Special Inauguration Edition The official student newspaper of Alabama State University
The Hornet Tribune “WE NEED A FREE PRESS. WE MUST HAVE IT. IT’S VITAL.”
VOLUME 57, ISSUE 3
“The New York Times of Alabama State University”
SEPTEMBER 1, 2018
Thompson to compete in black college queens pageant BY NEFSA’HYATT BROWN Interim Editor-in-Chief nefsahyatt.brown21@gmail.com
In less than 30 days, Miss Alabama State University Arianna Thompson could lay claim to another title as she competes in the 2018 Competition of Black College Queens on Sept. 26-30, sponsored by the National Black Arianna Thompson Miss Alabama State University College Alumni (NBCA)
Hall of Fame Foundation, Inc., at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Atlanta. A competition meant to highlight the intellect, talent, and personalities of women who attend HBCUs, the winner will be acknowledged as Miss NBCA Hall of Fame Foundation, the Queen of Queens. The winner will act as the spokesperson for the NBCA
Hall of Fame Foundation and will embody the definition of what HBCU excellence. Outside of the competition itself, the Hall of Fame weekend includes events specifically for the queens in attendance such as “A Call to Womanhood,” the “Queens & Kings Tea,” the Positive Image Program and various other workshops designed to empower the young African
American female. Thompson, who has been competing in small pageants since her junior year of high school, said that she is not intimidated by the size of the competition. Instead she says, “It’s honestly motivation for me to do my best and give it my all.” The Wetumpka High School graduate, Dean’s List student and former Hornet
Cheerleader will prepare for the competition by completing three mock interviews a week, rehearsing her talent twice per week and rehearsing the required oratory twice a week, and running a mile each day to ensure that she is selected by the judges as one of the Top Ten black campus queens chosen during preSee COMPETE on page 4
PHOTO BY MICKEY WELSH/PHOTOGRAPHER
University President Quinton Timothy Ross, Jr. is administered the Oath of Office by the chairman of the university’s trustee board, Darrell Hudson, during the ninth Presidential inauguration ceremony.
Ross formally installed as ASU’s 15th president BY NEFSA’HYATT BROWN Interim Editor-in-Chief nefsahyatt.brown21@gmail.com
The Alabama State University Board of Trustees formally inaugurated the 15th president of Alabama State University on Thursday, August 30. Quinton Timothy Ross, Jr., Ed.D, a three-time graduate of Alabama State University, received the authority and symbols of the Office of President. Ross, who had been on the job since October of last year, was both humbled and thankful for the trust that the university community had placed in him. “My heart is overflowing with a soaring pride and a deep humility to imagine in my most earnest prayers that I would stand as the 15th president today of my alma mater,” Ross said. “The greatest educational institution in America our Alabama State University. It’s overwhelming.”
He continued. “As I survey those gathered here today, I don’t simply see faculty and staff or members of the board of trustees, just students and alumni, I see family, my family, a family built on the foundation of honor, trust, hope, and yes unwavering unity of purpose.” Vice Chairman of the university’s board of trustees, Brenda Brown Hunter emphasized the importance and significance of the occasion. “Thank you for understanding the importance of what this means for the life of our university,” Brown said. “This ceremony allows us to reflect and honor our legacy - the Marion Nine ... These events allow us to prepare for our future and awake the promise of what is to come because we know our future here at ASU is bright. The best is yet to come.” According to Ross, the inaugural ceremonies made him “commotional,” a phrase
PHOTO BY MICKEY WELSH/PHOTOGRAPHER
Former SGA President Ennis Tait reflects upon his and President Ross’ experiences as they shared an apartment while students.
PHOTO BY DAVID CAMPBELL/UNIVERSITY PHOTOGRAPHER
U.S. Congresswoman Terri Sewell presents President Ross with his copy of the Congressional Record of his inauguration.
he borrowed from one of his mentors, former university president C. Clifford Baker. He also expressed love for those who helped him to get to where he is today. “That is what Alabama State University is to me - a family of brothers and sisters bonded together by this insti-
tution,” said Ross. A number of distinguished guests offered him words of wisdom or expressions of how proud they are of his success, including Kay Ivey, governor of Alabama, Randall Woodfin, mayor of See INSTALLED on page 4
PHOTO BY DAVID EVANS/CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER
Gov. Kay Ivey, president of the university board of trustees, offered congratulations to Ross during the inaugural ceremonies.
Ross III makes donation to university STAFF REPORT
The Hornet Tribune tribune2018@gmail.com
PHOTO BY DAVID CAMPBELL/UNIVERSITY PHOTOGRAPHER
President Quinton T. Ross, Jr., Ed.D, and First Lady J. Ross assist Quinton T. Ross III with his check presentation during the Inaugural Ball that was held at the Renaissance Hotel on Aug. 30.
CAMPUS NEWS p.2
Quinton T. Ross, III, will tell you that he is a proud Hornet; and at the university’s recent Inaugural Ball, he put his “money where his heart is.” Affectionately known as “Third,” Quinton took to the stage before a gathering of more than 800 guests to make
HORIZONS p.7
his donation of $150 to his beloved Alabama State University. “I decided to donate $150 because my Dad became President last year when the school was celebrating its 150th birthday,” said the younger Ross. Dressed in a debonair cream and black tuxedo, Quinton was the mirror image of his father during the University’s premier event
VIEWPOINTS p.9
celebrating the inauguration of ASU’s 15th President. He charmed the crowd with his speech that spoke of his father’s love for his family and for his alma mater. Following his presentation, the Ross family was all smiles as they posed with Quinton III’s “big check.” “This was truly a surprise for me,” said President Ross. “I was so proud that he was able to stand before a crowd
SPORTS p.13
of that size and have the poise to be able to make a speech. He’s already warned me that if I ‘mess up,’ he’s ready to step in as President. I really love that he shares my love of this great University that has done so much for me and my family.” The donation from Quinton III was part of a grand total of more than $1 million in donations raised during the inaugural initiatives. A & E p.15
UNIVERSITY NEWS
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Sept. 1, 2018
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GENERAL POLICIES
The Hornet Tribune is written, edited and published by members of the student body at Alabama State University. All articles, photographs, and graphics are property of The Hornet Tribune and its contents may not be reproduced or republished without written permission from the general manager. The Hornet Tribune is published once-weekly (Tuesday) with a run count of 5,000 copies per issue during the Alabama State University campus fall, spring semesters. The paper is free to the students, staff, faculty, and the general public every Tuesday morning on the ASU campus. The Hornet Tribune student offices are open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday-Friday. The offices are located on the second floor of the John Garrick Hardy Center. The Hornet Tribune is the official student newspaper of the Alabama State University community located in Montgomery, Ala. Articles, features, opinions, speak out and editorials do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the administration and its policies. Signed articles, feedback, commentaries, and features do not necessarily reflect the views of the editors, staff, or student body. The Hornet Tribune is a 12- or 16 page newspaper produced by The Hornet Tribune staff. The entire student body, the primary audience of readers, receives the newspaper free of charge to encourage readership and to ensure the showcasing of our journalistic work. Our secondary audience includes faculty, local community and other collegiate newspaper staffs throughout the country. The newspaper attempts to inform and entertain its audience in a broad, fair and accurate manner on all subjects that affect readers. The medium seeks also to provide a forum for the opinions of the students, the staff of The Hornet Tribune and the faculty to encourage an exchange of ideas and opinions on issues of prominence to the readers. While the staff will allow constructive criticism of any part of The Hornet Tribune after publication, final authority for content of The Hornet Tribune rests solely in the hands of the staff, with the chief editor making the final decision.
PHOTO BY DAVID EVANS/CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER
The Alabama State University v. Tuskegee University football game always bring out the Hornet spirit and pride among Hornet fans.
Rice offers apologies for financial aid hiccup BY NEFSA’HYATT BROWN Interim Editor-in-Chief nefsahyatt.brown21@gmail.com
Assistant Vice President of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management Rolundus Rice, Ph.D, responded to the hundreds of cries for help as well as the complaints of students regarding the lengthy processing time for their financial aid, which delayed expected scholarships and refunds. In an Aug. 28 memorandum to students Rice expressed his “deepest apologies for the unanticipated delays in processing financial aid awards for the 2018-19 academic year.” “I recognize that so many of you have been adversely impacted by the delayed disbursements to your accounts that will cover your tuition, scholarships, book expenses and expected refunds,” Rice said. “As we work with unabated urgency to process all financial aid packages, rest assure that no student will be purged from courses, or asked to vacate the residence halls for failing to meet the required 60 percent payment obligation until Sept. 30 at which time all federal and other forms of aid have been processed and applied to student accounts. While students were elated to receive the news that there will be no purging until a student’s paperwork had been processed, some
PHOTO BY DAVID EVANS/CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER
Assistant Vice President of Student Affairs Rolundus Rice, Ph.D, credits the university for his professional accomplishments.
students could not understand why it took so long for university administrators to address the problem. “I just do not know why they would not tell us the truth about what is going on in Financial Aid,” said a junior physical educaion major who desired anonymity. “Obviously, this is a major problem and it is not going away. Why did it take so long for them to communicate with the students? The lines started on the 14th and we did not hear anything until Dr. Rice sent us a letter on Aug. 28, 14 days later. Every time we would ask questions, the questions were never answered or we would be told to come back, only to find out that nothing had occurred in terms of processing. That is why students get so upset with the university, because it takes them so long to come clean. All schools have prob-
lems. We are no different.” When students returned this fall, the personnel in the Office of Financial Aid was suddenly reduced, which caused delays in the processing of FASFAs, loan applications, parent plus application and other scholarships that students had been awarded. For many off-campus students, the delays in processing paperwork and award letters affected their financial obligations such as rent, food, books for classes and etc. A junior, who also desired anonymity said that she could not get a room on the campus so against her wishes, she finally decided to get an apartment. Once she signed the lease, she thought she would be able to get her refund so that she could pay her rent, but that did not happen, which caused her to be threatened with eviction. Rice, who listened to a
large number of the complaints every day, requested for students to be patient. “I ask for your continued patience as we work collectively and unrelentingly to refine our financial aid processes and procedures,” Rice said. One of the procedures that Rice is referring to is a procedure that was implemented to assist students, so that they would not have to wait for long periods of time. University administrators came up with a strategy where students were asked to write down their cell numbers on a master list and are alerted via text or phone call when it is their time to see a financial aid counselor. The contacted students had 15 minutes to respond to the message or they are skipped. However, students were not always able to come to the office within 15 minutes because some were in classes, some were at work while others were off campus and would have to travel back to campus. Overall, students seemed to be pleased with the update from Rice and expressed gratitude that he communicated with them regarding the situation. “I appreciate Dr. Rice taking time to let us know something,” said the junior who desired anonymity. However, some of us still have rent to pay and I still do not have my refund.”
CAMPUS NEWS BRIEFS
Professors edit political sociology research book
An Alabama State University couple has edited a book that provides an opportunity to engage in critical conversations on environment, politics, and society and how their interconnectedness and outcomes shape and impact natural environment and human activity. Dr. Ram Alagan and his wife Dr. Seela Aaduwaka, both associate professors of
geography in the Department of Criminal Justice and Social Science at ASU, recently edited, “Research in Political Sociology, Volume 25 - Environment, Politics, and Society,” published in 2018. “As geographers focusing on development, we are delighted the opportunity to edit this special volume of “Research in Political Sociology” devoted to environment,
politics and society,” Alagan said. “Human activities and decision-making have enormous impacts on the natural environment transforming it and human ability to prosper.” Throughout the book, the contributing authors engage in critical topics such as water resources management; politics and environment; governance over re-
source management; school children in sustainable projects on food security; Geographic Information Systems application in civil rights, poverty and social inequality; green transportation, and brain drain. This volume’s chapters examine these issues internationally in North America, South Africa, Asia and the Middle East.
Attorney Danny Carr, an ASU alumnus (’96), is hoping to make history again in Jefferson County. With deep roots in Enley, the 47-year-old hopes to become the first elected African-American District Attorney in Jefferson County, Alabama. If it comes to pass,
that will be his second historic benchmark. His first was in 2017. Just before his 45th birthday, Carr emerged as Jefferson County Deputy District Attorney to District Attorney pro tem; a day after newly elected DA Charles Henderson was indicted on a perjury charge
and immediately suspended under Alabama law. “I served from Jan 15, 2017 to Oct. 20, 2017,” Carr said. “When Henderson was convicted, Gov. Bentley appointed a replacement.” Carr, who remains with the DA’s office as Chief Deputy DA, said attending ASU
helped shape his personal approach to life and the law. “I am proud of my academic and social accomplishments at ASU,” Carr said. “Alabama State University prepared me for success. More importantly, ASU taught me to never give up.”
Alumnus seeks to be first elected black DA in Jefferson County
UNIVERSITY NEWS
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Sept. 1, 2018
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Student Government Association Chief Justice Cameron Jenkins administers the Oath of Affirmation to the 65th Student Body President Jaylon P. Pickett as his mother holds the Bible during the ceremony.
