Spring Awakening: Springtime at Howard Part 2

MAGAZINE

101 MAGAZINE SPRING EDITION

SPRINGTIME AT HOWARD

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Invincible Class of 2022 Buzzy Beats at Howard U. Female DJ on her experience in a male dominated field

Best Spring Activities in DC Find the best things to do in DC this Spring.

2 Groups, 1 Class How Covid Changed Howard Culture

The 101 Staff A

S T U D E N T

R A N

M A G A Z I N E

Bria Scott EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Kennedi Armour Nylah Lee Nyah Hardmon CREATIVE DIRECTORS Essence Wiley ART DIRECTOR Alesha Cesar Taylor Nash AUDIO PRODUCER India Bookhart Nyah Hardmon WEB EDITORS Kynadi Hyde, Braxton Babb, Semira Robinson, Laniyah Collins, Ashleigh Fields, Micah Washington STAFF WRITERS Aliyah Thompson, Jason Ponterotto, Micah Washington, Kayla-Ajanae Archer-Buckley, Rainee Wilson, Fatou Drammeh COPY EDITORS Alex Williams, Monet Bowen, Ravyn Hardwick, Kynadi Hyde, Rainee Wilson, Aaron Blount, Taniyah Keve, Rachelle Smith ADDITIONAL STAFFERS Ericka Blount PROFESSOR Yanick Rice Lamb PROFESSOR AND FOUNDER Ingrid Sturgis ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR AND CHAIR Jami Ramberan ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR AND ASSISTANT CHAIR Gracie Lawson-Borders, Ph.D. DEAN Tia Tyree, Ph.D. INTERIM ASSOCIATE DEAN HOWARD UNIVERSITY Cathy Hughes School of Communications Department of Media, Journalism and Film 300 Bryant St. NW Washington, DC 20001 (202) 806-7927 101 Magazine 101magazine.net 101magonline@gmail.com Copyright © 2022

03 Editor's Note 04 Invincible Class of 2022 05 Springfest to Spring Break 07 Two Groups, One Class 08 What About Brittany Griner 10 Mecca's Next Top Model 11 One Mistake, Two Consequences 14 Hey girl, are we wearing heels?

SPRING

ISSUE

16 Kanye West in Jeen-Yuhs 17 Breaking the Reboot Curse 19 Paving the Way 20 A Different Kind of Protest 22 The Trouble w/ Housing at Howard 23 At What Cost?

24 Buzzy Beats at Howard 25 Silenced HBCU Students 27 "Got Eem" Maury Povich Ending 28 Guide to Spring in DC 31 Cherry Blossom Season 33 Keke Palmer in Alice 35 The Rebirth of Spring

Editor’s Note Happy Spring, Bison!

What a joy it is to be able to FINALLY spend the spring semester on campus.

After being sent home in 2020, (we won't talk about that), and spending the next Spring online, I think I speak for everyone in saying that we have missed springtime at Howard. I am so thrilled to welcome you all to the second spring issue of 101 Magazine. In a way, it seems as though spring at Howard is blooming. From Springfest, student choice awards, probates, and everything in between, the Howard we all know and love, might just be back and here to stay. With two weeks left for seniors, I mean it when I say, I am CRAWLING to the finish line, but getting there nonetheless. I am sure everyone is feeling that way at this point.

Although, despite all of the assignments, late nights, tears (a lot of tears), and sacrifices, it will all be worth it in the end. Something that I have taken with me throughout this year, it does not matter how you start, but how you finish. come, and how we prepare for the future! A note to you and a note to myself, because it's hard out here and we ALL need an extra push! & speaking of push, the 101 team has pushed out some great stories for you all, and we are so excited to present you with our second issue this semester! We hope you enjoy and here's to strength and perseverance these last few weeks!

Bria Scott Editor-in-Chief

101 MAGAZINE | SPRING

The past or start may not have been ideal but what matters is what is to

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THE INVINCIBLE CLASS OF 2022 WRITTEN BY RAVYN HARDWICK “Oh Howard, we sing of thee,” are the precious words of the Howard University alma mater that graduates of the Class of 2022 will proudly sing on Commencement Day, May 7, 2022. The Class of 2022 has been through quite a journey and is nonetheless very excited to be having an in-person Commencement ceremony.

Howard University Senior Kalen Martin said, “I am ecstatic to be having an in-person graduation ceremony.

After losing my entire junior year on campus, I am excited to be able to experience such a monumental moment in my life after thinking I wouldn’t get to.”

The Class of 2022 has undergone such an unusual college experience due to the Covid-19 pandemic. From starting their Howard journey in-person and having a normal college experience to out of nowhere having to return home and be completely virtual, many graduating seniors such as Cameryn Burnette feel that the pandemic negatively impacted their college experience.

“The pandemic caused me a lot of emotional upheavals,” said Burnette “At some points, I felt very hopeless or felt like maybe I was on the wrong path because I had lots of time to reflect on things like if the degree and career I’m pursuing is my true calling.”

This is a sentiment that many seniors relate to, however, the opportunity to have in-person graduation has been the light at the end of the tunnel for many.

Even though the Class of 2022 is nearing the end of their Howard journey, they want to make sure to pass along advice to the classes to come after them.

Graduating senior Lindsey Dixon said: “Completely enjoy your Howard experience, there’s no place like Howard. Make friends and build connections because you never know what can happen or where you all will end up. If you have that extra day in the Yard, go for a walk or eat outside. Soak every bit of it in.”

The Howard University experience is truly unmatched.

The Class of 2022 will be joined by family and friends as they become official graduates of the illustrious Howard University. Although each graduate has had a different experience, each has expressed that they are incredibly proud of how far they have come and are extremely excited for what is next.

Congratulations to Howard University’s Class of 2022. We cannot wait to see all the great things you all will accomplish in the years to come!

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BEFORE THERE WAS SPRINGFEST, THERE WAS SPRING BREAK...

By Kennedi Armour Photography Kennedi Armour, Jamison Darden

The Bison community welcomed Spring Break with open arms as students took time for themselves and their mental state.

Howard Bisons took over Miami as friend groups flew straight out of the nation’s capital straight down South to the 305. As Howard students began flying in day by day, Miami began to feel like a Howard linkup for its students. Scholars met up with other young adults in South Beach Miami and enjoyed food, music, warm weather, and parties. Travelers from all walks of life took in the breath of fresh air as they exposed themselves to the Miami culture. Alumni, upperclassmen, and underclassmen united as they toured food spots, took pictures, and formed acquaintanceships with other college students. Pictures on Instagram captioned “M.I.A. in the MIA '' began flooding the timelines of the Howard social media community. Young adults walked the strip, others hung out with rapper Swae Lee, and some soaked in the shallow waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Soon, the sunny weather was short-lived as Sunday approached and Howard students began packing for their return back to D.C.. As the next

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batch of spring breakers touched down in Miami’s International Airport, some Bison were left stranded in the airport due to inclement weather up North. Sophomore, Michayla Maxwell, along with two friends, were set to leave Miami Saturday evening March 12th, but ended up leaving Tuesday morning March 15th. The airport, packed with young college students traveling in and out, became overwhelming and soon grounded students from the highs they felt from being in South Beach.

