The Commonwealth Times; Oct. 7, 2020 by VCU Student Media Center

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VOL. 62, NO. 8 OCTOBER 7, 2020

Plans canceled

Illustration by Andy Caress

VCU offers virtual opportunities amid canceled study abroad trips KATHARINE DEROSA Staff Writer

and Prevention’s updated guidelines for higher learning institutions that encourage colleges and universities to consider postponing or canceling enior Mika Hayashi has been planning upcoming trips due to COVID-19. her study abroad trip since her freshman In March, the university suspended travel to year, getting all of her required course- countries with advisories from the U.S. Departwork out of the way so she could spend ment of State related to COVID-19. The meaher senior year in Japan. sure forced some students to find a way home Now, following VCU’s cancellation of spring or remain abroad. VCU suspended winter break study abroad programs, Hayashi said she is 2021 study abroad programs in July due to travel disappointed. advisories and CDC guidelines. “I understand there’s nothing really I can do,” the biology major said. The Global Education Office announced on Sept. 23 that VCU plans to cancel study abroad trips through May 2021. The cancellation inI want VCU students cludes spring semester and spring break trips. At the time of the cancellation, the office said 10 to have these students had concrete study abroad plans. opportunities, and I look Kansai Gaidai University, the school in Jaforward to the day we pan that Hayashi was planning on attending in person, is offering her two virtual classes at no resume study abroad.” charge based on speaking and writing. The coursStephanie Tignor, director of es will apply as transfer credits. education abroad Hayashi said her speech class has only three students. Both classmates are from American universities, while Hayashi’s other class has stuVirtual international opportunities are availdents from around the world. able for students in the meantime, including “It’s as good as it can get, but obviously I’m remote internships and classes. Director of Eddisappointed,” Hayashi said. ucation Abroad Stephanie Tignor said students VCU’s cancellation of study abroad programs may connect virtually with international students stems from the Centers for Disease Control through online programming.

VCU reimbursed study abroad students who returned early during the spring semester. Tignor said the university would work with students who had made financial commitments to travel. Students are encouraged to continue planning study abroad trips, Tignor said, despite uncertainty surrounding the program’s future. However, Tignor said students should not make financial commitments to travel plans at the moment. Graduating seniors may consider opportunities beyond undergraduate travel, Tignor said, such as joining the Peace Corps, participating in a graduate study abroad program or going to graduate school abroad. “I really feel for those students, since that is a really tough situation to be in,” Tignor said. Tignor said students may contact the National Scholarship Office for study abroad resources. She said students are encouraged to apply for the nationally competitive Fulbright Scholarship, which funds international study. Though the decision to cancel study abroad trips is disappointing to many students and advisors, Tignor said she understands the decision is based on the safety and wellbeing of students at VCU and abroad. “I am the last person who doesn’t want to see VCU students going abroad,” Tignor said. “I want VCU students to have these opportunities, and I look forward to the day we resume study abroad.”

2 The Commonwealth Times

Stories of the week

national: A St. Louis couple who were filmed pointing guns at protesters during a June 28 demonstration were indicted Tuesday for exhibiting a weapon and tampering with evidence, their lawyer said. international: The Paris Opera is considering a ban on blackface and the N-word on stage at the request of about 400 of its staff members, the BBC reports.

Students call for ‘anti-racist’ curricula override, increased diversity in School of Education KATHARINE DEROSA Staff Writer

of their history and lacks diversity in student population and course readings. A group of VCU students are awaiting a plan The group is demanding defrom the School of Education three weeks velopment in courses, career after releasing a petition that asked for “an- offerings and faculty trainti-racist” curricula and practices as well as ing. Points include: diversified course readings and training. Erin Hanley, a doctoral student in VCU’s COURSE counseling education program, said The CollecDEVELOPMENT tive is an organization of School of Education students who feel as though they have a duty • Develop curricula that to promote anti-racist education in academia. covers the history Hanley said the killing of Black peoof white supremacy ple, including incidents that led to sumand includes mer protests in cities across the county, Richmond context paralleled the silencing of Black voices • Allow students to rewithin the school. view syllabi three “There are certain personal instances and weeks prior to start of instances of others that I can say have defispring 2021 classes nitely made me feel like I was unimportant, • Choose required readTwo people walk by the VCU sign on Shafer Street. CT file photo unheard, misunderstood,” Hanley said. “I ings authored by less think the same can be seen with the murder than 40% white males institutional racism, power hierarchies Smith, the VCUarts coordinator of muof Black people that we see.” and less than 60% men and white supremacy sic history, knew diversifying course mateBreonna Taylor was shot and killed • Incorporate theories and philosophies • Give students the ability to opt-out rial was his call. He and music history and by police during a raid of her Louisville of diverse critical theorists of classes with professors who are not oboe professor Alyssa McKeithen teach apartment in March. George Floyd died in • Create course evaluations that specifimeeting anti-racist standards two of the required music history classes Minneapolis police custody in May with an cally address diversity, equity for music majors and came up with changes officer’s knee on his neck, which sparked and inclusion of diverse perspectives Music educ ation major Derek together. protests against racial injustice. • Develop a process for reviewing Cobbs Jr. said he felt most of the deIn order to include more women The organization released a petition on course complaints mands could be accomplished feasibly, and people of color, Smith and McKSept. 16 that asks the school to address however, he had doubts about being eithen decided to split the music histowhat they call “evident” institutional racism able to successfully diversify course doc- ry curriculum into themes rather than CAREER DEVELOPMENT and “oppressive, dismissive, and offensive” uments in the music department. He time periods. Smith said the curriculum responses to calls for equity and anti-racism • Enforce annual training on human specifically mentioned music history needs to include major names like Beein curricula and research. rights and employment law for and literature. thoven and Mozart, but there should be Dean Andrew Daire said in an email professors and graduate students Cobbs said he has never experienced more than one or two non-white male the School of Education will have a plan to offered assistantships, which involve racial profiling as a Black student, but he composers discussed. share with The Collective by Oct. 28. Daire part-time teaching or researching is disappointed in VCU’s lack of trans“We want to be much more inclusaid the plan will address student engage- • Starting in October 2021, release parency on the issue. He said VCU could sive,” Smith said. “We want to be able ment, course evaluations, incident reporting a report of assistantships that discloses do more to acknowledge their role in to show a lot more diversity and show a and structures to hold others accountable. percentages of marginalized groups systemic racism in the Richmond area, bigger picture.” Daire said the School of Education aims in each program particularly through the gentrification Aliza Lambert, doctoral counseling eduto diversify curricula and facilitate conver- • Conduct semesterly reviews of of the city. cation student and member of The Collecsations about racial equity and injustice as graduate school advisors and advisees “Their efforts aren’t as big as I would tive, said permanent change takes time but part of a two-year plan. like them to be,” Cobbs said. “But it is that she believes the School of Education “The VCU School of Education takes something, and for me that means more is taking action to create anti-racist poliices. FACULTY TRAINING student concerns and requests very seriousthan nothing.” “We want to emphasize that this is hard AND DEVELOPMENT ly; and I believe we do better as an academic The senior said he had conversations work, but we’re asking for things that are institution,” Daire said in an email. • Offer professional development that with french horn professor Patrick Smith necessary,” Lambert said. The petition states the school researches addresses racial identity and about expanding diversity within the minority groups without an understanding discrimination, systemic and curriculum.