Pickett sworn in as 65th Student Body President BY NEFSA’HYATT BROWN Interim Editor-in-Chief nefsahyatt.brown21@gmail.com
“Tonight this ceremony will provide a unique opportunity for each of us to look at our shared history, to reflect on the past and present that has brought us to this moment, gaze with optimism and hope into our future as our new student body president gives us his vision, his desire core value and his plans for our future,” said Arianna Thompson the 20182019 Miss Alabama State University explaining the occasion of the inauguration of the 65th Student Government Association (SGA) President Jaylon Pierre Pickett on Aug. 27 in the Dunn Oliver Acadome. To celebrate this momentous occasion, the Florida native’s family and friends were scattered throughout the crowd watching as Pickett and the other members of his executive branch, Executive Secretary Essynce Henderson, Executive Treasurer
Donielle Dixon, and Executive Vice President Devin Smith took the oath of affirmation administered by various members of the SGA Judicial Branch. “This was my first ever inauguration ceremony,” said Emmitt Sykes Jr. a sophomore early childhood education major. “Watching my fellow classmates and friends being inaugurated was very fascinating and joyful to watch. I felt apart of something.” Nicholas Ivey, 2017-18 Student Body President was honored to return for the ceremony. “As the immediate past SGA President, it brings me great pleasure to be the first former SGA president to present the SGA Presidential Medallion to the incoming SGA president.” Ivey went on to explain the meaning of the medallion. “This medallion is symbolic to what this office entails to the student body of Alabama State University,” said Nicholas Ivey, the 64th
PHOTO BY DAVID CAMPBELL/UNIVERSITY PHOTOGRAPHER
PHOTO BY DAVID CAMPBELL/UNIVERSITY PHOTOGRAPHER
Associate Justice Aarie Hibbler administers the Oath of Office to Student Body Executive Vice President Devin Smith.
Associate Justice Joshua Wilkinson administers the Oath of Office to Student Body Executive Treasurer Donielle Dixon.
See SWORN on page 4
Associate Justice Cara Walton administers the Oath of Office to Student Body Executive Treasurer Donielle Dixon.
SGA President explaining the importance of the presidential medallion and the responsibility Pickett will be taking on during his term. “It symbolizes honor, integrity, character and progress. The person who wears the medallion has a great responsibility. ‘To whom much is given, much will be required.’” Unlike other inaugurations, Pickett invited various SGA presidents from Alabama A&M University, Huntington College, Faulkner University, Miles College,
Troy University at Montgomery, and Talladega University across the state, all of which offered words of affirmation, wisdom, and hopes for his success as the new president. Each SGA president expressed greetings from their perspective universities. During his inaugural address, Pickett addressed several areas of concern. “As students we have to take a good look at ourselves. We have a big responsibil-
HBCU Symposium offers answers
PHOTO BY DAVID CAMPBELL/UNIVERSITY PHOTOGRAPHER
BY CHRISTINE SHELTON Contributing New Writer christineshelton99@gmail.com
“Competition is global, but education is local,” said Benedict College President Roslyn Artis, Ph.D, who served as one of the panelist for the HBCU Symposium held on Aug. 29 in the John Garrick Hardy Center Ballroom. The symposium, which consisted of seven panelists to discuss several issues regarding the HBCUs of today included, Artis, Andrew Hugine Jr., Ph.D., president of Alabama A&M University, Johnathan Holifield, J.D., president of White House Initiatives on HBCUs, Lily McNair, Ph.D., president of Tuskegee University, Samuel Munnerlyn, M.S., president of Trenholm State Community College, Belle Wheelan, Ed.D., president of Southern Association of Colleges & Commission on Colleges, and Harry Williams, Ed.D, president of Thurgood Marshall College Fund. The symposium opened with a greeting from President Quinton T. Ross, Ed.D, Alabama State University’s 15th president, to the panelists, faculty, and students in the crowd.
PHOTO BY DAVID CAMPBELL/UNIVERSITY PHOTOGRAPHER
HBCU Symposium Panel consisted of Roslyn Artis, Andrew Hugine Jr., Ph.D., president of Alabama A&M University, Johnathan Holifield, J.D., president of White House Initiatives on HBCUs, Lily McNair, Ph.D., president of Tuskegee University, Samuel Munnerlyn, M.S., president of Trenholm State Community College, Belle Wheelan, Ed.D., president of Southern Association of Colleges & Commission on Colleges, and Harry Williams, Ed.D, president of Thurgood Marshall College Fund.
Once each of the panelists were introduced, they proceeded to start the scripted phase of the panel. There were prepared questions and each panelist had the opportunity to answer the question the best way they saw fit. Questions ranging from “Why is it imperative for institutions of higher learning to attract diverse populations?” to “How can we assist students so that they are not accumulating large amounts of debt that will take them the rest of their lives to pay back?”
During the second phase of the symposium, the floor opened up and several members in the audience received an opportunity to ask their own questions. It was during this time when a student shared her own story about how she doesn’t have the highest GPA, but she wants to be at this University, and with a little guidance, she will work to obtain her degree. “I think this was a very thoughtful event to bring other representatives from various HBCUs and other entities.” said Dr. Miranda Bis-
soo, Research and Developer for the Alabama State Department of Education. We need to educate our students and move forward by addressing some of the obstacles that were discussed today. “I hope that some of the the thought provoking plans go a step forward, and we put it into action to create a strategic plan to help propel the Alabama State University forward.” The panelists presented thought-provoking answers See OFFERS on page 6
GO HORNETS!!
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Sept. 1, 2018
University family gather to celebrate Ross’s inauguration as 15 BY INDIA RICHARDSON Campus News Writer tribune2018@gmail.com
The Office of Institutional Advancement hosted a festival in Hornet Stadium in honor of celebrating the inauguration of our 15th president, Quinton T. Ross, Jr., Ed.D. To kick off Labor Day Classic Week, alumni, faculty, staff, students, and Hornet fans from around the campus joined together at lunch time for a day of delicious food and fun activities. Joining the Hornet family was members of the Tuskegee University family. They
arrived in buses with their cheerleaders and band members to perform cheer-offs to battling of the bands. “Today was great,” said Angel Robinson, a freshman, graphic design major. “It was nice to meet the alumni and spend time with Dr. Ross. As a freshman I enjoyed it because I got to meet a lot of new people.” Despite the extreme temperatures, it did not stop the Hornet fans from coming out and showing their pride. To beat the heat, there were multiple tents where people were serving food and drinks provided by Aramark. The menu included freshly
cooked hot dogs, pulled pork sandwiches, pork n’ beans and various sides. “My favorite part was the giant connect four game,” said Murlandra Jones, a sophmore, health and science major. “I enjoyed playing with my cousin. The food was awesome too.” Along with the food, there were multiple activities and games for everyone to participate. Giant jenga and corn hole seemed to draw in the biggest crowd. After playing some games, many stood aside to watch as “Team Ross” gave their probate presentation. The university’s leader-
ship team honored our newly inaugurated president by performing a ten-minute probate that consisted of marching, chanting, and presenting Ross with his very own “Team Ross” shirt. Following the presentation, he delivered a short message about how thankful he was for ASU and the pride of the school. “This is our home and our family,” Ross said during his remarks. “It takes all of us working together to make it better. Stay along for the ride because ASU is going places. This is HornetNation.” The president was seen enjoying the celebration as you could find him interact-
PHOTO BY DAVID CAMPBELL/UNIVERSITY PHOTOGRAPHER
Despite the 90 degree weather, students, alumni, faculty and staff enjoyed the festivities as the university family celebrated “15.”
ing with staff, students, as well as alumni. This event also acted as a time for new freshmen to interact with the ASU family and get an even greater sense of Hornet pride.
Lisa Stephens, a 1993 graduate, said “I love all of the excitement here today. We are so happy for Dr.Ross and I know he’s going to lead ASU to great things.”
Compete: “We believe these slight changes will add to the overall ...” CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
PHOTO BY DAVID CAMPBELL/CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER
The John Garrick Hardy Center Ballroom was filled with faculty, staff, alumni and friends of the university who wanted to officially and formally welcome the 15th President of Alabama State University and his family during the First Family Luncheon.
Community supports the First Family Luncheon
Classic. Family, friends, and alumni alike gathered in the ballroom to converse, eat, and celebrate not only the upcoming inauguration of Ross but the annual homecoming they all experience at this time of year. “For an institution that has given my entire family so much, it’s just a blessing to celebrate another monumental historic event in our institutions history,” said university president Quinton Ross Jr. Ed.D expressing his gratitude for ASU and what it has done for him. “I am
just blessed and thankful that my family and everyone in the community has the opportunity to celebrate what I consider, this, an opportunity of a lifetime, to be 15th president of Alabama State University and this is where it all started for my family and I.” Interim Vice President for Academic Affairs Carl Pettis Ph.D, regarded the event as a time for the donors in the room to get a glimpse of what the university has to offer while simultaneously “rallying the campus family around the new president as
he takes on his new role as the institution’s leader.” “Today I stand here as the 15th president of this distinguished institution, not by my own doing but by the doing of the Lord,” Ross said acknowledging the various donors that he accredits with helping him get to where he is today. God doesn’t make a mistake.” He continued. “I would have to give credence to my parents who before I knew who I was walked these grounds at Alabama State University and they gave birth to me a little black boy from Mobile, Ala to have the opportunity to stand as the 15th president of Alabama State University.” Ross made a reference regarding this new found responsibility. “I could go on and on with individuals who have made deposits in my life ... I do not stand here alone and I do not take this position lightly because this is home. This is family, so as we move this institution forward it is with care and with love.”
university president. “He is truly a public servant,” Ivey said. “When any transition occurs there is a time for opportunity. ASU this is your opportunity to develop, to work and to grow. Your legacy will be positively impacted by Dr. Ross so President Ross on behalf of the great state of Alabama, congratulations on this momentous occasion and I look forward to all that ASU will accomplish under your leadership.” As a former professor of Ross, Kathy Jackson, Ed.D believes that Ross will protect the legacy of ASU, at any cost as “it has done for him and what it has done for countless others in its 151 year history, opened doors and prepared him for possibles once unimaginable such as becoming the 15th president.” This university, as quoted by Ross, has “served as a refuge to the civil rights era heroes.” During his speech, Ross spoke about our past and how it translates into today. Despite the change in era, the purpose of ASU, acting as a place that acknowledges discrimination and intolerance by “preparing students to succeed despite the unfairness, intolerance, and ill will that springs from the hearts of evil men,” has yet to change. “We both are well aware that we stand on the shoulders of giants. That people that we do not know, heroes that we’ve never met, gave up themselves for me, gave
up themselves for Dr. Ross, and gave up themselves for each of us in this stadium. They marched and they worked in belief for a better life not just for them but for those like Dr. Ross to follow. And it was 151 years ago, that 9 freed slaves who dared to dream a better life in Marion, their dreams were not about themselves, it was about Dr. Ross, about a skinny kid from Birmingham, Alabama like me, and it was about all of you all here,” said Randall Woodfin, mayor of Birmingham who offered a different perspective of Ross’s success in his speech. Outside of congratulating him, he shared stories of their understanding that “they stand on the shoulders of giants” and how that commonality set the stage for everyone in the audience to be where they are now. He also, expressed that this inauguration was not just about Ross, instead it was about this institution and its importance in continuing to educate and produce people who will change our nation. He continued. “They built Lincoln Normal School explicitly to educate others, to elevate others, and to lift others. And now all of these years later as we are here together in this moment and in this space, today is not just about you.This moment is about this institution, this institution has laid the foundation for thousands and thousands of leaders to be built, and to be prepared to build families and communities and reinvent not
only our dear state but our nation. They will teach those who have never been taught, they will give to those who have had very little, and they will love those that for centuries have been pushed to the side.” “I liked his speech. It wasn’t too long or too short. I liked that he mentioned his passion for both ASU and education and how he plans to continue to improve the two. I think he will be a good president for the university because he shows that he truly cares about the improvement of ASU and wants to make it better. He’s an alumnus so he’s been in a student’s position before, meaning he may have better insight on what really needs improvement as opposed to someone who isn’t familiar with ASU,” said Devan Bolden, sophomore biology major from Cleveland, Ohio. “The inauguration was so beautiful and inspiring,” said First Attendant to Miss Alabama State University Natasha Marshall. “Mayor Randall Woodfin and Congresswoman Terri Sewell gave heartwarming speeches. I’m excited to see President Ross advance and lead this university! Dr. Ross’ speech spoke volumes for his character and I believe he’ll be an amazing president. If the amount of giving, fundraising, and excitement he’s brought to the university is a reflection of his time to come, I truly believe he’ll place ASU on an amazing path.”
BY NEFSA’HYATT BROWN Interim Editor-in-Chief nefsahyatt.brown21@gmail.com
Labor Day Class Week included the inaugural week activities for the 15th president of Alabama State University and the first activity prepared for the Hornet family was the First Family Luncheon. Held in the John Garrick Hardy Center Ballroom on Aug. 26 at 2 p.m., the room was filled with friends, alumni and community. “I think because its our inauguration of our president, it’s always fitting to kick it off on a day that we lift the Lord up first and foremost ... Hopefully it sets the tone for the rest of the week to show the love, support, and unity for our president, and university,” said Cheryl Lang, who served as mistress of ceremonies for the luncheon. The luncheon, which included a live band made up of students and performances by the ELITE Models, was the first event in the long list to celebrate Labor Day
PHOTO BY DAVID CAMPBELL/CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER
President Quinton T. Ross, Jr., and First Lady J. Ross are joined by Quinton T. Ross III as they enter the ballroom for the First Fam-
Install: “He is truly a public servant. When any transition occurs, there is ...”
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Birmingham, Ala, and Terri Sewell, U.S. Congresswoman for the seventh district of Alabama. “His love and appreciation for ASU runs as deep as his love for this community,” Sewell said. “Part of the inspiration of his idea of communiversity, highlights the importance of community and university working together to advance both. He has already achieved new successes with his uptake in enrollment, and big steps to improving infrastructure around campus. He is living proof of the powerful legacy of ASU. We are inheritors of a great legacy I know Dr. Ross will continue to uphold. Rooted in the dream of nine free slaves, that never could have imagined what their dreams could have become.” Regarded as a “son” of Alabama State University, a second generation student, the homecoming feeling Ross described did not go unnoticed by those sitting in the crowd. Surrounded by family members, alumni, faculty and staff, Ross acknowledged the common goal of everyone in the crowd, “to see our ASU, our O Mother Dear grow, succeed, and thrive for generations to come.” Gov. Kay Ivey, who serves as the President of the Alabama State University Board of Trustees that selected Ross as the next president of Alabama State University offered her congratulations and was looking forward to see what he accomplishes as
liminaries. “I am nervous, excited, and grateful all at the same time,” Thompson said speaking on her feelings leading up to the competition. “I hope to gain lifelong connections with the people I encounter during the pageant. I also hope to grow as a queen/individual after attending all the events that they have planned.” In order to participate, each queen is required tocomplete the Official Miss National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame Competititonn of HBCU College Queens Entry Form. The queens represented will be judged in five cat-
egories: Presentation/Image 35 percent, oratory 30 percent, poise and projection 25 percent and talent is 25 percent. Miss NBCA, as well as three runner ups will receive an academic scholarship between $3500 to $1000 among other gifts and prizes. Organizers of the pageant said that for the first time in the history of the pageant, the evening gowns will be featured during the top five segment of the competition for poise and projection. “We believe these slight changes will add to the overall productivity of the competition,” said Pageant Director Jewana Helmstetter.
