The Commonwealth Times; Nov. 06, 2019 by VCU Student Media Center

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VOL. 61, NO. 12 NOVEMBER 6, 2019

TRIFECTA

Crowds celebrate the Democratic victory at the Virginia joint Democratic watch party, which was held at the Hilton in Downtown Richmond. Photo by Jon Mirador

Dems to control house, senate, governor’s mansion HANNAH EASON News Editor KATIE HOLLOWELL Contributing Writer Democrats secured control of the Virginia General Assembly in Tuesday’s elections, marking the first time since 1993 that the party will hold the state Senate, the House of Delegates and the governor’s mansion. The Virginia House will have a Democratic majority with 55 representatives, compared to 45 Republicans. Democrats won 21 seats in the Senate, compared to 19 for Republicans. Prior to the election, Republicans had a majority in the Senate 20 to 19 with one

vacancy. The House was Republican-led 51 to 48, also with a vacancy. VCU political science professor Deirdre Condit said 2018’s “blue wave” of Democratic victories may have continued into Virginia’s statehouse elections this year. “The nation took the cue from Virginia and followed on as well,” Condit said. “I think it’s possible that there’s a serious continuation of what we have now branded the Democratic blue wave. If that wave is not crested — and if it continues to swell — that may tell us a lot about the 2020 election.” Condit said many of the Democratic votes were rooted in dissatisfaction with the Trump administration. “Democratic voters were very clearly

there to express their anger at the Trump administration,” Condit said. “Several voters who said they were going to vote Democrat talked about this as their way to shout back at the President.” DEMOCRATIC MAJORITIES Democrats gained a majority in the state Senate by flipping two seats. Senate Districts that flipped Democrat: • District 10 • District 13 One of the key races in the Virginia Senate was District 10, which Ghazala Hashmi

won against Republican incumbent Glen Sturtevant with 55% of the vote. The district covers parts of Richmond City, Chesterfield County and Powhatan County. Hashmi attended the Virginia joint Democratic watch party at the Hilton in Downtown Richmond and thanked those who voted for her. “Is Ghazala Hashmi truly an American name? You’ve helped so many young people, boys and girls, who feel like they don’t have a voice, they don’t have a place, they don’t have a part in this community, and you said yes, you do belong here,” Hashmi said. “Thank you for sharing that message.” See DEM MAJORITY on page 5

House and Senate breakdown by party following General Assembly elections

HOUSE OF DELEGATES

55 45

SENATE

21 19 DEMOCRAT

REPUBLICAN

Information compiled by Hannah Eason Infographic by Jeffrey Pohanka

Democrat Ghazala Hashmi, the first Muslim American to be elected into the Virginia Senate, gained a seat for the Democrats in Tuesday’s election. Photo by Jon Mirador

2 The Commonwealth Times

Stories of the week

national: In Kentucky, the Democratic Attorney General Andy Beshear won the governorship against the Republican incumbent. international: CNN reports at least 13 were killed in a car bomb explosion in Tal Abyad, a Syrian town that Turkey took control of last month.

Left, Akaylia Rose said she wanted to see Democrats in office. Middle, Eden Gordley said she has a personal goal to never miss a local or state election. Right, president of the VCU chapter of Virginia21, Adam Lockett, encouraged students to vote in the Compass. Photos by Raelyn Fines

Students sense importance of state elections KATHARINE DEROSA Contributing Writer Adam Lockett, president of the VCU chapter of Virginia21, was standing in the Compass to spread the word on Election Day as students headed to their polling places. “I don’t think it’s been emphasized enough how important this election is,” said Lockett, a junior graphic design major. “Going into 2020 as well, we have a chance to let our politicians know how we’re shaping the commonwealth.” Virginia21 provides students with information on college affordability, student rights, election access, campus safety and economic opportunity policies. Many students said they were excited to exercise their right to vote. VCU junior David Baker said that it was his duty. “There’s no reason for me, someone who is not doing a lot today, who has the full capability to vote, to not vote,” the English major said. Polling locations for VCU students living on or near campus included the University Student Commons, George Washington

Carver Elementary School, Dominion Place and Tabernacle Baptist Church. Louis Ackerman, a VCU sophomore majoring in communication arts, expressed distaste for current political leadership and said they wanted a change. “I’m voting because I think we need to start from the bottom line and work up from there,” Ackerman said. Taylor Easley, a senior majoring in social work, said in recent elections “big things have happened.” “I think that there should be a big change in government,” Easley said. “Even if the candidate I voted for doesn’t get into office, I know I did my part.” Madeline Doane is the leader of VCU Votes, an organization that promotes voter engagement on campus. Doane said the organization registered 3,000 new voters on campus this semester alone. Doane, a senior double majoring in political science and international studies with a Latin American concentration, said she voted Nicholas Da Silva for the open 5th District City Council seat because of his “dedication to the Richmond community.” “I voted for Nicholas Da Silva because it seems like he’s been an activist in the

Richmond community for a really long time and is a working class individual,” Doane said. “He’s been super active in the redistricting and making sure that we are protecting the vulnerable people in our communities.”

Our local politicians have so much to say about what we hear at the national level. And in reality, our local politicians have the power to be influencing the legislation surrounding those matters.” Madeline Doane, VCU Votes leader Doane said this election holds weight because all the seats in the Virginia Senate and the House of Delegates are up for grabs.

“I think that’s often a big disconnect that people have regarding local elections,” Doane said. “Our local politicians have so much to say about what we hear at the national level. And in reality, our local politicians have the power to be influencing the legislation surrounding those matters.” Fashion merchandising major Madeline McElgunn said that local elections affect constituents “most strongly,” and that voting was a family tradition for her. “I always go to Chesterfield and vote with the rest of my family,” McElgunn said. “We usually wake up early, have coffee and then walk to our polling place together and talk about the issues on the way.” McElgunn said she was hoping to unseat her current representative in Senate District 10 — Republican Glen Sturtevant — and that she was hoping for a Democrat majority in the General Assembly. “Glen Sturtevant has been our state representative, and he is very much against women’s bodily autonomy and a right to an abortion,” McElgunn said. “I am voting for Ghazala Hashmi because she is a supporter of legalizing marijuana and a woman’s right to choose.”