VCU to hold virtual winter commencement

May 2019 graduates stand before receiving their diplomas. CT file photo

SAGAL AHMED Staff Writer Another cohort of VCU seniors will celebrate their achievements at home, following VCU’s announcement of a virtual commencement ceremony for fall 2020 graduates. The graduation ceremony will honor August and December graduates, an Oct. 5 university release read, with a broadcasted and interactive celebration. Students and their families will receive a copy of the program, which is slated for Dec. 12. Mass communications senior Anna Nease is one of the students up for recognition at this year’s commencement. She said she is also the first in her family to graduate from college. “I wanted to have that in-person ceremony but I definitely think that doing it online was the smartest thing to do,” Nease said. “I just feel that having it in person

would be unfeasible and irresponsible of the university.” Nease said the announcement regarding the virtual ceremony was poorly timed due to non-refundable caps and gowns being available for purchase. “By saying that you can purchase your cap and gown before their announcement, I think it was misleading and also providing false hope because it makes it seem like ‘Oh maybe there will be an in-person commencement,’” Nease said. “I feel at the moment they already knew that it was going to have to be online.” The December ceremony will be the second virtual graduation VCU has held due to COVID-19. May 2020 graduates also had a virtual commencement. Health, physical education and exercise science alumna Maddie Parker graduated in May. She said she celebrated by watching the virtual commencement –– which

included a slide with her name on it –– at home on her television. “It was definitely not how I expected my graduation would be, but because of the times and everything, I think everyone had to celebrate it their own way with their families,” Parker said. The university invited spring 2020 graduates to “join their classmates at a future university commencement ceremony,” according to the release, but Parker said it is unlikely she will attend. Originally, spring graduates were invited to attend an in-person December ceremony alongside fall graduates. “At this point now, the more it gets pushed back, the more I’m less likely to go because I’m moving on from that chapter of my life,” Parker said. For more information regarding graduation, visit VCU’s commencement website.

Wed. October 7, 2020 3

Panelists delve into protest coverage, upcoming election during virtual speaker series

SAGAL AHMED Contributing Writer

The Richard T. Robertson School of Media and Culture kicked off its speaker series Tuesday with a discussion on race, media, and the 2020 election. Five panelists spoke in the event, moderated by VCU associate professor of journalism Aloni Hill and Robb Crocker, a podcaster, digital journalist and doctoral student in VCU’s Media, Art and Text Program. Below are excerpts from each speaker. Responses have been edited for space and clarity.

presidential condemnation of white supremacy and ANTIFA:

“I really don’t even think either one of our presidential candidates right now are even mature enough to handle a conversation with that Calvin Anthony Duncan. Photo courtesy of Marcus Messner many borders. We need the kind of support from our candidates that see everybody, regardless of where you are on that spectrum … as Americans and human beings first. ANTIFA, yes that is a percentage of the society. White supremacy, Samantha Willis. Photo courtesy of Marcus Messner that is another one. But what about all of the rest of us here, who need the Kym Grinnage, vice same things all the time? president and general That’s what our candimanager of WWBT dates need to be looking NBC 12 and member of at, and they don’t need to the Virginia Communibe condemning anything. cations Hall of Fame, on They need to be about coverage of protests saving the American and George Floyd’s people from this system Danita Rountree Green. Photo courtesy of Marcus Messner death in Minneapolis of total horrid adversity police custody: our leadership, in a lot of ways, brought us to.” “I don’t think anyone saw it coming, but I think that one of the blessings of Calvin Anthony Duncan, pastor COVID was that everyone was tuned and founder of Faith and Family Church into their TV set, and they saw for nine and VCU Hall of Fame basketball minutes what pain looked like. They player, on professional and student were able to see for nine minutes, when athletes kneeling in protest during someone says ‘I can’t breathe,’ what that the national anthem: looked like. They were able to see all of the things that had happened since the “I understand that their actions and civil rights movement where they might their body language of kneeling down have not understood. could cause some people to think that Sometimes you are listening but not they are disrespecting the flag, for those understanding. When you are at home who fought for the flag, all our armed and you are seeing it on all media in forces, every branch, male and female. living color, you are seeing that story. … However, the kneeling was never proYou saw it going internationally around testing the flag. The kneeling was never the country because it was pure inhu- saying that ‘I don’t love my country.’ It manity to man but wasn’t the first time. wasn’t about that. The kneeling was simYou never know when the straw is going ply this: You are not hearing our voices. to break the camel’s back, and that was We are seeing too many of our young the moment. It wasn’t because of the Black men and women being murmedia that it happened. It was because dered, and we need to … say something, of young people.” do something. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said that Samantha Willis, an independent jourrioting is the voice of the unheard. Well, nalist and writer in print, digital and I want to say when they kneel, that is a broadcast media, on journalism’s convery non-violent action to say this needs tributions to discussing social justice: to be tended to. I’m not about rioting, but I’m about protesting, and there is a “I would say that is important for difference. The athlete was saying, ‘bring journalists and for media organizations attention to this.’” — to dig deeper than the surface issues. Certainly we have to report the facts. Elliott Robinson, news editor of CharBut I think there is a level of context lottesville Tomorrow, on Black political that should be added, especially when power in Virginia: we are talking about issues like racial and social justices. “For one thing, there is a lot more It becomes difficult to not take sides, Black people who, in a grand scheme of especially if you are a journalist of color, things, have more political power in the because you could have been raised to Richmond Tri-Cities area than in Charlove this country but you can see the dis- lottesville, and it’s partly because there’s parities. You can see it’s not liberty and more of them here. In Charlottesville justice for all, so I think it shouldn’t only itself before the Civil War … more than be the job of journalists of color.” 50% of the population was Black. Now, that’s down to 20%. And Charlottesville Danita Rountree Green, an author and itself is that you don’t get that range of CEO of Coming to the Table RVA, a voices that you sometimes hear in the nonprofit committed to racial healing Richmond area because it is an overand social equity in Richmond, on whelmingly Democratic city.

