V THE VIDETTE
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2020 Vol. 133 | No. 3
videtteonline.com
NEWS 5
BONE REVITALIZATION STILL UNDERWAY
FEATURES 6
REMEMBERING ACTOR CHADWICK BOSEMAN
‘A Redbird is not a life’ ISU Athletics releases action plan after athletes boycott JAKE SERMERSHEIM Sports Editor | @JakeSermershiem
“All Redbird lives matter.” This statement from Illinois State University Athletic Director Larry Lyons signaled a final straw for many student-athletes who feel the university does not fully and truly support Black students. In the days since the statement, studentathletes and coaches have spoken out against Lyons and the athletic department. ISU Athletics released a plan of action for reform within the department Monday following a boycott started by athletes. Lyons’ statement had unintended consequences he had not pictured. “My intention was to tell all 413 student-athletes that they matter to me and I care about them,” Lyons said. “The words I choose to use, ‘All Redbird lives matter’ was offensive to many of our student-athletes and I know I hurt a significant number of them by the choice of those words. That was not my intention and I am truly sorry for that. “Black lives do matter and I am serious when I say that, and all Redbird student-athletes lives matter equally. I should have said that, and I did not. I have a lot of trusts to build back.” Despite this message, student-athletes were still hurt by Lyons’ statement. See BOYCOTT on Page 8
Clockwise from upper left: Track and field athletes Kimanthi Johnson and Mya Robinson, track and field assistant coach Mary Wood and football running back Jeff Proctor. All four have been outspoken in person and on social media regarding Larry Lyon’s comments and ISU Athletics’ support of Black athletes. Photos Courtesy of GoRedbirds.com Photo Illustration by MAIA HUDDLESTON Photo Editor
VIDETTE EDITORIAL: Backing Black athletes requires action, not words — PAGE 4
PAGE 2 | NEWS | THE VIDETTE
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2020
COVID-19 testing tips: What to know before you go COMPILED BY: GRACE KINNICUTT | News Editor | @GKinnicutt
Be prepared to wait
A
s more COVID-19 testing options become available for students, the expectations of what each testing site provides vary. Students can get tested on Schroeder Plaza or the Old Firehouse station behind Cardinal Court from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. during the week if they are not showing any symptoms. If students are showing symptoms, they can get tested at Student Health Services by making an appointment. Students can also be tested from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily at the Interstate Center in Bloomington. Here’s what to know and expect before, during and after a COVID-19 test.
Bring your IDs
At the Illinois State university surveillance testing, students must bring their student ID to be tested. Students will be asked their cell phone number and address. At the Interstate Center, make sure to have your license ready to show the person taking down information and they will ask for name, number and email.
Wear a mask
While this is expected, wear your mask even if you are Alex Gant | Photo Editor | @AlexGant16 having the test done while in Senior history major Grant Altic receives his test from a Reditus employee at the surveillance testing site at Schroeder Plaza. your car. Employees who are helping administer the test will come Nasal swab test up to the car window to ask for your The COVID-19 tests are nasal swabs that usually go a little basic information and hand you the more than halfway up the nose. When the test is administered, nasal swab. it will be done in both nostrils and go in circles about five times Even if you are not showing to get a sample. symptoms when going to get a For most people, it usually feels like a tickle and is over in less nasal swab, wear a mask just in than a minute. case you are asymptomatic or have After the test is performed, they will put it in the little tube to been around someone who recently be sent out to the lab once the day is done. tested positive.
Surveillance testing at ISU has seen an increase, especially on Schroeder Plaza since it is easy for most on-campus students to utilize. But be prepared to wait, so do not go when you have a small break before your next Zoom class. Give yourself plenty of time to get there, wait and get tested. Surveillance testing at the old firehouse behind Cardinal Court is drive-thru but does allow walk-ups. The Interstate testing center is also drive-thru. Students driving out to the fairgrounds need to give themselves adequate time when they are not running on a schedule, since it is a drive out there and the wait can be a while depending on how many cars are there when you go.
Waiting for results
Results for students being tested at ISU are usually back within 24-72 hours. Results are sent in the student health portal. Students can call SHS if they do not have their results back within three days. Testing done at the Interstate Center will have the results back within 3-7 days. If a student is positive, McLean County Health Department will call and do a follow-up with the individual and ask for close contacts to contact trace.
COVID-19 by the numbers in McLean County and ISU 1,767 cases in McLean 146 new cases on Monday in McLean
39 new cases at ISU 10.3% seven-day positivity rate thru Aug. 31
24% positivity rate at ISU. 972 students at ISU positive for COVID-19
45,900 total tested in McLean County
840 individuals in home isolation in McLean County
4405 tests conducted at ISU so far SOURCE: THE ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH AS OF MARCH 23
Courtesy of ISU Coronavirus Dashboard
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NEWS IN BRIEF State of the University address to be held online President Larry Dietz will deliver the annual State of the University address for the academic year online via YouTube. The address will be on Sept. 10. Academic Senate Chair Susan Katler will do the introduction followed by Dietz delivering the address. The State of the University address is when Dietz will highlight the university’s achievements and challenges along with the university’s agenda for the academic year. The YouTube link will be provided on the day of the address. GRACE KINNICUTT | News Editor
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The Vidette is published Tuesdays every week, except for final examinations, holidays and semester breaks. The digital Summer Vidette is published in June and July. Students are responsible for the content of the Vidette. The views presented do not necessarily represent, in whole or part, those of the Illinois State University administration, faculty and students. The Vidette is a member of the Associated Collegiate Press and the Illinois College Press Association. Subscriptions are available by mail to anywhere in the United States for $150 per calendar year. © The Vidette 2020 University & Locust / Campus Box 0890 / Normal, IL 61761–0890
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2020
THE VIDETTE | NEWS | PAGE 3
‘See us as humans’
Back the Blue rally collides with Black Lives Matter protests at event in Bloomington
STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHS BY ALEX GANT PHOTO EDITOR | @AlexGant16