Left, student Taylor Easley said getting the “right people” in office motivates her to vote. Right, VCU Votes’ Madeline Doane encourages students to vote. Photos by Raelyn Fines

Wed. September 25, 2019 3

Fundraising frontrunner wins the 5th Stephanie Lynch won about 27% of the vote in the City Council special election

Stephanie Lynch

Mamie Taylor

Nicholas Da Silva

Thad Williamson

Chuck Richardson

Jer’Mykeal McCoy

Robin Mines 3.02%

27.56%

15.56%

15.18%

14.10%

12.18%

11.01% Information compiled by Andrew Ringle Infographic by Jeffrey Pohanka

LIBBY DOZIER Contributing Writer Stephanie Lynch won the 5th District City Council race Tuesday, winning not only the most votes but some of the highest campaign contributions in the election. Former 5th District City Councilman Parker Agelasto resigned earlier this year after lawsuits were filed concerning his decision to move out of the district. Here is what each of the candidates raised throughout their campaigns: • • • • • • • •

Thad Williamson: $30,073 Stephanie Lynch: $29,257 Jer’Mykeal McCoy: $22,223 Nicholas Da Silva: $8,761 Graham Sturm: $6,365 Chuck Richardson: $5,318 Mamie Taylor: $2,800 Robin Mines: $925

The candidates raised more than $100,000 over the course of the election, and three candidates accounted for over half of that number. Jer’Mykeal McCoy, Thad Williamson and Stephanie Lynch each raised between $20,000 and $30,000 as of Oct. 24, according to the Virginia Public Access Project, or VPAP. Da Silva was fourth in donations and raised $8,761. The three candidates who raised the most money in the 5th District received more than half of their funds from fewer than 50 individual donors. Williamson spent the most in the race with almost $22,000 as of Oct. 24. Lynch came in second with $13,506 and McCoy in third with $6,667. “Campaigns need budgets and resources to reach voters, so certainly campaign contributions matter in helping a campaign be competitive,” Williamson said. “While I’m proud our campaign has the largest base of donors in the race, in the end it’s about the votes, not the dollars.” Williamson teaches at the University of Richmond. He previously served as co-chair of the Maggie Walker Initiative for Expanding Opportunity and Fighting Poverty and worked to create the Office of Community Wealth Building. As the senior policy advisor for Mayor Levar Stoney, he contributed to the development of the RVA Education Compact. Lynch received her bachelor’s degree from VCU in psychology and gender studies, and a master’s degree in social work administration and policy. She’s worked for the Virginia Department of Social Services and the Special Appointee on Health and Human Resource Integration, where she assisted in the implementation of the Affordable Care Act. Lynch said her own fundraising strategy was to get large donations first so she could

then spend more time knocking on doors and talking to voters. “The last of our time and treasure will be spent engaging as many 5th district residents before November 5th as we can,” Lynch said in a Facebook post. “It would be a true blessing to get to work for and with the 5th District community.” McCoy is originally from Tennessee and is the son of a Navy veteran. He is a business development manager with Schutt Sports and a capstone advisor at Georgetown University. McCoy is also the president of the Urban League Greater Richmond Young Professionals. Da Silva is a recent VCU graduate with a degree in political science. During his time there, he was the head of the Young Democratic Socialists of America chapter at the university. He was inspired to run for office after witnessing the “Unite the Right” rally in Charlottesville last summer where a white nationalist drove a car into a group of protestors. “Locally, in my experience, it matters

more whether a candidate has a good volunteer team, a message which connects to voters, and whether they spend time at doors, which may be helped by having large donors but can’t be bought,” Da Silva said. District 5 resident Daniel Coakley said he cast his vote for Da Silva. “He [Da Silva] has a history of activism and fighting for the community,” Coakley said. “Thad Williamson is just a stooley of the mayor, he won’t be an independent voice on the council.” One key issue among voters in the 5th District is the Navy Hill development project — which would redevelop 10 blocks in downtown Richmond near the Coliseum — that was announced earlier this year. Christina Ramirez, who lives in the 5th District, voted for Da Silva and said opposition to the Navy Hill plan was her top priority. “No Navy Hill magic plan is my top issue,” Ramirez said. Leslie Rubio, a 5th District resident, also

planned to vote for Lynch. She said her opposition to Navy Hill and “focus on community” made her an appealing candidate. “She’s smart and community-oriented,” Rubio said of Lynch. “She will keep Amy Robins if she wins.” Amy Robins is the City Council liaison for the 5th District and an organizer for RVA Clean Sweep. “I’ve been told that Stephanie Lynch opposes the Navy Hill,” 5th District resident James Sties said via Facebook. “Also her concerns seem to be more about the average citizen’s needs rather than to have the City take on her personal philosophy about societal needs.” Mamie Taylor, who raised $2,800, campaigned to prioritize Richmond Public Schools. “I’m voting for Mamie Taylor,” said Jameson Price, a resident of the 5th district, via Facebook. “She is a former RPS teacher and board member will prioritize school and against the Navy Hill development.”

5th District City Council campaign donations MONEY RAISED

TOTAL DONATIONS

Thad Williamson

$30,073

243

Stephanie Lynch

$29,257

151

Jer’Mykeal McCoy

$22,223

202

Nicholas Da Silva

$8,761 $6,365 $5,318 $2,800 $925

107

Graham Sturm

Chuck Richardson

Mamie Taylor

Robin Mines

15 Information compiled by Hannah Eason Infographic by Jeffrey Pohanka

4 The Commonwealth Times

LOCAL HOUSE RACES House Speaker Kirk Cox wins House District 66 ANYA SCZERZENIE Contributing Writer SARAH ELSON Contributing Writer

KIRK COX (R) INCUMBENT

54%

Incumbent Republican Kirk Cox will keep his delegate seat in House District 66 after defeating VCU alumna Sheila Bynum-Coleman in the House of Delegates race. Bynum-Coleman received 45% of the district’s votes, while Cox received 54%. “I had so many volunteers, and we won strictly because of grassroots,” Cox said at his watch party in Colonial Heights. “As a 30-year government teacher, my love is representing democracy.” Cox, who was elected in District 66 in 1989, has served as House Speaker since 2018 and previously served as the House

majority leader from 2010 to 2018. According to his website, his priorities were creating Virginia jobs, helping veterans, reducing “unnecessary” government spending and supporting those with disabilities. As a former teacher, Cox’s website lists access and availability to higher education as a prominent issue. Bynum-Coleman is a graduate of the L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs with a background in real estate and construction. In 2016, her daughter was shot at a house party, which placed gun reform as a top priority for her campaign. The 66th District includes Chesterfield County, Colonial Heights and a small part of Richmond. “We all know that God’s got a plan for Kirk. He’s got a plan for me and he’s got a

45%

Kirk Cox

plan for you,” said Colonial Heights Mayor T. Gregory Kochuba at Cox’s watch party. “God’s plan was to keep Kirk in office.” Kochuba introduced Cox at his watch party, which was held at the Keystone Antique Truck & Tractor Museum in Colonial Heights. Cox’s son Cameron said he was proud of his father’s win and that he didn’t think “anybody deserves it more than him.” “He’s been a great dad, a great coach, great campaigner, great politician, but at the end of the day, he’s just always served his people because that’s what he cares about,” Cameron Cox said. House District 66 was one of the 11 House districts found to be illegally racially gerrymandered and was redrawn in February.

