INSIDE: Redbirds stay undeafeated Sports page 8
THE BLACK ’BIRD HISTORY THE VIDETTE PRESENTS
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2017 Vol. 129 / No. 37
videtteonline
MONTH
Illustration by NICHOLAS BUEGEL Vidette Art Director
Black History Month important now more than ever DEB BETHEL Features Editor | @thedebbethel
E
ight years ago, the United States witnessed one of the most significant moments in world history. There were mixed emotions when the first black president took the Oval Office in 2009, but among the black community there were mostly feelings of elation, hope and endless
possibilities. When Barack Obama won the presidency, it was clear that his success would be celebrated for centuries as a progressive moment in American history. This recent success story, however, is only one of countless stories to be told during Black History Month to celebrate black people’s achievements and contributions to U.S. history and the world.
Black History Month has been celebrated every February, starting with President Gerald Ford officiating the celebration in 1976, but it stems from Carter G. Woodson’s inception of the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History in 1915. For more than 40 years, this annual celebration has been met with ambivalence and scrutiny. However, in the current unpredictable state of the nation and world,
this February is being approached with more thoughts of diversity and culture on people’s minds. There seems to be a more meaningful way of looking at Black History Month this year, with many people suggesting an emphasis on empathy, engagement and education among all races, cultures and countries of the world. see BHM page 6
PAGE 2 | NEWS | THE VIDETTE
ISU celebrates Black History Month
STAFF LIST Editor in Chief
Ave Rio
Redbirds will have several events throughout February that honor African-American achievements
News Editors
Ema Sasic Mary Cullen Features Editor
Deb Bethel
Sports Editors
Josh Tolentino Beth Geistlinger
Photo Editors
Jenna Kadziulis Kelly McNamara Night Editors
Anya Malley Brigid Ackerman Social Media Manager
Bret Farrell
Art Director
Nicholas Buegel
Ad Sales Manager
Kevin Rizzo Ad Production Manager
Evan Morris Business Manager
Zach Oldenburg Office Manager
Maddillon Kenney Marketing Team Manager
Charlie Goodyear
Web Editor
Caleb Boma
Business Adviser
Madeline Smith
General Manager
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2017
TIFFANY MORRISON News Reporter | @MorrisonTiffany
“It’s really hard to discuss some topics in class that get brought up without offending others. In these meetings, people can be more open to February marks the start of Black History expressing themselves without feeling like they’ll Month, and the campus has a few events to mark be attacked afterwards,” Clark said. this significant time of year. Diversity Advocacy “In having these workshops and meetings, we has many events to get involved with related activitry to create an atmosphere for students of all ties for the month. different areas to come together despite their difThe Tunnel of Oppression, which debuted in ferences and talk in a safe environment,” Diversity November, is taking place noon to 4 p.m. Feb. 7 Advocacy representative Tracey Johnson said. and 8 in the Brown Ballroom of the Bone Student In addition, Diversity Advocacy will hold Power Center. to the People workshops that are held six Fridays This is an interactive theater that focuses on starting 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Feb. 10 to talk about how topics such as racism, sexism, ableism, homophoto get involved. Anyone interested in joining must bia, classism and language. The idea is to shed register and be able to attend all six workshops light on marginalized groups and give students due to the 25-person limit. The meeting area has and staff a look into the lives of others. After the yet to be announced. presentation, there will be debriefing sessions in On Feb. 22, Diversity Advocacy will be hostwhich participants can express their thoughts and Photo Illustration by Michelle Carraco | Vidette Photographer ing a Lunch n’ Learn from noon to 1:30 p.m. at reactions. Hewett-Manchester in the Jaime Escalante room. The Tunnel of Oppression discusses topics like sexism, racism and “I’ve seen videos of the Tunnel of Oppression classism. The discussion will be dedicated to Black History at other universities and it seems like an incredMonth and lunch will be provided. From 1 and 2:30 p.m. every Thursday or Friday for ible experience,” junior Jasharra Clark said. “I think it’s Along with the Lunch n’ Learn, the National Council really important to get an idea of what other individuals seven weeks, Voices of Discovery meets in the Student of Teachers of English (NCTE) is holding a nationwide go through around you so that you can understand and Services Building Room 314. This program is to both African-American read-in that day from 9 a.m. to 4:30 spread awareness of diversity and create an opportunity p.m. You can listen to reads like “Just Mercy” by Bryan try to help them when they’re struggling.” Diversity Advocacy states on its website its goal is to for cross-cultural and intergroup interaction on campus. Stevenson and much more. This will take place in SteThe focus each week is discussions on topics like venson Hall Room 411. “help multicultural and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer [LGBTQ+] students find their way at stereotyping, discrimination, awareness and sensiTo keep updated with the details on these events, Illinois State University through a variety of resources, tivities in regards to both U.S. history and personal check Illinois State University’s website under the situations. programs, activities and advising.” Events section.
