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Opinion: Opposing views on Kaepernick
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P 5 P 16 THE INDEPENDENT STUDENT NEWSPAPER AT THE UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA MONROE
VOLUME 94 ISSUE 3
www.ulmhawkeyeonline.com
September 6, 2016
Campus remembers Gene Wilder P 5
Warhawks win first game of season P 16
Louisiana ranks low in women’s rights
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THE INDEPENDENT STUDENT NEWSPAPER AT THE UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA MONROE
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September 6, 2016
BRIEFS CALENDAR Monday, September
5
Labor Day Holiday- University closed
Tuesday, September 6 Classes resume
Wednesday, September
7
Resume Workshop, 2 PM, Library 3-B Marijuana and Other Dangerous Drugs Workshop, 4 PM, Student Center 170
Thursday, September 8 Miss ULM Interest Meeting, 3:30 PM, Studnet Center 170 ULM Art Crawl, 5- 7 PM, various locations
Friday, September
9
Volleyball vs Houston Baptist, 10 AM, Soccer Complex Volleyball vs San Jose State, 4 PM, Soccer Complex Soccer at Louisiana Tech, 7 PM, Louisiana Tech Soccer Complex
Saturday, September 10
Volleyball at Houston, 3 PM, Houston Soccer Complex Football at Oklahoma, 6 PM, Oklahoma
Sunday, September Soccer at McNeese State, 1 PM, McNeese State
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QUOTE
1 Louisiana LSU medical may close
2 California Rape convict released early
3 North Carolina 4 Columbia Aid threatened Grants given by term limit for false data
The fate of LSU’s medical school in Shreveport is unclear after the instituion was placed on “fiscal watch” by a Board of Regents committee. According to LSU President F. King Alexander, the school will “be out of business” if it’s financial situation worsens. Alexander said that the school’s public-private partnership with Biomedical Research Foundation of Northwest Louisiana is to blame for the loss of millions of dollars. Alexander also said the foundation has failed to pay hospital bills in full. The Biomedical Research Foundation also manages a teaching hospital in Monroe. Other schools placed on fiscal watch on Aug. 24 are Southern University’s Shreveport and New Orleans campuses and Grambling State University.
(MCT) - As he regains his freedom, Brock Turner will face vociferous protests and heavy media scrutiny as an enduring public face of the issue of sexual assault on American college campuses. And that was just with his first few steps out of jail. Turner’s early release Friday after three months in jail was met by a throng of television and press cameras from far-reaching parts of the country, as well as women’s safety advocates who continue to lament the light sentence given to the former Stanford swimmer for sexually assaulting an unconscious woman last year outside a campus party. Sheriff Laurie Smith, who oversees the county jails, gave a brief statement about Turner’s time at the facility, saying he’s received volumes of hate mail and some threats , but none that were deemed credible.
(MCT) - A lawsuit brought by a whistleblower against Duke University accuses former researchers of using false data to win dozens of government grants totaling more than $200 million since the year of 2006. The federal lawsuit was brought by a former Duke researcher, Joseph M. Thomas, on behalf of the U.S. government under the False Claims Act, a federal law used to combat fraud against government agencies. Thomas named Duke University, Duke University Health System, retired Duke pulmonologist William Foster and former researcher Erin Potts-Kant. It alleges that data were falsified or fabricated by Potts-Kant working under Foster’s supervision in a lab that conducted research on respiratory function and illnesses such as asthma.
TODAY IN HISTORY
PHOTO OF THE WEEK
September 6
“I disapprove of what you say, but I’ll defend to the death your right to say it.” Voltaire English Philosopher
photo by Cory Thaxton
LIGHT IT UP: Students prepare to play a game of glowing ultimate frisbee in Bayou Park. The game was sponsored by Chi Alpha.
1774: First Continental Congress assembles in Philadelphia. 1862: James Glaisher, pioneering meteorologist and Henry Tracey Coxwell break world record for altitude whilst collecting data in their balloon. 1882: The first United States Labor Day parade is held in New York City. 1960: Muhammad Ali (then Cassius Clay) wins the gold medal in the light heavyweight boxing competition at the Olympic Games in Rome. 1969: My Lai Massacre: U.S. Army Lieutenant William Calley is charged with six specifications of premeditated murder for the death of 109 Vietnamese civilians in My Lai. y courtes image mpus MCT Ca
Front page photo credits: Main story photo by: Matthew Johnson Top sidebar photo by: Michael Roboski Bottom sidebar photo by: Olivia Barfield
(MCT) - Colombians may not be able to count on the Obama administration’s pledge of millions in additional aid to help implement their country’s peace deal. A lengthy U.S. budget process, coupled with a late public vote in Colombia to ratify the agreement, leaves little time for the U.S. Congress to approve the additional funding before President Barack Obama finishes his term. That means there’s a growing chance that Obama’s Peace Colombia plan, totaling $450 million in assistance, may not be fully addressed until a new administration is in office. “The calendar is working against it. You’re looking at a very narrow window,” said Eric Farnsworth, a former State Department official who is now vice president of the Council of the Americas.
September 6, 2016
NEWS
West Nile in area, mosquito problem persists
LA ranked 5th worst state for women Ranking showed LA last place
for women in political roles, women say using thier voice will warrant the change needed by Kandice Johnson
While April gave a glimmer of hope to Louisiana women, August gives something dimmer. According to Wallet Hub, Louisiana is ranked as the fifth worst state for women’s equality. Trailing behind Louisiana was Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Georgia and Utah being the last. The study examined points such as pay disparity, executive position disparity, work hours disparity, educational attainment disparity and political representation disparity. When broken down into a specific disparity, Louisiana ranked 50th in political representation.
The Center for American Women and Politics said that only 14.6 percent of women held seats in the state legislation. The inequality of women cannot only be seen in political roles but in political issues as well. Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards addressed the issue in April after the Senate approved the Louisiana Equal Pay Act, but the bill was rejected the next month in the Louisiana House. English professors and members of the ULM Femhawks, Meredith McKinnie and Vanelis Rivera, said they are sadly not surprised. “If we rank fifth in women’s equality, it’s not surprising a bill to
by Olivia Barfield image by Cory Thaxton
help women’s equality wouldn’t pass even though it’s needed,” said McKinnie. Rivera said the mentality that she’s seen is this: why fix something that’s not broken? “If that’s the mentality, they’re missing the point of what the real disparity is,” said Rivera. When looking at the problems with women’s inequality, there’s a mix of women not voicing thier rights because customs women are brought up learning and lack of encouragement being given to little growing girls that takes place. “Seeing people like you in a postion makes you feel like you can fulfill that position,” said McKinnie.
The College of Business has several initiatives to increase the technology related programs, construction program and accounting, shared Berry. Berry said the great thing about higher-ed is that each year it starts with a new group of freshmen. He is “impressed” by the new freshmen. Paudel feels that the new faculty members are very professional and from the business world. “I think it would be very exciting for us to learn from the experienced and skilled instructors.” Berry expressed that there is a lot of opportunities for students here. “Let college be a life changing experience. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and seek help, that’s what the faculty and staff are here for. Get the most out of college as you possibly can,” Berry said.
