UAB’S OFFICIAL STUDENT NEWSPAPER
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER, 19, 2019
VOLUME 62, ISSUE 9
FIRST AMENDMENT
Why Petitioners can remain on campus
Emma Owen Blazer News Editor emmaowen@uab.edu On campus, there has been an influx of outside political, social and religious groups setting up on campus to deliver messages among the student body. With the presence of these groups, students have been
expressing opinions on how seeing these groups on campus impacts them. While some students have opinions on this issue, according to the UAB Policies and Procedures library, “The conduct of research by external entities in UAB space and the participation of UAB students, faculty, and staff in that research require disclosure to, and prior approval by, appropriate departmental and school
authorities.” While groups are required to get permission from the university, this does exclude some sidewalks on campus that are owned by the City of Birmingham. Ronnie Leverett, sophomore in accounting said she does not believe outside groups should
See PETITION Page 5
Commuters vs. craters Potholes around campus cause students to use caution Hannah Brooke Contributing Reporter hbwarren@uab.edu
Caeley Williams, a junior in public relations, parks almost every day at the 12th Street Parking Deck. Since the beginning of this semester, she, like many students have been cautious while navigating in the parking area because of the present potholes. Williams said she is concerned if her car drives over the pothole, it may cause damage to her car.
See POTHOLES Page 3
PHOTO BY CAMERON MCPHAIL/SENIOR STAFF REPORTER
OPINION
P. 5
Is the school calendar non-accomodating?
BLAZERNEWS
P. 4
Let us tell you about your new favorite photo session spot near campus
CITYLIFESTYLE
P. 7
The man behind AMOR, Birmingham’s only love.
PAGE 2
TUESDAY, NOV. 19 , 2019
blazer news PETITION from FRONT be allowed on campus. “Most of the time [these groups] do make me feel uncomfortable,” Leverett said. “I’m either forced to listen or talk to someone, and I always seem to get a guilt trip or odd response if I walk away.” Leverett said religious groups are frequently on campus. “No matter the religion or circumstance regarding why they’re there, it seems like they do more harm than good,” Leverett said. “I’d prefer them not be there at all.” Leverett said she feels as though if the groups are on campus at all, they should be required to get approved first. “I feel like if they are anywhere on UAB’s college campus, they should have to get permission through the university,” Leverett said. “These organizations are affecting students attending UAB.” Leverett said UAB’s current policy could be problematic. “I feel like the current policy could potentially
harm UAB students,” Leverett said. “Sex-trafficking is very prominent these days, and the last thing anyone needs is to feel uncomfortable when they’re trying to get to class or go home.” Carl Wesley Walden, freshman in Music, said he has a different stance on groups being allowed on campus. “The idea of having different political, social and religious groups is something I believe in pretty heavily,” Walden said, “I think as a college community we owe it to ourselves to not only feel supported in what we stand for but also be able to open up and learn about things we might not line up with.” Walden said the presence of these groups can affect the student body in a positive way. “Having these outside groups is a great way to better understand topics outside of what you may believe in and be able to reason and interact in a more peaceful manner than if we knew nothing of how others felt,” Walden said. Walden said he does not feel threated by the presence of these groups.
“I personally never feel [uncomfortable] with these types of groups on campus because I understand they only want to spread a message,” Walden said. “Anytime I’ve ever interacted with any group outside of my ideology they have always been respectful of how I stand but also were able to have respectful discourse to help both myself and the group itself see a new side.” Zac Parnell, sophomore in business marketing, said the presence of political, social and religious groups is not something he is bothered by. “I don’t mind other groups of different kinds no matter the association being on campus,” Parnell said. “I don’t ever feel threatened by their presence on campus. As long as [the groups] aren’t causing any problems or harm to anyone, then I don’t think it’s a problem.”
Information that could be life savin’
Precautionary measures to ensure student and staff safety Hannah Richey Staff Reporter hgrichey@uab.edu
To ensure safety on campus, there are practices students can put into place to decrease the risk of a dangerous situation.
