The Commonwealth Times; Nov. 18, 2020 by VCU Student Media Center

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VOL. 62, NO. 13 NOVEMBER 18, 2020

TRUMP CASTS DOUBT ON

ELECTION RESULTS Supporters stop in Richmond Story on page 2

Photo by Enza Marcy Photo illustration by Raymond Liu

MEET THE TEAM:

Men’s basketball’s young roster leads Rams into 2020-21 campaign Illustration by Lauren Johnson

Story on page 5

2 The Commonwealth Times

Stories of the week

national: President Donald Trump fired a Department of Homeland Security official who rejected claims of voter fraud in the presidential election. international: Thousands of refugees are fleeing ongoing violence in Ethiopia’s Tigray region, bringing fears of civil war.

JACKSON REBRACA Contributing Writer After weeks of President Donald Trump claiming rigged election results, right-wing conspiracy site Infowars led a “Stop the Steal” caravan across the country to contest the results of the election. The caravan, led by Infowars host Owen Shroyer, stopped in Richmond on Thursday and drew a crowd of roughly 200 people. At one point, Shroyer asked how many people in the crowd were from Virginia — less than a quarter of the people gathered raised their hands. One group of attendees identified themselves as part of the “boogaloo” movement, an anti-government group whose members are often armed at political demonstrations. “I hope Biden wins so that we can go to war,” organizer Mike Dunn said to a demonstrator during the event. A small group of counterprotesters, including some VCU students, also attended the event. “You heard people saying, like, ‘we’re going to run communists over,’” said Taylor Maloney, president of VCU’s Student Government Association. “They’re probably dead serious. If they got the chance, they’d probably hit one of us with their car.” The caravan traveled to Washington on Saturday. Multiple groups, including the far right fascist Proud Boys and members of the “boogaloo” movement, violently clashed with counterprotesters and press. One journalist at the event said she was stabbed in the ear by a Proud Boys member. Trump has refused to concede the election, meanwhile, President-elect Joe Biden has announced the details of a COVID-19 task force that he plans to implement after his inauguration on Jan. 20. The Associated Press reported Biden leads Trump in electoral votes, 290 and 232 respectively, with only Georgia’s results remaining uncalled. Biden passed the

against widespread voter fraud without any evidence to back these claims. On Tuesday, Trump fired Christopher Krebs, director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Agency, after the official repeatedly vouched for the reliability of election results. VCU political science professor John Aughenbaugh acknowledged the struggles many people face, which could cause them to turn to a politician like Trump. He listed the steady outsourcing of blue-collar jobs and rapidly changing demographics as some of the fears fueling Trump’s campaign. “I’m not very optimistic that there are policies or that current systems will address their concerns,” said Aughenbaugh about Trump supporters. Trump is the first president in U.S. history to refuse to concede the election, a custom that dates back to 1896 when William A Trump supporter who idenitifed as Shannon, left, and SGA President Taylor Maloney Jennings Bryan lost to former President discuss politics and the act of wearing a mask on Thursday. Photo by Enza Marcy William McKinley and congratulated him on his win. Trump’s campaign has continually sent emails and text notifications calling on “patriots” to “defend the election.” Following messages from the president, supporters of Trump poured out to polling locations and protested outside ballot-counting offices. Some resorted to extreme measures in an attempt to ensure a second term for Trump. On Nov. 6, two armed men from Chesapeake, Virginia, were arrested outside of benchmark of 270 electoral votes to secure counted and intentional attempts were the Philadelphia Convention Center after the presidency on Nov. 7. made to throw out ballots for the Republi- officers found loaded handguns and 160 The General Services Administration is can incumbent. rounds of ammunition in their car. The men tasked with formally recognizing Biden as Only one of the suits has been ruled believed fake ballots were being counted. the president-elect and starting the transi- in Trump’s favor, while most cases were For many Trump supporters, the fervor tion process. Department head Emily Mur- dismissed. A Pennsylvania court ruled hinges on the belief that Trump is the last phy has not begun the transition process, that some ballots must be segregated in defense of American democracy. This inand funds reserved for building Biden’s ad- case the state’s extended election dead- cludes Mack Crawford, a Trump supporter ministration have not been released. lines are found unconstitutional. Experts from Maryland who attended the “Stop the Trump has filed numerous lawsuits to are skeptical the ballots will impact the Steal” rally in Richmond. contest election results, most of which are election’s outcome. “I’m afraid that if we can’t get this fixed filed in Michigan and Pennsylvania. The Since August, Trump has questioned here in the next 60 or 70 days, we’re never suits claim fraudulent mail-in ballots were the security of mail-in ballots and warned going to have a chance,” Crawford said.

TRUMP CASTS DOUBT ON ELECTION RESULTS Supporters stop in Richmond

Northam ramps up COVID-19 restrictions for alcohol sales, restaurants, in-person gatherings KATHARINE DEROSA News Assistant New COVID-19 restrictions implemented this week caused stress among restaurant owners who have adapted to on-the-fly changes throughout the summer and fall. City Dogs, an American-style restaurant in Richmond, opened its first location in Shockoe Slip in 2008 and a second location closer to VCU’s campus in 2009. Owner Cliff Irvy said the new restrictions will have a negative effect on his business. “I wasn’t happy,” Irvy said. “That was my reaction.” Gov. Ralph Northam tightened restrictions on gatherings and mask wearing as COVID-19 cases in the United States spiked well past summer averages. Restrictions went into effect on Monday. In a press release Friday, Northam announced heightened restrictions on in-person gatherings, increased mask requirements, alcohol curfews for bars and restaurants and increased enforcement of these policies. “COVID-19 is surging across the country, and while cases are not rising in Virginia

as rapidly as in some other states, I do not intend to wait until they are,” Northam said in the release. The University of Virginia’s weekly COVID-19 report, released Friday, shows that cases in southwest Virginia are surging. Richmond and neighboring counties are experiencing “slow growth” in coronavirus cases. The report shows states bordering Virginia, excluding the District of Columbia, with a double-digit increase in incidences over the last seven days — all seeing more than 20 cases per 100,000 residents. With lower case numbers, the report says Virginia “increasingly looks like an island.” Northam’s executive order limited the number of people permitted at in-person, public or private gatherings from 250 to 25. Children over 5 years old are now required to wear masks in indoor public spaces. Previously, the order only included children 10 and over. Alcoholic beverages can’t be sold at dinein establishments after 10 p.m., according to the order. Restaurants are not permitted to sell food for dine-in between the hours of midnight and 5 a.m. Takeout and delivery

of both alcohol and food may continue after 6 feet. Now, establishments that fail to do so these times. can be charged with a Class 1 misdemeanor Irvy said the company relies on alcohol by the Virginia Department of Health. sales for 40% of revenue. City Dogs has According to the release, Virginia has been running “skeleton payrolls,” which Irvy a daily average of 1,500 cases; 300 cases said include fewer servers and bartenders. higher than its peak in May. As of Tuesday, “We depend on it,” Irvy said of alcohol Virginia has had 206,762 total cases and a sales. “You can’t pay your team if you’re not 7-day testing positivity rate of 7.4%, per the getting it on the front end.” Virginia Department of Health. Gyms are permitted to have 75% occuVCU reported 35 active coronavirus caspancy for the entire gym, but gym exercise es as of Tuesday. The university dashboard classes cannot have more than 25 people or has reported a total of 454 cases since 75% capacity, whichever is fewer. mid-August. The percent positivity rate of Public beaches may not have gatherings symptomatic testing on campus is 25.2% of more than 25 people. Private amusement and the percent positivity rate for asymppark bookings may not exceed 25 people, tomatic prevalence testing is 0.17%. and total occupancy cannot exceed 250 people. Spectators at sporting events must be limited to 30% of the recommended capacity or 25 people. Races and marathons can have up to 250 • Public and private gatherings limited to participants granted that 25 people they are split into groups of 25 or less. • Face coverings required in indoor public Public and private gathspaces for those over the age of 5 erings are limited to 25 people, however, this does • Violations in essential retail businesses not include gatherings for punishable by a Class 1 misdemeanor work and school. • On-site consumption of alcohol Under previous guideprohibited after 10 p.m. lines, businesses had to enforce mask-wearing and Infographic by Raymond Liu social distancing of at least

