UCO's The Vista, Feb. 13, 2024

New Civil Rights Museum coming to Oklahoma City

Sam Royka Editor-in-Chief

Two researchers are working with a team of UCO students to archive historical artifacts as they prepare to open the Clara Luper Freedom Center. The new civil rights museum will be located at the old Mobil station that was home to the NAACP Youth Council, expected to bring an economic and cultural boost to the area of Eastside Oklahoma City.

Christina Beatty, project director, and Autumn Brown, professor and researcher, are considering the past to contextualize the present and educate the future.

“We really have not had a space that acknowledges and celebrates the history of African Americans in Oklahoma City,” Beatty said. “You know, we’re creating something that has not existed.”

Beatty sees the Clara Luper Freedom Center as an opportunity “to create a place where people can see themselves and also a place where everyone can learn about the impact that Clara Luper and her students had and that as a city, our place in the civil rights movement is something really for all of us to be proud of.”

Luper was an activist and a

teacher who began the sit-in movement with a class of 6-to15-year-olds from the NAACP Youth Council. The first sit-in was at Katz Drugstore, 200 W. Main St. in downtown Oklahoma City, a plan first proposed by Clara’s then-six-year-old daughter, Marilyn Luper Hildreth, after a trip to New York and the unsegregated north. She told her mother she wanted to sit down and drink a soda at a

lunch counter. From Aug. 19 to 21, 1958, that is exactly what they did.

Beatty said the museum’s mission will be keeping the spirit of Luper’s work alive and encouraging critical thinking about her goals and accomplishments, but it could also be good for economic development in the area.

“Northeast Oklahoma City has been so disinvested for so long. This is a huge, huge in-

vestment, both on the part of the city, as well as our private donors and partners. It is very much a public-private partnership,” Beatty said.

In addition to the expected economic boost, there may also be an impact on Oklahoma organizers.

Brown said the new Freedom Center will “first set a precedent or create a model for how community organizing took place in Oklahoma City in the past.”

“What can we learn from our foremothers about how they organized and activated not only themselves but their community to make change?” Brown said. “And so I think that having this cultural institution in the city will essentially revitalize how we organize by providing a model of how it was already done,” she said.

As an organizer, activist, teacher, and mother, Luper’s impact is honored by a street named after her in Oklahoma City, the Clara Luper Corridor.

“This idea of radical mothering is rooted in radical love. And I think that that’s what we saw with Clara Luper. She loved her students,” Brown said.

But there was something else Luper did that showed the power of her ideals.

Cont. on Page 4

Gaza attacked during Super Bowl, 67+ Palestinians dead

Sam Royka Editor-in-Chief

During the Super Bowl on Feb. 11, the Israeli government took on a rescue mission that ended in the deaths of 67 Palestinians for the rescue of two hostages taken during the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas. The rescue

mission included airstrikes on the area previously deemed safer for civilians in the Gaza strip.

Rafah, the southern city in Gaza, was previously deemed an evacuation zone and housed many refugees. While the Israeli government addresses this area as a zone for militants, the Gaza health ministry reports that it is

mostly civilians.

Deaths in Gaza surpassed 20,000 last month. Meanwhile, the number wounded and struggling to access food or medicine has risen to above 60,000. The United Nations reports that more Gazans are experiencing famine every day.

Rafah is now the most dense-

ly populated city on Earth, housing more than 1.4 million refugees at this time. It is no longer excluded from the strikes.

After this, on the night of February 12, at least 14 houses and 3 mosques were confirmed to be damaged or destroyed in that day’s bombing.

Stitt levels criticism at McGirt in State of the State

Jake Ramsey

Managing Editor

In last week’s State of the State address, Gov. Kevin Stitt continued to criticize the ruling in McGirt v. Oklahoma, which established tribal sovereignty and fostered questions over whether tribal citizens living within Oklahoma’s borders but also within the borders of tribal governments should pay taxes to the state.

In his address, Stitt referred to the ongoing Stroble v. Oklahoma Tax Commission case, in which plaintiff Alicia Stroble, a citizen of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, makes the claim that, because she earned her yearly income entirely within her nation, she does not owe state taxes to Oklahoma. The Muscogee (Creek) Nation and the Seminole Nation filed a joint amicus brief in support of Stroble, arguing “The Oklahoma Tax Commission (OTC) has flouted the law in this case.”

Stitt characterized the case differently in his address.

