The Commonwealth Times; January 16, 2019 by VCU Student Media Center

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THE INDEPENDENT PRESS OF VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH UNIVERSITY 2ⁿ place, weekly newspaper of the year — 2018 Pinnacle Awards

VOL. 60, NO. 16 JANUARY 16, 2019

Behind Closed Doors:

VCU board privately approves Rao bonus amid yearly salary increases

$690,943

Story on page 2

$622,137

VCU President Michael Rao’s executive compensation, 2009–17

2009–10

$538,500

2011–12

2012–13

$553,155 $523,393

$488,500

2010–11

2013–14

2014–15

2015–16

2016–17

Photo by Erin Edgerton

$488,500

$538,500

Source: The Chronicle of Higher Education Infographic by Ryan Rich

Richmond marches for women and minority rights SAFFEYA AHMED CORRINE FIZER Capital News Service

Participants marched from the Arthur Ashe Jr. Athletic Center to the intersection of Broad and Boulevard streets. Photo by Erin Edgerton

undreds of social justice advocates, community members and students marched Jan. 12 for women’s rights in Richmond. The two-mile reprise of the 2017 Women’s March began at 9 a.m. at the Arthur Ashe Jr. Athletic Center as participants holding brightly decorated signs walked toward the intersection of West Broad Street and North Boulevard. “What do want? Equal rights. When do we want them? Now,” demonstrators chanted in support of both women and minority rights. Demonstrators made their way back to the Arthur Ashe Center around 10:30 a.m. for an expo where speakers urged reform, marchers danced to empowering music and dozens of vendors sold handmade products and spread awareness about social justice movements.

“I often times get asked … where is this surge of energy from women coming from?” said Del. Jennifer Carroll Foy, D-Prince William, who spoke at the expo. “I like to tell them, it’s always been in us.” Carroll Foy sponsored legislation to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment — which prohibits sex-based discrimination — in efforts to make Virginia the 38th and final state necessary to include the ERA in the U.S. Constitution. “We now know we must have a seat at the table,” Carroll Foy said. “We have to be where the decisions are being made and where the laws are being written.” After marching to and from the Arthur Ashe Center, participants gathered to hear social justice advocates and elected officials, including U.S. Rep. Abigail Spanberger, D-Va., and state Sen. Jennifer McClellan, D-Richmond. See WOMEN’S MARCH on page 3

Breaking records: Men’s Soccer player drafted to San Jose Earthquakes Story on page 7 Midfielder Siad Haji tallied five goals and 10 assists during the 2017-18 season, starting 18 of 21 games. Photo by Michael Mickle

NEWS Phoebe Hall 4

SPORTS Troy Daniels 5

SPECTRUM Embroidered portraits 8

OPINIONS Cyntoia Brown 10

2 The Commonwealth Times

Stories of the week

national: The Brooklyn trial of Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán revealed that former Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto accepted a $100 million bribe from the cartel leader. international: At least 15 people died in a hotel attack in Nairobi, claimed by Islamic militant group Al-Shabab.

Closed-door session grants President Rao more than $25,000 performance bonus T

he vcu board of visitors’ approval of a 14 percent bonus for President Michael Rao in a closed-door session raised questions of whether the decision conflicts with state transparency laws. The Dec. 7 vote to give Rao — one of the highest-paid state officials — a more than $25,000 one-time bonus took place while a sign barred public entry from the meeting room, according to the Richmond Times-Dispatch, signaling the Board was in a closed session.

Executive compensations of Virginia university presidents compared, 2016-17

2 $690,943

Michael Rao

Virginia Commonwealth University

$645,017

Angel Cabrera

Pamela Lepley, vice president, University Relations University Board of Visitors members are selected by the governor to act as the voting body of the university, making them subject to state laws for public entities. Vice President for University Relations Pamela Lepley said the behind-closed-door vote — which did not allow for public deliberation — was an unintended error, due to oversight. “No one realized the door hadn’t been re-opened to signify that they were now in public session,” Lepley said. “That won’t happen again, I know that.”

University of Virginia

Timothy D. Sands Virginia Tech

$607,502

Teresa A. Sullivan

George Mason University

$555,198

No one realized the door hadn’t been re-opened to signify that they were now in public session. That won’t happen again, I know that.”

6 $505,861

John R. Broderick Old Dominion University

$479,400

W. Taylor Reveley III College of William & Mary

Infographic by Ryan Rich

FADEL ALLASSAN News Editor

Source: The Chronicle of Higher Education

Virginia’s Freedom of Information Act — which allows people to request access to government records or information — holds that any measure passed behind closed doors cannot become effective unless the body reconvenes and votes in an open session, with a few exceptions. The VCU Board of Visitors can hold a closed-door meeting to discuss matters such as marketing and purchases when public knowledge of the plans “would adversely affect the competitive position of the Authority.” Executive Director of the Virginia Coalition for Open Government Megan Rhyne said that while violations of the Freedom of Information Act can be petitioned, even the most extreme repercussions are limited to a formal warning and civil penalties. “There’s several attorney general opinions from years back where people had

VCU has first dibs on ABC warehouse lot

The ABC warehouse is located in Scott's Addition at 2901 Hermitage Rd. Photo by Erin Edgerton

challenged topics discussed in improperly called closed meetings,” Rhyne said. “The [attorney general] in all those cases said ‘Just because this was wrong doesn’t mean that the action that’s flowed from it can be undone.’” The bonus was awarded based on Rao’s performance, Lepley said, in line with annual board procedure. “The board sets his goals, what they expect him to accomplish in a given year,” Lepley said. “Then, like all [VCU personnel], he has a performance evaluation once a year, and from that, they determine whether to change his compensation at all. Some years they do, some years they don’t.” Lepley said she could not go into detail about specific aspects of the performance evaluation, but performance bonuses are awarded based on how Rao met his goals

CHRIS WOOD Contributing Writer

on graduation rates and other factors from the last fiscal year. Rao’s salary has been the subject of frequent scrutiny by groups that advocate for increases in adjunct pay at the university and those who have decried tuition hikes, including last year’s almost $900 bump in tuition costs. Rao is one of the highest-paid public university presidents in the country, ranking in the top 50 based on salary. The Chronicle of Higher Education reported his 2016-2017 salary as totaling almost $700,000 — about $100,000 more than the national average. The board also approved a base salary increase of 1.5 percent for all VCU staff and 3 percent for faculty who met evaluation goals. Lepley said Rao is donating his 1.5 percent increase to the Rao Family Scholarship Fund.