Virginia’s new COVID-19 guidelines

Wed. November 18, 2020 3

VCU offering free COVID-19 testing amid winter break worries SANJANA RAVULAPALLI Contributing Writer

Photo Illustration by Raymond Liu

Online open house yields higher attendance ANYA SCZERZENIE Staff Writer An event showcasing VCU’s campus and housing options for potential students continued online this semester, and although some students saw faults in the virtual format, the university noted an increase in attendance. VCU held its virtual open house event for incoming students from Nov. 9-13. It, like most university events, shifted from in-person to online due to COVID-19. Last month’s open house had 1,147 students in attendance, VCU spokesperson Michael Porter said. A similar, in-person event held last October had 427 attendees. There is not yet accurate data on attendance during this month’s open house. Porter attributes the increase in attendance to the accessibility of the virtual setting. “Even within this virtual setting, we have been able to create an interactive and engaging event by incorporating Zoom breakout sessions and featuring a variety of faculty, staff, and student panels,” Porter said in an email. The weeklong November event included live chat sessions with representatives from different schools, including VCUArts, School of Business, College of Engineering and College of Humanities and Sciences. The university also held a virtual Student Resource Fair, which introduced prospective students to the student clinic, academic advising and the University Student Commons. Porter said most of the departments that participated in previous open houses were in attendance for the virtual event. Some freshmen who attended virtual open house and orientation events during spring and summer said they didn’t get as much engagement as they wanted. Freshman Paryana Dhindsa, an art foundations student, said it was hard to motivate herself to go to the virtual orientation for her major. “All the orientations were a little bit boring,” Dhindsa said. “It was kind of early, quarantine had messed up my sleep schedule, so I ended up sleeping through some of my orientation.” Kathleen Covas, an elementary education major, said she went to an online orientation and toured the dorms online. “I would have liked to have in-person, but I don’t think it would have changed my decision that much,” the freshman said. At a VCU board of visitors meeting in September, one of the major concerns

discussed by members was recruitment. Enrollment has seen a slight downward trend over the past two years, especially among incoming freshmen. Sophomore pre-nursing major Michelle Ugarte-Nuñez said she is concerned that incoming students won’t get the same experience she received at her open house, which she attended as a senior in high school. “I got to walk around campus for a full day, I got to go to the bookstore and really get a feel for campus,” Ugarte-Nuñez said. “I’m worried that students who are coming here won’t be able to do that. It’s hard to get a feel for VCU just from pictures.” Ugarte-Nuñez said she’s not surprised that the October open house had more attendees but thinks it probably had less overall engagement. “In online learning, there can be a lot of attendance, but the engagement can be so low,” Ugarte-Nuñez said.

Mass communications major Julia Daum is heading home and traveling out of state during winter break. But due to Richmond’s case numbers, the sophomore said she will get a precautionary COVID-19 test before she returns to Fauquier County. As the end of the semester approaches, students are preparing to head home for winter break. With more than 400 total positive cases of COVID-19 reported on the university’s dashboard, students are contemplating how to keep themselves and their families safe during the nearly two-month-long break. Daum said her at-home community has been handling the pandemic well. Fauquier County has reported 1,291 total coronavirus cases as of Tuesday, per the Virginia Department of Health. Daum will be working during the break and said she plans to get tested periodically so she doesn’t put anyone at risk. “Both my parents have been extremely safe,” Daum said in a direct message. “We live out in the country, so there aren’t many people/crowds.” VCU reported 434 total cases of COVID-19 this semester and about a 25% positivity rate, according to the university dashboard on Tuesday. Students who test positive or are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms must report to Student Health Services. VCU implemented restrictions and resources to protect against the spread of the virus and will continue to do so upon return from winter break. Restrictions and resources include: •

I feel like visiting is more personal. You don’t really get a sense of the community if you can’t see the environment.”

• • •

Health checks for students on and off campus Supply kits with hand sanitizer and masks Encouraging physical distancing guidelines Requiring return-to-campus training

Psychology major Sanika Lawate said she will be following guidelines by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, such as washing her hands for 20 seconds, wiping down groceries and practicing social distancing while home for break. Lawate said her family and friends have been careful to limit interactions with others and wear masks, but she’s concerned COVID-19 cases could spike nationwide as people gather for the holidays. “People really want to see their families, especially for the holidays,” the senior said. “Even if they are taking precautions, it’s still worrisome.” According to Director of Communications and Marketing Matthew Lovisa, VCU is offering optional, no-cost exit testing for students returning home. Residential and off-campus VCU students can sign up for an at-will testing appointment on the OneVCU website. “Students who plan to return home, especially those who may have contact with at-risk family members, are urged to participate in exit testing,” Lovisa said in an email. Residential students will be required to take another COVID-19 entry test and must test negative in order to return to campus and regain access to spring semester residence halls. VCU recommends that students follow CDC guidelines for travel during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Brandt and Rhoads residence halls. Photo by Alessandro Latour

Ian Embry, junior psychology major

Data from the board of visitors shows that more than 600 students who were accepted to VCU chose not to enroll, a 200-person increase from last year. These students cited that they were attending other institutions, going to community college or staying home due to the pandemic. Junior psychology major Ian Embry, who transferred from Tidewater Community College, visited the campus his junior year of high school. “I feel like the campus won me over a lot,” Embry said. Embry said that if he hadn’t gone to visit VCU’s campus, he might have chosen to go to Virginia Tech. “I feel like visiting is more personal,” Embry said. “You don’t really get a sense of the community if you can’t see the environment.”

Students Anh Hoang, left, and Neya Singh wear masks as they work in Monroe Park. Photo by Enza Marcy

4 The Commonwealth Times

A political sign urges voters to vote out sitting President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence outside a home in Richmond’s Fan District. Photo by Ada Romano, Capital News Service

ADA ROMANO Capital News Service

Virginia Latino voters excited for Biden presidency

The Latino vote went to different candidates around the nation, but in Virginia a majority of Latinos favored former Vice President Joe Biden and are hopeful he’ll reverse President Donald Trump’s immigration policies. More than 60% of Latinos in Virginia voted for Biden during this year’s presidential election, while almost 40% supported Trump, according to exit polls conducted by The Washington Post and other media organizations. In comparison, 65% of Latinos in the state supported Hillary Clinton in 2016, according to The Washington Post. A majority of Latinos voted for Biden nationally, but Trump drew more Latinos in two swing states - Florida and Georgia - than the last presidential election, according to The Washington Post analysis. In the U.S., about 30% of Latinos identify as conservative, roughly the same percentage say they’re moderate and another 30% label themselves liberal, according to a study by the Pew Research Center. Elizabeth Guzmán, a Democratic state delegate who is running for lieutenant governor, said the days following Election Day were the four longest days of her life, but the wait was worth it because she was overjoyed to see Biden and California Sen. Kamala Harris defeat Trump. “As an immigrant myself, I think about the new Vice President Kamala Harris, and I think about my daughters and their future in this country,” Guzmán said in a video posted to Twitter. Guzmán said Biden put more Latinos in leadership roles and understands that there is diversity in the Latino community. Biden hired Jennifer Molina as his campaign’s Latino media director to engage with the Latino community and encourage them to vote. “He wanted to hear our voices, and his agenda showed that he saw our contributions,