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or Black Lives Matter protester Thaddeus Stoklasa, it is about being a part of a community. “A lot of [the movement] is centered on trying to be a part of a community, which is something that is really absent in the modern world,” Stoklasa said. On Sunday, two different communities collided with over 200 people gathering at GE/Union Park in Bloomington to support law enforcement at a Back the Blue rally, and then about 50 other Black Lives Matter members who organized a counter Back the Blue Central Illinois held a rally Sunday at GE/Union park in Bloomington. Residents reprerally outside the gated senting Back the Blue and Black Lives Matter gathered at the event and individuals from both groups brought posters showing support for their side. (At Right) Married couple Lisa and Joseph Froman entrance. share their support with large American flags. Back the Blue Central Illinois was created in July of the Illinois House of Representatives for They were not allowed inside the by Karen Mountjoy-Miller and a couple of the 109th district in Southern Illinois, Darren Back the Blue rally because it was on private her friends. Bailey. property. Miller is the daughter of a retired Bloom“We’ve got to restore the respect and digThere was taunting coming from both ington Police sergeant detective and denity that goes to being a police officer,” Bailey sides as Back the Blue participants went in scribed Sunday’s Back the Blue rally as said. “Life’s not simple anymore.” and out the gate. No physical fights broke “simply amazing.” Bailey said there’s work to do and that out, but there were several heated arguThe rally had several guest speakers, a Tthe community needs to talk with their ments. shirt sale, as well as an ice cream truck. family and friends about how it’s going to Alyshia Byrd, raised in Bloomington The proceeds from the T-shirt sale will be done. herself, was a participant in the counbe donated to the Boys and Girls Club of “We have to take back what many generater rally. She explained how when they Bloomington and the Children’s Advocacy tions have fought for. The freedom that we chant defund the police “it’s not about not Center. enjoy today. The line must be drawn.” supporting them, it’s about not militarizSome of those guest speakers included forWhile the guest speakers spoke inside the ing them, allowing them to kill innocent mer Lake County sheriff and current Repubgate, members of the Black Lives Matter protesters and Black people, and then get lican nominee for the U.S. Senate seat, Mark counter rally were chanting to defund the paid vacations.” Curran Jr., as well as the Republican member police. Byrd has had her life saved multiple times
by one of the cops that were policing the rallies today, but she said that she has also personally had experiences where she has been racially profiled by other cops. One of those times she was pulled over and racially profiled for being Black and wearing a red shirt. Another time she was stripped to her ankles and patted down because she was suspected to have drugs on her, when she has never dealt or taken drugs in her life. “It’s not about anti-police,” Byrd said. “See us as humans.” ALEX GANT is Photo Editor for The Vidette. He can be contacted at vidette_amgant1@ ilstu.edu. Follow Gant on Twitter at @AlexGant16.
Campus quarantine disrupts student living
RAs face new set of challenges related to COVID-19 cases at ISU
This includes student RAs and community assistants teaming up and working together to cover all the residence halls. “It’s a combination of student RAs and professional MEGHAN FORTUNATO staff who would cover,” Jome said. News Reporter | @Meghanfortunato The number of positive cases on campus has risen over the past two weeks, increasing to a total positivity Running an entire floor of college students is a rate of 23.5%. job at hand, but now positive coronavirus cases This comes as numbers continue to surge and stuare surging through the Illinois State University dents are being placed in the quarantine rooms. campus. Junior actuarial science major Madie Ratliff tested Junior resident assistant Isabelle Pupo hung positive for the coronavirus after she was exposed out with a fellow RA for about 20 minutes before from her roommate in Cardinal Court. she received a positive test for COVID-19. Ratliff did not want to go home due to her mom After the incident, Pupo was going to be quarbeing a healthcare worker. For Ratliff, this means antined and tested again. her mom would not be able to go to work if exposed. However, the conversation between several of All her roommates went home, allowing a vacant her bosses from University Housing that followed living space in Cardinal Court, but Ratliff was sent to included new guidelines. Manchester to quarantine for 14 days. Now as Housing began working with healthcare “I’m just very disappointed in this because it seems services, they were going to have to let Pupo go like a big deal and such an important thing that you from her RA position. Maia Huddleston | Photo Editor | @maiawrites have to be quarantined,” Ratliff said. Despite ISU announcing that underclassmen Sophomore Watterson RAs Kathy Magaña and Kori Bowen are preparing for the acaExpecting the room to be disinfected and cleaned, are not required to live in residence halls this demic year with posters reminding students to follow health and safety guidelines. it did not match what Ratliff thought the university year, Pupo expressed concerns as the RAs geared was working toward to keeping a clean and healthy tested positive in a suite on our floor,” Pupo said. up before students moved back into the dorms. campus. While the quarantine rooms have been beneficial to help This includes ISU not requiring students to get tested “They wouldn’t let me stay in my apartment where all my slow and prevent the spread in the residence halls, ISU Direcbefore arriving on campus whether they are living on campus food, cleaning supplies and all my stuff is,” Ratliff said. tor of Media Relations Eric Jome explained the circumstances or off campus. As Housing and Student Health Services continue to work of quarantine rooms on campus. “You’re going to have thousands of kids [and] have me together to flatten the curve of COVID-19 cases in the ISU “We have those spaces available, and it’s on a limited basis. come in contact with thousands of kids and not have one of community, it will all depend on the volume of the case in If individuals who are living on campus housing do test posithem get tested?” Pupo wondered. what actions should be pursued. tive, they’re asked to return home,” Jome said. Pupo also expressed concerns for the on-campus and offAll of this comes as the roles of RAs and community as“That limited space is for people who have extenuating circampus quarantine areas that ISU has put in place. sistants are changing immensely amid the pandemic. cumstances where they’re not able to return to their permaFor Pupo, this especially includes the on-campus quaranWhile ISU continues to tackle the pandemic as it worsens nent residence for a particular reason.” tine rooms that have been put aside on every individual floor at the local and state level, students strongly believe that the Jome went on to explain how Housing would make sure of each residence hall. health and safety of all students has to continue to be the top that the proper staffing is maintained to cover rounds on the “You’re going to put quarantine rooms on our floors, even if priority at ISU. residence hall floors. our floor was clean [and] you’re going to have somebody who
“You’re going to have thousands of kids [and] have me come in contact with thousands of kids and not have one of them get tested?” Isabelle Pupo, Hewitt RA
Viewpoint
PAGE 4 | THE VIDETTE
VIDETTE EDITORIAL
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2020
Backing Black athletes requires action, not words