“Today, there are tribal governments supporting a woman named Stroble in her lawsuit

against the Oklahoma Supreme Court, so she can be exempt from paying state income taxes.”

Stitt also implied that Mc-

Girt vs. Oklahoma, the ruling that established tribal sovereignty in the state, was based on race.

“We can’t be a state that operates with two different sets of rules,” Stitt said. “Especially based on race.”

UCO Professor of History Natalie Panther said Stitt’s claim about race factoring in taxation is false.

“He’s referring to the McGirt ruling that reaffirmed Native Nations’ right to self-government,” Panther said. “The McGirt decision is not dealing with race; rather, it’s dealing with citizenship and sovereign nation.”

During the address, Stitt said, “It’s a decision that has rocked our state and caused division, where previously there was none.”

The 2020 McGirt case ruled in a 5-4 decision that most of Eastern Oklahoma remains an Indian Reservation.

Members of the Youth Council sit at Katz Diner in 1958. (UCO PROVIDED/FILE)

Weekly Horoscope

March

Neworks expand in ways that show you new perspectives. You are fine tuning your unique approach to life in the current cycle. Friendships become key to the next chapter of your life as the days get warmer. Your song is “Surrender to Me” by FireCityFunk.

Spring cleaning? A wave of energy from aspects with Pluto as well as Mercury urges you to sweep away the winter blues. New career connections emerge. A new kind of chapter opens in your life this year: chase after it! Your song is “Little Numbers” by BOY.

May

A getaway could be in your books over the next month as Venus transits your ninth house. Mercury in Taurus creates an amiable time for planning – just make sure you double check your work this week! Your song is “Bless the Telephone” by Labi Siffe.

Venus in your seventh house and the Sun in your eighth indicate an internal transformation that shows in how you extend your love. Intuition is king and so is the lion. Don’t sweat the frustrating aspects this week – it’s all temporary. Your song is “Emotions” by Brenda Lee.

LIBR

You always seem lucky, Libra. Exciting times are on the way when Venus moves into Aquarius, transiting your fifth house. Expect a new direction in terms of something exciting and heartwarming all at once. Your song is “Put a Flower in Your Pocket” by The Arcs.

Call your best friends and hit the road! The Sun in Pisces transiting your ninth house combined with early Spring weather create a perfect time for dreaming about Spring Break. Venus moves signs, encouraging everyone’s charisma. Yours is “Dance In Room Song” by Sipper.

VIR GO

August 23- September 22

Make sure to double check emails before sending this week - a Mercury aspect puts extra emphasis on the details. Venus moves into friendly Aquarius, the perfect time for socializing with friends. Your song is “Black Lipstick” by Chicano Batman.

Bubbly Aquarian energy comes to the forefront as Venus moves ahead. The Sun in Pisces puts even more emphasis on family and friends. Prepare for a social and energetic month ahead! Your song is “Habits” by Genevieve Stokes.

Several aspects indicate a move towards radical love is likely this month. An excellent question to ponder at this time is what radical love means to you! A delicate interplay of shifts are on the horizon. Your song is “Hard to Live in the City” by Albert Hammond Jr.

January

Venus enters your sign on Friday, shaking up the status quo in love. The pull to try something new or out of the ordinary may begin some exciting adventures! Transformation is on the horizon this week: step into your power! Your song is “Coming of Age” by Blondes.

A cycle is ending in your love life, and something new is beginning. A powerful aspect encourages you to shed what’s no longer serving you and walk confidently into your new life. Your song is “Power to Undo” by Brittany Howard.

This week an opportunity for growth comes in an unexpected place. It may be a blessing in disguise at first, but keeping a curious, open mind is one of your biggest strengths. The sun goes into your sign this week, putting a dreamy vibe into your heart. Your song is “Deeper Well” by Kacey Musgraves.

Valentine’s day coincides with astrological transits forecasting shifts in relationships.

Lunar New Year sparks vivacious celebrations across Oklahoma City metro

PHOTO

VICTOR

Downtown at the Myriad Botanical Gardens, traditional singing and drums were accompanied by dancers in colorful dragon masks. Elsewhere in the city, in front of grocery store Golden Phoenix, firecrackers created a huge plume of smoke while dragons danced. Huge piles of red firecracker wrappers were swept up by event staff as the smoke cleared. Meanwhile at Shin Sou Fu Kan, the Kendo Dojo, demonstrations of swordplay held the crowd in suspense. Our photographers captured scenes welcoming in 2024, the Year of the Wood Dragon.

