October 24, 2017 Kscope by Kaleidoscope UAB

UABâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S OFFICIAL STUDENT NEWSPAPER

VOLUME 58, ISSUE 8

HALLOWEEN HOOTS AND HAUNTS Annual Fall Festival has students wearing their favorite costumes to begin their celebrations

The

Kaleidoscope 50th YEAR OF PUBLICATION

0 5 CELEBRATING OUR

years of Publication

The world demands its information and it demands it now. This student body is no different. The Kaleidoscope stands ready and willing to meet such a demand. Our future lies in how we deliver our information. We want to make sure this magnificent campus and wonderful city get the reflection they are due while balancing the foundations of any news organization by keeping a watch dog eye that ensures fairness and accountability. And that task stares back as no easy feat.

OPINIONS

Page 2 October 24, 2017

SAFETY Fall 2017 Editorial Board Chandler Jones Editor-in-Chief chanj1@uab.edu

Wallace Golding Managing Editor wsgoldin@uab.edu

Sufia Alam Campus Editor sufia@uab.edu

Kristina Balciunaite Life & Style Editor kribal@uab.edu

Ian Keel Photo Editor iankeel@uab.edu

Connor Gentry Sports Editor zcgentry@uab.edu

Will Harris Asst. Sports Editor willhrrs@uab.edu

A tragic, invisible struggle

Elliott Greene Opinion Columnist

know they were assaulted. Activists have worked to educate the public about consent. This Sexual harassment and has started a dialogue allowing assault are issues that can feel victims to speak up and know invisible. Women deal with their concerns are real. them every day, but rarely do Empowerment has allowed the perpetrators receive punvictims to start pushing back, ishment. Authority figures are leading to high-profile cases often immune to accusations, like Weinstein’s. The average forcing many to allow person now knows more harassment to occur. about consent and does Thankfully, these not approve of harassactions more and more ment. Still, harassment frequently carry pencontinues to be a part of alties, at least in public life for women. perception. Harvey “Public media has Greene shifted high-profile cases, Weinstein was fired for things that would have placing actions on indibeen acceptable 50 years ago. viduals,” said Nyesha Black, Still, sexual assault goes under- Ph.D., an assistant professor of reported as victims refuse to sociology, explains. come forward. Analyzing sexual harassReasons for apprehension ment holistically cannot include losing one’s job or not happen because of this. Rather being believed, but many small than looking at why authority factors collude to dissuade vic- figures abuse, the narrative tims, too. Until recently, many shifts to condemning abusers were uneducated on what without deeper insight. defined sexual assault. This analysis may seem esReporting a rape cannot oteric, but the results are well happen if the victim does not grounded.

“It is not taken seriously by the right people,” says Claudia Watring, a sociology major. “It would be good if people had a support system.” These concerns are not unique. Unlike other catastrophes that can befall someone, sexual harassment does not present a clear course of action for victims. Support systems do exist at UAB, but many students are unaware of them. When sick, people visit the doctor. If they are robbed, they dial 9-1-1. If their coworker steals their lunch, they visit their human resources department. Society teaches everyone who to call and what to do when these things go wrong. This is not the case with sexual harassment. “I don’t know the protocol, but I know how to find out if I need it,” Black said. “Students likely don’t know the protocol.” Despite years of academic experience, the proper response to sexual harassment is something she would need to

look up. UAB Student Outreach runs an anti-sexual violence and misconduct campaign, That Don’t Fly. The campaign raises awareness and seeks to prevent passive bystanders from allowing harassment. To spread awareness of this goal, posters are placed throughout campus. These posters encourage learning more about the issues but miss an opportunity. The posters read “we’re here to help,” followed by a phone number, but the help offered goes unexplained. The posters assume students know what to do when harassed. Until victims feel confident following a procedure designed for the issue, sexual misconduct will continue. Society may shun individuals who engage in sexual harassment and assault, but until we guarantee everyone knows how to report the issue it will continue. Elliott Greene can be reached at elliottg@uab.edu.

Marie Sutton Advisor masutton@uab.edu

Patrick Johnson Production Manager plj3@uab.edu

ILLUSTRATION BY LEISHA CHAMBERS/ILLUSTRATOR

FINANCES

Handle credit debt on step at a time Stephanie Yates Contributing Columnist

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

Let’s talk about what you should do if you should run into problems with your debt and how to avoid those problems in the first place. The first step is to recognize the indicators of excessive debt. Is your overspending making it difficult to pay your rent? Is one or more of your credit cards ‘maxed out’? Are you making only minimum payments on your credit cards? Do you consistently have to borrow money in order to make ends meet? Have you been denied credit? Are you receiving telephone calls and/ or letters from creditors? Are you routinely paying your bills late? Positive answers to any of these questions is an indicator that you have an issue with debt. If you do not recognize and act on these warning signs, there are several potential consequences. You may be denied credit or have to pay higher interest rates. You may be denied employment or a lease on an apartment. If you have debt that is secured by property such as a car, your property may be repossessed. Not only are these

consequences difficult and potentially embarrassing, but they may damage your credit, which may make it difficult to borrow in the future. For many people, credit cards are an easy way to get into trouble with debt. Here are the National Consumer Law Center’s top eight ways to protect yourself from getting in over your head: 1. Do not use credit cards to finance an unaffordable lifestyle. You should not use credit cards to extend your budget. Ideally, credit cards should be used for convenience. Therefore, if you cannot pay off the charge when the bill comes in, you probably cannot afford the purchase. 2. If you get into financial trouble, try to avoid making it worse by using credit cards to make ends meet. Remember that you should not finance items that will not last longer than the financing period. Therefore, everyday items like gas and groceries on credit is a bad idea unless you can pay your credit card bill in full each month. 3. Do not get hooked on minimum payments. The minimum monthly payment on a credit card is typically about 2-4 percent of the balance.

However, interest charges may be 1-3 percent of the balance. This means that in many cases making only minimum payments will barely cover your new interest charges. 4. Do not run up the balance in reliance on a temporary “teaser” interest rate. These low rates only last for a short period and if you have not paid off the entire balance within that period, you may be subject to a substantially higher interest rate, which will apply to the full amount charged. 5. If you can afford to do so within your budget, make your credit card payments on time. One way to save money is to make your payments on time. Late fees can be costly and your payment history has the largest impact on your credit score. A low credit score can also cost you money due to higher interest rates on future purchases. 6. Avoid the special services, programs and goods that credit card lenders offer to bill to their cards. These programs can be expensive and not necessarily worth their cost. Often, creditors offer them at a free or reduced rate initially but you will be billed if you do not cancel before a certain time. 7. Beware of unsolicited in-

creases by a credit card lender to your credit card limit. This does not mean it is time to go shopping. This means that you have earned the creditor’s trust, but make sure that you continue to manage your credit wisely. 8. Do not max out. Using your entire credit line on a credit card limits your ability to make future purchases and damages your credit. One factor in determining your credit score is your “credit utilization”. This factor assesses your total available credit relative to your total credit lines. The lower your balances, the better. In fact, it is wise to try to keep your credit utilization under 30 percent. The most important thing to keep in mind is that if you get into trouble with debt, do something! Avoiding the problem will only make it worse. Talk to your creditors and let them know your situation. They may be able to help or give you some time to work things out on your own. If you have specific questions about managing your money, please send your questions to us at RIFE@ uab.edu. You just might see your question answered in the next edition of the Kaleidoscope! Happy budgeting!