Sheila Bynum-Coleman

Incumbent Adams retains House District 68 seat LIBBY DOZIER Contributing Writer

DAWN ADAMS (D) INCUMBENT

57%

Incumbent Democrat Dawn Adams will keep her seat in the House of Delegates after defeating Republican Garrison Coward with 57% of the vote. Coward received 43% of the vote. Adams is the first openly lesbian lawmaker to be elected to the Virginia House of Delegates. She was elected initially in 2017 after defeating Republican Del. Manoli Loupassi by less than one percentage point. Loupassi had represented the district for 10 years prior to losing his seat. Adams is a nurse practitioner with a doctorate in nursing practice from Old

Dominion University. She has campaigned on affordable health care and protecting the environment. Coward, 29, received a degree in economics from Hampden-Sydney College in 2012 and a master’s degree in political management from George Washington University in 2017. He is the chief operating officer of BizCents, a Richmond based analytics firm. According to his website, Coward campaigned on competitive teacher pay, prioritizing crime and safety, economic growth and affordable healthcare. House District 68 was one of the 11 districts found to be illegally racially gerrymandered and was redrawn in February.

43%

Dawn Adams

Since the presidential election in 2016, the Democrats have managed to hang on to the majority. However, due to court-ordered redistricting, the district includes slightly more Republicans than in preceding years, according to the Virginia Public Access Project, or VPAP. Over the course of her campaign, Adams raised $377,291, while Coward raised $183,917. The 68th District includes portions of Richmond, Henrico and Chesterfield. The majority of the district is divided between Chesterfield and Richmond. Over the course of their campaigns, Adams raised $377,291, while Coward raised $183,917 according to VPAP.

Garrison Coward

VanValkenburg keeps seat in House District 72 TAYLOR TOBEN Contributing Writer

SCHUYLER VANVALKENBURG (D) INCUMBENT

54%

Schuyler VanValkenburg

Democrat incumbent Schuyler VanValkenburg won the state House District 72 seat by 54% against Republican GayDonna Vandergriff. Vandergriff received 46% of the vote. VanValkenburg won the election in 2017 to replace Republican Del. Jimmie Massie. On his website, he outlined access to affordable healthcare, increased funding for public schools and women’s choice over reproductive rights as important issues. On her website, Vandergriff ’s priorities included creating jobs in District 72,

access to quality and affordable healthcare, increased funding for public schools and lower higher education costs. District 72 covers Henrico County and voted Democrat in the 2017 governor and 2018 U.S. Senate races, electing Gov. Ralph Northam and Sen. Tim Kaine. House District 72 was one of the 11 House districts found to be illegally racially gerrymandered and was redrawn in February. The current district is 1.9 points less Republican after the redistricting, but still leans 0.6 points toward Democrats. The redistricting eliminated eastern parts of the district such as parts of Lakeside and Laurel near the Lewis Ginter

46%

GayDonna Vandergriff

Botanical Gardens. It added eastern parts of Glen Allen. According to the most recent financial file from Jan. 1 to Sept. 30, Vandergriff ’s campaign raised $374,349 and VanValkenburg raised $568,638. Vandergriff ’s largest donations were from the Republican State Leadership Committee, which donated $167,500 and Colonial Leadership Trust PAC, which donated $133,657. VanValkenburg’s largest donations were from Democratic Party of Virginia, which donated $219,275 and Planned Parenthood of Virginia, which donated $76,849.

Wed. September 25, 2019 5

LOCAL SENATE RACES Hashmi ousts Sturtevant in Senate District 10 KATHARINE DEROSA Contributing Writer

GHAZALA HASHMI (D)

55%

Democrat Ghazala Hashmi unseated Republican incumbent Sen. Glen Sturtevant and won Virginia District 10. Hashmi is the first Muslim American to be elected into the Virginia Senate. The Democrat claimed the seat with 55% of the vote. Sturtevant received 45% of the vote. Hashmi, 57, is a community college administrator and resides in Chesterfield. She aims to increase funding for public schools, provide better access to affordable health care and create affordable college

tuition. A few of her aspirations for office include background checks for gun sales, environmental regulations, expanding internet access and adding paid family and medical leave. Sturtevant served in Senate District 10 for 4 years. In 2015, he narrowly beat out Dan Gecker with 49.8% of the vote. Sturtevant, 37, is an attorney and resides in Midlothian. Sturtevant’s main goals in office were to increase funding for public schools, a freeze on college tuition, increased access to affordable health care and lower taxes. District 10 has been a consistently Republican district since 1998. When the district was redrawn in 2011, the Democratic

45%

Ghazala Hashmi

party gained 15.1 points, but the Republicans still hold the majority by 18.6 points. Senate District 10 includes western parts of Richmond and extends west into Powhatan. Chesterfield County contains 46.56% of the district, Richmond contains 39.98% of the district, and Powhatan County holds the remaining 14.07% of the district. According to the Virginia Public Access Project, the eastern end of the district near Richmond tends to vote Democrat. The district is 69% white, 23% black, 6% Hispanic or Latino and 4% Asian. The district is compiled by a majority of middle-aged people, with only 32% of the population under the age of 35.