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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2017
‘Vagina Monologues’ returns to stage MALLORY LOVINGS News Reporter | @MalloryLovings
Jenna Kadziulis | Vidette Photo Editor
Along with an at-capacity audience, the Bloomington Center for Performing Arts was full of posters opposing President Donald Trump’s actions during his first 13 days in office.
McLean County stands in solidarity against Trump 1,200 join Not In Our Town for rally objecting executive orders MARY CULLEN & EMA SASIC News Editors | @MaryCullen7 and @emasasic
Following President Donald Trump’s recent immigration ban aimed toward seven Muslim-majority countries, over 1,200 community members from all walks of life united Wednesday in the Bloomington Center for Performing Arts. “If you choose us, we choose you. Welcome home,” Normal Mayor Chris Koos said. The event, hosted by Not In Our Town, a McLean County grassroots effort, wanted to spread of message of “supporting our neighbors.” The night’s slogan was “no matter where you are from, we’re glad you’re our neighbor.” Bloomington resident and member of the Masjid Ibrahim mosque Imam Abu Emad began the rally with a Muslim prayer. With accepting attitudes expressed throughout the country recently, Emad noted how everyone in attendance was of a like-kind. “On behalf of Muslims all over the world, we love you all,” he said. He also took time to give thanks to various Bloomington-Normal community members and organizations and expressed that “we are peaceful.” Aside from the general public, several local elected officials were there to show their
suppport including Bloomington Mayor Tari Renner and state Rep. Dan Brady (R-105th District) along with seven others. United States Senators Tammy Duckworth (D) and Richard Durbin (D) and state Sen. Jason Barickman (R-53rd District) were not in attendance, but sent representatives on their behalf. Representatives Darin LaHood (R-18th District) and Rodney Davis (R-13th District) did not attend or send a statement, which caused the room to erupt with the chant “where are you?” Representing the Jewish faith, Rabbi Rebecca Dubowe shared a verse from the Bible. “Do not treat others as strangers, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt,” she read. Dubowe insisted that treatment the country is now seeing led to movements like the Holocaust and that “we cannot make this mistake again.” “We are a nation of immigrants,” Dubowe said. “Therefore, we as a country must know and remember the harshness of being a stranger.” She insisted the country must make every effort to “promote clarity and unity, courage and strength.” Dubowe ended by saying “we are not strangers, we all belong to one powerful
movement called humanity. Humanity filled with love, respect and peace for all.” Renner praised Not in Our Town for having started in Bloomington 22 years ago. While he was “thrilled” to see the room at full capacity, he felt “saddened” to see that so many people feel they have to come together to say that all people deserve to be treated equal. He noted that Washington D.C., is currently appealing to the “worst kind of people,” but expressed certainty that as long as people gather, “we are not going backwards.” President and CEO of the YWCA McLean County Dontae Latson closed the night byspeaking about the many students from universities in the area that came to stand in solidarity. “I love what you’re doing,” he said. “Keep fighting. Don’t be afraid to go against the grain, continue to fight. Don’t be disuaded by people who are trying to tell you that it’s wrong to ruffle some feathers.” “Fighting back doesn’t mean you have to fight hate with hate, but it does mean you have to fight.”
Check out the Not In Our Town gallery on at videtteonline.com
“A big hit is the giant vagina that people take pictures with before and after the show. It’s huge, glittery and pink,” junior theatre-design/ production major Madeline Cleveland said. There is more to offer than vaginas at this annual event. Illinois State University’s F.L.A.M.E. (Feminist Led Activist Movement to Empower) is presenting Eve Ensler’s play “The Vagina Monologues.” Cleveland is not a part of F.L.A.M.E., but she auditioned for the first time this year and will be a part of the performances at 7 p.m. Friday– Sunday in the Prairie Room of the Bone Student Center. “The Vagina Monologues” is a 90-minute show with no intermission. Pre-sale tickets are $8 and $9 when purchased at the door. The play is based on interviews from women of all ages, ethnicities, sexual identities and orientations. “We perform them to tell their stories, to share their heartbreak, to share frustration, to joke about the pain of being a woman and to expand the audiences’ minds past what they think they would know about feminism,” Cleveland said. Megan Wunglueck is a co-director of the event and said that every year, the same monologues return, but with a different twist. She said that although some monologues are reused in each production, there will be new monologues this year. Monologues connect with one another throughout the years, so there will be something for new and returning viewers. “It remains the same in that we have the same goal every year: to raise awareness to domestic abuse and other tragedies women face in different parts of the world,” Wunglueck said. And that is exactly what they do. Co-director Anne Tobin said they typically always get positive feedback and a lot of people, like Cleveland, choose to audition to participate in the next years show. Tobin said presenting a show like this is important to erase the taboo of sex and bring a sense of comfort to both men and women when it comes to talking about a vagina. “Some men say it turned them into a feminist, and others have said it helped them understand what women and trans people experience,” Tobin said. “They said it didn’t feel like they were being accused personally and it was more inclusive, ‘ let me tell you what we go through,’ as opposed to, ‘ look what you did to me.’”