Sworn: “This goal is only attainable with dedication and ...” CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3
ity also we must improve our standard in terms of our conduct and our attitudes towards our education and the way we communicate on a day to day basis. We must put an end to this trend of mediocrity and move to the new wave of black and gold exceptional excellence. The time is now,” said Pickett borrowing the 15th university president’s slogan Quinton Ross Jr. PhD to further explain his vision for the 2018-2019 academic school year. The senior business management major, who believes in the necessity of hard work to achieve greatness, expressed his gratefulness to the student body in attendance for “placing their confidence in him”. He vowed on the stage to never take that trust for granted as he believes the ingredients for a successful student government are “rooted in responsibilities and service to build a better ASU.” “This goal is only attainable with dedication and continuous teamwork. Each member is charged daily with a task that is in the best interest of our peers above our own. To dedicate ourselves to servant leadership,” said Pickett eluding to the rationale behind his no excuse administration.
Outside of expressing his own gratefulness, Pickett outlined his hopes for the future of SGA using 7 initiatives to tackle 20 challenges all of which have been published to the student body in his presidential strategic plan. The Pickett administration plans on implementing SGA training for each branch of government, various workshops, and forums to help both the SGA and the student body function in the most effective and efficient way. “The mind is a terrible thing to waste,” Pickett said preluding the necessity of the second chance foundation. This foundation is designed for students who want to attend school but do not have the funds to do so. Collaborating with Miss ASU, Pickett is asking for donations $5 for students, $10 for staff, $20 for faculty, and $30 from administration. Using these initiatives, Pickett stressed the importance of reuniting ASU in a way that stands the test of time. Understanding that his goals are long term, he hopes to accomplish the foundation for the improvements that our university needs and through his inauguration he hoped to ensure that the student body received his vision of a brighter future for ASU.
UNIVERSITY NEWS
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Sept. 1, 2018
PHOTO BY DAVID CAMPBELL/UNIVERSITY PHOTOGRAPHER
One of the activities that alumni look forward to every year is the 50 Under 50 Awards celebration. This year 50 more graduates were recognized for their achievements as professionals. Katrina Adams, Dr. Cordelia Anderson, Reggie Barlow, Dennis C. Barnett, Dr. Ashley Beasley, Annette Brooks, Derrick Brown, Jeannine K. Brown, Wesley Cunningham. Dr. Melanie Eddins-Spencer, Juan Ford Judge Shera Grant, Kashera Guy-Robinson, Dr. Courtney A. Hammonds, Kefla Hare, Amber A. Harris, Aurelio Harrison, Jerome’ R. Holston, Traci Howell, Charlie Hudson, III, Scottie Hunter, Representative Lataisha Jackson, Dr. Kimberly Jackson-Smith, Dr. Wislene John, Tyrone Levett, Dr. Farah Lubin, Larry Mack, Representative Brandon L. McGee, Jr., Angela McKenzie, Hazel Mims, Robert Mitchell, Jr., Erika Mitchell, Sharron Moore, Dr. Tondra Moore, Dr. Monica Motley, Fernando Naves, Jay Peck, Dr. Tanjula Petty, Nick Rankins, Dr. Rolundus R. Rice, Dr. Quinton T. Ross, Jr., Dr. Michael Sibley Travis C. Smith, Michael Snapp, Nathaniel Spencer, Dr. Mark Edward Stevens, Sr., Dr. Herman William Turner, Jr., Shanthia Washington, Valencia Woods-Curry and Baron Young
University celebrates its own graduates: 50 Under 50 BY CHRISTINE SHELTON class and blessed the food. Contributing Writer With dinner being served christineshelton99@gmail.com and the time for mingling passed, it was now time to Fifty of Alabama State introduce the class members University’s graduates be- one by one. While introduccame the second class of ing each member, the hosts “50 Under 50” on the eve- said the honoree’s name, ning of Aug. 31, 2018.The graduation year, what they ceremony took place in the studied while attending AlaBallroom of the John Gar- bama State University and rick Hardy Center. their current profession. This class of “50 Under Among the class, was the 50” was hosted by Yohance university’s assistant vice Myles and Taylor Bryant, president of Student Affairs, who both belong to Ala- Rolundus R. Rice, Ph.D. bama State University’s first At the end of the night, class of 50 under 50. everyone was in for surprise All of the guests took even the university president their seats first, and every- himself - when he, Quinton one stood and applauded the T. Ross, Ed.D, was the final 2018 class of ‘50 Under 50’ member inducted into the as all 50 members walked 2018 class of 50 under 50. out together. Once all the After being honored, members were seated, Mel- President Ross recalled seevin Lowe, Ed.D, a member ing the president of the Uniof the first class and chair of versity of Alabama speak and the ‘50 Under 50’ steering being in awe of how much board, honored the second the community gave back to
PHOTO BY DAVID CAMPBELL/UNIVERSITY PHOTOGRAPHER
Members of the 2018 Class of ‘50 Under 50’ took a moment to take a photo of the check presentation to President Quinton T. Ross.
their institution. “So, I sat there in amazement because people give to that university, good, bad, or indifferent, to make sure that the institution continues to thrive. If they can do it, we can also because when you talk about the networth of black America and what we contribute to this economy, we owe it to this institution to insure that she is sustained
- not only in finance, but in deed.” Ross praised the university and asked everyone to give back to an institution that has done so much for them as students, faculty, alumni and staff members. He makes it clear that while contributing money is a great thing, it is not the only way to be in service to the university. Ebony Waxstaff, alum-
nus of Alabama State university ‘05 and ‘07, shares her thoughts about the ‘50 Under 50’ event. “Tonight was spectacular and breathtaking,” Waxstaff said. “I was here because two of my cousins were honorees, one of them being President Quinton T. Ross, Jr. It was great to be back home, and to see us reaching higher and higher. The ambience and the decor was great. It wasn’t homecoming, but it felt like homecoming because everyone was just so warm and friendly. I just can’t wait to see what’s coming next.” As the evening was coming to an end, Jennifer Anderson, the ‘50 Under 50’ class coordinator, referred to this class as a “giving” class, and that is exactly what they proved to be. A representative of each college in the 2018 class of ‘50 Under 50’ presented Ross and Alabama
State University a check for $10,000 dollars - this in addition to the $1 million dollars they already raised through donations. “‘50 Under 50’ is a very special event,” said Antoinette Robinson, graduate of Alabama State ‘94, ‘96, ‘03, and member of the class of 2017 50 under 50. “It was surreal seeing your closest friends and some of the people that you knew and haven’t seen in 20 plus years. It was truly a joy. With our class of 2017 starting and the 2018 class setting the bar, 2019 is going to be even better. This was definitely a night to remember.” Between the honorees, the donations, and the surprise inductee, this class of 50 under 50 has already started giving back to the university.
PHOTO BY DAVID CAMPBELL/UNIVERSITY PHOTOGRAPHER
A former band member takes a photo of the engraved bricks that have been donated as a fundraiser for the Mighty Marching Hornets who plan to perform in the upcoming Rose Bowl.
Pavers to commemorate former Marching Hornets STAFF REPORT
PHOTO BY DAVID CAMPBELL/UNIVERSITY PHOTOGRAPHER
Surrounded by member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., President Quinton T. Ross, Jr. (center) holds a check in the amount of $100,000 that will be donated by his fraternity, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity. The evening also included a stirring tribunte to Ross.
Omegas donate more than $100,000 STAFF REPORT
The Hornet Tribune tribune2018@gmail.com
The week-long celebration for the inauguration of Alabama State University’s 15th President, Quinton T. Ross, Jr., Ed.D, began with a sold out luncheon on Sunday, August 26, and ended that evening with a gala banquet that raised more than
$115,000 from Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Gamma Sigma Chapter. Ross joined the fraternity while he was a student at Alabama State University. George Bandy, who served as the banquet speaker, sponsored the event so that all of the proceeds from the $100 per person affair would benefit the University. A number of checks were presented during the event,
starting with a $15,000 presentation representing the banquet ticket sales. Several of the Omega brothers stood to express their support of President Ross and to make individual donations. Within an hour, those pledges added more than $100,000 to the evening’s total. “It was really an emotional moment for me to realize that my brothers not only support me, but they also support
the vision and the students of Alabama State University,” Ross said. “When we decided to have this inauguration week, I wanted to ensure that it would benefit the University. Tonight’s donations have gotten us off to the right start.” The evening also included a stirring tribute to President Ross’s father, Quinton T. Ross Sr., who is affectionately known as “Daddy Q.”
Offers: “He is truly a public servant. When any transition occurs, there is ...” CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3
to the questions asked of them. Faculty member and Reading and Literacy professor, Cory Muhammad, gives his overall thoughts on the symposium. “It’s always important for people to come together and share ideas,” Muham-
mad said. “I hope that they will continue to do things like this. The Honorable Elijah Muhammad said ‘Our unity is more powerful than the atomic bomb’, and I think it’s great when students and members of the community get to see black college presidents and administrators get together to unite and share ideas. We have the intellec-
tual and the financial capacity to solve all our problems as HBCUs if we come together.” Marcus Vandiver, a graduate of Alabama State and adjunct instructor in the Department of Mathematics, shared why he felt the symposium was significant. “I think this was important because we need to rec-
ognize what our HBCUs do,” Vandiver said. “Not only on a local level but also a global level. All of the panelists gave some insight into that. We just have to keep recognizing what it is we provide and use that to attract students as well as partnerships.” Each panelist offered ideas and words of wisdom to help move HBCUs along.
The Hornet Tribune tribune2018@gmail.com
On Friday, Aug. 31, 2018, alumni band members and their families gathered outside of the Tullibody Fine Arts Center to celebrate the beginning of a new season under the direction of James B. Oliver and announce a fundraiser designed to commemorate former band members. The Mighty Marching Hornets will be hosting a brick drive from now to Oct. 31 where anyone can purchase an engraved brick to be installed by the Turkey Day Classic in November. All proceeds will go to benefit the band in their effort to reach Pasadena, California to participate in the Rose Bowl New Years’ Day parade. Alabama State’s Mighty Marching Hornet Band is one of two HBCU bands in-
vited to march in the parade. Alumni of the band are very excited for the opportunity to see the band perform on a national scale. Verlora Cannon, a former member of the marching band says, “Everybody will get to see the band nationwide, and I think this will help us in recruiting students to come to the university, to be a part of the band, to be a part of the music department. To be one of two HBCU bands selected says a lot about Alabama State University. Music has been one of the major components of this school and we couldn’t go wrong by going.” The Band Boosters Club is asking for help in creating a database of names and contact information of those formerly in the band. Additionally, they are asking for support in their fundraising pursuit.
All campus organizations are invited to participate in the coronation of Miss Arianna Thompson on Saturday, October 20, 2018 in the Dunn Oliver Arena. For more information, please contact missasu2019@gmail.com.
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UNIVERSITY NEWS
Sept. 1, 2018
University family responds to Labor Day Classic football game BY LAMONTE’ PATTERSON gic,” adding that Ezra Gray’s big moment did more than Staff Reporter/Writer lpatterson@gmail.com secure the victory. “The most important part The Hornets are back on was when Ezra won the game the swarm! Alabama State for us when he ran it in for University students returned the touchdown in overtime. I to campus this week after feel like the fans are going to the start of the 2018-19 foot- start coming to all the games ball season, and we caught to cheer us on after that one.” Theatre Arts junior, Desup with them to gather their reactions to ASU’s win over tiny Williams said that stuTuskegee University in the dents shouldn’t pass up on the chance to attend home Labor Day Classic. The Hornets beat the games. “I’m excited for more Tuskegee Golden Tigers 2620 in Saturday’s game. With games. It was an experience. the hype that has surrounded I think everyone should get the lead up to the game, it’s out of their room and go to a easy to imagine how the cam- game even if just to say that pus has been abuzz with a re- they’ve been. I want to feel newed energy this week after that unity again throughout the semester.” the satisfying win. Thomas Duff, a sophoCriminal Justice junior Randall Smith said that the more psychology student, team’s victory should prove felt that watching the Hornets beneficial for the student fight back was what was most rewarding. body on and off the field. “It was really good to see “I felt like we did something big. The positivity on them win that way. It was the field will transfer to the good to see State keep fightcampus as well. We always ing to the end and come on with the win.” need positive vibes.” He added that the blocked Smith called the team’s game-winning run “strate- field goal in overtime was the
most exhilarating play of the night, a memory he’ll never forget. Williams had the opportunity to dance on the field as part of the games pre-show. “We did the Beyoncé choreography from Coachella… It was so much fun even though it didn’t last very long. I almost got hit by a football. It was a different experience. You got a glimpse of band life. There was a lot of school spirit.” Across campus, students seemed quite pleased with the performance put on by the ASU marching band. Williams was impressed with the show put on by the Marching Hornets stating that during her time at State she has developed an appreciation for the band that she did not have before. “The band is awesome… I think the band director really knows what he’s doing and the people in there are very passionate about what they do and how they execute their performances.” History senior Michael Jones said that the best ele-
PHOTO BY DAVID EVANS/CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER
During the Labor Day Classic halftime presentation, both universities, Tuskegee and Alabama State were presented with $50,000 checks from the Birmingham based Alabama Power Company.
ment of the game was the marching band. “Halftime was my favorite part of the game. The Marching Hornets are the best band in the land, at least according to me.” Looking forward, students are cautiously optimistic about the momentum the win will give the team. Jones,
who had the football team’s schedule in his binder, said “I personally don’t think we’re going to win the next five games. We should win the rest of the games after those next five, but the five games coming up are going to be hard.” Williams added that “It was good to start the season.