CAMPUS

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STUDENT SERVICES

PHOTO BY IAN KEEL/PHOTO EDITOR Blazer Kitchen holds fresh and nonperishable items throughout the semester ready for and Blazer in need.

Kitchen cooks for the needy On campus food bank offers assistance to those in hardship Brittany Guimond Campus Reporter To ensure all students have equal access to food and nutrition on campus, Blazer Kitchen, an on-campus community food bank has provided food to students and staff since the start of last March. Boasting the slogan “united in the fight against hunger,” the organization is a part of the Benevolent Fund that is made from UAB employees’ charitable giving and consists of over 130 non-profit groups. “The Benelovent Fund sat down and decided that we had to do something to address food insecurity here on campus and that was what began the steps to make the Blazer Kitchen,” said Lisa Higginbotham, a program manager with Benevolent Fund. The food bank operates both by having access to low-price USDA food, collaborating with the Community Food Bank of Central Alabama and by receiving donations during drives for both food and household items such as toiletries and school supplies. Recently, the bank held

its first large drive during homecoming week, during which according to Blazer Kitchen members, it received significantly more than it would have on a standard week, according to Higginbotham. “We have food pick-ups every Wednesday where we receive anywhere from 1,000 to 4,000 pounds of food to distribute,” said Tiffany Collburn, an outreach community officer.

insecurity or otherwise,” Higginbotham said. “One of these reasons is emergency aid. So, for instance, if you were in a car accident and struggling to pay hospital bills, we are here to help lift some of that economic burden by providing meals.” The group aims to help anyone who may need it, and its effectiveness has been proven throughout the past seven months since its opening. The

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We are here to help lift some of that economic burden by providing meals. —Lisa Higginbotham There are several different ways students or employees can qualify for the food bank’s benefits, but the group stresses that food insecurity is something that can affect anyone at any time. “We provide food for several different reasons, whether government qualified for food

organization has also experienced over 350 total volunteer hours during its existence and served over 130 recipients “We’ve served over 16,000 meals to those who need them, and the organization just keeps growing,” Higginbotham said. Food drives are not the only

way students and staff can get involved. The bank also accepts volunteers to help with the logistics of storing and distributing the food received. Many service-learning classes at UAB encourage students to participate in this opportunity. “I believe in what it stands for by helping others in the community, especially students because, as a student, I know how hard that can be,” said Kwionna Gray, a student volunteer for a service learning class in Foreign Culture. For anyone who may need additional help outside of food security, the group is now working with both employee and student help organizations to take further steps, including social work interns, Wellness Center resources and the Employee Emergency Assistance Program. By working both internally and externally within the organization, the Blazer Kitchen attempts to provide a better standard of living for those on UAB’s campus. Brittany Guimond can be reached at bguimond@uab.edu.

SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES

Blazers help community through service Organizations offers a helping hand to local Birmingham areas Lauren Moore Campus Reporter Among the wide variety of groups offered to students at UAB, community- and service-based organizations stand out as a way to stay active on campus while also giving back to the community. Donor to Diner aims to help students struggling with food insecurity. The program started in 2013 when a student realized that their roommate couldn’t pay for their own meals. The program works with student outreach who supply the organization with a pantry that is filled with food, supplies and other things that students in a financial crisis might need. Students who qualify can privately and anonymously come to the pantry to take what they need.

Recently, the organization held a one-meal initiative to ask students to donate dining dollars, BlazerBucks or money to support fellow students facing financial insecurity. “I hope the students involved will help spread awareness” said Tanner Earley, a senior in biomedical sciences and president of Donor to Diner. Habitat For Humanity at UAB works to improve the living situation for people in the surrounding communities. Every other Saturday volunteers are transported to a habitat site to do whatever work needs to be done, including paint, drywall and other repairs. Anybody can be a part of the group, with any experience level, including no experience at all. The overall goal of the program is to help out the Birmingham community and

PHOTO BY LAKYN SHEPARD/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Students Jada Spivey and Carlie Williams participate to clean the streets of Birmingham.

to get more UAB students into surrounding communities. Some projects are new builds, while some are donated to habitat to fix up and some are projects for veterans’ homes. “Students will be surprised with how much helping others helps themselves,” said Jarman Browning, senior in electrical engineering. The organization has three build days coming up in November 4, 11 and 18.

The organization also tries to have an on-campus fundraiser every semester like a spaghetti dinner or a movie night. “If you’ve never volunteered before, at least give it a chance” said Browning. The Community Health and Human Services Student Organization takes pride in serving the surrounding UAB community. The group educates and informs the UAB community on a variety

of health topics. This organization also exists to prepare students for the transition from college to the real world. “Our goal is to inspire, create and build productive health educators for future societies,” said Rashad Hayes, UAB alumni and president of the CHHS Student Organization. The organization welcomes any students that have an interest in helping others improve their health. “We take pride in having a diverse group of individuals within our organization,” Hayes said. “We want all of our members to transform into great resources for their communities. I personally hope that students feel inspired to make a difference and have a sense of pride and accountability. I truly believe that every member of this organization will be prepared to make a difference in the world.” Lauren Moore can be reached at lrm33@uab.edu.

Page 4 | Campus

The Kaleidoscope

October 24, 2017

SEASONAL FESTIVITIES

PHOTO BY AUSTIN SIMPSON/PHOTOGRAPHER ABOVE: Valerie Barnes and Lauren McInnis dress as Belle and Boba Fett, respectively, to participate in the costume contest as a part of the Fall Festival held on the Green. BELOW: A pumpkin decorating booth was held for students to practice their artistic skills giving them a chance to decorate each pumpkin with markers and paint to get ready for the upcoming holiday, Halloween.

Belles and Circus Babies Blazers celebrate the arrival of autumn with festivities Lauren Moore Campus Reporter

s the leaves on campus begin to change and Halloween approaches, students and other UAB supporters came out to the Green to participate in UAB’s Fall Festival. The festival offered food trucks, booths for popcorn, cotton candy and pizza. To celebrate the spirit of Halloween, a doughnut eating contest was held. The highlight for the festival consisted of the costume contest. Both students and children who attended the festival participated in the event, with there being both a kids category and an adult category. The kids costume party became the main attraction of the festival, with each child striking a pose for the audience and then speaking into the microphone to tell the crowd about themselves

and the character that they portrayed. Children’s costumes included a Pegasus, ninja turtle, killer clown, Supergirl, Batman and Wonder Woman. During the middle of the children’s costume viewing, a little boy dressed as a ninja turtle danced to the music while a group of students gathered around to cheer him. For the kids costume competition the killer clown won second place, while Wonder Woman took home the first place prize. This was followed by the adult costume contest participants. The adults presented in a manner similar to the children’s with their costumes, showing them off and answering questions about themselves and their characters. Lauren McInnis, freshman in chemistry, dressed as Belle from Beauty and the Beast, has worked for

a month to perfect her costume. “I’ve resisted being Belle for a long time, because it seems like the cliché outfit for someone like me with brown hair and brown eyes,” McInnis said. “I chose to do the Broadway version of the costume, and I enjoy making the costumes I wear.” Valerie Berns, junior in mechanical engineering, finds wearing the costumes she makes special because it gives her a chance to talk about the

charity work she does. Berns is a part of an organization that raises money for various charities through their work with costumes. Mike McGee, senior in graphic design, decided to participate as herself in her Circus Baby from “Five Nights at Freddy’s” costume. “Circus baby has a body type that I consider to be similar to mine and that makes me feel good,” McGee said. Autumn Massey, senior in business manage-

ment, dressed as Supergirl for the costume contest. “I’m a huge superhero fan and I’m also a fan of the woman empowerment that Supergirl represents” said Massey. Two students participated in the contest in seemingly normal clothes for their costume, calling themselves “broke college students”. The winner for the adult costume contest was Circus Baby. Lauren Moore can be reached at lrm33@uab.edu.