Glen Sturtevant

Dunnavant maintains spot in Senate District 12 KATHARINE DEROSA Contributing Writer

SIOBHAN DUNNAVANT (R) INCUMBENT

51%

Siobhan Dunnavant

Republican incumbent Siobhan Dunnavant won the state Senate seat in District 12 over Del. Debra Rodman. Dunnavant currently serves on the Senate Finance subcommittee and works as an OB-GYN in Henrico. According to her website, she is a free market and limited-government conservative. In 2018, she was awarded Senate Legislature of the Year by the Virginia Chamber of Commerce. “I’m so thankful that the 12th District is giving me another four years to get the work done. I will keep delivering results for the

12th District and all of Virginia,” Dunnavant said. “It’s a little hard to be overzealous tonight. We have a lot of fellow Republicans that didn’t succeed.” Dunnavant won 50.8% of the district, and Rodman received votes from 48.5%. Rodman, who currently serves in House District 73, campaigned on gun violence prevention, including background checks, higher teacher pay and paid family and medical leave for Virginians. As a member of the House’s Agriculture Committee, Rodman’s website says she advocates for cleaner energy sources. She teaches anthropology at Randolph-Macon College in Ashland. According to the Virginia Public Access

49%

Project, or VPAP, Rodman and Dunnavant have each raised more than $2 million. Before Oct. 24, Dunnavant raised $2,531,059 and Rodman raised $2,764,712. Dunnavant spent more than a $1 million on media advertising and Rodman used just under $965,000. District 12 has historically been conservative with Dunnavant winning in 2015, and Walter Stosch holding the seat between 1999 and 2015. Henrico County covers 92.44% of the district and Hanover County covers 7.56%. VPAP considers the district to be competitive, but in recent years it leaned Democratic in recent elections.

Debra Rodman

DEM MAJORITY

‘The sky is the limit’: Experts says majority could lead to passed legislation Continued from front page

House Districts that flipped Democrat:

Poquoson City and York County. Democrat Shelly Simonds unseated Republican David Yancey and received 58% of the vote in District 94, which covers Newport News city. In House District 80, Democrat Don Scott filled the vacant seat, beating Republican Jim Evans and independent Ryan Collins Benton. Democrats lost in the redistricted House District 66, which was ranked by the Virginia Public Access Project as highly competitive. Sheila Bynum-Coleman lost the race against House Speaker Kirk Cox.

by Republication majorities. … This is not going to exist anymore.” VCU public relations student Joshua • District 28 Republicans had control of the goverBriere came to the watch party as a Hash• District 40 nor’s mansion, House and Senate in 2012 mi supporter. • District 76 and 2013 until Terry McAuliffe was elected “Now we actually have a Democratic • District 80 in 2014. In 2018, the results of the Congovernor, and both houses are blue, so who • District 91 gressional election were coined a “blue knows what we can do?” Briere said. “The • District 94 wave,” as Democrats won three seats in the sky’s the limit.” U.S. House of Representatives, gaining a Senate District 13 — which covers In House District 28 — which covers Democratic majority in the House. Loudoun County and Prince William part of Stafford County and Fredericksburg House District 63 incumbent Democrat County — also flipped Democrat with John City — Democrat Joshua Cole unseated Lashrecse Aird said the party’s majority will Bell beating incumbent Geary Higgins with Republican Paul Milde with 52%. help the General Assembly pass legislation. 54% of the vote. In House District 40 — which covers “We get so close to passing policies,” In the Richmond area, the Democrats most of Fairfax County and part of Prince Aird said. “This year, we’re going to get lost one of the most competitive races in William County — Democrat Dan Helmer close enough.” LOOKING AHEAD the Senate: District 12 between Republican won 54% of the vote and unseated RepubIn the House, eight Republican-held incumbent Sen. Siobhan Dunnavant and lican Tim Hugo. Kathryn Gilley, communications direc- districts were uncontested by DemocratDel. Debra Rodman. Clinton Jenkins will represent House tor for Virginia House Democrats, said the ic candidates.Twenty-nine Democrat-led The Randolph-Macon College professor District 76 after beating Republican Chris Democratic majority means the party will districts were uncontested by Republicans. was first elected to the House of Delegates Jones with 54% of the vote. His district have a chance to push its policy priorities. In the state Senate, fewer were uncontestin 2017. covers most of Suffolk City and part of “We push for a higher minimum wage, ed. There were four districts uncontested Dunnavant upset Rodman with 50.8% Chesapeake City. we push for gun violence prevention. We’ve by Democrats, and 14 were uncontested of the vote. House District 91 is Democrat-led pushed for family-friendly policies like paid by Republicans. Come January, the House will have a by Martha Mugler, who beat Republican sick [leave],” Gilley said. “The list goes on Democratic majority, with six districts hav- Colleen Holcomb with 55% of the vote. and on, civil rights and LGBT-anti discrim- Capital News Service reporter Christopher ing flipped blue. The district covers part of Hampton City, ination, and it’s been consistently blocked Brown contributed to this report.

6 The Commonwealth Times

Stat of the week

Women’s basketball held Appalachian State to 2 points in the second quarter of Tuesday’s game, setting a program record.

Men’s basketball sold out its 135th striaght game Tuesday night. Photo by Alessandro Latour

Rams win 14th straight season opener NOAH FLEISCHMAN Sports Editor

or 3-pointers, but senior guard Marcus Evans said it’s early in the season. “Obviously there are some things we’ve got to clean up,” Evans said. “Turnovers, free throws, some lapses on defense. It’s just about getting out there and playing hard.” The black and gold turned over the ball 18 times, despite forcing 19 Red Flash turnovers. At some points in the contest, VCU forced a turnover and then gave it right back to St. Francis. “We failed in the turnover category today, but we’ll get better at it,” Rhoades said. “Let’s take care of the ball. If we get a steal, let’s capitalize on it.” After falling behind by two in the early going, the Rams went on a 14-2 run

spanning just over 4 1/2 minutes to take a 10-point lead. During the run, VCU’s Havoc defense forced four Red Flash turnovers. Men’s basketball knocked off St. Francis The Rams defense took control in the (Pa.) 72-58 in the season opener at the contest, and midway through the first half Siegel Center on Tuesday night. St. Francis sunk one of its previous 12 field Junior forward Marcus Santos-Silva goal attempts. VCU’s defense held strong logged his seventh career double-double, late in the first half as well, holding St. recording 21 points and 18 rebounds. Francis 0-for-5 later on. Late in the second half, Santos-Silva St. Francis was limited to shooting 24% showed his strength and followed his from the field in the first half, including shot twice after he missed, recording two 10% from three. The Rams shot a clip of rebounds before laying it in. 48% from the field and 25% from beyond Santos-Silva logged three steals and a the arc in the first 20 minutes of play. block on his big night. Santos-Silva logged nine of the Rams’ 23 The Rams struggled at moments in the rebounds in the first half. contest, whether it was free-throw shooting Senior guard De’Riante Jenkins finished at the rim for most of the first half, logging four field goals. He recorded 9 first-half points and finished the night with 16. “I was really excited to see the way DJ [ Jenkins] approached that first half,” Rhoades said. “He was aggressive, just not chucking three’s — getting downhill, making plays.” Midway through the second half, the Rams went on a 7-0 run to extend their lead to 21. Redshirt-senior forward Issac Vann logged 5 of the 7 points in the run for VCU. The Rams offense stalled in the second half as they went without a field goal for about 5 1/2 minutes and turned over the ball four Junior forward Marcus Santos-Silva logged 21 points Tuesday night. Photo by Alessandro Latour times. St. Francis pulled

within 10 points of the Rams after the scoring drought. “When you have them down at home, you’ve got to put them away,” Rhoades said. Evans kick-started the offense with back-to-back buckets and a steal, pushing the lead to 12.