especially as frontline workers in this pandemic,” Guzmán said. Edgar Aranda-Yanoc, the executive director of the Virginia Coalition of Latino Organizations, said recipients of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals and Temporary Protected Status program were worried about being deported due to Trump’s policies. “It has really been a nightmare for the immigrant community, especially those who are benefitting [from DACA and Temporary Protected Status programs] and their relatives,” Aranda-Yanoc said. “Of course there were legal challenges keeping alive the hope that this someday can be fixed permanently.” TPS allows immigrants from countries facing political conflict, natural disasters or other extraordinary conditions to legally live in the U.S. The Trump administration attempted to end the program but it was later extended until January 2021. DACA allowed children who immigrated to the U.S. before the age of 16 to remain in the country legally. Biden plans to end Trump’s immigration policies such as those that allowed children to be separated from their parents at the border, according to his website. Trump’s family separation policy resulted in 2,500 migrant children being separated from their parents, according to a recent press release from the House Judiciary Committee. Biden also plans to surge humanitarian resources to the border, reinstate DACA, ensure Dreamers are eligible for federal student aid and protect the TPS program as well as provide a path to citizenship for TPS holders who have been in the country for an extended period of time, according to his website. The Virginia Coalition of Latino Organizations doesn’t endorse political candidates, Aranda-Yanoc said. The organization is focused on resolving issues that impact the Latino community such as immigration

reform and education. The organization provided information to the immigrant community about voting rights before the election, including how to receive assistance with possible voter intimidation. Aranda-Yanoc said he was excited to see the turnout of Latino voters and said this is because Latinos care about topics like immigration and COVID-19, which were often discussed by Biden and Trump on the campaign trail.

Trump’s feelings are as irrelevant as he is. It is not part of his DNA to acknowledge he has lost.” Del. Elizabeth Guzmán, D-Woodbridge Latinos, Asians, African Americans and Native Americans are disproportionately affected by COVID-19 in the U.S., according to data from The COVID Tracking Project, a volunteer organization launched by two journalists from The Atlantic that publishes daily COVID-19 data. Latinos make up 26% of the cases and 9% of deaths in Virginia, according to the report. Virginia has reported race and ethnicity data for 81% of cases and 97% of deaths. Just over 60% of the state’s population is white, 20% is Black and 10% is Hispanic or Latino, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Biden also plans to end for-profit immigration detention centers and ensure facilities used to temporarily house asylum-seeking migrants are held to high standards of safety, according to his website. Guzmán said Immigration and Customs Enforcement

agents should be held accountable for the mistreatment of immigrants in detention centers. The American Civil Liberties Union reported that they filed over 50 lawsuits against ICE detention centers around the country since the beginning of the pandemic. Twenty people have died in ICE detention centers since October 2019, according to the ACLU. Aranda-Yanoc said the organization’s position will always be against immigration detention centers because immigrants are often mistreated in these facilities. “They are profiting from the suffering and pain of our immigrant community,” Aranda-Yanoc said. “They’re putting people in there just to deport them and unfortunately they’re not well treated there.” In addition to Biden’s focus on the immigrant community, Guzmán emphasized the importance of having diverse representation in leadership roles because it shows young girls and women of color that there are “no limits on their dreams.” Biden noted in his first speech as president-elect that Harris is the first Black woman in the history of the U.S. to be elected vice president. “And I will be honored to be serving with a fantastic vice president, Kamala Harris, who will make history as the first woman, first Black woman, first woman of South Asian descent and first daughter of immigrants ever elected to national office in this country,” Biden said. Trump refuses to concede to Biden and stated in a tweet Monday, over a week after the race was called, that he won the election. Guzmán said people chose Biden and Harris, and they will be sworn in in January regardless of how Trump feels. “Trump’s feelings are as irrelevant as he is,” Guzmán said. “It is not part of his DNA to acknowledge he has lost.” Biden’s inauguration will take place Jan. 20 outside the U.S. Capitol in Washington.

Wed. November 18, 2020 5

Stat of the week

VCU Athletics registered 328 new voters this year, the most of any school participating in the Secure the Ballot, Ballot Bowl competition.

RYAN GRUBE Contributing Writer KAITLYN FULMORE Contributing Writer

EN’S BASKETBALL IS GEARING UP for the approaching season nearly eight months after their last game and without a significant portion of last season’s offense. The team took a hit when leading scorer and rebounder Marcus Santos-Silva transferred to Texas Tech in late April. Then the Rams lost 71% of their scoring production when five players graduated in May. Coach Mike Rhoades’ bunch heads into their 2020-21 schedule with a revamped roster oozing with young talent. Underclassmen make up more than half of the team: four freshmen and five sophomores. The Rams welcomed two transfers this season as well, and both are eligible to play. Freshman forward JAMIR WATKINS will join VCU’s freshman class on the court this season. The former three-star recruit out of Trenton, New Jersey, helped lead Trenton Catholic Academy to a state quarterfinals appearance and led the Burlington County League with an average of 23.5 points. His accolades earned him a Third Team AllState selection by NJ.com following his senior year. The 6-foot-7-inch, 205-pound forward was named Trentonian Area Player of the Year and Mercer County Tournament MVP in 2020. Freshman guard ADRIAN “ACE” BALDWIN became VCU’s highest recruit of the 2020 class with a four-star rating, according to ESPN. Baldwin began his college career fresh after a lucrative four-year run at St. Frances Academy in Baltimore, Maryland. He was named First Team All-State his final three years in high school, and he was a three-time MVP of the Baltimore County Tournament. The 6-foot, 190-pound point guard averaged 11.1 points, 7.3 assists and 3.0 steals per game as a senior. Freshman forward MIKEAL BROWNJONES chose the Rams over Penn State, Temple, Villanova and South Florida. Brown-Jones headlined an IMG Academy squad that posted a 50-8 record in his two seasons with the team. The Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, native helped lead the sports academy to a Geico High School Nationals Championship and a 31-1 record in 201819. Brown-Jones connected on 61% of his field goals, including 39% from deep, and averaged 17.9 points and 7.1 rebounds per game in his senior year. Sophomore guard NAH’SHON “BONES” HYLAND, VCU’s highest returning scorer, posted a scoring average of 9 points –– the highest by a VCU freshman since the 199899 season –– and became the first Ram on the A-10 All-Rookie Team since Melvin Johnson in 2013. The Wilmington, Delaware, native set a single-season program record for 3-pointers made by a freshman: 63 in 2019-20. Hyland played in all 31 games as a freshman, making nine starts, including the final seven contests of the season for the black and gold. Hyland recorded a season-high 21 points in a win over St. Bonaventure on Jan. 18. Junior forward VINCE WILLIAMS JR. dealt with hand and ankle injuries during his sophomore campaign, appearing in 21 games with three starts. The 6-foot-6-inch, 220-pound forward averaged 4.2 points and 2.8 rebounds per game in 2019-20. His best outing of the season recorded 11 points, seven rebounds, and three steals in an 84-82 win over LSU. Williams notched double-scoring figures