While some students bathed in the sun on the white sands of South Beach Miami, some went back to their hometowns and bathed in comfort.

Sophomore Journalism major, Amarie Bentancourt, stated: “I went back home to go see my family and while I didn’t go on vacation, it was kind of like a vacation for me because I was away from the stress of school and campus life. And I was just able to decompress and relax and just be around my loved ones.” Like Bentancourt, a lot of students went back home and enjoyed time with family and friends. Other students were excited to go back home and indulge in great eats. Jamison Darden, a Biology major from Atlanta, Georgia, said “it was good to finally eat some good food with good seasoning that I knew was going to hit.”

Here at The Mecca, students took time to explore D.C., catch up on sleep, and enjoy the silence of the dorms. Sophomore, Architecture major, Journey O’Neal, said during spring break he “took the time to explore D.C. the way I’ve always wanted to.” He then went on to say “I hung out with close friends who I knew were still on campus, and we found the best spots in D.C. to eat and [we] went to a new spot everyday. This helped me truly appreciate the culture of D.C.” Howard students are often very vocal about their distaste with D.C. so to know students actually took the time to embrace the DMV is beautiful.

Whether students went back home; stayed on campus; or took a trip somewhere, vibes were taken in from all different angles. From sipping a blended drink out of a pineapple to eating wings from a local food spot, students felt at peace.

Spring break 2022 definitely left its mark on the Howard community. Hell, it even kicked off the start of Spring festivities. If students were unsure of all that spring semester has to offer before, spring break definitely brought them some type of clarity.

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TWO GROUPS ONE FRESHMAN CLASS Written by Jason Ponterotto

With the fallout from a year of remote learning, upperclassmen graduating, and now this being the first academic year back on campus, we are in the midst of quite a different and unprecedented situation for the students and on-campus life at Howard.

This academic year, Freshmen and Sophomores are the ones primarily living on campus while Juniors and Seniors are living off-campus as a result of a much larger Freshman and Sophomore class that was admitted since the pandemic began in 2020.

The Sophomores, in many ways, are in the same boat as Freshmen being that this is their first year on campus and are trying to learn and acclimate themselves to Howard’s surroundings just like their junior class. In essence, there are two Freshmen classes and they are without upperclassmen presence, at least to the level that previous incoming classes had to guide them.

What does that mean for the existing oncampus ways and traditions that existed previously at Howard? It is certainly an interesting dynamic to examine. Is there a possible risk of some of these pieces of culture being lost?

What are the perspectives of students, upperclassmen, Juniors and Seniors, and underclassmen, Sophomores, and Freshmen respectively? One senior stated ‘’I think there is an equal disadvantage between the upperclassmen and underclassmen in that while the Freshmen and Sophomores are missing out as far as social events, the Juniors and Seniors have gotten the short end of the stick not being given housing on campus. It leaves us out of the loop and we’re not able to be aware of things that are happening. Last semester, many of us walked around and saw a random protest (Blackburn Takeover), that we just found out about." Another Senior told me there is a lot of confusion, that there is a feeling of being disconnected, and that upperclassmen have to already have a friend group otherwise they are out of luck.’’ This should certainly never be the case for the upperclassmen’s experience.

I asked one Sophomore who lives in East Towers, which before the pandemic had been home to Juniors and Seniors and now is almost exclusively Sophomores if he feels with his situation that he is missing out on anything to which he said ‘’I will say it is a different experience…When you look at Homecoming, with the restrictions, it was different but there’s give and take in everything. So, maybe in some aspects, I’m missing out.’’

I spoke with graduating Senior Nigel Johnson, former president of the Howard University College Democrats, who provided this positive outlook about the underclassmen, ‘’I think HU24 and HU25 are going out of their way to create new traditions, establish new things on the University and make their mark. And, those traditions are probably gonna last for a very long time.’’

With Howard’s on-campus culture having a rich legacy, it is imperative that all students are given the opportunity to build community and continue in passing down those memories and traditions. Perhaps, we can say the culture will continue to grow and develop with each new class.

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RICK SCUTERI/ASSOCIATED PRESS

What About Brittany Griner?

On February 17, two-time Olympic gold medalist and seven-time WNBA All-Star, Brittney Griner was arrested in Russia after authorities found vape cartridges with cannabis oil in her baggage at an airport in Moscow. If convicted, she faces up to 10 years in prison.

With foreign relations between the United States and Russia boiling over, there is certainly a growing concern over the safety and security of Griner. Many believe that Russian authorities are using Griner’s arrest as leverage when dealing with any potential United States negotiations with Russia.

Despite many WNBA players and Griner’s family remaining quiet to avoid the possibility of lessening her chances of release, many

of her supporters are questioning why her detainment is dragging on for such a long period of time.

Mekhi Abbott, a fan of the WNBA, feels that this issue is going unnoticed.

“I’m not sure why but I have barely heard about Brittney Griner. Maybe it’s because of the issues between Russia and the U.S. being in the forefront of everyone’s mind, but it’s not right,” he said.

Griner has been held in Russia without any official government access to her for almost two months.

“This matter is very concerning. We need answers.” Abbott expressed. Many people along with Abbott are wondering why Griner is being detained. A member of the U.S. House Armed Services Committee expressed that getting Griner out of Russia would be a tall task.

Griner’s family and lawyers are actively working on getting her home safely.

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Pose

Top

Next

Model

Class V

"Pretty, Black, Cute" Rapper, Flo Milli

The Mecca’s Next Top Model: Models of the Mecca, Class 5 written by Kennedi Armour / photography by Obiloh

On Friday, March 18, 2022, Howard’s very own Models of the Mecca released its fresh class of talented artists in its showcase entitled,“A Night in Vegas.” The event was held at the Whittemore House, a luxurious historic building located only ten minutes from campus. It began at 7 p.m. and welcomed guests of the Howard community with flashy lights, a beautiful runway, and a talented group of Howard students. As guests walked through the grand doors of the Whittemore House, a red carpet accompanied their footsteps. Supporters walked into the main room where a long runway awaited its new class of models. At the end of the sacred runway sat a large screen that displayed the promotional videos for Models of the Mecca. Along with the screen, photographers waited at the end of the aisle for the arrival of Howard's new set of models. As guests began claiming their seats, the opening credits were made. Soon after, Howard’s finest were released. Models began flowing out onto the runway in singles, duos, and trios. With every walk, shouts of encouragement and excitement erupted from every direction of the room. “The models served the crowd a full course meal and then snatched the plate away with every new look they presented,” one attendee stated. The models were styled with vibrant colors, unique hairstyles, and exciting makeup looks. “A Night in Vegas” perfectly describes the theme of the event. Class 5 had accepted an abundance of love, warm hugs, paparazzi, and bouquets of flowers by the end of the showcase. Photographs of the event soon began to surface on social media and it was clearModels of the Mecca definitely brought Vegas to Howard. Members of Class Five embraced their performance by setting new standards for the modeling community of the Mecca. Colin J, a model for class five stated: “Coming out as a Model of the Mecca was a very exciting experience.