VCU a tight deadline to agree on a price for the site. ABC is looking to relocate by 2021. “The Virginia ABC Authority doesn’t exGov. Ralph Northam is looking to pect to move into its new facility until the move VCU a step closer to purchasing an first three months of 2021, more than six Alcoholic Beverage Control warehouse in months after the current two-year budget Scott’s Addition. expires,” said ABC CEO Travis Hill. “We The site, which is less than a half-mile can’t do anything to put the authority in a from The Diamond, would be home to base- situation where it doesn’t have somewhere to ball games for VCU and Richmond’s minor go and someone has a claim on the property.” league team, the Flying Squirrels. The two Hill also stated that ABC was not inparties joined the city government to reach volved in drafting the proposed budget a nonbinding agreement to build and share language. a ballpark in 2016, with the goal of it being “There are a lot of details to address, but close to the Diamond, where both baseball this step is an important first one as we adteams currently play. The Flying Squirrels dress our overall facilities needs,” said Paagreed to stay in Richmond for at least 30 mela Lepley, VCU Vice President of Public years as part of that deal. Relations. The facility is planned to include Last year, the Virginia General Assembly other athletic facilities other than baseball. gave ABC permission to negotiate a deal To purchase the facility, both VCU and with H&H Co., an out-of-state company, ABC would hire a qualified real estate apto build a new headquarters at Riverstone praiser to give a value on the site. After the Properties in Mechanicsville. This move put two appraisals were calculated on the site’s ABC’s 2901 Hermitage Rd. warehouse on worth, ABC would be required to offer the the market, and VCU has since been look- property to VCU “at a value which shall be ing to purchase the space. determined by averaging the values of the The clause in Northam’s budget would two appraisals,” the governor’s budget states. expire in 2020, which would give ABC and

Wed. January 16, 2019 3 WOMEN’S MARCH

Legislators advocate for gender equality at march Continued from front page “Every issue is a woman’s issue,” McClellan said. “We’ve had a long, complicated history. And now we fight and we march today to make sure our voices are heard.” Spanberger thanked the work of “strong women” who helped send a total of 126 women to Congress during the 2018 midterms. “For anyone who needs something to show their daughters or young people or anyone else,” Spanberger said, “look at who’s in Congress. Look at what we have happening in Congress.” Spanberger — who beat Republican Rep. Dave Brat in one of Virginia’s most hotly contested races of the 2018 midterm elections — represents Virginia’s 7th District in the most diverse Congress to step foot in Washington. “We have women from all over the country,” Spanberger said. “We have our first Muslim women. Our first Native American women in Congress. We have our youngest woman ever in Congress.” Nearly a quarter of the 116th Congress is made up of women, the most in U.S. history, according to Pew Research.

“I love seeing women in power,” said 11year-old Natalie Rodriguez, who participated in the march, “because I know that when my grandma was growing up, it wasn’t like that.” Several speakers also addressed immigrant rights. Some expressed frustration with the now-longest partial government shutdown in U.S. history. The U.S. entered the shutdown Dec. 22, 2018, stemming from a deadlock over President Donald Trump’s $5 billion funding request for a U.S.-Mexico border wall. “By shutting down the government, that’s sort of like saying, ‘I’m not going to reopen until you give me my wall,’” said march organizer and local activist Seema Sked. “It’s very childish.” As a Muslim woman, Sked focuses her advocacy efforts toward fighting Trump’s travel ban, fighting Islamophobia and creating equity for immigrants. She recently traveled to Tijuana, Mexico, to help asylum seekers with the interview process. “Just to see the conditions that folks are in, and to see the children, and how everyone’s so desperate to find a better life and a safe place,” Sked said, “that’s really, really important to me because I look at that and

Elected officials, including Del. Jennifer Carroll Foy, D-Prince William (left), and U.S. Rep. Abigail Spanberger, D-Va. (right), urged women to get involved in the political process. Photos by Erin Edgerton think that could be me.” Several marchers supported immigrant rights similar to Sked, holding up signs that read “immigrants are not enemies” and “make America kind again.” This is the second year that Women’s March RVA has held an event after having been inspired by the National Women’s

March held annually in Washington. The march took place a week earlier than the organization’s sister marches, giving Richmond residents the opportunity to partake in one or both events. The National Women’s March will take place Jan. 19 in Washington at 10 a.m.

Demonstrators rallied at the halfway point of the march route, blocking off the intersection of West Broad Street and North Boulevard. Photo by Erin Edgerton

New meal service for students comes to VCU CHIP LAUTERBACH Contributing Writer A pair of University of Virginia graduates are bringing an alternative meal plan to VCU students this semester. The plans, which come from a company called Elevate, include “swipes” for a variety of Richmond restaurants. Co-founders Seth Kramer and Josh Cohen said they saw the need for the service when they noticed that on-campus dining hall plans tend to go up in price without updating or changing the meals offered to students. Between the 2017-18 and 2018-19 school years, VCU dining plans increased in price by about $45. Elevate started with trial runs at UVA in 2013. The company now offers plans at several universities in the country including Florida State University, Cornell Uni-

Elevate meal plans & VCU meal plans compared

Swipes

Total cost ($)

Cost/swipe ($)

Swipes

Dining Dollars

Total cost ($)

Cost/swipe ($)*

5 45 75 105

50 449 739 1,019

9.01 8.99 8.86 8.71

5 25 50 100 150 200 200 250 250 300

160 75 75 75 105 150 300 175 300 100

209 320 561 961 1,422 1,882 2,032 2,095 2,220 2,290

9.80 9.80 9.72 8.86 8.78 8.66 8.66 7.68 7.68 7.30

Source: Elevate and VCU Dining Services *Cost calculated by subtracting Dining Dollars from total cost of meal plan.

Infographic by Ryan Rich

versity, UVA, University of Michigan and UNC-Chapel Hill. “One of the biggest factors we look at when looking for campuses to bring Elevate to is if there are a lot of really great restaurants in the area,” Kramer said. “Richmond was just a good fit, having a wide variety of dining experiences.” Elevate’s meal plans do not expire at the end of each semester, and the meals are

available until students graduate. Like VCU Dining plans, Elevate’s options are also available to students who live off campus. Among the local participating establishments are Asado, Foo Dog, KuRu Ethiopian, Poke Sushi Bowl, Elephant Thai and NuVegan Cafe, among others. Kramer and Cohen said they are talking with several other restaurants for future partnerships, which they hope to announce soon.