We failed in the turnover category today, but we’ll get better at it. Let’s take care of the ball. If we get a steal, let’s capitalize on it.” Mike Rhoades, men’s basketball coach Jenkins put an exclamation point on the night with a one-handed dunk late in the game to get the raucous Siegel Center crowd on its feet. After the Rams’ 3-point shooting woes in the first half, VCU attempted only one three in the second half. They went to the rim and were 12-for-24 from the field in the second half. St. Francis shot the ball better in the second half than they did in the first, shooting the 3-pointer at a 45.5% clip. “First half, felt like we defended them well,” Jenkins said. “Second half, we felt like we got our foot off the gas. We got to stay focused, watch film and get better.”

Wed. November 6, 2019 7

Key runs, balanced scoring vault Rams to win in season opener RYAN GRUBE Staff Writer Basketball is often labeled as a game of runs. VCU practiced this philosophy to the fullest in Tuesday night’s win over St. Francis (Pa). After falling behind 4-2 early in the contest, the Rams deployed a 23-5 run that spanned more than 9 minutes. The stretch run wasn’t necessarily aided by lights-out shooting, as coach Mike Rhoades’ bunch struggled shooting the

ball — particularly from three (3-13) — throughout the game, but rather the team’s ability to create easy shots with turnovers. VCU led by 14 at the half, but St. Francis clawed back into the game on two occasions after the break when the Red Flash cut into the Rams’ lead. Rhoades said while his squad didn’t have enough long runs to put their opponent away for good, he was pleased with how his guys responded to St. Francis’ mini runs. “I think we were resilient with a couple runs they had, and we got stops, and then

Men’s basketball forced 19 turnovers against St. Francis. Photo by Alessandro Latour

we converted,” Rhoades said. “But when you have them [St. Francis] down at home, you have to put them away, and that’s the next step for us.” The balanced attack of scoring assisted VCU’s stretch runs. Rhoades said his “army’s” widespread scoring effort was important in securing Tuesday’s victory. “I think we have a lot of guys that can make a lot of plays. I just think we have to take great pride in that,” Rhoades said. “That’s our identity, we have some weapons without a doubt. But, the biggest thing is making each other better.” The black and gold expanded their lead to 21 points with about 13 minutes remaining in the second half. The large advantage followed a 5-2 spurt by the Red Flash to open the second half. Rhoades said the Rams’ ability to answer St. Francis’ scoring bunches is a testament to the talent he has with the guys on his team. He also noted his players must continue to work on not turning the ball and giving their opponents extra opportunities. “If you have a good team and you make an 11-0 run or a 15-2 run, you work really hard not to give them the ball back,” Rhoades

said. “That’s something we got better at as [last] year went on, something we have to improve on right now.” The Rams silenced the Red Flash down the stretch, going on a 17-13 run to close out the game.

If we just go out there and play how we play, we can compete with anyone in the country.” Marcus Santos-Silva, junior forward Redshirt-senior guard Marcus Evans said although the team has some kinks to work out, his teammates were just worried about executing a win in their first taste of outside competition for the new season. Santos-Silva said Tuesday’s win was encouraging, given what his team would like to accomplish this season. “We just play with heart. We feel like we can beat anyone,” Santos-Silva said. “If we just go out there and play how we play, we can compete with anyone in the country.” The Rams will be back at the Siegel Center Friday night for their matchup against North Texas at 7 p.m.

Defense leads women’s basketball over App State in season opener NOAH FLEISCHMAN Sports Editor Women’s basketball picked up where they left off from last season Tuesday afternoon after their defense was ranked among the best in the country a year ago. In the season-opening win over Appalachian State 66-38, the Rams’ defense stood tall in the first quarter. The Mountaineers went on a 7-0 run to open the game, forcing coach Beth O’Boyle to call a timeout. “We just needed to settle and just keep things simple and that we were going to play hard for 40 minutes, it was going to be a long game,” O’Boyle said. After the break, it was all VCU, and the Rams never looked back. VCU went on a 35-2 run to close out the half, and the defense was the reason why. Over about 5 1/2 minutes of the run, the defense forced six turnovers and held Appalachian State without a field goal for the entire second quarter. The Rams only allowed 2 points in the second quarter, a program-best. “We want that to be our calling card,” O’Boyle said on the team’s defense. “If you come to VCU, you play for VCU, you wear that uniform: You’re going to defend.” The Rams held the Mountaineers to shooting 28.6% from the field, including 11% from three in the game. O’Boyle said the Rams’ defense is player driven and they take ownership in it. “Our players love looking up at that scoreboard and saying, ‘How many points can we hold them to, what’s their field goal percentage?’ They buy in — it’s their

