INFOS AND MORE INFOS AND MORE
Hieveryone!I’mAlanaMatthew,juniorjournalismmajor sociologyminorfromBrooklynNY anditwasmyabsolutehonor toserveas101Magazine’seditor-in-chiefforasecond semester OntheheelsofourHomecomingspecialedition,Ihad thepleasureofleadingtheconstructionandcurationofour springedition,“ToBloomorNottoBloom,”fromitsinception
Springhassprungforquitesometimenow,weather-wiseand attitude-wise.Springsemesterusedtobemyleastfavorite,but thissemesterhaspermanentlychangedmyoutlookonthe secondhalfofourschoolyear.InspiredbytheShakespearean phrase,“Tobeornottobe,thatisthequestion,”thisyear’stitle isaplayonHamlet’sfamoussoliloquy.Idecided‘tobloom’may bemorefitting,forobviousconnectionstothebloomingof flowersthatoftenoccursinthespring,butalsoasametaphorfor thegrowthandevolutionweallexperience AsCOVIDdies down,andwecomeoutofpandemicmodeslowlybutsurely we’reallposedwiththequestion,“Tobloomornottobloom?”
Myroleaseditor-in-chiefhastrulyforcedmetobloom My amazingstaff,ouradvisorProfessorBlount,andthe administrativeteamDarreonnaandJadahaveinspiredmetobe abetterwriter,abettereditor,andabetterhumaninmoreways thanIcancount Lessonsinpatience,kindness,andeventhe valueofswitchingupaledefromtimetotime.They’refond memoriesthatIwillcherishlongaftermydaysatHowardand takewithmeintomyfuturejournalisticendeavors.
Withthatsaid,it’smypleasuretopresent101Magazine’s longesteditiontodate,featuringSpringfestcontent,ourcover story,andthecoveritselfincollaborationwithModelsofthe Meccahighlightingtheirend-of-yearfashionshow
Plusnotablestoriesaboutthe effectsofAIonBlackstudents andabeginner’sguidetoweed!
Thankyouforsupporting studentjournalism,101 Magazine,andallthedreams ofeveryjournalist,editor, graphicdesigner,and photographerthatworkedso hardtomakeithappen!
Heyhey!Whereveryou’rereadingthisfrom,Ihopeyou’refilled withjoyandsurroundedbylove.
IamDarreonnaDavis,aseniorjournalismmajorandplaywriting minorfromNewOrleans Thispastsemester myfinalsemester asanundergraduatestudentatHowardUniversity Ihadthe privilegeofservingasthemanagingeditorfor101Magazine
Steppingintoawell-oiledmachineas101Magazinehalfway throughtheschoolyearposedchallenges.Asalways,though, challengesareopportunitiesforgrowthandincreasedselfawareness.ThemostvaluablelessonsIhavelearnedfromthis experiencearehowtoexpressmyselfthroughmywritingand collaboratewithotherwriterswithoutfilteringtheirvoicesasan editor
GoingthroughtheprintjournalismsectoratHowardhashada wayofconservatizingmywritingtotheextentthatItendtowater myworkdowninthenameofobjectivity Istrayawayfromcute andcatchyheadlinesforSEO-approvedones.Iaimforthe safetyofastraightnewsledeinsteadofananecdote
However,readingtheworkofmypeershasignitedafireinme thatIhavealwayshadbut,unknowingly,hadbeencontainingout offear BeingabletobridgethegapIhaddrawnbetweenbeing creativelyexpressiveandbeingagoodnewsreporterwas refreshingforme,freeingeven,anditwouldnothavehappened withoutbeinginthisposition.
Additionally,havingunknowinglycontainedmyownfiremademe waterothers’aswell Afterspendingnearlyanhoureditingone ofmypeer’sstories,theydeniedeverysuggestionImadeto themonGoogleDocs
IwasmadaboutthisbecauseI feltlikeIwastedtime,butthere wasalessonthere Theedits werenotinlinewiththewriter’s voice,sotheydeniedthem Theywerenotdisrespecting me,rathertheyhada confidenceintheirvoicethat allowedthemtobefirminit somethingIreallyhavenot practicedmuch
Theselessonsofbringingyour fullselfintoanysetting, standingfirminyourvaluesand understandingdifferencesare lessonsIhavelearned throughoutmyexperienceas managingeditorof101thatI willtakewithmefortherestof mylife
Ihopethat,inreadingthis, you’llbeencouragedtodothe sameifyouaren’talready
Thankyouforchoosingtoread our2023Springfesteditionof themagazine Thereareso manydifferentvoices noneof whichhavebeenfiltered that I’msureyou’llfindsomethingto connectwith Enjoy!
Alana Matthew EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Darreonna Davis MANAGING EDITOR
Jada Ingleton ASSISTANT EDITOR
Jamaica Kalika
PHOTO EDITOR
Evin Guliford CHIEF CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Kiara Hurst
AUDIO PRODUCER
Azaria Jackson
Kalahari Deprez
Mya Trujillo
Aya Furin-Campbell
Kynadi Hyde
Jayden Armant
Lindsey Desir
Autumn Coleman
Eliana Lewis
Hunter Nichole Stevens
Summer Brown
Deja Dade
LeAnne Roberts
Alyssa Mark
Janee Jenkins
MeKayla Pierre
Corinne Dorsey
Afia Barrie
STAFF WRITERS
Harrison Donaldson
Keith Golden Jr.
Madeleine Hale
Tiana Jones
Jaiden Haynes
Models of the Mecca
Takier George Christian Brewster CONTRIBUTORS
BriAna Alvarado
Victoria Baker
Jordan Pascal
Karla Dozier
Leilani Flint
DESIGN AND COPY EDITORS
Yanick Rice Lamb
PROFESSOR AND FOUNDER
Ericka Blount PROFESSOR AND ADVISOR
Ingrid Sturgis
ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR AND CHAIR
Gracie Lawson-Borders, Ph.D DEAN
Howard University
Cathy Hughes School of Communications
Dept.
As of April 10th, President Joe Biden has restated his plans to run for the 2024 election. During the White House Easter Egg Roll, an event that takes place annually on the South Lawn, Biden hinted at his reelection by saying that he plans to participate in “maybe five” more of those events. When journalist Al Roker asked him to expand on his statement though, he merely stated, “I’m planning on running.”
Despite his recent announcement, people are left confused as to why this hasn't been explicitly stated by him or his administration. It is speculated that he will start campaigning in the coming summer months as he has yet to decide on a campaign manager or choose where to have his reelection bid. Biden is no stranger to procrastinating major decisions, and some speculate this could simply be another bout of him taking his “sweet time.”
Democrats urge that he make this decision sooner rather than later, as there haven't been any strong or competitive Democratic candidates in the running thus far. Although he says he is not prepared to officially announce it yet, it is obvious that is what he will be in preparation for this year.
When you think about elections, you probably view it as an every four-year occasion. Federal elections for President and Vice President always capture national attention, having by far the most turnout and most media coverage.
Maybe you think of the midterm elections that take place every two years deciding control of Congress. But elections take place every year in the United States happening in your state, city, or district, and you might have no clue.
One obvious reason is the fact that these elections cover a smaller constituency and are less important to the national media and public. Yet, that could not be farther from the truth One case was the Wisconsin Supreme Court race that took place on April 4, 2023. This election was the most expensive Supreme Court race in history topping $42 million, second place only being $15 million
One obvious reason is the fact that these elections cover a smaller constituency and are less important to the national media and public. Yet, that could not be farther from the truth.
One case was the Wisconsin Supreme Court race that took place on April 4, 2023 This election was the most expensive Supreme Court race in history topping $42 million with the second place only being $15 million.
What if I told you that an off-year election could not only affect the laws of a specific state but also have national implications?
On April 4, left-leaning Justice Janet Protasiewicz made Wisconsin Democrats and Democrats nationwide ecstatic about her win over her opponent, right-leaning MAGA supporter Daniel Kelly This victory gives the court in Wisconsin a 4-3 progressive to conservative margin. The first time in thirteen years. Protasiewicz soundly defeated Kelly by a ten-point margin collecting one million votes compared to Kelly’s eight hundred thousand This is a big result coming from such a tumultuous swing state But if you’re not from The Badger State, why should you care?
Let’s start with abortion rights. In the continuing onslaught of laws banning abortion after the Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v Wade, many state legislatures in Republican-led states are proposing even harsher bans. Ron DeSantis, governor of Florida and likely candidate for president in 2024, is moving ahead with a six-week ban on abortion in his state
In Wisconsin, a 173-year-old ban on abortion was passed thanks to the ruling in Roe v Wade. Since its overturning in June of 2022, abortion in Wisconsin is now illegal. With newly elected Protasiewicz the progressive-leaning court could strike down that ban in lawsuits already making their way through state courts
Another issue on the mind of many Wisconsin voters is gerrymandering. Wisconsin is considered one of the most gerrymandered states in the country, meaning that the state legislature has drawn up districts in the state to give Republicans (the party in power) a significant advantage over Democrats in state and federal elections. Democrats in the state are already preparing legal challenges against the current maps. If struck down, more fair maps would give both parties a fair chance at seats and allow more Wisconsin voters to be heard
Image via Gayatri Malhotra
Image via Gayatri Malhotra
Image via Gayatri Malhotra
Lastly, this Supreme Court could even have implications for the 2024 presidential election Former President Trump and his administration claimed a stolen election, citing Wisconsin as one of the states where thousands of votes should be deemed fraudulent and thrown out The Wisconsin Supreme Court threw out the former president’s lawsuit confirming President Biden’s win
Protasiewicz’s ads attacked her opponent, Kelly, amplifying his involvement in the effort to steal the 2020 election Kelly advised Republicans on multiple legal efforts that if successful, could have awarded Trump the state With Protasiewicz on the bench, overturning future elections is highly unlikely.
Wisconsin saw the most expensive, most partisan, and possibly most impactful Supreme Court race ever, and Democrats rejoiced with the outcome while pro-Trump Republicans were handed another loss.
Image via Gayatri Malhotrartificial intelligence is one of the hottest topics of the new millennium Even those who consider themselves low-tech and shy away from software updates or are loyal to their iPhone 6 We all use some form of AI every day, whether we like it or not, or are even aware of it From movie plots to self-driving cars to Alexa and Siri, AI is a part of our day-to-day lives ZipRecruiter even states that three-quarters of all resumes are read by algorithms
Technology and AI can also serve as a solution and advancement to many social problems like health accessibility Either way, AI is here to stay and we must have a better collective understanding of its impacts and potential, specifically as HBCU students
With more and more submission sites clocking college students for turning in AI-generated assignments by utilizing infamous sites like Chat GPT, we must ask ourselves if we are prepared for the consequences it can have We are using technology that we don’t know much about It is important to form a working understanding of how AI will directly affect the black community before we use it in mass
Senior computer science major Steph Percy says her future job in the financial services industry is already restricting AI use and blocking content from Chat GPT due to the sensitive nature of the industry, however, there are plans to invest in its potential
“I definitely think it's an amazing phenomenon that's ongoing, to see technology like this being made is just absolutely amazing When looking at something like Chat GPT, which is a chatbox that's able to give a lot of information when asked, will be a resource for a lot of people going forward It helps you have a more core understanding of things,” said Percy “We don’t talk enough about how the accessibility to information can be extremely elitist I see AI and modern technology as a way to combat that, but it definitely has its negatives, like the potential for ethnic bias AI is something you are teaching to act and react to a user So, it will definitely be an issue of concern when Black people use those platforms ”
Black people simply can’t use Chat GPT the same way as their white counterparts The system is shown to be biased and inaccurate These systems have the power to change how whole communities are spoken about
Certain groups, namely ones that are already marginalized by race, class, or gender, tend to be excluded from the data AI is trained on, which can have catastrophic results and puts them at a serious disadvantage
There have been examples of AI failing for Black people, causing “discriminatory harm” in areas like housing and hiring The bias comes from the lack of diversity in the data used in teaching AI to make distinctions and create algorithms AI programs are learning based on previous racist and sexist hiring practices Biased inputs lead to biased outputs
Joy Buolamwini is a computer scientist and digital activist based at the MIT Media Lab who founded the Algorithmic Justice League and coined the term “pale male data ”
“When looking at some of the largest data sets that have been consequential for the field, they were majority men and lighter skinned or white individuals,” said Buolamwini
There are broader consequences of AI on the descendants of the Black Diaspora across the globe CEO of AI for the People, Mutale Nkonde, shared how unregulated AI could have genocidal effects, using Rwanda as an example In what ways does AI violate human rights and civil rights?