-- Sam Royka Editor-In-Chief

STAFF

Sam Royka Editor-in-Chief

Jake Ramsey Managing Editor

Taylor Horner Photo Editor

Matilda Harvey Copy Editor

Sam Kozlowski Digital Editor

Zak Royka Reporter

Britton Summers Reporter

Victor Lopez Photographer

Troy Isbell Photographer

Ethan Brown Photographer

Tess Peters Graphic Designer

George Lang Adviser

VISTA 2022-23 layout design by Kevin Davis

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Student archivists help create landmark museum for Oklahoma

Continued from Page 1

“She loved those who hated her,” Brown said. “She loved those who hated her so much that she created this movement that essentially forced them to uphold the values of the Constitution. And she says that a lot, right? She says, ‘I love them. We love them so much that we’re making them do what’s right.’ And so I think that this concept of radical mothering will provide us this, like, framework of how we can approach each other.”

Brown said that at a time of the continued pursuit for change, this framework is highly applicable to modern activism.

“They’re doing this work, but also how we can approach our quote-unquote oppressor or enemy. And this idea of, like, I love my

enemy. And I think that that shows up not only with Clara Luper but that shows up with the nonviolent movement that we saw Martin Luther King lead. And I think that radical mothering is really just another way of framing love and radical love,” Brown said.

Anyone who loves can tell you that real love is sometimes tough.

“Part of the love that she exhibited was rooted in like, here is the expectation, here’s the precedent, and this is the standard I expect you to live up to,” Brown said.

In community as well as the world at large, there is a kind of love that transcends socio cultural divisions.

“Radical love in a community is unconditional. But it’s also like tough love and understanding. It’s like, either you’re gonna shape up or ship out because we have a job to

do in the community,” Brown said. Brown described one instance where Luper’s total commitment to civil rights in Oklahoma was on full display during a student visit in Nashville, Tennessee, with E. Melvin Porter, who was studying at Vanderbilt University and would go on to become the first Oklahoma City chapter president of the NAACP.

“Luper and her students were in Nashville, I believe, and at the time, Melvin was at Vanderbilt University, and he was driving her to her hair appointment. And he was like, ‘Yeah, I have got offers in California and Chicago and all these big cities.

“And Clara was completely unimpressed,” Brown said. “She was like, ‘That’s cool. So, maybe one day when you’re in your big office, you know, on the other side

of the country, you can bring your kids back to Oklahoma, and show them the walls that you didn’t help break down.”

“And that level of accountability that she put onto Melvin Porter, at the time, it literally is the reason why he came back to Oklahoma,” Brown said.

Porter became the first Black member of the Oklahoma State Senate in 1964.

Soon, a new generation will have an interactive museum to learn about past stories like these and discover how to continue the work, both in-state and at a national level.

“Not only is this history being brought to the forefront,” Brown said. “But this physical space will stand as a place of learning, commemoration, and celebration. This space will move the work forward.”

professor says Native Nations will keep protecting tribal sovereignty

Continued from Page 1

This decision sparked further discussions around tribal sovereignty within Oklahoma.

In Stroble v. Oklahoma, the plaintiff argues that tribal citizens, who live on tribal land, who work for tribal entities should be exempt from paying state income tax.

On Jan. 17, Muscogee (Creek) Nation Principal Chief David W. Hill released a statement regarding Stroble v. Oklahoma.

“Laws related to taxation of income earned by tribal citizens who both reside and earn that income on a reservation have been settled for decades,” said Hill. “But the state of Oklahoma has chosen to ignore those laws.”

Panther said the tribes are committed to protect their sovereignty in the courts.

“I think Native Nations of Oklahoma will continue the important work of protecting tribal sovereignty, even in the face of the governor’s political posturing.”

The conflict between Stitt and the tribal government covers nearly half of Oklahoma land, said Patricia Loughlin, UCO professor of history.

“When we’re talking about Indian Country, 43 percent of Oklahoma or 19 million acres in eastern Oklahoma is Indian Country under federal law, and Tulsa is now entirely in Indian Country.”

In the address, Stitt compared

Oklahoma reservations to Navajo reservations in Arizona, where he talked about how reservations in Navajo don’t receive roads, infrastructure and funding support from the Arizona government.

the Tribal Nations.

