The Commonwealth Times; April 3, 2019

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

VOL. 60, NO. 26 APRIL 3, 2019

JAVIER TAPIA v.

MICHAEL RAO, NOAH SIMBLIST & SHAWN BRIXEY An art professor stoked outrage when he called security on his black colleague. Now, he's suing school officials.

FADEL ALLASSAN News Editor vcuarts professor who called security on a black colleague in October is suing university officials, including President Michael Rao, claiming they have silenced him despite having been cleared of wrongdoing by an internal investigation.

Painting and printmaking professor Javier Tapia was placed on administrative leave less than a month after he called security on Caitlin Cherry, who teaches in the same department. Since then, he has not not been allowed any contact with university employees or students, according to a federal complaint filed in December.

The lawsuit states the university is denying Tapia’s right to free speech without explanation with a ban that is “breathtaking in its scope.”

In addition to being prohibited from talking to students, the lawsuit says Tapia cannot post comments on social media about President Donald Trump, an exhibition at a Richmond museum, a statement by the Pope, South American politics or anything related to people affiliated with VCU.

“The order hangs like a sword of Damocles over Tapia’s First Amendment freedoms,” the lawsuit states.

Cherry filed a racial discrimination complaint on the day of the incident. The lawsuit states investigators from Equity and Access Services interviewed witnesses, reviewed documents and visited the site of the incident from Oct. 29 to Nov. 14. While the university didn’t publicly share the findings of the investigation, the lawsuit says it did not find evidence Tapia had called security because of Cherry’s race. Tapia and Cherry were both told the findings of the investigation.

On Nov. 19, the university put Tapia on administrative leave. It was during this time, the lawsuit states, he had the ban placed on him.

Two of Tapia’s classes are now displayed in VCU’s course selection system, indicating he may return to teaching in August.

Several students in the art department have shared a social media graphic telling students to boycott the classes.

See LAWSUIT on page 3

The end of an era Michael Gilmore looks back on VCU career Story on page 5

NEWS Master Plan 2

SPORTS Baseball 5

Redshirt-senior Michael Gilmore appeared in all 33 games this season. Photo by Erin Edgerton

SPECTRUM MFA exhibit 12

OPINIONS College experience 14

2 The Commonwealth Times

Stories of the week

national: The United Nations says more than 130 people, including women and children, were killed by armed men reportedly dressed as traditional hunters during an attack on a village in central Mali. international: Chicago became the largest city to elect a black female mayor Tuesday. Lori Lightfoot, who has never held elected office, will be the city’s first lesbian mayor when she takes office in May.

The Board of Visitors approved the ONE VCU Master Plan on March 22. The plan will guide the university's development. Photo courtesy of VCU

Newly approved Master Plan to connect campuses, reconstruct Commons

HANNAH EASON Contributing Writer

T

he recently passed One VCU Master Plan will guide the development of VCU and VCU Health as the entities expand their sizes and influence. The plan’s key highlights include connecting the two campuses by streetscape and to establish new “front doors” for VCU. The recently passed One VCU Master Plan will guide the development of VCU and VCU Health as the entities expand their sizes and influence. The plan’s key highlights include connecting the two campuses by streetscape and to establish new “front doors” for VCU. The plan produces a unified vision for all VCU properties and aligns with the university’s existing plans, “Quest 2025: Together We Transform” — which addresses the rising cost of higher education and the school’s goal of national prominence — and VCU Health’s “Vision by Design,” which aims for top-level research, education and health care. The Board of Visitors approved the One VCU Master Plan March 22.

“The One VCU plan has been committed to providing an open, thoughtful, transparent and inclusive master planning process,” said Jeff Eastman, university planner.

“Between fall 2017 and last week we held over 176 meetings, which ranged from public open houses — that drew in hundreds of individuals from the VCU and Richmond community — to one-on-one interviews with deans and senior leadership.”

CAMPUS FRONT DOORS AND UNIFICATION Reimagining the campus’ “front doors” is a main priority for the master plan. It states that having one entrance for the Monroe Park and MCV campuses will improve first impressions and create a better arrival experience for prospective students.

“Unfortunately, many of VCU’s front doors, open spaces and streetscapes are poorly defined and inconsistent in quality, with 24 percent of the overall campus open space being in poor or below-average condition,” the plan states.

Two streetscapes will be established between MCV and Monroe Park, extending down West Broad and Franklin streets.

“Streetscape projects are site-specific, but there are several techniques that VCU has been employing in recent years that should be recognizable: brick sidewalks, street trees and pedestrian-scaled lights spaced at regular intervals,” Eastman said. “Most of the sidewalks on campus belong to the city of Richmond, so we work with them and need their approval on what the final design is.”

Streetscape projects are site-specific, but there are several techniques that VCU has been employing in recent years that should be recognizable: brick sidewalks, street trees and pedestrian-scaled lights spaced at regular intervals.”

Jeff Eastman, university planner MONROE PARK CAMPUS RENOVATIONS The plan will include the demolition of the University Student Commons and T. Edward Temple Building to provide room for a new green space.

The new Commons will replace the Thalhimer Tennis Center, located adjacent to Cary Street Gym. The current University Student Commons, which the Master Plan calls “undersized,” will be demolished once construction of the new facility is complete. The tennis center will be relocated.

Additional instructional labs are the highest priority for the College of Humanities and Sciences in the Master Plan.

Not only does the plan state that more labs are needed, but the existing ones in Oliver Hall’s Physical Science Wing need “major” renovation.

“The existing labs require modernization and can be renovated or relocated to the new interdisciplinary classroom and lab building,” the plan states. “If they are relocated, the Oliver Hall site is ideal for interdisciplinary teaching, learning and student space.”

Demolition of the Franklin Street Gym will make way for a new STEM teaching facility on Franklin Street, which was included in the 2019-2020 budget. The facility includes instructional labs and classrooms for several subjects including chemistry, math and physics.

A turf field is proposed on the top of the West Main Street Parking Deck to provide “additional outdoor recreational space.”

The turf will supplement facilities like Cary Street Gym and Larrick Student Center.

“Providing field space on an urban campus is difficult as it competes with priorities for buildings,” Eastman said. “Providing a field atop the parking deck is an innovative solution to this challenge.”

VCU’s Welcome Center, currently located on West Broad Street, will be relocated to the Singleton Center under the plan.

A new arts and innovative hub — to serve as an exhibit space for students — will be built at the corner of Belvidere and West Broad streets, connecting VCUarts to Richmond’s Arts District.

HOUSING The Undergraduate Housing Demand and Market Study — used to prioritize changes included in the Master Plan — found there is a demand for an additional 700 to 1,000 beds on campus. The residence halls included in the Master Plan address the Monroe Park housing demand.

One of the first housing projects will “likely” replace the Honors College at 700 W. Grace St. The Master Plan states the site will include approximately 470 beds and an “active ground floor.” The plan doesn’t offer additional specifics.

Other prospective housing sites include “wrapping” the West Main Street Parking Deck. This architectural style, often referred to as “doughnut construction,” consists of residential housing built surrounding an existing parking deck like a dough-

nut. Space in the Facilities and Financial Services Building would make way for the new residence hall. The plan doesn’t specify a new location for Facilities and Financial Services.

Revitalizing historic Franklin Street is also a priority. The plan includes modernizing the buildings while “preserving historic character.” The goal is to convert the buildings into faculty and student residences.

VCU HEALTH The Master Plan would improve mobility and safety for VCU Health patients and families. After The downtown campus’ facilities and parking displayed the most urgent need during a review.

The plan recommends the renovation of the West Hospital for housing and office space, while enhancing the Children’s Hospital and Massey Cancer Center with new state-of-the-art facilities.

To address MCV’s rapid growth, the Master Plan adds 2,700 parking spaces. A majority of these spaces are designated for patient and visitor parking. The addition of four parking decks to the MCV Campus will increase the number of spaces from 980 to 3,100.

To tackle parking scarcity, the plan will also include incentives for VCU and VCU Health employees to ride the bus, carpool, walk or bike to work. There will be a website dedicated to consolidating the transportation resources offered by VCU, VCU Health, Richmond and the Greater Richmond Transit Company.

To make this transportation more feasible, the plan seeks to reduce “redundant” bus lines, enhance streetscapes to create walkable environments and continue to create bike lanes between the two campuses.

Ayers Saint Gross, the Baltimore-based architecture firm the university hired to manage the process, began developing the Master Plan in 2017. The firm has developed master plans for large universities including Texas A&M, Wake Forest and Purdue. It also developed the VCU Housing master plan and the construction of the new Gladding Residence Center, which was finished this summer.

Wed. April 3, 2019 3

LAWSUIT

Controversial arts professor could return in fall semester Continued from front page Shawn Brixey, the dean of the arts school, and Noah Simblist, chair of the painting and printmaking department, are named as defendants in the lawsuit. A VCUarts spokesperson confirmed Tapia is still employed by the university, but declined further comment.

The fallout from the incident and ensuing lawsuit has shaken the painting and printmaking department, one of the most reputable at VCU. In November, nearly the entire painting and printmaking faculty signed a letter supporting Cherry and stating Tapia had acted in a prejudiced manner.

“It’s kind of hard not to be involved in the sense that I am in this department,” said senior Randi Behan. “I have not taken actual action, but I have been around all of it.”

Many of the department’s professors discussed the events in their classrooms and consoled students who felt Tapia’s presence produced a toxic environment.

“Even though the investigation said that he did not do anything wrong, the disruption that it caused when it happened — there were students crying,” said Luis Vasquez La Roche, a first-year graduate student. “There were students that didn't want to come back, and even his presence in the hallway used to disturb other classes.”

Now, students are bracing themselves for Tapia’s imminent return. Wansu Kang, a senior who has taken Tapia’s class, said she never saw signs that he was racist. Despite this, Kang said, he should not return.

“I don't know why he is coming back here,” Kang said. “I just feel like if he is going to come back, he is going to make such unwelcoming environment and awkward feeling.”

Some other students said Tapia has showed signs of micro-aggressive behavior in the past. The latest incident has compounded to what students described as the professor’s reputation of being insensitive and out of touch.