With a case of West Nile virus confirmed in Ouachita Parish and 14 cases confirmed statewide, students are being encouraged to take extra precautions to prevent being bitten by mosquitoes. To add, two pools of area mosquitoes tested positive for West Nile on Aug. 25, according to the Mosquito Abatement District. One positive pool was pulled from Monroe, the other from West Monroe. Both of the affected areas have been treated by air. A case of the Zika virus has also been confirmed in Ouachita Parish, although it is travel-related and the case was confirmed at an unknown time. According to Cassey Bernstein, environmental health and safety officer for the university, the mosquito problem is “particularly bad” due to the wet summer Louisiana has experienced. The university is increasing its efforts to prevent mosquito problems by using fogging trucks more often. These trucks drive around campus in the evening and release a low-dose pesticide that kills mosquitoes and is unlikely to harm humans. Bernstein encouraged students to do what they could to prevent mosquito bites as well by wearing insect repellent, avoiding long exposures at dusk and dawn, keeping doors closed and avoiding areas with standing water. For many students, this is the worst case of mosquitoes they have ever seen while at ULM. Sebastian Moncayo, a graduate business student from Ecuador, has lived in Monroe for six years and has been unpleasantly surprised by the mosquitoes’ magnitude this year. While playing a game of soccer outside, Moncayo was bitten at least 30 times on his legs and arms. “This year they have been more killer than any other time,” Moncayo said. With the weather beginning to cool down, Moncayo hopes to see an end to the mosquitoes’ reign soon.
contact Pujan Dahal at dahalp@warhawks.ulm.edu
contact Olivia Barfield at barfieor@warhawks.ulm.edu
“The more we get women in those leadership roles and the more we highlight them, the more that will become part of the norm.” Rivera said that it’s more than women not being in leaderhip roles, but also knowing who are the womenn who want these roles. “Are there women even relatively interested in holding a political office?” said Rivera. “If not, why aren’t young women being driven to these leadership postions?” One solution seems clear: speaking for women equaltiy is just the first step to becoming a higherranking state. contact Kandice Johnson at johnsokf@warhawks.ulm.edu
Faculty changes? No problem for students No complaints received from disappointed students, dean of business says
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THE INDEPENDENT STUDENT NEWSPAPER AT THE UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA MONROE
said Ronald Berry, Dean, College of Business and Social Sciences. “They have been with us through a long series of budget cuts and been very committed and passionate. We had a couple of them who decided to go elsewhere and that’s something that happens in higher-ed,” said Berry There are 10 new professors and by Pujan Dahal assistant professors who joined the College of Business and Social Prakriti Paudel registered for the Sciences this semester. Berry shared class her friend recommended her that faculty is ‘highly enthusiastic to take. But a week before school and passionate.” started, she found out the teacher “They are great researchers and had been changed. they are going to be a value to our “I was disappointed because I program.” didn’t know what to expect out of Berry further hoped that the that class and a little bit hopeful that students were not affected by the he will be just as good,” said Paudel, change anyway. a sophomore accounting major. “I have not heard a single student The school of Business and Social complain. This is normal in higherSciences welcomed many new ed and we are excited that we hired faculty members this semester. 10 new faculty this fall.” Many professors had been on the Natasha Picard, a senior verge of retiring for several years accounting major, said that she
has been pleasantly surprised by a teacher change made to one of her classes. “The teacher we got is really nice,” Picard said. The only problem that Picard has had with teacher switches is that they often happen after she has purchased expensive access codes only to find she doesn’t really need them. “Four times it has happened between fall 2015 to fall 2016,” Picard said. Although the teacher changes don’t generally bother Picard, she says the last minute switches that leave her with lost money are not preferred. Berry anticipates that the new instructors are long term employees. “It’s a mix of faculty who are at the rank of instructor and assistant professors tenure track. So the tenure track faculty will be our long term faculty and they are pursuing tenure process.”
THE INDEPENDENT STUDENT NEWSPAPER AT THE UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA MONROE
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September 6, 2016
OPINION HAWKEYE P.O.V.
Punishments should fit the crime For those of you who have been living under a rock for the past year and don’t know anything about Brock Turner, we will give you the basics. Turner was a swimmer at Stanford University. On January 18, 2015 he sexually assaulted a 22-year-old woman who was intoxicated and unconscious at the time of the assault. Two Swedish international students, also from Stanford University, witnessed this heinous crime and intervened, holding Turner until the police were able to arrest him. While the maximum sentence for a case like this is 14 years in prison, prosecutors asked that Turner serve only six months. What did he actually get? Three months in jail followed by three years of probation. Nauseating? Yes. Surprising? No. This is not the first time a rapist was treated with leniency. Just like Brock Turner, many of these countless others were young, first-time offenders who were, most importantly, athletes. It’s because of this last detail that many come to their defense, arguing that they have bright futures via athletic skill, and one little mistake shouldn’t hinder this success. We say that’s ridiculous. We wonder if any of these people took two seconds to think about how detrimental Turner’s actions are to the life of his victim. This innocent woman, violated and humiliated, will have to live with the negative effects of this incident for the rest of her life. Since when does sports take precedence over the treatment of women in America? Why does our culture value the well-being of athletes more than that of victims and survivors of rape? Yes, this case has probably ruined Brock Turner’s life and that’s a good thing. He doesn’t deserve a normal – much less, successful – life after ruining the life of the woman he raped. In our opinion, he deserves FAR worse than what he got. Three months behind bars for him, a lifetime of pain for her.
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Don’t agree? Let us know! Contact the writers or the editor at keyc@warhawks.ulm.edu
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The opinions expressed in personal columns are the opinions of the author and not necessarily the opinions of the editors, staff, adviser or the University. Unsigned editorials represent the collective opinion of The Hawkeye’s editorial board, but not necessarily the opinions of the adviser or the University. The Hawkeye (USPS #440-700) is published weekly except vacation, exam & holiday periods by The University of Louisiana at Monroe, 700 University Avenue, Monroe, LA 71209. Annual subscription price is $15.00. Periodicals Postage Paid at Monroe, LA 71203. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Hawkeye, 700 University Ave., Stubbs 131, Monroe, LA 71209-8832.
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What we do here at the Hawkeye OLIVIA BARFIELD I am the editor-in-chief of The Hawkeye, which means I oversee everything that goes into this paper. I am writing in response to the controversy surrounding an article we recently published, “The problem with #BLM.” We published a controversial article, and it made many of you mad. Just the headline caused an uproar. We have been tweeted, shared, tagged, texted, called and visited countless times this past week because people are angry. We welcome it all. We’re happy to get you guys talking. If all this commotion were just some students getting mad at an idea we published, I would have nothing to say. The only reason I am writing this is to address what seems to be a misunderstanding about what purpose we serve here at the Hawkeye. The Hawkeye is an independent, completely studentrun newspaper. The only ones who know what will be published beforehand are our editorial board, writers and photographers. The university administration does not tell us what to do and has no idea what we will publish. Even our own adviser doesn’t see our work until Monday morning when he picks a paper up off the stand just like everyone else. There is no prior review to our work. Multiple Supreme Court rulings say we can put whatever we want into this paper. We are not a public relations magazine for this university. We are not just another part of ULM’s image. We are our own newsreporting body. To reiterate, the university legally has no ruling over us. Are we affiliated with ULM? Of course. Can they tell us what to do? No. The Hawkeye is a small, niche publication that serves the ULM community. Our readers are not all of the same beliefs, so we strive to represent everyone fairly by remaining unbiased. In large-scale media you will see news outlets that lean left, like MSNBC, and news outlets that lean right, like Fox News. Each of these caters to the wants of their readers,
which is a specific set of people with specific interests and usually similar ideals. If you’ll notice, our news articles are delivered a little differently than most major news organizations because we do not inject our opinions into them. That’s a part of being unbiased. Another huge part of our unbiased stance is our opinion pages. Our opinion pages are open to all. We publish not just what we agree with, but anything students want to write about. If we wanted to, we could censor our pages from threats of discomfort. We could take out anything that we think could offend, or anything that may go against popular opinion. But we don’t, and it’s for your benefit. I’ve been asked how I could allow for something so stirring to be published. This is a university campus. We are one big happy family. We don’t need tension. I disagree. This is a university full of adults, not of children who need to be coddled and hand-held through the experience of finding their place in the “real world.” In the real world, people don’t agree. The same is true here. By publishing a variety of opinions, we are allowing you to see into the minds of those who think differently than you. Do you think that article was just written as a hate piece? No, the writer actually feels that way. The strongest opinions recognize their opposers. They don’t cower at the mention of a different view. When we give you a free look into the mind of someone who thinks differently than you, use it. Find a way to argue against it. An opinion without an argument isn’t worth much. The touchy subjects are the ones that need to be talked about. They are the ones that need to be discussed. What is BLM about? Progression. You don’t see progression when you stay silent. Whether I agree with the article or not, I will not apologize for its publication. This is how real people think. You can’t change someone’s mind if you don’t know it. We’ve given you a platform. Use it. This article has started a conversation. Join in. As with many controversial issues, the Black Lives Matter movement isn’t easily represented by two opposing opinions. We published two views on the subject by two writers who wanted to write about it, but there is a whole spectrum of opinions on the matter. If you feel like your view wasn’t represented, let us know. We’ll gladly publish you too. In the U.S., we have some of the strongest freedoms in regard to what we can hear and say. I would like to see us use those freedoms to become some of the most well-versed people in the world. If we enforce our own censorship, we take away from a right so important that it’s the very first one this nation was given. If you disagree, or if I failed to answer any of your questions, please write a letter to the editor. contact Olivia Barfield at barfieor@warhawks.ulm.edu
From the previous online poll...