Elevate dining plans are priced similarly to those offered by VCU. A 45-meal Elevate plan costs $449, while students can buy a VCU plan with 50 swipes and 75 dining dollars for $561. A VCU plan with 100 swipes and 75 dining dollars costs $961, and the 100-meal Elevate plan rings in at $1,019.

Elevate's meal plan includes 15 restaurants on or near VCU's campus, including Asado (left) and Deep Run Roadhouse (right). Photos by Jon Mirador

4 The Commonwealth Times

BOV rector and trailblazing lawyer dead at 77 HANNAH EASON Contributing Writer Phoebe Hall, the distinguished and trailblazing lawyer who served as rector of the university’s Board of Visitors, died Jan. 4. She was 77. Hall leaves behind a legacy as the first female public defender in Richmond and as a mother, grandmother, mother-in-law and sister. She was one of the first women to serve in the judiciary from Richmond when she was appointed to be a substitute judge, according to the Richmond Times-Dispatch. “She was kind, gracious and utterly unpretentious. She was brilliant, driven and enormously talented,” VCU President Michael Rao said in a statement. “She treated everyone with respect and compassion. She was a wise and strategic leader who inspired all of us to be better, do better, and make life better for those we serve.” Hall co-founded law firm Hall & Hall, PLC in 1969 with her late husband, Frank Hall. She served as senior partner and CEO with an expertise in family law, elder law and estate planning. In 1983, she was appointed as a Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court judge. Frank and Phoebe Hall served on the VCU Health Board of Directors. After her husband’s death in 2015, former Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe appointed her to serve as rector in his place. Last year, Gov. Ralph Northam reappointed her to a second four-year term as rector.

Phoebe Hall was the first female public defender in Richmond. Photo courtesy of University Public Affairs Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney and VCU President Michael Rao were among the prominent attendees at a memorial service for Hall Jan. 9. “She was always there with kind words of encouragement and an approving smile on her face,” Stoney said. “She supported me when she didn’t have to.” Hall is survived by her children Kimberly Hall Johnson and Franklin Hall, son-in-law Dan Johnson, daughter-in-law Melanie Hall and her grandchildren, Mary Grace Hall, Savannah Johnson and Lilly Johnson. Other surviving family members include brothers William Poulterer and R. Jeffery Poulterer.

“She helped me become much more of a man and a citizen than I would have had she not been in my life,” said Hall’s son-inlaw, Dan Johnson. Johnson recalled warm moments Hall shared with her loved ones, including vacations with her daughter to Quebec, taking her granddaughter, Savannah, to see “Hamilton” the musical and attending an Ariana Grande concert with her granddaughter, Lilly. Former VCU Health Director Eva Hardy’s friendship with Hall extended more than 35 years. “[Hall] was a strong woman that many women in business and politics looked up to. She was a pioneer as a woman lawyer,” Hardy said. “She spoke when she needed to, and everything she said had meaning.” Carolyn Johnson, a friend and colleague to Hall, shared the details of a vacation they had planned for this May. It was planned to be nothing short of an adventure, with camelback rides in the Saudi desert before heading to Oman. “[Phoebe was] worthy of attention, remarkable, exceptional, lovely both in person and in spirit,” Johnson said. “We will all miss her very much, but in this time of grief we should remember and emulate her love of life and her many constant acts of kindness.” Among Hall’s achievements was her 2018 induction into the Virginia Lawyers Weekly Hall of Fame. She also co-founded the Metropolitan Richmond Women’s Bar Association.

“Phoebe Hall led a life of public service and set a standard for helping others that we can all aspire to,” said Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine, in a statement read by Rao at the memorial service. “Her legacy will live on for many, including those that had the pleasure of knowing and working alongside her.”

She was a pioneer as a woman lawyer. She spoke when she needed to, and everything she said had meaning.” Eva Hardy, former director, VCU Health Sen. Mark Warner sent his remarks to the service as well, adding that Hall touched “countless lives” through her service. “Her work ethic was well known, and she could always be counted on to offer solid advice that was both wise and compassionate,” Warner said in his statement. Rao, who spoke at the memorial service, described Hall as having made VCU a stronger and better place. “She was committed to paving the way for others,” Rao said.

Wed. January 16, 2019 5

Stat of the week

Women’s Basketball is on a five-game win streak – the team’s longest since the 2015-16 season.

Ram in the Pros: Troy Daniels NOAH FLEISCHMAN Sports Editor

career with 251 three’s, the third all-time in program history. Former Rams guard and current Men’s Whether it’s hitting game-winning Basketball Director of Player Developthree’s in the NBA or setting records ment Darius Theus played alongside from beyond the arc, former Rams star Daniels his entire four-year career at the and current Phoenix Suns guard Troy Siegel Center. Daniels has a knack for knocking down “The best shooter I ever played with, clutch shots. probably the best shooter in VCU histoDaniels’ four-year career wear- ry,” Theus said of Daniels. “I think everying Black and Gold spanned from body has a special talent when they play 2009-2013, including the 2011 Final basketball and that’s just one thing that Four run in Houston. he’s great at. I’ve never seen anyone shoot “[The Final Four] was pretty cool,” Dan- the ball as well as he does with as much iels said. “Obviously I wish I could have confidence he does.” been a part of it — I broke my foot that Daniels’ “killer mindset” carried over to year so it was a little tough for me to get the NBA. During his rookie season, he hit into the rotation. Overall, it was one of the a game-winning 3-pointer with 11 seconds best experiences in my life — something left in the first round of the 2014 NBA I’ll tell my kids.” Playoffs, as the Houston Rockets defeated the Portland Trail Blazers. “I think it’s why he is surviving so long in the NBA,” Theus said, “because his mindset is kill or be killed, which is how “The best shooter I ever it should be.” Daniels went undrafted in the 2013 played with, probably NBA Draft and signed with the Rio the best shooter in VCU Grande Valley Vipers, a Rockets affiliate. history.” After being named to the 2014 D-League All-Star game, he was promoted to the Darius Theus, Men’s Basketball Rockets. Daniels has played for five NBA director of player development teams since his debut with Houston. The Roanoke native has never been Daniels’ favorite part of playing in the afraid to take a shot, a lesson taught by NBA is “being able to compete everyday.” former Men’s Basketball coach and current “A lot of people look at it as a job for Texas coach Shaka Smart. us, but I’m doing something that I love “He instilled a lot of core values of life to do every single day,” Daniels said. “It and also on the court, getting that killer doesn’t get any better than that, it’s not a mindset — that killer attitude to go out 9-5 for me.” there and just kill,” Daniels said. “That’s Daniels led the Suns in scoring backwhat I do when I try and get into the to-back nights this season. He recorded a game. A lot of guys say, ‘Oh, you’re not team-high 15 points in the Suns’ Dec. 6 loss scared to shoot, you’re never scared to take to the Trail Blazers. Daniels also logged a the last shot.’” team-high 18 points Dec. 7 as the Suns loss This mindset paid off for Daniels later to the Miami Heat. in his VCU career as he hit 124 3-pointers This season, Daniels has played in 20 in his senior season — a school record for games, averaging 6.2 points per game. Last season, Troy Daniels played in a career-high 79 games, averaging 8.9 points per a single season. He finished his collegiate game for the Suns. Photo Courtesy of Barry Gossage, NBA Photos