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lack athletes have always been at the forefront of civil rights movements. Now, college and professional athletes across the country are using their platforms to bring awareness to racially motivated violence against Black people. But getting owners, directors and higher-ups in organizations to say Black Lives Matter and genuinely mean it has been met with disappointment at times. Last week, Illinois State University Athletic Director Larry Lyons made the statement “All Redbird lives matter.” The comment sparked concerns from studentathletes and coaches fully supporting their players. Why is this problematic? The statement is synonymous to the “All Lives Matter” statement that is often used to oppose the movement and purposely dismisses the plea for Black lives to be cared for and not seen as a threat. It’s offensive to Black student-athletes and Black students on campus. Let this be clear: Black Lives Matter isn’t saying “Black lives matter more.” It’s not insinuating supremacy. It’s human rights. It’s saying right now, Black people are in danger. We are human beings, yet we’re treated as sub-human. Lyons is not wrong for
caring about all student-athletes. But when Black student-athletes are saying “Hey, this is bothering us. This can’t happen to me. We’re hurting. We’re frustrated,” now isn’t the time to attempt to console non-Black students who have the privilege to tune out what’s going on and not have to worry about falling victim to police brutality because of their skin color. They’re not at risk here. What happened to George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and recently Jacob Blake can happen to Black student-athletes when they take their uniforms off and step off the field or court. This is a
heart-shattering reality to live with and persevere through. Imagine knowing you and your culture’s lives are in jeopardy yet the response is racial gaslighting. Imagine practicing and working out profusely to hone your athletic skills to deliver wins for your team while simultaneously juggling the frantic demands of life or college courses to maintain an acceptable GPA that makes an organization you dedicate so much time to look exceptional, just to be slapped in the face with “Well, I see your concerns and yes you’re in trouble, but what about
everyone else? Can’t leave them out.” Imagine saying you just want everyone to be cared for and treated equally yet people or “fans” are perceiving it as a declaration of war. The NFL blackballed Colin Kaepernick when he peacefully protested in 2016. ISU Athletics refused to take responsibility for their anti-Black actions toward the Black Homecoming Committee in 2019. Releasing statements now to fight for equality and justice appears performative and comes from pressure more than concern. Now isn’t the time for performative activism. This isn’t a trend. This is real life for Black people. Superiors in these organizations have the status and privilege to help drive the conversation forward toward dismantling systemic and institutional racism. Black student-athletes and Black athletes are bringing awareness to these issues, but it’s not their burden to bear to change a system that they didn’t create. And they are more than an athlete, your sports entertainment and dollar signs. If you truly believe Black lives matter, it’s not enough to say it with your words. Show it with your actions as well.
Editorial Cartoon by Flynn Geraghty | Vidette Art Director
EDITORIAL POLICY Editorial written by DARNYSHA MITCHELL, a member of The Vidette’s Editorial Board. Editorial policy is determined by the student editor, and views expressed in editorials are those of the majority of The Vidette’s Editorial Board. Columns that carry bylines are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily represent those of The Vidette or the university.
Pandemic isn’t over, like it or not MY VIEW ANDREA RICKER | Features Editor
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a c k in the spring, I couldn’t wait until August. I would be able to see all my friends again and hang out with them. We could be at each other’s apartments just like old times and talk about how crazy March was and be glad that’s all behind us. There is nothing that I would love to do more than go out with my friends like normal. But I can’t, because things still aren’t normal. I still see people going out in big groups, having parties and acting like nothing is wrong at all. Just because we’re back at school doesn’t mean we can go back to where we left off. Just
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because more stores, bars and restaurants are open again doesn’t mean that we should be going out all the time. People are still testing positive for COVID19 every day. Events are still getting canceled because of the risks associated with having so many people in one place. Most classes for the fall semester are online, unless they need to be taught in person. If this wasn’t serious, I could be going to all my classes and attending a football game. But I can’t because this pandemic is still very real. It’s frustrating when I’m sitting in my apartment and I see people posting on Snapchat and Instagram of them at big parties and going out to bars. I feel like I made up this whole pandemic in my head. Like everybody else was told that everything’s all good and back to normal and I just didn’t get the memo. Sometimes I feel like I’m being dramatic, but I’m not. I’m being cautious and following guidelines because I care about those around me. I’m still staying in when it’s possible. Yes,
Illinois is in Phase 4 of Gov. JB Pritzker’s Restore Illinois plan, but that doesn’t mean everything is over. I go out more than I did in March, but I’m still not going out excessively and I’m making sure I’m physically distant and wearing a mask when I am out. Whenever I go on social media, I see people at big parties or people traveling. Now is not the time to be doing either one of those things. Right now, we need to focus on keeping ourselves and others safe, and in turn lowering the number of positive cases. A party can wait. A vacation can wait. I would love to see all my friends again and go out like we used to, but we just can’t do that right now. I think there’s this notion of “Oh, it won’t happen to me.” Or that young adults won’t be affected too badly if they test positive. But every day, more and more people are contracting COVID-19. And yes, you might not be highrisk but you might have encountered someone who was. Or someone who lives with a highrisk parent. That does not mean we need to be living as if this pandemic isn’t happening.
ANDREA RICKER is the Features Editor for the Vidette. She can be reached at arricke@ ilstu.edu. Follow her on Twitter at @ricker_andrea.
THEY SAID IT
NOTABLE NUMBERS
? 24%
of students who get tested for COVID-19 come back with a positive result, according to the latest positivity rate. This means that out of every four students, one will be positive. The rate for McLean county is 10.3%, which puts the county at a warning level for tighter restrictions.
535
I know multiple college-age people who have tested positive within the past month. Thankfully they were all able to go through quarantine and come back from it, but we as young people are not immune to this. It’s our social responsibility to make sure we are distancing, wearing a mask and taking this seriously. We have to care about those around us, whether it’s a roommate, coworker or even just a stranger in a grocery store. This year is weird and stressful; I think we all know that. Everyone has been impacted by the events of 2020 in one way or another. But, at the end of the day we just have to get through it and grow from it, not ignore what is going on. Everyone is tired of this pandemic. This has lasted much longer than I thought it would back in March. But just because we’re over it doesn’t mean it’s over.