We won. And I was proud that we won because it was the first game. I’m sure it boosted the football players self-esteem for the next few games.” The Hornet’s next task is a tough matchup against the 7th ranked Auburn University Tigers September 8th at Jordan-Hare Stadium.
“We don’t create the news. We just report it.”
Horizons Local News, State News, National News International News
VOLUME 57, ISSUE 1
SEPT. 1, 2018
The official student newspaper serving the Alabama State University and Metro-Montgomery communities
Serena and Venus may meet early at U.S. Open NEW YORK (AP) — Serena and Venus Williams could be headed toward their earliest Grand Slam meeting in 20 years, facing a potential third-round matchup at the U.S. Open. If the sisters do play each other, the winner might face No. 1-ranked Simona Halep in the fourth round. That is certainly the most intriguing section of the women’s and men’s brackets revealed at Thursday’s draw
for the last major of the year. This marks Serena’s return to Flushing Meadows after missing the hard-court tournament in 2017 — she gave birth to her daughter last Sept. 1. The 36-year-old American has won six of her 23 Grand Slam titles at the U.S. Open and was given the No. 17 seed by the U.S. Tennis Association — nine places above her current ranking. Venus, who won five
of her seven Grand Slam singles trophies in New York, is ranked and seeded 16th. She faces a tricky firstround match against Svetlana Kuznetsova, whose two major championships include the 2004 U.S. Open. Kuznetsova was given a wild-card entry for the tournament, where main-draw play begins Monday. Serena’s opener comes against 60th-ranked Magda Linette of Poland. Should
the Williams siblings both make it to the third round, they would play each other at a Grand Slam tournament sooner than they have since Venus beat Serena in the second round at the 1998 Australian Open — their very first head-to-head match on tour. They’ve gone on to play a total of 29 times — Serena leads 17-12 — and that includes nine all-in-the-family See EARLY on page 8
This year’s Grand Slam could potentially end up with Serena meeting her sister Venus. Venus beat Serena in 1998 in the Australian Open which was their very first match on tour.
Cleveland Browns linebacker Mychal Kendricks has been charged with using insider trading tips from an acquaintance to make about $1.2 million in illegal profits on four major trading deals
Cleveland Browns release Mychal Kendricks PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Cleveland Browns linebacker Mychal Kendricks has been charged with using insider trading tips from an acquaintance to make about $1.2 million in illegal profits on four major trading deals, federal prosecutors announced Wednesday. Co-defendant Damilare Sonoiki was paid $10,000 in kickbacks in the scheme from 2014-2015, as well as perks like tickets to Philadelphia Eagles games and tagging along to a music video shoot or nightclub appearances, said U.S. Attorney William McSwain. Kendricks played for the
Eagles before signing with the Browns in June. Sonoiki had been working as a junior analyst at an unnamed investment bank in New York, prosecutors said. An IMDB profile lists him as a writer on the popular TV series “Black-ish” as well as other movies and TV shows. In a statement released by his lawyer Wednesday, Kendricks said he was sorry and takes full responsibility for his actions. “While I didn’t fully understand all of the details of the illegal trades, I knew it was wrong, and I wholeheartedly regret my actions,” he said in the statement. He also
Co-defendant Damilare Sonoiki was paid $10,000 in kickbacks in the scheme from 2014-2015 as well as perks like tickets.
claimed he didn’t take any of the profits for himself but didn’t elaborate on where the money went. “I am committed to repaying all of the funds gained illegally and accept the consequences of my actions,” he
said. Kendricks said he has been cooperating with authorities since the investigation began. McSwain declined to say when the investigation started, saying those details
Pressley trying to be first black woman from Mass. in Congress BOSTON (AP) — Ayanna Pressley is attempting one of toughest political feats in Massachusetts — persuading Democratic voters to reject a long-time incumbent during a primary. Making the task even more difficult? Pressley has acknowledged she’d likely vote much the same way as incumbent U.S. Rep. Michael Capuano. The race has drawn comparisons to Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s defeat of 10-term New York Rep. Joe Crowley in a Democratic primary in June. Pressley — who would become the first black woman elected to Congress from Massachusetts — counts Ocasio-Cortez a friend. There are big differences between the campaigns.
Ayanna Pressley is attempting one of toughest political feats in Massachusetts — persuading Democratic voters to reject a longtime incumbent during a primary.
Ocasio-Cortez is a 28-year-old political novice, while Pressley is a 44-yearold veteran of the Democratic Party. She served as former Secretary of State John Kerry’s political director when he was a U.S. senator and became the first black woman
elected to the Boston City Council in 2009. “Our campaign is meeting head-on the challenge and the charge that we were given as Democrats coming out of 2016, and that is to ignite the electorate and to expand it,” Pressley said.
Another difference is that Capuano isn’t taking Pressley’s challenge lightly. The 66-year-old has been campaigning hard, reeling in endorsements and pointing to a 20-year-record he said shows he’s championed the priorities of one of the state’s most liberal districts. “Right now, we’re in the fight of our lives with Donald Trump. I think I’ve proven over many years that I’m an effective fighter for the issues that the district wants — social security, Medicare, housing,” said Capuano, listing groups that have given him a 100 percent rating, including the American Civil Liberties Union, the NAACP, the ALF-CIO and Planned Parenthood. See CLOSES on page 8
Call the HORIZONS desk at (334) 229-4419 or email asuhorizons@gmail.com
would come out in court. The Browns didn’t know the extent of Kendricks’ involvement in the federal investigation when they signed him to a one-year, $2.25 million contract, a person familiar with the situation told The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter. The person said the team was under the impression that Kendricks was not the focus of the probe or had done anything illegal. Kendricks could face further discipline from the team, including potential dismissal. He will be an unrestricted free agent after this season. A message seeking com-
ment from the federal defender representing Sonoiki wasn’t immediately returned. McSwain along with representatives from the FBI and the Securities Exchange Commission— which filed a separate complaint — said Kendricks and Sonoiki used coded language in messages to try to hide their actions. McSwain said Sonoiki, who had limited trading powers at the time, would gave nonpublic information to Kendricks about acquisitions and other deals that would affect the price of securities for at least four different compaSee RELEASE on page 8
Racism already an issue in Florida Governor’s race TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — Racism immediately became an issue in the Florida governor’s race Wednesday as both nominees made predictions: The Democrat said voters aren’t looking for a misogynist, racist or bigot, while the Republican said voters shouldn’t “monkey this up” by choosing his African-American opponent. Only hours after their primary election victories, Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum and U.S. Rep. Ron DeSantis made clear the high-profile race in the nation’s largest political battleground state was going to be nasty and racially charged. Gillum, a far-left Democrat seeking to become the state’s first black governor, and DeSantis, a Trump-endorsed Republican, are political opposites, both seeking to gin up turnout among the party’s
most ardent supporters. Asked if he’s afraid of President Donald Trump’s support for DeSantis, Gillum told CNN that his race is about uniting the state. “I actually believe that Florida and its rich diversity are going to be looking for a governor who’s going to bring us together, not divide us. Not misogynist, not racist, not bigots, they’re going to be looking for a governor who is going to appeal to our higher aspirations as a state, “Gillum said. Meanwhile, on Fox News, DeSantis called Gillum an “articulate” candidate, but said “the last thing we need to do is to monkey this up by trying to embrace a socialist agenda with huge tax increases and bankrupting this state. That is not goSee RACISM on page 8
HORIZONS
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Sept. 1, 2018
Early: “If the sisters do play each other, the winner might face No. 1...”
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Grand Slam finals, most recently at the 2017 Australian Open. In the men’s field, No. 1-ranked and defending champion Rafael Nadal opens against David Ferrer in an all-Spanish rematch of their 2013 French Open final. No. 2 Roger Federer plays Japan’s Yoshihito Nishioka in the first round. Federer faces a potential quarterfinal against No. 6 seed Novak Djokovic, the Wimbledon champion who beat him two weeks ago in a tuneup and is considered the tournament favorite. No. 4 seed Alexander Zverev and seventh-seeded Marin Cilic, the 2014 U.S. Open champion, are also in Federer’s half of the draw along with No. 30 seed Nick Kyrgios, the Australian whom Federer could meet in the third round. Stan Wawrinka, the 2016 U.S. Open champion who missed last year’s tournament because of injury and was given a wild card into this year’s field, faces No. 8 seed Grigor Dimitrov of Bulgaria in one of the
headline matches of the first round. Wawrinka, a threetime major titlist, eliminated Dimitrov in the first round at Wimbledon in June. Nadal’s half of the draw includes No. 3 seed and 2009 U.S. Open champion Juan Martin del Potro — who could face another former U.S. Open champion in Andy Murray in the third round — and fifth-seeded Kevin Anderson, the Wimbledon and U.S. Open runner-up. Besides Federer-Djokovic, the other possible men’s quarterfinals are Nadal-Anderson, Del Potro-Dimitrov and Zverev-Cilic. Women’s No. 2 seed Caroline Wozniacki faces 2011 U.S. Open champion Sam Stosur in the first round. Sloane Stephens, the defending champion, is the No. 3 seed and could face former No. 1 Victoria Azarenka in the third round. Potential women’s quarterfinals include Halep vs. No. 8 Karolina Pliskova, Wozniacki vs. No. 5 Petra Kvitova, Stephens vs. No. 7 Elina Svitolina, and No. 4 Angelique Kerber vs. No. 6 Carolina Garcia.
Release: ““While I didn’t fully understand all of the details of the ...” CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7
nies. Stephanie Avakian, codirector of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s Division of Enforcement, said in one message when Sonoiki was asking for payment, he told Kendricks that he liked Philadelphia bread used in cheesesteaks more than the bread in New York and asked that Kendricks bring him some. They also had a conversation pretending to be talking about changing the number on Kendricks’ jersey to 80, meant to signify the amount of money that should be deposited into a new trading account, she said. If the men are convicted, they could face up to 25 years in prison and a fine of up to $5.25 million as well as the seizure of any profits made
from the insider trading. NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy said the league is reviewing the situation. The Browns said in a statement they are aware of the charges and said Kendricks will not travel with the team to Detroit on Thursday for the game against the Lions. The Browns signed Kendricks as a free agent in June, bringing on the Super Bowl winner to upgrade their linebacker corps following an 0-16 season. Kendricks spent six years with the Eagles, who drafted him in the second round in 2012 after he played at California. The 5-foot-11, 240-pounder recorded a team-high eight tackles in last season’s NFC Championship against Minnesota and had four in Philadelphia’s Super Bowl win.
Democrats immediately decried DeSantis’ comment as racist, but the DeSantis campaign clarified that his comments were directed at Gillum’s policies, not the candidate himself.
Racism: ““I think I have it down to four people. And I think of the four ... CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7
Democrats immediately decried DeSantis’ comment as racist, but the DeSantis campaign clarified that his comments were directed at Gillum’s policies, not the candidate himself. “To characterize it as anything else is absurd,” his spokesman Stephen Lawson said. Gillum called the comment a form of “gutter politics” that he said comes from the “Trump school” of trying to “fire up the base.” DeSantis came from behind in the GOP primary with the help of Trump to beat Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam, who campaigned longer, raised more money and built party establishment support. Gillum upset a field of five that included former U.S. Rep. Gwen Graham, who was hoping to become the state’s first female governor and win the office once held by her father, Bob Graham. Gillum spent the least of the major candidates, but won the hearts of those who consider themselves progressives, and got a late boost from Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders. They’re seeking to succeed Gov. Rick Scott, who
can’t run for re-election because of term limits and is instead challenging Democratic U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson. In a state sure to be a battleground in the 2020 presidential vote, the governor’s race will essentially be a referendum on Trump. “We’re going to make clear to the rest of the world that the dark days that we’ve been under coming out of Washington, that the derision and the division that have been coming out of our White House, that right here in the state of Florida that we are going to remind this nation of what is truly the American way,” Gillum told cheering supporters. DeSantis also came out fighting, criticizing Gillum as “way, way, way too liberal for the state of Florida.” “That is not what Floridians want,” DeSantis declared. DeSantis based nearly his entire primary run Trump and acknowledged his endorsement was the key. “With one tweet, that kind of put me on the map,” DeSantis said. Trump weighed in Wednesday on Twitter saying that not only did DeSantis win but that “his opponent in November is his biggest
Closes: “Thank you Northeast Ohio for an incredible four seasons. This ...” CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7
More than any single issue, he said what’s driving voters is “a general feeling that Donald Trump is attacking everything we care about.” The district’s demographics could be key to Tuesday’s primary. When state lawmakers drew new House districts after the last federal census, they tapped the 7th district to be the first in Massachusetts where minorities make up a majority of the voting population. Capuano, who is white, said he’s worked on behalf of everyone in the district, which includes parts of Boston, Cambridge, Somerville and other communities. Capuano, a former Somerville mayor, is banking on voters who have supported him for decades while also appealing to new voters. Pressley has a base of support in Boston and is working to expand the number of voters who make it to the polls, hoping a robust “get out the vote” drive could tip the election. Pressley is also banking on deep voter anger with President Trump, mixed with a desire for new party leaders. “The hate that is coming out of this White House will not be defeated by a reliable vote on the floor of Congress,” Pressley said. “The
hate coming out of this White House will be defeated by a movement and by a coalition.” Another wild card is the primary’s timing on Sept. 4, the day after Labor Day, when many residents are returning from vacations. On Sunday, Pressley won the endorsement of The Boston Globe, the region’s largest newspaper. The paper pointed to her efforts to overhaul the way the city distributes liquor licenses, particularly to poorer and minority communities. They said Pressley represents “the future of the Democratic Party.” The next day, Democratic Rep. Joseph Kennedy, grandson of former Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy, said he’d be campaigning with Capuano in Boston. Kennedy called Capuano “a guy who won’t shy away from steep odds or tough truths.” Days earlier, Capuano was joined on the campaign trail by Democratic Boston Mayor Marty Walsh. Pressley has the backing of the state’s Democratic Attorney General Maura Healey. The state’s highest-profile Democrat — U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren — has steered clear of the primary. Neither Pressley nor Capuano has committed to supporting Nancy Pelosi for speaker should Democrats retake the House. The race is tugging voters in both directions.