Rams’ strong second half leads to victory over cross-town rival BEN MALAKOFF Contributing Writer Women’s Basketball dominated the second half to beat cross-town rival Richmond 68-43 at the Robins Center Saturday. Sophomore guard Tera Reed and junior center Danielle Hammond led the Rams in points with 19 and 13, respectively. Richmond never led in the contest. The Rams started the game on an 11-0 run, holding the Spiders scoreless for nearly half of the first quarter. The first quarter ended as freshman forward Kseniya Malashka made a buzzer-beating layup giving the Rams an 18-9 lead. Richmond put up another 6-0 scoring run with help from Molly Mraz, cutting the score to 22-18 VCU. Aniyah Carpen-

ter’s three-pointer late in the half brought the Spiders within two points. “We talked a lot about taking care of the ball” VCU Head Coach Beth O’Boyle said after the win. “We felt like in the first half some of our turnovers were leading to easy baskets. We wanted to make that adjustment to be really strong.” The Rams had 16 turnovers in the contest, allowing the Spiders to score 10 points off the errors. VCU put together a 6-0 run in the start of the third quarter highlighted by four Reed points, giving the Rams a 32-22 advantage. After some back-and-forth scoring, fouling and occasional turnovers from both teams, the Rams put up another 6-0 run. Richmond’s Jaide Hinds-Clarke halted the run with a quick layup leaving less than 30 seconds in the third quarter. VCU used its bench to score 32 of its

total 68 points. “I think one of the things that really separates us from teams right now is our depth,” O’Boyle said. “Our players come off the bench or start and we play with a type of intensity that helps us earn some tough wins.” VCU dominated the last quarter of the game. The Rams went on a 13-1 run for nearly four minutes of the quarter, where Nyra Williams and Malashka hit back-toback three’s. Petrova then forced a quick turnover near the basket and quickly put the ball back up for an easy layup. Richmond could not keep up with the Rams’ fast-paced drive for the remainder of the game. “I give our players a ton of credit,” O’Boyle said. “They played really hard and together for 40 minutes and it was a great win for us.”

The Rams travel to The Bronx, New York Jan. 16 to take on Fordham at 7 p.m.

Junior center Danielle Hammond scored 13 points in the win over Richmond. Photo by Shayla Bailey

6 The Commonwealth Times

PRESS BOX

Following landmark deal, Pulisic becomes most expensive American footballer WALTER CHIDOZIE ANYANWU Contributing Writer On Jan. 2, Borussia Dortmund confirmed that it completed a $73 million deal for the transfer of Christian Pulisic — a 20-year old American who prevailed exceedingly in the Bundesliga — to Premier League giant Chelsea. Chelsea, which has 41 players out on loan across all major European leagues, has agreed to let Pulisic stay on loan at Dortmund until the end of the season. This comes at the end of rumors and suggestions that the midfielder was trying to force a move to England. Following the announcement, Pulisic expressed gratitude for having a chance at Dortmund on Twitter and Instagram. Emphasizing his age, he said he was a “proud 16-year-old from a small American town called Hershey.” For him, it was an honor to play in the Bundesliga at such a high level. He arrived at Dortmund’s youth side in 2015 and credits his rise toward the senior squad to the “club and their belief in giving young players a chance.” Months before the deal, he was linked with Liverpool, and, given the club’s stellar record across all competitions at the time, it seemed as though Pulisic would favor a move to Anfield more than anything else. Eventually, Chelsea beat out Liverpool by putting forward what Michael Zorc, Dortmund’s technical director, described as an “extremely lucrative bid.” Compared to other Americans who have made waves in English football, Pulisic’s market price alone brought him

to the top of the list of most expensive American-born players. Chelsea signed him for three times the price Wolfsburg paid to sign John Brooks — a German-born U.S. international — in summer 2017, making him the thirdmost expensive player the club has signed, behind Kepa Arrizabalaga and Alvaro Morata, the latter of whom has struggled constantly since his arrival at Stamford Bridge. Dortmund has been in fantastic form this season. Pulisic, however, hasn’t been very instrumental to its success thus far — 42 points in the Bundesliga, six points clear of Bayern Munich — playing 11 out of 17 of their league games and coming on as a substitute for about half of those, but registering only 1 goal and 2 assists. For his country’s first team, Pulisic holds 23 Caps and has registered 9 goals — a record that could have faced the ultimate test at the 2018 FIFA World