GUEST SPEAKERS

Obergefell inspires resilience

Supreme Court winner shares wisdom on spreading equality Sufia Alam Campus Editor When Jim Obergefell heard the Supreme Court declare a five to four decision in his case, he became overjoyed, emotional and ecstatic. The highest court in the land ruled the right to marry is guaranteed to same-sex couples and is a fundamental right provided by the United States Constitution. The country was finally providing the right it had promised since the birth of the nation. Although Obergefell said he never identified as being a human rights activist, fighting for the right to call the love of his life, John Arthur, his

legal husband after his death inspired him to continue his demand for equality. “I always share my love story with John,” Obergefell said. “Fighting for a person I loved, fighting for the right thing, really did change this nation for the better.” For many students, not only is Obergefell the face for same-sex marriage, but he is also the face of resilience and hope. “Every reason against gay marriage is either spiritual or religious,” said Jazmyn Simmons, senior in psychology and a member of the LBGTQ community. “Just because you believe that to be the truth, does not mean you can

impose that view on someone else. Obergefell slowly helped most of the nation to finally understand that view.” While the concept of same-sex marriage remains a controversial issue to many, Brandon Blankenship, assistant professor of law and ethics, said same-sex marriage has always been guaranteed in the country. “Cases from the United States Supreme Court have stated that marriage is a fundamental constitutional right at least 14 times,” Blankenship said. “Essentially, these cases hold that ‘freedom of personal choice in matters of marriage’ is ‘essential to the orderly pursuit of happiness by free people.’” According to Obergefell, the best way to get involved in the fight for equality in the LBGTQ community is to

find an organization that a student can become passionate about. “Join it, volunteer, go to events because that’s where you’re going to find people who share the same values as you have,” Obergefell said. “You’ll find a community. It’ll also give you that ability that if you do decide you need to be more active, you’ll be with people who can make that happen.” Sufia Alam can be reached at sufia@ uab. edu.

PHOTO BY LAKYN SHEPARD/ PHOTOGRAPHER Jim Obergefell speaks to students on his journey of fighting for equality for same-sex couples.

October 24, 2017

The Kaleidoscope

Page 5 | Campus

STUDENT RESOURCES

OneCards for off campus BlazerBucks offers many resources to students Brittany Guimond Campus Reporter From purchasing Subway sandwiches to everyday toiletries, BlazerBucks serves as a multipurpose resource for undergraduate students on campus. BlazerBucks is an account which can be used anywhere that a student or staff’s OneCard is accepted. “Even though I have a UAB meal plan, sometimes I’m in the mood to eat somewhere besides my usual places,” said Jonathan Odom, freshman in immunology. “Since I already have BlazerBucks in my account and I can always check to make sure my balance isn’t too low, I don’t feel guilty for eating somewhere off campus where I normally wouldn’t.” Along with providing a wide selection for meal alternatives when dining off campus, many retail and service businesses also accept BlazerBucks as payment. Stores such as CVS, Redemptive Cycles, Snoozy’s Bookstore and Phoenix Theatres all regularly accept BlazerBucks. “BlazerBucks is definitely a good program

for students,” said Jeff Sims, store manager of the CVS located on 11th Avenue. “We make quite a few sales by students purchasing with their BlazerBucks accounts and it also benefits the students because we can print their receipt with their balance, showing them how much they have left in their account.” According to multiple store managers however, BlazerBucks is not form of payment that they receive very often. “I think BlazerBucks allows students who may not have a large income to get goods if they have BlazerBucks in their account,” said Ryan Taylor, store manager of Redemptive Cycles, a non-profit bicycle shop. “They can use them, and therefore, use businesses more effectively as students.

PHOTO BY AUSTIN SIMPSON/PHOTOGRAPHER Dreamland Barbecue offers students a variety of ribs, meats and sandwiches student may purchase with Onecards.

We don’t see a large amount of students using BlazerBucks at our store, but I think that’s due to a lack of awareness that they can be used here.” In addition to the amount of locations in

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We don’t see a large amount of students using BlazerBucks at our store, but I think that’s due to a lack of awareness that they can be used here. —Ryan Taylor, Redemptive Cycles

with Joanne Jacob, Freshman Forum Co-Director 1) What are your responsibilities as Co-Director of Freshman Forum? In the summer, we work to table and recruit freshman to join on our Freshman Forum. This year, we interviewed around 80 freshmen and went through the process of doing group and individual interviews and having those positions finalized by the end of October. From there, we spend the year designing a curriculum so that the freshman can learn how student government works. 2)Why is Freshman Forum important? Since the application process begins within the first two weeks of school, it really is one of the first ways freshman can get involved. A lot of former freshmen from last year went on to become Orientation Leaders, Ambassadors or TrailBlazers because they were able to learn about it through their upperclassmen mentors that they were able to gain by being a part of this organization. 3)Why is freshman involvement important on in USGA? If you look at our election numbers, we definitely don’t have everyone in our student body participating. Having a group that is specifically designed to cater to the freshman class broadens our reach to reach even more students.

which students can use their BlazerBucks, there is also the added benefit of the convenience that comes with a currency which is on an account. “I think the main advantage of BlazerBucks is that students don’t

10 IN 10 4)What are the responsibilities of students on Freshmen Forum? The Freshman Forum is in charge of representing their freshman class. One of their overarching responsibilities is to kind of gauge what their class believes are issues on campus and to tailor events to what their classmates want. 5)What are the programs that the Freshman Forum is required to create as a whole? We have one in Fall and one in Spring. Currently for the Fall program, they plan on hosting a nutrition fair. What they really want to focus on is creating a program in which they can tell Freshman how they can affordably live and eat well in their residence halls and on campus. 6)What does USGA hope freshman take from USGA after becoming members of the organization? One thing we hope to give them is the skills it takes to go on and do whatever they want to do. What we really want to focus on is personal and leadership development. 7)Would you say Freshman Forum is a stepping stone for freshman to eventually become more involved in USGA? Students who are in the Freshman Forum have a pathway created for them because they

are able to learn more about student government. But, if you look at our executive council, over half of them haven’t been in a Freshman Forum so it definitely is not the only deciding factor. 8)We have the biggest class size ever, has class size affected how you approach freshman this year? I think it makes it more exciting. There have been more students who have been interested in Freshman Forum so we focused a lot of our efforts on tabling over the summer. Even if they were not interested in the position, we were able to tell new students about student government on campus. 9) As Co-Director, what do you hope new freshman gain from this experience? Fernando and I hope that by the end of this experience freshmen come out confident in themselves and gain connections with all the organizations they were interested in. We also hope they will go out and get to know their peers. 10)How can other freshman get involved with USGA if they’re not part of Freshman Forum? We always encourage freshman to get involved with our committees on USGA. We also encourage them to come to our events. Also, at the end of their freshman year, they always have the opportunity to run for multiple positions in USGA.

have to carry cash with them,” said Shiobhan Holmes, administrative support at UAB student services. “Students can access their funds at any time using their OneCards.” Through both the convenience and the wide array of options that BlazerBucks offers, both businesses and students can look to the program as an additional option whenever using off campus locations. Brittany Guimond can be reached at bguimond@uab.edu.