Gillum called the comment a form of “gutter politics” that he said comes from the “Trump school” of trying to “fire up the base.”
UPAAB is accepting applications for positions of directors and assistant directors. If interested, please see Trentqual Rhone in Room A2.20 on the second floor of the John Garrick Hardy Center.
dream.” He called Gillum a “failed socialist mayor” who has “allowed crime and many other problems to flourish in the city.” Tallahassee has had one of the Florida’s highest crime rates in recent years though it has been going down. Gillum brushed off Trump’s tweet, saying, “I’m a Democrat, but I have to tell you that not much what Donald Trump says is actually based in fact. The president does not scare me. If he’s going to tweet at me he should @ me. And he ought to know he should be prepared to receive a response when appropriate.” DeSantis, who turns 40 next month, is a former Navy lawyer who won his seat in 2012 running as a Washington outsider. He entered the governor’s race a month after Trump’s December tweet that he would make “a GREAT governor.” Later Trump held a rally for him in Tampa. Gillum, meanwhile, relied on a grassroots campaign in the big-money Democratic primary. Gillum was a 23-yearold Florida A&M student when he became the youngest person elected to the Tallahassee City Commission in 2003. He was elected mayor
in 2014. He’s a gifted public speaker who did well in debates, often receiving the most applause, but the FBI is investigating Tallahassee city hall for alleged corruption. Gillum has said he’s not a target. Their policy differences are pronounced: DeSantis is pro-gun, and anti-tax; Gillum boasts about beating gun rights groups in a lawsuit and is calling for an increase in corporate taxes. Gillum didn’t make race an issue in the primary. But he acknowledged in a recent interview that it would be “big” to be Florida’s first black governor. “I have been really slow to try to think on it because it’s too big,” he said. “There will absolutely be a part of this that I can’t even put words to around what it might mean for my children and other people’s kids. Especially growing up for them in the age of Donald Trump.”___ Associated Press writers Zeke Miller, Darlene Superville, Ken Thomas and Alan Fram in Washington and Bruce Schreiner in Louisville, Kentucky, contributed to this report.
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Viewpoints Editorials, Columns, Letters to the Editor, Editorial Cartoons and Hornet Expressions
VOLUME 57, ISSUE 3
SEPTEMBER 1, 2018
The official student newspaper serving the Alabama State University and Metro-Montgomery communities
Why it is so important to live your truth? In the wake of the murder of three beautiful transgender women and the vicious stabbing death of a young gay college student, it is beyond time to address the homophobia everpresent within our society. The mistreatment of people because their sexual orientation is a concept none of us are unfamiliar with, and as friends of those who are members of the LGBTQ community, it is our responsibility to speak up and defend them so that they might feel safe and accepted in this world. Living in the south, the conservatism and homophobia within the environment has been always been palpable. From the time I was able to comprehend what being homosexual meant, I was taught to associate it with sins like murder and thievery. A Southern Baptist Christian, I have frequently heard the words of condem-
nation cast down from the pulpit, urging those who are gay to repent or face the fiery pits of hell. I vividly remember the way the congregation would erupt in praise as the pastor proclaimed their seemingly inevitable fate and can recall my confusion at their unwavering support of a message that was so anti-love. It became even harder for me to comprehend my feelings when I reached adolescence and was introduced to people who were gay and called into question my own sexuality. I was ashamed of even the idea that I might not even be solely attracted to men, and the insistence that such feelings were unnatural was less than consolatory. I did not feel comfortable discussing how I felt with even the people who were closest to me, and even when I reached the conclusion that I was identified as a straight woman, I felt uncomfortable inviting friends who identified as something other than het-
Corryn Carter, Staff Columnist erosexual around members of my family and my church family. I was not ashamed of them; I was not willing to put them in a position to be ridiculed or treated disrespectfully. Even with the effort to hide their disapproval of what many called their “alternative lifestyle”, I knew that my friends would be able to read their facial expressions and body expressions. In those few instances where avoiding
these awkward moments was unavoidable, I watched my friends squirm and discomfort and I did what I could in the way of consoling them. It took a long time for me to garner the courage to speak out against those who were homophobic. Most of my apprehension was due to my own fear, but I realized I had a responsibility as a friend to be vocal when I heard others ridiculing them. I had to do my part and be an ally.
Martin Luther King’s quote “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere,” is a statement that applies to more than racial injustice. The same tactics used to oppress those who are black have been used in much the same way to silence those who are gay and transgender. We, as a progressive society cannot stand for such behavior. In the past week, more than three transgender women met their death at the hands of homophobic hatred. There is obviously a problem, and it would behoove each of us to allow their deaths to go without demanding justice. Many of us choose to ignore it because it has no effect on us – we are respectful of our one friend, or we do not engage in the mean talk about him. That, however is not enough; to truly be an ally and present yourself to those who are a part of the community, it is necessary to stand
it solidarity and speak out against those who are homophobic. In much the same way people were encouraged to speak to their family members about the controversy surrounding the election of Donald Trump, the hard conversations need to be had with those within our immediate environment about the danger of homophobia. The issue in most cases is ignorance and a lack of proper education about what it means to be gay, in addition to the overwhelming stigma about STD rates among gay people. Although most of this false information can be nixed by a simple Google search, willful ignorance often will not seek knowledge. Therefore, it becomes the responsibility of the informed to fill the void. Sit with your family members and explain why See TRUTH on page 12
The Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin was laid to rest on Aug. 26. She had several caskets, one being gold, was brought in by members of the funeral home who handled her funeral arrangements.
Music’s queen was Detroit’s favorite
BY MICHAEL H. COTTMAN arch and rock of our family. The love she had for her chilGuest Columnist dren, grandchildren, nieces, “Aretha helped define nephews, and cousins knew the American experience. In no bounds.” her voice, we could feel our Franklin was a legend. history, all of it and in every She was an extraordinary shade—our power and our singer and a powerful voice pain, our darkness and our for civil rights in the 1960s. light.” — Former President Detroit claims her as its own Barack Obama – and rightfully so –since she I grew up in Detroit in the began her career as a child 1960s where Aretha Frank- hitting sky-high notes inside lin, the undisputed “Queen New Bethel Baptist Church of Soul,” was affectionately in Detroit – but Franklin reknown as “Ree-Ree.” ally belonged to the world. Listening to Franklin’s Who hasn’t tapped their soulful, stirring voice was feet or danced to “Respect,” moving for me, even as a or sang aloud to “The House young boy – 12 years old – That Jack Built” or “Rock and since the iPod hadn’t Steady” or “Eleanor Rigby” been invented yet, I would or, in a rousing tribute to The sometimes hum Franklin’s Rolling Stones, “Jumping musical hits while walking Jack Flash?” home from school. I never met Aretha Franklin died Thursday Franklin, I saw her on a couat 76, the result of pancreatic ple occasions in Detroit, but cancer. The world has lost I certainly felt her indelible perhaps the most phenom- presence while growing up enal singer in music history. in Motown. “In one of the darkest I was raised on Detroit’s moments of our lives, we are East Side in a tight-knit not able to find the appropri- Black community of wellate words to express the pain manicured lawns where the in our heart,” Franklin’s fam- children of Levi Stubbs, the ily said in a statement Thurs- lead singer for The Four day. “We have lost the matri- Tops, lived next door.
People protested on Sunday outside a Waffle House in Saraland, Ala., after a video showed three white police officers throwing a black woman on the floor during an arrest.
On hot summer nights with the windows open to circulate the hot air, I could often hear the soothing sounds of The Four Tops on the record player next door while his children – Deborah, Beverly and Raymond — sang the parts of background singers — hits like “Baby I Need Your Loving,” “Reach Out (I’ll Be There)” and “I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch),” and “Bernadette.” Sometimes, perhaps on his way out-of-town for a performance, Stubbs would call Raymond and I into the
street for a foot race. One time, Stubbs, dressed neatly in a black suit and hard-sole shoes, counted off to start the race, sprinted quickly to the end of the block, slowing down just enough to tease us as we struggled to catch him before he crossed the makeshift finish line. He always beat us. I remember Stubbs sharing his admiration for fellow singers like Aretha Franklin. I also recall a memorable duet in 1986 – “I Want To Be With You” — where Franklin plays piano while Stubbs leans over her crooning in
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his legendary raspy voice as Franklin makes a passionate reference to The Four Tops singing at her wedding. “It’s Levi and me,” Franklin sings. “They can’t hide us now.” And she laughs with Stubbs, “I can’t look at you!” Stubbs died in 2008. He was 72. Franklin was 76. Both of these larger-thanlife singers were part of my childhood upbringing – Stubbs, who I knew personally — and Franklin, who I admired and respected. Bruce Johnson, owner of Avatar Salon and Wellness Spa in Silver Spring, Maryland, recalls meeting Franklin in 2009 after receiving a call from Franklin’s business manager, who was referred by Alexis Herman, the former Secretary of Labor in the Clinton administration and one of Johnson’s VIP clients. “All I could remember is the amazing feeling I got that I was going to meet such a legend – Aretha Franklin — and actually do her hair,” Johnson recalled. She wanted me to get her ready for the Kennedy Center Honors where she was going to intro-
duce the life of the amazing Grace Bumbry. Now I had done some interesting celebs before (Patti Austin, Micki Howard, but this was one of those wow moments that I felt I never would forget.” “Our conversation was easy and I really felt as if I was talking to a family member as she was very engaged in how many kids I have and where I was from,” Johnson told me. “She was a very personable individual and made me promise not to cut her hair because her stylist in Detroit was the only one who could perform that service. You gotta understand a Black woman and the relationship and trust they have with their hometown hair stylist,” he explained. “What she left me with was an inspired reality of the everyday customer who would say things like, “Hey, these curls aren’t tight enough or I need you to brush this look out and then style it!” “Here I am thinking how wonderful it is to be in See QUEEN on page 12
Page 10
VIEWPOINTS
editorial cartoons
editorial board Nefsa’hyatt Brown INTERIM EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Vacant
MANAGING EDITOR
Vacant
David Evans
GEN. ASSIGNMENT EDITOR
VISUAL MEDIA EDITOR
Vacant
Kenneth A. Dean
STAFF ADVISER
GENERAL MANAGER
The Hornet Tribune is a weekly newspaper written and edited by the students with the advisement of the staff adviser. Editorials and letters to the editor represent the views of the writer(s). Views expressed within do not necessarily represent the opinions of the faculty, staff, administration or ASU Board of Trustees. The editors determine the time of the publication and the ethical qualities of all articles. Articles and other materials in The Hornet Tribune cannot be republished without the expressed written permission of the editor, adviser, coordinator and Student Media Board. Letters to the Editor are welcome. Editors reserve the right to print or reject for publication any letters received. Letters must include the author’s name, address, email address and telephone number. All letters are subject to editing for both space and libel considerations. Materials must be submitted by Thursday at 5 p.m. for publication that next week.
the opportunity to speak ...
Christine Shelton, Staff Columnist
Don’t let the makeup wear you Wear the makeup. Don’t let the makeup wear you. “Wearing makeup – but not gobs of Gaga-conspicuous makeup – apparently can help. It increases people’s perceptions of a woman’s likability, her competence and (provided she does not overdo it) her trustworthiness, according to a new study, which also confirmed what is obvious: that cosmetics boost a woman’s attractiveness,” said Catherine Saint Louis, The New York Times. There are several pros and cons to wearing makeup. However, none of the pros should include to gain respect, trust, nor affection from anyone. Makeup is merely a byproduct used to enhance beauty; it should never be used to create beauty on its own. Women are constantly told that they always need a little “extra” and we don’t. The media shouldn’t idolize a certain type of woman because there isn’t just one; there are various types of women, and we are all different shapes, sizes, and colors. Nevertheless, we are all beautiful. According to Saint Louis, makeup has the ability to predetermine the trustworthiness of a woman. How can makeup suggest one woman is more trustworthy than the next? Isn’t synonymous to judging a book by its cover? If anything, makeup can cause more deception to the eye; therefore, suggesting that makeup makes a woman seemingly more trustworthy doesn’t really make sense. Writer for the Thought Catalog website, Samira Behrouzan, only adds to my point when she says, “We get so caught up and lost in that we forgot makeup can only enhance our natural beauty. We begin to believe it is makeup that in turn make us appealing.” I’ve always been the type of girl who only wore significant amount of makeup for special occasions. There is nothing wrong with makeup, but we should never see makeup as a necessity. It’s an accessory, which means it’s optional and shouldn’t be self-defining. “Years of research has shown that attractive people earn more. Thus, the makeup tax: Good-looking men and goodlooking women both get ahead, but men aren’t expected to wear makeup in order to look good,” said Olga Khazan, The Atlantic. I’m more than aware of how much effort women put into looking presentable every single day. I’m not saying men don’t put in any effort when it comes to their appearance because I know a lot of men who do; however, some people expect more from women when it comes to beautifying ourselves. The second we choose not to put in so much effort, we’re suddenly not up to par. My mother often tells me that for women “beauty is pain” and she couldn’t be more right. Makeup can be truly transformative, and it can make us feel brand new. Makeup should never alter the natural beauty of any women. So, to all my beautiful women out there, no makeup in the world can make up for your inner beauty. You’ll never need it as an additive; just love you and you’ll glow naturally. No highlight needed.