20 season, a loss to Davidson on March 6. Clark averaged 2.1 points and 0.8 rebounds, and capped off a promising freshman year with 14 total assists. Senior forward COREY DOUGLAS’ ability to run the floor and block shots will help during the upcoming season as one of only two seniors on the roster. Standing at 6-foot-8-inches, the Louisville, Kentucky, native blocked 24 shots in the last season, second-most on the team. He shot just under 50% from the field last season, averagJamir Watkins Adrian Baldwin Mikeal Brown-Jones ing 3.5 points. Douglas, who started three games last season, could break his way into the starting rotation. Freshman guard ARNOLD HENDERSON VI is set to be a preferred walk-on this season. During his freshman year, the Richmond native played in a total of seven games and logged 14 total minutes of play. He made his college debut last year against Jacksonville State, which included his first career 3-pointer. Henderson also converted on two field goal attempts against George Washington last season. Nah’shon Hyland Vince Williams Jr. KeShawn Curry Sophomore forward HASON WARD’S shot blocks and ability to score from wherever on the court will be something to look out for this season. Ward, the second tallest player standing at 6-feet-9-inches, played in 24 games last season and averaged 3 points, two rebounds and 7.1 minutes. With his 7-foot4-inch wingspan, Ward blocked a total of 15 shots last season. The St. Thomas, Barbados, native logged a career-high 10 points against George Washington last season. Sophomore guard JARREN MCALLISTER returns to the Rams for a second season after seeing increased play time during conference games. The former three-star recruit known for his high motor and athleticism was ranked the No. 9 player in the Virginia 2020 class by 247Sports.com. Last year, McAllister had a season-high 8 points against St. Bonaventure, along with two steals. Freshman guard JOSH BANKS is one of Jimmy Clark Corey Douglas Arnold Henderson VI four freshmen joining the VCU roster. He chose the Rams over Temple, Providence, Virginia Tech and other universities. Banks had an impressive repertoire in high school; he was in the 2020 First Team All-State selection and was the two-time SoMECK7 Conference Player of the Year. Banks’ offensive scoring ability ranges from outside and inside the arc with an average of 24 points his senior year. Senior forward LEVI STOCKARD III received a waiver in September from the NCAA allowing him to play this season as Hason Ward Jarren McAllister Josh Banks a transfer. Arriving at VCU after playing 100 collegiate games at Kansas State, the 6-foot-8-inch forward averaged 3.7 points and 2.6 rebounds in 16.6 minutes and had a career-high of 17 points against Saint Louis last season. With a shooting percentage of .500 from the field and .686 from the line, fans are hopeful Stockard will anchor VCU in the offense. Junior center BRENDAN MEDLEY-BACON joins the Rams as a transfer after two years at Coppin State. Medley-Bacon received a waiver from the NCAA on Nov. Levi Stockard III Brendan Medley-Bacon 4 to play after proving to be an outstandIllustrations by Lauren Johnson ing shot-blocker and rebounder in the three times, finishing with a season high of rebounds in a close loss to Tennessee. Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference. He 13 points in a narrow loss to No. 5 Dayton. Sophomore guard JIMMY “TRE” CLARK averaged 12.5 rebounds and 2.9 blocks per Junior guard KESHAWN CURRY, a high- will be a reliable teammate this season after game, blocking 82 shots in 61 matches. This light reel waiting to happen, appeared on seeing his playing time increase throughout season, fans should keep an eye on the fourSportsCenter’s Top 10 Plays on two sep- his freshman year — appearing in 17 games time Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference dearate occasions in 2019-20 with dunks off the bench. Clark recorded double-dig- fensive player of the week. against Jacksonville State and George it minutes of play seven times during the Washington. Curry averaged 16.3 minutes conference portion of the Rams’ schedule The Rams will begin their season with of play in 31 games off the bench, recording last season. The Covington, Georgia, native a matchup against Charlotte on the an average of 4.7 points and 2.8 rebounds notched a season-high of five points in the University of Tennessee’s campus in last season. Curry collected a career-high six black and gold’s final contest of the 2019- Knoxville on Nov. 26.

MEET THE TEAM:

Men’s basketball’s young roster leads Rams into 2020-21 campaign

6 The Commonwealth Times

‘He’s like my brother’: Two men’s basketball guards share unique bond NOAH FLEISCHMAN Sports Editor

game. Afterward, the Wilmington, Delaware, native left stunned that Baldwin dropped 30 points in the game. On the outside of their hands, just under “I was like ‘who the hell is that?’” Hyland the pinky finger, is a tattooed acronym: said. “He comes in, he’s not even that tall, “TG4L.” The phrase is more than just but he can score. He was out there torching ink on the skin — it’s a connection that them. After the game, I was like, ‘damn he two men’s basketball players share on and just milked us.’” off the court. Baldwin caught Hyland’s attention that For sophomore guard Bones Hyland day, and Hyland said he knew they would and freshman guard Ace Baldwin, be like brothers soon after meeting the Bal“TG4L,” or “Tressi gang for life,” extimore native. emplifies a brotherhood that extends Standing at 6 feet tall, Baldwin bebeyond basketball. came an elite high school player in “It stands for the three sign, but it goes Maryland. He averaged 14 points and deeper than that,” said Hyland, a perimesix assists during the 2018-19 seater shooter with a knack for knocking down son at St. Frances, leading the team deep shots. “I met Ace through basketball, to Maryland Interscholastic Athbut we clicked like we knew each other our letic Association A Conference and whole life.” Baltimore Catholic A-League championships. He was also named the 2019 All-Metro Player of the Year by the Baltimore Sun. The bond that the two players have on and off the court led to Hyland committing They’re very, very conto VCU in June 2019 — two months after Baldwin announced his commitment. nected off the floor. “I really only came because of Ace. I The way they hang out, was not going to come,” Hyland said. the way they talk, the “I just wanted to hoop with broski. Bro is talented and I just wanted to way they interact with play with him.” one another, you can The way Baldwin plays is something tell there’s almost a unique, Hyland said. “Everything is him being him and Sophomore guard Bones Hyland and freshman guard Ace Baldwin pose together during genuine relationship you can’t take that away from him,” Hyland VCU basketball’s media day. Photo courtesy of VCU Athletics deeper than just said of Baldwin. “A lot of players nowadays a friendship level.” “If I need something from his mom, she’s floor,” Brunt said. “The way they hang out, try to mimic their game after somebody else always there,” Hyland said. “If he ever called the way they talk, the way they interact with because they don’t have that confidence in Jamal Brunt, assistant coach on my mom, she’d be right there for him.” one another, you can tell there’s almost a them. He’s got it himself.” Assistant coach Jamal Brunt, who went genuine relationship deeper than just a For Hyland, having Baldwin in RichBaldwin echoed Hyland’s sentiment. to the same high school as Baldwin and re- friendship level.” mond brings joy to him each day. “He’s like my brother,” Baldwin said. “It cruited him to VCU, said the mutual respect At practice, the two aren’t afraid to call each “I show up to practice with a smile on really goes deep.” the players have for each other allowed other out during drills or workouts, Brunt said. my face every day just because my brothBeing as close as family was the topic them to grow closer. “They’re always pushing one another to er is here with me,” Hyland said. “There’s of discussion for the two guards during a “I think they’ve been good friends, and be better,” Brunt said. “They’re always hold- another connection with me and him. It’s short meeting on Zoom. They laughed and they’ve always supported one another ing each other accountable to be at their something that I look forward to.” sat together in the Basketball Develop- through tough times,” Brunt said. “For best. As a coach, that’s what you want.” ment Center’s locker room after a practice them, they really are like family.” The duo first met on a basketball court, The duo will compete as collegiate teamlast week, prepping for the Nov. 26 season Brunt said Baldwin and Hyland’s daily playing on opposite teams in an AAU tour- mates for the first time this season on Nov. opener against Charlotte. interactions with each other show their re- nament in New York. 26 as the Rams travel to Knoxville to play The two are close with each other’s fam- lationship is on a deeper level. Hyland, who played with Team WeR1, Charlotte and Tennessee. ily, especially their mothers. “They’re very, very connected off the said he didn’t know Baldwin before the

COVID-19 guidelines reduce Siegel Center capacity, again NOAH FLEISCHMAN Sports Editor VCU Athletics will trim the capacity for men’s and women’s basketball games to accommodate Virginia’s new COVID-19 restrictions, the department announced on Tuesday. The Stuart C. Siegel Center, which holds more than 7,000 fans, was set to host 1,000 spectators to start the season. Virginia’s coronavirus guidelines allowed up to 1,000 fans in sporting events, but that cap dropped on Monday to 250 spectators. “We regret that we cannot have our usual full capacity to start the men’s basketball season,” said Ed McLaughlin, director of athletics. “Our loyal, dedicated fans make our home games the best environment in college basketball and we will miss everyone who cannot attend in person.” A statement from the department said a limited number of tickets will be made available to VCU students and guests of student-athletes. Approximately 175 seats will be reserved for season ticket holders. Season ticket holders will receive notice Men’s basketball fans cheer in the student section at the Stuart C. Siegel Center during by Wednesday, Nov. 18 if they qualify for the 2018-19 season. CT file photo

the updated capacity model. Those who don’t qualify can transfer their season ticket donation to a Ram Athletic Fund gift or request a refund. Seating will be socially distanced, and a buffer zone in the front rows will create distance between spectators and players. Arena restrictions were part of Gov. Ralph Northam’s response to rising COVID-19 case numbers in the commonwealth. Bars and restaurants must stop serving alcohol by 10 p.m. and close by midnight. The state’s gathering limit for indoor and outdoor events is now 25 individuals, but the cap does not apply to gyms, churches or sporting events. Men’s basketball has sold out more than 150 straight games, dating back to the 2011 season. The streak is not in jeopardy as the university will recognize sellouts with the reduced attendance. VCU Athletics said if guidance from the state changes, then it will adjust accordingly. Men’s basketball’s home opener is Dec. 5 against Mount St. Mary’s at 2 p.m. and will be televised on ESPN+.