Do you agree with Colin Kaepernick sitting during the national anthem?
No 62%
Yes 38%
September 6, 2016
THE INDEPENDENT STUDENT NEWSPAPER AT THE UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA MONROE
We should all sit too
The media’s new obsession is the controversy that is surrounding San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick. If you haven’t been following the story, I’ll break it down here for you. Kaepernick sat during the national anthem before the team’s preseason games and said he will continue to do so until he sees change in racial oppression. Several people have been outraged at Kaepernick’s decision, feeling that it is an insult to America as well as the military. I feel like the people who are against Kaepernick are not looking at the full story. There are many reasons why I disagree with those who disagree with him. Let’s start with the military disrespect, shall we? Kaepernick did not say that he has a problem with the military. His standing or not standing actually has nothing to do with the military. But since it has been brought up, we will take a look at how America really cares for its military. According to the National Alliance to End Homelessness, there were 49,933 homeless veterans in 2014. That number represents 8.6 percent of the total homeless population. This is a substantial decrease from the 67.4 percent recorded in 2009 but it’s still a staggering number to consider. Is this how we treat those who have given years of their lives to this country? Is this the thanks they get, living in squalor on the street? I thought you said we cared about them. It’s confusing that most of the people who are against Kaepernick are saying that it is because of military disrespect, but I didn’t see any of this outrage when photos surfaced of Dylan Roof burning the American flag. Kaepernick doesn’t need to disrespect the veterans because the rest of America is doing enough of that. I should also point out that my father, uncle and aunt have served in the military. My brother and cousin are also currently serving. I also have adopted a solider so I’m well aware of how America treats their military and I definitely support them.
Yet I must reiterate once more that this has NOTHING to do with the military and EVERYTHING to do with the injustices that this country has perpetuated on the minorities that live here. Yes, what he is doing is a bit extreme, but how else would he get the attention of America? We’ve tried putting faith in the justice system and it has repeatedly failed us. If we riot, then we are called thugs and thieves. We speak about the eye-for-eye method and are strongly discouraged from acting on it, so what choice is left to us? We are tired of being silent and if it takes sitting down during a song that was written by a man who felt that blacks were “mentally inferior” or not placing our hands over our hearts in honor of a flag for a country that allows murderers to have paid vacations and be with their families while their victims are sent home in body bag or left to bake on the hot streets then so be it. The song in question is racist in its own right. The mainstream media history of Francis Scott Key is that he wrote the Star Spangled Banner while being held captive on a British ship during the War of 1812. Watching the American troops battle back the invading British filled him with overwhelming pride and he was inspired to write the song we now use as our national anthem. The real history is that Key was on the boat trying to get one of friends, Dr. William Beanes, released. While waiting for a resolution he observed the battle of Fort McHenry. This is what inspired Key to write the song. It says a lot about America that we ignore the third stanza he wrote condemning the slaves who switched sides in order to save their lives. Why are we praising a man who literally said, “Their blood has wash’d out their foul footstep’s pollution/ No refuge could save the hireling and slave/ From the terror or flight or the gloom of the grave.” He didn’t want them to be free and was exhilarated by the fact that their blood was running through the street. Although Kaepernick’s stance is focused mainly on police brutality, I think now is the perfect time to call attention to the fact that this country has yet to shake off it’s racist past. Kaepernick did nothing wrong. He is calling attention to a very serious problem that we have in this country. We should all sit with Kaepernick until America takes better care of its citizens. This country is a good place to live and our options appear limitless, but nothing, and I do mean nothing, is perfect. And that means that we have options to grow. contact Corlyn Key at keyc@warhawks.ulm.edu
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OPINION
Why is he sitting now? Bre’ana Wright Welcome to America. Our love for sports, and even more, our love for the athletes who play them, is unparalleled. Whether you’re a fan or not, the sports culture is spread from sea to shining sea. Football is about as American as it gets. It’s a team sport, but the face of the franchise is often the quarterback. Every statement and action they make gets plastered all over the media, and the San Francisco 49er’s quarterback is making some controversial headlines. Colin Kaepernick has recently decided not to stand up for the national anthem because as he told the media in an interview, “I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color.” That is all fine and dandy, but my question is, why now? The racial injustices in this country are not new, as a matter of fact, racial injustice is one of the pillars in which this country was built on; why is it suddenly a cause worth sitting down for? Not long ago, actually as soon as 2014, Kaepernick was pretty much the face of the NFL. As far as stats go, he was one of the best quarterbacks in the league. He was on so many public platforms where he could’ve gotten his message out in a much more respectable way, so why didn’t he? I come from a family of 49ers fans so I follow them religiously. Kaepernick hasn’t done so well in the last few seasons. He was on the verge of becoming the backup quarterback or being dropped from the 49er’s roster completely. It’s a whole lot harder for an organization as big as the NFL to terminate his contract now without it seeming like they fired him over his decision and somewhat unorthodox method of standing up for equality, rather than his poor performance on the field. This could all just be an elaborate PR scheme to save his job. Again, this is America, and we have the right to protest and stand, or sit, for whatever we believe in. But there were so many more effective ways to do it. He sat down for the national anthem, made a few people mad and possibly ruined his career, but what is he actually doing to change the state of American race relations? I don’t disagree with Kaepernick when he says
that racism needs to change, but I also agree with the famous quote “be the change you want to see in the world.” Athletes and celebrities have such a unique position to incite change. Their voices reach millions,and they also usually have the money to fund groups to further help their causes. Hold an anti-racism rally, lead a protest up to Capitol Hill, go to African American communities and try to strengthen the relationship between citizens and police; do something other than just sit. We need to be proactive, not inactive. Personally I believe standing for the national anthem is something you should do out of respect. America is not perfect by any means, and you don’t have to agree with everything that happens here in the land of the free. No one does. But that’s the beauty of living in this country. We are allowed to go against a popular opinion and fight for our beliefs. I stand for those who have fought and died so we can have the right to protest and live in a place where football players can make millions of dollars a year by simply playing the game they love. Kaepernick has no problem collecting the paycheck from the NATIONAL Football League, so why does the NATIONAL anthem suddenly bother him? I’m all for calling attention to the problems and standing up for the rights and lives of African Americans and all other minority groups. But just tweeting about them and not standing for the national anthem will not change anything. Kaepernick, stop sitting down. Get up, go out and actively try to fix the problem if you really care about it. If not, then just work on being a better quarterback and getting my team back to the Superbowl. contact Bre’Ana Wright at wrightbj@warhawks.ulm.edu
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THE INDEPENDENT STUDENT NEWSPAPER AT THE UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA MONROE
OPINION
Letters to the editor
Black Lives Matter: The intolerance of blithe disregard of civil rights by Jazmin Black
Black lives matter. Why must this be said? The judicial system’s inattention to racial injustices has forced the creation of a movement. Black Lives Matter is an activist group that campaigns against violence towards blacks. It is an understood notion that the lives of all people matter, however, the main priority of the Black Lives Matter group is to find justice and equality for blacks. Antagonists misconstrue the group’s intent and question its necessity. Yet, the Black Lives Matter group seems to be the only party actively fighting for equality and justice for blacks; it was a definite must that the faction be assembled. The party does not wish to bash whites nor incite more violence. The group does not encourage violent behavior towards African-Americans or any other race. BLM was founded to educate the ignorant of the injustices black people face. Multiple African-Americans have lost their lives at the hands of police officers. These people, such as Oscar Grant, Trayvon Martin, Philando Castile and Alton Sterling, are subject to scrutiny by the public just minutes after their death. For example, Oscar Grant—fatally shot by a BART police officer while handcuffed—was harshly criticized for his criminal background. Police brutality victims are often categorized as thugs who only got what they deserved. They take pictures with guns, are covered in tattoos, sell drugs
September 6, 2016
and are alleged gang affiliates. But what of twelve year old Tamir Rice who was shot while playing with a toy gun? What part of his past attributed to his demise? He was only a child with no tattoos or drug abuse history. It is not as if he lacked self-respect. So why was there no respect for his will to live? It is said that black-on-black crime proves that the BLM party has no regard for their own people. The Federal Bureau of Investigations states that 90 percent of blacks are indeed killed by blacks. However, people of color are not the only ones filling up prison cells. According to the FBI, 69.3 percent of individuals arrested in 2012 were white. More whites were arrested for violent crimes than people of color (who only make up 37 percent of the 324,363,339 people in America). Despite their violent crimes, officers still managed to apprehend whites without unleashing an entire hail of bullets into their chest. So, why was it imperative for officers to use the chokehold in the arrest of asthmatic, unarmed Eric Garner? The BLM group finds these actions to be excessive and a violation of civil rights. Questioning the group’s relevancy and motives proves that you are part of the problem. So before you criticize a person of color for their reaction to injustice, ask yourself, “what have you done to help?” Don’t sit on your polished front porch and watch your neighbor’s house go ablaze. Speak out and do what’s right.