Sept. 1, 2018
sometimes the truth hurts, but necessary to move forward ...
Tenure: Does it make professors untouchable?
Tenure, the ultimate form of job security for university professors, is really nothing more than a nice way of saying thanks for sticking around for five to seven years. Despite the fact that more often than not, the pay is not very competitive, but at least you will be given the freedom to do whatever you want at the expense of your students. Tenure which is defined as a status granted to an educator after a trial period which gives him or her a set of administrative and legal rights that include the freedom to pursue any academic research without fear of repercussions or loosing their job. Within this simple Google definition, the implications of these tenured professors untouchability is clear. However, the question still remains what are the implications of these professors when it comes to how they treat their students as a result of tenure. Twenty two years ago, William H. Wallace, a former university faculty member and dean of a business school at Old Dominion University, called attention to what he called a “pervasive problem in our system of high education.” In this article he exposed the untouchables of academia, tenured professors which make up the majority of the worst teachers on campus. Calling it a “cancer on our system of higher education” Wallace believes that the tenure system of of higher education disregards the unproductive and ignorance of
Nefsa’Hyatt Brown, Chief Editor these professors while extracting tax payers and other supporters of these institutions. In so many words, he believes the tenure system is nothing more than a gimmick which allows professors who have spent their lives at a university to be lazy and ignorant while getting paid for it. Jordan Weissmann, a writer for The Atlantic, agrees with Wallace. He views tenured college professors as great researchers, because “you don’t get tenure by dazzling 18 year old with Powerpoints.” Weissmann acknowledges the cries of students, who unlike the peers for these professors could care less about their genius status within their field because being a great researcher does not translate into being a great instructor. If anything, the clear prioritizing research to get grants over actually teaching their students has become the reality of majority of tenured professors. Their students, most of
staff editorial
Are the populations of HBCUs slowly shifting? HBCUs have been heralded as a safe for African American since their inception. Created due to racial prejudice and injustice which prevented black students from attending universities like the University of Alabama or Auburn University, these schools became the pinnacle of black excellence and education while also implementing a familial culture that made them an attractive choice to black students worldwide. Ironically, today these institutions are experiencing a growing population of white students. While HBCUs have never discriminated against any student based upon race or ethnicity, it appears that within the last decade, a growing number of the white students at HBCUs are attending on a full athletic scholarship. With the introduction of sports like golf, bowling and softball, many white students have been afforded the opportunity to play in a Division I league without having to pay for college. These students add to the university’s ethnic diversity. Ironically, some black students, on the other hand, have no interest in attending and supporting their local HBCU based on rumors or inuendos surrounding these institutions and their administrations. Many of them shun the institutions that hisically provided a safe haven for them to receive an education, while preferring to attend a predominantly white institution, who 50 years ago would not allow them to enter. Therefore, the enrollment numbers at these HBCUs are not as high as they could be and it becomes imperative that recruitment focus on other ethnicities, which was not the case in the past. Without the support of international and white students, these institutions would see substantial cuts to their already underwhelming budgets. Many see the shift in the population of HBCUs as a direct reflection of how black students feel about the worth of such colleges and universities. It is unfortunate because these institutions were created with them in mind. The culture of an HBCU is unmatched; there is no other institution where black students can express themselves freely with other black people. Teachers tend to approach topics from the perspective of its influence on black people. Additionally, HBCUs usually have black people at the forefront of the administration, and therefore there are many examples of black excellence to use when preparing for careers. The practices and customs characteristic of an HBCU might come as a culture shock to those students who are non-white, however it also allows them an opportunity to learn from a people who are often silenced by societal norms. Many of them, after college, will never have the chance to coexist in space where so many black people from different areas and walks of life live in unity, and therefore they are able to gain a plethora of knowledge about black culture and influence. This is a once in a lifetime experience, and therefore, might serve as an explanation for a large population of white people attending HBCUs. The increasing population of white students on the campus could be a statement about the changing political and social climate among youth. By the same token, it could be that HBCUs are affording them an opportunity to go to school without any debt. Whatever the reason, blacks students must understand that the culture of See HBCUs on page 12
whom have either failed their class or absolutely hated every minute of it, have not done much about reporting this type of untouchable behavior outside of leaving a bad review on rate my professor, the yelp of academia. “This professor is a biologist, not a biology professor.” This type of review which is commonly seen on rate my professor, perfectly sums up how students feel about professors. We respect for them as professionals within their field, we even appreciate the indepth knowledge they could be able to give us however, when one cannot articulate that knowledge in a way that we can understand it becomes problematic. As students, it’s easy to spot a tenured professor. These professors all carry the same “I could care less about you, your grade, or your experience within my class” attitude about themselves. Outside of their pretentious demeanor which is a result of their elevated sense of
importance due to their contributions to their respective fields, these teachers are actually great mentors outside of the classroom. But, in typical millennial fashion we do not respect the process of the struggle until it’s too late. Most of the time, these tenured professors behave in a way that is meant to prepare us for the real world. Outside of the comfort of these walls, people could genuinely care less about how we are doing nor if it is giving us a hard time, they only care about one thing... finished product. Many of the tenured professors follow this same mindset, the process is not their problem only the result. For these “geniuses” within their field, there is no slack given to those who cannot produce a finished product and they continue to carry this mindset into academia to groom the student in a way that prepares them for the next step. The bottom line is these professors are not going anywhere. No matter how many bad reviews students leave on rate my professor...no matter how many complaints the administration receives about these professors, as long as they continue to receive grants and make the institution as a whole look good, we as students will just be stuck with them. As long as students make frequent trips to their offices, they will learn to see the necessity of tenured See TENURE on page 12
take a minute and listen ...
Alexis Butler, Staff Columnist
When students stand for injustice, they should not feel they are alone Last year, on Sept. 30, 5 cheerleaders, at Kennesaw State University, decided to join Colin Kaepernick’s silent protest. During the singing of the national anthem the girls decided to kneel. After kneeling the team received horrible backlash from the school and was even banned from the field, for the remainder of the year, while the anthem was being played. Although consequences were not given right away, consequences for the young women were still due. During tryouts for the 2018-19 school year 4 of 5 of the cheerleaders did not make the team and previous team members are for sure that their protest is the reason why. It is unfortunate that in America it is acceptable to cut members from a team for standing up for something that they believe in. But, it is an even bigger misfortune that no one from the team stood behind the young ladies. There should have been teammates that refused to cheer or be on the team until a legitimate reason for them not making the team was given. Of the four females that were not permitted to return means that at one time that they possessed the skills to qualify as a Kennesaw State University cheerleader. One cheerleader even noted that she knows for sure that the four ladies possess the ability to be on the team and she does not believe that they were not granted positions to return to the team because of their lack of skill. It was also noted that 8 cheerleaders, who were chosen for this upcoming season are not able to tumble, whereas the four that were denied spots had several years of tumbling experience. This is a clear statement that the members were not chosen due to lack of skill, but due to a political play from the university. This decision was very personal, a disgrace, and unfair. This tells students “yes,you can be on our team, but you must be silent when it comes to what you believe OR you will not be permitted on this team.” How can you encourage students to stay silent? Students are allowed to have free speech and their own feelings. The teammates did no wrong, where they could have been a disturbance or tried to encourage their other teammates to to kneel as well. But, just as Kaepernick the cheerleaders were problematic. America teaches you to stand up for what you believe. They call it principles of a democracy. However, more and more, it appears that democracy is becoming more and more situational instead of individual. No matter their position or organization, students should always be allowed to stand for what they believe in, but if we intend to make any sort of difference in the world that we live in we must stand together. Speak up when justice is not served and let authorities know that they are in the wrong. I expected more from a cheerleading team, where sticking together as a team is taught, more than ever, to be successful.
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Sept. 1, 2018
VIEWPOINTS
Why are the midterm elections in the U.S. so important? BY DAVID A. LOVE
Guest Columnist blackcommentator@gmail.com
The stakes could not be higher in the upcoming US midterm elections, as a battle is being waged to decide which vision of America will prevail - that of President Donald Trump or that of his opposition. Control of state houses, the US House of Representatives and the Senate are at stake. Political observers on both sides of the spectrum are calling on people to go out and vote because this could be the most important election in our lifetimes, if not in US history. On the national and state levels, the Republican Party promotes policies that heighten racial and economic injustice and entrench social division. Their regressive stance on a variety of socioeconomic issues has served as a catalyst for the opposition - mobilising women, people of colour, the youth, and others and making space for dynamic, progressive candidates with bold alternative programmes to run for office. On the one hand, states such as Republican-controlled North Carolina, ground zero for the war on
voting rights, have enacted strict voter suppression measures to bar voters of colour from exercising their rights. A federal court has ordered state officials to redraw its illegally-drawn congressional districts, which were designed to benefit Republican politicians. A restrictive voter ID law in Wisconsin suppressed 200,000 black and Democratic voters in the state, which Trump won by 22,748 votes. On the other hand, voters outraged by the current political climate are energised and poised to make change - and make history. Three states will have the opportunity to elect their first African American governors - a historic precedent. In Maryland, civil rights leader and former president of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), Ben Jealous, a Democrat, seeks to unseat Republican incumbent Governor Larry Hogan with a progressive platform of criminal justice reform, marijuana legalisation and a state-funded, single-payer healthcare system. Former Georgia state representative and house minority leader Stacey Abrams is challenging Republican
Brian Kemp in her bid to become the nation’s first black woman governor. As Georgia secretary of state, Kemp, who enjoys Trump’s support, has purged 591,548 names from the state voter rolls, and is accused in a lawsuit of failing to secure Georgia’s voting system, exposing the records of 6 million voters. Parroting Trump’s xenophobic rhetoric, Kemp has vowed to use his Ford pickup truck “just in case I need to round up criminal illegals and take them home myself”. In Florida, Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum won the Democratic primaries to become the state’s first African American gubernatorial nominee, mobilising support among young people, liberals and progressives, and white, Latino and black voters. Gillum promotes gun control and a repeal of Florida’s deadly “stand your ground” self-defence law, a $15 minimum wage, Medicare for all, corporate tax increases to pay for public education, and the abolishment of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The Republican, Trumpendorsed governor candidate, Ron DeSantis, stirred controversy by using a racial slur in reference to Gillum’s
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politics. This, as the current governor Rick Scott - a climatechange denier and darling of the pro-gun lobby who made Florida the “Gunshine State” due to its lax firearm laws runs for the US Senate. Scott has received Trump’s blessing but attempted to distance himself from the National Rifle Association (NRA) and from the president, also pandering to Latino voters with a Spanish-language ad conveying the message that he is not Trump. Latino voters, representing the fastest growing segment of the US population, are poised to influence elections in a number of states. In light of the deaths of nearly 3,000 people last year in Puerto Rico due to government inaction following the devastation of Hurricane Maria, mobilised and displaced Puerto Rican voters in Florida, New York and New Jersey could tip the balance in the midterms. Meanwhile, the separation of nearly 3,000 undocumented migrant children from their families due to a white supremacist “zero tolerance” policy at the Mexican border, and the revocation of citizenship and passports of Hispanic American citizens,
are issues impacting Latinos in the border state of Texas. With its minority-white, non-Latino population still under Republican control, Texas is about to send its first two Latina legislators to Congress, Sylvia Garcia and Veronica Escobar. Further, Democrat Beto O’Rourke could unseat conservative Senator Ted Cruz. Hailed as the Left’s answer to Trump, O’Rourke has attacked the US president for his immigration policy and defended American football players who “take a knee” in protest of police violence. Amid the Islamophobic policies of the Trump administration, including travel bans on people from Muslim countries, Congress prepares to welcome its first MuslimAmerican women members Rashida Tlaib , a daughter of Palestinian immigrants from Michigan, and Ilhan Omar of Minnesota, a Somali-American who fled the Somali civil war and lived in a Kenyan refugee camp. The prospect of more inclusion in Congress - and the presence of legislators such as these dynamic Muslim women in a legislative body dominated by white Christian men - is more than mere symbolism, and stands to change
the tenor and tone of Washington. President Trump, facing a Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation and fearing impeachment if the Democrats take control of Congress, has suggested there will be violence if his party loses the midterms. The Republican Party is also facing an internal crisis, struggling with Trump’s divisive politics. The future of US governance hangs in the balance as the US president wages assaults on the rule of law and government institutions, on democratic norms, national security and the media. A Democratic win at the upcoming midterm elections could upset his bid for reelection in 2020. David A. Love, JD Serves BlackCommentator. com as Executive Editor. He is a journalist, commentator, human rights advocate and an adjunct instructor at the Rutgers University School of Communication and Information based in Philadelphia, and a contributor to theGrio, AtlantaBlackStar, The Progressive, CNN.com, Morpheus, NewsWorks and The Huffington Post.