SEE NEWS, PAGE 2
seats available at Marcus Wehrenberg Theater in Bloomington. The typical maximum capicity is 1,436. Under Phase 4 the theaters must operate at around 50% capacity, with a limit on how many seats per showing are taken. SEE FEATURES, PAGE 6
“
I felt more happy and more laid-back than ever before. [A cancer diagnosis] makes you realize that you shouldn’t waste time being indecisive or sitting there wishing you could do something. It really made me take a step back and realize that, while bad stuff happens in life, you shouldn’t get all hung up on them.” Gavin Cunningham, McLean County Full Tuition Scholarship recipient
EDITORIAL BOARD ELIZABETH SEILS Editor in Chief | @SeilsElizabeth ANDREA RICKER Features Editor | @ricker_andrea GRACE KINNICUTT News Editor | @GKinnicutt KATIE BESTE Night Editor | @BesteKatherine MAIA HUDDLESTON Photo Editor | @maiawrites
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2020
THE VIDETTE | NEWS | PAGE 5
B O N E R E V I TA L I Z AT I O N U P D AT E
EMDH rearranges spaces in the Bone Students react to Bone changes ALEXIS PLUMMER News Reporter | @Lexi1Oliver
As Illinois State University brought students back for the fall, many on-campus locations have had to place limits on the number of students who can be in an area. Many underclassmen have remained in the residence halls for the semester. This has resulted in the university having to place stricter limits on specific things within residence halls and dining halls. This has also forced ISU’s Event Management, Dining and Hospitality department to dedicate the Circus Room Maia Huddleston | Photo Editor | @maiawrites in the Bone Student Center Event Management, Dining and Hospitality has added a dining area in to an additional dining area. the Circus Room of the Bone Student Center. This will help with social The Circus Room is not the new ways to use existing spaces distancing guidelines since only area inside the Bone that creatively.” many students living on campus has been repurposed to make These new arrangements are still have an active meal plan. accommodations for students ongoing and are available on “Dining Express at the Circus who returned to campus. a day-to-day basis as the ISU Room is a temporary satellite The Prairie Room is being community navigates through dining location for meal plan used as an additional study the new way of life during the holders and features a limited COVID-19 pandemic. menu of favorite dishes from the space. The Prairie Room is located It could be a possibility that dining centers,” Assistant Direcon the second floor right next to the redesign of these spaces will tor of Marketing, Training and Qdoba. end when the pandemic is over, Hospitality Erin Watts said. The area also has a uPrint sta- but the future of COVID-19 is “[This includes] chicken tion for students to print papers unknown. tenders, brisket, macaroni and and an area designated dining “At this point we have not decheese, fruits, vegetables and area for them to eat and drink. termined an end date. Creating desserts as well as options for The idea and plan for both memorable experiences for our individuals with dietary conrooms came up in early August guests has always been a priorcerns or restrictions.” as ISU was looking for ways to ity,” Watts said. The times that students can keep the campus as safe as pos“We want to continue to ofcome in and eat are from 11 a.m. sible during the pandemic. fer welcoming, usable spaces to 1 p.m. for lunch and 5 p.m. “EMDH is fortunate to have in the Bone Student Center, no to 7 p.m. for dinner Monday an exceptional team of indimatter what unique circumthrough Thursday in the Circus viduals who continue to think of stances we may face.” Room. innovative ways to serve Illinois On Friday, only lunch will be State students,” Watts said. ALEXIS PLUMMER is a News provided from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. “Our staff closely evaluates Reporter for The Vidette. She The dining area will be closed all programs and operations, can be contacted at amplum1@ Saturday and will only be offerand this summer was certainly ilstu.edu. Follow her on Twitter at ing dinner from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. no exception as we planned @Lexi1Oliver. Sunday.
CHELSEA CORA News Reporter | @cora_chelsea
Over the summer, Illinois State University’s Facilities Planning and Construction and CORE have been extremely busy reconstructing and revitalizing the Bone Student Center. The purpose of renovating the Bone Student Center is to attract and recruit future Illinois State Redbirds. The Bone is over 45 years old and was in need of a major upgrade. Before the renovation, it appeared almost uninviting to the eye and had more of a dark setting. “I definitely think the remodel is much easier to navigate through, and it’s a lot easier to find where places are,” sophomore CSD major Natalie Rainey said. A new east side entrance has been added with direct access to the parking lot. Also, students, faculty and guests will be able to enter the Bone and Milner Plaza by utilizing the interior stairwell or elevator that is located in the new east side entrance of the building. “I think that the remodel helps with the flow of everything on the first floor. On the second floor near the store and elevator I feel that it is a bit tight, especially when it gets busy over there,” sophomore accounting major Anthony Miritello said. “However, once you go over by the Tech Zone or the Redbird Card Office, it really opens up and gives a lot of room to walk around.” The Bone now has more of a cozy and comfortable atmosphere. It includes a fireplace as well as many areas around the building where students can sit and study alone or with friends. “All around, I think they did a really good job on making it sleek and nice looking. When I visited the Bone Center the first time it was all under construction,” Miritello said. “But seeing all the progress over the last two years or even the last summer has been crazy to see how they ended up
PROJECT RECAP
Phase I: Estimated completion spring 2019 Enhance east and west building entrances Renovate Brown Ballroom and add a foyer to accommodate pre-function activities Create a new two-story atrium as well as a welcome center on the third floor for the Office of Admissions’ recruitment efforts Relocate Barnes & Noble — Illinois State University Bookstore to the first floor Relocate Lobby Shop, with expanded offerings, to the east side of the first floor, along with a new Starbucks Update courtyard space and add outside access from Milner Plaza Add outdoor seating outside of the Prairie Room
Phase II: Estimated completion fall 2019 Relocate catering kitchen to the first floor Renovate vacated catering kitchen on the second floor to accommodate EMDH administrative offices and Dean of Students offices
Phase III: Estimated completion spring 2020 Further renovate vacated catering kitchen to develop a three-venue food court on the second floor Faculty/staff gathering space opens in its new location on the second floor finishing it off.” There were three phases to be completed as the Event Management, Dining and Hospitality has stated in the Bone Student Center Revitalization post card.