1. Keep your car door locked
The signs posted in the parking lots are no joke. Keep your important belongings on your person or in your glovebox. Out of sight out of mind, meaning if someone can’t see it, they won’t think of taking it.
2. Utilize the Blazer Express Safety Escort
The escort service goes further than just campus. If you’re out late for a concert at Iron City you can give them a call for a ride back to avoid the Uber or Lyft charge. Call 205-934-8772 for a ride from 9:00 PM- 5:30 AM every day.
3. Help Phones
If you feel like you’re in danger go to the Help Phones—they’re located across campus and will connect you directly to UAB police. Press the red button and wait for a dispatcher to answer.
4. Rave Guardian
Download the Rave Guardian app—this app provides communication with the people you choose and emergency services. You can share your location with your chosen guardian or emergency services quickly if you feel like you’re in danger. Download the app and register with your UAB email address.
5. Wildfire
Download the Wildfire app—this will help you keep up with any possible crimes or accidents
ILLUSTRATION BY JADA NGUYEN/STAFF ILLUSTRATOR Other tips include using the buddy system instead of walking alone and avoiding poorly-lit areas at night. happening on or near campus. The more people that use it the more helpful it is.
6.B-ALERT Make sure your B-ALERT information is updated— if your number has changed since you last put your information in make sure everything is up-to-date. B-ALERT will update you on major emergencies and severe weather.
Emergency contact: Call 911 from a campus phone. Call 205-934-3535 or 205-934-HELP(4357) from your cellphone.
Non-emergency contact: Call 205-934-4434.
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TUESDAY, NOV 19 , 2019
POTHOLES from FRONT The chief cause for concern while driving over potholes is the chance of vehicle damage according to Tires Les Schwab, a tire producing company. Hitting a pothole could potentially lead to damage beyond scratches. There is the chance that a deep pothole could result in damage to tires and even damage the steering or suspension of the car, according to Geico. “Even though I have a small SUV I’m afraid it will cause damage to my car,” Williams said. The cost of car repairs can be daunting for some college student to face. Just having to replace one tire could cost a student anywhere from $50-$350 depending on what vehicle they drive and the type of tire they need, according to Geico. Pricing for steering and suspension repairs vary widely based on which component is broken, but those repairs commonly cost more than a tire according to Tires Les Schwab. Sarah Jolly, a graduate student in forensic studies, parks at 11th Street to Zone F every day and said she echoes Williams’ concern about damage and is concerned about the potential costs of damage. “I always kinda have to swerve a little to avoid the
bumps,” Jolly said. Exact costs of repairs will depend on each car and the extent of the damage. When asked about the pothole on 12th Street South Assistant Vice President of Planning Design and Construction, Denton Lunceford, said he not been previously aware of the issue, but said that he would look into it. Lunceford later stated that there is now a plan in place for the 12th Street South pothole to be repaired prior to Thanksgiving. In regards to the 11th Street potholes, the plan is to have them filled by the end of December 2019, according to Lunceford. “UAB was aware of the potholes on 11th Street and has a project in place to repair the them,” Lunceford said. Lunceford said both of these projects are scheduled to be completed by the end of the year. Timelines for road repair rely on several different factor Lunceford said. Who owns the road, the cause of the damage, and any subsurface or infrastructure work that may need done before the repair are just a few of them. Additionally, Lunceford said not all the streets around UAB are not all owned
by UAB. “Many of the streets are owned by the city,” said Denton Lunceford “We partner with them [to work together on construction projects].” Some of the roads around campus may even be partially owned by more than one entity said Lunceford. Possible causes for road damage around include the various improvement projects going on across campus. These improvements often include utility work which may require roadways to be trenched. After the work is completed the areas are patched temporarily and then repaved once that section of the project is entirely completed. Future work will include closing 10th Avenue between 14th and 18th streets. This work should last three weeks. “It’ll be done in segments,” Lunceford said. “I don’t think 14th to 18th will be closed all at one time.” The road will be closed in parts and will switch which parts are open during the construction.