bank on Pulisic’s notoriety as being one of the best the U.S. has to offer in order to gain more fans from the country. His youth is also extremely valuable, and — despite Chelsea’s habit of procuring and abruptly dispatching young players — is important to a side that is now seriously thinking about ways to retain young players in the long term, much like other Premier League clubs are doing. Pulisic’s arrival at Chelsea could signal the immediate departures of one or more of the club’s players. With stars like Eden Hazard and Willian Borges da Silva looking to move to clubs Illustration by Karly Andersen outside England, it’s easy to see that Cup, but the U.S. failed to qualify follow- this $73 million signing is a preemptive ing its now-infamous defeat at the hands move to shore up the talent in their rosof Trinidad and Tobago. ter. Chelsea’s Belgian playmaker has been This transfer is not without its critics. repeatedly linked to Real Madrid, though Many have likened Pulisic to Callum the Spanish club has yet to make him Hudson-Odoi — Chelsea’s 18-year- an offer. Borges da Silva, on the other old winger who embodies most of the hand, has reportedly been less satisfied at qualities that Pulisic demonstrated Stamford Bridge in recent times and has, during his rise — and have criticized just recently, been tied to rumors about a Chelsea for flagrant misuse or underuse potential Barça move. of Hudson-Odoi. Bayern Munich has As it stands, Borges da Silva could be been keenly pursuing the youngster convinced to stay on at Chelsea if he is lately, but no progression beyond mere afforded more playing time; if all remains speculation has been seen. the same, Pulisic could have a difficult One critic who has recently vocalized time finding his feet at Chelsea. If he is thoughts on the transfer is Rio Ferdinand to be accommodated early on, however, of Old Trafford fame, saying that Chel- it would mean the assured exit of one of sea would rather “spend £60 Million on Hazard, Borges da Silva or Pedro Eliezer an unknown quantity rather than give Rodríguez Ledesma — as the Spaniard [Hudson-Odoi] some time and patience has been deployed in place of Borges da in the first team to prove himself.” Silva alongside him, but has been more There are benefits to Chelsea on top involved in the squad since the arrival of of this landmark signing. The club could Maurizio Sarri last summer.

VCU meets A-10’s best after successful out-of-conference play BEN MALAKOFF Contributing Writer

Dayton’s strong offense will test the Rams’ defense, with four players averaging more than 10 points per game — including Men’s Basketball ranks 51st in the na- standout forward Obi Toppin who averages tion — best in the Atlantic 10 — heading 13.4 ppg, 8.0 rebounds per game and 73.3 into the bulk of the conference schedule, field goal percentage. according to NCAA NET rankings. For a RHODE ISLAND team that ranked seventh in the A-10 preseason poll, most were shocked to see the After losing both games against Rhode Rams improve from last year. Island last season — including one in the Conference play began Jan. 5 with VCU A-10 quarterfinals — the Rams have a defeating Fordham 76-51. Only four A-10 chance for redemption Jan. 23 and Feb. 19. teams are in the top 100, according to the Led by new coach David Cox, Rhode Island NET rankings. Similar to last season, there enters A-10 play with a record of 7-5 and are few easy A-10 wins — the Rams will 105th rank in the NET rankings. need to prepare for some standout teams. “I would love to play them again,” Rhoades said. “They take advantage of bad DAYTON plays by you.” VCU faces Dayton home and away on Rhode Island is left with one senior on Jan. 16 and Feb. 16, respectively. Last sea- its roster after four of their five starters son, the Rams swept the Flyers in their two graduated last season. guards Jeff Dowtin meetings, which included an overtime vic- and Fatts Russell and forward Cyril Lantory at the Siegel Center. During last year’s gevine lead the team’s offense. Langevine conference tournament, VCU beat Dayton averages 10 rebounds per game, the highest the second round. in the A-10. Rhode Island’s defense should Last year, coach Mike Rhoades called not be overlooked either — it ranks 14th playing Dayton “a great opportunity to play nationally in 3-point field goal defense a good team.” while VCU ranks ninth. The Flyers are 66th in the NET rankings SAINT LOUIS with a 10-5 record, finishing the non-conference schedule on a three-game win streak. Ranked first place in the A-10 preseason Led by former Rams coach Anthony Grant, poll, Saint Louis begins its conference play Dayton had a notable victory over Butler ranked 61st in the NET rankings. The 9-4 and impressive efforts that fell short against Billikens remain undefeated at home with No. 4 Virginia and No. 14 Auburn. a record of 8-0 at the Chaifetz Arena. VCU

will face Saint Louis one time this season on Feb. 26 at the Siegel Center. Last year, the Rams snuck a win at Saint Louis during a tightly-contested overtime period. After a strong start to out-of-conference play, the Billikens lost their young freshman star Carte’Are Gordon — a former top 100 recruit who started nine games — who is sitting out the rest of the year for “personal reasons.”

VCU cannot overlook its game against Saint Louis, a team that has notable wins over Seton Hall and Butler. “Our guys know what is going on in the league,” Rhoades said. “They know what they were ranked preseason by everybody. And I don’t want them to forget that.”

Redshirt-senior forward Michael Gilmore is the lone ram to have appeared in the NCAA tournament. Gilmore recorded 12 points in the loss to No. 7 Oklahoma in the 2016 NCAA Second Round. Photo by Andy Riddler

Wed. January 16, 2019 7

Haji becomes highest-drafted Ram in history SAM HOOPER Contributing Writer SAFFEYA AHMED Managing Editor Former Men’s Soccer star Siad Haji is now the highest drafted Ram in VCU Athletics history, selected second overall by the San Jose Earthquakes in the 2019 MLS SuperDraft Jan. 11. “The first time I saw him play, it was obvious that he was a very talented young man,” coach Dave Giffard said.

“Not a lot of kids get this opportunity and just being here is just a blessing … I’m just short of words. New city and just ready to work hard … meet the new fans, meet the coaches.” Siad Haji, former Men’s Soccer player Haji signed a deal with Generation Adidas, a joint program between MLS and U.S. Soccer that allows the nation’s top college underclassmen to enter the

Siad Haji scored five goals and had 10 assists this past season for the Rams, leading them to A-10 regular season title. Photo by Teresa Bricker draft early and start their professional careers. These players do not count against the team’s salary limit and they can later sign senior player deals. Haji is the second Ram to sign with Generation Adidas after Jason Johnson in 2013, who currently plays for Phoenix Rising FC. “Not a lot of kids get this opportunity and just being here is just a blessing … I’m just short of words,” Haji said in a post-

draft interview. “New city and just ready to work hard … meet the new fans, meet the coaches.” During the 2017-18 season — Haji’s junior and final year at VCU — he posted five goals and 10 assists in 18 starts to help the Rams obtain an Atlantic 10 regular season championship. Haji played as a right wing for many VCU games, where Giffard said he’d be successful.