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PAGE 6 | THE VIDETTE
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2020
Celebrating Boseman’s talents Co-stars, directors remember the actor as ‘a true original’ ANDREA RICKER Features Editor | @ricker_andrea
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h a d w i c k Boseman died on Friday after his four-year battle with colon cancer. Known for his role as King T’Challa in Marvel’s “Black Panther,” he also played a number of memorable characters on the screen. Many of his works were filmed while he was battling colon cancer, as it had developed into stage IV. In a statement released by Boseman’s family, it said “A true fighter, Chadwick persevered through it all, and brought you many of the films you have come to love so much. From “Marshall,” to “Da 5 Bloods,” August Wilson’s “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” and several more, all were filmed during and between countless surgeries and chemotherapy.” Love and recognition for the actor poured in on social media soon after news of his passing broke. “Black Panther” co-star Angela Bassett posted on Instagram, “This young man’s dedication was awe-inspiring, his smile contagious, his talent unreal. So I pay tribute to a beautiful spirit, a consummate artist, a soulful brother.” Sterling King, who also starred alongside Boseman in “Black Panther” tweeted, “Thank you for all you did while you were here. Thank you for being a friend. You are loved. You will be missed.” “Avengers” co-star Chris Evans, who played Captain America, tweeted, “Chadwick was special. A true original. He was a deeply committed and constantly curious artist. He had so much amazing work still left to create. I’m endlessly grateful for our friendship.” “Captain Marvel’s” Brie Larson shared her response on Instagram, stating, “Chadwick was someone who radiated power and peace. Who stood for so much more than himself. Who took the time to really see how you were doing and gave words of encouragement when you felt unsure. I’m honored to have the memories I have. The conversations, the laughter. My
heart is with you and your family. You will be missed and never forgotten. Rest in power and peace my friend.” For his performance in “Black Panther,” Boseman received the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture, the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture and the MTV Movie Award for Best Performance in a Movie and Best Hero. Boseman has also been nominated for other awards for his work in “Captain America: Civil War” and “21 Bridges.” To celebrate the life and the talent of Boseman, here are some movies to check out on various streaming platforms.
‘Black Panther’ Marvel’s “Black Panther” movie, directed by Ryan Coogler, made history in 2018. It became the highest grossing film by a Black director, as it made over $1 billion in the box office. “Black Panther” was also the first superhero movie to receive a Best Picture nomination at the Oscars. At the Academy Awards in 2019, “Black Panther” won for Best Original Score, Best Costume Design and Best Production Design. The film also received multiple awards from the AfricanAmerican Film Critics Association, including Best Picture, Best Director and Best Song. In total, “Black Panther” received 90 awards and 226 nomination from various associations. The movie stars Boseman in the title role as T’Challa, Black Panther, returns to Wakanda to take his place as king. Boseman also played this role in “Captain America: Civil War,” “Avengers: Infinity War” and “Avengers: Endgame.” All of these movies are available to stream on Disney+, and can be rented on Amazon, Google Play, iTunes or Vudu.
‘Get on Up’ In 2014, Boseman played the role of soul music legend James Brown. The film follows the life and stardom of Brown. The movie was directed by Tate Taylor and is currently available to stream on HBO Max and Hulu. It can also be rented or purchased on Amazon, Google Play, iTunes or Vudu.
Chadwick Boseman during the 91st Academy Awards. Black Panther was nominated for Best Picture that year, the first superhero movie to ever be nominated for that award. Photo by Jay L. Clendenin | Los Angeles Times | TNS
‘42’ Boseman brought another historical figure to the screen in 2013, playing Jackie Robinson in “42.” Directed by Brian Hegeland, the film follows the Brooklyn Dodgers’ manager Branch Rickey’s (Harrison Ford) decision to sign Robinson and defy Major League Baseball’s racial barrier. The movie can be rented or bought on Amazon, Google Play, iTunes or Vudu.
‘Da 5 Bloods’ Directed by Spike Lee, “Da 5 Bloods” was released digitally on Netflix in June. The film stars Boseman as Stormin, one of four African American veterans who return to Vietnam decades after the war.
‘Marshall’ In 2017, Boseman starred in “Marshall,” directed by Reginald Hudlind. The film follows Thurgood Marshall while he works as a lawyer for the NAACP. The film is available for rent or purchase on Google Play, iTunes or Vudu.
‘21 Bridges’ Boseman stars as NYPD homicide detective Andre Davis in this thriller, which involves a citywide hunt for two killers and a blockade on all bridges leaving Manhattan. “21 Bridges,” directed by Brian Kirk, is available for purchase on Amazon, Google Play, iTunes or Vudu. ANDREA RICKER is the Features Editor for the Vidette. She can be reached at arricke@ilstu.edu. Follow her on Twitter at @ ricker_andrea.
“This young man’s dedication was awe-inspiring, his smile contagious, his talent unreal. So I pay tribute to a beautiful spirit, a consummate artist, a soulful brother.” Angela Basset, “Black Panther” Co-star
Theaters reel in audiences ANDREA RICKER Features Editor | @ricker_andrea
Bloomington-Normal movie theaters will be reopening, allowing guests in for the first time since March.
drinking. Cash will not be accepted at the concessions in order to avoid shared contact between cash and food handling. Cash will be accepted for purchasing tickets, but cashless transactions are preferred.
Marcus Theatres
Normal Theater
The Marcus Theatre in Bloomington is now open, with precautions in place. Masks must be worn unless guests are eating or drinking. Before arriving, it is encouraged that guests order concessions either online at marcustheatres.com or on the Marcus Theatres mobile app. Tickets may also be purchased in advance on the theater’s website or app. The capacity limit is at 50% and Marcus Theatres will allow groups to sit together through group seating. There will be two empty seats between each group.