For the last 50 years, we’ve been telling

The Story of the Student Experience Chandler Jones Editor in Chief

hen Patrick Cather walked onto UAB’s campus in 1967, it was three buildings and still listed itself as the extension center for the University of Alabama. Early in Cather’s life, his family built a printing press, and so 21 years later, he jumped at the chance to begin the first student newspaper for the 500-student campus. “We had a pretty diverse group, men and women, black and white, gay and straight,” Cather said. “It was a really good group of people… We would

have drinking parties down at the printing company. Beer, sometimes harder stuff and we’d put the paper together.” On Oct. 26, 1967, the first The Kaleidoscope hit campus. When Cather stepped down, his managing editor James Palmer stepped up. In his time as editor, Palmer said he dealt with society’s crises from civil rights in the South in the 60s to the tensions over the Vietnam War. Twenty-five years later, the paper landed in the capable hands of Tim Stephens. Stephens joined The Kaleidoscope with extensive knowledge of newspapers and, once on staff, served as news editor, features editor, sports writer, sports editor, photographer, photo editor, the

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managing editor and editor-in-chief. With him, The Kaleidoscope was lauded for its breaking news and watchdog eye. The office was in the old Hill University Center. Stephens said the office had a few cubicles with a four or five computers and small layout table “I spent more than a few nights under my desk,” Stephens said. In the most recent decade, the Kaleidoscope has taken off with its digital platforms. With thousands of unique views online each day, the paper serves to present a classic yet modern perspective of student life as UAB and Birmingham. Chandler Jones can be reached at chanj1@ uab.edu or on Twitter @chanjone7.

We had a pretty diverse group, men and women, black and white, gay and straight... We would have drinking parties down at the printing company. Beer, sometimes harder stuff, and we’d put the paper together.

ABOVE: Patrick Cather, right, and James Palmer, left, sit together at The Kaleidoscope’s 50th Anniversary celebration on Saturday, Oct. 7 at the Hill Student Center. The two remained life-long friends after serving as Editor and Managing Editor, respectively, in 1967.

BELOW: Tim Stephens, left, and Marcus Nelson, right, work inside the The Kaleidoscope office in 1994. Stephens served as sports editor and then Editor-in-Chief. Nelson followed suite after him. That trend continued when Nelson and Stephens worked again together at the Birmingham PostHerald and again when Stephens and Nelson both worked for CBS Sports.

—Patrick Cather about the first editorial board in 1967

1967-1976 FROM LEFT: Pa trick Cather, Jame s Palmer, Ray Wariel an d Mike Fliegel.

LEFT: The first Kaleidoscope editorial staff Patrick Cather, left; Melinda Hidle, who gave the paper its name and served as co-editor, center; and James Palmer, the second editor, right, stand together during a newspaper get together one evening after production in 1967. The Kaleidoscope, was first published in October 26, 1967.

50th Anniversary hroughout it’s 50-year history, The Kaleidoscope has worked tirelessly to produce timely, student-driven news by providing consistent and pertinent communication to the students on University of Alabama at Birmingham’s campus. In this endeavor, it has grown to capture a quality of information from Birmingham’s growth, struggles and changes to the UAB challenges, shortcomings and successes. The editors and members of the Kaleidoscope’s past built a playground, and they had a blast. However, Kaleidoscope served a role in challenging the administration on campus and scrutinizing those things that went against the overall wellbeing of the student body. Topics from dealing with national tragedy on 9/11 to anger over parking on campus, which was a story in the first-ever Kaleidoscope, have been chronicled through the monthly and weekly editions of the campus newspaper. As the name reflects, the Kaleidoscopes many shapes, colors and sizes narrate the evolving land-

1977-1997 FROM LEFT: Jo

n Palone, Amy Kilpatrick , Mike Braswell, Kenn eth Carter, Scott McLeod and Tim Stephe ns

scape of this campus and this city. In the next 50 years, The Kaleidoscope vows intends to carry this beloved burden and continue in the endeavor to be unceasing in our ability to entertain, inform and explain. In doing so, we join with our sister publications, UAB-TV, BlazeRadio and Aura Literary Magazine. Together, these mediums the means to enhance and provide an eye-line view into student life for this generation and the next.

On Oct 7 at 10:30 a.m., past and present members of The Kaleidoscope reunited for a brunch of commemorating and reminiscing. UAB President Ray Watts opened the festivities by commenting on the importance of Student Media in capturing student life. His exit was followed by host and Student Media Director Marie Sutton welcoming all returnees. A video produced by Student Media Production Manager, Patrick Johnson, chronicled the history of the paper with interviews with Patrick Cather, the first editor of the paper; Tim Stephens, the 25th editor of the paper; and the current editor, Chandler Jones. After a short brunch, Cather, Stephens and Jones returned to present three points in the paper’s time line: The beginning, the springboard and the future. After the speeches, each attendee was awarded a ceremonial engraved pen and pencil.

1998 to current FROM LEFT: Amy Kilpatrick, Bill Neville, Austin Simpson, Sufia Alam, Kristina Balciunaite, Bella Tylicki, Ian Keel, Wallace Golding, Marie Sutton, Will Harris, Chandler Jones, Trinity Dix, Sarah Faulkner, Mark Lynn and Alex Jones

Present, past meet at Hill to celebrate

Like a true Kaleidoscope, the paper has changed shapes, colors and styles throughout the decades. Each one has a different prominence and motivation. ARCHIVES COLLECTED BY MERVYN H STERNE LIBRARY.

Student Media Director Marie Sutton introduces the past and present staff of The Kaliedosocope at the 50th Annivesary Celebration brunch on Oct. 7, 2017 in the Hill Student Center Ballroom. PHOTO CREDIT IAN KEEL/PHOTO EDITOR

SPORTS

Page 8 October 24, 2017

FOOTBALL

OPINION

Need less Koenning Wallace Golding Managing Editor

PHOTOS COURTESY OF ZACH BLAND/ UAB ATHLETICS ABOVE: UAB running back Spencer Brown carries the ball past the Charlotte defense in the Oct. 21 conference matchup in North Carolina. BELOW: Quarterback A.J. Erdely runs it in for his eighth rushing touchdown of the season in the Blazers’ 25-24 loss.