A traditional send off for graduating Blazers The story behind the musicians featured in UAB ceremonies
Fun facts about bagpipers:
Caleb Wood Contributing Reporter calwood@uab.edu Jim McRae ends each day by playing the bagpipes at Ross Bridge Resort. The bagpipes may not be the instrument of choice for many, but for McRae, it is music to his ears McRae is a member and former pipe major of the Alabama Pipes and Drums. The group has been performing at UAB commencement ceremonies for years. “It’s been welcomed by students and parents,” McRae said. “We’ve been getting great comments lately.” McRae has been playing the bagpipes himself for decades. He started in 1961 as a freshman with the then Carnegie Tech (now Carnegie Mellon) Pipes and Drums. He played with a variety of pipe bands over the coming years. Traditions are important in piping. The bagpipe’s use as an instrument dates back thousands of years and is an important cultural symbol in Scotland. McRae, whose grandfather is Scottish, first learned the bagpipes as a way of leaning into his own family traditions. Among those traditions is the wearing of the ancient MacDougall tartan. For many years, he played with multiple pipe bands in the Chicago area. McRae was a founding member of the Invermich Gaelic Society, later the University of Chicago Pipe Band, in 1975. The band competed on a global level reaching the world championships in 1987, ‘90-’93, ‘96 and ‘99. In 2001, McRae made the move to Birmingham. One of the first things he did was seek out a pipe band to play with. That is how he ended up with the Alabama Pipes and Drums. The Alabama Pipes and Drums was founded in 1994 as the Birmingham Society of Piping. Among its founding members were then-UAB professors Bruce Wheatley, forensics, and James Tent, history. It was James Hamilton, however, who arranged for the group to start to play at the commencement. They play a variety of events throughout the year including the UAB commencement. UAB is one of several universities where bagpipes play at commencement. Dartmouth, Carnegie Mellon and Endicott College all have bagpipers of their own. McRae is still playing. In addition to work with the Alabama Pipes and Drums and at Ross Bridge, he is a bagpipe tutor and plays events. What are his
• A set of bagpipes can either be made out of wood or plastic. • Although bagpipes are usually played in a traditional setting, they have also been used in rock and pop music. • During 1560 and 1746, there was a ban placed on bagpipes in Scotland. • The most popular bagpipes are Scotland’s Great Highland bagpipes.
plans moving forward? “I’ve got my pension. I’ve got my salary, and I play bagpipes,” McRae said.
PHOTO COURTESY OF UAB ARCHIVES Bagpipers play as a commencement ceremony takes place.
Watch the latest espisode of On the Spot on @ uabtelevision on Youtube, Instagram and Twiiter,
TUESDAY, NOV 19 , 2019
PAGE 4
Backdrops that make your fall pics pop Best places to capture the moment close to campus Emma Owen Blazer News Editor emmaowen@uab.edu
If you are looking to take photographs to commemorate this autumn, Birmingham has blessed us with beautiful views this year. With so many great photo locations in the city, there are some that truly stand out for their beauty during this season.
Birmingham Botanical Gardens While this location is more well known, it still deserved a spot on the list due to its stunning foliage. Between the gorgeous trees and lack of an entrance fee, this location will capture the precious moments this autumn is bound to have.
On Campus While our buildings on campus are used for classes, housing and other purposes, the views that surround them are outstanding for pictures. Whether its outside the Bell Gym, in the front lawn of New Fresh or behind Hulsey, there are stunning fall backdrops across campus. This year it seems as though the yellow and red leaves of fall are brighter than in years past, which makes these locations picture perfect.
Avondale Park Located just minutes from campus, this park is home to a serene lake that will provide a stunning backdrop to
your autumn pictures. All you need is a camera, a subject and an open afternoon for a relaxing photoshoot.