The process took about six months long but the hard work paid off. I am extremely proud of everyone in my class and can’t wait to continue working with them and watching everyone grow.”Putting together the showcase involved a lot of energy and effort. The organization had been preparing for the event for at least six months. Members say rehearsals occurred frequently. In fact, the final rehearsal lasted until four a.m. the night before the showcase.

Precision detail was a key factor in preparing for the show, and the outcome clearly demonstrated that. For many of the members, the organization now holds a special place in their heart. Aniyah Johnson, a sophomore model and graphic designer for Class 5 said: “Being a Class 5 member of Models of the Mecca has been very special to me. Being able to contribute to such an amazing production has been one of my most exciting experiences at Howard thus far. I can truly say that within this organization I’ve found a family. I’m honored to be a part of such a talented group of creatives and cannot wait to witness them grow.”

A family now expanded, Models of the Mecca now has approximately 54 members that will continue to contribute to not only Howard, but the modeling community. This is only the beginning, so when you see Class 5, make sure to put some respect on their name. Bravo Class 5, more bouquet of flowers to come.

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ONE MISTAKE TWO DIFFERENT CONSEQUENCES

Photos by Patrick Smith/Getty Images

By Alesha Cesar

Last year many across the world witnessed the flamboyant Sha’Carri Richardson, 21, win the women’s 100-meter race at the U.S. track and field trials in Oregon.

Many fans were in awe as Richardson seemed to remind them of a tiger, her quick feet, toned body, and resilience really caught the attention of celebrities, athletes, and politicians.

Unfortunately, Richardson’s rapid road to stardom was dramatically put on pause as the Olympics suspended her for testing positive for THC. In an interview with NBC News, Richardson announced:

“I was just thinking it would be a normal interview,” said Richardson. “But to hear that information coming from a complete stranger, it was definitely triggering, it was definitely nerve-shocking.” Richardson said she then used marijuana to deal with that distress, explaining: “I know I can’t hide, so... in some type of way, I was trying to hide my pain.”

This sparked a lot of controversies as people agreed or disagreed on the consequences that Richardson should endure. Olympic Gold Medalist soccer player Sydney Leroux said, “We need to look at what athletes are being given to deal with the mental and physical demands of their sport. If Xanax and opioids are legal, then marijuana should be too.”

The backlash did not stop here. One year later, 15-year-old Russian figure skater Kamila Valieva is opening up the major question, “Why does racial equality divide Sha’Carri and Kamila?”

Valieva was representing Russia as the best figure skater and continuing their streak of two consecutive Olympic gold medals.

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Cont.

Her loss only allowed us to see how overwhelmed and pained she was by the public’s opinion on her doping scandal—testing positive for three heart drugs and still having the opportunity to skate.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has responded to #ShaCarriRichardson after she called the organization out about double standards at the Beijing Olympics regarding drug Testing. Mark Adams, an IOC spokesman, addressed comparisons telling @YahooSports, "You can't talk about double standards in relation to Russian and American athletes. Each case is individual."

I corresponded with Howard University student, Morghan Manuel, who is currently a dancer for College Hall South.

Q..

A.C. How do you think drugs impact sports? Do you think there’s a stereotype towards black people?

A. M.M. I think the use of drugs in sports is really undermining the value system of fair play. It gives the sport itself a negative rep as well as a damaging effect on a team's performance. I believe any area, field, environment, and practice that showcases black talent and success, will unfortunately always be systematically stereotyped and looked down upon. They hate to see us win and sit in positions of power in the world!!!

Q. A.C.. Sha’Carri Richardson was banned from performing at the Olympics, yet Kamila Valieva was allowed to skate while she was caught doping. Do you believe this was fair? Do you think that race has anything to do with his decision?

A. M.M.Strong yes, iffy on the no, looking at both of these females and their situation. It could be said that It was unfair for Sha’Carri Richardson to be banned for what I like to call a “celebration sesh.” And to see Miss Valieva get the second chance and opportunity to still perform after being caught for doping.

And I’m not saying that either one of those ladies were in the right for their actions. Consequences are consequences. But I’m not going to turn a blind eye either towards the unnecessary extent the Olympics took with Miss Richardson’s case. I00% agree that If she were a white woman, the Olympics would have let her race with minimal efforts of trying to punish her drug use. Just the way they handled Valieva’s drug test. My confusion…they didn’t at all!”

Q. A.C.. How should players be treated and what do you think could be prevented in order for everyone to feel equal?

A. M.M.Man, if that question could have an answer for our political and social setting today. Then I wouldn’t be asked to answer this. There are many ways to incorporate fair treatment, especially in a world that doesn’t have much of that. But until people decide to live in the moment and (excuse me for my language) get their heads out of their ass. I do think in order for players to feel equal within their playing field, better implemented rules and protocols and be put into place. The Olympics have been accused a number of times of not redefining procedures and making all things equal no matter the situation. If you are going to ban one player for any illegal drug use then all players following need to be banned. If that is the extent of practice that needs to be enforced for people to feel more comfortable with having fair chances, no matter the predicted outcome.

This all comes down to the fact that there must be change in all that is given to us. Our color should not differentiate our rights of being able to play in a sport that is admired and played by wonderful, talented people.

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"HEY GIRL, ARE WE WEARING HEELS TONIGHT?"

BY KYANDI HYDE

Photo Courtesy of Getty Images

Let me set the scene:

Now, I know we’ve all been here about

It’s 5 p.m on Friday and you’re getting

heels. What do we answer? Does it depend

ready for a long night out on U Street with

on the vibe of the night? Or does it depend

your girls. You’re in your silk robe, standing

on who you’re going out with? Is it

in front of the mirror. You’ve thought about determined by where you are going? Or what to wear, but after hours of trying on

who’s gonna be there…?

clothes, tonight’s pre-arranged outfit is just not doing the trick. Back to square one you Deciding whether or not to wear heels on go. Just as you pull out that one old

a night out can be quite difficult,. but in

reliable outfit, you get that text….

style just as in math, there’s always a formula. I’m going to take you on my

*insert “Hey girl are we wearing heels

three-step process for choosing if I should

tonight??”

wear heels for the night! As “darty (or day party) season” approaches and we’re

Coordinating with your girlfriends is

prepping for more and more social

nothing new in women’s history. For

outings, having this guide is essential!

decades, the routine of hitting the town with a group of your ladies has been a

STEP ONE: KNOW YOUR STYLE

posh activity that women look forward to

The first step is definitely the most

all week. This routine has gained

important of them all: “Know Yourself.” This

recognition by pop-culture references left

mantra applies to all categories within our

and right. “Sex and the City”, “Girlfriends”

life, but most importantly through our

and “Grown-Ish” all go great lengths to

fashions. Personal style is subjective,

illustrate the importance of a weekly “girls-

meaning the only person who can

night-out” trope.

understand your style is you.