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Sept. 1, 2018
VIEWPOINTS
Don’t Detroit’s school kids deserve water they can drink? BY NEFSA’HYATT BROWN Interim Editor-in-Chief nefsahyatt.brown21@gmail.com
Detroit’s public school students are experiencing a health predicament and here’s the solution: They can’t drink the water. The water fountains are dry because drinking water has been shut off at all of Detroit’s 106 schools serving more than 40,000 students since officials discovered the water in 16 schools contained high levels of lead or copper. And let’s just say it: This is a health emergency that needs to be addressed with a sense of urgency. Detroit schools Superintendent Nikolai Vitti said
that he’s turning off water at all schools “out of an abundance of caution” while more tests are performed. Vitti said he believes the schools antiquated fixtures are the problem, not the city’s water source. Great Lakes Water Authority, the agency that provides water for Detroit, says its water is safe. “Although we have no evidence that there are elevated levels of copper or lead in our other schools where we are awaiting test results, out of an abundance of caution and concern for the safety of our students and employees, I am turning off all drinking water in our schools until a deeper and broader analysis can be conducted to deter-
mine the long-term solutions for all schools,” Vitti said in a statement. I grew up in Detroit, attended public schools and drank water from the fountains with no concerns and no problems. We take basic offerings in public schools for granted and it’s unconscionable that students, some who are living in high-crime neighborhoods, also have to worry about drinking school water that could be contaminated. Drinking water with high levels of lead or copper could lead to kidney problems and high blood pressure, according to medical experts. Officials are testing the water in all of Detroit’s public schools
and it could be a month of longer before the results are known. The Detroit Water and Sewerage Department and the Great Lakes Water Authority blamed the school water problems on an “aging school infrastructure,” which is deeply troubling. Here’s the problem: Vitti and school officials agree that the plumbing in Detroit’s schools are to blame for tainted water flowing through the pipes. So why did school administrators allow the situation to become so dire? How long have they known that pipes in Detroit’s schools were toxic? And why did it take so long to address this critical health problem?
Remembering Malcolm X BY CONRAD W. WORRILL Guest Columnist blackcommentator@gmail.com
Since the untimely transition of Malcolm X in 1965, movement forces throughout the world have consistently commemorated his birthday. Malcolm X was born on May 19, 1925 in Omaha, Nebraska. It was on February 21, 1965 that Malcolm X was assassinated at the Audubon Ballroom in Manhattan, New York by forces that were trying to stop his impact on our movement. They were not successful. He will forever remain our “Shining Black Prince.” Malcolm X is a man that should be studied carefully in our efforts to examine a critical period in our history— the 1960s. For, it was during this period that Malcolm X became an internationally known and respected African in America leader, whose ideas were widely discussed and debated. It was through the Nation of Islam, under the leadership of the Honorable Elijah Muhammad, that Malcolm X was given an opportunity to develop his tremendous talents as a teacher, researcher, orator, and organizer. Malcolm X joined the Nation of Islam while in prison in 1952. After his release in the mid-1950s, Malcolm X became a full– time minister for the Nation of Islam that became one of the most important organizations in the history of African in America, people. From his main base in
Harlem, at Mosque Number 7, he launched his talents on the world. Malcolm X was a revolutionary who presented a model of Black manhood that shook the world. When Malcolm X finally left the Nation of Islam, because of internal differences, he decided to take his first trip to Mother Africa. Malcolm spent five weeks in Africa, from April 13th to May 21st, 1964. This trip helped reestablish our links with the movement to reclaim “Africa for the Africans.” Malcolm met many of the leaders and people of Africa. He visited Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Lebanon, Nigeria, Ghana, Monrovia, Liberia, Senegal, Tanzania, Guinea, Morocco, and Algeria. This trip and subsequent trips abroad helped Malcolm sharpen his understanding of the worldwide system of white supremacy as the number one enemy of African people throughout the world. This has not changed. After leaving the Nation of Islam, Malcolm began to broaden his organizing strategies by attempting to reach out and work with many of the more established civil rights organizations and movement tendencies to a common organizational vehicle. Malcolm began building this vehicle through his establishment of the Organization for Afro–American Unity (OAAU). Malcolm felt that a United Front was the necessary mechanism by which the political consciousness of African people in America could be raised. Also, he felt that this United Front would be
the common voice we needed to represent the Black Liberation movement in this country. Many of us are still working to build this United Front concept of organizing toward our liberation in America. In the spirit of Malcolm, let us summarize his contributions: Malcolm X was a concrete example that if you discipline yourself and find a new outlook on life you can transform your behavior. From 1952 - 1963, Malcolm X helped the Honorable Elijah Muhammad build the Nation of Islam into a powerful force. During this same period, Malcolm became the spokesman for the Honorable Elijah Muhammad and the Nation of Islam, and thus, became a spokesman for the Black Nationalist Movement in one of the most important periods in our history— the period of the mid 1950s through the 1960s. In this role, Malcolm articulated many important concepts and ideas that helped strengthen the Black Nationalist Movement in this country, as well as, the Civil Rights Movement. His speech, “The Ballot or the Bullet,” still rings in our ears. His conception of the role of “House Negroes” vs. “Field Negroes” is still with us today. And his coining he phrase, “By Any Means Necessary” are just a few of the ideas and concepts that concretely impacted the Black movement. Malcolm X defined Black Nationalism in simple terminology that appealed to the Black masses when he said, “the political philosophy of
Black nationalism is that Blacks should control the politics and politicians in our own community... The economic philosophy of Black Nationalism must be designed to re–educate our community to the importance of controlling the economy in which we live by owning and operating the businesses. The social philosophy of Black nationalism is we must become socially mature enough to realize the responsibility on us to elevate the conditions and standards of our community to a higher level. Malcolm X linked the Black struggle in this country with the struggle of African people around the world. Malcolm helped shape Black peoples pride in themselves and by so doing, he exposed, by teaching that the greatest crime of white people was they taught us to hate ourselves. It was Malcolm’s spirit that generated the Black Pride, Black Studies, and Black Power phases of our movement. So, on the one hand, Malcolm helped internationalize our struggle and on the other hand, he linked it up to the mass struggle and issues that faced our people in America. By taking this approach, Malcolm was able to provide a basis for the continued historical efforts to build worldwide African unity. Conrad W. Worrill, PhD, is the National Chairman Emeritus of the National Black United Front.
Think about it: Parents send their children to school with the understanding that their kids will be safe. Now school officials are telling parents students will be fine as long as they don’t drink the water outside their classrooms. This situation is completely unacceptable: Students should be required to focus solely on learning. In the meantime, students will drink bottled water from water coolers for the foreseeable future. “I don’t think it’s realistic to think that we can just change the plumbing infrastructure in schools or play a whack-a-mole game of changing faucets or changing
fixtures,” Vitti said. Detroit’s school water issues comes as Flint, Michigan, a one-hour drive from Detroit, experienced contaminated tap water with high levels of lead in 2014 after officials switched from the Detroit system to the Flint River to save money. Some children were found to have elevated lead levels in their blood, leading to long-term health concerns. Could Detroit’s public school students experience similar health problems? Parents trust administrators to properly care for their children and, in this particular situation, Detroit’s public school officials are failing miserably.
Truth: “Hatred is a living, breathing entity that must be defeated in all ...” CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9
a.) the sexual exploits of another individual who is not their partner is none of their business, and b.) why their failure to acknowledge these individuals as valuable human beings is an issue. This is where being an ally meets action. It is not enough to be a social justice warrior on the internet, feverishly typing to your Twitter followers when there is no effort to address the homophobic and transphobic ideas and rational permeating within the walls of your home.
Hatred is a living, breathing entity that must be defeated in all forms. In our lives we are sure to face it, and we must confront it without fear or reservation. We must be the beckon of change in our world and do our part to make the world a better place. Part of that change needs to include normalizing the expression of gay people. They are important, and they are counting on us – those who are slightly more advantaged – to defend and protect them. We need them and they need us.
Queen: “I’m very glad I was able to meet Aretha Franklin and this ...” CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9
Aretha Franklin’s presence and she hits me with clientstylist relationship stuff,” Johnson said. “I’m very glad I was able to meet Aretha Franklin and this meeting certainly made my year of events to remember.” Franklin was the first woman, not African-American woman, but woman, admitted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. She recorded 112 charted singles on Billboard, including 77 Hot 100 entries, 17 top ten pop singles, 100 R&B entries and 20 number-one R&B singles, becoming the most charted female artist in
the chart’s history. From 1967 to 1975, she had more than two dozen Top 40 hits and she won 18 Grammy awards, including the honor for best female R&B performance for eight straight years. She was one of the best-selling musical artists of all-time, having sold more than 75 million records. She is listed by Rolling Stone magazine at “The 100 Greatest Singers Artists of All Time.” I appreciated Franklin’s phenomenal musical gifts while growing up in Detroit so many years ago– and I treasure her melodies even more today.
HBCUs: “In other words, black students have an obligation to consider ...” CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10
HBCUs can slowly change with the shifting population. Things that we take for granted such as the show style of the Mighty Marching Hornet Band could easily become a drum and bugle Corp style. The step shows that students look so forward to could slowly disappear. In other words, black students have an obligation to consider HBCUs just like they would consider any other institution of higher education. Hopefully one day, white students, in majority,
will consider attending an HBCU in the same manner that they consider attending predominantly white institutions. Attendance at an HBCU as a white person, for most students, is a completely new experience, and instead of being critical or suspicious of their decision to enroll, black students should embrace the opportunity to share their own personal experiences with those unlike themselves. Remember, our differences is what makes us stronger.
Tenure: “Their disregard for losing their jobs gives them the flexibility ...” CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10
that you feel accomplished professors. by the end of their class. BeTheir disregard for los- cause whether you get an A ing their jobs gives them the or a C, you worked for it. flexibility they need to ensure
The Hornet Tribune staff welcomes your letters to the editor or any other recommendations that you would like to make to better our publication. Please send them to
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Sports Football, Volleyball, Cross Country and Soccer
VOLUME 57, ISSUE 3
SEPTEMBER 1, 2018
The official student newspaper serving the Alabama State University and Metro-Montgomery communities
PHOTO BY DAVID EVANS/CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER
The Hornets’ Labor Day Classic victory, after seven years, featured a number of exciting runs and plays. Picture is number 46, Darron Johnson as he scrambles to the endzone to score for the Hornets.
Hornets did not labor in vain
Alabama State University Hornets break seven-year losing streak REPRINTED FROM THE MONTGOMERY ADVERTISER
With Tuskegee’s wins coming seven years apart, it’s easy to imagine what Alabama State’s campus has been like over the past few days. Alabama State earned a 26-20 overtime win over Tuskegee on Saturday, its first triumph in the series since 2011. With bragging rights in their pockets for a full year, the players say they will enjoy the victory for a long time to come. Hornets quarterback DJ Pearson, whose parents are both ASU alums, said he was tired of hearing about the long drought. Pearson also has family members that graduated from Tuskegee. “You have to play through it,” Pearson said. “That is probably the hardest part because in the back of your mind, you are like man, this is our stadium. We got bragging rights for a year now, so we just need to keep it going.” Even those that came from the outside looking in on the rivalry got a better appreciation for it after last year’s 14-6 loss. Hornets linebacker Darron Johnson is a Memphis,
Tennessee, native, and said he didn’t realize how big the rivalry was until he played in the game last season. After Hornets running back Ezra Gray scored the game-winning touchdown Saturday, Johnson was one of the first players to greet his teammate in the end zone. “The fans were talking and I saw a lot of stuff on social media about the game,” Johnson said. “When I saw that huge crowd (last year), I finally knew how big it was. We kept our composure. We took on that challenge, and we came through with a victory.” The crowd was huge again Saturday. The announced attendance at ASU Stadium was 26,222, which is second-most in the venue’s history only to the 2012 Tuskegee game (27,500). Most of the Alabama State fans and students ran onto the field in celebration after the game-winning score. “This win has been so long overdue for our student body and our community,” ASU head coach Donald Hill-Eley said. “I was glad we were able to afford it to them.” Pearson’s uncle, Travis, is the safeties coach at ASU. Last season, the Pearsons went head-to-head in the Magic City Classic as Travis was Alabama A&M’s defen-
PHOTO BY DAVID EVANS/CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER
Alabama State earned a 26-20 overtime win over Tuskegee on Saturday, its first triumph in the series since 2011.
sive coordinator. The younger Pearson got the best of that matchup as ASU earned a 2116 win. On Saturday, Pearson threw for a career-high 164 yards to beat another ASU instate rival. Pearson has started the last six games for ASU dating back to last season, and is 5-1 as a starter in those games. “Here’s a guy who threw
an interception in the (Tuskegee) game last year, and it went back for a touchdown,” Hill-Eley said. “People attributed that one play to our whole season. Everybody’s asking about the quarterbacks or saying he’s not very good.” “For him to come out and stand steadfast with all the criticism and manage (Saturday’s) game the way he did
was great.” Alabama State (1-0) won its season opener for the first time since 2011, but now has an even tougher task to handle. The Hornets will travel to seventh-ranked Auburn for a game at 6:30 p.m. Saturday. The Tigers (1-0) earned a 2116 win over then-No.6 Washington last week. A win would probably
shock the world, but HillEley said they’ll be traveling to Jordan-Hare Stadium for more than just a check. “We have to go in and play against the individuals,” Hill-Eley said. “We’re not going to play the tradition or play the mystique. We’re not going to watch the eagle as it flies around. We’re going in to win a ballgame.”
Alabama State Cross Country teams run opening races in Oxford OXFORD, Ala. | The Alabama State University cross country teams opened the season at the Strut’s Season Opener Friday night, with the women finishing eighth and the men 12th. On the women’s side, Mariyah Archibald was the top finisher for the Lady Hornets with an eleventh place result at a time of
20:05.10. She finished less than three seconds out of the top 10. Her teammate Vinnelle Grant finished 34th with a time of 21:09.20, while Arion Span finished 58th (22:24.10). Hannah Mezidor placed 73rd with a time of 23:18.70. A trio of runners rounded out the results for the Lady Hornets as Shamaria Lovett (24:36.80), Kleo Tor-
res (27:20:20) and Likaya Keyes (27:50:50) ran admirably. On the men’s side, Joshua Coffelt was the top finisher for the Hornets (45th), coming in at 17:26.10. Kevin Smith followed him in 46th with a time of 17:26.30 while Colby Clark (73rd) ran in 18:37.90. Adrian Kittrell Jr. crossed the line in a time of 20:51.20,
while Camrin Lamb finished at 21:36.50. Alabama State returns to action next Friday in Mobile at the Azalea City Classic hosted by the University of South Alabama. The women, who finished second last season in the conference, return six runners from a season ago including Arion Span and Hannah Mezidor. They also return
Call the SPORTS desk at (334) 229-4419 or email asusports@gmail.com
Princess Bousqueto, Kyana Evans, Sharmaria Lovett and Kleo Torres. Meanwhile, the men return their top runner from a season ago in Joshua Coffelt – an all-conference performer from a season ago. They also return Andrew Jackson, Todd Jackson, Camrin Lamb and Adrian Kittrell, Jr. looking to improve on last season’s finish in the conference meet.