How are we going to tell students of color, how are we gonna tell trans students, how are we gonna tell queer students that they have to take his course to graduate?”

Luis Vasquez La Roche, a first-year graduate student “How are we going to tell students of color, how are we gonna tell trans students, how are we gonna tell queer students that they have to take his course to graduate?” Vasquez La Roche said.

“This person who doesn't think about their subjectivity whatsoever.”

Tapia has been a professor in the Department of Painting and Printmaking since 1988 and was awarded tenure in 1996. The lawsuit states that Tapia “loves his career as an artist and educator and has no intention to retire.”

“It has affected everyone just to know that he's coming back,” Vasquez La Roche said. “I’ve seen grads and undergrads crying.”

Tapia could not be reached for comment.

Cherry, who is named “Professor X” in the lawsuit, was eating breakfast in a room reserved for faculty and graduate students on Oct. 25 when Tapia entered the room.

While the lawsuit says the two greeted each other when Tapia entered, Cherry told The Commonwealth Times in November that Tapia did not respond to her greeting. Ten minutes later, a school security officer entered the room and asked Cherry to see her identification.

Cherry said she believed Tapia had called security on her because she is black.

The lawsuit says Tapia called security because he thought she was a student.

Cherry declined to comment.

The event prompted outrage among students and an apology from the arts department in an email to students. It came amid a string of instances of white people calling authorities on black people doing ordinary activities, like holding a barbecue in a public park. Many of the incidents have gone viral on social media.

Professor receives $1.4 million grant for research on explosions NAOMI GHAHRAI Contributing Writer The Department of Defense awarded $1.4 million to a VCU professor to expand her research on bombs — more specifically, the processes that start the chain reaction leading to detonation.

Using laser beams, chemistry professor Katharine Moore Tibbetts and her team of graduate students are looking at how bonds break before an explosive reaction happens. In February, they published a research article in the Journal of Physical Chemistry on the bond-breaking of 2-Nitrotoluene — a simpler version of TNT, which is an explosive molecule known as trinitrotoluene.

To capture the initial processes of the bond-breaking in the femtosecond, which is a quadrillionth of a second, scale, Tibbetts created a “camera” with two lasers. The molecule is shot with laser one, which is the start of the frame. Laser two — which represents the end of the frame — is then shot at the molecule. Tibbetts controls the time delay between laser one and two, allowing her to deduce what happened to the molecule in that small snapshot of time.

Research on explosives in computational chemistry — a branch of chemistry that uses computer simulation to solve chemical problems — has predicted which chemical bond in an explosive molecule will break and the amount of energy needed to break that bond. Moreover, many studies demonstrate “how explosives explode” or “what makes a good explosive,” but there is limited research on the very

first processes of explosions, which are essential to understanding the start of the chain reaction leading to detonation.

Compared to other recent studies, Tibbetts uses laser pulses that are 10 times faster, allowing her to observe the moment before the chemical bonds break.

Tibbetts’ received $1 million of the total grant money from the Army Research Office Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers. Another $335,000 came from the Defense University Research Instrumentation Program. Tibbetts said she plans to buy new equipment with the money.

“Currently, everything we are doing in our experiment is in the gas phase. This grant will help us work on other compounds that cannot evaporate,” said Derrick Ampadu-Boateng, a fourth-year chemistry graduate student working in Tibbetts’ laboratory.

Tibbetts said one implication of her research relates to accurately detecting explosives. Another application is the creation of more eco-friendly and safer explosives — for instance, she hopes her research will lead to the design of molecules that only detonate with a specific laser in order to prevent accidental explosions.

Tibbetts said her inspiration for her research stems from using the same ultrafast detection techniques in her research as a postdoctoral and graduate student years before joining VCU. “Back then, we were just picking whatever molecule to see if it does anything interesting, but it is more fun if there is an application,” Tibbetts said. “So, I thought it would be cool if we could use my technique to learn something that is actually important.”

Katherine Moore Tibbetts is a professor in the chemistry department.

Photo by Raelyn Fines

VCU programs ranked nationally MARY MCLEAN Contributing Writer VCU has 19 graduate programs ranked in the top 50 in the country, according to the latest rankings by U.S. News & World Report. Three of those programs rose in the rankings from last year.

VCU’s graduate sculpture program placed at No. 1, above Yale University and the Maryland Institute College of Art. The School of Education rose six spots to No. 20, the largest increase of any school in the top 50.

The School of Social Work and the Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs each climbed five spots to No. 25 and No. 39, respectively.

The graduate program for Nurse Anesthesia was No. 1, while fine arts placed at No. 2. VCU was ranked 157th among national universities, tied with seven other schools, including Oklahoma State University and the University of Rhode Island.

A full list of VCU’s graduate school rankings is available at U.S. News & World Report.

STUDENTS ENROLLED

31,076 STUDENT-FACULTY RATIO

18:1

FULL-TIME FACULTY

2,501 ALUMNI

193,724 VCU GRADUATE SCHOOLS AND PROGRAMS RANKED IN TOP 50 1st: Fine Arts, Sculpture 1st: Nurse Anesthesia 2nd: Fine Arts 3rd: Education, Online 3rd: Fine Arts, Glass 4th: Rehabilitation Counseling 5th: Health Care Management 7th: Fine Arts, Graphic Design 7th: Fine Arts, Painting/Drawing 9th: Fine Arts, Ceramics 10th: Fine Arts, Printmaking 17th: Occupational Therapy 17th: Pharmacy 20th: Best Education Schools 20th: Nuclear Engineering 20th: Physical Therapy 25th: Social Work 39th: Public Affairs 44th: Best Nursing Schools, Doctor of Nursing Practice 48th: Engineering, Online

4 The Commonwealth Times

VCU negotiating transportation agreement with GRTC for August ZACH ARMSTRONG Contributing Writer The Greater Richmond Transit Company and VCU are negotiating an extension of the deal that allowed students and employees to ride most GRTC buses for free, a university spokesperson said.

Under a one-year agreement, VCU and VCU Health cardholders have unlimited access to GRTC Pulse Bus Rapid Transit and regular fixed-route bus services. That contract will expire July 31. According to the Richmond Times-Dispatch, the parties will have to reach a new agreement in April.

GRTC Interim CEO Charles Mitchell told the Times-Dispatch last month that VCU had proposed a plan that would only allow students to ride Route 5 and the Pulse to save money.

But some members of the transit company’s leadership said VCU should be paying more for the service in a recent board meeting, according to the Times-Dispatch. Board members were concerned about stagnant revenues despite a rise in ridership since the agreement with the university.

GRTC Director of Communications Carrie Rose Pace said an increase in ridership could mean the company gets more funding down the line.

“Over time, increases in ridership mean increased state funding to the transit system,” Rose Pace said.

Rose Pace said the company could not comment on specific negotiations with VCU. Pamela Lepley, vice president for university relations, said VCU is committed to continuing a cost-effective transportation option that gives students and employees access to the entire GRTC system.

“We are working with GRTC and the city of Richmond to evaluate ridership, cost, performance and satisfaction during this trial period,” Lepley said.

We are working with GRTC and the city of Richmond to evaluate ridership, cost, performance and satisfaction during this trial period.”

The university's one-year free ridership deal with GRTC will end in July.

Photo by Erin Edgerton February, according to data revealed at a board of directors meeting in March.

That is the highest number since the free ridership program began and more than double the amount it reached in its inaugural month.

“GRTC is in the business of connecting people with each other and their destinations,” Rose Pace said. “This partnership with VCU has opened the entire GRTC network to VCU and VCU Health students, faculty and staff.”

Students primarily use the Campus Connector for traveling across campus via a route that spans from MCV to Monroe Park. The most commonly used

Pamela Lepley, vice president for university relations Special fare cards were issued to students in the beginning of the spring semester. Since then, GRTC has been able to track how many students use the bus routes. Ridership numbers hit more than 82,000 among VCU affiliates in

GRTC route used by students, the Pulse, travels down Broad Street from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. and spans from Willow Lawn to Rocketts Landing.

“I believe having the option of both GRTC and school buses has been good for students,” said James Spano, a junior who lives in Cabaniss Hall. “It’s been very useful for those who don’t have a car but need to get around Richmond.”

Both parties said they will announce future plans for an agreement before July 1.

News Editor Fadel Allassan contributed to this report.

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University officials consider smoking ban VCU is proposing a new policy that would make the university a smoke- and tobacco-free campus.

The new policy would ban smoking, vaping and use of all tobacco products on university property and would designate outdoor smoking areas for the activities. The proposal comes after a student poll in which more than two-thirds of respondents said they would support the change, said university spokesperson Carolyn Conlon.

VCU is committed to eliminating known health hazards and promoting healthy habits among students, patients, faculty and staff.”

Thomas Briggs, assistant vice president The policy would apply to students, faculty, staff, contractors and visitors. It does not restrict smoking cessation products that treat nicotine dependence.

“VCU is committed to eliminating known health hazards and promoting

healthy habits among students, patients, faculty and staff,” said Thomas Briggs, assistant vice president for safety and risk management, in a news release. “A smokeand tobacco-free campus policy is a start.

Ongoing education and smoking cessation resources will also help our community members make good choices about their health and environment.”

The initiative aims to promote a healthier campus and also reduce tobacco-related fires and litter, according to a news release.

VCU Health has had the policy in place since 2010.

The American Cancer Society and CVS Health Foundation recently awarded a grant to Bernard Fuemmeler, associate director for cancer prevention and control at the Massey Cancer Center, and Elizabeth Do, an associate member of the Cancer Prevention and Control research program at Massey. According to VCU News, the grant will support research into how receptive students, faculty and staff on the MCV and Monroe Park campuses will be to the idea of a smoke- and tobacco-free policy.

Senior Serena Fischer, a mass communications major, said she had to walk a mile off campus to smoke a cigarette at High Point University, where she previously studied. The North Carolina school has been tobacco-free since 2009.

“It would be kind of annoying because I love being able to walk outside after class and smoke a cig,” Fischer said.