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Microsoft-Normal partnership helps future entrepreneurs KEVIN SCHWALLER Senior News Reporter | @kevschwa
The partnership between the Town of Normal and Microsoft is on a roll helping educate the community on the company’s software. Announced in August, the #MicrosoftNormal Digital Alliance to promote digital literacy, entrepreneurship and youth involvement in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education. Residents have access to Microsoft’s Digital Literacy curriculum, a self-paced tool to help workers learn a full range of computer skills. The town held an event at Uptown Station Friday geared to help those interested in the BizSpark program. The Microsoft-owned program provides Microsoft products, software design and development tools. Assistant to the City Manager Ben McCready said there were a variety of people with different backgrounds and interests present.
“I saw people that were building apps, developing software on their own in our community that decided to attend our program and check it out,” McCready said. “[BizSpark] provides people that register for it with some support, some training, and access to these tools, at no charge, for up to three years.” McCready said entrepreneurship support is important in Bloomington-Normal. “BizSpark helps promote entrepreneurship in small business development, which is key to our local economy,” he said. McCready said there are three “pillars” to the alliance.
“The first one is promoting digital literacy. We’ve had some interest in that, but it’s still something we’re working on. Digital literacy is an important tool, to be part of a modern workforce. The second pillar is supporting entrepreneurship,” he explained. “The third is STEM promotion in the community. It’s really trying to work with other schools and partners in the community to promote STEM education at an early age.” Council member Kevin McCarthy said Microsoft has been an advocate of digital literacy. “Microsoft is really focused on the digital literacy part, but also the entrepreneurial
tech and innovation side to it,” McCarthy said. “Their tools can help entrepreneurs really advance their companies and expand.” “We’re really working on economic development and innovation,” he added. McCready believes every aspect to the alliance is crucial. “All three are important to the future of the community. Digital literacy is an important tool, to be part of a modern workforce. STEM education continues to be viewed as critical to long-term success,” he said. The next event, Hour of Code is 10 a.m. Feb. 11 at the Children’s Discovery Museum in Uptown. The Hour of Code gives anyone interest in coding the chance to learn how to build on computer science skills and technologies. “It’s more focused on a younger crowd, but it’s opportunity for anyone to check it out and see what it’s about,” McCready said. “And it’s really something that once they’re familiar with it, they can take home and continue to do on their own time as well.”
Viewpoint
PAGE 4 | THE VIDETTE
VIDETTE EDITORIAL
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2017
Trump brings TV drama with Supreme Court
P
r e s i d e n t Donald Trump announced his nominee to fill the current open United States Supreme Court seat Tuesday in typical Hollywood fashion. Judge Neil Gorsuch, 49, currently sits on the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals and gives Trump the potential for a longlasting legacy atop the nation’s highest court. During his campaign, Trump promised to bring the American people “the very best judge in the country for the Supreme Court.” He will be the best judge and the most amazing judge this world has ever seen. He will be huge. Tuesday, Trump continued this goal by stating, “Today, I am keeping another promise to the American people by nominating Neil Gorsuch to the Supreme Court.” His holier-than-thou attitude shone through even brighter than his fake, tanned face. Surprisingly, this pick is turning out to be a rather wellinformed decision, in contrast to many of Trump’s other decisions since taking office less than two
weeks ago. Making his announcement in typical Hollywood-drama style, Trump insisted upon bringing not only the winner, but both finalists for the position, Gorsuch and Judge Thomas Hardiman, to Washington, D.C., the morning of the press conference. Of course, Hardiman was given the boot mere hours after arriving
to the Capitol in typical Trump fashion. Hardiman, you’re fired! Oh wait, no, that was the acting Attorney General Sally Yates, after denying support of Trump’s “Muslim ban” in court. Once a drama queen, always a drama queen. He always did know how to bring in the suspense, only now it is not just
through our TV screens when “The Apprentice” is on. Someone who is no stranger to the limelight knows just how to keep everyone guessing when the attention is all on him. Mischievously grinning after his highly anticipated announcement, Trump questioned, “So, was that a surprise?” It was almost embarrassing to think that
Editorial Cartoon by Ashley Brown | Vidette Editorial Cartoonist
the whole world was watching as our president awaited a standing ovation and screams of “encore!” His favorite game of playing cat and mouse, this time not only with the press but with all Americans, was a resounding success on his end, leaving everyone guessing what the future of America really looks like. Trump, not surprisingly, ignored former President Barack Obama’s nominee, Merrick Garland, who he selected last year. Because of this, many Democrats are frustrated with the decision. This will make for an interesting Senate approval process on Gorsuch’s road to the Court. Should he be approved, it would set the Supreme Court at a balance yet again with a 4-1-4 ratio. Clarence Thomas, John Roberts, Samuel Alito and now Gorsuch sit on the Republican side while Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Stephen Breyer, Sonia Sotomayor and Elena Kagan sit on the Democrat side. The ninth justice, Anthony Kennedy, is also a Republican but is considered as the court’s swing voter since he sits on either side depending on the topic at hand.