identity,” O’Boyle said. “When you play that hard, you defend that hard, I think it puts you in a good position.” Senior center Danielle Hammond was one of the biggest defensive presences for the Rams in the win, logging five blocks. “I think before we went into the game, we really wanted to focus on our defense to make sure we kept up our defensive intensity from last year,” Hammond said. “So, I was just trying to do the best I could for my team.” The Rams logged eight steals in the contest, as they forced 18 Mountaineer turnovers. VCU took advantage of the Appalachian State errors, scoring 14 points off them. On the offensive end, the Rams used the paint to their advantage logging 32 points. O’Boyle said the goal was to get junior center Sofya Pashigoreva or Hammond a touch on each possession. “They’re very difficult to defend, they’ve got to send multiple defenders to be able to stop them or they’re going to score themselves,” O’Boyle said. “That movement of getting the ball into the paint is going to really dictate the success of our offense.” Redshirt-sophomore guard Madison Hattix-Covington led the Rams with a Senior center Danielle Hammond scored 13 points Tuesday. Photo by Sam Musselman career-high 19 points and seven rebounds. The Killeen, Texas, native went 3-for-5 from guard Taya Robinson in the contest due always said that every day we get better.” beyond the arc in the contest. to injuries. O’Boyle credited not making The Rams outscored the Mountaineers Hattix-Covington said she worked on excuses for the Rams’ performance in the in bench points 22-6 in the contest. 3-point shooting over the summer, helping season opener. Hammond led the bench in scoring while her improve. She said her 3-point confidence “I mean obviously we have some injuries sophomore forward Kseniya Malashka level has risen from her summer work as well. right now that makes us a little different recorded 9 points off the bench. The Rams were without preseason A-10 than what we’ve looked in the past,” first-team selection junior guard Tera Reed O’Boyle said. “But we’ve never been a team The Rams will travel to play Seton Hall on and A-10 second-team selection junior or a program that makes excuses. We’ve Nov. 12 at 7 p.m.

8 The Commonwealth Times

On this day

In 1860, Abraham Lincoln was elected as the 16th president of the United States.

The Black Art Student Art Empowerment organization hosted its fifth annual art showcase at the Anderson Gallery on Friday. Photo by Wessam Hazaymeh

Black student artists carve out space for artistic expression KATHERINE NOBLE Contributing Writer Vivid silver and orange leaves emerged from and floated around the corner of a wall in an eye-catching formation. Their shapes were somewhere between puzzle pieces and autumn leaves, a touch reminiscent of a camouflage pattern. The pieces barely touched the white wall, seemingly intent on curving out and away. This work is called “Saw Things I Imagined,” and was created by Ciyani Smith, a sophomore in the sculpture and extended media program. The piece, among many others, was presented at B.A.S.E.’s fifth annual art showcase on Friday night. B.A.S.E., or the Black Art Student Empowerment organization, works to promote the work of VCU’s black artists. Students, family members and others lined up for food, chattered in clumps throughout the room and, of course, admired the artwork lining the walls of the Anderson Gallery. Winston, who goes by her artist name, is a petite silver-haired artist and the vice

president of B.A.S.E., who displayed her art at the showcase. She discovered B.A.S.E. at the student organization fair during her freshman year.

It’s just a great way for us people of color to express ourselves, so I really just wanted to support that tonight.” Luke Porter, VCU student “I just saw ‘black’ and ‘art’ and ‘student,’ and I was like, ‘OK, that’s where I go,’” Winston said. “I fell in love ever since.” Winston has found a sense of community and a place to express herself, explore artistic themes and talk about her art and being a black artist. Her featured

Winston, a VCUarts student and Black Art Student Empowerment executive board member, sits at a table with her art that was for sale. Photo by Wessam Hazaymeh

Trebien Pollard, faculty in the dance and choreography department, attended the fifth annual Black Art Student Empowerment showcase. Photo by Wessam Hazaymeh pieces were striking paintings done in thick swipes, two in black and white, the third in vibrant blues. “These pieces deal with the intersections of being black, being religious and being queer,” Winston said. “And, there’s usually a lot of … friction between all of those identities. And the middle piece here, the gouache one, is about how I feel like I’m going to go to hell when I die, regardless of what I do to be a good person.” One of her pieces, titled, “Do I Offend You?” is about the stereotype of black women being perceived as“loud and angry” intertwined with the theme of her queer and religious identities. In the piece, a somewhat androgynous woman stands proudly before an altar, reclaiming center stage for herself. “That’s why I have the graffiti ‘do I offend you’ and that’s why I have her stance like this,” Winston said. “Black queer people exist. We have a voice. For the showcase,

there are black artists at VCU. Like, we exist, we deserve to have our spaces shown and everything.” Luke Porter, a senior mass communications student, came to support his friends who are involved in the program. “It’s just a great way for us people of color to express ourselves, so I really just wanted to support that tonight,” Porter said. Porter appreciated the opportunity for expression that B.A.S.E. offers black students and that it showcased different perspectives. Neyo Prince, B.A.S.E. public relations chair, joined the program at the encouragement of his friends and ended up being nominated for a board position. He said B.A.S.E. fosters advocacy for people of color and creates community and fellowship among students. “B.A.S.E. to me means just like an outlet to show … who you are, and to express yourself with your creativity,” Prince said.

Wed. November 6, 2019 9

Big Wild brings dreamy beats to The National QUENTIN RICE Staff Writer Big Wild performed in Richmond once many years ago at a small venue for a modest crowd of electronic music fans. “For anyone who hasn’t seen me since the last show, which is probably unlikely because there were only a few people in the crowd, they can expect something a lot different,” said Jackson Stell, the man behind Big Wild. Stell has been touring the country with his debut album, “Superdream,” which was released in February, and made a stop at The National on Saturday. “Superdream” is an aptly named electronic dance and funk record, packed with shimmering retro synths and chopped,

Stell’s album “Superdream” is packed with retro sounds and falsetto vocals. Photo by Alessandro Latour

falsetto vocals — a new venture for Big Wild. “I felt like I was hitting a wall in terms of only producing and in terms of expressing myself,” Stell said. “It felt like there needed to be something more I could do in order to get thoughts, feelings, stories out there besides just instrumental music. And vocals were kind of the natural transition into that.” Stell mostly sings in a Jackson Stell, also known as the electronic artist squeaky clean falsetto that Big Wild, visited The National on Saturday. Photo by glides over groovy funk gui- Alessandro Latour tars similar to the Bee Gees. Even with a new focus on vocals, Stell’s psychedelic images of leaves turning into production chops are fresh as ever. On “Joy- planets turning into people danced behind punks,” he created an otherworldly beat by Stell and his troupe of backup musicians. cutting up samples of his own voice and splicCertain tracks on “Superdream” also ing them together for a strobe-like effect. sport a pseudo-African influence. “6’s to “I was influenced by people who had 9’s” features fat tribalistic drum patterns and really unique voices and owned their voice African gospel harmonies, which resemble and their style,” Stell said. sounds on “The Lion King” soundtrack. Stell cited Freddie Mercury as someone Stell said he did not consciously design who inspired him to take pride and owner- this sound, but he can see where it might ship of his own voice. have slipped in. “I was never really trying to emulate him “Maybe subconsciously, just because I or anything, but the idea that your voice is grew up in the ’90s,” Stell said. And knowyours and nobody else’s is really important ing those movie soundtracks and songs, to me,” Stell said. they probably played a role in shaping how Stell certainly wears his voice proudly; it I approach and think about music. did not waver during his show at The NaAfter returning to the stage to delivtional. The 80-minute set of beefy bass hits er a two-song encore for The National’s and dreamy vocal harmonies was fun and rowdy and colorful crowd, Stell bid the River energetic the whole time. City farewell and headed for his next show Even slower moments, like “Awaken,” in Vermont. were executed with such attention to detail. Warbly guitar passages weaved between “Superdream” can be heard on Apple Music, blissful, glimmering synth samples, and the Spotify, Youtube and SoundCloud. crowd was obsessed. Strobing pink lights and