Graduate and Professional School Fair Explore now. Plan ahead.

ADVERTISEMENT

CELESTE CHANCE Contributing Writer

Wednesday, April 24, Noon-3 p.m.

University Student Commons Richmond Salons 907 Floyd Avenue Wondering if grad school or a career change is right for you? Come meet VCU representatives showcasing their programs.

Stop by, take a look around, ask questions and explore your options.

Free and open to the public. go.vcu.edu/GradFair VCU does not discriminate in admissions, treatment, employment or access to its programs or activities on the basis of race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, age, sex, pregnancy, political affiliation, veteran status, family medical and genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression or disability. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding VCU’s nondiscrimination policies: Laura Walsh Rugless, director of equity and access services and Title IX coordinator, Moseley House, 1001 Grove Ave., Box 842549, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23284-2549, equity@vcu.edu. 005116-07

Students, faculty and staff can view the proposal at tobaccofree.vcu.edu. It is open for comment through April 12.

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3/14/19 12:15 PM

Wed. April 3, 2019 5

Stat of the week

Freshman golfer Adrian Vagberg was named A-10 Rookie of the Week after his fourth place finish at the Golden Horseshoe Intercollegiate March 24-26.

After returning to Broad Street, Gilmore reflects on career with the Rams NOAH FLEISCHMAN Sports Editor The return to the Siegel Center was something that redshirt-senior forward Michael Gilmore had in the back of his mind while he was in Florida.

Former assistant coach Jeremy Ballard, who recruited Gilmore out of high school, called after last season to let him know VCU was interested. Shortly after the phone call, coach Mike Rhoades flew to Florida Gulf Coast and to meet him.

“When the opportunity arose, I was like, ‘Whoa, I’ve been thinking about this the whole time,’” Gilmore said. “Now that it was actually there, it was kind of scary because of it being another huge transition for me,. But it was obviously a great opportunity that I took advantage of.”

Gilmore came to Richmond out of high school and played two seasons at VCU. He transferred from VCU to Miami before ending up at Florida Gulf Coast for his junior season.

The transition brought him closer to his family, and he was in search for more playing time.

“When I initially decided to leave [VCU], it was more about athletic reasons and me playing,” Gilmore said. “Once I got the opportunities at Miami and Florida Gulf Coast … it was a great experience being back down in Florida, being able to play in front of my family.”

Gilmore played for two former VCU coaches — Shaka Smart and Will Wade — in his first two seasons in Richmond, making trips to the NCAA Tournament each year.

“Initially coming here out of high school, [I] fell in love with the culture, fell in love with the attitude and everything that VCU embodied,” Gilmore said. “I bought into coach Smart’s philosophy, ended up getting us [to the NCAA Tournament]. The next year, bought into coach Wade’s and we got here again.”

He is the only player in VCU history to play in three NCAA Tournaments for three different head coaches.

“It’s a crazy experience just making it to the NCAA Tournament not once but three times with three different leaders,” Gilmore said. “I think they all had their similarities and techniques … they all wanted you to Redshirt-senior forward Michael Gilmore converted 10 3-pointers this season. buy into one goal.”

Photo by Jon Mirador

In his sophomore season, Gilmore played in 30 games and made 18 starts for the Rams, averaging 11.5 minutes.

During that campaign, Gilmore scored 12 points in the Second Round of the NCAA Tournament against Oklahoma. He shot a perfect 4-for-4 from the field, including two 3-pointers.

A lot of trials and tribulations but at the end of the day, [VCU] is one of the greatest places that I’ve been at.”

Michael Gilmore, redshirt-senior forward The Jacksonville, Florida, native started 20 games for Florida Gulf Coast in his year there. He averaged 6.6 points and 5.6 rebounds while playing in Fort Myers, Florida.

Gilmore returned to Richmond for his graduate season to play under Rhoades this year.

“A lot of trials and tribulations, but at the end of the day, [VCU] is one of the greatest places that I’ve been at,” Gilmore said. “It’s a testament for me returning here for my last year. I think that says it all.”

The 6-foot-10-inch forward appeared in all 33 games this season, averaging 2.8 points in 7.2 minutes.

“At the end of the day it just shows the testament that the school has,” Gilmore said, “this team and the attitude and culture that we embody.”

This season’s culture was built on hard work, and it paid off, as the Rams made the NCAA Tournament after missing the Big Dance last year.

“On all three teams that I’ve been on that made it, we all had a common interest, a common goal,” Gilmore said. “Guys set their agendas aside, set their pride aside and we came together, especially when we won games when we needed to.”

Gilmore logged six minutes and a block in his final game for the Black and Gold, as the Rams fell to UCF March 22 in Columbia, South Carolina.

Key events in Gilmore’s career Nov. 14, 2014: Gilmore’s VCU debut against Tennessee, played 3 minutes and scored 2 points.

June 2016: Gilmore transfers from VCU to Florida Gulf Coast.

2015

2014

May 2018: Gilmore returns to VCU.

2017

2016 March 20, 2016: He logged 12 points, 4-for-4 shooting, against Oklahoma in the Second Round of the NCAA Tournament.

2019

2018 March 1, 2017: He logged a career-high 16 points playing for Florida Gulf Coast against North Florida.

March 22, 2019: In Gilmore’s final game, the Rams fell to UCF in First Round of the NCAA Tournament.

6 The Commonwealth Times

Bats heat up, take 2 from Davidson ANDY RIDDLER Contributing Writer

Baseball continued its hot start to conference play, winning two of its three-game series with Davidson March 29-31, including a 13-1 blowout in the Sunday matinee.

SUNDAY The Rams won on their best offensive output of the weekend, piling up 16 hits and 13 runs to take the contest.

VCU scored four runs in the first two innings, three driven in by junior infielder Brett Norwood.

Sophomore right-handed pitcher Connor Gillispie won his second game of the season — he pitched five innings and struck out 10 batters, only giving up one run. The 10 strikeouts are a season best for Gillispie.

“As a coach, you feel very, very fortunate to come into a game knowing he is sitting there able to take the ball in a weekend-deciding game,” coach Shawn Stiffler said.

“He was a freaking stud today.”

Sophomore infielder Liam Hibbits helped power VCU to victory with five RBI and two home runs — his first two of the year — to bring his season RBI total to 24, tied for second on the team.

Junior outfielder Alex Taylor accounted for an RBI and walked three times in the weekend series against Davidson.

Photo by Gessler Santos-Lopez

Brown reaching home on a Davidson error — but gave up three unanswered runs as they trailed into the latter third of the game.

VCU’s offense finally opened up in the sixth inning after a bases-clearing double SATURDAY

by Hibbits, which helped the team settle in VCU struggled to solve Davidson’s start- against Davidson, Stiffler said. ing pitcher for five innings but took advan“Sometimes you score that one run or get tage of the Wildcats’ first relief pitcher to that one big hit,” Stiffler said. “And everyscore six unanswered runs and earn the 7-3 body just catches fire from there.” series-tying victory.

VCU’s bullpen played a role in the comeThe Rams scored first in the opening back — the duo of junior right-handed frame — sophomore utility player Hogan pitcher Sam Ryan and senior right-handed

pitcher Jack Alkire combined for six in- son — but gave up the winning run in the nings pitched and only one run given up. following inning.

Ryan earned his third save of the year, and Witt finished with two hits, which were Alkire improved to 4-1 on the season. hard to come by for VCU. But stellar pitching kept the game close as redshirt-sophomore right-hander Justin Sorokowski FRIDAY and senior right-handed pitcher Benjamin The Rams struggled to figure out David- Dum combined to allow two earned runs son’s pitching, falling 2-3 in the first game and 11 strikeouts. of the weekend series.

VCU gave up the first two runs before VCU will be back in action on the road in a tying the game on a home run by junior three-game series against La Salle starting infielder Paul Witt — his second of the sea- April 5 at 3 p.m. in Philadelphia.

RAM IN ACTION

Witt channels inner confidence, teammates to avenge sophomore slump RYAN GRUBE Contributing Writer Having a leader who is a team player is a dream scenario for head coaches in any sport. Having one that also exhibits sky-high confidence is nothing short of ideal. For Baseball, junior infielder Paul Witt exemplifies that ideal scenario.

Since arriving at VCU in 2016, Witt has become one of the more consistent players, both at the plate and in the field.

The 2016 West Virginia Gatorade Player of the Year is currently top three on the team in batting average, slugging percentage, on-base percentage, hits and RBI. While an impressive individual feat, Witt credits his teammates for his hot start to the season.

“I think my success comes from all my teammates around me,” Witt said. “Going from always being there at practice and keeping me accountable, to them being productive themselves. They’re allowing me to get up and score them in to help the team out.”

Witt has been on a tear, through the first 28 games batting .348 with 39 hits, two home runs and 24 RBI. But his imposing stat line in 2019 comes a year after Witt endured a slight slump during his sophomore campaign.

Following his freshman season when he batted .361 with a .429 on-base percentage, Witt saw those numbers dip to .277 and .348, respectively, his sophomore year.

“It’s always something in my mind —

something I don’t necessarily want to happen again,” Witt said. “But it also keeps you in mind that no matter how good you think you are or how good you could be, baseball is a funny game where anything can happen and you can go in slumps here and there.”

Witt has used last year’s slump as motivation for this season. The junior’s refined mental approach improved his play in 2019.

“It makes me a stronger person to be able to see what happens and move on, and basically learn from last year,” Witt said. “Just become more experienced and try to not let that happen again.”

Witt’s experience has led the Rams to a 21-7 record (5-1 Atlantic 10), including seven wins in their last eight games.

Witt said the stretch of wins has generated

confidence and trust among his teammates.

“Obviously, winning makes everything go smoother, and I think we’re all having confidence in each other,” Witt said. “We’re just enjoying it and bonding together, and I think that’s what makes everything click.”

As VCU approaches the season’s mid point, Witt is striving to fulfill a large goal for his team.