Editorial written by MARY CULLEN, 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.
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Skip out on flipped classrooms MY VIEW KEVIN SCHWALLER | Columnist
E
ducation has always been important to me. I’m not a straight-A student – sorry Mom and Dad – but education has, and will always be, a fundamental element in my life. While high school brings up more bad memories than good ones and this semester is kicking my butt more than previous semesters, I value the importance of education and what I have learned. One reason this semester is such a challenge, though, is the
introduction to “flipped classrooms”. According to net.educase. edu, a flipped classroom is “a pedagogical model in which the typical lecture and homework elements of a course are reversed. Short video lectures are viewed by students at home before the class session, while in-class time is devoted to exercises, projects, or discussions.” So, in summary, your instructor assigns readings and videos for you to watch at home and spend class time discussing the assigned learning with your peers in class. I’ve done a few of these already in one of my classes, and I have to say, I’m really not feeling them. I understand the benefits of flipped lessons. In theory, they work. There have been studies done that say students learn more from people their own age and from working with one an-
other. Instructors have more of a chance to help their students with the “homework” because said “homework” is done in class. But one problem is that not everyone does their homework. Unfortunately, doing work at home, no matter what an instructor asks their students to do, is quite literally homework. Someone who doesn’t regularly do their homework in a normal classroom environment will most certainly not watch any lectures at home. While it shouldn’t fall on an instructor if somebody is lazy, it becomes more of a challenge to even try to engage them when they come to class. Instructors have to take extra steps to build accountability and make sure students are understanding, and not just completing, the lessons. The classroom size also makes a difference. My class has more than 70 students, and from the
REDBIRD RUMBLE or FUMBLE
awkward silences and sheer unwillingness to get in groups when asked, it’s safe to assume that a lot of people don’t know each other. Being shy and having a disinterest in talking to strangers is nothing new; they’re two of my favorite hobbies. When a majority of the class doesn’t know each other, they not only want to avoid talking to or learning from each other, but won’t know how to, either. I get the rhythm and dynamic of my instructors by the second or third class. I don’t, however, get the rhythm and dynamic of the people next to me in this time. Some people work at faster paces than others and when discussions or projects arise, it may become more of a challenge for someone with less knowledge on a topic than their group members. And if I’m stuck with the guy that has absolutely no interest in learning, how am I supposed to be productive?
I’m not by any means telling instructors what to do. I’m grateful for my education and what I’ve accomplished thus far in school. But if you’re trying out something new, especially in a large class, you will have to work harder to ensure the students are truly learning from the online lectures. Extra steps have to be taken to make sure these flipped classrooms work, and that a lot of students come to class, well, wanting to be students. College students have a lot on their plates: school, homework, dating, work, friends, heavy drinking and more homework. We shouldn’t have to take on the role of the instructor on top of everything else. Kevin Schwaller is a news reporter and columnist for The Vidette. He can be reached at vidette_ kschwal@ilstu.edu. Follow him on Twitter @kevschwa.
Compiled by The Vidette Editorial Board
Redbird Rumble: To Bloomington-Normal residents who attended or
Redbird Rumble: To the ISU mock trial team placing sixth out of
Redbird Fumble: To Illinois lawmakers who have not compro-
Redbird Fumble: To Caterpillar, that had promised investment
supported the Not In Our Town “Supporting Our Neighbors” solidarity rally Wednesday in the Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts. mised on a budget; Providing Access to Help (PATH) is still owed $120,000 by the state. WGLT reported that the Bloomington program is considering bankruptcy and dissolution.
38 teams at the 29th annual National Mock Trial Tournament held Jan. 26 to 28 in Dubuque, Iowa. in central Illinois, but is now moving its global headquarters from Peoria to Chicago, expecting to move about 300 employees out of Peoria.
THE VIDETTE | NEWS | PAGE 5
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2017
Black History Month’s notable icons he became a national leader in the abolitionist movement. Gaining recognition from his incisive antislavery writings, Douglas wrote several autobiographies describing his experiences as a slave, which became bestsellers and were influential in promoting abolition. He was described by abolitionist as a “living counter example to slaveholder’s arguments that slaves lacked the intellectual capacity to function as independent American citizens.”