Let’s not fight ignorance with anger, but with education instead by Brea Joyner
September 2008. Presidential election: Obama vs. McCain. Our principal and selected faculty decided to let us have a mock-rally. As I walked to class, all I saw was red and blue picket signs and streamers. Vote McCain. Vote Obama. First Black Prez. McCain for Prez. I heard nothing but the awkward, yelling voices of teenagers. Chants. Rants. Rage. No compromise. No debates. Just yelling. Next thing I knew, someone runs in the class to tell the teacher that a student struck a McCain supporter in the head with his own sign. And that was a wrap for exercising our First Amendment. Eight years later. The wrap continues. Freedom of speech has been compromised. If someone expresses an opinion that is totally against the grain, they are immediately shut down by a mass of opposers. If you are not uplifting, you are degrading. And that’s the problem. So it seems. The true problem is the lack of education and action. When I say education, I mean thorough understanding of the discussion. For instance, the first amendment includes plenty of expressive freedoms, but let’s focus on speech. It is true that the tongue is powerful, but words are fueled by the power you give them.
Sticks and stones come to mind, but not as the encouraging phrase our parents told us. More like the things the angry mob will throw at you to shut you up. And there it is. Hurt feelings. One of my favorite communications professors told my class that everyone is entitled to an opinion, but not every opinion is valid. You can say whatever you think, but that does not mean it is logical—no matter how many statistics you insert—nor intellectual. People are so quick to mute someone else’s ideas by shunning them—whether it’s physically or via social media. Instead of trying to totally mute the opinion, how about turning up the volume to listen closely to the hidden message. You don’t have to agree. You don’t even have to understand the reasoning, but that’s where the action comes in. Recently, there was rebuttal for someone who openly expressed that they were not fond of the Black Lives Matter movement. Not that they believed that black lives didn’t matter, just that they didn’t support the movement. A lot of people reposted their frustrations and disapprovals, and after the dust was settled, no problem was solved. Just anger. Anger makes for a loud bark, but no bite. Anger does not educate those who are ignorant to what the Black Lives Matters movement is. By the way, it’s more than a hashtag added to a status that
makes you seem so aware of racism and oppression. It’s more than sharing and reposting unjustified trials and posts. According to blacklivesmatter. com, BLM is a “call to action and response to the virulent anti-Black racism that permeates our society.” Action and response. Not anger and retaliation. Facebook. Instagram. Snapchat. I look through all of these social media outlets and see the same shares about past and current racist situations. The same anger. The same “when will this end” or “heading back to segregation” posts. The same “be awake” posts. But I look outside and see no one. I hear nothing. I don’t believe you have to snap pictures and post statuses about how often you serve the community. About how you are tired of seeing your race targeted for death. Everyone wants to express their feelings of pain and disappointment and offense, but no one steps up to implement change. If you want change, don’t just demand it. Be it. Be more than a hashtag. Be more than an angry person who is fed up with the system. Check yourself. Ask yourself: What am I doing to help? What am I doing to educate? Are my actions reflecting my words? Or am I just trying to be heard? Don’t just speak to be heard. Speak to move. Move to change.
Comic:
image courtesy MCT Campus
September 6, 2016
THE INDEPENDENT STUDENT NEWSPAPER AT THE UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA MONROE
NEWS
International student in SGA Senator tells international students to get involved on campus by Pujan Dahal
Pratik Shiwakoti’s friends complain that they don’t see him quite often recently. Shiwakoti, a junior computer science major, was selected as the SGA senator representing the School of Business last spring. “Life has been very busy these days,” said Shiwakoti. The second semester of freshman year was the transition period for Shiwakoti. That’s when he broadened all of his horizons and started getting involved in campus activities. Initially, Shiwakoti was very reluctant about getting into campus activities. He feared the activities would take over academics, but the overwhelming appreciation he got after hosting the Nepali Night of 2014 motivated him to touch the moon.
The dim participation of the International Students in the major campus organization of student government bothered Shiwakoti. He wanted to bridge the gap and represent international students to the college administration. “The voice of international students should be represented in bigger organizations on campus,” said Shiwakoti. “After-all, international students are an integral part of college.” Shiwakoti is not just an SGA senator, he is involved in a handful of organizations on-campus including CAB. Getting into SGA wasn’t easy for Shiwakoti. “I knew it wasn’t going to be a bed of roses, but I believed in myself,” said Shiwakoti. Shiwakoti describes the elections as a “practice of politics.” “I had to campaign, and it was very exciting,” said Shiwakoti. “My friends were very busy with the Nepalese Students Association, so I made my own flyer and got it to various places, but they helped me with the campaign.“ Shiwakoti has a very profound love and respect for his friends. “My friends have always provided
Favorite food: Subway
me with the support and created a positive energy around me,” said Shawakoti “They were happy to see me running and endorsed me all over social media. It worked pretty well” Shiwakoti took time off his busy schedule filled with assignments, deadline, work and study for the election. SGA is quite an interesting experience for Shiwakoti, but he is sad that he’s the only international student right now. “There could have been some other students too,” said Shiwakoti. “I know there are other students who are more deserving than me.” Shiwakoti feels it’s a privilege to be an SGA senator. “Being the only international student in a long time to have won... feels good to be called Mr. Senator.” The country and the culture he grew up is of upmost importance for Shiwakoti. He finds the Nepalese Students Association to be the cornerstone for his success. The Nepalese Students association also loves him equally and has provided Shiwakoti with an honorary title – “Voice of Nepalese Students Association” Shiwakoti who is the current president of the International
photo by Pujan Dahal
NEW GUY ON THE BLOCK: SGA Senator Pratik Shiwakoti is ready to serve this fall.