Non-fatal overdoses at the VCU Medical Center between March and June increased by 123% from the same period last year. Photo courtesy of Capital News Service

VCU emergency room sees increase in opioid overdoses patients ALIVIAH JONES Capital News Service The pandemic could be driving an increase in opioid overdoses, according to recently published data and insights from people who work in a local treatment center. Virginia Commonwealth University has released a new study that shows a surge in patients at the VCU Medical Center in Richmond who were admitted due to opioid overdoses during the COVID-19 pandemic. Researchers reported a 123% increase in non-fatal opioid overdoses at the emergency room between March and June 2019 to the same period this year. The research has been published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. Taylor Ochalek, Ph.D., a postdoctoral research fellow at the VCU C. Kenneth and Dianne Wright Center for Clinical and Translational Research, was the lead author of the study. She said researchers have been collecting data on opioid overdoses since last year, but they recently decided to examine overdose trends to see if the pandemic was impacting overdoses. “Social isolation, increased psychiatric symptoms, decreased access to non medical care and the stress that might come from unemployment could increase the risk of relapse to opioid use and then potential overdose,” Ochalek said. The study’s authors found that Black patients were among the largest demographic associated with overdoses during the pandemic in the hospital they tracked. In March and June of 2019, 63% of opioid overdose patients were Black. In March and June 2020 the number increased to 80%. The authors noted that the findings were a small sample of patients and may not be generalizable to other locations. The McShin Foundation, a Henrico County-based drug recovery organization, has seen an increase of people coming in for treatment during the pandemic. The organization provides 11 recovery houses and 122 beds for participants. “With a pandemic and an epidemic going on at once, It was important for us to have a safe place for those that needed help,” said Honesty Liller, the organization’s CEO. The McShin Foundation started a podcast called Get in The Herd as a creative

way to reach out once 12-step meetings were canceled because of the pandemic. The podcast offers discussion on addiction, recovery, stigma and advocacy. The McShin Foundation also felt it was important to develop a recovery plan for participants who received stimulus checks and unemployment benefits, Liller said. The goal is to provide individuals in recovery with resources to manage finances during the pandemic. Some individuals made more money while on unemployment benefits than when they were working, according to a May report by NPR. “If you’re someone using and you don’t have any money every day, and you struggle to get $20 and then you’re getting $800 a week? I mean, yeah, it’s rough around here,” Liller said. The Virginia Department of Health publishes quarterly reports on drug-related deaths. According to the report, fentanyl caused or contributed to death in almost 60% of fatal overdoses in 2019. That same year, almost 80% of all fatal overdoses of any substance were due to one or more opioids. Overall, the number of fatal drug overdoses has increased annually since 2013, VDH reports. Opioids have been the leading force behind the increases in fatal overdoses since that year. The most recent report from the health department shows 355 fatal opioid overdoses in the first three months of the year. That includes fentanyl, heroin and prescription opioids, and is an 8.6% increase from the same reporting period last year. VDH didn’t publish data for the second quarter of the year due to the pandemic. The organization plans to publish overdose data ranging from July to September on Oct.15, according to the health department.

CORRECTION In the Sept. 30 issue, one article, “‘A fight to liberation’: SGA inducts new student leaders” was updated to include an additional quote from SGA President Taylor Maloney and context. The full version of the story is available online at commonwealthtimes.org.

4 The Commonwealth Times

Stat of the week

Former VCU basketball star Mo Alie-Cox has scored touchdowns in two back-to-back weeks for the Indianapolis Colts.