“Our goals for the team this year is definitely to go win an A-10 Championship and make it to Regionals and Super Regionals,” Witt said. “I think we can play with the best of the best. If we just go out Left: Junior infielder Paul Witt has a .348 there and play, we should be able to do batting average this season. He’s hit two incredible things.” doubles and two home runs with 24 RBI. Right: Witt has drawn nine walks this season. Photos courtesy of VCU Athletics

Wed. April 3, 2019 7 PRESS BOX

Stop slowing football down with replay reviews NOAH FLEISCHMAN Sports Editor In the NFC Championship Game of the NFL playoffs last season in New Orleans, Saints quarterback Drew Brees threw the ball downfield at the end of the game to wide receiver Tommylee Lewis, who was streaking down the field near the endzone.

Rams cornerback Nickell Robey-Coleman undercut Lewis before the ball got to him, which was a textbook pass interference call. The officials did not throw the penalty flag, costing the Saints the game and a trip to the Super Bowl.

In response to the missed call, the NFL passed several rule changes for the upcoming season — one of them would have been crucial in the missed call.

The new rule amends a previous one “to expand the reviewable plays in instant replay to include all fouls for pass interference, roughing the passer, and unnecessary contact against a player who is in a defenseless posture.”

If this rule were in effect last season, the Saints would have received the call they wanted — pass interference — and they would have had an opportunity to win the game with the ball near the endzone in a tight game. The rule is only a

temporary measure for the NFL, as it is only in effect for one year.

The new rule threatens the integrity of the game, as it will make the referees more reliant on the replay system. They will be more inclined to miss a call, because they have the option to look over it in the replay booth, rather than calling the game as it happens.

Some referees have relied on the replay system in the past couple of years when all scoring plays became reviewable as well.

This most commonly occurs on touchdowns and fumbles, two plays that can be

Are the officials human? Yes, and they will continue to miss some calls throughout the game.

The NFL is 100 seasons old this year, and replay is relatively new. Missed calls come and go, and eventually people move on.

The referees are not robots — they will continue to miss calls, but they should not become reliant on instant replay.

The replay system has slowed the game down, and the new rule will only add to the issue. In 2016, the average replay time was 2 minutes and 25 seconds.

In a game that is littered with commercials and lots of TV timeouts, any other delay in the action just adds to the length of the contest.

Some will say the rule Illustration by Steck Von change is good for the hard to see in the moment. game, because missed calls Whenever there is the slightest doubt will be reversed upon review in the rein the mind of a referee about a fumble, play booth — but that sends replay down they call it a fumble on the field so it can a slippery slope. Since the NFL added be reviewed using replay. Sometimes the this rule change to review for pass interreplays take a while, causing fans to be- ference, what will stop the league from come restless, because they want the game implementing a change to look at basic to continue. penalties like holding?

When referees are unsure of what to Since the rule change is only temporary, call, they make the call that will initiate it should not be renewed following this the replay review to take place and take season because of the sheer fact that the a closer look at it. This shouldn’t happen NFL will see the length of games extend— referees should go with their gut and ing by reviewing more plays. move on with the game.

Lacrosse drops two straight in Philadelphia JARON NUTTER Contributing Writer

including shots on goal 26-19. Explorers’ Allison Hunter scored four goals, one assist, and recorded four draw controls. La Salle’s Annina Iacobucci scored three goals LA SALLE on four shots and four turnovers. Maddie VCU fell to La Salle 12-6 in Philadel- Dachowski finished with two goals on five phia March 31, after the Rams managed to shots and one turnover for La Salle. cut an early deficit to 1 but could not find The Rams turned the ball over 16 times their way to victory. and finished with 16 ground balls. VCU The Black and Gold recovered from a nearly doubled La Salle in fouls 35-18.

1-4 deficit midway through the first half to bring the score to 6-7. The Explorers SAINT JOSEPH’S went on a 5-0 run in the last 10 minutes to close the game.

Lacrosse failed to respond to Saint JoRedshirt-senior midfielder Sky Hyatt seph’s rally, falling 17-13 in Philadelphia tried to will the Rams to victory with a on March 29. game-high nine shots, but only finished Saint Joseph’s took a 5-0 lead with about with two goals and one draw control. Two 20 minutes remaining in the first half. The goals were netted by senior attacker Molly Rams recovered from the five-goal defiBarcikowski on three shot attempts. Junior cit to tie the game 6-6 with a third of the midfielder Keriann McTavish and senior first half to go. midfielder Blaire Langeler scored one goal The Hawks managed to lead again midapiece. Junior attacker Jessica Del Rossi re- way through the second half before the corded one assist.

Rams took a 13-12 lead with a little more Senior goalie Ria Peralta protected the than 11 minutes remaining. But Saint Jonet with 14 saves. Five Rams were carded seph’s rallied with five more goals in the in the game, as four Rams received a yellow final seven minutes to win the game. card and one a green card. Hyatt, McTavish, A game-high five goals from McTasophomore defender Caroline Glenn and vish and Hyatt’s three goals and three junior midfielder Jenn Nonn all received a assists still resulted in defeat. Baryellow card. Senior midfielder Clare Mur- cikowski pitched in with two goals phy received a green card. and an assist.

The Explorers led the Rams in draw Peralta anchored the Rams’ defense with controls 15-5 and outshot VCU 32-23, 17 saves. Four Rams received cards in the

Redshirt-senior midfielder Sky Hyatt logged five goals and three assists in the two games played March 29 and 31. Photo by Raelyn Fines game: Hyatt, junior defender Zoe Zebersky and sophomore defender Destiny Colon were yellow carded. McTavish also received a green card.

Saint Joseph’s led VCU in draw controls 19-13 and outshot the Rams 46-28, including shots on goal 34-21. The Rams lost the turnover battle 18-22. VCU also

committed 34 fouls in the game, seven more than Saint Joseph’s. Both the Rams and Hawks finished with 17 clears.

The Rams return home April 5 against Richmond at 5 p.m.

8 The Commonwealth Times

Tennis has mixed results over weekend

NOAH FLEISCHMAN Sports Editor

falling behind 3-0 to start the contest.

Old Dominion swept Tennis went 1-2 over the doubles point as the the weekend — the Men’s Monarch’s Luca Maldoner team hit the road to face and Nicola Vidal knocked Old Dominion and the off junior Javier AmanteWomen played two matches gui and freshman Rayane at home.

Stable 6-3. Jannik Giesse and Oliver Tobisch earned WOMEN’S Women’s the doubles point for Old Dominion as they defeated senior Philip Mobius and WILLIAM & MARY freshman Stefan Petrovic.

The Black and Gold fell The Rams struggled to 5-2 to former Colonial Athearn an early point early as letic Association rival Wil- Left: Senior Anna Rasmussen won both of her doubles matches with junior Noumea Witmus. Right: Freshman Rayane the Monarchs took the first liam & Mary March 30. two matches.

Stable won the first set in his match against Old Dominion. Photos by Wessam Hazaymeh and Jon Mirador VC U d r o p p e d t h e Old Dominion’s Frandoubles point but manknocked off James Madison’s Daria Afanascois Musitelli knocked off JAMES MADISON aged to win the first of the three doubles yeva in straight sets 6-0, 6-3. Sophomore Petrovic in straight sets 6-3, 6-4. Tobisch matches, as senior Anna Rasmussen and The Rams knocked off the Dukes 5-2 Kanako Yano quickly followed Exposito also defeated the Rams’ Amantegui in junior Noumea Witmus beat the Tribe’s March 28 at the Thalhimer Tennis Center. Diaz-Delgado, defeating Roka in straight straight sets 6-1, 6-4. duo of Vitoria Okuyama and Clara The duo of Rasmussen and Witmus sets 6-2, 6-0.

Senior Arvid Noren earned the Rams’ Tanielian 6-1. swept the Dukes’ pair of Abby Amos and Witmus swept her singles match to seal lone point after defeating Giesse in straight The Rams only won two of six singles Daniela Voloh 6-0 to start the contest for the win for the Rams, knocking off Emma sets 6-4, 6-3. matches against the Tribe. the Rams.

Petersen 6-4, 6-3.

The Monarchs secured the match-clinchSophomore Paola Exposito Diaz-DelSophomores Marina Alcaide Bakkari ing point, as Aziz Kijametovic knocked off gado knocked off Natalia Perry 7-5, 6-2. and Sofia Sualehe teamed up to secure the Men’s Stable in three sets 6-2, 1-6, 2-6.

MEN’S Witmus managed to win the second singles doubles point for VCU after winning 6-4 point for the Rams, as she beat the Tribe’s over Jona Roka and Amanda Nord.

The Rams fell to Old Dominion 4-1 Women’s Tennis will host Marshall April 5 at Lauren Goodman 6-3, 6-4.

The Rams stayed hot during singles March 31 at the Folkes-Stevens Ten- 2 p.m. Men’s Tennis will be back on the court matches, as Exposito Diaz-Delgado nis Center in Norfolk, Virginia, after April 13 at UNC-Wilmington at 2 p.m.

Track and Field dominates Fred Harvey Invitational

Track and Field took home 24 top-five finishes at the Fred Harvey Invitational in Richmond.

WOMEN’S The Rams stole the show in the throwing with three athletes placing in the top three.

Senior thrower Camora Sanders won the discus with a 48.65-meter throw.

Sanders took the event by more than six meters, and fellow senior thrower Denise O’Rourke added a third-place launch in the same event. Junior thrower Samantha Yankson recorded a third place hammer toss of 48.18 meters.

The Black and Gold continued dominating the field events, as two athletes placed in the top five in jumping.

Sophomore multi-event runner Courtney Higgins finished in fifth place in the high jump with a vault of 1.55 meters. Junior hurdler Khoi Banks finished second in the long jump at 5.69 meters.

When it was time to hit the track, the Rams did not let up — five runners stood on the podium at the end of the meet.

Senior mid-distance runner Ashley Greenlee contributed another podium finish in the 800-meter run, finishing third with a time of more than two minutes, and junior mid-distance runner Ashley Brown finished seconds behind her. Senior mid-distance runner Nichelle Scott added a fourth place effort in the event and a time of 2:10.67.