“We need to ensure when these technologies are deployed they are not harming human beings,” said Nkonde
The organization is working to develop a declaration for the UN Permanent Forum for All People of African Descent They are advocating including an article titled, “Freedom from Algorithmic Bias ”
“A lot of this technology is made very fast, so there's not a lot of legislation to coincide with it With AI technology, like anything in general, we need to check for our biases AI bias is a huge topic A lot of companies are going to invest in it, so it will be interesting to see how that will play out in terms of accessibility AI can be used as a real tool to help people, but you have to be aware of the extreme AI bias, and understanding that is a start,” said Percy
In a more specific sense, AI could affect creativity Considering how these new technologies can take over entire jobs and industries, many are wondering if their job will even exist anymore Recently, there was widespread controversy over ethical concerns regarding NFTs and other AI-generated art
When you think of Mark Zuckerburg, most Silicon Valley techies are low-tech themselves They want to experiment on the public, but not share their own data You cannot reproduce original black art with 20 white tech guys sitting in a room They want to use us and our data to enhance their systems
We can see this clearly in Black AI supermodel Shudu and performer FN MIKA These are exploitative methods being used by white creators to take advantage and profit off of the Black community
“[Shudu] is not making money The white man who created her is,” said Nkonde “In the case of FN MIKA, in an analysis, she said the N-word more than actual rappers Which makes you think, this is just a bunch of people who wanted to say the N-word and hide behind the technology ”
We must be strategic in our use of these technologies and carry healthy skepticism about how they will be used and who will benefit Technology can be used to perpetuate systemic capitalist oppression and structural violence, but it could also aid in accessibility
The Cathy Hughes School of Communications hosted a panel titled "AI's Power: Truth, Myths, and Unknowns "
As we can see with the Silicon Valley Bank collapse, the “Crypto Crash'', mass tech layoffs, and the underwhelming launch of the Metaverse, tech is not the end all be all Technical solutions are not the only solutions However, it's important to learn how to work with AI for the sake of the job market, there is no way to avoid it completely The first step is understanding and using AI responsibly
To learn more about the intersection of Blackness and modern technology, Nkonde recommends these books:
Algorithms of Oppression by Safiya Noble
Weapons of Math Destruction by Cathy O'Neil
Design Justice by Sasha Costanza-Chock
Black Software by Charlton D McIlwain
On April 13 Howard University hosted a moderated discussion about gaining success as a Black woman in the media entitled, “Black Women Empowerment Panel and Expo.”
The discussion was part of Howard’s annual Springfest event in Cramton auditorium - with a speaker panel of women media powerhouses. The event was moderated by event co-chairs, Zoe Warner and Amber Jones, and put together in partnership with the Warner Music/Blavatnik Center for Music Business and the Warner Music Social Justice Fund. Students packed the auditorium, eager to learn from the panelists and engage in the conversation about the experiences of successful Black women in the media and how to build a brand for themselves.
The panel included three media and entertainment moguls, Jazz Young, AutumnJoi, and Jayda Cheaves. The panelists shared their experiences, challenges, and successes as Black women in the entertainment industry, inspiring and empowering the audience.
“To be able to bring successful Black Women to inspire our youth was super important and impactful. So it was really great to have oneon-one crowd interaction so they could relate as Black women and have a deeper impact, said Warner, a moderator on the panel.
Jazz Young, hip-hop professor and director of the Warner Music/Blavatnik Center for Music Business, shared her insights on the music industry and the importance of Black women's voices in it. Autumn Joi, actress, radio/tv personality, and on-air host at Howard University's own WHUR discussed her journey in the industry and how she navigated its challenges. Cheaves, CEO and founder of “Waydamin,” media personality, and model, shared her experience building her brand and business from scratch.
The panelists addressed various topics, including the role of mentorship and support networks, the impact of representation and diversity in media, the importance of self-care and self-love, and the need for resilience and perseverance in the face of obstacles. They also answered questions from the audience, providing practical advice and inspiration to those who aspire to pursue a career in media and entertainment.
will love you one day and hate you the next, but as long as you stay true to who you are, whatever they're saying, you can stay above that," Cheaves says.
This advice resonated with the audience and served as a reminder that staying true to oneself is essential for success.
Howard University senior and long-term Jayda Cheaves fan, Joshua Jackson shared his experience at the event. “I thoroughly enjoyed yesterday's panel. As someone who has been a supporter of Jayda for a long time, it was such a meaningful experience to not only hear her talk about her social media career but the ins and outs of being a young entrepreneur. Overall the panel was very insightful and educational. I hope Howard continues to not only bring business professionals but young influencers who students can relate to and engage in an enriching conversation with,” said Jackson.
The Black Women Empowerment Panel and Expo at Howard University Springfest was a celebration of Black women's excellence, resilience, and leadership in the entertainment industry. The event showcased the diversity and depth of Black women's experiences and perspectives, inspiring and empowering the next generation of media and entertainment leaders.
The event was a reminder of the importance of representation and diversity in media, as well as the need for resilience and perseverance in the face of obstacles. The panelists and moderator left the crowd urging them to pursue their dreams and stay true to themselves.
"People
Thebedroomservesasmorethanan areatorestyourhead.Itisaplaceto express yourself and represent your interests; the ultimate safe space whereyouarefreefromjudgment.In college, it becomes a place where lifelongfriendshipsareformed,stress is felt, and heartbreaks are experienced Dorm rooms are a capsule and an integral part of the collegeexperience.
However, Howard University has an interesting relationship with housing. Ithasbeenthefocalpointofmultiple student protests. Once students become upperclassmen, they are rarely prioritized for on-campus housing The COVID-19 pandemic createdaclasswhohavenothadthe dorming experience promised to them. You can learn a lot about someone by looking at their bedroom. These photos explore how Bison have made their dorms their own, serving as a time capsule for how students cultivated their spaces in2023
Thisisinspiredbytheseriesofphotos from the book “Teenagers in their Bedrooms”byAdrienneSalinger.
By: Afia Barrie and MeKayla PierreB: “IT’S A SAFE SPACE. AT HOME, I DIDN’T DECORATE MY ROOM A LOT. BEING IN COLLEGE IS MY CHANCE TO FIGURE OUT WHAT I WANT MY ROOM TO LOOK LIKE, WHAT I WANT IT TO SMELL LIKE. IT’S EXPERIMENTING WITH WHO I’M BECOMING AND WHO I AM.”
”S: IT'S MORE OF PRESENTING MYSELF. HOW CAN I USE MY ROOM TO SHOW OFF HOW I AM? IT TOOK ME A MINUTE BUT I GOT A LOT OF POSTERS AND THINGS HANGING UP. IT’S JUST TRYING TO MAKE MY ROOM AN EXTENSION OF ME, SO WHEN YOU WALK INTO THE ROOM YOU’RE LIKE “OH, THIS IS SHANE!”
THE TWO CO-HOST AN AUDIOVISUAL RADIO SHOW CALLED RM.214 [ROOM 214], NAMED AFTER THEIR FRESHMAN YEAR ROOM NUMBER.
“I THINK IT REPRESENTS WHO I AM AS A PERSON. I LIKE COLOR, I LIKE CHAOS– I HATE TO BE IN A BORING ROOM. I WANT PEOPLE TO LOOK AT MY ROOM AND BE LIKE, OH THAT’S COOL AND UNIQUE.”
”LIVING ON-CAMPUS MAKES YOU CONNECTED WITH THE COMMUNITY A LOT MORE. EVEN GOING OUT ON THE YARD [ON VALENTINE'S DAY] THERE’S SO MUCH SPIRIT OUT THERE. THERE’S SO MANY DIFFERENT THINGS ONCAMPUS TO DO. LIVING IN A DORM HELPS ME TO CONNECT WITH PEOPLE ON-CAMPUS.”
“I APOLOGIZE TO MY ROOMMATE EVERY SO OFTEN BECAUSE I LEAVE MY MARK ON THE PLACE. I LEAVE A LITERAL TRAIL OF WHERE I’VE BEEN IN THE APARTMENT.”
“SOMETIMES IT MAKES YOU FEEL A LITTLE EXCLUDED FROM THE THINGS THAT ARE GOING ON ONCAMPUS SO YOU DO HAVE TO MAKE AN EXTRA EFFORT TO PARTICIPATE. I DON’T THINK I WOULD SACRIFICE THAT JUST TO BE ON-CAMPUS. I MAKE SURE I’M INCLUDED THROUGH EXTRACURRICULARS. I REALLY LIKE
“A PLACE WHERE I CAN RELAX AND BE FULLY ME WITH NO INTERRUPTIONS.”
“LIVING ON CAMPUS WAS ONE THING, BUT LIVING OFF-CAMPUS HAS MADE ME MATURE IN SOME AREAS. I’M REALLY BIG ON HAVING MY OWN SPACE SO HAVING MY OWN ROOM WAS LIKE A BLESSING.
[LAUGHS] I DON’T THINK I COULD GO BACK TO SHARING MY ROOM WITH ANOTHER PERSON. IT’S MADE COLLEGE STRUGGLES EASIER WHEN I KNOW I CAN JUST GO HOME TO MY BED AND BE ALONE FOR A FEW HOURS.”
AS THE WEATHER GETS WARMER AND THE COUNTDOWN TO GRADUATION GETS SHORTER, COLLEGE SENIORS ARE READY TO CLOSE THEIR BOOKS THE ANTICIPATION OF RECEIVING THEIR DEGREE COMBINED WITH THE MENTAL EXHAUSTION FROM BEING SO CLOSE, BUT NOT CLOSE ENOUGH TO THE END SEEMS LIKE A TEASE!
THIS SPRING SOME HOWARD UNIVERSITY STUDENTS ARE FALLING GRAVELY ILL… WITH A CASE OF “SENIORITIS.” SENIORITIS IS DEFINED BY MERRIAMWEBSTER AS AN EBBING OF MOTIVATION AND EFFORT BY SCHOOL SENIORS AS EVIDENCED BY TARDINESS, ABSENCES, AND LOWER GRADES
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?
LAZINESS, PROCRASTINATION, MISSED DEADLINES, ABSENCES, FATIGUE, DECREASED FOCUS, STRESS, AND SHORT-TERM MEMORY LOSS.
FOR THIS ARTICLE, A GOOGLE FORMS SURVEY WAS CONDUCTED ON CAMPUS TO GET A ONE-WORD DESCRIPTION OF WHAT SENIORITIS FEELS LIKE FOR THOSE THAT ARE GRADUATING THIS SPRING THE PARTICIPANT’S RESPONSES ARE AS FOLLOWS:
DEFINE YOUR SENIORITIS IN ONE WORD. VICIOUS
OMNIPRESENT
BURNOUT
FATIGUE
HEADACHE
DEPRESSION
CAN’T
WON’T
TIRED
WAITING
DRAINED
BAFFLING
EXHAUSTED
JADED
DONE
DRAINING
SPONTANEITY
OVERWHELMING
LAZY
NONCHALANT
SPONTANEOUS
EXHAUSTING
POTENT
EXTENSIVE
PAIN
OVERWHELMING
OUT OF ALL THE PARTICIPANTS, THE FIRST 25 INDIVIDUALS EACH SUBMITTED A DIFFERENT WORD TO EXPRESS THEIR FEELINGS OF SENIORITIS. THIS SHOWS THE VARIETY OF EMOTIONS FELT ACROSS THE SENIOR CLASS ON CAMPUS RIGHT NOW.
AND FRANKLY, CHECK ON YOUR SENIOR FRIENDS. BY THE RESPONSES IN THIS SURVEY, SOME OF THEM ARE NOT OKAY!
SO, HOW TO TREAT IT?
SET ACADEMIC GOALS, REWARD YOURSELF, ACKNOWLEDGE YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS, TIME MANAGEMENT, HAVE FUN, AND FINISH STRONG!
GOOD LUCK TO ALL IN THE CLASS OF 2023. YOU GOT THIS!
SPRINGTIME IS AT ITS PEAK WHEN LONGER DAYS AND WARMER TEMPERATURES GRACE THE CHERRY-BLOSSOM-ADORNED DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA HOWARD UNIVERSITY’S SPRING BREAK TOOK PLACE FROM MARCH 4 TO 12, BUT STUDENTS ARE STILL TRYING TO LET GO OF A VACATION MINDSET A MONTH LATER. THE ENTHUSIASM SURROUNDING WARM WEATHER IS ESPECIALLY CONTAGIOUS ON HOWARD’S CAMPUS. UNFORTUNATELY, THE THAWING OF WINTER CONTRIBUTES TO A POST-SPRING BREAK SLUMP, WHERE STUDENTS ARE MORE SUSCEPTIBLE TO BECOMINGUNMOTIVATED.
WITHIN THE STANDARD 15-WEEK TERM, STUDENTS CAN PARTAKE IN MANY EXTRACURRICULARS AND ACADEMIC OPPORTUNITIES THAT OFTEN LEAVE THEM LONGING FOR HOLIDAY BREAKS AND EXTRA DAYS OFF. AFTER A COUPLE OF WEEKS OF REST, MANY STUDENTS RETURN FROM WINTER RECESS READY TO START THE SPRING SEMESTER ON A HIGH NOTE, COMPELLED BY A NEW-FOUND SENSE OF MOTIVATION AND FOCUS ON ENSURING THEY SET THEMSELVES UP FOR THE REST OF THE SEMESTER. BY THE TIME SPRING BREAK ROLLS AROUND, A GREATDEALOFSTUDENTSFEELBURNTOUT,ANTICIPATINGTHEDAYSWHENTHEY CAN FINALLY INDULGE IN A PROLONGED VACATION AND RECHARGE BEFORE THE NEXTSCHOOLYEAR.