PRESS BOX

Miami Heat maintains legit shot at upsetting Los Angeles Lakers RYAN GRUBE Contributing Writer

Jasmin Sneed played for VCU’s volleyball team from 2016-19. CT file photo

Former VCU volleyball star goes pro in Ukraine BEN MALAKOFF Contributing Writer

Only one of her new team’s assistant coaches, Dmitry Maryukhnich, speaks English. He translates everyJasmin Sneed knew when she be- thing Sneed’s head coach says and tells gan her collegiate volleyball career her what to do during practice. Off the that she would one day want to play court, Maryukhnich helps Sneed pick professionally. However, Sneed grad- up what she needs at the grocery store. uated from VCU last spring, right Despite being more than 5,000 when the sports world shut down due miles away from Richmond and to COVID-19. having to learn a new country’s lanSneed, who holds the VCU blocks guage, Sneed said volleyball has stayed record with 692, continued to lift mostly the same, which makes the adweights and train, remaining hopeful justment easier. that a professional team might contact her. By June, Sneed started to think about looking for a job and spending less time training for a volleyball career, but it was her dad who made I knew I would be out her continue. of my comfort zone. “He made sure I still had the goal in I told myself that it’s OK my mind,” Sneed said. “He made sure I kept working out and kept thinking and I know I am about playing professionally.” going to be uncomfortSneed called her dad in August able, but it’s just a saying she wanted to get a regular job and start her career. The next day, part of the process.” Sneed’s agent told her she received an Jasmin Sneed, offer to play professionally for club former VCU volleyball player Khimik Yuzhne in Ukraine. “I had just accepted the fact that I was not going to be able to play and “All of the drills are pretty much the then boom,” Sneed said. same,” Sneed said. “The style of play is Sneed knew that by going to a new a little different because at VCU, coach country, her life would become very [ Jody Rogers] ran a really fast offense. different, but she said she wanted to She wanted me to pass the ball fast take on the challenge. and here, they keep telling me I need “I knew I would be out of my com- to pass the ball higher.” fort zone,” Sneed said. “I told myself The transition to a new life away that it’s OK and I know I am going to from home is one of the hardest decibe uncomfortable, but it’s just a part sions a professional athlete has to make, of the process.” but so far Sneed says she’s enjoying livNow in the city of Yuzhne, Ukraine, ing in a new country and smaller town. Sneed is getting accustomed to a new “I’m by the Black Sea, and I love beculture. With most people speaking by the beach, so it’s perfect for me,” ing Ukrainian and Russian, Sneed is Sneed said. “Everybody has been helpfinding ways to get around the lan- ing me so much, so this transition has guage barrier. been easier than I thought it would be.”

Even since the departure of LeBron James, who decided to return to Cleveland following the 2014 NBA Finals, the Miami Heat have been able to stay afloat and remain competitive in an increasingly-tough Eastern Conference. Now in the 2020 NBA Finals against the Lakers, Miami is faced with a hefty challenge, but its depth and lethal dosage of scoring options gives it more than enough weapons to overcome monsters James and Anthony Davis. The steady success can be attributed to the remarkable coaching of Erik Spoelstra, as well as the high-level front office work by team president Pat Riley and company. Over the past several seasons, they’ve stockpiled young, productive draft picks –– along with serviceable veterans –– to generate a solid, all-around roster. The rebuilding effort came full circle during the 2019-20 campaign with Miami advancing all the way to the NBA Finals to square off with James and the Lakers. The Heat’s loaded roster yielded a 44-29 record during the regular season, with 13 additional wins now coming in the playoffs. Using their unique combination of young guards and veteran forwards, the Heat possess the necessary depth and talent — particularly at the forward position with Jimmy Butler, Jae Crowder and Andre Iguodala — to match up with the Lakers. Spoelstra and company struggled mightily to contain James, Rajon Rondo and Alex Caruso in the paint during Game 1 of the Finals on Sept. 30. Miami’s zone defenses open up an opportunity to reduce the number of easy baskets for the Lakers. By collapsing on the Lakers’ offense, the Heat can trigger kickout passes for jump shots, as opposed to wide-open layups. The Heat were able to accomplish this in Game 3 on Oct. 4, when they forced the Lakers into taking 42 threes, compared to just 37 2-pointers. Los Angeles converted on only 14 of the 3-pointers. If the Heat refer to their roots and stop the opposing ball handler before they get to the rim, the Lakers could be forced into more cold-shooting spells. In the meantime, Miami needs to focus on its forced turnovers. Los Angeles currently ranks 14th out of 16 teams in turnovers per game at 15.6 per contest.

The Heat have forced 56 total Laker turnovers so far in the Finals. Spoelstra’s bunch have averaged just under 14 turnovers forced per game throughout the 2020 postseason. “Look, I love these guys. I love the way we compete,” Spoelstra told ESPN following Game 2. “We have to figure out how to overcome this and get over the top.” Game 3 brought better results in the turnover department for Miami, who pushed the Lakers into 19 total turnovers, including eight by James. James had six more turnovers in Game 4 on Oct. 6, but the Heat were only able to generate nine other giveaways by Los Angeles. If the Heat can exploit Los Angeles’ turnover weakness in the remaining games of the series, their chances to upset the West’s No. 1 seed would significantly increase. Miami has assembled the true “underdog” team in their quest to the Finals, sporting a roster with just one All-NBA selection in Jimmy Butler, who was named to the third-team. The pure shooting ability of Tyler Herro, Duncan Robinson and Crowder, along with the dominant inside play of Bam Adebayo, has propelled the Heat to the top of the Eastern Conference. The combination of James and Davis has been dominant over the course of the regular season and continues into the Orlando bubble. The duo is averaging just over 55 points per game during Los Angeles’ playoff run. However, the Heat cycle through a variety of zone defenses, which, if executed properly, can slow the Lakers’ tempo, making it much harder for James to get downhill and dish passes to Davis and open shooters. Miami’s zone looks are designed to prevent uncontested looks at the rim, and to force opposing teams to knock down perimeter jump shots — something Los Angeles has struggled to do this season. Miami emerged as the “Cinderella team” of the 2020 NBA Bubble Playoffs, beginning its playoff run with just the eighth-best odds out of 16 teams to be crowned NBA champions. Now, the Heat are in prime position to capture their first Finals title since James made the return to Cleveland. If the Heat can sharpen up their zone defense, and if they can create more giveaways by the Lakers, Spoelstra and Riley could very well be hoisting this year’s NBA Finals trophy.