Red Mountain
Vulcan Park Vulcan is home to some of the most spectacular views whether you’re admiring the spectacular city skyline or taking in the sights of nature on the Vulcan Trail. For a small fee, you and your subject can take the stairs or a swift elevator ride to the top of Vulcan where views of the magic city await. For those that are skittish when it comes to heights, the Vulcan Trail might be a better option. This trail contains miles of gorgeous woods with a semi-paved trail that is perfect for a relaxing walk to your photo destination. Between the trees, one can also see the Birmingham skyline, offering a perfect backdrop of both the city and nature.
Birmingham Murals While these are also common photo locations, these backgrounds will add a touch of local flair to your photographs. Located on Richard Arrington Jr. Boulevard, the unforgettable “It’s nice to have you in Birmingham” sign is a stunning way to capture the city’s essence in your photograph. Other murals include the cat painting located outside of Gatos and Beans and the wing murals outside of Melt in Avondale.
Another scenic view is the Red Mountain Park in Birmingham. Not only does Red Mountain provide stunning views and a day of fun for the outdoors lovers’, but it also provides a fantastic backdrop for autumn pictures. These pictures show the authentic nature that makes Alabama special, all while being located just a short car ride from campus.
Railroad Park
Just a short walk from campus, Railroad Park is the perfect location for a fun photoshoot with friends. The biggest park in the state, this location provides multiple different views for the perfect shot. With a bridge with Birmingham looking perfect in the background, a pond that reflects the sun perfectly at sunset, this location has a spot for everyone. And if you need a break from the photos, there are coffee shops, smoothie places along with restaurants all within a two-minute walk from the park.
PHOTO BY DREW CRENSHAW/PHOTO EDITOR The trees located outside the Commons serve as another beautiful location for a quick photoshoot.
Police incidence reports highlights Monday, 11.11.
Tuesday, 11.12.
Incident Harassment
Incident Theft of PropertyPerson
Building Name Camp Hall 1516 10th Ave. S
Building Name Hill Student Center 1400 University Blvd.
Item(s)/Comment None,
Item(s)/Comment Mountain Track Tire
Wednesday, 11.13
Thursday, 11.14
Incident Criminal Trespassing Warning
Incident Lost Property
Building Name Parking Lots 1801 4th Ave. S Item(s)/Comment None.
Building Name Learning Resource Center 1719 9th Ave. S. Item(s)/Comment One Card
PAGE 5
opinion EDUCATION
Not everyone celebrates Christmas Hannah Richey Contributing Columnist hgrichey@uab.edu
Holidays like Thanksgiving and Columbus Day are holidays that implicitly celebrate the colonization of America, which caused pain that is still felt by Native Americans and people in the Global South today. Not to mention the fact that Columbus never In America and other Western countries whitestepped foot on ground that is now the United ness and Christianity are seen as the default. This is States. reflected in our school calendars, work calenIn New York a bill is being proposed which dars and bank holidays. would allow for school closure during the In school’s academic calendars this can major holidays of any religion so long as 7.5% create a difficult situation for students, of students practice that religion, an importespecially university students who have ant step in developing inclusion into the unique autonomy over whether they obcurriculum and calendar. serve a holiday. If public schools value the separation of This autonomy is not as lenient as it church and state, they have to make room for seems at first. University students recognize people of non-Christian religions to observe they are also paying a hefty price for this Richey their holidays so as to avoid endorsement of a education and that it is vitally important for single religion. their future. This may make them less willIt’s not just a matter of allowing students days off ing or able to observe an important holiday. if they ask. To demand that they ask for permission Elementary and high school students are typiis to already understand there’s a possibility of being cally under their parents’ control over whether they told no, which is unacceptable when some students miss school and the stakes of missing class are get their holidays off without having to ask. much lower. For lengthy holidays there could be communiUniversity students risk missing vital material and cations with local spiritual leaders about their plans not all professors share the lecture after class, while and how best to accommodate, such as the break some will not share the lecture notes for missed only being the last day or two of the holidays. class under any reason. There’s a difference between giving students a Christian holidays are usually the default, though space to celebrate after-hours and allowing them we have stopped naming them specifically in our time to observe their holidays and meaningfully breaks. Winter break takes place explicitly during participate in them. Christmas break while sometimes catching HanuSchools owe it to their students to give them kah depending on when it falls. space to cultivate a relationship with their culture or The most important Jewish holidays are actually religion. Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. Jewish students For a school like UAB that has a racially and are not given those days off and have to ask proethnically diverse population there’s no reason fessors for time off to observe those holidays with non-Christian students should be made to feel like varying responses. outliers or afterthoughts. UAB’s commitment to
ILLUSTRATION BY JADA NGUYEN/STAFF ILLUSTRATOR
diversity and inclusion isn’t evident in their school calendar. They can’t build a society based on those values if they aren’t putting them into practice on something as small in scale as a university campus.