Students’ Association at ULM has been an icon for the international students by leading the Asian Students Organization too. His advice to the students at of
ULM: “Focus on your study, also get involved,” said Shiwakoti. “That’s the key to success.” contact Pujan Dahal at dahalp@warhawks.ulm.edu
Pratik Shiwakoti quick facts: Travel wish:
Preferred Show:
European Tour
House of Cards
By Appointment
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THE INDEPENDENT STUDENT NEWSPAPER AT THE UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA MONROE
September 6, 2016
FREESTYLE: MUSICIANS FREESTYLE
Lives life through Christ and chords by Cory Thaxton
Without God and music, life would be flat for Nathan Roberts II (Nate), senior graphic design major at the Barton College in Wilson, North Carolina. “I do whatever I can to keep God above and within anything and everything I do. I want to live a life that represents the gospel I believe…I’ve personally decided to never release a song that doesn’t glorify Him. He gave me the gift to sing and play these instruments.” Nate is a former University of Louisiana Monroe student and was an active member of the Campus Activities Board. “I tried my best to leave on a WHERE WORDS FAILS, MUSIC SPAEKS: Nate in a 2013 photoshoot. positive note, but some people wouldn’t even speak to me. I know where God wants me at this moment, though. I miss ULM as well. I had a Warhawk family that was legit to the core. Where I am now, though, I feel like I can learn and grow spiritually with the people I’m surrounded by. Here, I’m learning a lot as a man,” Nate said. Currently he works as the youth pastor at Assemblies of The Lord Jesus Christ church. He leads worship for the church, he’s ahead of the children’s ministry and he does anything his pastor needs him to do. Music is exceptionally important to Nate. MUSIC IS LIFE THATS WHY OUR HEARTS HAVE BEATS: Nate with his other reason “Music can change the mood for his heart to beat, his girlfriend of one year, Breanna Garnett. in the room…It can influence
express yourself and who you are and say the things you normally wouldn’t be able to say out loud. It can help you get through the toughest times in your life. Nate used to want to travel the world on tour, singing and performing concerts for massive venues with sold out crowds, but right now, he is just trying his best to move forward in faith and do whatever it is God calls him to do. “If Jesus wants me to grow in the music industry, be signed, be a pro and all, great! If, however, He wants me to stay at my church, lead the youth and do whatever I’m needed for at home, I’m still fine with that. I want whatever He wants,” Nate said. Nate does believe that being a preacher could be his calling. “I felt Images courtesy of Nate Roberts the calling a few years ago and told my parents about it…eventually, doors began to open,” he said. He emotions, move people. That’s why I never asked to preach anywhere. love it,” he said. Preachers and leaders invited and Nate has even released an album wanted him to. “It’s all God, and on iTunes titled “Focus.” The that’s why I’ll do it all for Him.” acoustic sound of the album fits Christianity is looked down perfectly with its theme. You can upon these days. It’s not cool. It’s a hear the love of God in his voice in hindrance. People don’t want to live every track, especially in the soft for God, nor do they even fear Him. and subtle tracks “I Will Follow” and Nate wants people to remember “Amazing Grace (My Chains Are him as the guy that worked hard, did Gone).” good and loved God, but he doesn’t “My songs just come to me! mind if no one remembers him, he Usually, I’m sitting in my room with just wants to point people’s eye to my guitar,” Nate said. God. Besides his faith, his family is what “I want to influence people to keeps him motivated. worship Him,” he said. “My life, with all it’s ups and Nate is releasing a new single downs, is what inspires my music. I titled “Mercy” later this year or in go through things people may never early 2017. know of. Music is my way of talking This handsome young man of God about it.” is truly an inspiration. Just like any other art, music is contact Cory Thaxton at that for a lot of people. It is a way to thaxtocj@warhawks.ulm.edu
Artist Spotlight: Johnnyswim takes the world by storm by Ansell Jordan
Do you have eclectic music tastes? If so, then this musical duo may be for you. Johnnyswim is a singing and songwriting team who are actually married to each other! They are not very mainstream yet, but the EP’s and two albums they have released over the past few years are astounding. Their music is so calming and encompasses so many sounds and styles. A mix of folk, pop, funk, soul and country with occasional gospel undertones. This duo composed of Amanda Sudano and Abner Ramirez, does music and does it well. They bring a melting pot of sound that is different but still feels familiar. That should come as no surprise since Ramirez trained at the Douglas Anderson School of the Arts and Sudano spent years touring with her mother Donna Summer. Johnnyswim independently released their first self-titled EP in 2008.
The couple married in 2009 and have been on together. In 2011 they released the song “Hallelujah,” and donated 100 percent of the profits from the track to charity. This was inspired by a trip the pair took to an orphanage in India. The duo signed with Big Picnic Records and released their first full-length record Diamonds in 2014. With the release of the album came the tracks “Diamonds,” “Take the World,” “You and I,” “Live While We’re Young” and “Home”. The track “Home” is now used as the theme song for HGTV’s hit show “Fixer Upper.” Spanning so many genres, it is easy to see why these two are a musical feast for the ears. They are an amazing testament to the power of music and love. Their voices compliment each other so well, creating some of the best love songs you may ever hear.
contact Ansell Jordan at jordanamj@warhawks.ulm.edu
Image courtesy of Flickr
September 6, 2016
THE INDEPENDENT STUDENT NEWSPAPER AT THE UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA MONROE
PAGE 9
FREESTYLE
Willy Wonka gives his last tour Favorite memory of the movie Images courtesy of Flickr
“I love the scene with the song ‘Pure Imagination.’” - Jessica Griggs
by Cory Thaxton
The world of “Pure Imagination” has lost a legend. Gene Wilder is best known for his role as Willy Wonka in the 1971 film “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory”. “It is almost unbearable for us to contemplate our life without him,” Wilder’s nephew, Jordan Walker-Pearlman, said in a statement. Wilder was born Jerry Silberman in 1933. He was nominated for an Oscar twice in his career , once for best supporting actor for his role in “The Producers” and once for co-writing “Young Frankenstein” with Mel Brooks. The actor died at his Stanford Connecticut, home as a result of complications from Alzheimer’s disease. Wilder was previously diagnosed with NonHodgkin’s lymphoma. Wilder did not disclose his illness because he did not want to disappoint or confuse his fans. He co-founded the cancer outreach network Gilda’s Club — named after his wife, actress and comedian Gilda Radner, who died of cancer in 1989. In a 2013 interview, Wilder said he still receives letters daily from children asking
for an autograph. “It’s all because of Willy Wonka,” he told Robert Osborne in 2013. “Sometimes it’s someone who is 12-years-old, sometimes it’s 21-years-old, sometimes it’s 34-years-old. But they want to have it signed,” Wilder said. He last acted in a couple of episodes of “Will and Grace” in 2002-03 as Mr. Stein, winning an Emmy. Wilder’s memoir “Kiss Me Like a Stranger: My Search for Love and Art” was published in 2005. After that, he wrote fiction: the 2007 novel “My French Whore”; 2008’s “The Woman Who Wouldn’t”; a collection of stories, “What Is This Thing Called Love?,” in 2010; and the novella “Something to Remember You By: A Perilous Romance” in 2013. He is survived by his fourth wife Karen Boyer, whom he married in 1991, and by his nephew. His sister Corinne, predeceased him in January 2016. Despite Wilder’s illness, he still “continued to enjoy art, music and kissing with his leading lady of the last twenty-five years, Karen,” his nephew said.
“When he comes out at first acting all cripple then trips and falls and does a somersault back up and surprises everyone.” - Peyton Churchill
“‘Candy is dandy, but liquor is quicker.’” -Michael Roboski, Coordinator of Student Activities
“I liked how classic it was in general from the way they talked to the way they dressed. It felt original.” -Markeia May
“‘If you want to view paradise, simply look around and view it. Wanna change the world? There’s nothing to it.’” -Ansell Jordan
contact Cory Thaxton at thaxtocj@warhawks.ulm.edu
Fun facts about Gene Wilder • • • • • • • • • •
He was born Jerry Silberman, only to adopt his stage name at 26. Gene’s first role was Balthasar – Romeo’s manservant. Wilder became the first freshman to win the All-School Fencing Championship. Wilder was drafted into the Army on September 10, 1956. Gene Wilder’s first professional acting job was the Second Officer in Herbert. Berghof’s production of “Twelfth Night”. In 1971, Wilder auditioned to play Willy Wonka. He completely disliked Burton’s remake of “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.“ He was married four times. He was Jewish-Buddhist and a democrat. He didn’t accept any more movie roles after 1999.