Benjamin Banneker (1731-1806) Benjamin Banneker was a self-educated mathematician, astronomer, writer and collector of almanacs. Banneker was a free black man who owned a farm near Baltimore. He was the son of former slaves and prided himself in selfeducation. Banneker was later called upon to assist in the surveying of territory for the construction of the nation’s capital. compiled by CASSIE MCNEILL | NEWS REPORTER
Illustration by Kelly McNamara | Vidette Photo Editor
T
he month of February celebrates and recognizes the achievements of African-Americans in the United States, including the vital role they played in shaping the course of history. The event that started as “Negro History Week” is now nationally recognized as Black History Month.
Barack Obama (1961- )
Barack Obama was the first U.S. African-American president and served for two terms as the 44th president. Born in Honolulu, Barack Obama went on to become Editor of the Harvard Law Review, and a U.S. Senator representing Illinois. During his time in office, he passed the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, and pulled troops out of Afghanistan and Iraq.
Michelle Obama (1964- )
Before her role as First Lady in the White House, Michelle Obama was a lawyer, Chicago city administrator and community-outreach worker. Obama was a Chicago native and graduated from Whitney M. Young Magnet High School. She attended Princeton University, graduating
at the top of her class in 1985, and went on to earn a law degree at Harvard Law School. She later married former President Barack Obama.
Martin Luther King Jr. (1929-1968)
As one of the most notable people in American history, he was given his own national holiday, Martin Luther King Jr. Day. King was an American Baptist minister and activist who spearheaded the civil rights Movement. He is best known for his role in the advancement of civil rights using nonviolent approaches based on his Christian beliefs. He led several boycotts. One of the more famous ones was the Montgomery bus boycott. King was assassinated before he could see the end result of his life’s work.
Harriet Tubman (1820-1913) Born into slavery, Harriet Tubman escaped from the south in 1849 and became a leading abolitionist before the Civil War. She lead runaway slaves from the plantation system to the north as the most famous “conductor” on the Underground Railroad, an elaborate secret network of safe houses. Despite Tubman’s fame and reputation, she was never financially secure. Friends and supporters were constantly raising funds to support her. Despite her economic woes, Tubman continued donating to several charities until she died.
Fredrick Douglass (1818-1895)
Fredrick Douglass was a leader as well as a social reformer, writer, abolitionist, orator and statesman. After escaping slavery in Maryland,
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Features Don’t throw shade on groundhogs, learn the facts
PAGE 6 | THE VIDETTE
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2017
Every year, people trust a tiny, burrowing rodent to tell them how long the rest of winter is going to be. While the concept of Groundhog Day did make for a stellar Bill Murray movie, what about a groundhog makes it so special? To help figure that out, here are some lesser-known facts about these mammalian meteorologists.
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They are sometimes known as whistlepigs. The Scientific American reports that groundhogs acquired this nickname because of the high-pitched whine the animal makes when alarmed, not just because somebody thought the name sounded funny.
During hibernation, the groundhog’s heart rate slows down from about 80 beats per minute to about 5. This comes from the National Wildlife Federation’s blog, and it sounds like this makes the groundhog essentially dead three months out of the year. Not unlike the average college student. Also known as a woodchuck, a groundhog can actually chuck around 700 pounds of wood. That’s the answer to the age-old tongue twister. The Cornell Chronicle reported that a wildlife biologist once attempted to figure out how much wood a woodchuck could chuck, and this was the answer.
Punxsutawney Phil is allegedly given a ‘magical punch’ that extends his life. In the wild, a typical groundhog lives around six to eight years. The Punxsutawney Groundhog Club claims that the famous land beaver — another name for the groundhog — has been living a prolonged life because of this liquid. Unfortunately, no proof of this ‘magical punch’ exists. Groundhogs have a top speed of about eight miles per hour. This makes them slower than the majority of their predators. The National Wildlife Federation reported that while fattening up for hibernation, the groundhogs get a tad too chunky to move quickly. Relatable. TNS
Compiled by JAKE PLAUTZ | Features Reporter | @JakePlautz
Northern Illinois comic book store Graham Crackers opened a Normal storefront in Uptown Normal in November. Jenna Kadziulis | Photo Editor
Graham Crackers Comics New Normal location brings in s’more comics to Uptown
EVAN HOON Features Reporter | @Hoondog7
On Halloween 2016, Uptown Normal began a new transition when the era of Acme Comics ended. Only a few days later, the story of Graham Crackers Comics began. The new comic book store had a grand opening celebration Dec. 3, but manager Drake Robinson has had the store open since Nov. 9. Robinson, a recent Illinois State University graduate, read about the closing of Acme Comics in Uptown Normal and started investigating the status of the lease. After a period of negotiation, Robinson acquired the 115 W North St. address. Uptown Manager Joe Tulley was happy to see another comic book store take the lease. At first, the change seemed intentional, but Tulley said “it just happened that way.”