“I think the Cherokee Nation and other tribes are going to continue collaborating with local law enforcement like they have been this whole time since the McGirt

“There are tribal governments who want Tulsa, and eastern Oklahoma to look like the Navajo reservation,” said Stitt. Stitt also raised concern over law enforcement in and outside of

decision,” said Panther.

In December 2023, Stitt signed an executive order establishing the One Oklahoma Task Force to look at jurisdiction and enforcement concerns in the wake

of McGirt.

Last month, Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. announced he would not participate in the announced 13-member task force, which includes Stitt, the speaker of the Oklahoma House of Representatives or designee, the president pro tempore of the Oklahoma State Senate or designee, the attorney general or designee, an appointee by the District Attorneys Council, an appointee by a county jail trust, an appointee by the Office of Juvenile Affairs, an appointee by the Oklahoma Sheriff’s Association, an appointee by the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, a representative from Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, an appointee by the Council on Law Enforcement Training (CLEET), one member representing Oklahoma’s Five Tribes and one member representing Oklahoma’s other 38 tribes.

“I don’t think there’s going to be any effort to participate in the task force,” Panther said. Loughlin said the stakes are high, and cooperation is key.

“We’re talking about criminal law, we’re talking about Indian Country, we’re talking about tribal sovereignty in the state of Oklahoma,” said Loughlin. “And there are ways to be respectful of tribal sovereignty and have a deep understanding of tribal sovereignty, and find ways to work together.”

UCO

Clara Luper and activists march in front of the historic Freedom Center building where the new museum will be located (PROVIDED/OKLAHOMA HISTORICAL SOCIETY).

Chuck Hoskin Jr. speaks in this photo from 2019. (PROVIDED)

Factory Obscura falls “In Love With Love” for group art show

Matilda Harvey Copy Editor

Factory Obscura, located in a multicolored building at 25 NW 9 in Oklahoma City, is best known for its 6,000 square-foot art installation titled “Mix-Tape,” which features multiple tactile areas corresponding to different emotions. But in conversation with Lindsey Cox and Meg Carlile, two of the Factory Obscura artists involved in the Feb 10-15’ “In Love With Love” group art show, one word is repeated constantly: “community.”

Factory Obscura features art from artists who utilize a wide range of mediums to compliment the themes of the various spaces within “MixTape.” In the “Tunnel of Dark Love,” for example, one can find an anatomically correct heart synced to music that pours in from the ceiling; the music was created by Cox. For Valentine’s Day, in addition to the annual V-Day Bash, the art collective has something very special planned. The 2024 “In Love With Love” art show will be the second held by the venue, featuring pieces from 29 local artists.

“In Love With Love” was curated by Carlile, as well as Factory Obscura co-founder Tammy Greenman. The artists chosen are a combination of familiar faces to the venue, as well as artists Carlile and Greenman wanted to get to know better.

“This is the first year that we’ve kind of been like, ‘You know what? Just go to town, we want you to explore any kind of love that you want to explore,’” Carlile said.

The first group art show for

Valentine’s Day, there were much stricter requirements for the pieces submitted. For 2024, artists have free rein not only with subject matter, but also the medium.

“I’ve told artists that they can use whatever medium that they want to use. It can’t exceed anything that’s like a 50 by 50, which is quite large. But I have some pieces that are ceramic pieces, I have some pieces that are going to be paintings.” Carlile turns to Cox to reference another medium present in the show, audio. Cox’s Valentine’s Day piece is a collage about love for humanity and it comes with accompanying music.

Lindsey Cox is not only a contributing artist and staff member at Factory Obscura. She is part of the OKC-based band Stepmom, which released its self-titled debut in 2020, as well as a few singles. Most recently, on Oct. 10, 2023, Stepmom released a new single, “Chaos Candy.” The music video will be released on Valentine’s Day 2024, and Cox said it focuses on her work-life balance and what brings her joy: making art. The video contains live action as well as stop-motion animation, which is something familiar to Cox.

Stepmom’s 2021 music video for the song “Damage Control” was a Barbie-centric stop-motion video about the dangers of social media and digital popularity. In past interviews, Cox has been critical of the Barbie brand and its impact on young girls and women. Greta Gerwig’s 2023 film “Barbie” addressed many of Cox’s concerns with the famous doll.

“I thought the movie was great,” Cox said. “I think the movie is giving female actors and a female director a platform.”