Shocked in Charlotte Blazers’ road woes continue following disappointing loss Connor Gentry Sports Editor

The UAB Football team traveled to the University of North Carolina at Charlotte to battle the 49ers in a conference match-up. The 49ers entered their homecoming game riding a 10-game losing streak stretching back to last season, while the Blazers entered with a two-game winning streak. The first quarter began with a failed fourth-down conversion for the 49ers. The Blazers took possession and began to move the ball, but could not find the endzone. After punting to the 49ers, the Blazer defense played on their heels with Charlotte putting together a promising drive. However, the drive was stopped short of the endzone by an interception by UAB’s Darious Williams. The Blazers could not capitalize and punted again. The first quarter ended with no scores for either team. The second quarter began with another Charlotte interception by UAB’s Chris Woolbright. The Blazers scored a touchdown on the next play on a 12-yard pass STAT CORNER UAB 24 18 182 162 344 2 26:02

Score First Downs Passing Yards Rushing Yards Total Offense Turnovers Time of Poss.

Charlotte 25 15 154 222 376 2 33:58

to Hayden Pittman from A.J. Erdely. The UAB defense would keep the 49ers from scoring for the rest of the first half. The Blazers marched down the field with five plays for 80 yards. The drive was capped by a three-yard touchdown run by Erdely. The score at halftime was 14-0 in favor of the Blazers. The Blazers started the second half with the football but stalled just outside the red-zone. Kicker Nick Vogel kicked a 25-yard field goal to push the Blazer lead to 17-0. Late in the third quarter, the 49ers scored a touchdown on a nine-yard run by quarterback Hasaan Klugh to close the gap to 17-7. The fourth quarter was all 49ers. UAB fumbled the ball twice in the fourth quarter to set up the Charlotte offense. Klugh completed a 68-yard pass to Trent Bostick to bring the score to 1714. Four minutes later, the 49ers converted a 24-yard field goal to tie the game at 17 each. The Blazers had a chance to run out the clock and score but could not convert on a third and long. Charlotte fielded the ensuing punt with about a minute remaining in regulation but would ultimately run out the clock to force overtime. UAB started overtime with the ball and scored a touchdown on a one-yard run from Erdely. Charlotte did not squander their attempt in overtime. The 49ers converted two third-and-longs as well as a fourth-and-six to score a

Pick ‘Em

UAB vs. Southern Miss*

touchdown on a Klugh oneyard run. The 49ers would go for two, using the same exact play that UAB ran against Louisiana Tech, and completed it to win their first game of the season 25-24. Erdely attempted 29 passes and completed 21 of them for 182 yards and a touchdown. Erdely also added two scores with his legs on 41 yards rushing. Spencer Brown carried the ball 16 times for 71 yards. Hayden Pittman caught his

carried the ball 25 times for 140 yards and two touchdowns. He also caught the game winning two-point conversion. UAB fell to 4-3, 2-2 while Charlotte improved to 1-7, 1-3 on the season. The Blazers currently sit third in the C-USA West with a matchup against the Southern Mississippi (5-2, 3-1), on Oct. 28 in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. “We know we have a huge game against Southern Miss this Saturday,” head

first career touchdown pass in the first half. This was the first touchdown caught by a UAB tight end this season. Klugh completed 14 of his 28 passes for 154 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. Klugh also

coach Bill Clark said. “We have a good plan and it will be all about putting Charlotte behind us.”

FIU vs. Marshall*

La. Tech* vs. Rice

FAU* vs. WKU

Connor Gentry can be reached at zcgentry@uab.edu and on Twitter @Kscope_sports.

ODU vs. North Texas*

UTSA* vs. UTEP

Connor Gentry

Sports Editor, 15-4

Will Harris

Asst. Sports Editor, 13-6

Wallace Golding

Managing Editor, 16-3

Coin Toss 9-10

*favored in earliest line / All photos courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.

Les Koenning needs to go. That’s right. I said it. UAB Football’s offensive coordinator is killing our chances at conference trophies and bowl wins one snap at a time. In the midst of a devastating loss to the Charlotte 49ers, the UAB faithful, myself included, found themselves shaking their heads and wondering what happened on Saturday night in North Carolina. In front of what was claimed to be more than 11,000 people, the Blazers choked thanks to some questionable offensive play calling, losing the game 25-24 in overtime. The game should not have ever been this close. Charlotte came into the matchup with a 0-7 record and was ranked 130 out of 130 NCAA FBS teams by CBS Sports. UAB knocked off conference foes Louisiana Tech and Middle Tennessee in the preceding two weeks, but these wins can both be chalked up to defensive stops when they mattered. The luck ran out in Charlotte. Offensive play calling has Golding been inconsistent at best, and the Blazer offense seems capable of playing only half of a 60-minute contest. This is not going to win you the conference, much less the bowl game so many Blazer fans were looking forward to after UAB’s 4-2 record through the first half of the season. For some perspective, consider the second half of the Blazers’ last three games. UAB allowed three points against both Charlotte and Middle Tennessee and seven against La. Tech in the second half. To put it simply, the offense was lucky in these three games. A blocked field goal and a defense that held a strong Middle Tennessee running game to three points in the second half kept the dream alive for a bit. Still, the Blazers have struggled to find their stride on the offensive side of the ball. Blaming Erdely, Brown or even the offensive line would be a mistake. Each have shown what they are capable of time and time again. A scrambling quarterback is to thank for a few game-changing touchdowns this season, but having to rush for yards to save a drive is enough evidence that play calling needs some work. Koenning has yet to impress in this way. The Blazers far exceeded expectations in the first half of the season, but it was not the accomplishment of offensive genius. Koenning got bailed out by his defensive counterpart on at least two occasions. Two too many. Stand-out running back Spencer Brown, who carried the ball 26 times for 168 yards and 31 times for 172 yards against La. Tech and Middle Tennessee, respectively, was handed the rock only 16 times in the game against Charlotte. As my grandfather always said, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. I will not argue that I know the answer or that UAB’s defense and special teams are perfect. North Texas and Ball State are evidence of that. But I will say that if it were not for a strong second half defense and good kicking when it mattered, UAB’s storybook season would have remained a dream as it well may still be. Wallace Golding can be reached at wsgoldin@uab.edu or on Twitter @WGolding_4.