MEN’S BASKETBALL

Rams miss the mark, fall to Wildcats Men’s Basketball led by as many as 12 in the second half on the road at Davidson, but ultimately fell to the Wildcats 64-57 Saturday. The Rams opened the second half on a 16-0 run for nearly six and a half minutes early in the second half. Junior guard De’Riante Jenkins hit a pair of three’s during the run. Davidson held the Rams to 0-10 from the field for about the final seven and a half minutes of the contest, allowing VCU to only score from the free throw line. The Wildcats strung together three 3-pointers in the final four minutes to pull close, tie and take the lead over the Rams. Davidson shot 7-20 from beyond the arc the entire contest, but Luke Frampton’s three with about a minute to go pushed the Wildcat lead to five — 60-55. Redshirt-junior guard Marcus Evans and Jenkins shot from beyond the arc with less than a minute on the clock in an effort to pull the Rams back into the game, but both missed. “When you go down two or three possessions, you want to get it back,” coach Mike Rhoades said. “You don’t have to bomb threes, you go to the rim and put the pressure on the defense. We talked about it, we didn’t execute it, so that is something we can really improve on right away.” The Rams shot a season-low 16.7 percent (4-24) from three against Davidson, but shot 55.5 percent (15-27) inside the arc in the contest. VCU faced similar struggles in the first half against La Salle Jan. 9, as they fell be-

hind by as many as 18 points to the Explorers. In the second-half comeback made by the Rams in that contest, they only shot four 3-pointers — making only one — compared to the 25 shots taken inside the arc in the final 20 minutes. “We were fighting in the first half, so we were chucking shots,” Rhoades said after the win over La Salle. “I want our guys to have freedom and be aggressive. But they know, you chuck shots they don’t go in. They were allowing the issues that happen on offense affect your defense.” The Rams have found success when 3-point shooting was limited this season. In the win over Fordham Jan. 5, VCU shot a season-high field goal percentage of 66.7 (30-45). The Rams only attempted 16 three’s in that contest, making seven (7-16, 43.8 percent). The Rams host Dayton at the Siegel Center Jan. 16 at 8 p.m. and host Massachusetts Jan. 19 at 6:30 p.m.

NOAH FLEISCHMAN Sports Editor

RAM STAT VCU shot a season-low 16.7 percent from three (4-24), but 55.5 percent inside the arc (15-27) at Davidson. When the Rams shot a seasonhigh 66.7 percent from the field against Fordham, they shot a season-low 16 three’s (7-16, 43.8 percent).

“His excellent technique is his greatest strength,” Giffard said. “He’s best as a wider playmaker.” Following his final season with the Rams, the 19-year-old winger was named A-10 midfielder of the year and a first-team All-American by TopDrawerSoccer. “If he reaches his potential, I think he can be one of the elite players in the league,” Giffard said. “I’d love to see Haji play anywhere that they believe in him and can nurture his ability.” After signing with the Earthquakes, Haji tweeted about his excitement. “Thank you @sjearthquakes for believing me,” Haji tweeted on the day of the draft. “I can’t wait to get started and work hard.” Haji’s draft with San Jose is not his first taste of professional play. The Kenyan refugee played for U.S. national teams, including the U15, U17 and U19 divisions. “I’d like to see him learn to take more risks in the final third and increase his awareness of what’s behind him at all times,” Giffard said. “We couldn’t be more excited for him as he starts the next chapter in his journey.” Haji will travel to San Jose, California Jan. 21 to begin training with the Earthquakes before the preseason starts Jan. 24 in Cancún, Mexico.

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8 The Commonwealth Times

On this day

In 2016, a zinnia was grown aboard the International Space Station, becoming the first flower grown in space.

Michael-Birch Pierce has traveled around the world with his embroidered portraits — but his quiet, sunny studio is near VCU on Mayo Island. Photo by Andrew Ringle

Professor garners international attention for embroidered portraits ANDREW RINGLE Spectrum Editor

“It turns out I’m really good at it,” Pierce said. “I don’t sketch it or plan it. It’s just one impulsive, continuous line.” He starts at the eye, then works the line of thread down the nose, back up to the other eye, down the cheekbone to the mouth, then the chin and the neck. After a few minutes of chatting with the subject, the portrait is finished. “I have a formula of going through it, and I sit there and stare at them and study them. But we have a conversation the entire time,”

Pierce said. “It’s this really intimate moment that occurs in a big, crazy crowded room with a sewing machine running between us. None of it makes any sense, but it creates a really cool moment between me and the person.” Meeting celebrities has become a normal part of the job, and Pierce said he never acts starstruck. Instead, he talks to famous clients like they’re anyone else. He said it’s his cool attitude that appeals to many of his clients, so he stresses communication skills in his classes at VCU.

Typically, the first stitches of an embroidery are made after careful planning and sketching — but Michael-Birch Pierce embroiders his pieces in five minutes or less, with no planning ahead of time. “They called them ‘stitchies’ for one event I did,” Pierce said. “But honestly I hate that name.” He prefers to call them embroidered portraits, and he’s made them for high-profile clients, including Shaquille O’Neal, Helen Mirren and Bob Odenkirk. Pierce studied fashion design as an undergraduate at VCU. Today, he teaches classes at the university and calls Richmond his home. His work takes him around the globe, but he always comes back to his quiet, sunny studio on Mayo Island. Pierce started experimenting with free-form embroidery at the Savannah College of Art and Design, where he received a Master of Fine Arts in fibers in 2012. He said he wanted to see if he could stitch something just by looking at it, so he invited a group of models to his studio and made his first portraits. Pierce uses a Brother CS6000i sewing machine, and he always packs two. Photo by Andrew Ringle

“My biggest piece of advice [to my students] is that they have to learn how to talk to people,” Pierce said. “They have to learn how to sell themselves as an artist, because no one else is going to do it. Being a designer is more than just having skill, and it’s more than just making nice dresses. It’s about being the person that people want to hire.” Pierce uses a humble Brother CS6000i sewing machine to create his embroidered portraits. The device can be found online for less than $200, and Pierce has gone through several. Many have broken after catching on fire because of different outlets in foreign countries. He always packs two in case of emergencies. On a trip to Portugal in 2017, the power converter in Pierce’s machine stopped working, causing it to catch fire in front of his audience in the middle of a portrait. “For a moment I was like, ‘Holy shit’ and we unplugged it,” Pierce said. “Everyone was freaking out, but I didn’t even skip a beat. I put it down on the floor, pulled out another one, threaded it and just kept going.” Pierce’s embroidered portraits and personal work can be found at michaelbirchpierce.com.