Female empowerment is a big part of Cox’s creative drive, specifically within Stepmom. In January 2024, Stepmom opened for alternative musician Soccer Mommy. Stepmom, Cox said, wants to get out on the road and tour. Cox would love to tour with any nationally touring female artist and to get Stepmom’s music out into the world. Though Stepmom has only released one album and a handful of singles, Cox says an EP is on the horizon for Fall 2024.

Oklahoma-based artistry is the focal point of Factory Obscura, but Cox said there is more work to be done. With the addition of production companies and the longstanding presence of visual and musical artists, Oklahoma is becoming a bigger cultural focal point. Cox feels that the local art scene lacks the needed support from the local community.

“The people that might normally go out to the bars or do other things for entertainment, I would love for them to rediscover the joys of live music and live art.” Cox said.

However, Carlile said that a devoted, in-the-know crowd shows up regularly.

“The people who do come out, come out.” Carlile said. “And even though we don’t always have, you know, a sold out show or crazy packed house, the people who do show up are always, they are so supportive.”

The room was regularly filled

with the sound of someone operating a table saw in preparation for “In Love With Love,” with supplies and chairs spread out in the room. This was a room full of anticipation, love, and that lingering feeling of community.

“Sometimes we say to ourselves, gosh, I wish more people were here to experience this because it is joy, and love and community that is literally happening in action before our eyes,” Cox said. “When we connect with art, and music, which is art and each other, magic happens.”

The “In Love With Love” art show will open at 7 p.m. Feb. 10. Admission is free.

Lindsey Cox is on KOSU/The Spy FM at 8 p.m. Saturday for her specialty deejay show, “Lindsey’s Lounge.” Stepmom can be found on all music apps.

Billy Joel releases new single, “Turn The Lights Back On”

Britton Summers Reporter

The piano man is back with a new song! It’s been a whopping thirty years since Billy Joel released his last original album “River of Dreams,” and seventeen years since Joel released his last single “Christmas in Fallujah.” But now he has returned with a new single titled “Turn the Lights Back On.”

Despite his blue collar normal guy persona, Billy Joel is one of the best songwriters who is still alive today.

While the release of Joel’s new single was met with excitement, there was also a sense of nervousness felt. With current music trends, it is hard for artists to know when to quit and that’s something I respected about Joel. However, Joel did not disappoint and “Turn the Lights Back On” is yet another great song from the musical artist.

The most appealing thing about Billy Joel is his soul. Much like Eddie Vedder of Pearl Jam fame, Joel is a songwriter from the heart. While he’s said that he doesn’t like hearing his own voice, he certainly hasn’t lost a beat since his hay-day in the eighties and nineties. His voice is still magnificent, and there is still the fine piano playing that made Joel’s sound into what it is today.

The melody of the song is also really well done, it has the same melancholic, yet inviting atmosphere that several of his best songs like “She’s Always A Woman,” “Vienna,” or “Just The Way You Are.” In many ways, a throwback to the days when Joel first established his relationship with music lovers.

Lindsey Cox admires a piece from the Love Exhibit at Factory Obscura. (TAYLOR HORNER/THE VISTA)

Lindsey Cox talks about her band Stepmom and future endeavors to come. (TAYLOR HORNER/THE VISTA)

The Feels Character merchandise in the Mixtape gift shop at Factory Obscura. (TAYLOR HORNER/THE VISTA)

Lindsey Cox shows off an eye catching hanging chair. (TAYLOR HORNER/THE VISTA)

Chiefs post Super Bowl overtime victory against 49ers, 25-22

Bradie Gray

Contributing Writer

After an up-and-down year for both teams, the 2023-2024 NFL season ended with one of the most competitive championship games in league history, featuring the San Francisco 49ers and the defending champion Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LVIII.

A rematch of Super Bowl LIV in 2020, this game was one of the most anticipated finales in NFL history. San Francisco looked to avenge their Super Bowl loss to the Chiefs four years ago. Kansas City had its eyes set on becoming the ninth team in league history and the first in 19 years to win back-to-back Lombardi trophies. Both teams found a way to overcome rocky endings to the regular season and punch their tickets to Las Vegas.