Review: Kanye West, ‘Jesus is King’ Jackson Ragland Contributing Columnist jrag@uab.edu “Jesus is King” is mediocre and bland. The long awaited 9th album by Kanye West was destined to be great, but it might have drowned before it could take off. The way Kanye uses Christianity and stories of himself, leaves other religions in the background wondering why Kanye is acting like a preacher. Many people who have tuned out Kanye since his early days might wonder what made him go from songs like “Heartless”, “Stronger”, “Runaway”, and “Gold Digger” to his newest works. The lyrics in songs like “Use this Gospel”, “Water”, and “God Is” are examples of how he can be a great lyricist and producer. The lyrics that really struggles are, “Closed on Sundays”; this song has some confusing lyrics for people that don’t follow under the word of the Bible. The use of auto-tune throughout the entire album is very excessive, for example “Water” is a good song to listen to, but when all the people singing were using auto-tune, it ruins the feel.
The music and beat are what keeps this album afloat; most of the songs on this album have a good feel or nice smooth beat, but other songs hold back the potential of the album’s overall feel. The shift from fast-paced songs to slow-paced songs can disorient listeners like a rollercoaster with the tempo going up then rushing down. Multiple artists have sampled elements of gospel, but Kanye uses these samples in a sound and provoking way, choosing a balanced mix
of samples with a diverse sound of deep and melodious song. One of the best moments of the music is in “Use this Gospel” which stays moderately silent with a repetitive note played in the background, but the best moment overall is the saxophone solo by Kenny G. and the smooth start of the 808’s creeping in. This album is incomplete and can be disappointing, the hip hop and rap that Kanye is known for is pushed aside for rousing gospel that leaves you wanting something else. The wait for the album wasn’t the problem, it was the feeling that the album was rushed or made last minute. Hopefully, Kanye goes back to his roots and leaves the gospel for Sunday’s. The best songs on this album are “Water,” “Use this Gospel,” and “Follow God,”; these songs are what kept the album from drowning. The worst songs are “Closed on Sundays”, “Jesus is Lord” and “On God”; these songs weigh this album down and keep it from becoming what it could be, a good Christian album.