Wed. November 18, 2020 7

Grad assistant boosts women’s team morale JOE DODSON Contributing Writer

Ogunnorin said she was attracted Ogunnorin said the opportunity was all Arizona State University for VCU’s first to O’Boyle’s honesty, so she transferred she needed. She quickly impressed her new win over a ranked opponent since James to New York and start- teammates and coaches with her work ethic. Madison in 1988. Jessica Ogunnorin’s life has ed the next chapter of her “That team was just so welcoming,” “It’s just nice to know every time me and been a story of adapting. basketball career. Ogunnorin said about the 2015-16 squad. coach O’Boyle come together we make hisNow, as a graduate assistant After what happened at “My first memory of them was just that tory,” Ogunnorin said. for the women’s basketball UC Riverside, it was hard family atmosphere.” After playing several years professionally team, Ogunnorin is focused for Ogunnorin to trust Whenever Ogunnorin joined a new in Europe, Ogunnorin wanted to pursue her on helping other athletes those around her. team, she looked to see what the team was dream of creating a mentorship program for adapt to life’s many ups and “I didn’t trust coaches. missing and would quickly try to adapt student-athletes. VCU’s Center for Sports downs as they return from a I didn’t trust teammates,” to that role. Although scoring was one of Leadership is providing her the opportunity seven-month gap in games. Ogunnorin said. “I was just Ogunnorin’s strongest skills, she embraced to make contacts and learn from professionAccording to a statefocused on being the best her role as a defensive rebounder at VCU. als while working on O’Boyle’s staff. ment from head coach on the basketball court, in In her lone season with VCU, OgunnoAlong with her many duties as a graduBeth O’Boyle, Ogunnorin the classroom and at my rin started 27 games and led the team in ate assistant, Ogunnorin said she provides was invited to join the staff job. Coach O’Boyle had rebounds. Again, O’Boyle and Ogunnorin guidance to players. because of her understandmultiple meetings with me made history when VCU beat then-No. 25 “The more we’re able to show this youngJessica Ogunnorin. where she ing of the team’s culture. er generation that they are Photo courtesy of O’Boyle said the former told me I seen and they are valuable VCU Athletics forward will add experience had to trust beyond their skills on the and a positive voice on the someone or floor, the more they’re able sideline for the upcoming season. it wouldn’t work out.” to perform,” Ogunnorin “Her enthusiasm is contagious amongst The first time O’Boyle said. “Not just on the court, our student-athletes, and she brings a and Ogunnorin made hisbut in life.” wealth of knowledge, both as a former tory together was OgunRedshirt sophomore Sam student-athlete and a professional bas- norin’s first year at Stony Robinson said Ogunnorin ketball player,” O’Boyle said. “It’s been an Brook. The team went to boosts morale during practice. honor to coach her and now to have her as the WNIT for the second “Maybe I’m feeling down part of our staff.” time in program history because I missed a shot or Ogunnorin joins a program that has and finished second in the made the wrong play,” Robmade back-to-back Atlantic 10 champi- American East conference. inson said. “She will come onship game appearances in the last two O’Boyle took the VCU talk to me and tell me someseasons. With a Nov. 27 non-conference head coaching position after thing positive I’ve done and opening at Arizona State quickly approach- Ogunnorin’s redshirt junior to keep my head up.” ing, Ogunnorin aims to help the women’s year. Ogunnorin earned a Ogunnorin has broken team adapt to eight additions on the roster. spot on the All-American barriers off the court. She As a basketball player, Ogunnorin had to East defensive and academhas a bachelor’s degree and adapt to three different colleges and several ic team her redshirt senior a master’s degree in public professional teams after coming to the U.S. year. She remained in conpolicy, as well as a master’s by herself from Greece at 18 years old. tact with O’Boyle, and with in computer and informaOgunnorin was encouraged to play bas- one year of eligibility retion systems security. Now ketball as a kid to stay out of trouble. maining, she decided to join pursuing her third master’s, She chose University of California, VCU as a graduate transfer. Ogunnorin hopes to be an Riverside because the former coach, John “She checked on me afexample for the players. Margaritis, also spoke Greek. Ogunno- ter she left,” Ogunnorin said. “You can be a womrin described her experience as two years “I just really wanted her to an and be in the IT field,” of mental abuse from the coach, who walk me out my senior day. Ogunnorin said. “Don’t alwould use her personal issues as a way to That was really why I went.” low these stereotypes and break her down. The roster was already these barriers that are only After two years of being threatened, full when Ogunnorin armental and superficial stop yelled at and told she was not good enough, rived in 2015. O’Boyle was you from being the best Ogunnorin said she met with former straightforward and told you can be.” Stony Brook head coach and current VCU her not to expect a large- Jessica Ogunnorin looks to pass the ball during the 2015-16 season. coach, O’Boyle. minutes role. Photo courtesy of VCU Athletics

Freshman forward adapts to new role at college level BEN MALAKOFF Contributing Writer Mikeal Brown-Jones was not intimidated before his first workout at VCU. The freshman forward from Philadelphia was just anxious and eager to begin his first day as a Division I college basketball player. After the first summer workout ended, those emotions changed. Brown-Jones said he started to understand what he was going to be a part of for the next years to come. “I felt like I was here,” Brown-Jones said. “I was tired. I was exhausted. … I felt as though with time I could always call this place home.” Before VCU, Brown-Jones played at IMG Academy, a high school in Bradenton, Florida, known for its nationally ranked sports programs. In the 2018-19 season, Brown-Jones helped lead his team to a 31-1 season averaging 17.9 points and 7.1 rebounds. Brown-Jones said the school helped prepare him for expectations at the next level. “I wouldn’t even call it an adjustment — it’s more so an adaption,” Brown-Jones said. “Obviously in basketball, a lot of the principals carry over.”

on VCU and coach Mike Rhoades after two Richmond visits. But BrownJones said it only took one visit for him to realize where he wanted to play. “I left my unofficial with the idea that I need to be here,” Brown-Jones said of his first visit to VCU. “After my official visit, that was just icing on the cake.” Rhoades said he was excited to see that recruitment efforts paid off when Brown-Jones made his decision to become “part of the VCU family.” “I love what Mikeal brings to the court every day. He’s a versatile forward with a toughness we Freshman forward Mikeal Brown-Jones practices in the really need,” Rhoades said Basketball Development Center. Photo courtesy of VCU Athletics in a statement. “I’m eager to see him work with his Brown-Jones originally committed to teammates in the future.” Penn State but decided to reopen his comStanding at 6 feet, 8 inches tall, there are mitment in April. In September, he decided only four other players on the roster who

are just as tall or taller than Brown-Jones, none of which are freshmen. Those guys have provided advice for Brown-Jones on and off the court. Redshirt-senior forward Corey Douglas motivated him to take extra steps in practice. “He’s been the one who has been on me to become a better leader, a better player, a better person, student,” Brown-Jones said. “Even on my visits, he’s always been that person to be around and to learn as much as possible.” Brown-Jones, one of four freshmen on the roster, left the first workout no longer feeling anxious. He knew he found a home for the next four years. Early in the offseason surrounded by many experienced players, Brown-Jones made his role obvious. He was going to work hard to prove he belonged. “The role I plan: play extremely hard for as long as I possibly can,” BrownJones said. “Bring unbelievable enthusiasm, bring toughness, unbelievable charisma just so we can play and be at our highest level.”