The Normal Theater in Uptown has not yet announced a date for reopen. However, the theater shared a survey to see guests’ thoughts on reopening, and what their comfort level would be for coming back in. When the theater reopens, there will be a maximum capacity of 50. The theater typically seats almost 400. Guests will be able to sit with members of their party, but groups will be separated by three empty seats. Masks will be required. The concession stand is typically in the theater but has now moved into the lobby to allow for a better traffic flow. Cash will also not be accepted for the time being.
AMC Classic Normal 14
The AMC theater in Normal will be opening Thursday. AMC’s theaters will have a capacity limit of 40%. Masks will also be required unless guests are eating or
Rafael Menchaca | Staff Photographer | @kuma_topics_
Local movie theaters will be letting guests in for the first time since March. The Marcus Theatre in Bloomington is now open, and the AMC Classic Normal 14 will open Thursday.
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2020
THE VIDETTE | SPORTS | PAGE 7
What we’ll miss most about football Members of The Vidette Sports staff lament autumn without action at Hancock Stadium Jake Fogal | Sports Editor This incoming football season was labeled with opportunities. The Redbirds had a chance to build off a strong 2019 season, and also boasted an encounter with University of Illinois that was scheduled for Sept. 4. I had planned on making that trip down to Champaign to cover that game. That headlines the list of things I will miss most from a forgotten, football-less season. Right behind it was the chance to be a fan again. Watching Saturday night games with brews in hand and friends near will be missed. As the 2020 football season has evaporated, I lose out on the opportunity of covering games, getting rowdy as a fan and tailgating beforehand. Darnysha Mitchell | Sports Reporter What will I miss about college football? Everything! The bursts of anxiety and adrenaline rush during the last few seconds of a close game. The roaring of the crowds during game winning Hail Marys. One of my favorite moments was being front row to watch the Redbirds blow out Southern Illinois on homecoming weekend 2018. Seeing running back James Robinson be the star I knew he would be, rushing 25 times for 202 yards in that game. Some people may find blow outs to be a drag, but for me, when it is the team I’m rooting for, I’m gassed off the momentum. Mikey Fornelli | Sports Reporter College football brings a whole new level of fandom to every game. There’s nowhere else where you’ll find more people united for one common goal (winning, and having fun doing it) than a college football stadium. That’s what I miss most, and I hope for the sake of every ISU student that there’s a chance it’ll be back in the spring.
Zach Stangel | Sports Reporter I will miss college football for many reasons. One that sticks out the most is the competitive nature of it. Being able to root for a school and all being together on that Saturday, rooting for a team and being so happy when they win is the big thing I will miss. Being able to go to football games is an experience like no other. The missing adrenaline from the crowd’s cheers will be missed.
Kevin Koski | Sports Reporter With the cancellation of football and all other fall sports, I can’t help but to miss the sense of community that is fostered around a sports team. It just feels weird not seeing parking lots filled with tailgaters, or the absence of the marching band practicing for the halftime show. The buzz of activity surrounding sporting events creates an atmosphere that wonderfully distracts from the stresses of the school year. This semester I will miss the social aspects that game day brings. Rachel Hickey | Senior Sports Reporter I miss decking out in my finest Redbird attire on a crisp fall afternoon to trek to Hancock Stadium to watch the ’Birds play their next opponent. I miss the atmosphere of thousands of Illinois State fans cheering them on. I miss dancing along to the tunes of the Big Red Marching Machine with my teammates. I miss the post-game fireworks after a big Redbird victory and following that up with a walk to Uptown to enjoy some Firehouse Pizza. Most of all, I miss the normalcy that football season brings to campus, giving students something to look forward to on the weekends. I miss the opportunity to watch the games from the eyes of a reporter instead of a simple spectator.
Jake Sermersheim | Sports Editor I still remember hearing about Illinois State and the University of Illinois’ 2020 football game. I was thinking about how great it would be to see the Redbirds’ matchup with the Fighting Illini either as a reporter or a spectator. Being able to cover a game at such a venue was enticing to me but alas with the fall season canceled I will have to wait until 2028 to see the Redbirds face off with the Fighting Illini.
Leonard recounts summer in inaugural Florida softball league MIKEY FORNELLI Sports Reporter | @mfojr
L
ast fall, Illinois State University’s Mack Leonard found an opportunity to play in the inaugural season of the Florida Gulf Coast Softball League (FGCL) in the then-upcoming summer 2020. She was recommended to the league by a former college teammate and decided to play long before the spring season had even begun. She had no idea that spring season would be cut short, and how smart of a choice signing to play in Florida would ultimately become. “A lot of my [ISU] teammates didn’t get to play at all this summer.” Leonard expressed; “I’m very fortunate that I was able to sign up when I did, and that this league still happened.” Leonard’s good fortune of the league still happening turned into six weeks of everyday practice and gameplay, an appearance in the league’s home run derby, an all-star type series against a pro softball team, a league MVP and the inaugural FGCL softball championship with her team, the Myakka City River Mocs. It was a continuation of a stellar sophomore spring collegiate season cut short, where she primarily pitched and played first base and led the Redbirds in runs scored (19), doubles (10), total bases (63) and batting average (.443). Mack was seemingly destined to play for ISU from a young age. Her late father Ken was a champion decathlete on the Redbird track team and met her mother Lana while both attending ISU. Just as Mack does, Lana pitched for coach Melinda Fischer and the ISU softball team.