Wed. January 16, 2019 9

Landon and Brandon’s Top 10 Picks of 2018 LANDON ROBERTS Contributing Writer

4. THE FAVOURITE Bolstered by gripping performances from its three exceptional leading ladies, “The Favourite”is a sharp detour from normal period pieces. It offers a dark, nuanced and often hilarious look inside the battle of wits between the two women vying for power in Queen Anne’s court.

5. THE FAVOURITE The chaotic rat race to the top presented in “The Favourite” is both hilarious and heart-wrenching. Despicable characters throughout the film become more complex as the movie progresses, and their actions become more vivid. Career-best performances come from Rachel Weisz, Emma Stone and Olivia Colman. 4. YOU WERE NEVER REALLY HERE “You Were Never Really Here” handles the issue of senseless violence in society and media meticulously through its clever camera techniques, incredible pacing and tension building. All of these aspects also culminate through Joaquin Phoenix’s subtle but purposeful performance. 3. ROMA Remembering the ones you love creates a nostalgic aura which is almost indescribable. Alfonso Cuarón fully captures this essence in “Roma.” Every character is treated with so much admiration and respect which constructs a mythical presentation to the people Cuarón remembers from his childhood. The black and white aesthetic alongside the vast landscapes also contributes to the feeling of nostalgia. 2. IF BEALE STREET COULD TALK Every scene in Barry Jenkins’ “If Beale Street Could Talk” projects a sincere portrait of love and tenderness that many films fail to capture. The love story at the center of the film surrounding Tish and Fonny is only heightened by Jenkins use of cinematography.

3. EIGHTH GRADE Illustration by Lindsay Hart

The lush palette of oranges and blues coupled with the longing gazes creates a poetic ambiance. As the film goes on, the lushness begins to dim, which creates a truly heartbreaking feeling unmatched by any romantic drama to come before this true masterpiece. 1. SUSPIRIA Luca Guadagnino dissects the complex feeling of guilt in his reimagining of “Suspiria.” The slow, transcendental style devolves into madness, mimicking a burning feeling of guilt. Every performance in some way encompasses this feeling in through subtle movements and characterizations producing a complex film. BRANDON SHILLINGFORD Contributing Writer 5. SPIDER-MAN: INTO THE SPIDER-VERSE “Into the Spider-Verse” is an absolute breath of fresh air, bringing depth to characters we’ve come to know and love and introducing us to new ones that are just as vibrant and colorful as the world around them. Not only is it the best Spider-Man film, it is one of the best superhero films of all time.

I have been a fan of comedian Bo Burnham since middle school, but his directorial debut left me stunned and thinking about it long after I left the theater. The way he balances the more lighthearted moments of Kayla’s life, from her building up the confidence to sing karaoke, to the absolutely terrifying ones, leaves you wondering why it took Hollywood this long to give Bo a chance. 2. MINDING THE GAP In a year filled with incredible documentaries, it says a lot that “Minding the Gap” stands out from the rest so distinctly. Funny and moving, while also so unwaveringly raw and uncomfortable, the film made me pause multiple times throughout and ask myself, “Should I really be watching this?” It feels like what it is — a series of intimate conversations between lifelong friends about how violence, toxic masculinity and abuse shaped their lives. 1. ROMA With “Roma,” Alfonso Cuarón pulls the viewer into autobiographical bliss with a stunning, ambitious, monochromatic masterpiece. Cuarón refines his focus and gives us time to care about his characters. Movies like “Roma” remind me why I love film. It is as poignant, thoughtful and thrilling as any film I’ve seen this year.

Artist exhibits woman-centered mural “reference library” GEORGIA GEEN Executive Editor Richmond muralist Emily Herr got the idea for her latest personal project when she and her family drove by a strip club next to the infamous, kitschy and controversial South Carolina tourist attraction, South of the Border. “We see all these signs, and we’re into the kitsch, but we’re not into the nightmare situation that it seems to be,” Herr said. “And if you pass South of the Border on the highway, there’s a big field after it and this lonely, shitty cinder block building at the end that has a ‘Girls! Girls! Girls!’ sign on it.” Herr started to think about what “Girls! Girls! Girls!” literally means — all types of girls and women with differing interests, personalities and characteristics — versus the connotation of the sign. “The sign is selling women as a product,” Herr said. “They’re excited about a very specific kind of girl who usually isn’t what we would use the word ‘girl’ to represent in everyday use.” She wanted to visualize the juxtaposition she saw in the sign by framing its imagery next to drawings of girls and women in different scenes, such as jumping rope, speaking through megaphones and operating machinery. The show — which opened Friday at The Mezzanine gallery at Quirk Hotel — is titled “Who Is She?” because it sparks the viewer to ask that very question when they see images of women in art and media. Herr asked people on social media to send her photos of women they loved along with a bit of backstory. What struck her the

UPCOMING EVENTS See something

WED. 1/16 Big Screen Classics: “Gravity”

Enjoy a screening of “Gravity” (2013) at the Byrd Theater in Carytown. Winner of seven Academy Awards, the film is written and directed by Alfonso Cuarón, starring Sandra Bullock and George Clooney. Tickets are $5. 7:15-9:15 p.m., The Byrd Theater (2908 W. Cary St.)

SUN. 1/20 Pump House Public Tours

Visit the historic Pump House and learn the story behind the site. Join the Friends of the Pump House and a group of 20 other visitors for a 30-minute tour of the interior. Tours will begin every half hour, and there is a suggested donation of $5. 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Friends of Pump House (1708 Pump House Dr.)

Do something

SAT. 1/19 Nature Workshop: Creative Expression

Visit the James River Park and explore nature with the artist-in-residence, Shay Wilson. Guests will be led through creative exercises using only natural materials found throughout the park. Meet at the Pump House park entrance. Noon-1:30 p.m. Pump House Park (1799 Pump House Dr.)

TUES. 1/22 2019 MLK Legacy Night

Join the Activities Programming Board for an evening of reflection on the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. Faculty, staff and students are invited to enjoy spoken word, music and a free MLK Legacy Night T-shirts. This event will be held in the Rams Lounge at the Student Commons. 7-9 p.m., University Student Commons (907 Floyd Ave.)