JUNIORS ASHANTI ASH AND JORDAN RICHARDSON AGREE THEY’RE BETTER AT KEEPING UP WITH THEIR SCHOOLWORK BEFORE SPRING BREAK AND HAVE PROCRASTINATEDMORETHISSEMESTERTHANINPRIORTERMS.
“ONCE I COME BACK IN JANUARY, I’M SO FULL OF ENERGY AND READY FOR THE NEW [SEMESTER],” RICHARDSON SAID, “AND THEN SPRING BREAK HAPPENS, AND I’M [WONDERING] HOW I CAN RUSH THIS AND GET HOME AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.” THISBURNINGDESIRETOFINISHTHESEMESTERPUTSMANYSTUDENTSATRISKOF BEINGMOREINCLINEDTOPROCRASTINATE
SHEFINDSITBESTTOMULTITASK,USINGHERFREETIMEATWORKTODO HOMEWORK.SOMETIMES,SHE’LLBEINACLASSWHILEWORKINGON ASSIGNMENTSFOROTHERCLASSES.WITHEVERYTHINGASHHASTO BALANCEINHERLIFE,SHE’SCOMETOLEARNHOWHELPFULCALENDARS ANDPLANNERSARE.“THEY’REMYBESTFRIENDS,”SHEJOKED.
RICHARDSONDOESN’TBELIEVEHE’SFOUNDABALANCEYET;BUTFEELS THEBESTWAYFORPEOPLETOMANAGE ISTODOTHEIRSCHOOLWORK BEFOREHANDSOWHENIT’STIMETOGOTOWORKORHANGOUTWITH FRIENDS,THEY“DON’THAVETOPLAYCATCHUP”
NONETHELESS,HE“LOVES”ALIBRARYSETTINGTHATALLOWSHIMTO FOCUSONANDCOMPLETELARGEAMOUNTSOFSCHOOLWORK.“IREALLY LIKEFOUNDERS,”HESAID.“ITHINKIWASMYMOSTPRODUCTIVELAST SEMESTER[BECAUSE]IUSEDTOGOEVERYMORNINGFROM10A.M.TO12 P.M.[...]TOKNOCKMYWORKOUT.”
LIKEJORDANRICHARDSON,MANYSTUDENTSUTILIZEFOUNDERSLIBRARY TOCATCHUPONHOMEWORKASSIGNMENTS.ITISACOMPARABLY QUIETERENVIRONMENTTHANTHEUNDERGRADUATELIBRARYLOCATED BELOWIT.
ACCORDING TO THE UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH MEDICAL CENTER, “PROCRASTINATION BOILS DOWN TO A BATTLE BETWEEN THE LIMBIC SYSTEM AND THE PREFRONTAL CORTEX.” THE LIMBIC SYSTEM PROCESSES EMOTIONS, RETAINS MEMORIES, AND CONTAINS “THE PLEASURE CENTER,” WHILE THE PREFRONTAL CORTEX REGULATES ONE’S DECISION-MAKING. SINCE IT IS LESS DEVELOPED, IT OFTEN LOSES TO THE LIMBIC SYSTEM, RESULTING IN PROCRASTINATION
BUT SOMETIMES, PUTTING OFF SCHOOLWORK ISN’T ALWAYS PROCRASTINATION BUT RATHER A RESPONSE TO HAVING AN IMMENSE AMOUNT OF RESPONSIBILITIES TOKEEPTRACKOFANDNOTKNOWINGWHICHTOPRIORITIZE.
“WITH THE IDEA OF SUMMER BEING SO CLOSE, I’M TRYING TO SORT OUT THINGS THAT HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH SCHOOLWORK. I’M WORRIED ABOUT INTERNSHIPS,WHERE[I’LLSTAY]NEXTYEAR,THINGSINEEDTOPAYFOR,CLASSES INEEDTOTAKE,”SAIDASH.
THOUGHSCHOOLISSTILLONHERPRIORITYLIST, ASHBELIEVESTHEREAREMORE PRESSING MATTERS SHE NEEDS TO WORRY ABOUT AND IS “STILL FIGURING OUT” HOW TO BALANCE HER WORK, SOCIAL, AND SCHOOL LIVES. “YOU REALLY HAVE TO CHOOSE WHAT’S MORE IMPORTANT,” SHE SAID. “A LOT OF THE TIME, I’VE CHOSEN SCHOOL OVER MY SOCIAL LIFE. I GUESS THE BALANCE IS REALIZING SCHOOL ISN’T EVERYTHING. YOU JUST HAVE TO FIND OUT WHAT WORKS FOR YOU.”
STUDENTSNEEDTOTAKECAREOFANDMAKETIMEFORTHEMSELVESTO AVOIDFEELINGBURNTOUTANDTOENDTHESCHOOLYEARONTHESAME HIGHNOTETHEYSTARTEDITON WAYSTODOTHISINCLUDE:SETTING ASIDEDAYSDEVOTEDTOSELF-CAREANDPARTAKINGINACTIVITIESTHAT WILLCALMANDRESETTHEMIND.ASHLIKESTOORDERDOORDASHAND WATCHROMANTICCOMEDIESAFTERALONGWEEK.SHEALSOENJOYS TAKINGNATUREWALKSAND“LONG,GIRLYSHOWERS”THATALLOWHER TOCLEARHERMINDANDBEATPEACE.
BOTHASHANDRICHARDSONBELIEVEIT’SIMPORTANTFORPROFESSORS TOEMPATHIZEANDBELENIENTWITHTHEIRSTUDENTS.
ASHWANTSPROFESSORSTOUNDERSTANDTHEIRCLASSESDON’TEXIST INAVACUUM “COLLEGEISJUSTASTRESSFULTIME YOUHAVESTUDENTS WHOWORK,ANDYOUHAVESTUDENTSWHOSUPPORTTHEMSELVES. YOUHAVESTUDENTSWHOHAVEALOTOFEXTRACURRICULARSORJUST ALOTOFTHINGSGOINGON.[...]JUSTTAKETHATINTOACCOUNT.”
SIMILARLY,RICHARDSONADDED,“BURNOUTISAVERYREALTHING,AND IFWE’REALLGIVINGAHUNDREDPERCENTTOATHOUSANDPLACESAT ONCE,THERE’SONLYSOMUCHOFOURSELVESWECANGIVE.”
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For many of the students born out of the “pandemic-Howard” classes of 2023 and 2024, the lack of visible community at Howard University has been a significant issue to the HBCU experience they thought they’d receive With the increased visibility of HBCUs in pop culture and social media, many expected to gain close friends and vibrant experiences reminiscent of “A Different World” and “School Daze ”
“I think not only are we free in what we do, we hope to achieve that in the people we interact with and I think we do a good job of doing that,” said Esco
Esco was one of the five members of the group The others consisted of junior journalism major Asha Taylor, Darius Spencer, and senior electrical engineering major Chrisserge Pierre-Louis
Before coming together to put on what became “Madhouse,” the group came together for a concept called “Hope,” which became the music video for 7iah’s single “Chaos ” Last Spring, the group put out a casting call for Howard students to show up on the Yard in a white T-shirt and blue jeans Esco and 7iah described the goal of the project as creating a concept “that made people feel something ”
“We were going on campus handing out flyers, spreading them out, and just trying to spread the word through word of mouth We had people pop out with white shirts, blue jeans, and the turnout was crazy We even had people passing us on the Yard, going to Towers, and coming back and popping out just to show support and be a part of something ” Esco said
“That was the birth of Revenge of the Weirdos,” 7iah said
LJassiah Macnuff, known by his artist name 7iah (pronounced Siah), came to Howard hoping to immerse himself in an environment that would serve him better than his predominantly white private school Hailing from Brooklyn, New York, the political science major, soonto-be TV, Media, and Film major decided to create the community he wanted to find at Howard University: Revenge of the Weirdos (ROTW)an artistry collective of individuals seeking to inspire change through various mediums of expression
“I think all people who understand themselves that well have been considered weird but it’s like the weirdos always win,” 7iah said Revenge of the Weirdos was his way of honoring those who felt weird but were in truth acting in their authentic self “Michael Jackson walked around with a glitter glove, let that be somebody in the hood or somebody in the suburbs and they’re like “who’s this weirdo ”
Finding his community of like-minded artists, he created Revenge of the Weirdos
“I feel like one of the best ways to describe Revenge of the Weirdos is free, like really free,” said junior TV and Film major Amari Esco
The success of “Hope” inspired the group to continue collaborating, creating another music video named “Dough ” A common theme of building community and showcasing community through art became an integral part of the work of ROTW Wanting to take their creations to a bigger level “Madhouse” was manifested with Taylor credited for coming up with the name
We wanted to leave our mark,” said Pierre-Louis Feeling like there was a lack of expression at Howard, the group wanted to create a space for students to express themselves freely “We wanted everyone to feel like superstars ”
Using 7iah’s connection to the brand Onlevibez, a Black ownedproduction company ran by Jeremiah Collins, the group decided to use the studio space of Onelvibez, located in College Park, Maryland, to host the event
“Our goal is to highlight as many artists in our communities around the world,” said Collins
With the brand’s dedication to allowing artists to express themselves through music, fashion, and art - the group set out to create a safe space for musical artists, photographers, and students to “vibe out,” according to Pierre-Louis
The first Madhouse was a collaboration by everyone in the group
Esco was in charge of creative direction, Taylor took the lead on communicating with the artists, Pierre-Louis was the second main creative director, and Spencer was the main videographer
Together the group gathered Howard artists such as June, Precious Jewel, and Phyllise Jade as well as Onelvibez regulars After the performances from the booked artists, the stage was opened to the audience so they could have the opportunity to share their work
Ashanti Jenkins, a junior psychology student, and criminology minor from New Jersey attended the first Madhouse after hearing about it from her friend June, who was performing at the event Since then she’s been to almost every Madhouse since “[It’s] very fun, really welcoming I feel like I can really be myself here ”
She noted it was the authenticity of Madhouse that led her to keep returning “I feel like everyone is being themselves and not a version of themselves they have to be,” she said
ROTW continued to throw events and went on to put together a second Madhouse It was around this time that the group felt they needed to grow as individual artists and began to grow away from each other
“The harsh reality of it all is at our age we’re trying to figure out who we are, what we want to do,” Esco said
“You shouldn’t be mad when things come to a close because it was beautiful when it arose,” said Pierre-Louis The former members have stated there is still love shared between them all and there’s still support for one another
The splitting of ROTW hasn’t stopped “Madhouse” from continuing to grow and showcase the community
7iah has gone on to continue the tradition with Madhouse 3: An Open Cypher, which fed on the inspiration of an Open Mic, Madhouse 4, and is currently working on collaborating with June and the creative collective 360 to bring Madhouse directly to Howard “Expect a Madhouse on Howard’s campus before the end of the school year,” he said
“Having gone to every Madhouse since it’s inception, June had high praise for Madhouse and 7iah “It’s been fire man,” June said
She went on to say, “Just to see what 7iah can do, just to see the creative culmination of how he can bring people together I think it really just speaks to, number one the passion that he got and just telling his story but also telling other people’s stories And then on top of that, how much art brings people together, how much music, and experience and curation, brings people together ”
With big hopes for the future and no plans of slowing down, it remains to be seen if the community built in Madhouse will be enough for its longevity
7iah and June pose for a photo in Onlevibez.
"I DID THEM MYSELF! BUT I ONLY BRAID MY OWN HAIR, NO ONE ELSE'S."
The annual YardTalk event, presented by the YouTube Black Future Insiders program, kicked off Howard’s most anticipated week of the semester.
The panelists taught students how to monetize YouTube, increase their online engagement, and featured a panel discussion with creators in the music industry. Adam McFarland, manager of YouTube Black Music & Culture Program (and Morehouse alum), opened the event with enthusiastic energy. From the moment he touched the stage, he set out to engage with a lively call and response with the audience.
encouraged students to make the most of the platform He said, “You’re in a unique situation you can capitalize on”
McFarland emphasized that YouTube wants to be the No 1 music industry revenue source by 2025 and hopes to do so with the introduction of YouTube Shorts Comparable to TikTok and Instagram reels, YouTube Shorts serve as short-term content meant to amplify users’ long-term content
“This is a very real tool that people are gonna have to learn to use if you want to be competitive,” advised McFarland He ended his portion of the event by having the audience create their own YouTube Short and walking students through the interface
From there, he introduced the audience to various tools students could use to monetize their crafts using the YouTube platform
From there, he introduced the audience to various tools students could use to monetize their crafts using the YouTube platform.