ABOVE: Illinois State University pitcher/ first baseman Mack Leonard rounding third base after hitting a home run. LEFT: Members of the inaugural FGCL softball championship Myakka City River Mocs grouping up for a photo. Photographs Courtesy of Illinois State Athletics
“It’s a unique situation,” Fischer said on coaching both Lana and Mack; “but it’s also been a lot of fun comparing the two, their styles, their similarities and differences ... I really enjoy it.” “I’m kind of a homebody,” Leonard, who is a Normal Community High School alumna, confessed; “but an independent homebody. I just feel like this is the place where I’m supposed to be.” In the months following the
cancellation of the spring college softball season, Leonard had her worries over the FGCL season. “I was about to not go because I was worried about coronavirus, and I was worried they were going to cancel it while I was there,” she went on. “But they said they were taking all precautions.” Those precautions included temperature checks every time they went to and from the field, staying in one hotel with your team, and regular
testing for COVID-19. Except for the start date being pushed back two weeks, the inaugural softball season for the FGCL went fully as planned. Leonard spent six weeks there, including the playoff championship run. From July 12-25, the teams played five nights a week — a big step up from what Leonard was used to at the college level. “It was kind of crazy getting used to that.” She said, “My body was hurting, especially after taking three months off from softball.” The league was made up of collegiate-level softball athletes from all over the country, including players from Illinois, California, Indiana, Arizona, Utah, Florida and more. “Almost every conference was represented,” Leonard stated. “It was so cool to play against so many different levels.” Now back with the team at ISU, Leonard is looking toward the 2020-21 college season with high expectations for herself and her team and plans to continue to benefit from her experience in Florida. “I became a leader on the team down there. My coach could see
that in me, and she gave me confidence as a leader,” she expressed. “I’m ready to use what I learned, and how I took upon the role, and use it to better myself and everyone else on my team back at ISU.” “We really believe leadership starts in the circle with our pitchers. If a fielder sees a confident pitcher, then that mentality carries over to the defense,” Fischer reiterated. “Mack wants that leadership role, she wants to be that go-to person for the younger kids, and I certainly have seen her step up to do that. She’s had to get out of her comfort zone. She wants to help her teammates with any challenge, whether it be academics or athletics, and I think she’s ready to do that.” From the outside, there’s a level of understandable apprehension going into the 2020-21 season. The team is back to practicing but changing its plans every day with new guidance from the NCAA and university, with the hope of being able to play this upcoming season. For Leonard, it’s a season that means even more than usual. “We’re taking every precaution we can because we know what it’s like to have a season taken away,” She said “Every rep right now matters. We’re taking it extremely seriously.”
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Sports
PAGE 8 | THE VIDETTE
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2020
Time for change in ISU athletic department O n Wednesday evening, we had a meeting with Athletic Director Larry Lyons to discuss the problems going on at Illinois State University. He made a statement saying, “All Redbird lives matter” which sparked the student-athletes, specifically the Black students, to come out and make statements. I was deeply disappointed but not surprised by the comment made from Lyons. As much as what’s going on in the world, there are ways to educate yourself on the difference between “Black Lives Matter” and “All Lives Matter” or for instance “All Redbird lives matter.” I wish I had all the correct words to say involving this situation, but it is so hard to actually express how I feel. It is only challenging to say Black Lives Matter to people who do not support the movement. I understand that people have different experiences growing up or even in their work field or school. However, it is obvious that us African Americans go through more arduous times than other people because the color of our skin. Yes, there are people who do understand that do not have the same color skin
MY VIEW MYA ROBINSON | Sports Reporter as me what we go through because they are willing to learn and make decisions because they care for all people. We understand that all lives matter, but the lives that are being taken are Black men, women and children. It is tiring and unfortunate that us African Americans are continuing to be portrayed as violent, angry and uncooperative. It is tiring knowing that we are one of the most hated races on this planet because of the color of our skin. I am not entirely sure as to why the color of our skin intimidates people. We are people too, and we belong here regardless of whether people like it or not. Racism and discrimination are not new. This has been happening to my people for over 400 years. Racism is not learned; it is taught by
people who have different thoughts about other races. The statement made from Lyons and his apology are not enough to ever gain the respect back from Black student-athletes. We, as a whole, do not feel as if the apology was sincere because, again, he read it off a piece of paper. I did not attend the meeting for his apology because I do not want to hear his pity toward us. He was wrong, and for that, I can never forgive him. My teammates and coaches are very supportive, and I appreciate them for it. I know it is very difficult for the Black men on this campus, just from seeing the things that happen on social media. Black men risk their lives every single day from the minute they leave their home to the minute they come back home. I am afraid of what could possibly happen to my friends, my brother, my father, coaches, classmates and whomever else you could possibly think of. Me even being a Black woman, I am afraid to go in the real world to witness all the stereotypes that Black people endure. Statements made like, “All (Redbird) lives matter” are the way that
Boycott
people live by. We can try to change people’s perspective, but there is only so much we can do. Before I am a student-athlete, I am a strong, intelligent Black woman, and I know that infuriates people because they want us in power. At ISU, we barely have any Black people in power, and the ones who are in power do not help us student-athletes. Many coaches on this campus have not spoken publicly about how they support us Black athletes. I understand they can speak specifically to student-athletes, but in this world of technology, this is where we express our feelings on certain topics. As I stated earlier, I am not surprised by the statement made from Lyons, only because not once have we ever heard him support us Black athletes regardless of whether something went wrong in the world. We do not have Black advisers, tutors, mentors, activists, professors, trainers, coaches where us black athletes can talk and feel comfortable enough to be themselves. We can talk to our advisers now, but they never know what we go through every day, nor have they experienced anything a Black person
Coming up
Page 1
Social media outcry
A protest and march are being arranged for Friday. Track and field athletes Kimathi Johnson and Jordan Wilkerson will be speaking. More information will follow in the coming days.
Outcry quickly came as athletes flocked to social media to air their grievances against Lyons Thursday morning. Associate head track and field coach Mary Wood was one of the first to vocalize her displeasure with Lyons. “I think my tweet said it all,” Wood said. “I thought the statement was insensitive at the very least. At the end of the day black lives matter. Black lives matter, that is what our studentathletes need to hear.” Wood did not find it to be a hard choice to air her grievances. “I sat and thought about it in the evening,” Wood said. “Listening to some of my student-athletes that are in pain and what that statement meant to them. What kept replaying in my head was a quote from MLK that says, ‘Silence is a betrayal.’ I feel like our black student-athletes deserve to hear something.” After Wood tweeted out Lyons’ stateMary ment without naming him, senior track and Wood field student-athlete Mya Robinson cleared up who issued the message. In a response post, Robinson called Lyons blind to the problem. “There is more that needs to be done and it needs to be done now,” Robinson said. “I think people just had the same reaction as I had to go to Twitter to talk about social injustice. It is the best social media to use for that.” While members of the track and field team were some of the first to express their outcry, other athletes quickly joined in.