Illistration by Michael Roboski
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THE INDEPENDENT STUDENT NEWSPAPER AT THE UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA MONROE
September 6, 2016
NEWS
AmeriCorp members awarded for their outstanding service by Sisam Shrestha
Giving back to the community is always a job well done but giving back time after time again shows an above and beyond attitude. Layken Ciruti, a senior health science marketing and management major, and Robert Johnson, a senior psychology major, fit perfectly into the latter description. “I wanted to do something,” said Johnson. “I got into [AmeriCorps], and I fell in love with it.” Johnson said he’s fallen in love with the program so much, he plans to open a developmental center for children after graduation. Ciruti said she heard about AmeriCorps through some friends. “They really touch your hearts,” said Ciruti. “I just kept going ever since.” Johnson has been a member of the organization for four terms, while Ciruti has been a member for three. For them, joining the organization was all for the children. “It’s a volunteer program,” said Ciruti. “In our specific AmeriCorps program, we work with underprivileged kids in West Monroe. We do after school program where we help them with their homework, we feed them dinner and we do a little fun activity before they go home,” Ciruti said. Be it mentoring children, cleaning the their tables after dinner, organizing fun events or teaching
them to overcome their fears, Ciruti and Johnson make sure to give their best for the future of the children in need. Their hardwork for the organization didn’t go unnoticed. Both Ciruti and Johnson received the AmeriCorps MVP Award. Johnson received the award on December 2015 while Ciruti recieved hers in August. According to Johnson, the MVP is selected by the AmeriCorps members on the basis of the efforts put in by the recipient, throughout a service term. However, Johnson said he doesn’t do it to win. “ I mean yeah it would be nice to win,” said Johnson., “but I don’t do it for the accolades and all that because that’s not what people are going to look at.” Both Ciruti and Johnson can admit that serving in AmeriCorps, has its own set of challenges the volunteers constantly face. Johnson said that at times one has to step back and realize that it’s not about how you feel but about trying to help a child out in the long run. “I realize that sometimes, as hard as it is for me to deal with it externally, the child has to deal with it internally,” said Johnson. “You know, I might be getting upset with them, but they might be getting upset with themselves.” Johnson and Ciruti recalled the times that were the most challenging,
yet the most rewarding. “During the summer, I met a child, and her and her brother did not have manners - didn’t know the yes ma’am, no ma’am, thank you and all that,” said Johnson. “No matter how many times I tried tell her to say it, she wouldn’t say it.” Johnson said he started a rule where if the little girl wanted something, she had to use manners. “She started picking up the thank you’s and may I’s and all that other stuff,” said Johnson. “I told her ‘go home and say thank you and please to your grandma and tell me how she reacts’ and she went home and she was telling me that her grandma was really happy when she started saying please and thank you.” Johnson said he wanted to teach the girl how to show gratefullness for the things people do for you. Ciruti taught her mentee how to not use her past challenges as an exucse. “Her mom couldn’t keep the lights on and stuff; it wasn’t because she was abused. She just couldn’t keep food on the table,” said Ciruti. “This woman that they knew adopted her and her sister.” Ciruti said that mentee is maturing and getting better. “You put so much work in at least one specific child because you’ll have those ones that you really connect with, and then you see how they’ve progressed over the time you’ve spent with them,” said Ciruti. “That’s really
photo by Robert Johnson
THE REAL MVPS: Layken Ciruti and Robert Johnson are all smiles as they show off the MVP Award trophy
rewarding.” Johnson and Ciruti work for the Ouachita Parish AmeriCorps, but the organization has its branches
nationwide and globally, too. “We also have something called a contact Sisam Shrestha at shrets8@warhawks.ulm.edu
Joseph Feliu: A bright life cut short by Olivia Barfield
Joseph Feliu, 19, died due to health complications following a stroke Sep. 2. Feliu was a sophomore political science major from Olive Branch, MS. Feliu was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis, a long-term inflammatory condition, in May 2015. According to his mother, Michelle Grantham Feliu, that is when his struggles began. His mother says that after a year
and a half of not getting it under control, Feliu was struck with a massive, ulcerative clolitis-related stroke. After a three-week battle to overcome the damage of the stroke, Feliu lost his life. Feliu’s mother says that he was a passionate man with a lot of ambition. “He loved drumming most and played with the Olive Branch Marching Band and was drumline captain,” Michelle said.
She adds that Feliu’s dream was to an atmospheric science major before march with the Cavaliers Drum Corp changing to political science. He was and to one day become president of an active member in the American the United States. Meteorological society until health “He loved his family, friends and complications prevented him from his country, and as a life donor he being on campus. died a hero in our eyes,” Michelle “Joseph was truly the life of the said. party. He was always very energetic Feliu will be missed by many on and loved hanging out,” Landry said. campus including several of his He added that Feliu was very driven atmospheric science friends said and motivated. atmospheric science major, Collin Landry. contact Olivia Barfield at Feliu spent his first year at ULM as barfieor@warhawks.ulm.edu
September 6, 2016
THE INDEPENDENT STUDENT NEWSPAPER AT THE UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA MONROE
PAGE 11
NEWS
photo courtesy ULM Photo Services
FLASHBACK FOUNTAIN: The 2014 PREP leaders and freshmen cheering during the Warhawk Spirit Competition ; the current status of the fountain renovation.
Filling in for the fountain What will replace the tradition? by SIsam Shrestha
By this point, everyone on campus must have noticed the big obstruction right in the center of the quad. The central embedded fountain is finally being replaced by an enclosed fountain. The new fountain will be a three tier brick fountain with four brick benches for students to sit. ULM started the renovation over the summer, and the new fountain is set to finish some time this semester. Along with this new renovation,
students also noticed that running through the fountain in Scott Plaza was officially removed from the 50 things to do before you graduate list this school year. While no one seems to know the history behind the student tradition, running through the fountain during the hot summer PREP Green sessions became a memory that’s left strong impressions on many Warhawks. “I heard a lot about it coming in,” said Lisa Rhodes, a sophomore biology major. “I thought it was really fun and definitely worth the mess. I’m glad I was able to participate.”
The Scott Plaza fountain was the base for staff and students to meet, but the new renovations caused confusion. “We had to move to the area in front of the SUB and didn’t really have a definite area to circle around for spirit competitions or to meet back up with groups after going to certain activities,” said Macey Green, a PREP staff member and sophomore atmospheric science major. “ It got confusing for the students to find where everyone was.” Although she never had the chance to run through the fountain, Green assures the fountain run was a great way to cool off during the summer heat and made PREP more fun. Although the old student traditon will no longer continue on, a new
tradition could take its place. Megan Kirk, a senior communication major suggested a coin be tossed into the fountain. “We can put a coin in our freshman year and take one out when we graduate,” said Kirk. Kim Mayberry, a sophomore social work major, said taking selfies by the new fountain and creating a hashtag to share with others would be a fun idea. Eddie Raimundi III, a junior kinesology, said singing the fight song and the aluma mater around the fountain before game day could be a new tradition. Taylor Ivey, an alumna at ULM, said though the idea isn’t orginal, a wishing well would be a good tradition. contact Sisam Shrestha at shrets8@warhawks.ulm.edu
photo by Ansell Jordan
Comment on Facebook:
What do you think should be the new fountain tradition? Our page: @ULMHawkeye
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THE INDEPENDENT STUDENT NEWSPAPER AT THE UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA MONROE
September 6, 2016
FREESTYLE
An extrordinary experience with unique cars by Alan Rawles
Cars are one of the most common forms of modern transportation. They get people from point A to point B and back to point A. But there are some cars that are made for more than monotonous point to point transportation. These are meticulously crafted pieces of machinery that people have worked on for countless hours. I have had a fascination with the more elite vehicles for most of my life. This weekend, I had the privilege to drive a few premier examples offered by Porsche, Ferrari and Nissan. Reading and seeing these cars is one part of the fantasy of knowing the cars exist, but driving them is a whole other adventure. The adrenaline rush of 500 plus horsepower is something most couldn’t prepare for. The extreme grip offered by the race-prepped suspension kept the car steady while I was tossed around in the seat like a ship in a storm. It’s cars like these that I enjoy the most. There are cars out there that aren’t worth six figures, yet they are just as special because they are
unique to the owner. Some owners would rather have a car that they could personally customize. Some vehicles are just uncommon, yet they have a surprisingly low price tag. Cars are unique to their owners for a host of reasons, and I have seen a few of these unique looking vehicles on campus. If you think your vehicle is unique, whether it’s by special modifications, it has a limited production run or it’s the only one of its kind on campus, let me know. I’d like to feature your car for the campus car people to see.
PORSCHE 911 GT3 THEY SEE ME ROLLIN’: Alan attends Xtream Xperience in New Orleans, LA on Saturday
contact Alan Rawles at rawlesar@warhawks.ulm.edu
ImImages by Alan Rawles
NISSAN GT-R
Church celebrates with annual block party by Brea Joyner
A couple of days after serving free steaks to students with the Baptist Collegiate Ministry, First Baptist Monroe hosted their first annual Downtown Block Party. In a short amount of time, this church came together to reach beyond their building. On Wednesday evening as the sun set, children were scattered around the multicolored inflatables and in the pit playing Daga ball, which is an enclosed dodge ball game. Older and young adults sat around the “Celebration of healing” bronze statue as they nodded to Bradley Bridges singing his mellow tunes. Even though FBM put on the event themselves, local businesses such as 88.7 The Cross and Power 92.7 showed their support by setting up their tent across the street from the food vendors.