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Be real with yourself. Determine early what appeals to you, and what does not. If you know that every time you wear heels you end up itching to take them off before the night concludes, then that might just be a sign. Test your comfort levels before going out, so that when you’re in a pinch for time you already know what your best bet is.

Let me just make it simple, for you: IF YOU 1. Don’t Like Heels 2. Can’t Walk in Heels 3. Will Not Make it Through the Night in Heels THEN DON’T WEAR HEELS! Perhaps opt for something more like a comfortable sandal or kitten heel.

STEP TWO: KNOW THE VIBE

I love step two because it really makes you consider exactly what your sense of style is.

There are two types of people in this world: 1. The Overdressed And 1. The Underdressed Coming from the perspective of someone who is routinely accused of “overdressing,” I truly believe that there is no such thing. That said, regardless of who my audience is, aka the people laying eyes on my outfit that night, I dress in whatever I see fit for the occasion.

Be it a feather boa for a casual dinner, a pair of sweats for a museum date, or in this case, heels for a night out with the girls, wearing what floats my boat is all that matters.

For some of us, dressing on brand to fit the vibe of the occasion is essential. If this sounds like you, you need to pinpoint your environment, and dress according to your perception of it. Researching on TikTok, Instagram, or conducting a simple google search can present you with all the visuals you need to conclude what type of vibe you are walking into. For example, if you’re going to Victory Bar and Lounge in Miami, then you know to expect the latest BBL Couture pictured on the left (no shade, sometimes we love BBL Couture). But if you’re going to Nobu in Malibu, you may find yourself surrounded by more classy and chic attire like that one on the right. Spot the difference?

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Does Kanye West’s Portrait in “Jeen Yuhs” Prove that He’s a Genius?

Photo via Netflix

Written by Monét Bowen

Directors Coodie and Chike provided never-before-seen footage of a young Kanye in their documentary film, giving a more in-depth narrative to the Kanye we know today.

On February 16, 2022, Netflix aired the “JeenYuhs: A Kanye Trilogy'' documentary film.

The documentary was directed by Coodie and Chike. Not only did Coodie narrate the entire trilogy, but he also shot most of the clips from the past two decades.

Coodie provided the audience with a plethora of unreleased footage from before Kanye even signed his record deal with RocA-Fella in 2002. A lot of Coodie’s footage was taped before and during the creation of Kanye’s first album, “The College Dropout.”

With Kanye at the forefront of conversation today, nobody knew that this footage would add extra clarity and understanding for people. During the documentary, Coodie stated that he didn’t realize what capturing those moments would lead to.

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Mekhi Abbott, senior at Howard University, understands and appreciates the context that captured moments provide for audiences.

“When I was watching “Jeen-Yuhs,” I felt like the footage added so much context to Kanye’s predicament. Yeah we all heard “The College Dropout” but we didn’t really understand everything that went into producing the album and Kanye trying to establish himself in the rap game.” Abbott explained.

The three-part docuseries gave viewers a backstage look into the making of “The College Dropout.” Coodie also filmed special segments that gave an in-depth look into the creation of songs like “Through The Wire.” On this track, Kanye is rapping the lyrics while his mouth is wired shut due to a car accident. Viewers also got a chance to see the making of the music video.

“I didn’t realize all that went into creating this album. I’m happy this documentary was released and showed us raw and uncut footage. It makes me, personally, appreciate the music that much more,” Abbott explained.

On Feb. 13, a modern and dramatized reboot of the fan-favorite sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air was released, shortening its namesake to Bel-Air. Following the release of the first three episodes of the series on its pilot night, episodes of Bel-Air, executively produced by Will Smith, have been released weekly.

Internet buzz has been surrounding the show, as fans eagerly await the next new twist, discuss the onset of nostalgia prompted by callbacks to the original series and proclaim that the series may have broken “the reboot curse”.

The premise of the reboot follows that of the original, as told by the iconic theme song.

Teenage West Philadelphian, Will Smith gets into an altercation in his neighborhood, and, at the reluctant request of his mother, must move to Bel-Air in LA to live with his incredibly affluent aunt and uncle, and their three children. The story surrounds the events that follow.

While Bel-Air maintains the same logline as the original, similarities between the two begin to dwindle past this point which, unexpectedly, has been well-received by many fans of the original that have taken to social media weekly to confirm that Bel-Air may have broken the “reboot curse”- a term used to describe the tendency for reboots and sequels to pale in comparison to their predecessors, and eventually fizzle out as a result.

“I’m so glad I gave Bel Air a chance. When I heard there was a Fresh Prince reboot coming, I was already like “HELL NO” cause reboots never came out good. But #BelAir has broken the curse. The show slaps hard. I love it,” weighed in Twitter user @victoriaa_o on the topic on the reboot curse phenomenon.

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Internet discourse surrounding the belief in the reboot curse tends to divide itself into one of two main schools of thought. The first idea is that reboots fail because they base themselves on something that has been done before, therefore taking up a space in television that could be occupied by fresh ideas. The second thought is that the curse resides within the audience and the nostalgic stubbornness with which original fans view a recreation of beloved characters and plot points.

The success of Bel-Air could be based on the formulaic manner in which it changes the entire genre of the series, slightly tweaks the traits and relationships of the characters to create a new experience, and modernizes certain storylines to make them applicable to a newer audience, all while incorporating enough elements of the original to appease long-time fans of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. This evolution is evident in every character, whether changes are subtle, like in Will and Jazz’s characters, or dramatic, as evident in Geoffry and Carlton.ir.

“This is a dramatic retelling of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, which we know and love,” said Jabari Banks, the actor and West Philadelphia native serving as the Will Smith of Bel-Air, told Today, “It’s basically the idea [going] into each character’s inner life and [seeing] the emotions that they’re feeling through their journey.”

The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air was about what the title would suggest. It was the story of Will, and save for the comedic quips or occasional event episodes, the other characters serve to tell Will’s story and develop his character. While Will could still be considered the main character, Bel-Air places more emphasis on the events happening outside of Will. It focuses on the lives and careers of each member of the family and when revisiting certain storylines it answers questions like: “What was this character feeling when that happened?” Just as the original had to limit certain dramatic elements to maintain the comedic aspect, BelAir had to omit some of the goofier elements of each character to commit to dramatizationand the show works both ways.

Bel-Air is solely available through Peacock, a streaming service owned by NBC Universal, and releases episodes everyThursday.

According to Paul Zechearia at Screen Rant, Peacock had originally purchased two seasons of Bel-Air, so fans should undoubtedly expect a season two.

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PAVING THE WAY

By Laniyah Collins Photograph by The New York Times

With Women’s History Month recently to a close, I think it’s important to highlight the importance of women who have paved the way for other women to make and create history, or should I say herstory.