With the purpose of YouTube Black being to “amplify and empower the voices of young Black people,” according to McFarland, he page 33
Following his presentation was the panel discussion, “We Are All Creators,” featuring 2009 Howard alum Brittany Lewis, Hip-Hop podcaster Wallo267, and RapCaviar creator Tuma Basa Students like Lemaria Stevens, an audio engineering major from Michigan, sought internship opportunities and were met with admiration and connections from the panelists after the event “Don’t be afraid to ask people questions,” said Wallo267.
“Some of the greatest information I got was from No’s.”
“What we want to do today is explore every facet of the world of creativity,” McFarland said
At the Springfest Talent Showcase on April 11, Howard's student body came ready for a good time. With a DJ and "Lit Cam" that showed live footage of the crowd as they danced to music, the good vibes were contagious throughout Cramton Auditorium.
In the showcase, there were vocal artists of all types. Spoken word poets, rappers, and singers graced the stage and showcased their immeasurable talents. With 11 acts, the show was well worth the effort of walking to the box office and filling out the questionnaire needed to secure a ticket.
The subject matter of each of the acts varied from lighthearted to socially conscious to declarations of love, proving that the showcase had something for everyone. A fun and unsuspected part of the event was the background dancers that occasionally accompanied different acts. Arguably in, some cases, they even stole the show.
The event was hosted by YouTube Black as a part of their Future Insiders initiative and the Tom Joyner Foundation. These organizations also provided prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place.
Each of the artists was entertaining and engaging. Throughout their acts, the response from the crowd was overwhelming. The oohs, ahhs, laughter, and cheers of Howard students punctuated the words of the acts and made the whole experience that much more enjoyable.
Many of the artists showcased already had followings prior to their performances. The familiarity with their art caused a crowd of their fans and friends to convene at the bottom of the stage and truly relish in the energy and excitement that the artists had for the opportunity. The enthusiasm behind their performances was visible as soon as they stepped onto the stage. And some even before.
The winner of first place was a spoken word artist who goes by the name of Blue. His mesmerizing performance captivated the audience from the very onset. His poems touched on the black experience and influence on music but also on the tenderness found in everyday life.
Tied for second place were artists called Ty With A Beanie and Aye June. Ty With A Beanie is an Afrobeats artist and the only one of his kind on campus. His performance was enjoyed by students of all backgrounds but was truly embraced by the African students in attendance.
Aye June is a female rapper who has already amassed a following on campus. This is a similarity she shares with the third-place winner of the showcase, Jus Josh. He is well known around campus for his music but also his personable personality. Many of the students in the audience were able to sing along to the songs performed by these two.
Although the talent showcase may not be one of the more popular Springfest events in the lineup, it was a great way to get familiar with the hidden talents on campus. The energy throughout the event was maintained by two hosts. One of which is the newly crowned Miss Howard, Armani Washington. In attendance were also the new members of the royal court who could be seen enjoying the performances along with the rest of the audience.
The Fizz app, a social media platform exclusive to enrolled college students, has become a hub to connect them and provide a platform to share experiences with peers at their respective universities while remaining anonymous. Each university has its own designated social spaces on the app, and users must register with their school email to join.
Jordan Williams, a junior at Howard University and a community moderator for the Fizz app shares his initial thoughts on the app. "I thought it was very interesting since I didn't have social media…It was very fun to read the things people had written about," said Williams. Williams has observed that many posts on the app center around Howard’s campus, such as organizations, administration, classes, and campus events
However, despite the Fizz app ' s original purpose, some Howard University Fizz community students have come across a spread of negativity and gossip about their peers. While the app offers users anonymity, it has also given some students a platform to voice their negativity towards others.
However, Williams has also witnessed the darker side of the app, with many topics centering around the Howard community. "I've witnessed users make negative comments about people that attend the school or expose information about people that they shouldn't. It makes me feel bad for those whose names are mentioned, but luckily as a moderator, I'm able to take down comments that can have negative impacts on students," said Williams.
Fizz users talking about Howard organizations courtesy Azaria Jackson
Anonymous users on Fizz, courtesy Azaria Jackson
Bray Pridgen, a sophomore, explains what he’s seen from the app. "I've observed that people feel extremely comfortable to speak their mind...which isn't a bad thing, it just gets toxic when people start to act mean, " he said. "I definitely have heard about negative things by word of mouth, especially during campaign season " The campaign season at Howard is for student elections where students run for Royal Court, Undergraduate Representative, and Howard University Undergraduate Senate positions.
To ensure that Fizz maintains its standards of being a safe and welcoming space for all, Williams believes that monthly training for moderators should be incorporated. "Reinforcing those ideas on a more consistent basis can ensure the safety and positive attitudes of Fizz are taken into account for future posts," he added.
To address any concerns or feedback directed to Fizz, send them to info@fizzsocial.app.
Users on the Fizz app, courtesy Azaria Jackson
BY KYNADI HYDE
Philip L Graham, the late President and Publisher of the Washington Post defined journalism as, “the first rough draft of history ”
Both the media and political stakeholders in this country have made concerted efforts to downplay the Black community's distinct role in society through the gatekeeping of the journalism industry, leaving us with a whitewashed version of history Or at least attempting to
Nestled just south of The Yard, Howard University’s Cathy Hughes School of Communications has been committed to amplifying Black voices since its founding in 1971. CHSOC was established on the values of excellence and innovation, producing Pulitzer Prize winners, celebrated broadcast anchors, and newsroom correspondents who have made an unforgettable impact on the media landscape
Though currently housed in a different building on Howard’s campus, subject to the lasting effects of a global pandemic, and influenced by the new age of digital media, “School of C” students are unafraid to explore new and exciting ways to communicate with their audience and are poised to shape the future of the media industry with creativity and innovation
Meet Asia Alexander, Raquel Simpson, Juan Benn Jr , and Evin Guilford, four of CHSOC’s groundbreaking storytellers who are embracing the latest trends in digital media and pushing the boundaries of traditional journalism. These students have redefined what it means to be a storyteller in the 21st century
ASIA ALEXANDER, Culture + Entertainment ReporterSecond-year Junior Journalism
Major Political Science Minor
1. Tell me about what made you choose a major (or minor) in communications. Were you innately called to this curriculum or did something loop you in along the way?
“I originally entered Howard as a Poli-Sci major I grew up around attorneys, so I always thought I would be in politics. One day my aunt actually made me interested in pursuing journalism after she observed me for a while and commented that I was ‘supposed to be a journalist’, so I changed my major.”
2. What are some ways that you feel your craft, passion, or vision has been strengthened during your time at CHSOC? Do any specific moments or memories stand out to you?
“Last year I was depressed and spent a lot of time writing articles in my dorm, so I’m now trained to write three articles a week because that’s all I did when I was in my room It wasn’t until the end of last year that people really started to read my stories and I got noticed for them I got my first red carpet opportunity through The Hilltop and I was like ‘Wow, I’m a media girly now ’ Running for Miss SOC also taught me a lot and made me feel good, I’ve gotten to meet a lot of the student body through my journalism.”
3. How would you describe that feeling that keeps you up at night, and has made you so passionate about what you do now? Who do you do it for? The community? Your family? Yourself?
“There are many factors but really I just want to make my mom proud I FaceTime my mom during red carpets so she can see her favorite stars, stuff like that.”
4. We’re still young and working to figure out exactly what we want out of life, but where do you see yourself? What do you think the world can expect from you within the next 5 years?
“ Well I do a lot of corporate writing too so I’m still figuring that part out, but definitely a cultured, passionate writer, and I want to own my own media company. ”
5. What is your favorite thing about SOC? What’s something that you’ve learned since you’ve been here?
“The students– the students are so dope I love talking to the students in SOC, there’s no one on the campus like us ”
6. Any tips you’d give to the next generation of SOC students?
“I would tell new students to tap into every resource, don’t be afraid to reach out to alumni Networking is so big And don’t be afraid to unapologetically be yourself.” Visit Asia’s Instagram page to engage with her stories and other content!
@i am asia
1. Tell me about what made you choose a major (or minor) in communications. Were you innately called to this curriculum or did something loop you in along the way?
“I kind of stumbled into journalism
I’m a political science major, but I quickly found out it wasn’t really for me! I picked up journalism as a minor to find more ways to tell the stories of black women in sports, and golf in particular ”
2. What are some ways that you feel your craft, passion, or vision has been strengthened during your time at CHSOC? Do any specific moments or memories stand out to you?
“There are so many avenues in SOC, so you’ll learn a bit of everything, which helped narrow down exactly what I wanted to do in the media space Like I learned that print and audio aren’t really my thing, and solidified that I prefer video and visuals.
3. How would you describe that feeling that keeps you up at night, and has made you so passionate about what you do now? Who do you do it for? The community? Your family? Yourself?
“Our team is relatively new, Steph Curry sponsored our team in 2020. Before that, it was interesting how many students didn't know about the golf team because of a lack of advertisement I wanted to tell that story. I took a photography class in high school, so I invested in a camera and started bringing awareness to our team.
I take most of the still images on our Instagram, and we started doing reels to be more interactive, along with doing story posts, and TikTok trends to bring awareness and also be engaged with the alumni that still keep up with us on socials.”
4. We’re still young and working to figure out exactly what we want out of life, but where do you see yourself? What do you think the world can expect from you within the next 5 years?
“Ultimately I want to amplify Black women ’ s voices in the field of golf I want to be the person on the production side of things ”
5. What is your favorite thing about SOC? What’s something that you’ve learned since you’ve been here?
“My favorite thing about SOC is my peers and all the people that I meet It’s so interesting to see how other students navigate their storytelling
Everyone is trying to learn, collaborate, create, and do things together.”
6. Any tips you’d give to the next generation of SOC students?
“Do not be intimidated. There are a lot of people who know how to use a camera, edit videos, and might not need all the resources that you do– that doesn’t mean that you can't ask for help. Don’t feel like it’s too late It’s never too late to start your journey and ask questions ” Visit Raquel’s Instagram page to engage with her stories and other content!
@raqnicole
JUAN BENN JR. Creative, Critique, and Culture Writer Junior Journalism Major
1. Tell me about what made you choose a major (or minor) in communications. Were you innately called to this curriculum or did something loop you in along the way?
“I started as a film and TV major I wanted to be a scriptwriter but found a love for writing and storytelling in journalism. I fell in love with the overall pursuit to tell stories. I’ve always loved interacting with text and literature but now through journalism, I am able to be on the other side of that ”
2. What are some ways that you feel your craft, passion, or vision has been strengthened during your time at CHSOC? Do any specific moments or memories stand out to you?
“One of the most valuable things about studying communications at an HBCU is that we are being taught to report as Black people, and not being shunned away from our culture, but recognizing its importance and prioritizing it in our storytelling.
SOC has taught me different ways to tell stories– different elements that I can add to my stories to enhance the audience’s experiences
3. How would you describe that feeling that keeps you up at night, and has made you so passionate about what you do now? Who do you do it for? The community? Your family? Yourself?
“The ultimate search of finding an answer And at the end, I can write an article and come to some sort of resolution for people to then read and interact with my stories and even resonate with them.”
4. We’re still young and working to figure out exactly what we want out of life, but where do you see yourself? What do you think the world can expect from you within the next 5 years?
“I hope to see myself writing, whatever that looks like I want to be recognized as an author and as a journalist
But I also just want to be known for my writing and to haven’t lost what I feel like my purpose is ”
5. What is your favorite thing about SOC? What’s something that you’ve learned since you’ve been here?
“What I really love about SOC, is that everyone, from the students to the professors and faculty is really passionate about what they do. I’m motivated by my peers every day ”
6. Any tips you’d give to the next generation of SOC students?
“
Don’t lose yourself A lot of times in SOC, students’ individual purposes may not align with what the administration or our professors want for us, and it may not seem as valuable as whatever is being taught in the classroom I hope the next generation of students is able to hold strong to what it is that brought them to this school. Only grow it– only let it blossom and develop into what it’s supposed to be.”
Visit Juan’s Instagram page to engage with her stories and other content!
@juanbennjr
Multi-media Journalist + Graphic Designer Graduating Senior Honors
Journalism Major and Graphic Design Minor
I texted my mom about changing it and she was like, ‘ no, no, leave it! It’s fate,’ so ever since then I’ve been a journalism major. It was really just divine intervention”
2. What are some ways that you feel your craft, passion, or vision has been strengthened during your time at CHSOC? Do any specific moments or memories stand out to you?
But a lot of it is just me wanting to outdo the last thing that I did ”
4. We’re still young and working to figure out exactly what we want out of life, but where do you see yourself? What do you think the world can expect from you within the next 5 years?
1. Tell me about what made you choose a major (or minor) in communications. Were you innately called to this curriculum or did something loop you in along the way?
“My journey to journalism is just an interesting story– I applied to HU as a bio and chem double major because I wanted to be a forensic pathologist I got to Bison Prep before we started school in 2019, and I was in a group with so many other SOC people, and when they handed me my folder, it said ‘journalism’ on it.
“One of the main ways that my craft has been strengthened is just by meeting people and making these connections A big part of that was through my web series ‘Influencer-U’, which has just made me more curious about people in general.”