In the 25 years Sarah Wheat had been a member, she would have never imagined herself serving the community with snow cones. “It’s been amazing to see our young [and] older members work together to put something like this together. Wheat said. “This probably could not had happened two years. ago.” According to FBM member June Jennings, the church had considered moving from the downtown area for quite some time. Though after years of growth and change, they realized that they were placed there for revival. “We’re embracing where we are, and we’re wanting to minister to our neighborhood,” Jennings said. “We just wanted to let them know that we’re here and we want to be apart of their community.” FBM’s newest additions to their church
home was the Doughty family. Pastor James Doughty was appointed to FBM on June 19th—a Fathers Day dedicated to serving his Father. Within two months of pastoring, Doughty and his church planned an event they wanted the entire community to be involved in. “We’re looking at doing more stuff downtown—something fun for families, college students and older adults,” Doughty said. Doughty’s wife Kirstyn also wanted to make sure their church’s ministry took full advantage of their location. “We’re actually a church that wants to get into this town, and show people God’s love,” Kirstyn said. First Baptist Monroe is located on 201 St. John Street. Services start at 10:30 a.m. every Sunday. contact Alan Rawles at rawlesar@warhawks.ulm.edu
Image by Brea Joyner
GET STICKY: Jace Davis, 4, enjoys snowcone Wednesday
September 6, 2016
THE INDEPENDENT STUDENT NEWSPAPER AT THE UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA MONROE
PAGE 13
FREESTYLE crossword
y l k e s e W sion s e s b O Across 1 Is blessed with, as talent 4 Creator of Finn and Sawyer 9 Leave rolling in the aisles 13 That, in Spain 14 “Olde” store 15 Ring over an angel 16 Crustacean catcher 18 Out of town 19 Intent 20 OB/GYN procedure 21 Hiding spot for a cheater’s ace 22 Put off bedtime 25 Weapon in Clue 27 Brewery product 30 “Defending our rights” org. 33 Electrified atoms 34 Scans for injured athletes, briefly 35 __ Mawr College 36 Piece of pizza 37 To-do list entry 38 Worse-thanone’s-bite quality
39 Online TV giant 40 Since, in a holiday song 41 Fifi’s friend 42 Slip for a tardy student 45 Like the Arctic, compared to most of the planet 47 Two-base hit 51 Debate issue 53 Illness characterized by a red rash 54 Soon, to a bard 55 Decorator’s wall prettifier 58 Subtle look 59 Lion groups 60 Former AT&T rival 61 Former fast planes 62 Unemotional 63 Bladed gardening tool Down 1 Makes a difference 2 “I won’t tell __!” 3 Buffalo hockey
player 4 Title venue for Hemingway’s old man 5 Sported 6 Kindle download 7 Wall St. debut 8 Volleyball barrier 9 SeaWorld star 10 Backyard bash 11 Jai __ 12 String-aroundyour-finger toy 14 Cooking appliance 17 Explore caves 20 Sailor’s word of obedience 22 Information that ruins the ending 23 Costner/Russo golf film 24 Basilica recess 26 Water down 28 Bank claim 29 Salinger’s “With Love and Squalor” girl 30 Palindromic pop group 31 Study all night 32 Keats or Byron,
e.g. 34 Pageant title with 51 contestants (the 50 states plus D.C.) 36 Roe source 42 Partners’ legal entity: Abbr. 43 Madison Ave. bigwig 44 Most TV “operas” 46 Sounds from sties 48 “Mutiny on the Bounty” captain 49 Slow movement 50 Perfumer Lauder 51 Four-note lightsout tune 52 Singles 53 Prefix with care 55 Collectors’ albums ... and a hint to six puzzle answers 56 Gallery collection 57 Chihuahua uncle
“You’re a good, good Father It’s who You are, it’s who You are, it’s who You are and I’m loved by You It’s who I am, it’s who I am, it’s who I am Chris Tomlin - Good Good Father
A place to share what you’re obsessed with this week! It can be something campus related, a song you have on repeat, someone you can’t stop thinking about or just about anything else you can think of. This Weeks Obsessions:
Armand Arcilla (Computer Science major): Beekeeping Brian Deslatte (Psychology major): Hats Pujan Dahal (Advocacy major): Writing Regan Conway (Secondary Education Earth Science major): Binge watching “Grey’s Anatomy” Matthew Troha (Pre-nursing major): The band “Oh Wonder” Kandace Moss(Psychology major): Avacodos and Beyonce Michael Roboski (Coordinator of Student Activites): Matthew McConaughey Megan Kirk (Journalism major): Her two cats Leela and Raven
* Submit your weekly obsessions to our Facebook page at facebook.com/ulmhawkeye for a* chance for it to be shown here!
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THE INDEPENDENT STUDENT NEWSPAPER AT THE UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA MONROE
September 6, 2016
SPORTS
Don’t idolize college athletes
John Stevens With the college football season underway, it is important to remind ourselves that college football players should not be made into super-star athletes that we worship every Saturday. When you lose the concept that these players are only in their early twenties and not fully matured men, you don’t understand their mistakes as easily. Whether their mistakes are on or off the field they’re bound to happen at some point. Off the field problems can be due to college athletes feeling like they should have celebrity treatment. In 2011, Texas A&M quarterback, Johnny Manziel was beginning his rise to fame, or should I say infamy? Either way he was a bigger than the university he played for. This is where his troubles off the field with drugs started to begin. If we as fans make a
Cross-country teams run Monroe The Men’s and Women’s cross country teams started off their season last week with a home meet at Selman field. Both teams placed high as the men came in first place and the women came in second place.
college football player seem like he’s invincible in every aspect of life, he’s going to eat it right up. We all know what happened to Manziel after his college career, he went to the NFL and just couldn’t get rid of that college lifestyle. While some may argue that it’s 100% his fault, I can’t help but to think the people around Johnny in college could have done their part. Off the field trouble isn’t the only reason we should be mindful that college football players are humans too. Last fall, Michigan took on Michigan State in a highly coveted, in-state rivalry contest, which ended in heartbreak for one team. With a two-point lead late in the game for his team, Michigan punter Blake O’Neill fumbled the snap and gave up possession to Michigan State’s Jalen Watts-Jackson, who ran the ball in the end-zone with no time left and won the game. After the game, Michigan fans were outraged and even set the young punter threats regarding his safety. This is clear evidence that we look at these collegiate athletes as robotic machines that should do no wrong. The Australian punter added after the game that he was sorry about what happened, but he was going to look
forward and move on with life. Why can’t we as fans do the same thing? Is it because we spend way too much money buying tickets or apparel to support our teams? Or maybe because we feel entitled to the fact they they’re representing our school and we don’t want them to embarrass us. Either way it’s selfish. There’s no other way to put it. While we do support our favorite schools, we are in no way apart of their team. No matter how much athletic foundations want you to feel like you’re apart of the team, you’re not. No matter how much money you donate to the alumni foundation, you’re still not the one putting on the pads. So stop treating the players like the heroes we make them out to be. Stop with the violent threats when they botch a last second field goal or drop a crucial pass on fourth down. There’s no room in college football for selfishness. If we treat these players like they’re larger than life, it’s only going to allow for more mistakes on and off the field. So get out and support the team every weekend, but keep it within moderation please.