On April 7th, 2022, Judge Kentanji Brown Jackson was confirmed and became the first Black woman to be a Supreme Court Justice. This event is and will be monumental for paving the way for other Black women that want to enter spaces of high-powered decision-making and showing they not only can do it but that they deserve to be there as well.

I In an interview with Kylie Burke, graduating senior at Howard University and former student body President, she shared how she was able to attend the celebration for Judge Brown Jackson’s confirmation at the White House and she stated, “it’s important to celebrate her and it’s also important to recognize that she’s not the first Black woman qualified, she’s the first one with the opportunity.”

With Kentanji paving the way for future generations of Black women, I wanted to highlight a Black woman who paved the way for her. This Black woman is Alice Dunnigan. Alice Dunnigan was a journalist, author, and Civil Rights activist, who became the first Black woman to be a correspondent at the White House along with the first Black woman to be a part of the Senate and House press galleries in 1947. Dunnigan paved the way for Black people to be able to receive information about what is going on nationally and the political decisions that are being made at the national level.

Dunnigan was able to report from the legislative and executive branches of the United States. That laid the foundation for Judge Brown Jackson to be able to have a seat. It is unfortunate that Black NOMADIC | 24 people, especially Black women, have to fight multiple oppressive systems in order to receive opportunities that they’ve proved to be overqualified for, but it’s beautiful to see the sacrifices of previous generations paying off for the people that are coming behind them.

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A Different Kind of Protest: Howard's Faculty Protest

BY TAYLOR NASH If your teachers are coming in and out of the doors on a yearly basis, then you don’t have stability; without stability, then you cannot build a good university!

This was the rallying cry as students and

However, it would be okay to wrap the

faculty at Howard University joined

story up with the suicide hotline and

collectively to rally behind non-tenured

warning signs for someone who may be

faculty as they shared their experiences

contemplating dying by suicide. There

facing difficult working conditions at the

will be real people who have to read

university.

these stories and they could possibly be

Months after a nonviolent occupation of

them contemplate suicide, so it would

Howard University’s student center, Blackburn in protest of student housing conditions, Howard’s community is once again awakened by protests.

On March 18, non-tenured faculty, tenured faculty members and adjuncts gathered around the flagpole in the yard, the center of Howard’s main campus.

In solidarity, they expressed the context behind their immediate concerns they face as faculty at Howard University. In sharing

battling with issues that have made be helpful to provide them with resources that could help them. Overall, death is difficult and grieving is strenuous, so the least journalists and the public can do is honor the deceased in the way they speak about them.

The faculty, way before I joined Howard, wanted to unionize and since then they still haven’t been given a contract…so there’s a bargaining unit that forms, but the administration has been totally unwilling to concede to the points of why they unionized…” Parris explains

their stories, they revealed the uneasiness that comes with having to choose between

It is because both the language of the

remaining at a job that you love with a

seven-year rule, as well as the

community that you love and being able to

University’s negligence regarding a

provide for your family.

bargaining agreement are what Professor Jackson, Howard lecturer and

Standing underneath the flagpole with a megaphone in his hand was Cyrus Hampton, a professor of the English Department and member of the contingent faculty. He provided critical background to what has led to this rally. He explains what is described as the “seven-year rule.”

PAGE 20 • SPRING AT HOWARD

alum, describes as the “microcosm”of a much larger issue than we are going to continue to confront.”

“ There seems to be a lack of institutional support, yet there is much institutional strain; moreover, the brunt of the strain seems to be upon the shoulders of the students and the faculty. This strain has a real life impact.

Now, in front of the administration building, a symbol of power, in a testimony, a Howard lecturer for the English department and new mother shares her troubles getting approved parental leave.

“I received misinformation for how to apply for a parental leave, everywhere else we have learned have clear policies, but there is no documentation at Howard…I formally applied for my family leave in May, my request sat in the Provost office for over five months…it was downright frightening to wonder if our newborn babies would lose health care in the first fragile months of their lives…my salary stopped until the Provost responded to my request.”

In a student testimony, Atara, a sophomore theater major, shares how this rally awakened her eyes to the realities of her teachers.

“For the longest time, I was living only in my own experience. But what I realized, I was starting to pick up on the conversations with my professors, I would see them every morning and my professors already look dog tired…It was rough because after some time I started realizing the faculty that I enjoyed being around stopped showing up because they needed to go somewhere that cared about them…”

The strain that Howard University bestows upon their community is quite heavy.

Faculty are left scrambling in order to support their families and students bear witness to teachers having to leave because of the lack of support which, in turn, leaves the students to feel unsupported as well. It is all a slippery slope.

It was not too long ago where Howard University was summoned to respond to the crisis of their students. Now, they are called to atone for the crisis of their faculty. If it’s one thing the Howard community will do is unify because it takes social movements to make social change. After last semester, Howard can no longer be inconspicuous; there is a demanding community with their eyes focused on the actions of the administration. The following weeks will tell what’s to come. But, in the meantime, seek the stories of the faculty and listen just as they’ve done for Blackburn.

Howard University, we see you.

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THE TROUBLE WITH HOUSING AT HOWARD

By Essence Wiley As this spring semester wraps up, so does a sense of security for many students.

Third and fourth-year Howard University students are tasked with finding housing for the upcoming school year amidst the stress of ending the school year strong, being involved on campus, securing internships, and being a college student in a pandemic.

As interest in Historically Black Colleges and Universities peaks, Howard University’s student body is rapidly growing. Known as “The Mecca,” Howard is home to nearly ten thousand students.

The university currently possesses a total of 38 dorms, 2,700 rooms, and 5,500 total beds. Meaning a significant portion of students, usually, upperclassmen, are left to fend for off-campus housing for the duration of their matriculation. #HomelessatHoward on Twitter is a hashtag coined by students years ago but was revived last fall. The hashtag is used to bring attention to the housing shortage and the deteriorating facilities of the housing that is available.

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Conditions seemed to be so subpar that students felt it necessary to stage a three-week-long sit-in in the university’s Armour J. Blackburn University Center, one of the most used buildings on campus. In light of the #BlackburnTakeover during the Fall 2021 semester, it's evident that housing is an ongoing issue for Howard. While the University has acknowledged the need to maintain facilities in residence halls, the shortage of housing has not yet been addressed.

The pressure of the housing search is especially heightened by Washington, D.C.’s steep rent prices. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in D.C. is $2,700. A studio at Trellis House, one of the University’s closest and cheapest housing options, starts at $1,998. Axis at Howard, a studio-style off-campus housing option, starts at $1,432.

“I have a single mom who also pays my tuition out of pocket. When I think about having to pay rent in D.C. and all the costs that come with that, my overall cost of attendance would be extremely high. The whole thing really just stresses me out,” says sophomore Jasmine Hughley.

At what cost?

BY LANIYAH COLLINS

Graduation season is typically a joyous time on any college campus, with the celebration of hard work about to commence and the benefits of this hard work starting to roll in. The hard work is usually assumed to just be the academic assignments that had to be completed to obtain the degree, but many people may not know all the preparation that goes into graduation and how much that can cost.