BHM
continued from page 1
Quincy Cummings, president of the Bloomington-Normal branch of NAACP, is one voice in particular that is stressing the importance of cultural education, starting with Black History Month. “History to me is a discovery, and I think that it’s very important to have Black History Month for that reason,” Cummings said. “A lot of people invent the pride
Graham Crackers has several locations primarily around northern Illinois, and Robinson has been an employee for about 10 years. Robinson described the opening process as “a seamless transition from one comic book store to the next.” During the transition, Robinson introduced a bright and sleek design to the Normal location. A common stereotype of comic book stores is that they are dark, unorganized and overwhelming. Robinson wants to make the store as easy and accessible as he can. He said, “I like to have the space where you can step back and look at things.” He wants to have a store where a customer can enter looking for one book and “find it in two seconds.” The walls are covered with new issues broken down by publisher and title. Back issues are organized in boxes. Classics hang proudly behind the counter. The
within themselves through knowing their history. Black history gives a story; each story gives a purpose.” ISU Black Colleagues Association President Karyn Aguirre is a testimonial of Cummings’ words. “I’m 53, so I’m definitely from an era of still feeling like we had to struggle, still feeling like there was much to overcome,” Aguirre said. “The world was oppressing me, treating me like a second-class citizen and stripping me of what-
sleek modern design is a reflection of where the industry is in 2017. Classic stories and characters are more well-known in pop culture than ever before. However, despite the popularity of Chris Evans, Chris Hemsworth or even Chris Pratt, sales in comic book stores have been relatively unchanged. “Nationwide the numbers haven’t changed. The numbers have been the same since about 2002 or 2003,” Robinson said. What has changed are the key books that are the inspiration of modern films. These books slowly rise in value each year, sometimes selling in the millions. In 2014, a comic of Superman’s first appearance sold for $3.2 million on eBay. A great comic book movie does not usually inspire a casual moviegoer to walk into a comic book store and pick up a title. Robinson explained how some comics provide a more epic and in depth story than their movie counterparts.
ever hope I had as a black woman in the U.S.; but Black History [Month] allowed me to identify and know that even though all of these other factors are against me, my history is rich and I just need to keep pushing. It allowed me to understand that I can just like anyone can.” Aguirre received a rich education on black history in the South side of Chicago, remembering especially her fifth grade black history course that introduced her
For example, the 2016 movie “Captain America: Civil War” had 12 heroes fighting each other. The comic it is based on by Mark Millar has dozens of clashing heroes, all without limit of budget or scope. Robinson said, “You can get away with so much more in a comic.” The first comic book movie of 2017 is “Logan,” based off of the comic “Old Man Logan,” also written by Mark Millar. Robinson recommends buying the comic after watching the movie to get the full experience of the story. New issues come every Wednesday, and most comic titles release a new issue every month. In addition to regular sales, Graham Crackers buys comics. If customers cannot find an issue in the store, employees are glad to retrieve it from one of the other locations. The last comic book store made a lasting, positive impact on Uptown Normal. The new one is on track to do the same.
to not only well-known characters like Harriet Tubman and W. E. B. DuBois, but less-pronounced individuals such as Garrett Morgan, Patricia Roberts-Harris and Marian Anderson. She didn’t use this education for only her self-identification, though. Aguirre sent her son to a multicultural elementary school, where she believed he would be more self-aware and receptive to others, thanks to his exposure to an inclusive curriculum at a young age.
Cummings and Aguirre agree that education of one’s own culture is extremely important. However, it is becoming more evident than ever that cultural education cannot stop there. “Through Black History Month, we should understand and celebrate the contributions that AfricanAmericans had,” Cummings said. “And through that, we should become more interested and excited about what Asians, Muslims, Latinos and Buddhists have done.
THE VIDETTE | SPORTS | PAGE 7
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2017
Predicting Superbowl LI in Houston
HOOPS Continued from page 8
keep playing hard.’ We have to do it for him and if anything, do it for The Patriots have the number one-rated defense ourselves.” After starting conference play 0-5, in terms of points allowed while the Falcons’ Northern Iowa (10-12, 5-6 MVC) pass-happy offense averaged 33.8 points per had won five straight coming into game during the regular season, the highest Wednesday’s contest. Preseason mark in the NFL. What will give? This is the seventh meeting in Super Bowl history between MVC Player of the Year Jeremy the stingiest defense (in points allowed) and the Morgan led the Panthers with 12 highest-scoring offense. The defense has come points and six rebounds. ISU limited out on top in five of the six previous matchups. Morgan to 5-of-16 shooting. The Redbirds have won 12-straight Paul Steeno | Sports Reporter | @KingSteeno
New England 31, Atlanta 24
New England 34, Atlanta 31 Sunday’s game pits Atlanta’s offensive juggernaut against one of the NFL’s most decorated players of all time. The Falcons made quick work of both the Seahawks and Packers this postseason, Matt Ryan and Julio Jones seem to be the hottest duo in sports right now. Yet, they run into a Patriots team that lost just one game with Tom Brady this season. Winners win, I like Brady to hoist the Lombardi trophy for the fourth time. Nick Damiani | Sports Reporter | @nGdamiani
Atlanta 27, New England 23
We have seen the potency of the Atlanta offense throughout the season, led by MVP-to-be Matt Ryan and his array of playmakers. New England’s defense is mediocre against the pass and an extra week for Julio Jones to heal does no favors for the storied franchise.