8 The Commonwealth Times

On this day

In 1928, Mickey Mouse made his film debut in “Steamboat Willie,” the first Disney animation with synchronized sound.

Richmond group utilizes grocery pickup in mission to end food insecurity EBONIQUE LITTLE Staff Writer For years, a group of Richmond residents crammed inside a small house on Hanover Street every week, cooking nutritious meals for the city’s homeless and lowincome population. “It’s so hard to cook for 50 people in a tiny little Fan kitchen,” Richmond resident Laney Sullivan said. “I would wash the dishes in the alleyway with a hose.” Richmond Food Not Bombs is a collective of over 400 individuals working to end food insecurity, or the lack of access to affordable and nutritious food, through gathered resources and the help of local businesses. Volunteer and VCU alumnus Arthur Kay converted a warehouse on Wickham Street into Createspace, a meeting space

for small businesses and artists, in 2016. After suggesting the group use Createspace’s kitchen to cook, he said they “haven’t missed a beat.” Volunteers lead activities such as cooking, distributing groceries and starting community gardens without a central leader or hierarchy. “It’s a great community,” Sullivan said. “It’s a lot of activists, a lot of people who care about the earth and care about each other.” In 1980, political activists from Boston and Cambridge, Massachusetts, called for greater investment in impoverished communities rather than weapons of war. A 1980 protest of New Hampshire’s Seabrook Nuclear Power Plant fueled the formation of the original Food Not Bombs initiative. About 25 years ago, the organization made its way to Richmond — a city widely affected by food insecurity.

Volunteer Laney Sullivan, left, helps Maria Montoni go through a crate of food brought to Monroe Park by Food Not Bombs. Photo by Kaitlyn Fulmore

The USDA reports food deserts, or urban areas without stores providing affordable or quality food, impacted about 60,000 Richmond residents in 2015. At 21.9%, Richmond had the highest rate of food insecurity of any county in Virginia in 2018, according to Be Healthy RVA. For this reason, Sullivan has worked with Richmond Food Not Bombs for the past 15 years. “I have always loved cooking food and serving people food, and especially people who need it,” Sullivan said. “And one of the really big issues of our society is that we have so much waste.” Grocery store Whole Foods in Richmond’s West End donates damaged or nearly expired goods to the organization. Seasonal Roots, an online farmer’s market, donates food as well. Before the pandemic, Richmond Food Not Bombs used these donations to prepare hot meals for those in need at Monroe Park every Sunday. Due to health concerns, they now bring an assortment of groceries and allow people to select the items they want. The Robert E. Lee monument — a hub for many social justice demonstrations in Richmond — has become a prime location for outreach. On Oct. 17, the group served sandwiches at the monument for the 27th birthday celebration of Marcus-David Peters, a VCU alumnus that was killed in 2018 by a Richmond police officer while experiencing a mental health crisis. The organization fed over 50 people at the event, and Peters’ sister, Princess

Blanding, said the volunteers’ help was “an amazing show of love.” “They didn’t just come and show up — everyone had an opportunity to just build relationships and get to know each other, and be there on common ground,” Blanding said. Peters’ birthday celebration marked the second time the group provided food for an event held in his memory. A few weeks before the celebration, Blanding said they helped host a fish fry to bring the community together at the monument, and she was moved by their generosity. “They didn’t ask for anything,” Blanding said. “You know, they definitely believed in what we were doing and supported wholeheartedly.” The group has furthered its outreach through a partnership with Blessing Warriors, a volunteer organization that supports Richmond’s homeless population. In the past, they provided hot beverages to those waiting in line at the Annie Giles Center, Richmond’s former cold weather shelter. “So [we] just kind of came out and tried to support those folks that are usually really caught in a hard place,” Kay said, “and kind of listen to some of their stories and just, you know, be their support.” The city has not finalized where they will house the homeless population this year, and in March, Richmond shut down a tent encampment in Shockoe Valley called Cathy’s Camp. Kay said volunteers will face more challenges serving the homeless community across Richmond, but she’s hopeful they can work through these obstacles. “The cool thing about the people in the city is they do care about the homeless population,” Kay said. “I think our leaders need to step up.”

Artists explore ‘post-truth world’ in The Anderson’s latest student exhibition GRACE MCOMBER Contributing Writer

Black tears trickle down the face of a young woman while ominous music plays in the background of a short video clip. The word “Hollywood” scrawls repeatedly across the screen in shaky handwriting as the girl’s image distorts, her expression becoming increasingly distraught as she is engulfed in darkness. The animation is accessed through a QR code on the wall of The Anderson art gallery. A poem titled “Hollywood” surrounds the code in silver letters and details the pressures to conform to the media’s beauty standards. “Now, standing by her mirror, she looks at her reflection,” the poem reads. “But all she looks back at is the soul that she discarded.” Created by freshman VCUarts student Chloe Posthuma-Coelho, “Hollywood” explores the media’s negative influence on body image and mental health. “I wanted to portray the sense that we should all be unique,” Posthuma-Coelho said. “It’s hard because, in Hollywood, all we see are these stars, and we think ‘oh, that’s how I should be.’” The Anderson will host PosthumaCoelho’s piece alongside artwork from 36 other students from nine different departments until Nov. 21. The 2020 undergraduate juried exhibition centers on “fake news,” a theme selected by Anna

Katz, a juror and curator at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles. Katz’s open call for the exhibition was sent to all VCUarts students, requesting contributions that focused on “the exploration of states, modes and the consequences of mis- and disinformation.” Students wishing to participate submitted photographs of their work virtually, alongside a 500-word description of how it fit the theme. “It’s a very broad topic, so there’s a lot of interesting personal narratives and exploration of bigger political narratives,” said Chase Westfall, curator of student exhibitions and programs at The Anderson. “Within those narratives, you get to see the creative resilience and ingenuity of VCUarts students.” The Anderson reached out to Katz after she was nominated to the position by the 2019 predecessor, Rebecca Matalon, curator of Contemporary Arts Museum Houston. The team finalized the theme in spring, but the open call was delayed to the fall after VCU’s March closure due to COVID-19. “It was very cool to see the kinds of works that students submitted that were on point in terms of the current moment in so many ways,” said The Anderson’s administrative coordinator, Monica Kinsey. “I think the fake news theme is a really good one to choose, given the current political culture.” Craft and material studies major Arrington Peterson said it was rewarding to have her artwork chosen by someone

with Katz’s experience; it was her first time applying for a show at the 907 1/2 W. Franklin St. gallery. Peterson’s work, “Rose Colored Glasses Room 1,” is a part of her thesis project “Rose Colored Glasses,” which is made up of dioramas that resemble miniature film set pieces. Peterson said she utilized this series to explore themes of conformity and rebellion through colored lighting. “I would love it if people get the ideas that I’m trying to portray,” Peterson said, “but I’m also interested in different readings of it and having art that starts conversations.” Peterson said pink lighting in the piece represents individuals who view the world through “rose colored glasses” and blindly follow popular social media trends. The green light peeking through the set’s window suggests rejecting that mentality and embracing one’s individuality. Sculpture and extended media student Syd Lewin’s zine, “Dada for the 21st century: a meme manifesto” explores the connections between internet meme culture and Dadaism, an early 20th-century art movement centered on irreverence toward modernity. “I wanted to explore this new way of existing, in which we’re accustomed to really high-speed turnarounds in the news cycle,” Lewin said. “Even though the speed of content is growing exponentially, there have been people that have experienced this before.”