VAILA’S VIEW

‘The King’ is a lifelike renaissance portrait of power and morality VAILA DEYOUNG Contributing Writer The internet’s beloved up-andcoming American actor Timothée Chalamet marked his first official return to film in 2019 with David Michôd’s Shakespearean action-drama, “The King.” Strong performances paired with gorgeous lighting and cinematography make “The King” feel like a Renaissance painting come to life. The film is distributed by Netflix, which continually proves its worth as a renowned studio capable of producing well-directed, big-budget original movies. “The King” was initially meant to be Chalamet’s second film of the year. However, due to controversy around director Woody Allen, his latest 2019 film also starring Chalamet, “A Rainy Day in New York” was halted by its distributor, Amazon Studios. The film had a limited release in July 2019 in Poland, but was later dropped by Amazon, returning distribution rights back to Allen. “The King” stars Chalamet as Hal, a drunken, good natured prince who ascends the throne as the heir to England following his father’s death. As the new king, Henry V of England surrounds himself with loyal friends and followers, fighting to undo the wrongs of his father’s reign. The film features its strong points through convincing characterizations of historical figures. The voice work and

Without much knowledge of Shakespeare’s plays, one might find it difficult to follow the narrative of the film. Although much of the play is condensed already, long dialogue sequences drag out the film. The heart of the film tells a cautionary tale of the struggle between power and morality, but fails to dig deeper into the Illustration by Sammy Newman emotional toil that such conflict might cause. accents could use a little bit of tightening, The immaculate lighting and but overall Michôd manages to utilize cinematography help to carry this film contemporary actors as believable 15th to the time period in which it takes century noblemen. place, from the subtle glow of the sunAlong with Chalamet, other out- set, to more Rembrandt-style lighting standing performances include Robert with extremely dark shadows and soft Pattinson’s exaggerated yet brief role as contrasting highlights. Every shot feaLouis, Dauphin of France, and co-writer tured incredible composition, leading and producer Joel Edgerton as Sir John visually stunning collections of imagery. Falstaff, Hal’s loyal drinking buddy. Overall, the film was held together Lily-Rose Depp as Catherine de Valois by talented actors, and the visuals were was an integral role and plot device for a beautiful contrast to the grim tone Hal’s character development, and I wish of the film. she were given more to work with in this However, “The King” fails to achieve film. The importance of her character balance between dialogue-driven scenes, was far greater than what little screen and contemplative moments to further time she had, but her performance was show emotional shifts. This allows us to captivating and necessary nonetheless. believe that it’s boring or slow, because The film is based off the Shakespear- the bulk of the film is quiet conversations ean history plays, titled “Henry IV,” with between the main characters. For a film parts one and two, and “Henry V.” The that includes plenty of dialogue, we gain majority of the film’s 2-hour-and-20- little from the interactions. minute runtime is based off the plot of “Henry V,” focusing heavily on the events Rating: 3/5 that lead to the Battle of Agincourt.

UPCOMING EVENTS See something

THURS. 11/7 VCU Jazz Orchestra I Concert

VCU’s Jazz Orchestra will perform in a concert that will include live sight-reading of music. For more information, contact Antonio Garcia at ajgarcia@vcu.edu or 804-828-6776. To get tickets, visit the VCUarts music website. 8 p.m., Sonia Vlahcevic Concert Hall, Singleton Center (922 Park Ave.) $7

SAT. 11/9 Fiddler on the Roof Screening

The Byrd Theatre will screen the 1971 film, “Fiddler on the Roof.” For tickets, visit byrdtheatre.org. 10 a.m., The Byrd Theatre & Foundation (2908 W. Cary St.) $4

TUES. 11/12 The Legend of Sleepy Hollow

Classical Revolution RVA will perform the classic play, “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow - in Song and Shadow” with local singers, instrumentalists and shadow puppeteers. Doors open at 7 p.m., show at 7:30 p.m. For more information, visit Classical Revolution RVA’s website. 7 - 8:45 p.m., Gallery 5 (200 W. Marshall St.) $5

Do something

THURS. 11/ 7 Rec Sports to Hold Climbing Technique Clinic

VCU Recreational Sports will host a clinic on climbing techniques and skills to improve performance. For more information, contact Christina Spohn at spohncl@vcu.edu or 804-828-6004 7 - 8 p.m., Cary St. Gym (101 S. Linden St.) Free.

THURS. 11/7 Karaoke Night

The Persian Club will host a karaoke night with snacks and music. For more information, contact persianclubvcu@ gmail.com. 8:30 - 10 p.m., Room 1030J, West Grace North (830 W. Grace St.) Free.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR Learn something

SUN. 11/10 VCU Alumni Military Veterans Alumni Council to Host Veterans Day Social A brief program featuring a keynote speaker will commemorate Veteran’s Day with alumni service members and current students. Light refreshments will be available. For more information, contact Larry Powell at wlpowell@vcu. edu or 804-828-8194 or visit the Office of Alumni Relations’ website. 3 - 5 p.m., Richmond Salons, University Student Commons (907 Floyd Ave.) Free.

TUES. 11/12 VCU Cabell First Novelist Award Night

The 2019 VCU Cabell First Novelist Award winner Ling Ma will be participating in a book signing, reading and sale for “Severance.” To register, visit the VCU Libraries website. For more information, contact Sue Robinson at srobinson26@vcu.edu. 7 - 9 p.m., Room 303, Cabell Library (901 Park Ave.) Free.