games and haven’t lost since Dec. 23, when they fell to San Francisco, 66-58, in the semifinal of the Diamond Head Classic in Honolulu, HI. Looking to keep their winning streak alive, the Redbirds travel to Wichita State (20-4, 9-1) on Saturday to take on the second-place Shockers. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. Looking to keep their winning streak alive, the Redbirds travel to Wichita State (20-4, 9-1) on Saturday to take on the second-place Shockers. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m.
New England 27, Atlanta 23
FRI. THURS. WED. TUES. MON.
Winning the Super Bowl will give Tom Brady a chance for his 5th Super Bowl win which is the most won by any quarterback. I don’t think he needs any more motivation than that! Kourtney Cunningham | Sports Reporter |
Nate Head | Sports Reporter |
@kourtcunningham
@NateHead51
Atlanta 38, New England 35 Tom Brady may be one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history, but the Falcons have the best offense in the NFL this year. Super Bowl LI will be one for the ages. It’s going to be a good old fashioned shootout in Houston. The Falcons defense will get a stop when called upon and the Falcons deny Tom Brady his fifth Super Bowl ring. Mike Marra | Sports Reporter | @MikeMarraILSTU
Atlanta 37, New England 34 I believe that the Falcons will win their first ever Super Bowl. The score will be 37-34 with the Falcons of course relying heavily on Matt Ryan who has had a breakout MVP level. He has already has a combined score of 80-41 against Seattle and Green Bay throwing 730 yards with seven touchdowns and no interceptions. Mike Diaz | Sports Reporter | @MikeyD313
New England 27, Atlanta 20 The largest margin of victory in any Super Bowl Patriots quarterback Tom Brady has played in is four, once to the New York Giants 21-17 in 2012 and after New England beat the Seattle Seahawks 28-24 in 2015. So you can expect this game to be close just like its predecessors. But instead of being back and forth, the Patriots’ offense will build a sizeable lead in the first half. Eventually, the Atlanta Falcons will make a second-half surge thanks to quarterback Matt Ryan and wide receiver Julio Jones. Still, I expect Brady and the Pats to close this one out, barring any miraculous catches from an unknown Atlanta receiver. Nick Landi | Sports Reporter | @TheDon1033
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HELP WANTED- GENERAL We are expanding our business program and we are widening our network our company is looking for part time Work from home account managers and sales representatives in our account receivable department.it pays 1500-5000USD plus benefits and takes only little of your time.The individual must have experience and knowledge of payables, receivables, general ledger, printing of financial reports...Requirements Should be a computer Literate. 24 hours access to the internet weekly.Must be Efficient and Dedicated.If you are interested and need more information,Contact Email: ads.recruit2020@gmail.com<Turn on JavaScript to see email address> Spring break week help & 2nd semester. Before/after school program. Looking for staff during ISU spring break and/for the semester. Applications can be picked up at the Normal Parks & Recs Office or email ktetter@normal.org<Turn on JavaScript to see email address> for more info.
Sports
PAGE 8 | THE VIDETTE
Redbirds keep on rolling, win 18thstraight home game JOSH TOLENTINO Sports Editor | @JCTSports
NORMAL -- After MiKyle McIntosh underwent surgery Wednesday for a torn meniscus, Illinois State’s chances at maintaining its perfect record in conference looked bleak with red hot Northern Iowa coming to town. Paris Lee wasn’t ready to let the Redbirds (19-4, 10-0 Missouri’s Valley Conference) down, just yet, as ISU defeated Northern Iowa, 57-51, in front of a Redbird Arena crowd of 5,732. The victory was ISU’s 18th-straight at home, which set a program record. “We don’t want to lose in front of our fans,” said Lee who led all scorers with 18 points. “Honestly, we really don’t want to lose at all anymore.” Both teams struggled offensively early on and ISU had seven first half turnovers. The Redbirds and Panthers combined for just five made baskets at the 11:02 mark of the first half, when ISU trailed 8-4. A threepointer by Lee at the 6:33 mark sparked a 10-0 run. ISU entered halftime with a 23-19 advantage. The Redbirds limited Northern Iowa to just 27.3 percent (6-for-22) from the field in the first half, while ISU shot 34.6 percent (9-for-26). “Our defense is actually what got our offense started,” Lee said. “We
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2017
got a couple breakaway lay-ups and our guys started to get confident, give credit to our defense in this game.” ISU had a much smoother game offensively in the second half, making 50 percent (14-of-28) of its shots, while only committing four turnovers. The Redbirds outrebounded UNI 37-31. “They packed it in,” ISU coach Dan Muller said. “It’s why they’re really good defensively. That was a battle between two very good disciplined defenses. In the second half, we got the ball in the paint. We finally settled in offensively in the second half.” With McIntosh out, sophomore Phil Fayne provided a much-needed physical presence for the Redbirds. Fayne led ISU with 17 points and a game-high 10 rebounds. “We have to step up and do our role,” Fayne said. “(We have to) be aggressive more on offense and defense, we’re missing a lot of that without MiKyle.” McIntosh is expected to be out for at least three weeks, which would put him back for the last week of the season. He averages 13.5 points and 6.4 rebounds per game.” “We’re going to keep pushing until MiKyle gets back,” Fayne said. “MiKyle always says, ‘I know I’m not here right now but you guys have to
See HOOPS on page 7
Emma Horath | Vidette Senior Photogrpaher
Illinois State sophomore forward Phil Fayne scored 17 points and grabbed a game-high 100 rebounds during Wednesday’s win vs. Northern Iowa at Redbird Arena. ISU is 19-4, 11-0 Missouri Valley Conference).