“Hollywood,” by Chloe Posthuma-Coelho, explores body image and mental health through a poem and an animation, which can be accessed by scanning the QR code in this photo. Photo By Jon Mirador Like Posthuma-Coelho, Lewin’s work also included a QR code for viewers to scan. The artist said the technology incorporated in the work made it more accessible for guests using screen readers. When scanned, the code leads to Lewin’s website, where a digital and plain text version of the artist’s zine can be viewed. The physical and online versions of the zine include Lewin’s sketchbook and planning process. “I felt that, for something that is so based in this ever-changing digital landscape, it would be really weird to have this thing be static and unchanging,” the sophomore said. “I wanted to have more of a record of the process rather than any finished piece.”

Wed. November 18, 2020 9

UPCOMING EVENTS See something

WED. 11/18 Movie night with Diversity Richmond

The nonprofit will stream two films during this free event. “Don’t Touch My Hair RVA,” directed by Richmond-native Chaz Barracks, centers on Black women and their expression through hair. “Cicada,” a New York-set love story directed by Matt Fifer, follows a young bisexual man entering an interracial relationship during a cicada summer. The streaming link will be emailed on the day of the event. 7 - 11 p.m., register at diversityrichmond. org/events.

FRI. 11/20 Painter Miguel Carter-Fisher, left, and projection artist Alex Criqui stand beside their multimodal project, “Marcus-David Peters Circle.” They are two of the five artists that collaborated on the project. Photo By Enza Marcy

Projection art reflects on summer of BLM protests, honors Marcus-David Peters IMAN MEKONEN Spectrum Editor

The multimodal artwork combines photography, oil painting, digital painting, computer animation and projections creN 11-FOOT-TALL VINYL DISPLAY ated by a team of artists — Criqui, Klein, with muted pastel colors displays a Miguel Carter-Fisher, Josh Zarambo and familiar scene of Marcus-David PeZach Fichter. ters Circle. The grassy area around the base Criqui created the overall design of the of Robert E. Lee’s statue is filled with referproject while Klein worked on the animaences to recent Black Lives Matter protests tion. Zarambo and Carter-Fisher lent their in Richmond: clouds of tear gas, a burning oil painting skills to the project while Fichpolice car and a basketball hoop. ter’s photographs were used as inspiration. Artists Alex Criqui and Dustin Klein They partnered with Carter-Fisher, a made one significant change to the iconic former VCUarts adjunct professor, for landmark — the bronze statue of the Conhis interest in portraiture and the human federate general is absent, and instead, a condition in art. He said there was a lot of towering image of Peters emerges from the work leading up to the finished product, stone base. The work, titled “Marcus-Dadespite the painting itself taking two or vid Peters Circle” honors the 24-year-old three days. The vibrant colors included in VCU alumnus, who was shot and killed by the painting were a conscious choice that a Richmond police officer in 2018 while focused on optimism. experiencing a mental health crisis. “I wanted to stay positive without trivi“We wanted to just almost go over the alizing the gravity of the tragedy — which top with trying to show his life had value,” is kind of a different, difficult line to walk,” Criqui said. “He was a special person. Carter-Fisher said. He helped people.” Carter-Fisher said the involvement of At night, the images come to life as activism within art is necessary, especialthe artwork is complemented by a movly for a community to come together and ing projection of vibrant colors, evolving enact change. He also said art can serve as and changing by the second. The words a reminder to people of the pain that com“Help Not Death” appear in translucent, munities experience. smoke-like text. “Art is a vehicle for empathy,” CarThe project was part of 1708 Gallery’s ter-Fisher said. “You sort of create some13th annual Inlight event, a public exhibithing outside of yourself, from which people tion of contemporary light-based artwork can meet on a level of common experience.” with multiple sites across the city. The galThe painting includes other small details, lery held an open call for submissions, and such as a piano and a green apple representwork was on display at the Randolph Coming Peters’ love for music and his career as a munity Center from Nov. 11-15. high school biology teacher. Since June, Criqui and Klein have proThe artists involved are hoping to sell jected various images referencing social the painting and donate 20% of the artist’s justice onto the base of the Lee monument, profits to Justice and Reformation. including photographs of Criqui said spending abolitionist Harriet Tubtime with the community man and Black soldiers since protests began in late serving in the Union Army. May has been rewarding. “I feel like so much of “It’s easily one of the what we’ve done at the most beautiful experiences monument is because of of my life,” Criqui said. “Just what we’re doing it on,” being part of the communiCriqui said. “That creates ty at Marcus-David Peters all the meaning, using Circle and seeing our city the racial symbols’ power take back that space, it’s against itself.” something I’ve wanted to The artists’ latest project As the installation came to a close on Sunday, a crowd lit “Marcus-David see my entire life.” was inspired by the story Peters Circle” with phone flashlights. The painting resided near the and spirit of the space. Randolph Community Center from Nov. 11-15. Photo By Enza Marcy

“It seemed like a natural thing to do in terms of like, continuing what we’ve done this summer,” Criqui said. “Let’s see how far we can take light-based art and do something, hopefully a little innovative and creative.” Throughout the planning process, the artists consulted Peters’ sister, Princess Blanding, regarding the representation of her brother in the painting. “We just want to make sure if we’re gonna put all this effort and energy into it, it’d be something that she would like because that’s the most important thing,” Criqui said. In 2018, Blanding created Justice and Reformation, a movement of community members advocating for accountability regarding her brother’s killing. Peters’ family and community activists have advocated for the Marcus alert system, which would establish protocols for law enforcement officers responding to mental health crises. A special session bill enacting the system was signed into law by Gov. Ralph Northam on Nov. 5, and the law will go into effect on March 1. The “Marcus-David Peters Circle” animation plays on a loop of 8 minutes and 46 seconds, referencing the death of George Floyd, a Black man who was killed in Minneapolis police custody. Officer Derek Chauvin knelt on Floyd’s neck for that duration of time. Musician Beth Almore painted a sign that reads “8:46” and resides at the monument. Almore, who often performed her cello at the monument, utilized the sign in performances and left it near a memorial for Floyd. Her sign is depicted at the center of the painting, as an animated timer, counting down from 8:46.

High school dance performance Seven student-performers from “Saildance,” a satellite company of the Appomattox Regional Governor’s School, will use contemporary methods in a performance hosted by the Firehouse Theatre. The event has an optional admission fee with a suggested donation of $30. Attendees can purchase tickets, and view in-person and livestreamed performance dates at firehousetheatre.org/saildance. 7 p.m., online or at Firehouse Theatre, 1609 W. Broad St.

Do something

SAT. 11/21 Holiday crafts sale

Vendors will display photography, knitted items, holiday ornaments, pottery, home decor and homemade treats at this outdoor event. Admission is free, and the showcase will be held on varying dates with different vendors until Dec. 20. For more information, visit shopwestchestercommons.com. 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., Westchester Commons, 153 Perimeter Drive.

SUN. 11/22 Free modern dance class

RVA Dance Collective will teach participants modern dance techniques at this free event, where all skill levels are welcomed. This class is offered virtually and in person. Register at LETTER TO THE EDITOR vagaro.com/dogtowndancetheatre /classes. A link to join the class will be emailed after registration. 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., online or at Dogtown Dance Theatre, 109 W. 15th St.

Learn something

FRI. 11/20 - SUN. 11/22 Pocahontas Reframed Film Festival

Ten short films and documentaries discussing Indigenous history and culture will be streamed in celebration of Native American Heritage Month. The virtual festival is free to attend, and donations are encouraged. Viewers can register at pocahontasreframed.com and will receive a streaming link Friday. Films will be available from Friday at noon until Sunday at 11 p.m.

