most popular wing eateries in Birmingham, they have quite a few loyal customers drawn to the excellent establishment. “It’s a great place with great people,” said Lashana Johnson, assistant manager at Exotic Wings and Things. “The customers are like our family.” Chicken Salad Chick is a healthier chicken option with a mission centered on exacting the perfect chicken salad recipe for all its customers and their unique tastes. Offering categories like fruity and nutty, traditional, savory and spicy, Chicken Salad Chick seeks to satisfy chicken salad cravings with more than just simple chicken and mayonnaise. “It just seems like a healthier place to eat than most of the fast-food places around here,” said Tomalethya Usher, new customer at Chicken Salad Chick. “They have things like wheat crackers and other nutritional options.” Grilled or fried, in salad or as wings, with barbecue sauce or with ranch, chicken is a staple in many people’s diets no matter what form it takes. There are so many places in Birmingham that can fulfill anyone’s chicken needs with great atmospheres, great people and great new spins on the beloved cooked bird.

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