Illustration by Marisa Stratton

Wed. October 7, 2020 5

BoostHer initiative to strengthen women’s sports community KAITLYN FULMORE Contributing Writer A successful run in the Atlantic 10 championship brought women’s basketball to a second-place conference spot, and a new VCU initiative is ensuring that these accomplishments –– along with those of other women’s teams –– are equally highlighted and celebrated. Women’s basketball redshirt guard Madison Hattix-Covington said some students weren’t aware of the team’s accomplishments at the championship. “I know a lot of students did not know that,” the junior said. “I had a professor once ask our class, ‘Did anyone know that VCU women’s basketball were in the top two in the conference?’ Most people in the class did not know.” BoostHer, an initiative from VCU Athletics, aims to push women’s sports to the forefront. The program was developed by the Ram Athletic Fund and will spotlight women’s programs through six pillars: • • •

Raise funds to support female sports programs and student-athletes Foster a community of support, empowerment and growth for VCU female student-athletes Provide resources to enhance VCU’s women’s sports programs, career programs and events

• • •

Participate in professional and personal development of student-athletes Engage the community with VCU women’s sports programs Provide opportunities to recognize the accomplishments of female student-athletes

“There’s a larger society issue, underneath, in trying to tap into that market, and trying to get people as invested in women’s sports as they are in men’s,” said Evan Nicely, assistant sports information director. “Hopefully one day, we will all get there.” The initiative grew out of the VCU Women for Women’s Athletic Council as a way to engage with a broader group of fans, according to BoostHER cofounder Cindy Dulik. “Over the last year, we worked to re-evaluate the needs of our student-athletes and women’s sports team with the support of the VCU Athletic Department and the coaches of the women’s sports teams,” said Sharon Darby, BoostHER co-chairperson. “Based on their feedback, we recognized that we were well poised to elevate our support to the female student-athletes to be more inclusive.” BoostHER held the VCU Women’s Golf Classic at Willow Oaks on Oct. 5 to raise donations. Senior student-athlete Paula Neciporuka said female athletes need to “get to know

each other better.” Building a community among female student-athletes is another aspect that BoostHER aims to address. “You know how it is with women, we don’t really know each other but we’re already making decisions about how the person is,” Neciporuka said. “If we had more interaction with them, and get to know them better, that would be good.” A forum for female athletes to interact could solve another issue in women’s sports programs: game attendance. “I think it would be cool to be informed about when their games are or have emails sent to all the teams with schedules,” senior basketball guard Tera Reed said. “That’s one thing I wish I did more since I’ve been here, interacting with the other female student-athletes.” Darby said BoostHER plans to help attendance by capitalizing on former student-athletes, donors and community supporters to develop a community that supports and celebrates female athletes. Reed is excited to see what this program will do to help and grow the female athletic community. “I think it’s cool to be a part of, and just see it happening,” Reed said. “I have friends at other colleges and they don’t get that opportunity to even just be recognized, and I’m so glad that VCU is doing this.”

Illustration by Lauren Johnson

6 The Commonwealth Times

On this day

In 1982, “Cats” opened at the Winter Garden Theatre in New York and went on to have 7,485 performances.

“Silence Isn’t Golden,” painted by Black portraiture artist David Marion and Native American graffiti artist Meme, is displayed on the side of the Visual Arts Center of Richmond at 1812 W. Main St. Photo by Enza Marcy

Local muralists team up to spark discourse on injustice

EBONIQUE LITTLE Contributing Writer

The artist immediately began reaching out to organizations for funding and contacted both familiar and unfamiliar artists through recommendations and artist submissions. As of now, 34 culturally diverse artists have joined the endeavor after being hand-selected by Glass based on their work and skill. The project’s last mural is currently underway. After submitting a brief introduction, artists were paired with someone from a different background. The two muralists were then encouraged to have conversations about their lives and important topics to guide the collaboration’s concept. All artists had complete control over the themes and topics referenced in the installations. Black portraiture artist David Marion and Native American graffiti artist Meme were assigned to work together and completed “Silence Isn’t Golden” on Sept. 14. Located on the side of the Visual Arts Center of Richmond at 1812 W. Main St., the mural presents an abstract representation of water and clouds with serene shades of blue. “Silence Isn’t Golden” tackles issues such as mass incarceration, arrests of protesters

and unclean water systems in Black and Indigenous communities through powerful text and images of activists. “I wanted our conversation to truly be reflected on the wall,” Marion said. “And that’s why it’s so layered in so many different ideas, because it’s literally everything we talked about.” Despite some initial awkwardness of sharing personal struggles with a complete stranger, both artists said they enjoyed working together. Marion and Meme fused their ideas of what they wanted in the mural, bringing forth representations of their communities. “There is no conflict when you’re trying to elevate people’s voices,” Meme said. Richmond activist and musician Aaron Brown is depicted at the center of the mural above stripes that represent prison bars. They flow from his body as he shouts a quote from author Zora Neale Hurston, “If you are silent about your pain, they will kill you and say you enjoyed it.” Marion said he faced overt acts of racism as a Black man in South Carolina and wanted to communicate the importance of speaking up, especially in his community.

Strangers are combining different cultures and artistic talents to create murals throughout Richmond that foster conversations about race relations and healing. Artist pairs will complete sixteen murals around the city through the Mending Walls mural project. In response to George Floyd’s death and the resurgence of the Black Lives Matter movement, Richmond-based artist Hamilton Glass initiated the project in June to provoke discourse surrounding racial inequality. “When the passing — or murder — of George Floyd happened, I really kind of just was in this dark place,” Glass said. “The dark place came from people just kind of waking up to say, ‘Oh, there’s injustice happening.’ Of course there is. There’s been injustice happening.” Floyd, an unarmed Black man, died in Minneapolis police custody in May. His death sparked protests in cities across the country, including in Richmond. Glass spoke with frequent collaborator and muralist Matt Lively about systemic racism and questioned why the issue was just now becoming a national headline. He said the conversation deepened their connection as they talked about their unique experiences from different racial backgrounds. “That’s like a model of what the world — our society — should be doing right now,” Glass said. Glass said he wanted to further intercultural conversations on a local level through the use of public art. The idea for Mending Walls, a project that would foster tough conversations, was formed. “I’ve always been about the community,” Artists Meme and Marion pose in front of the mural’s prison bars. Meme holds a turkey Glass said. “I’ve always been about the feather, which represents energy, abundance and pride in Native American culture. Photo courtesy of Brenda Soque power of art.”