Junior distance runner Delaney Savedge finished second in the 3000, recording a time just over 11 minutes.

Senior hurdler Ann Sheehy finished third in the 400-meter hurdles with a time just over one minute.

MEN’S The Men’s team continued the Black and Gold’s dominance in the meet in the

field events, as VCU placed seven times.

Freshman thrower Jaekob Vollbrecht emerged from the discus throw on Saturday with a victory. He placed first after catapulting the discus just under 50 meters.

Sophomore Ebenezer Belayneh placed just behind him with a 45.73-meter throw.

Senior thrower Drew Hess recorded a javelin throw of 57.81 meters, an event-winning distance, while sophomore thrower Willie Schwartz won the hammer throw with a launch of 57.95 meters.

Schwartz’s throw was more than seven meters farther than second place, while Vollbrecht followed Schwartz up with a 46.98-meter throw.

Vollbrecht’s mark was good enough for a second top-five finish for the Black and Gold. Belayeh added a second place effort in the shot put with a 15.50-meter toss, and sophomore thrower Glen Yancey contributed a 14.09 fourth-place throw.

Sophomore jumper Xyan Xrichardson Junior mid-distance runner Ashley Brown placed fifth in the 100-meter run, posting a time placed second with a 2-meter leap in the of 2:15.21. CT file photo high jump.

ADVERTISEMENT Just as the women’s team brought the hardware home on the track, the men’s team did too with six athletes placing in the top-five of their events.

Junior hurdler Ian Davis took home a victory in the 110-meter hurdles with a 14.45 mark. Freshman sprinter Emmanuel Waller rounded out the top five with a 15.88 time.

Sophomore mid-distance runner Jordan Fountain added a fifth place effort in the 800 with a time just under two minutes, and senior sprinter Justin West finished the same in the 200-meter dash with a time of 22.50.

Sebastian Evans ended up fourth in the 400-meter hurdles; the freshman hurdler recorded a time just under 56 seconds. Junior distance runner Bryce Catlett finished the same in the 1500, recording a time just over four minutes.

ADVERTISEMENT

ADAM CHEEK Staff Writer

The Rams will next travel to Jacksonville, Florida, for the UNF Invitational April 5.

Wed. April 3, 2019 9

On this day

In 2008, Mariah Carey overtook Elvis Presley’s record of 17 No. 1 U.S. singles with her 18th, “Touch My Body.” Only The Beatles have more with 20.

‘Learning to Love the Bomb’: MFA candidacy exhibition to open at Black Iris ANDREW RINGLE Spectrum Editor Black Iris Gallery is a highly trafficked First Friday spot with a bar in the back. As photographers worked on their installations for their MFA exhibition on Friday, men caused a ruckus by rolling kegs into the back to prepare for the weekend.

“I’m excited for it to be in such a public space, because we’ll get eyes and ears we might not usually get from being in school,” said Sebastien Carpentier, first-year MFA candidate. “So I guess I’m excited for that outside perspective, that outside voice that can bring to the table … things that I haven’t thought about.”

Four graduate students will present “Learning to Love the Bomb” April 5 at Black Iris Gallery. At the show — also known as the VCU MFA Photography and Film Candidacy Exhibition — students will receive critical feedback from visitors, faculty and Margot Norton, a curator from New York.

Hannah Altman is among three other students presenting work at the exhibition.

With a mix of images and fabric pieces, Altman’s display will explore familial history and Jewish identity. As her work developed, she said it became more focused on the latter.

“It’s kind of creating an ebb and flow between exact moments of ritual, and kind of this space in between — often within the home, but not always,” Altman said. “Sometimes it’s within the ritual space itself.”

Altman said she made direct references to Jewish rituals in her display. For example, one image shows candles melting on a model’s hands.

“A Jewish woman always lights the Shabbat candles,” Altman said. “It’s like a mitzvah specific to women.”

Elizabeth McGrady will display her work on conspiracy theories surrounding a Nazi base in Antarctica, the existence of UFOs and a 1946 encounter between the U.S. Navy and entities on the world’s southernmost continent. McGrady’s grandfather served as a photographer in the Navy.

“I fell into this archive that my grandfather had given me,” McGrady said. “It was put aside as kind of like a time capsule. So, when I turned 18, he had been dead for about 10 years at that point. But my par-

“I have another project that’s just self-portrait work with my mom,” Altman said.

“That’s been ongoing for five years. But no matter what, I’ve never gotten official, professional feedback on it. I think it absolutely requires that. It needs to have that space of shelter — otherwise I don’t know what that work would turn into.”

The students started installing their displays the morning of April 2, but they agree their work is far from over.

“This project is ongoing, it’s not ending with candidacy,” McGrady said. “It’s kind of like a little brief pause in the work, but it’s still moving forward.”

Ashley Goodwin is another MFA candidate in the exhibition. Her work includes digital photographs of her partner and a pair of fish. She said the images are meant to portray wilderness as something that is both internal and external, calling them “a way to cope with the anxiety of our time.”

“I wouldn’t call this finished,” Goodwin said about her selection. “I imagine this as a book, eventually, if I could get 40 images that seem to fit to the theme of sort of a mystical world I’ve invented myself. But I’m still kind of researching and figuring out what that is.”

The displayed work was created by the students as part of their graduate school programs. Altman and McGrady agreed that strict deadlines and raw feedback accelerated their creative processes.

“Grad school is just kind of a mindfuck,” Altman said. “You just have to work so much faster, and it’s kind of a good thing. I think I’ve made so much more progress on this project than I would’ve outside of school, so I’m really happy about that.”

McGrady said the students produced their work quickly with frequent check-ins MFA candidate Elizabeth McGrady hangs framed images on the walls at Black Iris from other students and professors.

Gallery, preparing for the opening reception on Friday. Photo by Raelyn Fines “You want to have the best work possible.

And you want to be able to improve as much ents gave it to me; they had been preserving and started creating brand new images. as possible, and grow and show them that it the whole time.”

“That was really difficult, thinking about you’re growing,” McGrady said. “Because McGrady said searching through her how personal these things are,” McGrady these are people who will be your peers after grandfather’s archives was like pulling little said. “It’s really hard to cut something that you graduate, and you want the best feedthreads — she found “rabbit holes” by read- you feel such a personal attachment to.” back you can get.” ing things from her grandfather and lookSince the work at the exhibition will be ing at his photographs. These creative leads critiqued, McGrady pulled the personal no- “Learning to Love the Bomb” opens April 5 at inspired her displayed work in “Learning to tions out of her work to protect them. Alt- Black Iris Gallery and ends April 24.

Love the Bomb.” But days before the open- man said she acted similarly with a personal ing, she removed her grandfather’s things project she’s developing.

Sebastien Carpentier and Hannah Altman are among four graduate students who will receive feedback on their work from visitors, faculty and a curator from New York. Photos by Raelyn Fines

10 The Commonwealth Times

‘Human Library’ frames conversations on campus ANYA SCZERZENIE Contributing Writer In the basement of the Student Commons, 15 books sat at desks in a closed room. One by one, students lined up at the volunteer desk to check them out, read them and bring them back. The books went fast. People read them in 15 minutes or less and brought them back, so five to 10 other students could read them before the afternoon was up. Just how short are these books, you may ask? Trick question — the books are people.

The Human Library, hosted by the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs and Residential Life and Housing, took place March 30. Students volunteered as “human books” and were “checked out” by participants for a short conversation, which revolved around the personal story of the “book.” The conversations between books and participants took place in the Rams Lounge, in the basement of the Student Commons.

The human books chose what to talk about, from race issues and struggles with illness to LGBT topics and family dynamics. After listening to the books talk about their lives, participants were allowed to ask questions.

Noura Allen, OMSA assistant director and lead organizer for the Human Library, said anyone could volunteer to be a book, regardless of what their story was about.

“Really, we didn’t turn away any stories,”

Allen said. “We just allowed our narratives to be who they are and share themselves.”

One of the “human books” was sophomore Danielle Arze, who shared her story titled “In My Genes.”

“I’m telling the story of my diagnosis.”

Arze said. “I have a few chronic illnesses, and my story is about my journey getting my diagnoses.”

Arze said this is her first year volunteering as a book with the Human Library.

“The participants were so receptive and asked such genuine questions.” Arze said, wearing the purple T-shirt that designated the event’s “human books.” “One student asked me about being a woman of color in the medical [system]. I liked that he brought outside knowledge into the conversation.”

Though VCU has done the Human Library before, this is the first year OMSA has been involved in planning.

“I hope students learn from this that it’s OK to talk about their experiences,” said Dana Vandervelde, graduate assistant for OMSA and Res Life. “This is a project that exists outside of VCU that we pulled into VCU, but Noura [Allen] and I were able to put in a lot of our own input and our own preferences.”

The Human Library is an international event and is described as “a worldwide movement for social change” on its website.

It was developed in Copenhagen, Denmark, in 2000 and has since been held by local Students at OMSA’s Human Library share personal stories in the basement of the Student organizers in about 70 countries.

Commons. Photo by Wessam Hazaymeh

LANDON’S OUTLOOK

Illustration by Lindsay Hart

‘Shazam!’ jolts fun into a world of self-seriousness LANDON ROBERTS Contributing Writer The 1940s introduced us to the Golden Age of Comic Books, offering simple but cheesy stories of good vs. evil. “Shazam!” takes all the charm straight from the pages and plasters them unapologetically onto the screen.

The DC Extended Universe started off rough due to the pretentious delivery of films like “Man Of Steel” and “Batman V. Superman.” Within the last two years, however, this cinematic universe has hit its stride with the critical, commercial successes of “Wonder Woman” and “Aquaman.”

The main reason for the success of these films was due to a tonal shift away from seriousness and toward pure blissful entertainment. And nothing epitomizes this idea of embracing fun more than “Shazam!”