10 The Commonwealth Times

Quote of the week

“No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite.” — nelson mandela

Your catcalls are not welcome EMMA SCHIRMER Contributing Writer

“ You work at the hospital, darling?” “ You must do a lot of walking, sweetie.” “Hey baby, where you goin’?” “Nice legs.” “Slut.” “ You look mighty tasty.” “Hey I’m talking to you, lady.” Illustration by Lindsay Hart

“I like your hair, can I touch it.” It was not phrased as a question because he immediately reached out, took a piece of my bright blue hair between his fingers and held it on the crowded GRTC Pulse bus. When I dyed my hair, I was in love with it. But in that moment, as that man gripped my hair in his hands, I felt weak, violated. I wanted to cry, scream, vomit and tell him to leave me alone. I couldn’t breathe. I just stared forward, moved my head away and exited the bus a stop early. Catcalling isn’t new, but for some reason every time it happens it chips away at my confidence, my strength and the person that I have built. And GRTC buses are a breeding ground for many of the vulgar comments I have received. The 15-minute commute I take on the GRTC’s Pulse is sprinkled with them. In an update to RamSafe, riders going from the MCV to Monroe Park Campus while the Pulse is in operation are denied

ride requests. Basically, riders can only use the shuttle service to travel from and to campuses between midnight and 6 a.m. on weekdays. I’m a student. At 10:30 p.m., when my class at the MCV campus lets out, I have to walk down Broad Street to use the Pulse, listening to comment after comment being thrown at me. I constantly have to triple check behind me to make sure I’m not being followed because it’s happened before. I’ve been told not to say anything, not to talk back, not to look in their direction. To just ignore it all. If they keep throwing their inappropriate comments at you, kindly ask them to stop. And, if that doesn’t work: Tell them you’re going to call the cops. Lately, I’ve had to use these strategies more often because of VCU’s decision to discontinue the Campus Connector, which for many students — especially women — provided a safe route of transportation late at night between the two campuses. The discontinuation came on July 1 as a result

of an agreement with GRTC that lets VCU affiliates ride the buses for free. When I addressed my concerns with VCU’s transportation department in an email earlier this semester, they said “VCU Parking and Transportation offers regular GRTC Travel Training Sessions to help riders find routes.” The problem is not that some people don’t know how to ride the bus, it’s those who ride the bus and choose to harass others. Now, I can’t expect a predominantly male transportation committee to understand the burden a woman carries when walking down the street, but I thought they might at least have our backs. Maybe it’s just me, but I thought the whole point of RamSafe was to provide safe transportation to students when they need it. Personally, I don’t think people sitting in a boardroom — who have probably never ridden a GRTC bus — get to tell me when I should feel safe.

To the women on VCU’s transportation committee: I am disappointed in you for not being there for the women on this campus when we needed you. To the men on VCU’s transportation committee: I implore you to think about your wives, your daughters, your sisters and about how much you love them. Then think about if you would let them walk the same routes you’re making your students and employees walk to reach the nearest GRTC station. And to men who are reading this who have catcalled: Maybe you didn’t think it was hurtful, maybe you thought it was a compliment. But that is unacceptable, and your actions were cruel. I am a human being — I’m a daughter, a sister, a niece, a cousin. I’m a woman. I am not a chew toy for you to play with just because I have a pair of boobs. How would you feel if someone told you that you had a nice ass? Think about that next time.

Tea Time with Tagwa:

LOVE COMES NATURALLY. HATE IS LEARNED. TAGWA SHAMMET Opinions Editor Tea timers, today I want to share something that truly baffled me. I was sitting on my couch on a beautiful Sunday morning, recovering from a successful Halloweekend. My roommates and I were gathered when one of them shared the scariest story of the weekend. On Oct. 25, the White House threw its annual Halloween party. A night of candy from the president and first lady, paper planes from the vice president and an oh-so-wonderful game that teaches children hate. Children were given paper blocks that they wrote their names on, then they pasted them to the wall. That’s right tea timers, Donald Trump and his administration encouraged their children to put the blocks on the infamous barrier that’s meant to separate Mexico and the United States of America.

Let’s dissect this real quick. I truly don’t care where you stand on the topic of immigration; your ignorance doesn’t interest me. However, allowing your child to participate in a game that endorses xenophobia makes you a terrible parent. Period. “The Wall” this president is so keen on building is meant to blockade the migration of people into the United States. This country does not belong to the white man; it belongs to Native Americans. If it were up to them, none of us would be here either. At least the immigrants of this country are extending the courtesy of not raping, beating and slaughtering every citizen as European colonizers did to indigenous people. “The Wall” is a representation of how much hatred flows in the veins of the administration and everyone who follows them. To all the parents who let their kids indulge in this game: You have single-handedly taught your child that it’s completely acceptable to hate someone

based on something they cannot control. Pulling your kids toward you every time a black person walks by, telling them that Islam promotes violence or advocating for a president that hates everyone who doesn’t look like him makes you an educator of hate. You cannot train your kids to be as uneducated and narrow-minded as you. We get it, you hate black people, you think immigrants should go back to their country and being gay is a sin. The future of this country belongs to our youth. Let’s get real. This “melting pot” concept does not and can never exist in this country as long as people continue to teach their children their spiteful ways. Learn from history. I would prefer to not go

back to the Jim Crow era, back to Japanese internment camps, back to the abhorrence that fueled this country. We must continue to enlighten each other and restore the love and compassion that comes naturally to all of us. And that’s the tea.

Illustration by Sammy Newman

Wed. November 6, 2019â&#x20AC;&#x192;11

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

Campus Meatloafs by Ellie Erhart

MANAGING EDITOR Andrew Ringle ringlea@commonwealthtimes.org NEWS EDITOR Hannah Eason news@commonwealthtimes.org SPORTS EDITOR Noah Fleischman sports@commonwealthtimes.org SPECTRUM EDITOR Iman Mekonen spectrum@commonwealthtimes.org OPINIONS EDITOR Tagwa Shammet opinions@commonwealthtimes.org PHOTO EDITOR Jon Mirador photography@commonwealthtimes.org AUDIENCE EDITOR Alexandra Zernik zernikal@commonwealthtimes.org ILLUSTRATIONS EDITOR Sammy Newman illustrations@commonwealthtimes.org STAFF WRITERS Adam Cheek, Sports Ryan Grube, Sports Quentin Rice, Spectrum STAFF ILLUSTRATORS Erin Joo

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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.

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12 The Commonwealth Times

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Los Angeles Times Crossword Puzzle DON’T MISS THE FINALE