“The whole idea of the mural is to resist being silent and to really be vocal about your oppression,” Marion said. “Be vocal about your experiences, and don’t accept others being complacent in the silence.” The mural also features Meme’s family totem pole, which highlights her Native American heritage. The rushing waters presented in the mural’s background were inspired by conversations with local reservations. Meme said she reached out to about 20 Indigenous artists and asked what they felt would be important for the mural to include. “Water rights for all” is written along the bottom, and Canadian Indigenous activist Autumn Peltier is depicted balancing a bowl to catch the flowing water. Meme said this detail alludes to the Atlantic Coast Pipeline, a proposed 550-mile natural gas transmission system from West Virginia through North Carolina that was canceled in July. Hazardous byproducts could have threatened the Appalachian National Scenic Trail’s water supply and soil, Energy News Network reported, disturbing some reservations and Black communities. Throughout the creation of the mural, the artists encountered a few obstacles during the process, such as consistent rain and an extensive treatment of the brick before it could be painted. Despite having an injured back at the time of the mural’s creation, Meme said it was important to persevere because of the project’s significance. “Women’s stories are important. Indigenous stories are important. Black Lives Matter is important,” Meme said. “They’d have to kill me for me not to show up.” Locations of completed murals can be found at mendingwallsrva.com/walls.

Wed. October 7, 2020 7

Annual folk festival returns with virtual program, Brown’s Island installation priority, Lecky said. Every year, an event poster is commissioned by the festival from a Richmond-based artist. This year’s design was created by Shannon Wright, a VCUarts alumna and former illustrations editor of The Commonwealth Times. The illustration depicts an artist performing on a stage with fans in attendance in the form of tablet screens — nodding to the virtual modality of the festival. Wright said she hopes her work can provide a sense of togetherness. “I know things are beyond scary right now and being away from those we love and share interests with is hard,” Wright said in an email. “I like using bright colors in my art and tend to include a variety of people in the work I create, so I hope that translates.” Wright said while the festival will be different from past years, the virtual format could provide a more accessible venue for those that could not attend in the past. The artist is looking forward to the festival’s return to “normal,” and hopes the accessibility will be incorporated into future in-person events. The reception of the festival’s new format has been overwhelmingly positive, according to volunteer coordinator Jamie Thomas. The 16th annual Richmond Folk Festival commissioned an event poster designed by VCU “People are sad about the situation,” alumna and illustrator Shannon Wright. Image courtesy of Shannon Wright Thomas said. “But they’re also very understanding and grateful that we are keeping ADVERTISEMENT their health and safety our top priority.” According to Thomas, the enthusiasm for this year’s festival is apparent in the immediate response to this year’s small amount of volunteer opportunities. “We’ve had to downsize drastically,” Thomas said. “But the spots that we did have filled up almost immediately. People still want to be involved.” Volunteers have been a crucial part of the Richmond Folk Festival, especially during fundraising efforts for the free event. Thomas and Lecky said there is some anxiety among organizers about virtual fundraising, which can be done online or via text. Finding solutions that adhere to social distancing guidelines — while still maintaining the integrity of the festival — has sparked ideas for a wide array of future acts. This year’s virtual festival allowed for more international artists, Thomas said, compared to previous years when travel created additional costs. “I think next year, we could take what we’ve done here and even stream select performances to include audiences from all over the world,” Thomas said.

The second weekend in October typically brings music and community to Brown’s Island as thousands of people gather to attend the Richmond Folk Festival. On Oct. 9, fans will tune into the festival at home — on their radios, televisions and computers. Venture Richmond Director of Events Stephen Lecky said he and his team had almost no experience with virtual formats when it came to planning one of Richmond’s most iconic events. “There’s nothing comparable to being shoulder-to-shoulder with 6,000 other people in a tent, and we just can’t do that right now,” Lecky said. “But the festival truly is Richmond at its best, and I’m thrilled we’re able to present an incredibly diverse offering for folks to enjoy.” Venture Richmond, a nonprofit organization, works to enhance the city through economic development, marketing and events, which include the Richmond Folk Festival. This year marks the festival’s 16year anniversary. Occurring virtually from Oct. 9-13, it will include recorded sets, live-streamed performances and archived footage of past festivals — with over 30 hours of planned content throughout the weekend. Organizers took inspiration from other events, such as the New Orleans Jazz Festival and Austin City Limits Music Festival, to incorporate different mediums of consumption for their fans. “We wanted to give folks something new and different, but also maintain highquality performances,” Lecky said. With routine festival operations made impossible due to COVID-19, Lecky said the organizers had to come up with creative ways to engage with Richmonders and offer a sense of community. On Brown’s Island, fans can participate in a scavenger hunt of the festival grounds and enter to win prizes. “Together Apart” is a 30-foot-wide interactive outdoor installation of an outlined hand shape on Brown’s Island. Fans are encouraged to bring their own painted rocks that represent something they miss or are looking forward to once the pandemic ends. The rocks will fill the piece, which is estimated to require 10 tons of rocks to complete. “The hand symbolizes that, now more than ever, people have been yearning for that human touch,” Lecky said. “And we just haven’t been able to get that like we were six months ago.” For an event schedule and a list of ways Many aspects of the festival were altered, to stream the Richmond Folk Festival, visit but creating an official poster remained a richmondfolkfestival.org.