October 24, 2017

The Kaleidoscope

Page 9 | Sports

VOLLEYBALL

Blazers tame Rattlers, Raiders UAB starts final stretch of season with pair of wins Will Harris Asst. Sports Editor On Wednesday Oct. 18, UAB took on the Florida A&M Rattlers in a nonconference matchup. UAB entered the match with a record of 9-14, while the Rattlers came into Bartow Arena with a record of 7-10 overall. Strong kills by Petra Silic and Victoria Young got the Blazers out to an early 8-3 lead. The two teams exchanged points until UAB’s Gabby Deshotel started a 6-0 run to give the Blazers a 24-14 lead. An attack error by FAMU’s Nair Canessa ended the first set with a UAB 25-15 win. In the second set, FAMU got out to an early 6-1 lead off of kills by the Rattlers’ Maria Yvette Garcia. A kill by FAMU’s Valeria Lopez gave the Rattlers an 8-2 lead. Blazers’ attack errors pushed the FAMU lead to 14-7. The Blazers answered with

a 11-0 run that started with three straight kills by Silic to lead 18-14. Young and Silic ended the FAMU run to take the second set 25-22. In the third set, FAMU jumped out to an early 7-3 lead with kills from Candelaria Herrera and Radka Dimitrova. UAB scored on a kill by Young, but the Rattlers answered with a 6-0 run to lead 23-12. An attack error by Deshotel gave FAMU the 25-13 set win. UAB led the Rattlers 2-1. In the fourth set, the two teams battled back-and-forth with neither team gaining more than a one-point lead until a block by Deshotel gave UAB a 10-8 lead. The Blazers got out to a 13-8 lead, but the 5-0 run ended on a service error by Shelby Holderfield. Two services aces and a block by Silic ended the set with the Blazers taking the 2518 win. UAB won the match 3-1. “It was a team

PHOTO COURTESY OF IAN KEEL/ PHOTO EDITOR UAB redshirt senior Gabby Deshotel spikes the ball against the Florida A&M defense.

effort,” said UAB head coach Kerry Messersmith. “I think all of them, at one point or another, had a good game and we could point out a lot of good things that happened.” On Sunday, UAB took on the Middle Tennessee State Blue Raiders in conference play. The Blue Raiders jumped out to an early 10-6 lead, but a kill by Young started a 14-2 run to take a com-

manding 20-12 lead. Kills by UAB’s Haley Jared and a couple of service errors by MTSU gave the Blazers a 2514 set win. In the second set, the two teams went back-and-forth until Holderfield helped UAB get out to a 15-9 lead with a service ace and a kill. UAB’s service errors and attack errors brought MTSU back to lead 18-17. However, UAB would end the set on an 8-2

run to win 25-20. In the third set, UAB battled to a 16-14 lead, but a kill by MTSU’s Makila York started an 11-3 run for the Blue Raiders. York ended the set on another kill to give MTSU the 2519 set win, cutting the UAB match lead to 2-1. In the fourth set, UAB jumped out to an 8-2 lead. The Blazers held the lead thanks to back-to-back kills from Deshotel to lead 15-8. MTSU brought the

score back to a fivepoint deficit 23-18, but a kill by Jared and an attack error by MTSU ended the set 25-18 and gave UAB the match win 3-1. UAB (11-14, 4-5 in conference) will now head on the road to Texas San-Antonio on October 27 and Western Kentucky on October 29. Will Harris can be reached at willhrrs@uab.edu and on Twitter @Kscope_sports.

WOMENS SOCCER

Flew past Eagles, grounded by Bulldogs Blazers split home games against conference foes Sarah Oetken Sports Reporter The UAB Women’s soccer team returned back home to meet the Southern Miss Golden Eagles, this past Friday. The Blazers held on tight to their home-winning stretch when the first and only goal of the match was put in the back of the net in the first half. The Blazers started the game with good control. The Blazers kept the ball in the green and gold possession and contained movement across the field. This sustainability and connection between the Blazer players lead the team to score in the 2nd minute

of the first half. As Amy Brewer quickly dribbled down the far side of the sideline, she saw her open teammate Caroline Kehrer down the field. Kehrer captured the ball and scored. The ball ricocheted off the crossbar and bounced into the net. The thrilling shot was Kehrer’s sixth goal of the season and Brewer’s fifth assist of the season. Brewer’s assist gives her a lead of 23 points in the statistical leader’s standings. Although there was no other goal, on both sides, the game became a vigorous match between the two aggressive opponents. Both teams received fouls and calls for aggressive

PHOTO COURTESY OF SARAH OETKEN/ SPORTS REPORTER UAB’s Amy Brewer (No. 26) tries to dribble the ball down the field against Southern Miss on Oct. 20.

behavior on the field. The Golden Eagles were strong, but the Blazers conserved their energy in both halfs. In the match, Southern Miss had 16 shots, but only six being on goal. The Blazers shot 11, but only had four shots on goal. UAB keeper Kelsey Daugherty kept the Eagles

at bay with six saves. Daugherty ranks third in the Conference USA standings. The UAB Blazers gained three more points in the conference standing charts. On Sunday afternoon, the Blazers took on the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs. Louisiana Tech came into the

match in fourth place behind UAB. The Blazers were limited to only three shots in the first half while the Bulldogs took ten. Neither team could break through with a goal in the first half and it remained a 0-0 score at halftime. In the second half, Louisiana Tech found a

break when the Bulldogs’ Monica Gebler assisted Jenna Jones with a goal at 65:16, giving them the 1-0 lead. The physical play increased as both teams were called for five fouls each in the second half. The Blazers could not find an answer and fell to the Bulldogs 1-0. Louisiana Tech finished with 16 shots, seven on goal. UAB only had six goals, one on goal. UAB (11-3-3, 5-2-1 in conference) will now face Middle Tennessee State on October 27 and Western Kentucky on October 29. These games are the final home games of the regular season for the Blazers. Sarah Oetken can be reached at sarahoak@uab.edu.

October 24, 2017

The Kaleidoscope

Page 9 | Sports

VOLLEYBALL

PHOTO COURTESY OF IAN KEEL/ PHOTO EDITOR UAB redshirt senior Gabby Deshotel spikes the ball against the Florida A&M defense.

WOMENS SOCCER

PHOTO COURTESY OF SARAH OETKEN/ SPORTS REPORTER UAB’s Amy Brewer (No. 26) tries to dribble the ball down the field against Southern Miss on Oct. 20.

LIFE & STYLE LOCAL CUISINE

Page 10 October 24, 2017

OPINION

The charm behind ‘Stranger Things’ Allie Milton Life & Style Reporter

PHOTO BY AUSTIN SIMPSON/ PHOTOGRAPHER The Big Spoon Creamery food truck serving ice cream to attendants of the Fall Food Truck Rally in Avondale last Sunday.

Meals on wheels Growing street food community, brings array of flavors to the city Kristina Balciunaite Life & Style Editor The meaning of “dining out” has gradually changed its connotation in the recent years, as more people are being drawn to the friendliness, flavors and charm of the food truck community. The Greater Birmingham Street Food Coalition is a group food trucks, push-carts and other vehicular food vendors, that cooperate on promoting their businesses in the Birmingham area. Last Sunday, they hosted the Fall Food Truck Rally, where attendees got to explore over 20 food trucks and while the local band Little Rain Band performed. “It has grown beyond the original idea,” said Michael Brandon, Vice-President of the Greater Birmingham Street Food Coalition and owner of Saw’s Street Kitchen Food Truck. “While there has been a core group, each time we do this we bring in more people who make something different.” Pensacola, FL, native Brandon has been in the food business for almost two decades, starting out as a fine dining chef. In 2009 he decided to take a turn and switch to street food and he has never looked back since. According to Brandon, restaurants require long evening shifts

and little daylight, which was one of the motivators behind the decision of getting involved in street food vending. “There is a lot more community in what we do and it is more diversified,” Brandon said. “Street food can be an equalizer because you’ll see people eat it in all walks of life.” To become a member of the coalition, food vendors need to go through a screening process and pass sanitary regulations that have been approved by the city of Birmingham. One of the reasons behind creating the coalition was that every municipality around Birmingham varies in food truck regulations, making all of them stay within their area and thus have limit the accessibility to customers. Working with the city of Birmingham, they created The Greater Birmingham Street Food Coalition in order to unify food trucks and make them more accessible to the public. Nashville born Zebbie Carney, the owner and founder of Eugene’s Chicken, said that these events benefit everyone, as they bring both the local community and the chefs together. “You get to try so many different flavors and meet different chefs,” Carney said. “Birmingham is a foodie town.”