The film follows the orphaned 14-yearold Billy Batson — played by Asher Angel — in his new foster family where he builds a friendship with his new brother Freddy Freeman. However, Billy’s life is turned upside down when the Wizard Shazam imbues Billy with mystical powers. This is after the mad scientist Dr. Thaddeus Sivana is possessed and controlled by an ancient evil called the Seven Deadly Sins.

not soon forget is when Billy tries to stop a robbery and finds out he has “bullet immunity.” Levi’s portrayal of Billy’s awkward bumbling through this situation while trying to retain this faux superhero confidence offers a moment of pure comedic bliss.

“Shazam!” reaches its true heights in its relatability. The kids speak realistically, with perverse humor and false confidence.

The children’s fanatic conversations about heroes in this film get to the root of the superhero phenomenon. The execution of this obsession gives great insight into what a hero truly is to today’s children. This recognition is so heartwarming and authentic that it gives me hope for DC’s future.

Mark Strong plays Dr. Thaddeus Sivana, and his dialogue and presentation are so ridiculous that the character encapsulates the pure camp of the golden age comic book villain. The cheesy charm of this character in a modern setting makes so many scenes laugh-out-loud hilarious due to dumb one-liners met with accurate reactions to their outlandishness. Strong commits fully to this campy characterization, making him a real scene stealer.

While almost every aspect and character is perfectly executed, some emotionally driven scenes skate on the edge of melodrama. This mostly comes near the end of the film when Billy and Freddy’s friendship is tested. Levi handles these scenes well, but when Angel has to carry them they come off forced and flat. His stiff acting paired with his whiny dialogue are hard to watch and derail the fun aesthetic of the film.

While this is a small criticism, “Shazam!” is DC not only at its best, but at its most sincere. The comic book nature of the film paired with the childhood innocence gets to the root of the superhero phenomenon while remaining joyful.

While the conflict itself is integral to the overall plot, the interactions between Billy and Jack Dylan Grazer’s Freddy are so hilarious and realistic that their friendship steals the entire show. This chemistry truly shines in the scenes where Billy first receives his powers.

Zachary Levi is stellar in his performance as the super-powered version of Billy.

He keeps a childlike innocence and immature sense of humor throughout the film.

The pair’s immaturity leads to so many scenes of guttural laughter as they test the limits of Billy’s superpowers through hi- Rating: 4.5/5 jinks only kids could imagine. A scene I will

Wed. April 3, 2019 11

Importance of deep gameplay: how a game stands the test of time

JONAH SCHUHART Contributing Writer

While a well-written story or a beautiful soundtrack can make a game great, no creative element of a video game contributes to its lifespan and reputation like gameplay.

Gameplay is complex when it stops holding the player’s hand by making the solution to every problem obvious. Anytime it is left up to the player to display mastery of a game’s mechanics by using them creatively to develop their own strategies, the game has displayed a level of complexity. The game’s complexity is directly related to how often the player must do this and how advanced their strategies must become.

The benefit of this is that as players gain skill in a game and understand its complexities, the more attached they become to it until a community forms around the game. This is beneficial for gamers and developers alike because it means players get more enjoyment out of their games and developers now have a reliable clientele. It also means that the game stays culturally relevant for longer.

Just take a look at The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. That game is now 20 years old, but people are still playing it to this day. It’s not even that challenging, and at first, it doesn’t seem that deep. After all, it was designed as a game for children. But

Illustration by Jeffrey Belfield

if a person considered speedrunning the game, they might discover glitches and exploits that add complexity to an otherwise straightforward experience.

Top Zelda speedrunners can beat the game in less than 30 minutes, bypassing a good majority of the game and skipping to the final boss after the first dungeon. Yes, it’s possible to skip from the game’s first boss to its final boss in a matter of minutes by tricking the game into thinking Link’s bottle is his Ocarina, and using that while backflipping onto a very specific spot on

the first dungeon’s portal. The end result is that when Link finally does warp, it’s to the game’s final area. From there, speedrunners are forced to fight the final boss with basic items and no sword. Getting to that point takes players no small amount of skill or dedication, but it took decades of blind experimentation to discover. So whether they intended to or not, Nintendo actually created one of the deepest games in speedrunning history.

Compare that to titles like Telltale’s The Walking Dead and Detroit: Become Hu-

man. These games may have good storylines, but they hamper the interactive aspects video games were created for to push for a more “cinematic” experience. This results in a game comprised of nothing but quicktime events and dialogue prompts which fail to provide an engaging, interactive experience for very long. The only thing for players to explore in these games is the plot itself — once the player has gone through all of the branching story pathways, there’s not much else left for them to do. These games also have speedrunning communities, but it’s rare to find one as large or developed as ones for more interactive games.

This is not to say those games aren’t worth playing. But the longest-lasting communities belong to games that offer a gameplay experience people can work through for years and still not know everything about. Competitive games are especially good at this because they only get deeper as players develop more strategies and counter-strategies to gain an advantage over one another.

It’s why people are still playing old games like Tetris, and it’s why Super Smash Bros. Melee is still an esports staple. Those games are complex enough that — decades after their releases — players keep discovering new techniques and strategies, never getting bored and always pushing the limits of each others skills.

‘Intelligent Lives’ screening brings awareness to intellectual disabilities

Dan Habib.

Photo courtesy of Like Right Now Films

IMAN MEKONEN Contributing Writer Self-determination, or taking initiative to control a set of goals, is often taken for granted. Having an intellectual disability can create issues with self-determination as well as other elements of independence that can place individuals in a segregated learning environment.

The VCU School of Social Work hosted a screening and discussion of the film “Intelligent Lives” that addresses self-determination and disability March 27 in the Rams Lounge of the University Student Commons.

“Intelligent Lives” was created by filmmaker Dan Habib, who is the father of a son with cerebral palsy. Chris Cooper, an actor and advocate for inclusive education, narrates the film. Cooper’s son, Jesse, had cerebral palsy and epilepsy and died in 2005.

“Disability is really all around us,” said Matthew Bogenschutz, an assistant professor in the School of Social Work who hosted the event. “One of our big focal points is around social injustices around disability. We also want to get into issues of self-

determination and to follow up to the films theme of challenging conceptualizations of intelligence.”

The film is centered around three individuals: Micah Fialka Feldman, Naomie Monplaisir and Naieer Shaheed. It documents their journeys advancing in the workplace and their educational experiences while overcoming the stigma surrounding individuals with disabilities.

It also brings awareness to disabled people’s oppression and creates a discussion on inclusivity.

“We’re also really concerned with oppressed and marginalized populations and people with disabilities are also among those populations,” Bogenschutz said. “They get a little less attention than the other populations do, so this was a really good opportunity to illuminate the experiences of people with disabilities.”

The film also provided a background to the history of the ramifications of IQ tests for disabled people. Once an individual takes an IQ test to measure intelligence, it’s often hard to get out of the label the test score puts on a person.

“A decision that’s based on IQ tests early in life can determine a person’s path for the rest of their life,” Bogenschutz said. “That early tracking is really hard to get out of, and people develop over time.”

Many have criticized IQ tests for being culturally or socio-economically biased.

“They’re focused on white, middle class individuals, so we see big disparities,” Bogenschutz said. “African Americans are diagnosed with intellectual disabilities far more than white people.”

One in four African American adults has a disability, compared to one in five white American adults, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

IQ tests are used as a mechanism to

Filmmaker Dan Habib — whose son was diagnosed with cerebral palsy — created “Intelligent Lives” to raise awareness for intellectual disabilities. Photo courtesy of Like Right Now Films classify an individual into a category on the spectrum of intelligence. The tests can also favor people who are exposed to certain information because of their culture or socioeconomic status, which can sway test results.

“Once the IQ test determines you in a certain place, it really determines the course of your life,” Bogenschutz said. “This plays out in the tracking of kids from a really young age. It’s predeterministic. Once you get tracked in special education, that’s pretty much a life.”

People with disabilities belong to a minority group that intersects with all other groups such as religion, race, ethnicity and sexual orientation. One-fourth of adult U.S. citizens are disabled, according to the CDC. “It makes it the single largest minority group in America and around the world,”

said Ian Kunkes, co-chair of VCU's Transforming Accessibility Initiative.

A discussion held after the showing included conversations on how students in the School of Social Work can help address the issue.

“Thinking back to what do we do to make our community, school and society more welcoming toward individuals with disabilities, it’s recognizing that a disability is one aspect of who they are, just like their hair color, their ethnicity,” Kunkes said. “It’s a piece of it, but you shouldn’t focus on it or define someone that way.”

To learn more about “Intelligent Lives” and how to host a screening, visit intelligentlives.org

12 The Commonwealth Times

UPCOMING EVENTS See something

FRI. 4/5 Learning to Love the Bomb — VCU MFA Photo Film Candidacy Show

Work from Hannah Altman, Ashley Goodwin, Elizabeth McGrady and Sebastien Carpentier will be on display in “Learning to Love the Bomb,” the MFA in Photo and Film candidacy exhibition. It will remain on view until April 24.

6-9 p.m., Black Iris (321 W. Broad St.) Free.

SAT. 4/6 VSA at VCU Culture Show 2019: "The Fate Within Us"

Rapper Richy Jones is a featured artist in Weekend Plans. Photo courtesy of Joey Wharton

Weekend Plans drop a groove that just won’t quit QUENTIN RICE Staff Writer

Standing between a great mural of a watercolor forest and a crowd of leisurely drinkers, a collection of some of the finest musical talent Richmond has to offer laid down some jazz grooves that were fun, above all else.

Weekend Plans is a nine-piece jazz outfit that take a lot of notes from their Richmond contemporaries, NO BS! Brass — most notably their commitment to creating tunes for people to dance away their inhibitions.

Weekend Plans released their debut album “State of Nine” Feb. 15 after raising the funds for it through Kickstarter. It’s easy to tell the group is a nine-piece when the record spins — they each bring their own musical influences to the table while still maintaining a core chemistry and connection.

Even for the band’s newest member, guitarist Forrest Link, the chemistry was present right away. Link joined last August and has had no problem settling in.

“I’ve been in one or two other groups and for whatever that means it’s really great. All of our shows are kind of like Christmas,” Link said. “It feels like hanging out with your best buddies in the world literally just making music.”

“State of Nine” features nine tracks of upbeat jazz tunes that contain a little bit of something for everybody.