The men took the first place finish by three runners placing in the topfive. Among those three were Kip Victor (16:39) in second, Elias Keter (16:44) in third and Brandon McDonald (17:02) in fifth. Grambling’s Aaron Koech won the race by finishing only three seconds ahead of Victor. On the women’s side Angela
Jepichirchir set the pace for the team placing seventh in the meet (20:30). With three women in the top 15 of the race, the women were able to take second place as a team finishing only behind Southern Miss. The ULM cross-country team’s look ahead to their next schedule meet, the Mook invitational in Ruston, which is set for September 17th.
contact John Stevens at stevenjr@warhawks.ulm.edu
Colonels take backseat to warhawk soccer team by Jerimee Washington
It was a great win for the ULM soccer team as they defeated the Nicholls State Colonels 1-0 in last Friday’s matchup. Goalkeeper Brooke Scroggins had an exceptional game posting the second shutout of her career. Senior defenseman, Emely Portillo, also had great success controlling the tempo of the game with her aggressive style. Mia Walters had a solid game as well, recording three shots. It was a defensive battle before
the half as both teams failed to capitalize on their opportunities. You could see the frustration mounting on the coach and player’s faces as the first half came to an end. However, head coach Keyton Wheelock was much more pleased with the approach the team took in the second half. “To come out and get a goal in the second half
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ULM vs Nichols 1-0 Victory for ULM “I was very excited to take advantage of my opportunity and put the ball in the back of the net. We have all been working hard and it was really exciting to get that goal and get the win.” -Cke’Lana Caesar after her t eam-leading third of the season
September 6, 2016
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SPORTS “Soccer” continued from page 14
photo by Matthew Johnson
KEEP IT GOING: Whitney Tuckfield makes a play on the ball looking to advance it towards the net
second half and actually get more of an offensive attack is nice to see, because normally in the second half teams are tired, so to get another goal, I am pleased with how that went,” said Wheelock. With a strong second half performance the Warhawks showed much more life-generating chance around the net. In the 72nd minute the Warhawks forced a corner that ended with sophomore forward Cke’Lana Caesar knocking in a header to give ULM a 1-0 lead. The goal brought life to the team and fans in attendance. “It was an awesome feeling. Our team has worked so hard building from the back and attacking it feels good to finally put it in the back of the net,” said Caesar. The Warhawks offensive game was the only reason they came out with the win Friday afternoon. Goalkeeper Brooklynn Scroggins
was nothing shy of clutch late in the game to preserve the lead for the Warhawks. “She has definitely stepped up this year in this preseason as well as the first part of the season. She’s been called on many times and has answered every single one,” said Wheelock. Looking ahead, Scroggins hopes that the team can keep the momentum heading into upcoming games. “Our team works very well off energy. We have a lot of positive energy coming out of this game, and I believe that we can translate that to Sunday’s game with our heads high,” said Scroggins. The ULM soccer team looks to keep up the strong performances this Friday against in-state rival Louisiana Tech. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. at the Louisiana Tech soccer complex. contact Jerimee Washington at washinjd@warhawks.ulm.edu
Volleyball ends losing drought in Arkansas by John Stevens
Coming off another road loss last week against Northwestern State, ULM volleyball headed up to Conway Arkansas in hopes to change their luck against Alcorn State and Incarnate Word. After the loss against Northwestern State head coach Patrick Hiltz wished he could have seen the positive attitude stay the same. “Last weekend, whether we were winning or losing, the attitude stayed up. Tonight it dropped off when things stopped going our way,” said Hiltz. Still looking for their first win the Warhawks came out strong in their first set against Alcorn State. After getting the first point of the match, the Warhawks continued to
keep up the success and went on a nine point run before going on to win the set (25-9). Long runs would be the theme of the match for ULM as they started the second set on a 12-0 run led by freshmen outside hitter, Grace Convey. With another dominating performance and the team hitting 85 percent, the Warhawks went on to take the second set (25-7). “It was nice to see everyone play well. The energy was very high throughout the match both on the court as well as on the bench. When we have fun, we play well,” said Hiltz. Mistakes were the biggest difference for the teams in the match against Alcorn State. No attackers recorded errors in the match for ULM while Alcorn State recorded 18 total errors. In the third set, Alcorn State broke
KILLING IT: Hope Pawlik celebrates a kill during Saturday’s matches.
double digits on the scoreboard, but ULM regrouped and went on another eight point run late to take the set (2511) and win the match 3-0. Hiltz was happy with how his team performed in their first win of the season. “Serving was very good and our hitters did an excellent job, “ said Hiltz. “I am hopeful we can carry some momentum over into the next match. I have no reason to believe that we won’t.” With their first win behind them the team now looked to continue their solid play against Incarnate
photo courtesy ULM Athletics
Word. While they were a much After the teams were tied at 21, ULM tougher opponent, ULM came out pulled away late and left Incarnate with strong performances by Hope Word behind winning the set (25-22) Pawlik and Kalena Curthers who and the match 3-0. combined, recorded 19 kills. “When they caught us at 21 we In the first set, the Warhawks stayed calm, stayed in the moment defensive play helped them overcome and played with great composure. the Incarnate Word and they won a We beat a good team today. It should close battle, (25-18). only fuel our confidence,” said Hiltz. In the second set, the Warhawks ULM Volleyball looks to continue took a 6-1 lead early and didn’t look their success this weekend in Arkansas back with Kacey LeBlanc’s seven digs as they head to Nacogdoches, Texas to leading the way. ULM kept up their take on Stephen F. Austin on Tuesday defensive work and went on to win at 6:30 p.m. the set (25-15). With a total of nine ties in the third contact John Stevens at set, the Warhawks were tested greatly. stevenjr@warhawks.ulm.edu
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THE INDEPENDENT STUDENT NEWSPAPER AT THE UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA MONROE
September 6, 2016
SPORTS
Hawks win first game against Southern photo by Matthew Johnson
IN FOR THE DIVE:Quarterback Garrett Smith stretches for the first down marker in Saturday’s game against Southern. by John Stevens
In front of a crowd of over 24,000, the ULM football team started their season off with a win last Saturday against the Southern University Jaguars by defeating them at home 38-21. With starting running back Tyler Cain out due to NCAA eligibility issues, the Warhawks would call on Ben Luckettt who rushed for 110 yards to pick up the slack. Also lead by quarterback Garrett Smith who threw for 208 yards and 20 completions, the Warhawks had a very strong offensive game. Head coach of ULM football, Matt Viator, expanded on Smith’s play Saturday night. “He can only get better in this system. He gives us a chance with his running and his throwing, He’s very competitive.” The Warhawks won the coin toss, but decided to defer to the second half giving the ball to the Jaguars to start the game. After a couple of third down conversions and a 30-yard reception by Southern’s Curtlan Willams, the Jaguars took a 3-0 lead with a 42-yard field goal by Ruan Albuquerque. ULM would respond with a 13-yrd touchdown reception by Jared Mapps to make it 7-3. After each team-exchanged
possession on sloppy offensive plays, the Warhawks finally found their rhythm again with the run game. That rhythm came in Luckett when he ran for a 30-yard touchdown with 3:16 left in the first quarter to make the score 14-3. “It felt good to be able to get that touchdown for the team early and liven the environment,” said Luckett. The Jaguars proved that they were not to be tossed around, responding with a touchdown drive of their own when Lenerd Tillary ran for 46 yards on the drive alone. Including a 2-yard touchdown rush to cap off the drive. After the Jaguars scored, both teams’ defenses settled down and started to force stops, including an interception for Southern’s Danny Johnson with 1:47 left in the first half. The Jaguars however could not get a score before the end of the half leaving the score at halftime 14-12 Warhawks. In the second half, the Warhawks came out with a strong offense, moving the chains into the red zone quickly. However with it being first and goal on the Jaguars one-yard line Garrett Smith was intercepted yet again by Danny Johnson giving the Jaguars possession. ULM regrouped however after forcing a punt, as Garret Smith connected with Marcus Green for a 28-yard touchdown pass.
After the ULM touchdown in the third quarter, both teams would trade field goals to make the score 24-15 heading into the fourth quarter. Quarterback Garrett Smith proved his versatile skill set by not only scoring in the air but also rushing for a 13-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter. Southern would respond to make it only a ten-point game late with a 9-yard touchdown reception by Willie Quinn. However ULM put the game away with a late 6-yard touchdown run by Austin Vaughn to make the final score of the game 38-21 with the Warhawks on top. The football team was very happy with the crowd that showed up to Malone Stadium Saturday. Senior defensive back Tre Hunter talked about what the crowd can do to help a team. “We hadn’t seen a crowd like that in along time. It brings a lot more energy to the game and makes us bring the juice to play well for the crowd,” said Hunter. The Warhawks will also look to bring the juice against the Oklahoma Sooners at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, September 10th at 6 p.m.
FINAL SCORE: ULM: 38 Southern: 21 Quick facts: Garrett Smith threw for 208 yards and 2 touchdowns and rushed for 150 yards and 1 touchdown. Ben Luckett rushed for 110 yards and finished with 1 touchdown. David Griffith finished with 14 total tackles and 1 sack for a 9-yard loss.
photo by Matthew Johnson contact John Stevens at stevenjr@warhawks.ulm.edu
STAYING AFOOT: Warhawks take a tackle during Saturday’s game against Southern.