3. How would you describe that feeling that keeps you up at night, and has made you so passionate about what you do now? Who do you do it for? The community? Your family? Yourself?
“ It’s a bunch of different factors– I am ten years older than my little brother and I want him to be proud of me My mom pushes me a lot, she keeps me motivated to keep going.
“I definitely want to expand my brand a bit more, like how we view other digital media moguls that went to HU, like Erin on Demand. I want to get more into tv and film, I’m currently working on a short film and expanding myself into different outlets in media I’d like to own my own media company to combine all of my passions for media.”
5. What is your favorite thing about SOC? What’s something that you’ve learned since you’ve been here?
“ My favorite thing about SOC is the fact that we are a family– I feel like SOC is a great little family of its own. I love the fact that we ’ re always working to better ourselves in the things that we really love to do, I learn a lot from the people that I’m around.
Not only can I learn from the professors that have worked at CNN and BET, but I can learn from my peers as well ”
6. Any tips you’d give to the next generation of SOC students?
“Don't shy away, during the pandemic it was easy to become more introverted. But we ’ re The School of Communications, you have to talk to people, you have to put yourself out there even when you ’ re uncomfortable. You will be well received if you ’ re a good person with good vibes, just don’t hold back!”
Visit Evin’s Instagram page to engage with her stories and other content!
All four student journalists agree that SOC's greatest potential for advancing the next wave of inklings lies in offering more niche-focused courses. This way, students can design their academic journeys to reflect their unique interests
With their incredible talent, drive, and determination, Asia, Raquel, Juan, and Evin are carving their names in the industry's history books. From uncovering groundbreaking stories to fearlessly pushing boundaries, these four transformative student journalists are the epitome of what it means to be a Cathy Hughes School of Communications scholar.
By Darreonna Davis
The Shape Up Truck by the Shape Up King is a 24-foot long, 7.5 footwide barbershop on wheels When established in 2015, it received its first university vending permit from Howard University Characterized by the transparent windows, faux marble stones, colorful led lights, the Shape Up King logo and classic hiphop and R&B music playing on the inside, students can find Azoro along Georgia Avenue near the campus bookstore
Emmaneul Azoro: the barber on wheels and self-described Shape Up King
The native Washingtonian and son of a Howard University School of Law alumnus who frequented the campus for homecoming and Georgia Avenue Day as a kid knew of no greater place to set up shop for his mobile barbershop business venture than here.
Although he has ventured to other places while developing the business, he returned to the campus last fall, echoing that serving the future leaders being molded at the school was a high priority for him
His business model is to have people reach out to him at most two hours before their requested time. From there, he will drive his personal vehicle to where his various trucks are located. As of this year, he has a total of five trucks that he has placed throughout the metropolitan district area–mostly in places where families frequent and are usually equally as lit up as his truck–such as Walmarts, Royal Farms and WaWa’s To Azoro, this is all a part of his quest for freedom
“The top half of the day, I use for self-improvement The second half of the day, I use for bag improvement … I’m usually like an evening barber I always cut hair when everybody gets off of work and school, then I come out during rush hour,” Azoro said.
For sophomore Isaiah Hill, it was a number of factors that attracted him to Azoro To just name a few: the scheduling flexibility; the vibrancy of the truck; the conversation Azoro provides to clients; and the craftsmanship he has developed as a barber with over 20 years of experience are a few. An Indianapolis native who usually waits to return home to get his haircut, Hill made the exception for the first time after seeing Azoro’s work on his suitemates and friends, tasking the veteran barber with the responsibility of giving him a fresh cut ahead of SpringFest weekend
“I feel like other students should get cut by him simply because he’s flexible. As a mobile barber, he comes to you and one of his sayings is he can make anything happen if you give him a two-hour notice… . Everyone fears trying a new barber or stylist in fear of getting a bad haircut, however Shape Up King hooked me up,” Hill said.
Having tested his vendor-style barbering method in Times Square and traveled to other locations for large Las Vegas, Charlotte, North Carolina, for All-Star Weekend and South Beach, Azoro recognizes the importance of showmanship of his work He chose the transparent design of his truck because he wanted to mimic that of a showcase cube or stage All of this adds to his ability to attract customers
This especially helped during homecoming 2022 where, although his truck has been around the campus since 2015, this past homecoming was his first time cutting hair during the populous event Due to challenges pertaining to maintenance of the truck–including getting central air and heat in it–he could not be around for those events. This past homecoming, though, having parked one of his trucks the Thursday before homecoming weekend, he was ready
“Parents, young, old, everybody out there, I was cranking them out. I was even telling my clients to come through,” Azoro said
He and other barbers he invited cut hair during both the homecoming YardFest and tailgate in his truck With the stage he has attached to his truck along with a microphone and amplified sound inside the truck, at one point in the night, Azoro said the truck became the entertainment for the night
“The DJ stopped, and then the whole streets was flooded, so I was like the only thing lit with the music cranking. People were still walking all through the streets, but then they started gathering around my truck The police let me stay they wanted me to turn it down just a little bit... We stayed another two hours after the joint was shut down and [was] the entertainment right here,” he said reflecting on the event.
As the barbershop on wheels approaches 10 years, Azoro is looking to see the business grow in serving more students, reaching more people through seasonal tours and marketing more effectively and strongly through organic content creation.
By Kynadi Hyde
Juliana Sellers, a sophomore political science major at Howard University, has a lot on her plate. She’s participating in several clubs, and undertaking a “light semester,” with 15+ credit hours as a B.A/J.D candidate, plus more. Despite all of that, she has still made time to serve the community.
Sellers, who found a love for yoga through her mother, is now a certified instructor. She uses her talents in the Howard community and at Yoga Heights, a studio in Washington, D.C.
When the COVID-19 pandemic happened, just as Sellers graduated high school, her parents encouraged her to maintain her physical and mental health. Once she expressed interest in yoga for her own reasons, despite her mother’s involvement, Sellers’ mother offered to pay her instruction fees.
“I started thinking about it,” she said. “I like yoga a lot and I know it isn’t the most accessible practice because of the price but I think it’ll be kinda cool.”
Yoga is an ancient practice to balance the body and mind. It has been historically inaccessible to the Black community, at large, via price ranges and a lack of Black instructors. At 20 years old, Sellers views herself as a solution in an industry lacking diversity.
“Yoga is supposed to be a very inclusive practice,” the 200hour yoga instructor emphasized. “When you see people that look like you, and you see people you can relate to, and you can see yourself in [it], it makes the practice more approachable.”
As Sellers developed her craft in personal practice and as an instructor, she kept an eye out for other minorities in the world of yoga. JODY Whiting, the founder of Cornbread Yoga and San, Antonio native, Sellers’ hometown, and is currently one of her inspirations.
He [is] someone else that’s not the traditional look of yoga,” she said. “He’s a Black man and that’s not something you see very often…I love seeing people that look like me within the practice.”
Sellers has always had the urge to serve which is why she’s pursuing her calling through law and yoga. I always knew I wanted to help people,” the aspiring Congresswoman said. “As a lawyer, the goal was, more so, to help people within our community.”
She’s currently focusing on the experiences of undocumented immigrants in her hometown, the effects of the pandemic, and efforts to improve policing in the U S
somewhere in there,” she said. “Where I could teach classes or I could have someone else come in and teach.”
When not in class or participating in a club event, Sellers has also dabbled in content creation via TikTok, Instagram, and even Youtube. “It just got to be too much trying to find the time to film and then edit…sometimes, when I get the chance, I make TikToks. Because 60 seconds, that’s something I can do,” Sellers jokes
While she seems to balance her responsibilities well, Sellers did admit to experiencing burnout. “I kind of have a constant struggle,” she said. “I’ve had to learn to pull back.” Yet, she still finds a way to continue giving back.
According to their website, this practice can be described as “soft, slow, stress relieving” and perfect for “beginners or anyone looking to relax.”
“Yoga is a very welcoming and open practice for all people regardless of body size or body shape or whatever,’’ she said. “You should feel supported, and uplifted and loved regardless of how you look and where you come from.”
Mecca Yoga hosts classes on Sundays on campus from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. It’s open to all majors and skill levels. More information can be found on their Instagram.
@meccayoga
The wellness advocate’s long-term goal is to combine her love for yoga with her love for the law. “If I were to open a law firm I would definitely have a yoga studio
As an instructor at Yoga Heights, Sellers teaches gentle candlelit flow on Wednesdays at the U Street location.
Ramadan is known as the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. Every year the month is observed by Muslims around the world as the holy month of spiritual discipline. This intense discipline includes fasting, heightened prayer and devotion, reflection, and communal events In 2023, Ramadan lasts from March 22 to April 20th, beginning and ending with the appearance of the crescent moon
On the campus of Howard University the Muslim community will be taking part in this month-long observation as a sacred and intentional tradition The Muslim student population at Howard is very diverse and representative of different ethnicities, countries, practices and journeys Some individuals come from families that have been Muslim for centuries, while others are just beginning their transition into the community. Howard University is committed to providing a safe place for everyone that participates in Islamic practices and observations
The Assistant Dean for Religious Life in the Office of the Dean of the Chapel, Dr Nisa Muhammad, says that, “A lot of students are used to experiencing Ramadan at home with their family and friends It can be a little challenging to be away from that.”
The Muslim Student Association (MSA) is housed in the Office of the Dean of the Chapel This group aims to provide the full Howard experience for Muslim students through programming and community building With festive events that range from social to wellness oriented, the MSA is creating an equitable experience for all that interact with their community
During Ramadan this year, the Office of The Dean of Chapel is partnering with Sodexo catering to provide meals to students when their fasting is broken This happens at sunup and sun down, as well as on Friday’s as a part of their communal fast dining experience.
Keep up with the Howard University Muslim Student Association on Instagram @hu msa for upcoming events and information!
The Office of the Dean of The Chapel is located in the Carnegie Building
photo by Summer Brown
It’s Springtime and you know what that means. Allergy season! Just kidding (not really), but either way, the flowers are blooming, the bees are buzzing, and it’s the best time for planting. Here are Five tips to ensure your new plant baby makes it on your Christmas card.
Tip 1: Start with starter plants. Many recommend starting with Cacti plants such as succulents, Snake plants, and ZZ plants. While these plants are difficult to kill, they are also difficult to read and are easy to forget about with their limited care needs. To begin with I would suggest Peace Lilies as they are low maintenance in terms of soil, sunlight and water conditions, And they are easy to read as they drop their leaves when dehydrated
Tip 2: Choose your plants wisely! Many stores offer minimal care for their plant and thus sell them in lackluster condition. If you’re not careful, you could buy a plant already on death’s door. How do you prevent that? Ask the shopkeeper?
Tip 3: Research your plant It sounds obvious, but you’d be shocked by how many people just wing it. Here’s what you need to learn about your plants.
Water: Temperature, Purification level, and Frequency.
Soil: Type and preferred moisture level
Sunlight: Direct or Indirect
Water: Temperature, Purification level, and Frequency.
Soil: Type and preferred moisture level
Sunlight: Direct or Indirect
... each plant is different and requires specific care.
Tip 4: Drainage Drainage Drainage! Yes, it’s tempting to buy adorable pots that fit our aesthetics, but it’s essential that the pots have proper drainage. Any remaining water that’s not absorbed by the plants’ roots can cause root rot and a host of other issues.
Tip 5: Watch your leaves. Any discoloration, crispiness, or breakage can indicate numerous issues, such as root rot, overwatering, infection, or pests.
Side Note: Painted plants like those vibrant pink Succulents or mesmerizingly blue Orchids are almost certain to die as the paint blocks their ability to absorb sunlight.
Side Note: Apps like Plantin and similar ones have the most helpful features hidden behind paywalls. You would be better served doing independent research or directly consulting plant enthusiasts or professionals.
These are just a few general guidelines to keep your plants alive. However, each plant is different and requires specific care, so the best advice that can be given is to spend time getting to know your plant and its needs. Eventually, you’ll be able to diagnose your plant with a simple glance. Now go forth and adopt your plant children!
Now that students are back in school in the post-pandemic era, the transitional shift back into ‘normal’ activity may not be as easy as it seems. After two years of social isolation from peers, diving into the college atmosphere may be doing more harm than good for students dealing with anxiety and depression.
It's important to note that college students' mental health challenges existed before the pandemic, but the pandemic has exacerbated existing challenges and created new ones. Colleges and universities have a critical role to play in supporting their students' mental health in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. It is essential for them to prioritize mental health services and support for students to help address these challenges. Ways colleges can help their students through this transition include (but are not limited to) :
Providing access to mental health services: including counseling services, psychiatric services, and other mental health resources.
Foster social connections: This can include initiatives such as virtual social events, student clubs and organizations, and other activities that promote social engagement.
Creating supportive campus environments: Fostering initiatives such as mental health awareness campaigns, peer support programs, and support groups.
Promote self-care and resilience: Providing mechanisms such as mindfulness practices, stress management programs, and other wellness initiatives.