GRADUATE CERTIFICATE IN HEALTH CARE INNOVATION

GRACE MCOMBER Contributing Writer

Learn to merge principles of leadership in health care with product innovation in this cross-disciplinary program, the first of its kind in Virginia.

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Father and daughter Joshua Roberson, 36, and Aniyah Roberson, 2, explore the Richmond Folk Festival’s interactive art installation “Together Apart” at Brown’s Island. Photo by Enza Marcy

8 The Commonwealth Times

UPCOMING EVENTS See something

SAT. 10/10 Twin Brothers Band at Brambly Park

Local blues quartet Twin Brothers Band will debut new music during their performance. Concertgoers are advised to wear a mask and follow social distancing guidelines at this free event. Reservations are suggested, as walk-ins will be restricted once capacity is met. To reserve tickets, visit bramblypark.com. 7:30 - 11 p.m., Brambly Park, 1708 Belleville St.

SUN. 10/11 Drive-in drag show Junior Samantha Ratliff created New Surge Productions last spring to provide a space for aspiring and underrepresented student filmmakers. Photo by Enza Marcy

NEW SURGE PRODUCTIONS: Student filmmakers assemble against industry restrictions

FABIAN FONTANEZ Contributing Writer As a woman in the film industry, junior Samantha Ratliff said she was often told where she belonged, including “in the kitchen.” In response, she started her own filmmaking club and production company: New Surge Productions. Established last spring, Ratliff said the club provides a space and voice for aspiring and underrepresented student filmmakers who have faced similar discrimination. “I knew I wanted to go into filmmaking, but I just thought as a woman, that was not an option,” the mass communications major said. “I just wanted to give the opportunity to work with minorities, and everyone who just felt how I felt — that they really didn’t have a place in the industry.” She hopes to generate a sense of “creative freedom” among members from various backgrounds and departments, and create a space that allows ideas –– even ones unpopular in the industry –– to be heard.

“There’s so much red tape,” Ratliff said. “There’s a lot of layers that your ideas have to go through before they can be produced, made, all that.” The company currently has a small team of around 20 people, composed of individuals from various industry backgrounds, such as screenwriters and costume designers. Despite the differences, Ratliff doesn’t let job titles restrict idea pitches. “Knowing that a makeup artist can pitch a film idea to the screen really just like that,” Ratliff said, “I think that’s what makes us so tight.” Ratliff said members of the group appreciate getting swift responses to their ideas, receiving feedback and being able to follow through with their pitches without as many hurdles. Before her idea could come to fruition, Ratliff had to assemble a team, even if some members didn’t have as much film experience. This led to her inviting other driven individuals and classmates. Junior mass communications major Ethan Parker focuses on design and visuals for the group’s website and branding. As the club’s head of experience, Parker’s goal is to build the company’s visual identity and future plans alongside Ratliff. “She’s a badass and a super good leader,” Parker said. He admires Ratliff ’s attitude toward her passion project and desire to make a change without being afraid of “pissing people off ” along the way.

Vice President Henry Moore said the name New Surge Productions reflects the drive to make a change in the film industry by pushing traditional boundaries. “With our films and documentaries … we don’t want to just follow the trend,” the senior mass communications major said. “We want to push boundaries and touch on subjects that people might not agree with.” Ratliff said the team had come together as if they were “already friends for 10 years.” She said they have been able to discourse politely and pitch ideas, creating a welcoming and encouraging environment. The company had initial plans of a short film for the fall, but has since delayed the project due to COVID-19 restrictions. Ratliff and Moore are now focusing on the pre-production process — developing pitches for feature length films and ideas for socially distanced activities. New Surge Productions has plans to hold a “knockout style film festival” for the spring, allowing audience participation and a space for college students to display their work in a non-professional environment. Ratliff views college as a time to take risks, especially with access to equipment in VCU’s Cabell Library and cinema department. She urges other filmmakers and those who feel like they don’t belong in the industry to apply for the spring semester. Interested parties can sign up for their email list online. “I always tend to bite off more than I can chew,” Ratliff said. “But this experience has actually paid off because there are so many people who are just as tired as I am and who want to do something about it.”

Showtimes for this fall-themed, drive-in drag event are 6 and 8 p.m. Receive a parking assignment via email after purchasing tickets on Diversity Richmond’s website. 6 p.m., Diversity Richmond, 1407 Sherwood Ave., $10

Do something

THURS. 10/8 VCUarts Fall Jazz Festival

Music from jazz legends Duke Ellington, Bob Brookmeyer and Gil Evans will be featured in a four-set concert from VCU Jazz Orchestras I and II. This event will mark the music department’s first performance since March and will be available to stream for free online. For more information, contact director of jazz studies Antonio Garcia at ajgarcia@vcu.edu. 8 p.m., streaming on go.vcu.edu/concerthall from the W.E. Singleton Center for the Performing Arts

SAT. 10/10 ICA opening: ‘As Everybody’

A survey of work from multimodal Argentinian artist Fernanda Laguna, “As Everybody (Como Todo El Mundo,)” will display at the Institute for Contemporary Art from Oct. 10 until Jan. 10. Access to the exhibits are available through free, timed tickets. To reserve tickets, visit the ICA’s website. Times vary, Institute for Contemporary Art, 601 W. Broad St.