Lyrics: Solid
Best and worst songs of Jesus is King • Top songs:
1. Water 2. Use this Gospel 3. Follow God
•
Worst Songs
1. Closed on Sundays 2. Jesus is Lord 3. On God
Music: Great Overall feel: Incomplete Rating: 6/10 stars
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citylifestyle
HUMANS OF
BIRMINGHAM
Is it just a meme, or a cross generational insult? Students and older generations react to the new trending term Odalys Ordonez Contributing Reporter ordonezo@uab.edu
You’ve probably seen the term on social media following a viral video on the video-sharing platform TikTok. Said video features an older man dishing out his opinion on younger generations and claiming that they have the ‘‘Peter Pan syndrome,’’ indicating their inability to ‘‘grow up.’’ Naturally, reaction videos were made, with younger generations coming up with increasingly creative ways of displaying a collective eyeroll to the man’s opinions. Many then started using the trending phrase, ‘‘okay, boomer.’’ According to the U.S. Census Bureau, baby boomers represent about 20 percent of the American population. However, the term boomer is popularly used to refer to anyone (usually over the age of 40) that says something condescending about younger generations and the issues that matter to them. But has the usage of boomer really ruined friendly generational relations? Samuel Moreno, age 71, has noticed the recent usage of the term boomer. “I know people of my generation are called baby boomers and I’m not going to lie,” Moreno said. “I do sometimes complain about the things your generation does. Though I don’t think that I would deserve, in a way, an insult for my opinions.’’ The generation known as baby boomers refers to someone born from 1946-1964, during the boom in births after World War II. However, some believe ‘‘boomer’’ and ‘‘okay boomer’’ have become indifferent retorts towards patronizing comments and opinions. Julie Shimell, age 59, said she can see where those who coined the term are coming from, and even agrees with them. ‘‘I think okay boomer is very clever,” Shimell said. “I happen to think millennials are way more informed than my generation. Plus, us older people have no problem with calling younger generations their titled names. How can I say it is alright for us to say it, but the other side can’t say it back? I think it’s very hypocritical.” Most undergraduate students belong to Gen Z (1995-2012), with Millennials (1980-1994) participating in graduate programs. When asked about their personal usage of the term, responses were very divided.
PHOTO BY ALLISON BROWN/SENIOR STAFF REPORTER
Allison Brown Senior Staff Reporter browna17@uab.edu
ILUSTRATION BY JADA NGUYEN/ CONTRIBUTING ILLUSTRATOR
‘‘I’ve seen the term being used when I scroll through the comments section on Instagram, but as far as POLL TIME me personally using it, I haven’t found a reason to,’’ said Yasmin Do you think the phrase, Lewis sophomore in business. However, other students Okay, Boomer is an understand why the phrase may inappropriate or ageist seem disrespectful. ‘‘I guess I’ll play devil’s advocate term? in the way that, it’s probably just a constant cycle,” said Joseph Kelso, YES 13 % freshman in sociology. “Old people dislike young people. And the baby 87% NO boomer generation were also young, so I guess I could see where both sides are coming from.’’ Some, like Erin Stahl, junior YES 12% in biomedical sciences, said he believes the term is as a form of 88% NO ageism and can even be considered a slur. ‘‘Just like we shouldn’t judge people by the color of their skin, 17% their sexual orientation, or religion, YES I don’t think we should assume we 83% NO know what people think, feel, and believe based on their age,” Stahl said. Many of those that do use ‘‘okay boomer,’’ are students like Stefan Follow us on social media! Bogon, sophomore in chemistry, who said he believes those who think it is Want to be up to date on what’s derogatory may be overreacting. happening on campus? ‘‘I don’t think of [it] as a generational slur at all, when anyone has their rights taken away or is Follow us at @kaleidoscopeuab assaulted on the street for being a on Twitter, Facebook and ‘boomer,’ then we can talk about it Instagram. being a slur,’’ said Bogon.