Vidette Sports predicts Saturday’s war at Wichita State Illinois State 68, Wichita State 62
Wichita State 68, Illinois State 55
It will be a very close game between the Redbirds and Shockers this Saturday. The key for the ISU will be to limit the Shockers scoring, which will not be an easy task. I believe if the Shockers are out ahead of the Redbirds early, ISU will take the loss but if its the other way around then the Redbirds have a chance to win.
Charles Koch Arena is not a friendly place to Illinois State, with 2008 being the last time ISU won there. And the losing streak should continue, regardless of whether junior MiKyle McIntosh is fully healthy or not. WSU sophomore Markis McDuffie, who should make the Missouri Valley Conference first-team, will be the leader of his team on both sides of the court. But I think redshirt-freshman Landry Shamet is another Shockers player to look out for, especially if he gets to the free throw line a lot. The Redbirds had to fall at some point. Saturday will be that moment.
Mike Diaz | Sports Reporter | @MikeyD313
Illinois State 79, Wichita State 73 The Shockers have won their last four games by an average margin of twenty-five points, but haven’t seen much competition since losing to the Redbirds on Jan. 14. Look for WSU guard Landry Shamet and ISU forward Deontae Hawkins to pace their team’s offense. Both teams can shoot the three.It will be closer than the first meeting but ISU’s defense makes the difference. Jack Gordon | Sports Reporter | @JackGordonMusic
Illinois State 74, Wichita State 68 Illinois State can smell the NCAA tournament for the first time in nearly 20 years, and the team is finally receiving a fair bit of media exposure at the national level. ISU is hungry, and knows that a win in Wichita will go a long way. Nate Head | Sports Reporter | @NateHead51
Nick Landi | Sports Reporter | @TheDon1033
Illinois State 65, Wichita State 63 Emma Horath | Vidette Senior Photogrpaher
Illinois State guard DJ Clayton scored 11 points during Illinois State’s, 76-62, victory over Wichita State on Jan. 14.
Wichita State 72, Illinios State 64 Both teams come into Saturday’s game trying to defend some of the Valleys more impressive streaks. The Redbirds have won 12 straight, while the Shockers will look to make it seven consecutive wins on their home floor. The Redbirds have played the most consistent basketball of any team in the Valley this season, but without McIntosh and the Shockers at home, ISU’s streak ends Saturday night.
Wichita State 75, Illinois State 67
Nick Damiani | Sports Reporter | @nGdamiani
Illinois State will suffer its first loss this Saturday at Wichita State. The Redbirds will be without star MiKyle McIntosh for an extended period of time and ISU will truly miss him. ISU squeaked past Evansville on Sunday and Northern Iowa on Wednesday, but Saturday presents a much bigger test at the toughest arena in the Valley. The magic ends in Wichita and there will be two number one’s in the MVC. Beth Geistlinger | Sports Editor | @beth_geist
Illinois State 76, Wichita State 71
Since losing to ISU on Jan. 14, Wichita State has won four straight games by more than 15 points. Don’t count the Redbirds out too quickly. They have the fourth best opponent field goal percentage in the nation and held the Shockers to 34.9 percent in the first meeting. The Redbirds can grind out games with the best. The Redbirds will find a way to win even though the odds may be stacked up against them on the road. Paul Steeno | Sports Reporter | @KingSteeno
Illinois State is off to its best start in the MVC in school history, but Wichita State is breathing down the Redbirds neck in second place. This time Wichita State is on their home court, but home court doesn’t make up for ISU being more talented. This one’s going to be decided in the final minutes with the Redbirds prevailing. Mike Marra | Sports Reporter | @MikeMarraILSTU