Graduating seniors must apply to graduate and once that application is approved, they then have to pay an application fee.

This fee varies at different universities and colleges but at Howard, it’s $100 and there is no way to get around that if you want to graduate.

Then, cap and gowns at the collegiate level typically cost $50 or more. Now, is buying a cap and gown required to receive your degree? No. But after all the hard work people put into obtaining that degree, they usually want to participate in their graduation ceremony.

Additionally, tuition can be a struggle for some students and in order to graduate, one must not have any holds on their accounts.

So students have to figure out a way to clear out any balance they may have, a month or so before graduation to ensure they won’t have a hold. On top of that, just like with any celebration in life, most people want to look a certain way and have their memories captured. Depending on the city that your university is located in, photographers can charge up to $1000 on the higher end and usually no lower than $250 for graduation shoots.

Beauty services such as hair styling, hair cuts, makeup, nails, and so on can also be expensive experiences. So the next time you see a college graduate, know that along with those blood, sweat, and tears, they put a great deal of money into getting to their big day.

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BRINGING BUZZY BEATS

TO SPRINGTIME AT HOWARD

By Olivia Green Beyoncé’s rendition of “Before I Let Go” played, and for the first time since the pandemic, Howard students broke out into the electric slide on The Yard. This spring, one of the first sunny days prompted students to break out their sunglasses and picnic blankets. At the head of it all, completing the atmosphere with crowd-pleasing music, Alani Hodge aka DJ Doobie This sophomore film and television major is taking Howard’s music scene by storm.

““This semester Hodge dived into creative entrepreneurship and has received traction on campus among party-goers and party promotion groups. Despite recognition of her talents, obstacles undoubtedly present themselves. Sourcing and paying for equipment is one, especially because Hodge sometimes gets push-back about her rates. Also, the DJ industry is notoriously male-dominated.

Representation is increasing, but according to the 2021 IMS Business report, female DJs only account for 4% of demand. ”

“The DJ can really make or break your experience,” said Jade De Los Santos, a Howard Student and party attendee. “Doobie is amazing at reading the crowd and setting the vibe, and that day on the yard felt like the “I argue with male DJs because they don't let me live. They take over my sets Howard spring darties you hear about.” sometimes and mansplain everything, even the basics,” said Hodge. “I wouldn't As a long-time music lover, Hodge initially be booked if I didn't know the basics.” began as a producer making beats for other artists. Inspired by Tyler the Creator, the In line with her artistic inspirations, DJ rapper formerly known as Kanye West and Doobie plans to continue growing in Virgil Abloh, she has aspirations to take her her artistry and as a creative artistry beyond beat making. The beginning entrepreneur in order to nurture the of the pandemic in 2020 presented the creative environment at Howard. Look perfect time. for events that incorporate film, fashion, music and visuals.

Originally I was a producer, and I love it because I love music in general, but it's hard Hodge says: “remember you went to to monetize production unless you know a lot of artists who love your beats,” said Hodge school with me because you’ll probably brag to your children one day about being at Howard with DJ Doobie.”

Because I was just starting out, I didn't know any other artists. I figured the only way for me To keep up with DJ Doobie, follow her to invest in my music interests as well as on Instagram @whosdoobie grow my knowledge would be to DJ..

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The Unheard: Students at HBCUs Struggle to Find Plant Based Options

BY AALIYAH SEABROOKS

At Howard University, a historically black college located in Washington D.C, individuals are able to have unique experiences among the many cultural backgrounds represented by students and faculty on campus. This sharing of ideas and art is commonplace to HBCUs across the country as they pride themselves on showcasing the beauty of human creativity.

One of the best places students do this is the cafeteria, and on special days like “Catfish Fridays”, “Fried Chicken Wednesdays”, and as the Howard Bison call, “Soul Food Thursdays”, many of the most popular soul foods dominate the menus. Foods like ribs, macaroni and cheese, fried chicken and collard greens are among the most common items on these plates and remind many students of their homes and upbringings.

However, when these foods make up a majority of the options available to Howard students it often ostracizes a small sector of those who follow vegan, vegetarian or halal diets and whom also make up the, “...8% of African Americans [that] identify as vegan or vegetarian compared to just 3% of the general population,” according to PEW Research.

Kyle Veazie, a political science and psychology double major at Howard University, who has not eaten meat for nearly two years, talked about his journey so far at the university as a transitioning vegetarian.

“It was really difficult to adjust because a lot of the different food options, even though they were considered vegetarian, were not tasty food options. They were not things that you wanted to eat.” added Veazie.

“I feel like social media definitely caused a cultural shift to increase the number of people taking their diets seriously and being vegetarians and vegans but I still think that a large majority of the black community is cut off to these ideas because of the traditional meals that we are conditioned to….ribs, hog mogs, chitterlings…these are just things that are ingrained in our culture so it's hard to shift away from that,” he continued.

PAGE 25 • SPRING AT HOWARD

CONT.

Additionally, students that do not have the resources to grocery shop or eat food from restaurants must make adjustments to the way that they eat, and some are left with no choice than to eat what is provided. This inaccessibility to high quality fruits and vegetables alters the daily routines of individuals who, in many cases, have eaten that way their whole lives.

For Muslim students like Sabarin Ahmed, who is a legal communications major at Howard University, her eating halal meat not only represents her childhood, but also represents her faith.

“Even though I do not eat halal meat as often, because it is kind of hard to come by in certain places like DC for example, it still influences me to eat less meat just because that was such an ingrained part of my childhood,” said Ahmed as she discussed the roadblocks she faces in trying to find options on campus for a halal diet.

As students speak up about this issue, they still must do the best they can to eat within their dietary restrictions without disrupting their daily schedules. Some students like Aanisah Clark, who is a junior, political science major at Howard University, cooks her own vegan meals and does not mind the extra work of preparing the food because it makes her happy.

“Me, being from Brooklyn, I come from a big Rastafarian community, so we were all raised to be pretty strictly vegetarian. For us that was normal and we knew lots of other kids that grew up vegetarian as well,” added Clark.

The lifestyle that some students once knew as normal has become a challenge to maintain as students refute the university’s claims of offering a plethora of options for all plant based diets.

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"Got EEM" Maury Povich Is Coming to an End

BY ALESHA CESAR

Povich’s Tabloid Talk Show “Maury” Ends its 31-Year Run “You are not the father!” A phrase that resonates with many across the region as “Maury” effortlessly brought tears, insanity, and utter joy to guests and audience members who anticipated the chaos that arose within each episode.

After a 31-season run of revealing who is the father, and starting conversations on family, blood, and race “Maury” in America has come to an end. Povich concentrated on presumably poor/ black single mothers —screaming like a 3year-old who had their beloved teddy bear stolen right in front of them after hearing, “You are not the father!” This questions an ongoing stereotype of black men who don’t seem to be present in their child’s life. Many share the fact that black families are humiliating themselves as they’re labeled to be “ratchet” on air.