On the opening drive of the game, the Niners marched down the field, going 46 yards in four plays, before star running back Christian McCaffrey fumbled the ball away to Kansas City. The rest of the first quarter remained stagnant, featuring multiple three-andouts and punts. After both teams’ slow starts, San Francisco executed a ten play, forty-six yard drive that lasted until the second quarter, culminating in a Super Bowl record 55-yard field goal from kicker Jake Moody, putting the 49ers up, 3-0. The Chiefs seemed to wake up on the next drive. After converting just their second first down of the game, quarterback Patrick Mahomes hit wide receiver Mecole Hardman on a 52-yard bomb to set Kansas City up on the 49ers’ nine yard line. However, disaster struck. On the next play, running back Isiah Pacheco fumbled, and San Francisco recovered the ball on the eight yard line, killing any momentum for the defending champs.

After trading more punts, the defensive slugfest finally saw its first touchdown. On a trick play, San Francisco quarterback Brock Purdy threw a backward pass to receiver Jauan Jennings, who then threw the ball back across the field to McCaffrey, who raced behind his blockers into the end zone for the first touchdown of Super Bowl LVIII, making the score 10-0.

Kansas City would respond with a gutsy, 13-play drive resulting in a twenty-eight yard field goal from kicker Harrison Butker just before time expired in the quarter. This made the score going into halftime, 10-3 in favor of San Francisco.

After halftime, any adjustments made by either offense did not seem

to work. Kansas City received the ball, but Mahomes would throw an interception to Niners defensive back Ji’Ayir Brown on their own 44 yard line. This mistake would prove negligible, however, since San Francisco was unable to score any points despite the momentum and the short field.

The teams would trade three more punts before Kansas City saw its second score of the game. A record-breaking, 57-yard field goal

This mistake would prove costly, as Mahomes hit receiver Marques Valdez-Scantling for a touchdown on the very next play, giving Kansas City its first lead of the game, 13-10 late in the third quarter.

The following drive, San Francisco responded with a twelve play, seventy-five yard touchdown drive ending with a ten-yard touchdown pass from Purdy to Jennings, but after the extra point was blocked, the 49ers only led by three points,

from Butker, breaking Moody’s record from the quarter before, making the score 10-6.

San Francisco would go threeand-out on their next drive and punt back to the Chiefs before they did the same. However, the punt would be touched by a 49ers’ special teams player and muffed by returner Ray-Ray McCloud. After the immediate scrum for the ball, the Chiefs would recover it at the San Francisco nineteen yard line.

16-13 early in the fourth quarter.

Coming down the stretch, the teams would trade field goals to open the next two drives. A twenty-four yarder from Butker to tie it for Kansas City, 16-16, then a fifty-three yarder from Moody to retake the lead for San Francisco, 19-16. With less than two minutes left in regulation, Mahomes was able to orchestrate an 11-play, 64yard drive to try and steal the win, but after an incomplete pass to star

tight end Travis Kelce in the end zone, with six seconds remaining Kansas City had to settle for another Butker field goal from twenty-nine yards out, tying the game 19-19 and forcing overtime.

For the second time in NFL history, the Super Bowl had to be decided in overtime (the first was Super Bowl LI in 2017).

San Francisco won the coin toss and received the kickoff to begin the overtime period. The strong, 13 play, 66-yard drive looked promising before stalling out on the Kansas City nine yard line. A 27-yard Moody field goal pushed the 49ers back out in front, 22-19.

Kansas City had to match the field goal to extend the game or win by scoring a touchdown. If they failed to do either, they lost.

Three plays into the drive, Kansas City faced a fourth down with one yard to go in order to extend the drive. Mahomes was able to scramble for a gain of eight yards and convert for a first down. Over the next eight plays, the Chiefs moved the ball fifty-five yards down to the San Francisco three yard line. With six seconds left in overtime, Mahomes found Mecole Hardman wide open in the right flat who caught the ball and walked in for a touchdown as time expired. The Kansas City Chiefs won Super Bowl LVIII in overtime, 25-22.

Patrick Mahomes was named Super Bowl LVIII Most Valuable Player after accounting for 399 total yards and two touchdowns. He led the Chiefs organization to its fourth Super Bowl victory in franchise history and its third in the last five years.

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes scrambles against the 49ers in overtime. (ERIC GAY/ASSOCIATED PRESS)

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling celebrates his touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers during the second half of the NFL Super Bowl LVIII football game Sunday. (ASHLEY LANDIS/ASSOCIATED PRESS)

Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes holds the Vince Lombardi Trophy after beating the 49ers in Super Bowl LVIII. (ASHLEY LANDIS/ASSOCIATED PRESS)

Jiwoo Han

Contributing Writer

On Feb. 9, the International House at the University of Central Oklahoma hosted a successful Broncho Buddies kickoff event, marking the beginning of a semester-long journey of cultural exchange and friendship.