“When I started this group, I didn’t want anything to be synthesized. I wanted a full horn section and a full rhythm section; and not only feature a singer, but also feature a rapper,” said frontman Kayen Wilborn.

“That way we can market ourselves to any crowd; the more jazz heavy crowd, the more hip-hop headed crowd, the more rock headed crowd. People who just want to dance.”

It’s arguable that being a great jazz musician demands more knowledge of the genre and past greats than other genres, and Weekend Plans are no slouches in this department.

“I’m a church boy, so I listened to nothing but church music for the majority of my life,” said drummer Desean Gault. “It wasn’t until middle school that I found out my dad had all this heat on his iPod … Billy Taylor, Pat Metheny, Miles Davis. I said, ‘Can I borrow your iPod?’ and he’s like, ‘Sure,’ and I never gave it back. To this day, it’s still in my possession.”

The Vietnamese Student Association will host a performance of “The Fate Within Us,” a play about a young Vietnamese girl who dreams of becoming a fashion designer. A reception with food will be held after the show for family and friends in the cafeteria.

2-6 p.m., Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School (1000 Mosby St.) Free.

Do something

WED. 4/3 March for Bijan

There will be a vigil and silent march held in honor of Bijan Ghaisar, a 25 year old VCU alumnus who was fatally shot by U.S. park police in 2017. It will begin at the VCU compass, and the march will follow a path around Monroe Park Campus.

8:30-11:30 p.m, Compass Plaza (900 Park Ave.) Free.

FRI. 9/5 Ink Magazine Vol. 11 Release Party

To celebrate the newest issue of Ink Magazine, there will be a party with free copies, free tote bags, face painting and music from DJ boygirl.

6-9 p.m., Institute for Contemporary Art (601 W. Broad St.) Free.

SAT. 4/6 Bird Grand Prix

A handful of Weekend Plans members have a history with the VCU Peppas. The group will perform live at Cary St. Cafe on April 11. Photo courtesy of Tony West A handful of the members have a history with the VCU Peppas. Wilborn was an assistant director for a number of years.

Gault and trombonist Zach Taylor both have tenure with the Peppas, formerly one of the most respected pep bands in the nation. Weekend Plans employ the same ethos of energy and uninhibited good times in their performances.

There is an infamous run of seven notes in jazz music known as “the lick,” which has become something of a meme among jazz musicians. It has been all but numerically proven to be the most common riff in jazz history, showing up in countless improvisations from artists large and small. But it’s rarely the melodic focus of a track. “Last Call” breaks that norm.

Bassist Jordan Mason recorded the idea for the track on a voice memo and was met with incredulity from Wilborn, who later liked the idea of building a song on such a pervasive and familiar riff. It will surely put a cheeky smile on the face of anyone who’s hip to the joke.

Further down the line, the band is thinking about how their sophomore record can highlight the contributions and talents of every band member.

“On this next record, I’d like to have a song that’s maybe more guitar driven or a song that’s more rhythm-section driven,” Wilborn said. “So, I think this next record

The very first Bird Scooter Grand Prix will be held in Monroe Park on Saturday. TerLETTER TO THEstraightaways EDITOR rain includes fast gravel with some tight cobblestone hairpins.

Bring your own Bird.

9 a.m.-noon, Monroe Park

Learn something

WED. 4/3 VCU Visiting Writers Series: Jessie van Eerden & Clint McCown

Authors Jessie van Eerden and Clint McCown will speak as a part of the VCU Visiting Writers Series, hosted by the English department.

7-8:30 p.m., James Branch Cabell Library (901 Park Ave.) Free.

THURS. 4/4 Frontman Kayen Wilborn said he wanted a full horn section and rhythm section when he started Weekend Plans.

Photo courtesy of Chas Pfrang will show that we’re growing, not only as a unit or as a family, but also that we’re growing musically. I want to see how we can really utilize all nine members.”

Weekend Plans will perform live at Cary St. Cafe on April 11, at the Camel April 15 and again on May 11 and 16. More info on shows and tickets can be found on the group’s Facebook page. They can also be found on Twitter and Instagram @wkndplans, and “State of Nine” is available on all major streaming platforms.

VCU Libraries 34th Annual Brown-Lyons Lecture

Rabbi Jill Jacobs will speak about T’ruah: The Rabbinic Call for Human Rights, a mission which mobilizies rabbis, cantors and other American Jews to protect human rights in North America and Israel. A public reception will follow.

7-9 p.m., Room 303, James Branch Cabell Library (901 Park Ave.) Free.

FRI. 4/5 Science After Dark: The Final Fur

Museum educators have trained female Norway rats to pick up a small plastic ball and put it through a simulated basketball hoop. Purchase tickets at smv.org.

5-9 p.m., Science Museum of Virginia (2500 W. Broad St.) $10

Wed. April 3, 2019 13

Quote of the week

“There are far, far better things ahead than anything we leave behind.”

— C.S. Lewis

You are not defined by your time in university

Illustration by Sammy Newman

BRIANNA SCOTT Opinions Editor

experience life. Full disclosure, I’ve had depression since age 11 — possibly younger.

I tried desperately not to fool myself into ’ll cut to the chase. In exactly 38 days, thinking going off to college in a new city I walk across a stage in a room full of would cure my depression and turn my life strangers and loved ones to receive around … but I did fool myself. my diploma. My career as an underBig time. graduate will be over, and I’ll be thrust Sitting on my bed in Brandt, my suitinto the ether of chaos that comes with case and boxes unpacked, I thought nothing being 22 and having no idea of what my could go wrong, that I would have no probfuture holds. lems in college. But life never allows you the It’s no comfort that thousands of other pleasure of being problem-free. college students can relate to the impending My problem, however, was me. My mind. madness that will come in May. I don’t want to write a memoir here, but to People keep asking me how I feel, what sum it up, I sabotaged everything good that my plans are and if I’m excited to get out came my way in college: friends, experiences, of here. opportunities.

To answer those questions: I feel numb.

I have no plans. And I wish I could anchor myself to the Ram Horns outside the Student Commons that I rubbed for good luck as an 18-year-old freshman.

As terrified as I am about entering a new I feel numb. I have no phase in my life, I can’t help but look back plans. And I wish I could on the last four years with too many regrets anchor myself to the to count.

When I received my acceptance letter Ram Horns outside of from VCU in the mail back in 2015, I was the Student Commons jumping up and down in the living room that I rubbed for good with my sister. My fingers flew over my phone keyboard, excitedly tweeting about luck as an 18-year-old officially being part of #VCU2019. freshman.”

At the time, my dad and I hadn’t spoken in a few weeks despite living under the Brianna Scott, opinions editor same roof. We just had one of our biggest arguments — and we don’t have many. NerI could truly fill up a book with how vously showing my parents the letter, I bare- much I have ruined in my life, how much ly looked my dad in the eye. good I ruined.

He cracked a smile.

Most of my college experience has been As someone who had a relatively dull me staring at the ceiling of my dorm room upbringing, I was ecstatic for college. To be or whatever crappy apartment complex independent, to be more social and to finally I was in. I’d get up for class — running

I

terribly late — go to class, do my work and then come home. Rinse, wash and repeat.

The monotony of my routine made me incredibly gloomy and frustrated. I isolated myself for most of my college career because of my depression.

I didn’t know how to be a good friend to the small amount of friends I had. I didn’t know how to be a good student and actually comprehend and apply the material I was learning. I didn’t know how to be a good daughter or sister as my mental health deteriorated semester after semester.

I just didn’t … I still don’t know how to function properly when my mind is filled to the brim with bleak, erratic thoughts.

There are times I reflect on the past four years and I laugh — hard. Don’t get me wrong, there have been so many good times, they just don’t unfortunately outweigh the bad. My final year of college has arguably been my most stable and gratifying year.

Yet, I can’t say in good faith these were the best four years of my life. I wasted so much time in college being scared and bitter over how terribly my freshman year went that I never recovered and moved on.

Writing all of this, putting it to paper for hundreds of people to read, is scary. Because people tell you that college is the time you experience the most, you figure out what you want to do, you find your “tribe,” you find yourself. Our culture paints college to be the most formative and definitive years of your life.

I’m here to tell you it’s not.

College does not have to be the sole defining period of your life. These are not the only years you have to make something of yourself. There is an infinite number of people who did not have amazing college experiences — maybe you’re reading this

right now as a freshman or senior coming to that realization that things in college haven’t been so stellar. You’re not a failure because of that.

Experiencing life doesn’t have an age limit. Some may say, “What’s better than this?” and to that I say everything. I refuse to believe I’ve run out of time to find myself and live a fulfilled life. Nobody is fulfilled at 22 years young.

Our culture paints college to be the most formative and definitive years of your life. I’m here to tell you it’s not.”

Brianna Scott, opinions editor We all have dark times in our lives, and sometimes those dark times are during what we believe should be the best times.

The next day isn’t guaranteed, but I have the rest of my life to do better for myself and make something out of myself. And I know that I will.

College was a learning experience, in and outside the classroom. I walked around with a devil on my shoulder whispering in my ear to give up. I never did, despite wanting to so badly.

In exactly 38 days, I walk across a stage in a room full of strangers and loved ones to receive my diploma.

It’ll truly be the first day of the rest of my life.

14 The Commonwealth Times

I am a journalist with an agenda

I have to repeat it. And then people ask me what it is, why I’m studying it and always make the joke that they’ll see me on CNN or another major news network.

The reality isn’t as glamorous as popping up spontaneously as an anchor of a major news organization.

Throughout my college career, my love for journalism has gone up and down. There have been so many nights I’ve stayed up trying to write a script for a package, pulling my hair out, in the editing bay staring at a blank project file in Adobe Premiere. There were times I felt so proud of my work, posting it all over social media and sending it to my parents.

I took criticisms from my professors pretty hard and considered journalism Illustration by Sammy Newman wasn’t for me, maybe I wasn’t cut out.

BRIANNA SCOTT ple warning me over the years of how little But then I remember why I love this Opinions Editor teachers make. work. I feel like an activist.