Learn something

THURS. 1/17 Advancing Your Career

Join the Center for Corporate Education for a LETTER one-day workshop on TO THEfocused EDITOR growing in your current organization, broadening your impact on your field or switching careers completely. 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Snead Hall (301 W. Main St.)

SAT. 1/19 Uncivil Wards History Tour

Visit the sites of several Civil War era hospitals and prisons. Learn how they came to be, and what became of them after the war. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at www.richmondhistorichaunts.com. 10-11:30 a.m., Libby Prison (E. Cary St. & S. 20th St.)

Emily Herr presented a reference library from “Girls! Girls! Girls!” at Quirk Hotel. Photo by Jon Mirador most was consistently receiving messages saying, “it would mean so much for this person to be included in your project.” “I was working with that assumption on kind of a broader scale of, ‘It’s important for people to be represented in the art world,’” Herr said. “But it is very significant for one individual to be represented in one piece of artwork and I think that just reinforces the idea that we should take our work seriously.” The resulting 102 pieces in the collection — which Herr began working on two years ago — serve as a reference library for her “Girls! Girls! Girls!” mural series. While Herr routinely takes commissions as a muralist, the series and its drawings are an opportunity for her to create personal

work, which she isn’t typically paid for. “I’ve always sort of felt a lack of personal work in the medium that I prefer,” Herr said. “You know, I could go out and paint walls by myself for free and have it be my wall — I just need more structure than that.” Herr said artists are responsible for how they represent their subjects, and many creators follow a “default” model of drawing women. Through, “Who Is She?” Herr hopes viewers will begin to think about the identity of women represented in art. “It’s more about inclusivity and expanding the idea of what you think about when you think of women or when you see an image of a woman, what you assume about her,” Herr said.

TUES. 1/22 “A Moral Debt”: Film Screening and Discussion

Join the Richmond chapter of Coming to the Table and the Virginia Museum of History & Culture for a screening of “A Moral Debt.” After the film, there will be a panel discussion on the film’s themes of racial inequality, tolerance and healing. 6:30-8 p.m., Virginia Museum of History & Culture (428 N. Boulevard)

10 The Commonwealth Times

Quote of the week

Some students drink at the fountain of knowledge. Others just gargle. — E.C. McKenzie

Cyntoia Brown grew up in prison — now what? BRIANNA SCOTT Opinions Editor

Illustration by Sammy Newman

and vilified for it. As a society, we criminalize sex work rather than look at why people turn to sex work — which is a valid It seems as if the whole world is talking profession for adults. However, when girls about the case of Cyntoia Brown, who was retoo young to consent are forced into this, cently granted clemency after serving 15 years we arrest them instead of providing help. in prison for a crime she committed as a teen. A bill has been introduced in Tennessee The case garnered national attention and that would establishes a presumption that support from celebrities on social media any minor who is a victim of a sex crime can calling for justice. use force to defend themselves. In the #MeToo era, the stories of victims We must invest in programs that seek of sexual assault, physical abuse and sex trafto rehabilitate those who have committed ficking are being brought to light. Brown’s crimes rather than throw them away and ascase is not unique. Many young girls have sume they will never change. But rehabilitabeen taken advantage of, leading them to tion doesn’t mean accountability isn’t taken. make bad choices. Brown won’t be released from prison Brown fled from her home in 2004 after until Aug. 7 2019, which means she must being put up for adoption by her mother spend at least six more months behind bars. who drank throughout her pregnancy with She will be supervised for 10 years after Brown. During that time, Brown met a release. Along with that, people have to repimp named Garion McGlothen. Nickmember that Brown spent the rest of her named “Kut-Throat,” he forced the young teen years and a good chunk of her adultgirl into sex trafficking, and repeatedly hood in jail. The world has changed drastiphysically abused and sexually assaulted her. cally since she was sentenced in 2004 and One August night, Brown killed a man because of that, she will have to endure the named Johnny Allen who had picked her up. she was born with fetal alcohol syndrome, We must teach children accountability psychological struggle of being thrown back Brown testified in court that Allen had bought neglected by her mother and homeless as for their actions, but we also must study into a society she isn’t familiar with. her for $150 to have sex with her, though they a teen. These important details may have why youth commit crimes. Lastly, Brown wasn’t granted a full parnever engaged in the act. While Allen was led to a different outcome in her sentencing. Youth do not psychologically develop don — her record has not been expunged. sleeping, Brown shot him in the back of the This is the thing: I’m thrilled that Brown the same way as adults. Children tend to Therefore, it’s going to be difficult for head and took his wallet, two of his guns and has been granted clemency. While impris- act irrationally and passionately, and even Brown to find a job as a convicted felon. fled the scene in his pick-up truck. oned, she has received a college degree and if they think through what they are doing, Brown also cannot vote. While Brown claimed her actions were proven to be an extraordinary woman de- they don’t consider all of the consequences. Being labeled a criminal follows you in self-defense, it didn’t hold up in court. serving of a second chance. However, she Now, when the system does something your entire life even after you’re released The jury believed her motive was robbery. should have never been imprisoned in the good, we should acknowledge it. But the and changed as a person. Why should peoAt 16, Brown was tried as an adult and con- first place. system failed Brown in the first place and ple be punished for redeeming themselves? victed of first degree murder, felony murder I can’t speak for why Brown shot Allen, even with being granted clemency, it’s not Brown’s story is one of redemption. and robbery. She was given a life sentence but we must take into account the events enough. What is the system going to do More children deserve a second chance of 51 years in prison, just one of hundreds in her life that led her to make that choice. to make sure Brown can lead a functioning to see sunlight rather than the dark, cold of juveniles in Tennessee serving life senBrown was a product of her environment. successful life after release? What is the inside of a jail cell with a dirty toilet and tences for crimes they committed as minors. She didn’t have any positive role models to system going to do to make sure what hap- uncomfortable twin-sized bed. However, In Brown’s case, she wasn’t allowed to look up to, was in and out of the welfare pened to Brown as a teen, doesn’t happen many of those children should have never testify and the jury wasn’t provided with system and resorted to selling her body in to other teens? been in jail in the first place. Jail is no place much information about her backstory — order to survive. Brown was a victim of sex trafficking to grow up.

An Ode to Self Care