Learn something

THURS. 10/8 19th Amendment discussion with Library of Virginia

Virginia Sen. Jennifer McClellan, D-Richmond, will moderate a virtual panel discussion exploring the unresolved LETTER TO THE EDITOR inequalities following the passing of the 19th Amendment. Panelists will discuss women’s suffrage and citizenship for minority groups in America’s history. For registration information about this free event, visit the event link at Connect VA’s website or email Emma Ito at emma.ito@lva.virginia.gov. 5 - 6 p.m., connectva.org

THURS. 10/8 Latinx professionals panel

Speakers from a variety of industries will examine their experiences as working while Latinx in a virtual panel hosted by VCU Career Services. Panelists will share their perspectives and the differences for each industry. For more information or to access the free event on Zoom, contact Career Services Job Location & Development Coordinator Ash Taylor-Beierl at tayloram8@vcu.edu. 6 p.m., virtual event

Left: Samantha Ratliff adjusts her lighting settings alongside other film equipment in her apartment living room. Right: With an extensive collection of films, the mass communications major cites Wes Anderson as her favorite director. Photos by Enza Marcy

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

Wed. October 7, 2020 9

Quote of the week

“The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes.” — Marcel Proust

VCU’s cancellation of study abroad programs marks another win for COVID-19 TAGWA SHAMMET Opinions Editor Upon coming to college, one of the experiences I was most excited for was studying abroad. During months and months of being locked in my home, I had endless time to plan my spring 2021 trip to the United Kingdom. Between applying for scholarships and finding a place to stay for the semester, the possibility of a cancellation was not a possibility in my mind — until last week. On Sept. 23, VCU sent an email to study abroad applicants stating all abroad programs were canceled through May 2021 due to the ongoing uncertainty surrounding COVID-19. While it comes as no surprise, the disappointment is still very present. As the pandemic continues to halt normal life, the idea of traveling is beginning to feel like a distant dream. That being said, with yet another letdown due to COVID-19, not taking the virus seriously is becoming a testament to some people’s intelligence. With remote learning, many students still find themselves entertaining social gatherings and walking around campus without a mask. People nationwide have neglected safety guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

In a shocking turn of events, I actually agree with VCU’s decision. In light of the CDC’s suggestion to postpone abroad trips, the university has come to a sound conclusion. Traveling during this time is challenging enough. With multiple travel restrictions — many exclusive to American tourists — and a lack of accessibility to health care, it is inevitably anxiety-inducing. Because of those restrictions, traveling abroad as a student is even more stressful. Obtaining visas and entry into countries would be a hassle. If you thought the Transportation Security Administration’s airport lines were crazy pre-pandemic, I can only imagine the length of them now.

before countries closed their borders and enacted stay-at-home orders. I’d rather return home on my own volition, not because I’m stuck. The cultural immersion that comes with living abroad is undeniable, and I was excited to experience that. During the planning for my trip, I was paired with an advisor who offered support over Zoom calls. VCU’s Global Education Office provided an abundance of resources and guidance to help ensure my trip abroad would Illustration by Lauren Johnson be memorable. The office Many of us tend to forget that while helped me sort out transfer credits with we’re abroad, our healthcare won’t travel my selected school and even provided a with us. Some insurance companies may list of scholarships. offer to pay minimal international hospital As a junior, I know the possibility of fees, but it is rare that they will cover all studying abroad is not completely gone. I your expenses and emergency evacuation don’t think programs will resume for the back to the U.S. In an age where healthcare summer, but I have high hopes that fall 2021 is so vital, lack of availability to it would trips will take place. prove to be extremely dangerous. With a pandemic dictating our lives, it is I’ve always joked that if I went to the important that we stay patient and follow U.K. and truly enjoyed my time, I would the recommendations of those trying to aid probably never return. Now, returning and protect us. VCU’s cancellation of study home may be difficult due to constant- abroad programs is just another example of ly changing travel restrictions. Stu- how far our community is from beating the dents who were abroad last spring found pandemic. We need to stay healthy, distant themselves scrambling to make it home and — most importantly — safe.

Voting is crucial to rewriting the future

ISHAAN NANDWANI Contributing Writer

During this politically turbulent time, there’s been a single message repeatedly imparted upon us: Vote. The emphaIt seems that everywhere we turn, we’re sis placed on voting isn’t unique to the confronted with the dangerous stakes of 2020 election, but it has arguably never the future of our nation. With less than a been more important. month until the presidential election, we’re The primary focus of the upcoming elecfacing three major crises in public health, tion is the presidency, but there’s more on a struggling economy and systemic racism. the line than just our commander in chief.

Thirty-three seats in the Senate, 434 positions in the House of Representatives and a new Supreme Court justice are all on the ballot, either directly or indirectly. Yet in this election, the truth is, not all of us will vote. Perhaps some of us struggle to understand how a singular vote can truly make a difference. Others might be reluctant to tune in to politics due to their own personal challenges during these difficult times. This election is not one that can be ignored. It will guide the direction that the U.S. is heading, both politically and morally. Between the pandemic and civil unrest, we are all anticipating the winner of this presidential election to be either the savior or destroyer of our desires and expectations. After then-Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton’s loss in 2016, many Americans found themselves puzzled, disappointed and skeptical of the electoral college system. Despite Clinton winning the popular vote, President Trump won the electoral college vote and secured the presidency. To prevent a similar result, it is vital for people to get out Illustration by Madeline DeMichele and vote this year.

To those who are reluctant to vote, hear me out. As college students and young people in this country, many of us will vote for the first time in our lives. Our votes are more than simple checks on a ballot. They reflect the changing and blossoming ideals of our generation; one that is deeply rooted in equality for all, a steadfast belief in science and the protection of our fundamental civil liberties. As illustrated by the first presidential debate between Democratic nominee and former Vice President Joe Biden and President Donald Trump, our divisions are extraordinary. When we vote, we use our voice and demand change, electing leaders who share our values. We make it known to those at the top that indeed, we will not be silenced or sidelined. We will be heard. There’s a pervasive conception in the U.S. that although young people are often politically informed, we do not go out to the polls and vote. It’s up to us to turn this into a misconception and refute this notion through voting. There’s less than a month before the election. We must pour our heart and souls into ensuring our vote is counted, and that our family and friends have voted as well. For resources on voting in Virginia, the Virginia Department of Elections portal has all you need to know. Early voting has been open in our state since Sept. 18, and the last day to register to vote in the commonwealth is Oct. 13.

10â&#x20AC;&#x192;The Commonwealth Times

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Los Angeles Times Crossword Puzzle