Wood sees a simple fix to Lyons’ apology. “I think what needs to be said is Black lives matter. I don’t think our athletes need a justification on why Redbird lives matter,” Woods said. “Our Black student-athletes are hurting. They matter, their lives matter. They are a contribution to our society. Anything else is insensitive.” On Friday, Lyons scheduled a call to readdress ISU’s studentathletes. “He just said he was there for us and he regrets what he said,” Jeff Proctor said. “He said Black lives do matter. He said he did not mean that like that. He said we probably don’t believe in the words, but he will show. We heard the apology, but we want action. We want action behind what he is saying.” During the meeting, representatives from football, women’s basketball and gymnastics spoke. Proctor was one of two players to represent the football team. “Before we went on the group call, the football team talked about a variety of things we wanted to talk about,” Proctor said. “I talked about how a lot of us feel like the apology he issued was not sincere and he only did it because we brought attention to what he already said.” Robinson, who did not attend the second meeting, finds comfort from her coaches but not those in higher power. “We have support from coaches, but I don’t feel like we have support from the higher power,” Robinson said. “I feel like he is just saying this to clear his name. There is more that needs to be done and it needs to be done now.”
Lyons apologizes
BLM poster outrage
With ISU athletes publicly bashing him, Lyons tried to clear Recently Illinois State’s athletic department released a Black the air, apologizing on Thursday evening. Lives Matter poster with ISU athletes adorning the fronts. Trying to make amends with student-athletes, Lyons has been While athletes were OK with the posters at first, some have now scheduling meetings to discuss the situation. turned. Some athletes were unaware they were being pub“The conversations are perspectives,” Lyons said. lished. “I appreciate the fact they have the courage to say “I didn’t know anything about it until we got the exactly what they think. We have had conversations poster. We thought it was a nice gesture at the time,” and we started to make some inroads for diversity Proctor said. “Now the athletes feel a certain type of and inclusion. I personally need to be more involved way about that.” directly.” After being publicly supportive originally, Wilkerson But Wilkerson was not satisfied with his apology, soon changed his mindset. citing the fact Lyons brought up the statement ‘All “I said I wanted to be taken down off the Black Lives Redbird lives matter’ a second time. Matter poster,” Wilkerson said. “It was more so “I don’t think his statement was beneficial, I don’t because I had talked to my coaches and the people think it was positive,” Wilkerson said. “I think it made Jordan who had asked me to be in those. I was honored things worse. I feel like your initial response after Wilkerson but if it wasn’t going to be authentic and real, I did something happens is pivotal. We want to figure out not want to be a part of it. I felt like that statement I what their intention is. I really want to talk to figure didn’t agree with. We are not token figures.” out what the point was to saying that twice.” Wilkerson publicly went to Twitter to say he wanted to be taken “I was very disappointed by the statement. He had the opoff of the Black Lives Matter poster. portunity to support Black Lives Matter. We thought we had In his tweet Wilkerson said, “They need to take me off that the support from the athletic department that we really did not poster and all the other (Black Lives Matter) stuff they ‘care’ have and a lot of people are disappointed and outraged. I felt about.” we were not represented.”
goes through. What some of my teammates are expressing is that something needs to change. Comments like the one made are unacceptable no matter what, especially since he allows coaches to recruit African American students. There were thoughts of making Lyons resign from ISU alumni and to be honest, I agree. Over the years of being here at ISU, not once have I heard him talk about how he supports us. Not only can you see what is happening to Black men and women, there are people in this industry who have been discriminated, racially profiled, harassed and anything else you could think of, but he has never addressed those issues. I absolutely hope that something will change here at ISU. It is time for change in the people of power in the athletic department. We as Black people before being a student-athlete will stand for what we believe is right and what should be done. MYA ROBINSON is a Photographer for The Vidette. She can be contacted at mrobin7@ilstu.edu. Follow her on Twitter at @Im_Myaaa.
Athletes demand changes Sunday night Illinois State athletes released a list of demands via junior track and field athlete Kimathi Johnson’s Twitter. “The process of getting those demands together was getting me and my other captains from the track team and talking about what change we wanted to see,” Johnson said. “We are not done; we will meet with other captains to ensure all sports needs are meet.” Johnson listed a series of demands. Most importantly athletes are looking for the athletic department to make a plan of action to support the Black Lives Matter movement publicly. “We just want to make clear that we do not forgive Larry Lyons,” Johnson said. “If he wants to continue being our athletic director, he needs to make Athlete demands changes.” Other demands include 1. Required seminars required seminars for athletics for athletics administrastaff, coaches and athletes, a tion staff, coaches and commitment for more people of athletes. color in power and mental health 2. A commitment to roles and a commitment to more more people of color in diversity in athletic trainers. Athpositions of power and in letes are calling for change and mental health facilities. will not settle for anything less. 3. A commitment to Robinson thinks the athletic more diversity in athletic department needs a drastic trainers and student athchange in mindset before things letic trainers. can be right. 4. Make an athletic “Being a black collegiate department plan of acathlete in a prominently white tion to support the Black school makes us feel like they Lives Matter. only want us for money,” Robinson said. “They only want us because we make them money. It’s not like they help us to become better people or better athletes. It’s kind of hard to think about.”
Athletics action plan On Monday Illinois State University issued its action plan for social change in the athletic department. In the plan, ISU is committed to responding to the list of demands, Lyons and his staff are committed to education and change, committing to growth and change in the department, reviewing hiring practices, bringing in mental health counselors with experience with people of color and athletics is committed to promoting the New Environment Strengthening Tradition group. Athletics is also committed to starting a variety of classes group discussions to promote social change. These include an education program that focuses on diversity, equity and anti-racism for Lyons, all athletic administration and coaches. At 8 p.m. Tuesday there will be a Zoom forum with Dr. Doris Houston. During this studentathlete-only forum, athletes will have a chance to speak on their experiences with social justice. Lyons will start drop-in hours to better understand student-athletes’ and coaches’ experiences. Athletics will also fund the Student-Athlete Action team that will meet monthly to discuss short and long-term goals.
“We just want to make clear that we do not forgive Larry Lyons. If he wants to continue being our athletic director he needs to make changes.” Kimathi Johnson, junior track and field athlete