My plan of pursuing a teaching degree Before college, I had no experience with I was never supposed to be a reporter or persisted until my junior year of high school. activism. That quickly changed during the a writer. I should be wearing a Dairy Queen I fully intended to go to college and study #BlackLivesMatter era, when Donald Trump uniform right now, secretly making Bliz- history and become a history teacher. was elected as president and I started to nozards for myself to take home and serving Then I discovered journalism. tice injustices at VCU. ice cream to people for eight hours every day.

It’s corny, but I was part of my school’s I’ve spent my fair share of time making That was my dream career as a first grader. broadcast morning announcements. I an- posters, being involved in planning protests I held onto that idea until I, like so many chored, worked behind the cameras, ran the and standing face to face with people spewother young tweens, wanted to become a teleprompter and even got to be director a ing oppressive rhetoric in my face as I held Disney Channel actress and singer. But I few times throughout the semester. I was my ground. couldn’t act. Or sing. on the yearbook staff, which was a class at As a journalist, I wanted to use my words That didn’t stop me from writing songs my high school. I took photojournalism and to report about the issues I cared about and and asking my parents for a guitar for video editing classes in which I put togeth- that impacted me the most.

Christmas — I ended up cutting the guitar er packages, interviewed people and wrote Journalists uncover and expose the truth. strings out of frustration of not being able scripts — I was a mini-journalist.

We tell stories that are often neglected and to learn properly.

And I wasn’t bad at it … so I decided to forgotten about in the haze of mainstream Eventually, I let go of that pipe dream pursue it as my major in college. media. We hold people accountable and go and decided I wanted to be a teacher. It was Whenever I tell people I’m a broadcast to great depths to investigate the unknown. an honest career move, despite many peo- journalism major, I usually say it so fast that In that respect, journalism is inherently a

form of activism. The definition of activism is to use direct and public methods to try to bring about social and political change.

Journalists collect, write and publish or broadcast news stories and articles — those stories bring about change. Consciously or not, journalists are activists because of the social and political change their work brings.

The motto I live by as a journalist is a quote from Angela Davis: “I’m no longer accepting the things I cannot change. I am changing the things I cannot accept.”

Through my work as a journalist, I use my words and platform as tools to invoke change. I give the public all the facts and let the people decide what to make of them.

Many believe the job of journalists is to be objective, neutral robots with no thoughts of our own as if we aren’t human beings who have opinions about the world around us — and what goes on in it that we report about.

There’s nothing unethical about a journalist sharing their opinion so long as they are up front about it and have equally shared all sides to a story.

Before becoming an opinions writer, I did not want to ruin my reputation as a journalist by sharing my opinions. I did not want people to believe I was biased.

Truth is — I am biased. I have opinions. I am affected by what goes on in this world as much as you are. I am entitled to my opinion — journalist or not — as much as you are.

None of this hinders my competence as a reporter who upholds journalistic ethics and standards.

I am a journalist with an agenda.

My only agenda is to seek the truth and report it.

Black men swoop in to save white women, abandoning black women ALEXIA HOLLOWAY Contributing Writer Since the days of slavery, black men have been punished for standing up for black women. If a male slave stood up for a female slave, he could be beaten or killed.

If a slavemaster took a male slave’s wife to rape, he could not protect her or he would be severely punished.

Over time, black men have been conditioned to withhold their protection from black women. This is a complete contradiction to the white woman’s “damsel in distress” archetype — stemmed by the release of the 1915 film “The Birth of a Nation.”

Because of this, black men have neglected to protect black women in an effort to protect white women.

Recently, YesJulz, a white female online personality, has made a name for herself with her racially-charged antics, such as an offbeat freestyle that implied black women did not like her because of her large synthetic butt. Her comments have been endorsed by black men including LeBron James and Soulja Boy. After YesJulz’s appearance on the “Easily Offended” podcast, she and battle rapper, Murda Mook, have caught a large amount of internet hate. On the podcast, she attempted to explain away her antics over the past few years. While she was there, Murda Mook told her that she was allowed to say the N-word. I was appalled when YesJulz accused two widely admired black women — social media strategist Karen Civil and media personality Scottie Beam — of being upset that she was performing at Rolling Loud, “the world’s largest hip-hop festival.”

Murda Mook said nothing.

Black women are able to defend themselves. Nevertheless, there have been recent

cases in which black women are physically brutalized while black men just sat around. A young black woman was knocked unconscious by a black man in Miami. Instead of helping her, black men ran to put a camera in her face and laugh at her. An elderly black woman was kicked in the face by a young black man on the subway last week. Black men continued to record the incident instead of defending her. A video was released showing a black woman being viciously attacked by a white man outside of bar. The black man recording the video did not even put the phone down to check on her.

These common examples of average black men failing to protect and defend black women make Murda Mook’s cringeworthy defense of YesJulz possible. His defense of her reflects a disappointing reality in the black community: Black women can be assaulted directly in front of black men and nothing will be done. However, when white women catch heat on the internet for disrespecting black people in general, black men throw their capes on to save them from themselves.

Daniel Caesar came out the day after YesJulz spoke on the podcast and chastised black people for criticizing her. He questioned the ridicule she was receiving and attempted to reprimand black people by rhetorically asking, “Why is it that we’re allowed to be disrespectful and rude to everybody else and when anybody returns any

disrespect black culture and black women.

Georgetown University released a study in 2018 that examined the lack of protection that black girls experience in childhood.

“Girlhood Interrupted: The Erasure of Black Girls’ Childhood” explains how from childhood, black girls are seen as needing less nurture and protection compared to white girls.

This can lead to the adultification of young black girls, who are subsequently given harsher disciplinary consequences in school and the criminal justice system compared to white girls.

“The most unprotected woman in America is the black woman.” As a black Illustration by Steck Von woman, this Malcolm X type of energy to us?” quote resonates with me in such a sobering This same attitude was not reciprocated way. Being a black woman means fighting a for black female comedian, JessHilarious. constant societal battle. Between white suAfter saying she felt “threatened” because premacy and sexism, black women only have Sikh men were on the same plane as her, each other. the internet justifiably tore her apart. While White supremacy is often cited as a I do believe Jess deserves the criticism she factor that prevents black people from prohas been getting, I have not seen black men gressing. Yet, white supremacy would have run to defend her or protect her. Jess of- no foothold in the community if black men fended another community to the extent did not encourage it. Black men who rethat YesJulz offended the black community. fuse to defend and support black women But black men are not coming to Jess’ de- allow white supremacy to fester and prevail fense the way they are with Julz, despite Jess in the community by giving it exactly what being part of their own community. it thrives off of: division. The first step to Perhaps the historical framing of white building a stronger black society is black women as docile and weak versus black wom- men rebelling against white supremacy and en as strong and overpowering drives black standing up for the black women who conmen to turn a blind eye when white women stantly fight for them.

Wed. April 3, 2019 15

THE CT STAFF EXECUTIVE EDITOR Georgia Geen geengr@commonwealthtimes.org

Floor Plan by Ellie Erhart

MANAGING EDITOR Saffeya Ahmed ahmeds@commonwealthtimes.org NEWS EDITOR Fadel Allassan news@commonwealthtimes.org SPORTS EDITOR Noah Fleischman sports@commonwealthtimes.org SPECTRUM EDITOR Andrew Ringle spectrum@commonwealthtimes.org OPINIONS EDITOR Brianna Scott opinions@commonwealthtimes.org MULTIMEDIA DIRECTOR Erin Edgerton photography@commonwealthtimes.org AUDIENCE EDITOR Alexandra Zernik zernikal@commonwealthtimes.org ILLUSTRATIONS EDITOR Steck Von illustrations@commonwealthtimes.org STAFF WRITERS Adam Cheek, Sports Quentin Rice, Spectrum STAFF COLUMNISTS Shaun Jackson, Opinions jacksonsk@commonwealthtimes.org STAFF ILLUSTRATORS Sammy Newman Erin Joo Summer McClure

VCU STUDENT MEDIA CENTER DESIGN EDITOR Ryan Rich ryan@ryanrichdesign.com

Enjoy This Moment by Erin Joo

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Mai-Phuong Bui Jeffrey Pohanka Andy Caress designers@vcustudentmedia.com ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVES Gabbi Bernardo Dana Cantor Miles S. Hicks advertising@vcustudentmedia.com (804) 828-6629 WEBMASTER Chrislin Hearn webmaster@vcustudentmedia.com DISTRIBUTION MANAGER Evan McGrady distribution@vcustudentmedia.com DIRECTOR Allison Bennett Dyche abdyche@vcu.edu (804) 827-1975 CREATIVE MEDIA MANAGER Mark Jeffries mjeffries@vcu.edu BUSINESS MANAGER Jacob McFadden mcfaddenjc@vcu.edu ASSISTANT BUSINESS MANAGER Emily Furlich smc_assistant@vcustudentmedia.com

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

ADD YOUR VOICE The opinions pages of the CT are a forum open to the public. Contributions are welcome by email to Brianna Scott, by mail or in-person at 817 W. Broad St., Richmond, VA 23220. Opinions expressed are those of individual columnists and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Commonwealth Times.

Unsigned editorials represent the collective opinion of The CT staff.

The Commonwealth Times strives for accuracy in gathering news. If you think we have made an error, please email the appropriate section editor.

Corrections will appear on the news pages and/or online. One CT per person. Additional copies can be purchased at the Student Media Center for $1 each.

16 The Commonwealth Times

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

Los Angeles Times Crossword Puzzle PARDON MY YIDDISH

Sponsored by

L o s A n g e l e s Ti me s Sun d a y C ro s s w o rd P u z z l e

Edited by Rich Norris and Joyce Nichols Lewis

By Ed Sessa

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Edited by Rich Norris and Joyce Nichols Lewis

Classes getting stressful? Relieve tension s A n g e lrecsports.vcu.edu e s Ti me s withLo group exercise!

Sunda y C ro s s w o rd P u z z l e Edited by Rich Norris and Joyce Nichols Lewis

Pardon My Yiddish by Ed Sessa

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