I’ve always been involved with sustainability and women’s rights and everything. I was at the January 21 rally the day after the inauguration. It was amazing. Over a million people; it wasn’t just women. It was women, families, and there wasn’t one violent offense. It was so peaceful. It was amazing. It was like Woodstock, I actually went to Woodstock, so yeah, it was just amazing. Everybody was there for a reason, a purpose. Even though [my generation is] old, doesn’t mean you have to turn yourself off to what’s happening. Our grandchildren and their children are going to be cursing us in the future because we are the ones who didn’t get involved and didn’t do anything about this. I just can’t understand it. I think it’s the mentality down here, too. I’ve never seen anything like it. I think older people are resistant to change, and they get set in their ways. But I don’t know how anyone could not believe in climate change. I don’t know how they can turn their backs on something like that. You gotta be blind not to see what’s happening around you. That really bothers me. Ha, I guess you can tell I’m a Democrat. -Catchy Brensinger
PAGE 7
FEATURE
Hernandez brings AMOR into Birmingham A spotlight on the founder of one of the Magic City’s organizations Allison Brown Web Content Editor browna17@uab.edu
In Laredo, Texas, there is no border. There is, howe In Laredo, Texas, there is no border. There is, however, a point where the United States stops and Mexico begins, where a hoard of vehicles honk and creep forward to pass through the red patrol terminal from one land to another. While this traffic stop is the only things separating the two countries, there is a much bigger division. Hostility and fear of Americans have created the real border. Robert Hernandez, born and raised in Laredo, saw both sides of the border, and said they are no different. The people are the same, the culture is the same, the land is the same. Now in Birmingham, Robert Hernandez was 34 when, in 2017, he founded the Alabama Multicultural Organization, a group that brings together the different cultures in Birmingham. The first event was Día PHOTO COURTESY OF ROBERT HERNANDEZ De Los Muertos, a celebration of dead loved ones, The aim of the Alabama Multicultural Association is to bring together different cultures of Birmingham . where he honored his parents. From this, came more events that celebrated other cultures: the creatic cancer. His mom followed shortly, dying of celebrate it.” international cinema, Alabama multicultural night breast cancer in June 2017. Hernandez wanted to do AMOR’s goal of inclusion brings Birmingham back out, the multicultural street fair, pride fest, Japanese something for his parents’ memory, out of love, and to its roots, according to Little. cherry blossom festival, the Chinese New Year and this was the inspiration for doing Día “I think it’s great, because Birmingham was foundmore. De Los Muertos in Birmingham. ed [on diversity],” Little said. “I think it’s good that All of the events sponsored Hyun Freeman, treasurer of they’re trying to embrace people, especially with Robert Hernandez AMOR, by AMOR (an acronym inspired said Hernandez’s backthe evolution that Birmingham has gone through, by the Spanish word for “love,” It’s about love. We’re just ground is what makes him so interthey’re just highlighting what Birmingham should be Hernandez says) are free to the ested in other cultures. known for.” trying to go beyond color or public. Hernandez didn’t want “I think he has seen a lot of the Freeman, who is an immigrant from Korea, said language barriers. At the end people to pay for Día De Los negative side of all the negative it is important to be respectful when talking about Muertos, because in Mexico, the of the day, there’s just love and stereotypes and the fear,” Freeman someone else’s culture, but that shouldn’t intimidate event was a public celebration. we’re trying to embrace [one said. “He just wants to show differpeople away from asking about it. This then inspired him to make another]. ent cultures to different communi“We’re trying to let everyone know that it’s good all the events free, so that evties. It’s good to learn about other to have an interest in other cultures,” Freeman said. eryone could partake and enjoy cultures, they’re fascinating, interesting and they’re “Honestly, the most respectful way to do it is just to different cultures. not hostile.” go to someone of that culture and ask, ‘I’m really “Like the organization name, it’s about amor,” HerJames Little, who was born and raised in Birminginterested in this, can you tell me more about it?’ A nandez said. “It’s about love. We’re just trying to go ham and participates in AMOR’s yearly fundraiser, lot of people seem scared to ask, because they’re beyond color or language barriers. At the end of the Coffee Fest, said that Birmingham’s history is actual- afraid of coming off the wrong way, but our main day, there’s just love and we’re trying to embrace ly to thank for the diversity seen today. goal is to show that it’s okay if you don’t know, just [one another].” “Birmingham was built out of the steel industry, ask.” Growing up in Laredo, Hernandez experienced so immigrants came to Birmingham for work,” Little both sides of the border. He spent weekends with said. “Birmingham’s neighborhoods were very much his extended family in Mexico and said the only diflike Chicago is. If you walk through the Oak Hill ference he found was in the authenticity of the food. Cemetery, you’ll see the Italians buried together and Upcoming Events of AMOR: Hernandez said 98% of people he encountered, in the Lebanese all buried together.” both Mexico and Laredo, were Hispanic, and he was Hernandez said that as technology improves, Alabama International Cinema at Rojo only exposed to a handful of people from another more people are finding out about their ancestry culture. and are interesting in learning about the culture they • Nov. 26 showing “3 Idiots” (Indian film) When Hernandez moved to Birmingham, he was came from. surprised by the cultures, ethnicities and religions “We have all this ancestry DNA and we are learn• Dec. 31 showing “Mon Oncle Antoine” that he had never been exposed to before. Hernaning more about [our heritage],” Hernandez said. (Canadian film) dez found these differences intriguing and started “Some people have lost their traditions. They were studying different cultures. Irish or Hispanic, whatever they were, and now they In January 2017, Hernandez’s dad died from panknow where they’re from and want to learn how to
City Council Highlights
In 1975 a state law was passed that said when an officer encounters a person who has a mental illness, they are required to take that person to the hospital for an examination.