By taking these steps, colleges and universities can help support their student's mental health and promote resilience in the post-COVID era. Howard University is making strides in bettering and supporting student mental health through Howard University Counseling Service (HUCS).
HUSC focuses on assisting students to overcome challenges they may be facing like depression, lack of motivation, social anxiety, time management, academic pressures, and much more. Dr. Jonathan Good, a clinical psychologist at HUSC, understands the importance of prioritizing yourself and your needs first. “We're facing one of the most unprecedented times in history, and with that being said, our mental health has taken a huge hit. With everything that's going on, if you ever have any mental health issues that you need to address by all means, please reach out to the Howard University Counseling Service; we're here to help you,” Good says.
Howard students can and are encouraged to reach out to HUSC by scheduling an appointment by emailing
HUConselingService@Howard.edu or calling (202) 806-6870 from Monday to Friday between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Marijuana has been a hot topic within the past couple of years. As states begin to decriminalize the drug, access to it has become more accessible than ever. Students are able to obtain weed from dealers on the street, local dispensaries, and even order the product from the comfort of their own homes and dorms.
While the legal age of smoking marijuana in Washington, D.C. is 21, students are able to maneuver their way around the restriction by buying from those unlicensed to sell. While this makes it convenient for students who desire the drug, it begs the question: Are students aware of what they are smoking? Moreover, are they aware of the long-term effects?
On Howard University’s campus, many students reported smoking marijuana as a way to calm their nerves and combat anxiety and depression. While many of them felt uncomfortable discussing their smoking habit publicly, junior School of Business student Cole Edwards saw no problem in speaking on his long-term habit.
Noting he’s been smoking for “six years,” Edwards describes smoking as a coping mechanism.
“It’s a way to socialize with friends. It relaxes me when I’m dealing with deep emotions and if I’m being honest, just want to forget about the problem,” he said.
Edwards, also known as “Coley,” is a music manager, musical artist, model, and creative conceptualizer. He recently took part in curating this year’s Springfest Talent Showcase. As someone who is constantly on the go and taking part in social activities, he manages all these activities while smoking consistently. However, he’s currently inching towards taking a break from smoking.
Being around people who smoke, he advises students to “know when to smoke and why.”
It is a common belief that marijuana cannot be addicting, however, some students noted that while they felt they weren’t addicted to the drug itself, they were addicted to the routine of smoking. Edward’s advice to students on combating this is to “smoke with a purpose.”
One might wonder how ironic it is that for a generation that smokes heavily, many have declined to comment or detail their experience and relationship with the product.
Some might suggest college students have negative relationships with the drug, though some also would suggest it could be positive.
When asked about his feelings on smoking Edwards shared, “I don’t think guilty is the right word but a little regret. I feel like if I never picked up weed I could have taken my intelligence to the next level.”
The duality of Edward’s relationship with weed has still served him well.
Though the feeling of regret creeps up from time to time, his persona “Coley” is known for being an “artsy smoker.” With all the success he’s accumulated so far and being able to receive recognition for his artistry, Edward isn’t too hard on himself. “I’m satisfied with where I’m at,” he said.
Being able to recognize the healthy and unhealthy habits of the drug, Edward knows himself well enough to make informed choices for his well-being.
A senior health science major who recently stopped smoking shared their own experience with the drug. “I stopped smoking as heavily as I used to,” they said. Currently, they only smoke once a week and normally in social settings.
The student described not feeling the need to smoke as much when not social, noting that a falling out with a friend group made them realize how much of smoking was due to being in the group. “Someone just wants to smoke and we [would] have it,” they said.
Taking a break from the drug and the friend group helped the student to asses whether their relationship with weed was truly their own or the result of social influence. “I’ve met people who are addicted and dependent on it,” they said. “You’re stressed, you smoke, it becomes a harder habit to break.”
Deputy director of South Carolina’s Department of Juvenile Justice and Howard professor, Mack McGhee, shared his expertise on the relationship between the current youth and marijuana use.
“Marijuana use among students can definitely affect normal brain development, leading to problems in learning, memory coordination, reaction time and judgement,” McGhee said. “Research suggest that excessive and frequent use of marijuana is associated with hallucinations, paranoia and a range of emotional problems.”
McGhee has spent the last 30 years working in juvenile justice, specifically in places such as juvenile detention centers. In his experience, synthetic marijuana and easy access to it has created a major impact on the current generation of youth.
According to McGhee, “Excessive use of marijuana has had a major impact and is often related to youth engaging in delinquent behaviors.”
McGhee’s proximity to juvenile rehabilitation programs has allowed him to witness firsthand the effect marijuana can have on youth. “Many programs that I have been associated with have provided substance use/substance disorders treatment services that assist and support the youth with stopping substance use with the aim to improve overall quality of life,” he said.
He noted that with the help of “an individualized treatment plan," he has seen youth “involved in the juvenile justice system ultimately attain their treatment goals and get back on a pro-social path.”
Though marijuana is derived from the Cannabis plant, it can still be synthetically created and sold outside of dispensaries. Dispensaries in D.C. are required to grow their weed within city limits. Sellers of marijuana advise students to question where it is they are buying from.
A trusted seller of cannabis who chose to remain anonymous gave tips on how to spot good products versus “greens” a term given to low-level weed. “Your weed shouldn’t be dark green, it shouldn’t be brown. The color of the weed should tell you.”
An employee at the House of Herbs also provided his tips. “Mostly for me. I look for smell, I look for density, the way it breaks down, the way it rolls up, the way it sticks to your fingers as you break it down,” he said.
“I would say you’re best bet for beginners is to come to the shop. We know for the most part what people look for because we smoke and we know what most people like,” he said.
Marijuana is still illegal under federal law but is decriminalized in Washington D.C. for people over the age of 21. Initiative 71, also known as the Legalization of Possession of Minimal Amounts of Marijuana for Personal Use Act of 2014, allows persons 21 and over to possess two ounces or less of marijuana.
The initiative also allows persons 21 and over to sport marijuana-related paraphernalia, possess marijuana on private property, and transfer one ounce or less of marijuana to another person as long as money, goods, or services are not exchanged.
It is still considered a crime in D.C. if a person is caught with over two ounces of marijuana and caught smoking or consuming marijuana in public spaces, including hookah lounges, restaurants, bars, streets, parks, and alleys. Smoking marijuana on federal land is illegal and can provide cause for arrest.
Selling and buying marijuana from another person is also considered a criminal offense according to the initiative guidelines.
ByJanee Jenkins
Many DMV tristate metro travelers were in for a heavy shock upon learning that the yellow line train would be closing down for construction from September 2022 to May 2023 The construction on the widely used form of public transportation is causing unforeseen disruption in the lives of many Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia residents
“The metro in DC is usually reliable, but there have been times when it does get a little delayed or there is a cancellation situation,” said Nya Harrison, a senior college student in the DMV. “It does put a damper on my mood when I’m riding and I see that I’m going to be 10 to 20 minutes late to an event because of the metro, despite me trying to plan for this ” But travelers like Harrison have grown accustomed to expecting the unexpected regarding the metro, so they always have an alternate route just in case of emergencies.
Due to the yellow line closure, commutes that typically take 15 to 20 minutes may now take 45 minutes to an hour because of using multiple train lines or switching to the WMATA bus system This has caused some hassle for Howard University students, as well as other universities in the DMV area College students with varying schedules can have courses going until nightfall. So in the instance of third year college student Jasmine Prime whom’s last class ends at 6pm, a metro closure makes for some difficulty.
“When I’m trying to get home after a long day and a delay comes, it’s like ‘Dang, another 5 or 10 minutes before I get home '" Prime said “But I think there could just be more communication about what delays look like, what parts of lines are closed and things of that nature.” Another issue Prime pointed out was the metro’s lack of diversity in location when trying to explore different routes or areas within the DC, Maryland, and Virginia communities. Therefore, she stresses the importance of the city making the public aware with notices of where train lines or buses can take you, as well as alternative routes for when transportation is down or not operating.
This break in normalcy of the daily routine for many DMV households has caused a rift that needs adjustments. In response, state transit websites and GPS systems try to provide the best alternative routes to satisfy residents until the yellow lines reopen
“When I’m trying to get home after a long day and a delay comes, it’s like ‘Dang, another 5 or 10 minutes before I get home.'"
BY: AYA FURIN-CAMPBELL
g p p p p attend can appreciate a wide variety of art from all participating locations for free!
For Harry Potter fans: Check out the DC Potter Crawl, a Harry Potter-themed bar crawl on April 29 from 2 pm to 10 pm at all participating locations across Dupont Circle Tickets are $15 online before tax, but $40 the day of the event, so those interested should make sure to get their tickets beforehand. Included in this bar crawl are a Harry Potter mug and various other prizes such as free pictures, raffle tickets, etc. The famous “Butterbeer” will be available for just $4 a shot, as well as other discounts on drinks throughout the crawl
Help the planet: An Earth Day Volunteer Event is taking place on April 22 at 10 am at the Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens at 1550 Anacostia Ave NE. Those involved will help to pick up trash and recyclable items in the surrounding area and help make DC a better place. If you ’ re looking for new ways to be active in your community, it will help to make the city we live in more beautiful and help the Earth to heal!
Just to Switch Things Up: Bottomless brunch restaurants that aren’t HalfSmoke (even though we all love HalfSmoke):
Takoda is a rooftop restaurant in a beautiful location with bottomless brunch on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. There is a set price of $53 per person, but this includes their personalized choice of a 3-course brunch meal and the bottomless mimosas For those who don’t want to participate in the bottomless brunch, there is a separate menu as well Takoda is located at 715 Florida Ave NW This restaurant and beer garden is a great start to a great weekend!
Boundary Stone has outdoor seating, which is great when the weather is as beautiful as it has been, as well as bottomless mimosas for just $23 if you buy an entree Brunches are on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays and last from 10 am to 3 pm Boundary Stone is located at 116 Rhode Island Ave NW This venue also does private events which are great for birthday parties and graduation celebrations!
The Madhatter DC has a delicious, affordable brunch menu with bottomless mimosas for just $15. Located at 1319 Connecticut Ave NW this restaurant has outdoor seating as well Madhatter also has a VIP program so that dedicated fans of this restaurant can sign up for exclusive deals, discounts, and knowledge of the secret menu items!
For those who love wine: The DC Wine Fest Spring Edition will take place on April 22 at Dock 5 at Union Market, 1309 5th St NE from 12 pm to 10 pm The ticket prices range from $35 to $60 before tax depending on what session you plan to attend, and whether or not it is a group endeavor There will be live music and entertainment, and those who wish to participate will be able to sample a wide variety of delicious wines and can look ahead of time to see what wineries will be at the event as DCWineFestcom This is a great way to sample different premium wines while enjoying yourself in the nice weather with your friends!
For those who love to dance: Dia de Travesuras: Reggaeton Party DC has New York making its way to Washington DC! This event will take place at Saint Yves 1220 Connecticut Ave NW from 4 pm to 10 pm on April 22, and you must be at least 21 years old to attend Tickets range from $10 to $20 but are expected to increase in price as the event date becomes closer Celebrate with drinks, bottle service, and dancing to Reggaeton and Trap Latino music with a special guest DJ expected to make an appearance!
The famous cherry blossoms of Washington have remained a symbol of spring and renewal, attracting millions of tourists from around the world to witness their beauty year after year Unfortunately, the history of the cherry blossoms is intertwined with racism, exclusion, and political maneuvering
This untold history begins in 1885 when the United States government sent a diplomatic mission to Japan to negotiate a trade agreement The leader of the mission, Commodore Matthew Perry, brought back several cherry blossom trees as a gift to the American people However, the trees were not well-received by the public–many saw them as a foreign and exotic species that didnt belong in America
It wasn't until the early 1900s that the cherry blossoms gained popularity in the District of Columbia Following a trip to Japan in 1885, Eliza Ruhamah Scidmore led a group of influential women in lobbying the government to/so that they would – l plant cherry trees along the Potomac River Scidmore’s inspiration stemmed from the way she fell in love with the cherry blossoms, and she believed that they would beautify the city and serve as a symbol of friendship between the opposing countries
At first, the government was slow to act on the proposal In fact, the project only gained momentum after the Japanese government offered to donate 2,000 cherry blossom trees to the U S in 1909 Though the trees arrived in Washington in 1910, they were infested with insects and had to be burned
Undeterred, the Japanese government offered to donate another 3,000 trees in 1912 This time, the trees were healthy; and the first official Cherry Blossom Festival was held in 1935, and it has since become a beloved annual event Despite its newly established presence in the U S capital, the history of the cherry blossoms is also representative of one of the darkest times in Japanese-American history During World War II, the festival was suspended due to anti-Japanese sentiment in the U S Japanese Americans were forcibly removed from their homes and placed in internment camps, and many lost their property and livelihoods The cherry blossoms, once a symbol of friendship between two nations, had become a symbol of racism and exclusion
“I just wish that this sentiment really felt like they were honoring Japanese culture and Japanese Americans, instead of doing all this for show,” said senior Kiya Powell (Japanese name Kitagawa Kaiya), whose family is of Japanese and Black descent s “With all the racism my mom and I experience on a daily basis here in D C , it's funny to see everyone celebrate the blossoms ”
In recent years, efforts have been made to acknowledge and address this painful history In 2012, the National Park Service installed a plaque at the Tidal Basin, which acknowledged the contributions of Japanese Americans to the cherry blossom festival and condemned the racist internment seen during World War II The festival now includes cultural events and activities highlighting Japanese culture and traditions, and the trees themselves offer a message of resilience and hope
“I’ve seen the changes being made and I appreciate them, but we still have a long way to go when it comes to inclusion and stopping AntiAsian hate,” said Powell
The history of the cherry blossoms is a complex and often troubling one, but it is also a reminder of the power of nature and the resilience of the human spirit As visitors flock to the Tidal Basin each spring for the beautifully authentic Japanese cherry, it is important to remember the history behind this beloved tradition and to work towards a future where all people are treated with dignity and respect
treesarrivedinD.C. butwereinfested andhadtobeburned.