Carney’s inspiration to starting his restaurant business was due to the lack of spicy fried chicken in the city. According to him, approaching the food community through a food truck was beneficial as it connects your with the community faster, as well as it is cheaper than starting a restaurant from scratch. Birmingham native and owner and founder of the 3 year old ice cream company Big Spoon Creamery Ryan O’Hara, said that Birmingham’s food scene is unique in its style and that he did not even consider starting the business anywhere else. “Birmingham is in the midst of an exciting time of rebirth and growth,” O’Hara said. “Food trucks are something of a grassroots industry, and the Birmingham community has been extremely supportive and receptive of it.” The food truck community has grown rapidly, starting out with just a handful vendors scattered around just a decade ago, to consisting of over 20 food truck business and still growing. Although the Fall Food Truck Rally was the last large event hosted by the Greater Birmingham Street Food Coalition this year, they will be arranging many similar events frequently. The food trucks can also be found at various locations or at their residence restaurants. Kristina Balciunaite can be reached at kribal@uab.edu

“I think the show is very unique and for a show to stand out in a Students around camworld of new shows being pus are waiting for the made all the time with next season of the Netflix equally creative ideas, success Stranger Things there needs to be a strong to come out with anticileading role that makes pation. Ever since the first the show exciting. I beseason came out in July lieve that Winona Ryder 2016, people have been plays a phenomenal role,” buzzing about it. said Cole Walker, freshThe Tonight Show man in biology. “The with Jimmy Fallon feanostalgia of the show tured the cast, and Saturis one of the reasons I day Night Live parodied continue to watch. It just the show. Nearly every feels really vintage. Ryder social media site is rife is also a pretty big actress with fan theories and con- from that time, so I think spiracies. The show has she fits in perfectly.” become a sensation and The cinematography with the second season is artful and beautifully coming out Oct. 27, excrafted, truly drawing citement for the the audience into show has been the town where the renewed. tragic disappearance “It was retakes place. From ally interesting the green-carpeted and suspenseful basement where the the whole first four main friends season, and play Dungeons and Milton you get really Dragons together invested in the to the brick-walled characters and their stoHawkins Middles School, ries,” said Brandon White, stocked with its very freshman in criminal jusown set of stereotypical tice. “It could get pretty bullies, the show draws intense and scary at times, upon the nostalgia the too, so it keeps you on younger generation today the edge of your seat.” has for the last couple of The show encapsulates decades of the twentieth the intense science fiction century. The clothes, the fixation of the 1980s props and all other details by combining a science perfectly present the fiction concept, complete immersive era for public with secret government consumption. facilities and monsters “I love the eighties that lurk in the dark, with carpet and the wood pana typical 1980s Midwesteling,” said Julia Battles, ern setting. Created by freshman in anthropolothe Duffer brothers, the gy. “I love the old music instant cult classic follows players. We’ve been so the supernatural mystery focused making things surrounding the disapsmaller. There is such pearance of a young boy quality that we miss and entwined with the story look back on with nostalof escaped experiment gia.” Eleven. The series has captured Besides the suspense, a lot of attention and excitement and sorrow will most likely continue the series evokes, it attracting a wide audience attracted a large viewerwith its insistent charm ship through the sense and beautiful design. The of nostalgia it inspires. long-awaited season preToday’s youth seem to miere, artfully presented be obsessed with the last near Halloween this year, few decades of the past will have a good portion century, as evidenced by a of the community tucked resurgence of the fashion away in their rooms, and music of those times. computer propped up and This series captures that covers pulled up. nostalgia and creates an Allie Milton can be reached almost harrowing atmoat miltona@uab.edu sphere with it.

24 28 28 25 31 29 27

HALLOWEEN HAPPENINGS IN OCTOBER The BEA is presenting a “Spooky Scary Screening” for Beetlejuice Oct. 24 at 6:30 p.m. in the Hill Center Alumni Theatre. There will be a costume contest and a raffle with prizes available, as well as refreshments offered.

The Saturn in Avondale is having Scantron 5000 Trivia at 8 p.m. This trivia competition takes place monthly, but this month the event will be heavily influenced by the holiday. Tickets are available online. The BOO 22 Halloween party taking place at the B&A Warehouse from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. on Friday, promises live music from Gentlemen Zero, a Disco Skeleton Cellar and “Scaryoke Karaoke.” Palm reading, henna tattoos and classic movies will also be available at this party for Halloween enthusiasts 21

and older. There is an admission fee of $25 at the door. The Rocky Horror Picture Show Costume Ball on Saturday, at 6:30 p.m. at the Alabama Theatre. There will be costume contests with prizes for both character look-a-likes and general attire. Following the costume contest is a screening of the movie with the Live Cast “Antici-pation.” Tickets are available online for $22.50 or at the door for $25 and include a small fee for the restoration of the Alabama Theatre. “We have been hosting the ball for many, many years,” said Glenny Brock of Birmingham Landmarks Incorporated. “It is always either sold out or close to sold out. The mood as a whole is ecstatic.” Peaches and Scream is the official after part for the Rocky Horror Picture Show Costume Ball, taking

place at Roots & Revelry located at 2nd Avenue North between 9 p.m. and 2 a.m. Tickets for this can also be found online or bought at the event at a discounted price upon presentation of a ticket stub from the Costume Ball. The proceeds from what the poster promises to be a “sophisticatedly spooky” celebration will go the Cahaba Riverkeeper, and a DJ and libations will be present.

Nearby in Gardendale, the Harvest Market will take place. It will feature vendors, artists, artisan, food and produce. It is sponsored by Gardendale Music and will last from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. and also offer Trick-orTreating! Sloss Fright Furnace has been going on for the majority of the month and will continue until November. The Outbreak 2 Zombie

Run consists of a zombie forest and an urban maze and includes a 300-foot “slide into darkness.” The Roadkill Café offers live entertainment on special nights and allows guests to have the opportunity to get a palm-reading or encounter an illusionist. The Marathon of Horror features classic horror films projected onto a 25-foot screen. The Furnace Tours allows guests to explore the deepest recesses of the old furnace, where

the brutal foreman of the “graveyard shift” James Wormwood fell into a pool of melted iron and continues to haunt the premises. “I’m not really into scary movies or haunted houses, but I’m letting my friends take me to one,” said Allie Haynes, freshman in business Management. “I’ve heard a lot of great things about Sloss Furnace.” Allie Milton can be reached at miltona@uab.edu

COMMUNITY

Page 11 October 24, 2017

ALABAMA THEATER

PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED BY BIRMINGHAM LANDMARKS INC. ABOVE: This rendering shows what the Birmingham Landmarks Inc. would like to do with the Alabama Theatre if they win the National Geographic VoteYourMainStreet.org competition. BELOW: In 1927, the theater appears with the 3rd Avenue marquee and its twin on 18th Street, but 30 years later, the sign on 18th Street was taken down to be refurbished.