Jefferson County is receiving over $65,000 for improvements on Cahaba River Road.
The Birmingham City Council reenewed a contract for three years with UAB Health Services, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office and the Birmingham Police Department to provide $100,000. They will assist in covering the health care costs for those who need these examinations.
The project is a part of the Jefferson County resurfacing project that includes milling, resurfacing and other needed repairs.
TUESDAY, NOV. 19, 2019
PAGE 8
4.
CROSSWORD
5.
2. 3. 1.
1. What religion is considered as the default in Western countries?
you need assistance.
4. Last name of the founder of the 2. The last name of the artist responsible Alabama Multicultural Organization. for the “Jesus is King” album. 5. Instrument played at UAB 3. These phones are positioned across commencement ceremonies by campus that allow you to alert police if Alabama Pipes and Drums.
Editorial Board Fall 2019 Sufia Alam Editor-in-Chief
Emma Owen Blazer News Editor emmaowen@uab.edu Payton Parrish Video Editor paytonp@uab.edu
Last week’s crossword answers: 1. Milllan 2. Sesame. 3. Hill. 4. Ghosting. 5. AEIVA. 6. Franklin.
Allison Brown Web Content Editor browna17@uab.edu Drew Crenshaw Photo Editor drewcc99@uab.edu
Interested in working with the Kaleidoscope? Contact us for more information. No experience is required.
EVENTS CALENDAR Flu Shots Shelby Biomedical Research Building, 102 9:00 a.m. Farm Stand at UAB The Kirklin Clinic 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Dance Marathon Tabling Hill Student Center, Promo Table 10:45 a.m. Grand Challenge Launch National Alumni Society House 4:00 p.m.
Weekly Networking for Entrepreneurs Collat Building, Main Lobby 12:00 p.m.- 1:30 p.m. November Student Involvement Fair Hill Student Center 2:30 p.m. Department of Music Recital #3 Hulsey Center 12:20 p.m.
Fall RA Interest Session Blazer Hall, Lower RLC 9:30 a.m Public Health Employer Tabling Ryals Public Health Building, Lobby 10:30 a.m “Change My Mind” Philosophy Club Tabling Hill Student Center 11:00 a.m
The Wolves Alys Stephens Center 7:30 p.m. Béla Fleck & The Flecktones Alys Stephens Center 8:00 p.m.
UAB Football vs. Louisiana Tech Legion Field 2:30p.m.
Pokémon Gaming Meet-Up Hill Student Center, 220 Winter Adventure Ice 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m. Skating Fall/Thanksgiving Railroad Park Break 10:00 a.m. UAB
UAB Women’s Basketball vs. McNeese State Bartow Arena 2:00 p.m. Fall/Thanksgiving Break UAB
Christina A. West Unscene AEIVA Building 10:00 a.m. Fall/Thanksgiving Break UAB
WE ARE ACCEPTING NEW MEMBERS! Interested in joining the Kaleidoscope? We are looking for reporters, photographers and illustrators who can contribute to our online and print production. Contact us or visit our office at the Hill Student Center, room 130, to learn more.
Apply today on our website:
bit.ly/ApplyToKscope @kaleidoscopeuab