SAT. 11/21 ‘A Liberty or Death Experience’ Guests will learn the story of Founding Father Patrick Henry from inside Historic St. John’s Church, the original location of Henry’s iconic speech. Henry was born in Hanover County, Virginia, and served as the first and sixth governor of the commonwealth. Tickets start at $10 and can be purchased at historicstjohnschurch.org. Noon - 1 p.m., Historic St. John’s Church, 2401 E. Broad St.

Have suggestions for the events calendar? Contact spectrum@ commonwealthtimes.org

10 The Commonwealth Times

Quote of the week

“‘But man is not made for defeat,’ he said. ‘A man can be destroyed but not defeated.’” — Ernest Hemingway, “The old man and the sea”

Tea Time with Tagwa It’s time to say goodbye, Mr. President TAGWA SHAMMET Opinions Editor Tea timers, I have an 8-year-old brother. I take him to the park frequently, and I’ve realized he has a bad habit of digging his feet into the sand when I say it’s time to leave. He stays put, fighting so we don’t have to go home. It’s irritating, but I must say it is cute. President Donald Trump and my young brother have that in common. When they don’t want to leave, they plant their feet and refuse. The only difference: when the president of the nation does it, it is not so cute. Former Vice President Joe Biden is going to be the 46th president of our nation, and Trump will not be returning to office for another term. In his usual elegance and maturity, the president has refused to concede and continues to tarnish the electoral system in an effort to hold onto office. Let me tell you something, Mr. President. Your win in 2016 highlighted the true stain that is the electoral college. You defended the system when it suited you, but now it’s cheating? How would we know who won if the counting stopped, Mr. President? Enlighten me. I can’t fault Trump’s refusal to step down. I, too, would be terrified if I went from being the most powerful man in the world to a man who has to actually

pay his taxes. Better yet, the president will downgrade from being the commander-in-chief to a defendant in a grand jury investigation. After Biden’s inauguration, the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office’s continued investigation of the Trump family and their dealings will become extremely dangerous for Trump. It seems like the lame-duck president is suddenly being held accountable for his actions. Perhaps if rule of law had been applied to the man prior to his loss, he wouldn’t be so defiant to leave office. Mr. President, you’re an impeached official. Isn’t that enough embarrassment for a lifetime? Of course, Trump argued that he is — yet again — being targeted by the Democrats. I understand the district attorney, Cyrus Vance, Jr., is a Democrat, but could it be possible that you are guilty of the crimes he’s accused you of ? The claims of corruption and cheating Trump has insinuated during his term have divided this nation greatly. In 2019, Pew Research Center reported that only 17% of Americans had trust in their government. Americans are struggling in their faith of the same system meant to protect them. Spewing lies will not help strengthen the public’s bond with their officials. Mr. President, being the leader of this free world is truly an honor anybody

would be saddened to give up. However, your loss is another man’s gain; a treasure beyond belief. Take your loss with stride and focus on the legal battles you have ahead of you. Who protects you from the government when you’re no longer in the government, right? I hope you have better luck in 2024. And that’s the tea. Illustration by Karly Andersen

STAFF EDITORIAL

Farewell, 2020

Illustration by Lauren Johnson

This year was hard for student journalists. Amid a global pandemic, civil unrest and a shift to virtual learning, those of us at The CT balanced several responsibilities. We applied objectivity to divisive subjects to bring you the facts on what’s happening in your community. We sometimes broke away from old rules and standards to better serve the truth. We considered the eye of the reader in the design of our weekly print newspaper, but we also poured hours into digitizing our work; using social media and our website to provide for our growing audience. We covered how Richmond’s growing arts community and the sports world changed — and stayed the same — during the age of social distancing. In our opinions section, our writers voiced their thoughts on news and pressing social issues. Alongside all this, we photographed historic moments and illustrated broad concepts and new characters. Every part of our team worked to complete the larger story we told throughout the year. We also took care of our families. The risks of COVID-19 isolated us all in some ways, separating us from our little brothers and sisters, parents, aunts and uncles, and grandparents. But in many ways, it brought us closer to those we love. And most importantly, although often an afterthought, we strived to take care of ourselves at the end of the day. The stressors of being a student journalist are plentiful, but there is always one factor that keeps us going.

You. To our readers, we’d like to extend our warmest thanks. Thank you for your support, your time and your feedback. Whether you crack open our on-campus kiosks every Wednesday or simply visit our website when you see us on your timelines, thank you. We can’t express enough how important your role is in keeping this paper alive. This is our last print issue of 2020 due to the early closure of VCU’s campuses. We’ll still be online, although we are all looking forward to catching up with sleep and family during the long break. If you miss us, visit our website to see what we’re working on, and don’t hesitate to shoot us an email or a DM with story ideas. Next semester, we plan to hit the ground running. Our first issue will follow President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration, and we can’t wait to talk to VCU’s students and professors about our changing country. We’ll have some new faces and plenty of familiar ones on staff, and although we mostly work from home and on Zoom, our team is energized and dedicated. From the little yellow building on Broad Street to your home, farewell from The CT’s staff. We’ll be back in January and better than ever. Until then, happy holidays, and please be safe. Take a day to ignore the headlines and check in with your friends and family. The news will still be there when you’re ready. See you in 2021.

Wed. November 18, 2020â&#x20AC;&#x192;11

THE CT STAFF EXECUTIVE EDITOR Andrew Ringle ringlea@commonwealthtimes.org

Guilty Pleasure by Sarah Brady

MANAGING EDITOR Hannah Eason easonhd@commonwealthtimes.org NEWS EDITOR Eduardo Acevedo news@commonwealthtimes.org SPORTS EDITOR Noah Fleischman sports@commonwealthtimes.org SPECTRUM EDITOR Iman Mekonen spectrum@commonwealthtimes.org OPINIONS EDITOR Tagwa Shammet opinions@commonwealthtimes.org PHOTO EDITOR Enza Marcy photography@commonwealthtimes.org AUDIENCE EDITOR Alexandra Zernik zernikal@commonwealthtimes.org ILLUSTRATIONS EDITOR Lauren Johnson illustrations@commonwealthtimes.org STAFF WRITERS Katharine DeRosa, News Assistant Anya Sczerzenie, News Ebonique Little, Spectrum

VCU STUDENT MEDIA CENTER

Were They Worth It by Craig Blacksmith

DESIGN EDITOR Andy Caress designers@vcustudentmedia.com GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Jayce Nguyen Ni Sang Raymond Liu Gabrielle Wood designers@vcustudentmedia.com AD SALES ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Kofi Roberts advertising@vcustudentmedia.com WEB MANAGER Chranjitpandian Murugapandi web@vcustudentmedia.com DISTRIBUTION MANAGER Tibebe Gebiso distribution@vcustudentmedia.com TEMPORARY EDITORIAL ADVISER Mark Robinson robinsonmw@vcu.edu CREATIVE MEDIA MANAGER Mark Jeffries mjeffries@vcu.edu SALES & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Dominique Lee leeds3@vcu.edu (804) 827-1642 OFFICE MANAGER Owen Martin martinso@vcu.edu

Phone Interview by Carleigh Ross ABOUT THE CT The Commonwealth Times is the award-winning independent student newspaper at VCU, since 1969. The CT staff maintains all editorial and operations discretion. There is absolutely no prior review by the public, university or VCU Student Media Center administration or staff. The Executive Editor writes and manages the Operations Budget.

ADD YOUR VOICE The opinions pages of the CT are a forum open to the public. Contributions are welcome by email to Tagwa Shammet, by mail or in-person at 817 W. Broad St., Richmond, VA 23220. Opinions expressed are those of individual columnists and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Commonwealth Times. Unsigned editorials represent the collective opinion of The CT staff. The Commonwealth Times strives for accuracy in gathering news. If you think we have made an error, please email the appropriate section editor. Corrections will appear on the news pages and/or online. One CT per person. Additional copies can be purchased at the Student Media Center for $1 each.

16 The Commonwealth Times 12 The Commonwealth Times

For answers to this week’s puzzles, check commonwealthtimes.org/puzzles every Friday at noon.

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