“His show and others like it are really bad for society because they encourage class division and hatred towards and among the most disadvantaged, poor, or colored,” These shows let people that are feeling bad about their own lives feel better because they can feel superior to the trailer trash, and the audience encourages the viewers to join in on the demonization. If this TV time was used for actual understanding of the social pressures that cause this behavior or these problems, we could collaborate on what to do about it, to affect it in a positive way.

As the syndicated talk show terminates, through the good and the bad, we sit and wonder what’s next for many families, who want to know who the father is.

PAGE 27 • SPRING AT HOWARD

Your Guide to Spring in D.C. Written by Alex Williams and Ravyn Hardwick

Springtime in the nation’s capital is simply unmatched. Springtime in the city is the perfect time to enjoy a plethora of festivities, galleries, and trips to local markets in the Washington, D.C. area.

Whether you’re looking to get out by yourself or with family and/or friends, these activities will have you making monumental memories right here in the District.

Below is a list of the best activities to enjoy this spring in the D.C. area.

Cherry Blossom Festival The Cherry Blossom Festival, which celebrates the gift of 3,000 Cherry Blossoms to the United States from the Mayor of Tokyo in 1912, runs annually from March to April. The trees planted over 110 years ago, still proudly sprout all over the district, and truly encapsulates the beauty and friendship formed between the two countries during the springtime! This year’s festival from March 20, 2022-April 17, 2022 will showcase a variety of events that will honor both American and Japanese cultures. Additionally, this year’s festivities will also allow for in-person activities that will allow families to enjoy the Blossom Kite Festival, the Annual parade (April 9). Anacostia River Festival (April 10), Petalooza (April 16) and so much more! For the full list of this year’s activities with dates/times, make sure to follow the Guide to the National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, D.C. on https://washington.org.

PAGE 28 • SPRING AT HOWARD

Visit the National Zoo Visit one of the oldest zoos in the United States, by visiting the Smithsonian National Zoo with little ones, family, and friends. With over 2,000 animals, the zoo is the perfect date to enjoy the sights of giant pandas, elephants, tigers, etc. While admission into the zoo is always free of charge, consider also visiting on April 16th and April 17th to celebrate 50 years of Panda conservation at the Smithsonian.

The 50th Pandaversary will be a fun time to learn more about the giant pandas and the importance of protecting our animals and wildlife. For more information on the Pandaversary celebration and to view admission tickets and passes for the zoo, visit https://nationalzoo.si.edu.

Travel to Rock Creek Park The perfect date for a stroll in the park, explore one of D.C’s most sacred treasures! This 1, 754 acre city park is the perfect place to relax, enjoy time away from the busy work life and enjoy D.C.’s weather. Located in a cut off area near the city, this is the perfect oasis that you can enjoy for a solo date or with your partner.

Support Local Sporting Events Enjoy this year’s spring weather by watching baseball games from Nationals Park cheering on the 2019 World Series Champions Washington Nationals with families and friends. Spring training games will continue through April 5th, with regular-season games presiding every day for the following months.

Visit the Washington Nationals official website page via mlb.com, to view the team’s full schedule for this season and access ticket pricing as well.

Broccoli City Festival Broccoli City Festival is an annual event hosted by Broccoli City, a Black-owned social enterprise. Broccoli City “fosters creative and community growth by building innovative experiences that intersect music, art, and social impact.” This year the two-day festival will take place May 7-8th at the RFK Festival Grounds. Some of the artists in this year's lineup include Summer Walker, Ari Lennox, Lil Durk, Wale, Gunna, 21 Savage, Terms, Don Toliver, Masego, Jeezy, and Rico Nasty, Muni Long. General admission tickets start at $149.50 and VIP passes start at $499. 50. To find out more information about the festival and to purchase tickets, visit https://www.bcfestival.com.

PAGE 29 • SPRING AT HOWARD

PAGE 30 • SPRING AT HOWARD

Passport DC A 31-day journey filled with exciting programming, festivals, and events from 70 embassies, passport DC is the perfect time to experience a special cultural infusion in the DC area. As the month of May celebrates International Cultural Awareness Month, those in the area can also enjoy open houses, special performances, and workshops celebrating cultures from all over the world. Events will begin May 6-7, and will last until the end of May! For a full list of this year’s activities, visit PASSPORT DC www.culturaltourism.org (culturaltourismdc.org), !

Visit the Art Museum The National Gallery of Art is a great place to visit this Spring. The neoclassical West Building of the National Gallery of Art houses one of the best collections of paintings, sculptures, and other works of art from the 13th to the 20th centuries. The East Building is a fourstory structure that houses predominantly modern and contemporary art. The East Building is currently closed due to renovations but is set to reopen this upcoming June. The National Gallery of Art is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and admission is always free. For more information visit https://www.nga.gov/index.html.

White House Easter Egg Roll This activity is perfect to get out with the kids and the rest of the family! The Easter Egg Roll is a time when children and families from across the country assemble on the White House's South Lawn for egg rolling, storytelling, photo opportunities, entertainment, and other fun activities. The Biden Administration will hold its first Easter Egg Roll on April 18th. Children who attend are also given a special souvenir wooden egg as a keepsake. Tickets for the Easter Egg Roll are free and made available via an online lottery. There is also an online lottery available for adults who want to volunteer. To enter the lottery for tickets visit https://whitehouse.gov1.info/easter-egg-roll/.

National Botanic Garden The National Botanic Garden is a live plant museum that educates over one million people each year about the importance of plants to not only humans but all of the earth's ecosystems. The museum offers many different exhibits such as the famous Conservatory, a greenhouse with two courtyard gardens, and ten glass-enclosed garden rooms. The Botanic Garden offers an experience to explore a diverse range of plants and settings, providing a full sensory experience that includes sight, smell, and sound. The Botanic Garden is always free and open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. If you want to fully immerse yourself in nature this Spring, this museum is the place to be! For more information visit https://www.usbg.gov.

Cherry Blossom Season The History and Importance

By Monet Heath

As the spring season approaches, the excitement of cherry blossoms beginning to regrow is happening in the DC community. The history of cherry blossoms in the DC community dates back to the early 1910s.

The cherry blossom plant originated in China. However, the country of Japan has celebrated the cherry blossom season as early as the 1800s. The celebration of the cherry blossom symbolized blooming in spring.

Former First Lady Helen Taft visited Japan and grew a liking towards the cherry blossom tree. She was offered to receive a donation of 2,000 trees by Tokyo mayor Yukio Ozaki in 1909. Unfortunately, there was an issue with the trees because they were infected with insects and diseases. This forced former President William Taft to burn all of the trees.

After learning about the incident, mayor Ozaki and others involved in the original donation were upset to hear about the outcome. Ozaki decided to make another donation to ensure that they received proper trees and everything was ok.

In March of 1912, cherry blossom trees arrived in Washington DC and were planted. A small ceremony was held following the arrival of the trees.

Since the cherry blossom tree has arrived in Washington DC, the celebration has grown. People from all over the world travel to experience the beauty of the cherry blossom tree.