TheNationalParkServiceinstalled aplaqueattheTidalBasin acknowledgingthecontributionsof JapaneseAmericanstothecherry blossomfestival
In the world of collegiate athletics, female athletes have continued to dominate their respective sports in 2023. Despite only being four months into the year, women’s collegiate sports have continued to remain the topic of discussion, being in the spotlight almost every week.
Recently, women’s collegiate basketball, ratings have reached an all-time high. Over the course of the NCAA National Championship, thousands of viewers watched in anticipation as teams battled for a spot in the Final Four. Out of all of the competing teams, fans were drawn to Iowa due to star-player Caitlin Clark and LSU for star-player Angel Reese After LSU clinched the Championship Title, Reese was criticized for her “lack of sportsmanship” after confidently celebrating against the rival team
Despite these critiques, Reese stood her ground, calling out the difference in reactions she garnered compared to white female athletes who had similar celebrations. Since winning the championship, the prospective 2024 WNBA draftee has soared to even more fame, reaching more than 1.5 million followers on Instagram and
receiving praise from current and former NBA players such as Lebron James and Shaq.
Next up - track. Since her high school days, Masai Russell has been a star track athlete to watch. Russell, a DMV native, attends the University of Kentucky, where she has continued to make a name for herself. Although her performances over the years have been in the top ranks, it is safe to say that 2023 is HER year. In late January, Russell made headlines for smashing the indoor NCAA Collegiate Record in the 60-meter hurdles with a time of 7.75. With a steady streak, Russell has gone on to do the same in the outdoor season.
Just a few weeks ago, the star runner shattered the NCAA Collegiate Record in the 100-meter hurdles with a time of 12.36 at the infamous Texas Relays meet. With a large portion of the season left, many anticipate another recordbreaking performance before championships. Following the end of her graduate year, there is no doubt that Russell will go pro, stating that “my short hurdles are going to be what will bring me much more success and pay my bills once I do transition to the professional space.”
Last but not least, we have gymnastics. As the championship meet approaches, former gymnasts and analysts have been discussing who is on their watch list. This season, Jordan Chiles has caught the attention of many. The former Olympian now attends UCLA, which is known for its gymnastics program. Earlier last month, Chiles earned her first Pac-12 Championship title, winning the bars event. In addition to this, she broke her own record, achieving the highest all-around score (39.9)
in the nation Following the national championships, Chiles will begin training for the 2024 Olympic Trials in another attempt to make the team and medal.
While these three athletes are not the only ones contributing to the rise of women’s collegiate sports, they are just a sneak peek of the talent that continues to spread throughout the industry. With more to come, there is no telling how the rest of the year will go.
Top-ranked all-arounder/Highest all-around gymnastics score 2020 Olympic Silver Medalist Potential all-arounder national champion
LSU Women’s Basketball NCAA National Championship Highest Earning Basketball Player in NCAA (Both men’s and women Valued NIL Valuation of 1.3 million
Collegiate Record Holder for 100M Hurdles
Collegiate Record Holder for 60M Hurdles Bowerman Watchlist and Expected Finalist
Mo’Nique,famouslyknownforherroleas“Nikki”inthehit 90’sSitcom“TheParkers,”hasfacedquiteabitof controversyinrecentyearsbutisreturningtothe spotlightwithNetflixComedySpecial,“MyNameis Mo’Nique”
Hercomedyspecialmakeslightofherroughupbringing beingplacedin“specialeducation”fromseventhtoninth grade.Sheclaimspeoplehavebeenlabelingherher wholelife,soshe'sreadyforwhatanyonehastosayabout thecomedian.
Sincewinningbestsupportingactressforherroleinthe film“Precious”shehastakenastepbackfromHollywood. In2017,theactresssuedNetflixfordiscriminationforwhat sheconsideredbeinglowballedforhercomedyspecial whileNetflixownedcopyrightsandcompletecreative control.Sheclaimedthattherewasacleardistinction betweenthepaymentsofferedtocomedianslikeDave Chappelle,ChrisRock,andAmySchumerincomparison toBlackfemalecomedians.
Her demands caused Netflix to walk away from negotiations with Mo’Nique and scratch her upcoming special.
The comedian was also Blacklisted from major influencers in Hollywood like Tyler Perry and Oprah. She was influenced by “Precious” movie producers to promote the film for free at the Cannes Film Festival but instead wanted to spend her free time with her family. Mo’Nique claims she was deemed as “difficult” and “hard to work with” in Hollywood, resulting in her exclusion from the industry.
With all the previous controversy behind her; Mo’Nique’s Netflix comedy special, “My Name is Monique” debuted on April 4. The special is her first step back into the spotlight and she spills all we’ve been missing
As of April 11, Hollywood is soon to have yet another set of newlyweds on the way. The person of discussion is none other than British actress, Millie Bobby Brown, who rose to fame for her role as Eleven in the Netflix hit series “Stranger Things.” She is now engaged at just 19 years old to her boyfriend of two years and the son of famous rock icon Bon Jovi, Jake Bongiovi, 20.
The couple took to Instagram to post their pictures to announce their engagement to the public. In case there was any room for speculation from audiences, this was immediately cleared by the massive ring on the actress’ left ring finger. In the post, she and now-fiancé Bongiovi share an embrace and are both overjoyed with the presence of one another
As expected, all of her fans share mixed feelings of shock and happiness at the news, the majority of those unsatisfied with her post are simply surprised that she would make a lifelong decision at such a young age. Although neither of them has explicitly stated that they are engaged, the evidence speaks for itself. Word has not yet been received regarding wedding dates and a chosen location, but nonetheless, the two lovebirds have made the decision to start their happily ever after!
Schmigadoon is a musical comedy featuring the talents of Keegan Micheal-Key and Cecily Strong as the fictional couple maneuvers through relationship challenges to stumble upon a magical town fashioned after the golden age of musicals. The 2021 show only allows its main characters to exit this fantasy town only after they participate in the town’s musical endeavors and learn an ultimate lesson.
Shrinking is a comedy-drama that deals with therapy and loss in a fresh way. Jason Segel's character plays a snappy leading man that is still grappling with the loss of his wife, raising a spunky teenage daughter, and being an effective therapist. Once Segel's character finally snaps under pressure and starts giving his clients candid and almost brutally honest advice, the show really starts to take off. It starts pretty slow but it gets good!
KINDRED is the science fiction show that is every Black person's worst nightmare come true. Mallori Johnson gives an electric performance as a young Black writer that moves to Los Angeles only to be shot back in time, pulled back, and shot again. She's forced to go in and out of slavery and her current life and adjust to both settings. The show was unfortunately cancelled after the first season, but worth it anyway.
Kerry Washington's new show, Unprisoned, is truly heartbreaking. And contrary to what the title implies, the therapist and single mother's life is anything but. Washington's character finds out her father, played by Delroy Lindo, will be released from prison to move in with her and her impressionable teenage son. The show grapples with the reality of how terrible the criminal justice system is with a few laughs on the side.
The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel is easily Amazon Prime's biggest achievement to date. The 1950s housewife, played by Rachel Brosnahan, gets cheated on and that very moment ignites something within her that was stifled comedy. Once her husband left her for his air-head secretary, she begins to notice she's more than an Upper West sider and actually has a knack for something more, and as a woman no less.
Harlem, starring Megan Good, is the Black Sex and the City minus the white women frolicking in Manhattan but plus four successful friends in the community and going through lives whims and woes together. The show follows some thirtysomethings through their creative, tech, and academic careers as they're faced with tough choices in their own lives with work and romance and as a growing and evolving group.
For those of us that love going to sleep with the TV on, A World of Calm is an excellent replacement for that likely overwatched comfort show. It invites various celebrities with famously comforting and familiar voices to transport audiences into calming and relaxing atmospheres through ASMR-like monologues and detailed visuals.
Sort Of is the sitcom for anyone juggling multiple roles and identities just trying to figure it out. Gender-fluid Pakistani bartender, played by Canadian actor Bilal Baig, plays the life of a multifaceted individual of immigrant parents that is entirely too relatable and scarily accurate regardless of your background. Millennials, GenZ, and even Gen-X alike are bound to love this show and find some way to relate to its hilariously sarcastic (and widely unserious) main character.
In 2006, Wattpad was created with the intention of breaking the barrier between writers and readers with an easy publication process and ease of access to writers and their stories. To save you from sifting through real-life fanfictions and cliche werewolf dramas, here are a few Wattpad stories worth checking out.
Lilah is a cliche but amusing story about a sickeningly sweet woman named Azalea falling in love with her direct antithesis Greyson. Despite her tragic background and circumstances, Azalea treats everyone with kindness and overwhelming positivity. Greyson is generally apathetic toward his peers until Azalea turns his life upside down If you’re looking for an easy-to-read and heart-warming novel, this is perfect for you
Hellhound is the second of the Riders of Tyr series but can be read as a standalone book. It follows two extremely broken individuals finding love in one another On the run from her captors, Iris encounters the Riders of Tyr MC, one of America's most feared and dangerous biker gangs. The killers with hearts of gold take in Iris as she heals from her physical and psychological wounds and falls for Rage. Nicknamed for his temper and brutality while following orders, Rage struggles with his own demons Smitten with Iris, Rage vows to protect Iris, even if it’s from himself.
Pirouette follows the story of Fiona, a ballerina unable to do a pirouette as the ghost of her father haunts her. With the help of Adam, an energetic and caring dancer with a tragic past, Fiona rediscovers her passion for dance and conquers her anxiety The two embark on a journey of self-love, healing, and change as they fall deeply in love with dance and each other. This novel explores themes of race, mental health, violence, and death as the two navigate their respective past and future as a couple.
Agent is centered around top CIA agent, Rya Wilkins and her standoff with a dangerously enticing Italian agent who forces her to question her organization. The two engage in battles of wits, minds, and blows undercut with tension thick enough to be cut with a knife. Agent is the third entry of the "CENTURIES" series but can be read as a stand-alone novel. The rest of the series provides context to other characters and expands the story further. If you like this book, you might enjoy reading the rest of the series, especially Alexander and Creature.
Captured by MeKayla Pierre
By: Lindsey Desir
As one of the most highly anticipated events of the year, Howard University's Springfest concert lived up to the hype with an impressive lineup of musical acts that left the crowd buzzing with excitement. Featuring the City Girls, Tiacorine, and Lil Durk, this year's concert brought together a diverse range of artists whose distinct styles and electrifying performances kept the audience engaged from start to finish
Kicking off the show was Tiacorine, a rising star whose soulful vocals and smooth R&B beats immediately set the tone for an unforgettable night. As the first act to take the stage, Tiacorine quickly won over the crowd with her undeniable talent and infectious energy Her standout performance of "Freaky T" showcased her energy and dynamic range, and left many in the audience eager to hear more from this up-and-coming artist.
Next up was the City Girls, a duo whose infectious blend of rap and trap music had the entire crowd on their feet. From the moment they stepped on stage, Yung Miami and JT commanded the audience's attention with their bold personalities and high-energy performances. Their hit songs "Twerkulator" and "Act Up" had the entire crowd singing along and dancing Their ability to connect with the audience on a personal level made their performance all the more memorable.
I think the City Girls were my favorite act to come to perform,” says Howard senior Cristin Payne, “It was like the City Girls were for the girls, and Durk was for the boys!”
But the night's headliner, Lil Durk, was undoubtedly the highlight of the evening The Chicago-born rapper brought his signature gritty, emotional rap style to the stage, delivering a captivating performance that left the audience in awe. From the opening bars of "Stay Down" to the emotional closer "Nobody Knows," Durk's set was a masterclass in hip-hop artistry His ability to convey complex emotions through his music was evident throughout his performance, and his connection with the audience was truly something special
“I came here specifically for Lil Durk,” says Howard senior Naquan Bentley “He has to be my favorite artist ”
In addition to his incredible performance, Lil Durk used his platform to highlight a cause close to his heart: the Durk Banks Scholarship Fund
Created in memory of his late cousin, the scholarship aims to provide financial assistance to students who have experienced hardship or adversity in their lives Durk's heartfelt message about the importance of education and perseverance was met with thunderous applause Many in the audience were inspired to learn more about the scholarship and how they could support it.