A light on history

National Geographic competition win may give a chance to restore marquee Bella Tylicki Community Reporter The Theatre District is one of the more prominent pockets of downtown Birmingham, and its vitality is largely credited to historic preservation. Grand architecture and nostalgic lighting make the area unlike any other district. Some believe its most iconic feature is Alabama Theatre’s vertical marquee. “With a sign such as the Alabama vertical that is so iconic statewide and nationally, we feel [restoration of its counterpart] is an important way that we can help get national recognition for our city, state and the district,” said Brant Beene, executive director of Birmingham Landmarks Inc., the nonprofit owner the Alabama Theatre. When the theater was built in 1927, the 3rd Avenue marquee had a twin on 18th Street. Thirty years later, both were in rough shape, so the sign on 3rd Avenue was partially dismantled and the one on 18th Street was taken down to be refurbished. “We believe that possibly the 18th Street sign was used for parts to repair the one on 3rd,” said Beene. “The sign on 3rd was repaired, but the other was not put up again – probably

because the cost was too great then.” Beene said the theater staff has already raised a lot of the necessary funds. Wanting to help them restore the 18th Street sign, REV Birmingham, an area economic development agency, nominated the theater for Partners in Preservation’s 2017 Main Street competition. Winners will be awarded a portion of the $2 million grant provided by the American Express Foundation. Partners in Preservation is a community-based partnership, created by the National Trust for Historic Preservation and American Express, to raise awareness of the importance of preserving historic places and their role in sustaining local communities. Main Street is a program of the nonprofit National Main Street Center, Inc., a subsidiary of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. “It’s not about having two signs; it’s about restoring the exterior of the Alabama Theatre to its original 1927 appearance,” said Julie McKinney, a representative of REV. “The big Alabama sign on 18th Street has been missing since the 50s, and its restoration will bring new

light and vibrancy to the block.” According to Beene, the theater wants to rebuild the sign to restore the appearance of the theater’s 1927 exterior, to “add to the vibrancy” of downtown Birmingham and to draw more people to the area, creating jobs and tax revenue to fund more rehabilitation and restoration in the area. Due largely to abundant local support, Birmingham is one of 25 finalists vying for a piece of the preservation pie. Winners will be determined by public vote, which is being facilitated by National Geographic. “From first dates to family dinners and shopping trips to nights on the town, America’s thriving historic main streets are where we come together and share experiences that shape our lives and communities,” said Stephanie Meeks, president and CEO of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. “We are delighted to celebrate historic main streets across America

through this year’s Partners in Preservation program. These historic downtowns are central to our local and national identity.” Data from Main Street America, which has been helping revitalize older and historic commercial districts for more than 35 years, reveals that investing in cities’ “main street” districts significantly impact local economies. “By rallying citizens to learn about and vote for their favorite local historic treasures, we hope to create broad-scale awareness of the connection between preservation and our country’s thriving main streets,” said Timothy McClimon, president of the American Express Foundation. Cast five votes per day at VoteYourMainStreet.org or Alabama Theatre’s local portal, BigAlabamaSign.com. Voting closes Oct. 31. Bella Tylicki can be reached at btylicki@uab.edu and on Twitter @_belty_.

CITY COUNCIL

O’Quinn spurred by love for neighborhood Crestwood councilor to bring about change with knowledge Parker Rose Community Reporter

for what true community is.” O’Quinn got involved with the Crestwood North On Oct. 3, Darrell Neighborhood Association O’Quinn defeated the inworking his way up to presicumbent Johnathon Austin dent of the association. as City Council Leader for “All along the way, people Birmingham’s District 5. recognized that I had the O’Quinn’s political career capacity to serve at a higher began when he and level.” O’Quinn said. his wife, Kristina, However, O’Quinn moved to Crestwood. said he did not feel Before, O’Quinn said comfortable being at the couple had never that level until he had been involved in their gained more experience. community. They He found this exnever even knew their perience in a number O’Quinn of community projects immediate neighbors. That changed such as Heart to Table quickly in their new neigh– a neighborhood produce borhood. cooperative that O’Quinn “Almost immediately, and his wife began themfolks started having us over selves. What began as a few for weekend get-togethers,” door-step deliveries from O’Quinn said. “We had never local farmers’ markets is now experienced that before. It an online buyer’s club that was the first time we’d ever distributes biweekly. lived in a place where we felt “I’ve not seen anybody there was truth and unity. We work as hard as he has on developed a real appreciation community-based projects…

with all communities,” said Chris Seagle, a graphic designer who worked on O’Quinn’s recent campaign. Seagle said he is confident that O’Quinn will “bring back an air of civility to city government.” O’Quinn has not stopped since his campaign – and is busy at work to achieve his goals for District 5. His main goal: to address the level of economic disparity and quality of life in some parts of the district. “He’s not a natural politician, and I think that’s a real strength,” said Chris Carter, O’Quinn’s campaign strategist. Carter said that the success of O’Quinn’s campaign had largely to do with O’Quinn’s enthusiasm about community work and individual attention to its members. “On the same street, [there are] nice homes that are well-cared for, and just down the hill, you have folks living structures that need a lot of attention,” O’Quinn said. O’Quinn wants to address

the vacant lots in Birmingham by educating District 5 about the Land Bank Authority – which allows those eligible to apply to gain use of property within the city limits of Birmingham that has been tax delinquent for at least five years. “Part of the solution is getting those properties back into the hands of people who will take care of them,” O’Quinn said. O’Quinn seeks to host workshops and seminars about how individual people can take action to solve problems within their neighborhoods or even Birmingham at large. “[I want to] empower them with the information they need to have a significant impact on their community,” O’Quinn said. As an avid cyclist, O’Quinn is also aware of the condition of Birmingham streets and lack of bus-stop accommodations, even serving as the mentor to Ava Davis – the Woodlawn teen who built a bus-stop shelter for her community.

O’Quinn serves as the president of the Citizens Advisory Board in Birmingham, is on the board of directors for the Keep Birmingham Beautiful Commission and the Birmingham’s Comprehensive Plan Implementation Committee. Carter, like Seagle, expects O’Quinn to bring back peace to the city council office. “There’s been a history of city council members and the mayor not getting along,” Seagle said. “The city is tired of the fighting.” Although O’Quinn bears a significant talent for community leadership, he would most likely say that his successes are all owed to the support of his own Crestwood North community – the people who first pushed him into his interest in local politics. O’Quinn said he feels that he is “definitely a better human being for having moved to Birmingham.” Parker Rose can be reached at pdrose@uab.edu or on Twitter @parkeresor.

Page 12

The Kaleidoscope

October 24, 2017

Come out to meet the faces behind UAB Student Media and to have a good time.