“I’ve always wanted to come here since I was a little girl to see the cherry blossoms!” Jean Johnson said. “My daughter moved to DC at the beginning of the year and that’s when I told her I wanted to come in the spring.”

There are many opportunities for visitors to be able to experience the cherry blossoms.

.

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CONT.

“They're having a big concert here,” says Jeff Johnson who was visiting The Wharf alongside Jean Johnson.

By Monet Heath

The Wharf, located in the sixth ward of Washington DC, hosts several events during the beginning of the spring season to commemorate the blooming of cherry blossoms. Events this year include an anime movie festival, a cherry blossom decoration competition, and a festival known as Bloomaroo.

Bloomaroo is a free event that includes a concert, activities for children, and a firework show at night. This event allows visitors to enjoy the cherry blossoms while having fun. The Wharf also ensures that the festival is properly decorated. Visitors will notice that many of the restaurants in The Wharf are decorated with cherry blossoms. Some restaurants even have cherry blossominspired menu items for this time of year.

The celebration of cherry blossom season has had a huge impact on the culture of DC. Many DC natives have brung cherry blossoms into their homes.

“I think a lot of people from this area have cherry blossom trees in their backyard or around their house. I have some around my house and I like seeing them when they start to bloom. So it’s just fun and it’s something unique to the DC area.” Howard University student Leah Dawson said.

She also highlights how popular the cherry blossom trees are for visitors to DC. “I think when a lot of people come to the area they come just to see the trees and it’s like crazy to me that something that I have in my front yard people travels all the way to DC just to see them. But it’s definitely a part of DC culture.” Dawson said "The love and admiration for the cherry blossom season are adamant and will continue to grow. For more information on Bloomaroo or more events at The Wharf this season, visit https://www.wharfdc.com/upcoming-events/

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KEKE PALMER STARS IN 'ALICE,' THE STORY OF AN ENSLAVED WOMAN'S REVENGE

By Fatou Drammeh

The upcoming film “Alice” puts a new spin on the typical antebellum films we are used to seeing on the big screen. Starring award-winning Keke Palmer, Alice is the story of an enslaved woman who B entertainer Y MONET BOW EN escapes her Georgia plantation. Once Alice runs far enough from her plantation she is stopped by a truck driver, played by fellow entertainer Common, who informs her that it is not the 1800s, but 1973.

The film follows Alice as she learns about the changed state of America post-Civil Rights Act. As she finds her footing in the new era, she also seeks clarity and justice from the people who used to own her. The introduction of Palmer’s character to the modern-day is represented by retro copies of Ebony and Rolling Stone, bright colors, and blowouts reminiscent of the 70s. “I'm intrigued by Alice's awakening to society in the 70s, it's kinda like Foxy Brown meets Harriet Tubman,” says Amaka Korie, a 2021 graduate of Howard University’s TV & film program.

Alice isn’t the first feature film to look at slavery through the lens of a different time period. The 2020 film Antebellum, starring Janelle Monae, follows an author who also finds herself on a plantation during modern times and has to find a way to escape. But while Antebellum was a fictional story, Alice is based on true accounts of Black families who remained enslaved for over 100 years after emancipation.

PAGE 33 • SPRING AT HOWARD

In 2018, Vice published an article interviewing Antoinette Harrell, a historian and genealogist specializing in peonage, particularly among Black people in the US south. Harrell, through 20-years of research, uncovered many stories of people who were enslaved well into the 1950’s and 60’s, and lived to tell the tale. Harrell’s blog details some of her tangible findings that point to the reality of 20th-century enslavement in the United States — a reality many were not made aware of through their education of slavery. “I recall learning about the prevalence of sharecropping in the South through the New York Time's 1619 Project but I wasn't aware that there were still enslaved people in the 60s and 70s,” says Korie. “I can't even fathom the extent to which that was able to happen and how that still affects racial dynamics in the South today.”

The story of Mae and Annie Miller, one that was uncovered by Harrell, served as the inspiration for the film when director Krystin Ver Linden came across the story of these sisters who were enslaved in Mississippi in the 1960s. Though 60 years may seem far away, Annie Miller and her brother Arthur Wall have lived long enough to tell the tale of their experience, even though Mae has not - in fact, the two siblings have been invited to the premiere of the film in Baton Rouge alongside Harrell.

Despite the seemingly widespread annoyance with the number of Black trauma productions being pushed out by Hollywood, positive sentiments surround the film on the day of its premiere. “We’re all too familiar with the traumatic slave film but there is a promise of something different in this story,” says Korie.

Source: Roadside Attractions and Vertical Entertainment PAGE 34 • SPRING AT HOWARD

the rebirth of spring Written by Askya Alexander

Temperate weather has settled across the district, with warm breezes making their way to the upper quadrangle of Howard University’s campus and settling in the air.

The student body has emerged from their dwellings of hibernation at the first taste of spring. In a sort of frenzied motion, clothing has been shed, music has been playing, and gatherings have been taking place on Howard’s infamous Yard, transforming the open space from a barren wasteland into a populous commune.

Spring comes around every year, but this year is different.

After two years since the last full spring semester on campus, this was new territory for the majority of the student body. As one might recall, the student body was sent home before Spring Break of March 2020. This alien environment has pushed students to take advantage of experiences they have not had the opportunity to participate in before.

With SpringFest, an annual Howard University event filled with a week's worth of activities, right around the corner, another anticipated time of the year has arrived: probate season.

Probate season is a fanatical time on any college campus, but especially on that of an HBCU. A probate is a new member orientation presentation performed by Greek organizations. Shown to their families, friends, and the entirety of campus, the new inductees commit themselves to their respective sorority or fraternity for a lifetime.

It is an exciting time not only for campus life but for the Greek community as well. The shows often contain greetings, strolls, history, and the reveal. Greek organizations such as Phi Beta Sigma, Alpha Phi Alpha, Zeta Phi Beta, and Kappa Alpha Psi have had their probates just this week alone.

On Wednesday afternoon, the fraternity Phi Beta Sigma conducted theirs. As the bright royal blue flooded the yard, the new members were unveiled through a show of fraternal history, brotherhood, dancing, and discipline.

Kadin Smith, a newly-inducted Sigma, had this to say about the process.

“The probate allows you to think of yourself in the context of a brotherhood.”

The brothers conducted their roll-calls, often referring to a fellow with other Divine Nine organizations in attendance. They performed elaborate dance routines surrounded by the compulsive swaying of head nods from alumni of Greek organizations and students alike. The young men recited facts about the history of the fraternity with a high level of discipline, sharp movements, and precision.

To the uninitiated, the new member process go through may seem unusual but the processes are steeped in history and tradition unique to each organization.

As rigorous as the experience might sound, Naheim Banks, a newly-inducted Kappa, does not view it that way, stating “I’m eternally grateful for this time in my life. It reminds me of what I have learned, what I will continue to learn, and how much I have grown both as an individual and professional.”

PAGE 35 • SPRING AT HOWARD

101 Magazine

CONGRATULATES The Class of 2022