Broncho Buddies is an intercultural program pairing UCO domestic students with international students. Approximately 150 students, including domestic and international students, participated in the program. Due to the relatively low participation of domestic students compared to international students, Broncho Buddies implemented a networking system rather than traditional pairings for the past three years. The networking kickoff event allowed students to interact with peers from various countries

through engaging games.

One highlight of the event was the ‘Human Scavenger Hunt’ game. This unique game required teams to navigate the entire Nigh Center while deciphering clues provided by Global Leadership Ambassadors (GLAs). Through this activity, students not only connected with each other but also familiarized themselves with key locations on campus.

Princess Stewart, a senior majoring in interpersonal communication and a coordinator of International Programs, expressed her excitement.

“I expected it to be stressful, but overall, it was a lot of fun,” Stewart said. “I always love to see how excited the students from different backgrounds are checking in.”

Following the kickoff party, students learned about various events hosted by the International House

throughout the semester. These events include Oklahoma City Thunder basketball games, Top Golf outings, and cultural excursions across Edmond and Oklahoma City.

As the semester progresses, students are urged to join in Broncho Buddies and learn about the diverse cultures at UCO. To counteract the pandemic-era trend toward reducing activity, the International House will introduce scholarships for future Broncho Buddies programs, incentivizing active participation and fostering a sense of community among students. Jared Scism, the director of the Center for Global Competency and Global Learning at UCO, emphasizes the importance of cultural understanding and collaboration among students from diverse backgrounds.

In addition to Broncho Buddies, UCO offers other programs for

American and international students to connect, including Broncho Cousin and MERGE. Broncho Cousin pairs students as roommates in the UCO Quad, fostering cultural exchange and friendship. MERGE facilitates collaboration between UCO professors and students to explore specific topics related to various countries.

As the semester unfolds, students are encouraged to embrace the spirit of Broncho Buddies and explore the rich tapestry of cultures that define UCO’s vibrant community. For those seeking adventure, friendship, and cultural immersion, Broncho Buddies offers an unparalleled opportunity to connect with people from around the world.

For further information on Broncho Buddies and other international programs, students are encouraged to reach out to the International House at UCO.

During winter, Edmond Farmers Market gets cozy with local goods

Kilian Parsons Contributing Writer

Edmond is known for a vibrant downtown district, education institutions and its recreational activities. Early on cold Saturday mornings, residents meet-up for a more personal exchange.

From 9 a.m. to noon every Saturday, Edmond’s citizens crowd into one of the warm locally funded buildings to host a farmers market – A winter Edmond Farmers Market.

At Edmond Parks and Recreation’s Market Building, 2733 Marilyn Williams Drive, visitors can find a plethora of local goods made by people from around Edmond and surrounding

cities. Market attendees can visit a wide range of booths, including: Shelly’s Jellies, Buddy’s Breakfast Cookies, Edmond’s crafted wine, local paintings and even a free book exchange.

“I would go no matter the temperature,” said Kelee Ellis, a regular farmer’s market shopper. “It’s nice to walk around in the calm atmosphere, I’d take any condition over Walmart.”

“The environment is one of my reasons for attending, it just feels more natural,” Harper said. “I also like to support the people in our area, you can buy everything from candles to wreaths. It also feels safer than at a big shopping center.”

However, as the winter season winds down, so will the winter farmers market. Currently, the

seasonal market will be open until March 16, nearly a month away, with only 5 more meetings remaining. Afterwards, the market will undergo a big renovation, moving everything from inside to outside the building.

The summer farmer’s market will start April 20, and continue through Nov. 2, when it will start its transformation back into the annual winter market.

For any questions about the farmers market, inquiries can be directed to the coordinator at (405) 216-7634.

New AI search engine redefines how we look for information

Zak Royka Reporter

Perplexity AI is a conversational search engine that has built up millions of users and supporters. UCO English professor Laura Dumin states “I love it, but with caveats.” Perplexity works by scouring the web and providing summaries of the information it finds with citations back to original sources.

“Perplexity goes out and it pulls your sources down, it doesn’t give clicks to those websites” said Dumin. Search engine optimization has always been an important tool for anyone wanting to get noticed on the internet. Search engines have traditionally used the number of clicks each link has gotten to rank their importance, but without these clicks things go awry.