Howard University's Springfest concert was an unforgettable night of music, community, and empowerment The diverse range of artists and musical styles represented on stage served as a powerful reminder of the unifying power of music, and the energy and enthusiasm of the audience were a testament to the enduring spirit of the Howard community And with Lil Durk's powerful message about the importance of education and the Durk Banks Scholarship Fund, the concert was more than just a night of entertainment - it was a call to action for everyone to come together and make a positive impact in the world T H E M O S T A N T I C I P A T E D E V E N T
Image via Keith Golden Jr.Trinity A. Kinslow didn’t know whether to take her talents as a writer, producer, host, content creator, and journalist to Southern University or Howard University But then she had an epiphany.
Acting, singing, dancing, traveling, modeling, hosting, you name it, Kinslow participated And when she did, she embodied a reflection of herself that she’d one day discover. As a young African-American woman who is subject to a world of trials, Kinslow has an optimistic approach to her purpose. Regardless of which state she resided in physically or mentally, Kinslow knew that her self-evolution would one-day amount to a story that would exceed her purpose.
As a broadcast and digital Journalism major and African-American studies minor, Kinslow endured some trials and tribulations in her journey to one day becoming a public figure The beginning of her academic career took place at Southern University where Kinslow majored in broadcast journalism At the time, opportunities and resources weren’t being met in Baton Rouge. In her spring semester of sophomore year, she realized that she had to come to terms with leaving the university When she received her acceptance to Howard University, she then realized the time had come to face new opportunities and resources.
It turned out to be the right decision. She says that her grades have been better, she’s in a happier place, and it’s easier for her to do better in school scholastically and socially
“My transfer process from Southern to Howard has only really impacted me positively. Being in a happier state of mind makes it much easier to perform better in school I have been able to meet like-minded people who have similar goals and aspirations as well,” said Kinslow.
“Being at Howard has really propelled me forward and has inspired me more as a professional, individual, and creative person, ” she said The one drawback Kinslow says about going to Howard is the pressure to keep up socially
“I wish I would’ve known how everyone carried themselves socially at Howard It’s kind of like you ’ re climbing a social ladder and every other person is a ring A lot of people are users and abusers of what you can contribute ”
It isn’t as if Kinslow is new to the game She’d already begun her journalistic journey in her hometown of Nashville, Tennessee, at an early age The musical culture surrounding Kinslow in the city inspired her in many ways, whether that was creating music, listening to music, or interviewing others about their musical creativity. Most, if not all of Kinslow’s early development was spent expressing herself through acting, dancing, singing, and creating art It all translated to what she would end up doing at Howard - studying broadcast journalism.
“One characteristic that Kinslow carries from her childhood into adulthood is her optimism Ever since we were kids, she’s always had a helpful and enduring demeanor She was always the one to uplift you and encourage you to do whatever you wanted to do, especially if it was positive,” says Lindsey Pettis, Trinity’s childhood best friend In a more inspirational environment, it is Kinslow’s hope to go into multimedia journalism and content creation. Her long-term goal is to host and produce her own talk show where she will focus on Black culture and how society affects individuals no matter one's background
“What I hope to accomplish in my profession is to open people's eyes to what’s going on in the world and how it affects them individually and how it affects us as different communities, whether it be Black, White, Indian, or LGBTQ,” says Kinslow As a rising journalist and media mogul, Kinslow is growing her eponymous platform as “The Trinity Alana,” - The face of radio and voice of television. Kinslow’s platform stands on the purpose of “tellin’ it like it is!” where she expounds on topics such as culture, society, and entertainment among others
Since Kinlow’s awakening to purpose, she has referenced her testimony as a harbinger for the truth to be told Her efforts on her platform will make way for others to unleash their superpowers, she says
Kinslow's vision is to inspire people to come together and familiarize themselves with the idea that people are more alike than they are different “I want to bring people together and provide information that is entertaining and easy to digest, she says. ”
Amber Smith stood tall as she watched her certainty crumble into doubt. With trembling hands, she held on to her faith as life took her on an unexpected journey.
Smith spent most of her childhood fully supported by a family who referred to her as “their prodigy child.” She was the second person to express interest in attending college, after her older sister, so she began to feel the pressure of the expectations that were placed upon her. With every intention to prevail, her mind began to betray her but her heart kept her grounded
“I was under an immense amount of pressure, as a child, I was often compared to my mother’s younger sister who at a very young age was labeled a prodigy child. She was an amazing singer and an amazing child, and there were a lot of things paralleled between us. As I watched the
trajectory of her life plunge, it stimulated a lot of fears in me and I began to wonder if I too would end up like her,” Smith recalled
Smith realized she was in the process of breaking generational cycles. It wasn't an easy decision for her to take a step back from school and put her own needs first.
“My mental health began to decline and I think I needed a break…I remember talking to my mom about it and her response was okay, summer vacation is your break. At that moment I understood she didn't understand what I was going through,” Smith recalls.
Smith then decided to keep her family out of the situation after recognizing that she would have to overcome this mental battle alone She said what she imagined her
family wanted to hear:
"I'm doing great, Mom, and yes, I'm going to classes."
When in fact she wasn't. Smith fought this battle herself since she was unable to tell her family her devastating reality
“I was stuck in imposter syndrome,” Smith explained “I remember I was working at this community service event, and I had to take a picture, we all did However, the picture was posted on our internal website. As I stared at the picture on the screen before me, I just kept thinking ‘Oh God, people who work here are going to see this,’ and at that moment I began to spiral,” Smith reflected. “I was in my head so bad that day, I had to leave work early. I was consumed by childhood trauma, and my insecurities, I remember feeling so overwhelmed on my drive home I had to pull over. I told myself I was tired of feeling like that. It was time to seek out therapy.”
Months before what should have been her graduation, she was confident that she could no longer go on." I had to withdraw," Smith recalled With the unknown in one hand and her needs in another, it was a tug a war game she knew she could no longer participate in
“The first two months I was full of relief, this heavy burden I’d been dragging around for two years at the time, was finally off me. I felt like I could breathe again,” she said.
Smith was still young, she knew she had time to decide what her next move was going to be. As she entered the workforce her roller coaster didn't end there. Smith struggled to find a healthy balance. "It was one of the most embarrassing, humbling experiences of my life. I had to go back home to Chicago with my tail between my legs... I remember the ride home from the airport with my dad and he asked me how I was feeling and I responded 'I just don't know '"
Coming from a prayer warrior of a mother and the support of her loved ones Smith returned home As she opened the door with a heavy heart her mother embraced her with open arms and words of wisdom.
“That night my mother and father sat me down and my father said to me, ‘There's but so many times God’s going to call your name and he’s going to allow you to ignore him. God was calling you and you were ignoring him to the point where he had to shake everything up.”
Smith’s father's words followed her and it wasn't long after she found herself breaking down crying in the shower, it was the beginning of the cleansing period she so desperately needed. It was just the next day when she attended church and the sermon the preacher was giving seemed to be specially crafted for her
“It just fits my life so perfectly and I just found myself breaking down in the church I never cried like that in church before. My mother just held me,” she remembered.
Smith knew God was trying to connect with her and she found herself opening up. In the year that followed Smith's return home, she buried herself in work and refused a social life.
“I didn’t want to see any of my friends. In my mind, if they had seen me home they would’ve known I failed and I couldn't have that.”
“I was concerned because Amber has always been dedicated and determined so I knew something was up upon her return home,” remembers her sister Eboni Smith. “I knew she needed to recharge and find that passion again ”
Eboni Smith stands tall when predicting Smith will leave a major imprint on the world, Eboni’s confident that within the next five years, her younger sister will succeed in any direction she chooses. After learning it isn't easier if you don't try, it was a pivotal moment when Smith applied for a job she knew she wasn't qualified for and to her surprise, she got the job.
“She saw something in me that I wasn’t aware existed at that time,” Smith recalled. Her oncedimmed light began to flicker as she excelled at her new job.
“I had to ask myself, ‘Why fear success?’
I fail, okay! I’ve failed before. Just keep going and stay in the moment,” Smith expressed. When asked If she were ever allowed to whisper anything to her younger self, she says “God got you, girl, worry not about the things that aren't within your control, it’s already done. You're anointed whether you know it or not, release that hurt and utilize your support system.”
While progressing quickly in her new position Smith gained the confidence and courage she needed to take on Howard University once again Smith’s older sister knew it was one of her younger sister’s biggest accomplishments to get back into school and proudly described Smith as a “brave, intelligent and passionate beautiful woman. “She’s killing it, she’s been killing it, as we always knew she would.”
Smith continues to shine bright, she fought her way back into Howard University classes, with an expected date of graduating in May 2024. Designed and decided. To be that brave, that bold takes something. It was the recognition of Smith’s power, once she saw it, there was nothing left to do but to unleash it, to embody it. Smith surrendered her fears and stood tall while screaming “No retreat.”
“Yes, my journey didn’t turn out the way I imagined it, they usually don’t I’ve been welcomed into doors I didn’t believe I was qualified to enter and held a seat at the table I’m in love with the person I’ve become, the woman I’m still becoming, I’ve banded fear and my future is surrounded by the emotion of excitement,” Amber says with conviction.
PHOTOS BY TIANA JONES
Listen close now, can you hear it?
A world rising from a frigid slumber
She’s already holding onto the evening sun
She places lost leaves on lost trees
The birds chirp, bees buzz, she sings
The eggs hatch, flowers blossom, she dances
Tapping our windows, urging us to join
You take life’s most meaningless moments And fill them with purpose. The very thought of them Must mean something. If no thought is too trivial Every moment must be impactful, Every breath is a new life, Every blink is the detritus of darkness, And the reinstitution of light. Thoughts do no linger unnecessarily So, the belittlement of your thoughts, Is the belittlement of your character. The world is far too harsh
Far too hasty
And far too foolish to allow oneself more judgment. It’s as if the wheels of a freight train
As if to say, “I have no remorse for the mind I have torn apart.”
When I don’t wish you well I become something bigger and blacker–a villainous thing–a sinful thing
I am taught to swallow my memories
To suppress the sinking feeling that your smile brings on When I don’t wish you well, it rains And God cries
But what about when I cried? And pleaded
Then screamed
And a summer of storms greeted me for the next three years
It’s seasonal, they tell me
So I make sure not to wish you well at least once a year
Yes, I must be evil
To find joy in your downfall
It goes against everything I was taught
They taught me everything but how to hurt
So when I hurt, they look at my wide-eyed
And beg me to accept the same water that drowns me
Fills me up to the brim
Like an ocean of you
And without this body of water
I am without you, which is to say
I am nothing without you
Just as you thought me to be
When I inevitably tell my daughter what heartbreak feels like
I’ll first tell her about you
Then, I will tell her how I don’t wish you well
That some evils are necessary
Finally, I’ll tell her never to accept the dirty water
The world returns to her
T A K I E R G E O R G E
S u m m e r 2 0
BY: EVIN GUILFORD
Do you find yourself tuning out of a podcast after the first five minutes? forgoing listening to your favorite podcast because you just don’t have the time? A new startup app called JAM is the solution to this dilemma.
One of the standout features of JAM is its record feature, which allows users to create their own podcasts. This feature makes a unique and interactive experience for users, as they can contribute to their own playlist and also listen back to it after you create it.
The JAM app is available for download on both iOS and Android devices, making it accessible to anyone interested in trying out this up-and-coming app. JAM is an exciting new addition to the audio streaming landscape and is sure to enhance your listening experience as a person on the go. Once you download the app use the code “InfluencerU” and start listening.
The Black Girls House was The Black Girls House was founded in 2020 with the sole founded in 2020 with the sole purpose being to serve, purpose being to serve, empower and advocate our empower and advocate our community.community.
The Black Girls House was founded with an emphasis on sisterhood and utilizing the strength in numbers to improve the quality of life for the communities that we serve.
The Black Girls House seeks to use our voices to collectively speak out on all that is unjust and inhumane and to educate others on the ongoing issues and injustice in our society.
The Black Girls House empowers and uplifts all women.
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HER CAMPUS IS THE NO.1 NEW-MEDIA BRAND FOR THE EMPOWERED COLLEGE WOMAN. WRITTEN ENTIRELY BY THE WORLD'S TOP COLLEGE JOURNALISTS – WITH 10,000+ CONTRIBUTORS AND COUNTING – HERCAMPUS.COM FEATURES NATIONAL STYLE, BEAUTY, HEALTH, LOVE, LIFE, CAREER, ENTERTAINMENT, NEWS DIY LGBTQ+ HIGH SCHOOL AND AFTER COLLEGE CONTENT SU M 340+ CAMPUS CHAPTER .
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