Perplexity offers faster access to multiple sources of information than traditional search

engines while not supporting the statistics those search engines rely on. Dumin said “It just pulls information kind of silently. So what we’re seeing with SEO is that Google is, slowly but surely, not doing as well as it used to.”

Unlike similar projects such as Google Gemini and Microsoft copilot, Perplexity AI is a recent startup with 40 employees. Perplexity uses models from Meta Llama, OpenAI GPT, and the paid “Pro” version even uses Google Gemini Pro.

This AI, like any other current offering, is still fallible and occasionally “hallucinates” by giving incomplete or incorrect information out of thin air, but its accuracy has been “very good” according to Dumin. Professor Dumin recommends her students use it for research purposes but with the caveat that “when they find something … they need to go back to those sources.”

Dumin stressed the importance of checking the validity of responses.

When asked about whether people should use AI tools now or wait for them to get better, Dumin said “I think we need to get people used to them now. We are going to see them at their worst anytime that we’re using them. It’s always the worst they’re ever going to be because they’re going to get better from day to day, week to week.”

Members of the International House serve students at the Broncho Buddies kick-off event. (THE VISTA/JIWOO HAN)

International students get global at the Broncho Buddies kick-off event. (THE VISTA/ JIWOO HAN)

At First Americans Museum, potato dancers keep their eyes on the prize

NW 23rd, towertheatreokc.com

Godsmack, Feb. 17, Grand Casino Hotel and Resort, Shawnee, 777 Grand Casino Boulevard, grandresortok.com

David Ramirez, Feb. 17, The Blue Door, 2805 N. McKinley, bluedoorokc.com

Pinky Patel, Feb. 17, Tower Theatre, 425 NW 23rd, towertheatreokc.com

Mac Saturn, Feb. 17, Beer City Music Hall, 1141 NW Second, beercitymusichall.com

Saint Asonia and Black Stone Cherry, Feb. 17, Diamond Ballroom, 8001 S. Eastern, dcfconcerts.com

The Wavelength, Feb. 17, Resonant Head, 400 SW 25, resonanthead.com

Garrett “Big G” Jacobson, Feb. 17, UCO Jazz Lab, 100 E. Fifth, ucojazzlab. com

Deebaby, Feb. 18, Tower Theatre, 425 NW 23rd, towertheatreokc.com

Willi Carlisle, Feb. 18, Resonant Head, 400 SW 25, resonanthead.com

Dan Bern, Feb. 19, The Blue Door, 2805 N. McKinley, bluedoorokc.com

Samantha Fish and Jesse Dayton, Feb. 20, Tower Theatre, 425 NW 23rd, towertheatreokc.com

Tish Hinojosa, Feb. 21, The Blue Door, 2805 N. McKinley, bluedoorokc.com

Akaash Singh, Feb. 22-24, Bricktown Comedy Club, 409 E. California, bricktowncomedy.com

Randy Rogers Band, Feb. 22, The Jones Assembly, 901 W. Sheridan, thejonesassembly.com

Zachary Lucky, Feb. 22, The Blue Door, 2805 N. McKinley, bluedoorokc.com

Thumpasaurus, Feb. 22, Beer City Music Hall, 1141 NW Second, beercitymusichall.com

Samantha Fish (right) and Jesse Dayton perform Feb. 20 at Tower Theatre. (ROUNDER RECORDS/PROVIDED)

Tahmineh Zapata focuses on her son as they dance during the audience participation award. (TAYLOR HORNER/THE VISTA)

Johnny Antonelli and Vanessa Villas nearly drop the potato during the audience participation part of the potato dance. (TAYLOR HORNER/THE VISTA)

Winners Laura Huskey (left) and Georgia Harjo smile as they are crowned world champion potato dancers. (TAYLOR HORNER/THE VISTA)

The First Americans Museum hosted its annual Potato Dance World Championship and Social Dance on Feb. 10 at the museum, 659 American Indian Blvd. In a potato dance, participants balance a potato on their foreheads between two dancers; they place their hands behind their backs and begin dancing, following instructions from the caller while keeping the potato from moving or falling. The last potato in the air wins the prize. Norelle Mahsetky and Rocky Romero attempt to stop their potato from falling in the final round. (TAYLOR HORNER/THE VISTA)