A total of 19 schools are entered into the race, with all but three schools being represented on both sides. The women will take the course first at 6 pm, followed by the men at 6:45 pm. Last season, the women finished sixth and the men seventh overall in the race.
Page 14
SPORTS
SOCCER
Lady Hornets fall to Presbyterian on the road CLINTON, SC. | Freshman Janae Brown scored her first collegiate goal for the Lady Hornets, but it wasn’t enough as Alabama State fell to Presbyterian, 3-1, on Friday night at Edens Field. “This was a disappointing result today,” Alabama State head coach Jodie Smith said. “We talked about coming out and setting the tone early, which we did. But some careless mistakes in the second half proved to be our downfall.” Alabama State (0-4-0) opened the scoring early as Brown was able to give the Lady Hornets a 1-0 advantage in the seventh minute when she connected on a shot from just outside the goal box.
Alabama State kept the lead until the 36th minute until Presbyterian’s Kelsey Yeager scored off a penalty kick, tying the game at one. The Blue Hose (2-1-0) broke the tie in the 60th minute when Megan Archer was able to convert a kick from twenty-five yards out off of a cleared corner kick to give the Gamecocks a 2-1 advantage. Presbyterian extended the margin to 3-1 in the 79th minute when Kori Lawrence assisted Mallory Hopkins’s header from five yards. The Lady Hornets will return home and prepare for Mercer on Friday, Sept. 14th at the ASU Soccer Complex. The game kicks off at 6 pm and admission is free.
SOCCER
Lady Hornets fall short to Gardner Webb BOILING SPRINGS, NC. | The Alabama State University soccer team dropped a hard-fought road match Sunday afternoon, falling to Gardner-Webb 3-1. “This is a better building block from the way we played on Friday,” head coach Jodie Smith stated. “We took an early lead, but we still need to win balls in the air to be successful.” The Lady Hornets (0-20) struck first when Teaggan Ilela was able to convert a free kick just outside of the box into a goal in the seventh minute. Gardner-Webb (1-1-0) answered with a goal from Aubrie Jackson after she was able to score courtesy of a Stina Kleppe corner kick in the 16th minute. The Bulldogs picked up their second
goal in the 34th minute as Maddie Turlington’s cross to the near post was kicked in by Ty Snell to extend the advantage to 2-1. The Bulldogs were able to extend the lead in the second half with a goal in the 75th minute from Jada Newton, who was able to split a pair of defenders for the final goal of the contest. Alabama State was held to six total shots, including two on goal that came off the foot of Ilela. Goalkeeper Gianna Guyot faced 8 shots on goal, making 5 saves for the Lady Hornets. Alabama State will return home and practice before its home opener on Friday as the Lady Hornets play host to Samford at the ASU Soccer Complex. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 pm.
SOCCER
Quick start by UNA hurts Lady Hornets FLORENCE, Ala. | Alabama State was unable to overcome a quick start by North Alabama, falling 5-1 in the season opener following a lightning delay at the Bill Jones Athletic Complex Friday night. “We gave up goals in bunches in the first fifteen minutes so I am very disappointed,” Alabama State head coach Jodie Smith said. “We were poor from the first whistle and didn’t come to play. That’s on me.” Shelby Wall recorded a pair of goals, and Kylie Huey picked up two assists in the first half, for North Alabama in front of a packed house in their first Division I event since making the transition from Division II. North Alabama (1-0) wasted little time getting on the board as Haley Yarber scored off an assist by Huey off a corner kick for a 1-0 lead in just the fifth minute.
Fourteen seconds later, Wall was able to get a steal and score quickly followed on another goal by Audrey Tanner in the seventh minute. The second goal by Wall came in the 14th minute with an assist from Huey. After a thirty-minute lightning delay, UNA returned to action with a goal by Madeline Gullen in the 65th minute. Alabama State (0-1) avoided the shutout when Birgit Rijnders was able to score on a header off a cross by Kayla Tillman in the 77th minute. Gianna Guyot finished with seven saves for the Lady Hornets, who were outshot 28-5 by North Alabama. The Lady Hornets return to action Sunday on the road against Gardner-Webb, who fell to UNCG 2-1 in their season opener. The match kicks at 1:00 pm at Greene-Harbison Stadium.
Sept. 1, 2018
Volleyball splits pair of matches Emerson, Ga. | A mix of highs and lows highlighted the first day of the SWAC/ MEAC Challenge for the Alabama State women’s volleyball team as the Lady Hornets split a pair of matches with North Carolina Central and North Carolina A&T at the LakePoint Champions Center. Alabama State (1-1) quickly found itself in a hole to open the tournament, dropping the first two sets against the Eagles before ripping off three consecutive set victories to secure a season-opening 3-2 win (25-27, 20-25, 28-26, 28-26, 15-11). Juniors Krysta Medearis and Bayle’ Bennett finished with 20 and 18 kills respectively, while freshman Kaitlynn
Stoker made her debut with 16 kills and eight digs. The Lady Hornets again fell behind 0-2 in their second match of the day and appeared to be clawing back after picking up a third set victory, but fell short 3-1 (16-25, 21-25, 26-24, 20-25). Bennett added 10 kills and 15 digs while Alexandria Sarathy finished with a team-high four service aces. “Unforced errors hurt us,” Alabama State head women’s volleyball coach Penny Lucas-White said. “We missed 15 serves in the first match which is unacceptable. Being able to know when we are out of system, keeping the ball in play and being smart at times that are crucial hurt us.”
Alabama State 3 N.C. Central 2 A slow start was mitigated by a strong finish as the Lady Hornets fought back from an early deficit en route to a victory against their MEAC counterparts. The match-extending third set saw Alabama State with five set point opportunities before Bayle’ Bennett’s service ace finally closed out the set. The Hornets forced a game-deciding set after trailing 17-21 in the fourth frame, surviving three match points. Alabama State led from start to finish in the final set, punctuating the match with kill No. 20 for Medearis for the game’s final point. Alabama State 1 N.C. A&T 3
Despite 15 digs and 26 assists from Kutsch, a .052 attack percentage proved to be too much to overcome. Bennett and Medearis each finished with 28 total kills in the two matches, while freshmen Stoker (20) and Taryn King (13) rounded out the top attackers for the Lady Hornets. Kori Kutsch added to her 2,058 career assists with an additional 86. The senior also accounted for 30 digs. Senior Candace Martin paced the team six blocks. Alabama State returns to action tomorrow with another doubleheader, beginning with Gardner-Webb (1 p.m.) before facing South Carolina State in a nightcap (6 p.m.)
Atlanta, Ga. | Alabama State dropped the opener of the Hyatt Regency Invitational to Georgia Tech, 3-0 (11-25, 16-25, 17-25). The Lady Hornets (3-2) battled early in the opening set, forcing four ties and five lead changes before the Yellow Jackets (5-0) broke away. Alabama State’s -.048 attack percentage and three service errors proved too large to overcome, and the Lady Hornets were also unable to take advantage of
four Georgia Tech service errors. Krysta Medearis (three kills) and Kori Kutsch (four assists) highlighted the set for Alabama State. The Lady Hornets kept it close throughout the second frame, playing a cleaner set while improving their attack percentage (.040) in addition to committing zero service errors. Bennett hit .333 and had three kills while freshman Kayla Warren got in the scoring column with an ace. Alabama State battled
until the end in the final set, staying within striking distance before Georgia Tech closed out the match on a 14-6 run. The win marked the first in the series history for the Yellow Jackets, as the series now stands at 3-1 in favor of Alabama State. Georgia Tech was led by Mariana Brambilla (12 kills), while the team had a cumulative 14 blocks and 34 digs. The Lady Hornets were paced by Krysta Medearis, who finished with nine
kills, one service ace, one block, three digs and hit .208 for the match. Bayle Bennett added five kills and middle blocker Candace Martin put away three attacks while hitting .500 in the contest. Kori Kutsch added 14 assists to her career total. Alabama State returns to action tomorrow morning for its second match of the tournament, squaring off with Tulane at 9:30 am.
Lady Hornets fall to Georgia Tech
Lady Hornets fall short to Tulane
Atlanta, Ga. | Alabama State opened the final day of the Hyatt Regency Invitational at O’Keefe Gymnasium with a tough setback to Tulane, losing 3-0 (16-25, 20-25, 13-25). The Green Wave (6-1) employed an attack that featured eleven players with at least one kill while Kaylie McHugh (15 digs) was a stalwart defensively, accounting for numerous digs on difficult shots. Alabama
State led early in all three sets but was unable to maintain the momentum. Junior Taira Cottingham, making her first start of the season, provided an early spark en route to hitting .286, notching two service aces and scoring 5.5 points in the opening set. Krysta Medearis tallied three kills, Kori Kutsch doled out four assists and senior Kayla Torres had four digs in the frame.
Cottingham continued her outstanding play in the second set with six more points, including five kills (.200 attack percentage) and two blocks. Kutsch notched an impressive 12 assists as the Lady Hornets (3-3) made Tulane earn the set victory, forcing eight ties and four lead changes. The Green Wave broke away in the final set courtesy of six service aces, amassing 12 in the match.
Cottingham finished with 14.5 points (11 kills, three blocks and two service aces), Medearis ended the match with an eight-kill effort and Kutsch posted 20 assists. Alabama State returns to action this afternoon for its final game of the tournament, as the Lady Hornets are slated for a 2 pm match versus Wofford. Live stats of the contest can be tracked here.
“We don’t create the news. We just report it.”
Arts and Entertainment Fine Arts, Performing Arts, Music, Television and Film
VOLUME 57, ISSUE 3
SEPTEMBER 1, 2018
The official student newspaper serving the Alabama State University and Metro-Montgomery communities
“Unhinged” topped both the print hardcover and the combined print and e-book best sellers list The book started climbing Amazon’s best sellers chart when Trump let loose, labeling her “Wacky Omarosa” and describing her as a dog. The Trump tweets generated more news coverage and curiosity which in turn generated more sales.
Trump tell-all ‘Unhinged’ tops NYT best seller list (AP) “Unhinged” topped both the print hardcover and the combined print and ebook best sellers list, according to the Times chart, which was shared with publishers on Wednesday. Some of the sales data indicates that President Trump’s vicious tweets about Omarosa helped lift her sales. The book started climbing Amazon’s best sellers chart when Trump let loose, labeling her “Wacky Omarosa” and describing her as a dog. The Trump tweets generated more news coverage and curiosity which in turn generated more sales. A similar effect was seen -- to a much greater degree -- when Trump assailed Mi-
chael Wolff’s book “Fire and Fury” back in January. The publisher of that book struggled to print enough copies to meet demand. There is no sign that “Unhinged” was similarly off-the-charts. But sales were still robust enough to land the top spot on the prestigious Times list. One month ago, Jeanine Pirro’s pro-Trump tome, “Liars, Leakers and Liberals,” debuted at No. 1 on the list. Then Pirro’s Fox colleague Gregg Jarrett took the top spot for two weeks with his equally Trump-loving book, “The Russia Hoax.” In those cases, too, the president appeared to have a hand in the sales totals.
Trump endorsed both books via Twitter. “Hoax” moved to No. 2 last week when GOP strategist and outspoken Trump critic Rick Wilson’s book “Everything Trump Touches Dies” hit shelves. It was No. 1 for a week before “Unhinged” came along. Another book appealing to Trump opponents, Craig Unger’s “House of Trump, House of Putin,” debuted at No. 5, while Wilson’s antiTrump tome moved to No. 7. In between, “The Russia Hoax” is holding steady at No. 2. “There’s two kinds of books published on the
Trump presidency,” Washington Post nonfiction book critic Carlos Lozada said on CNN’s “Reliable Sources” last week. The two types, he said, are the “horrified outside observer books that feel Trump is portending the end of the republic,” and then the “pro-Trump books that really feed into this echo chamber.” Omarosa’s new book is ‘Unhinged’ Omarosa fit into the first category, except she had an inside perspective, as a former Trump administration aide who decided to publicly break from the president. Parts of her book were simply unbelievable. There were basic mistakes and misstatements. But she also pre-
Bishop Charles H. Ellis III led Franklin’s funeral and awkwardly greeted Grande after she performed “You Make Me Feel Like .
Pastor accused of groping Grande apologizes for being ‘Too Friendly’ DETROIT (AP) — The bishop who officiated Aretha Franklin’s funeral has apologized to Ariana Grande for how he touched her onstage and a joke he made about her name. Bishop Charles H. Ellis III led Franklin’s funeral and awkwardly greeted Grande after she performed “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman.” Images of the moment showed Ellis’ hand holding Grande well above her waist, with his fingers pressing against one side of her chest. After she sang the song, Ellis stopped her for a few minutes to congratulate Grande on her performance
and called her an ‘icon.’ The preacher apologized in an interview with The Associated Press at the cemetery where Franklin was interred late Friday. “It would never be my intention to touch any woman’s breast. … I don’t know I guess I put my arm around her,” Ellis said. “Maybe I crossed the border, maybe I was too friendly or familiar but again, I apologize.” He said he hugged all the performers during Friday’s eight-hour service. “I hug all the female artists and the male artists,” Ellis said. “Everybody that was up, I shook their hands
and hugged them. That’s what we are all about in the church. We are all about love.” He added: “The last thing I want to do is to be a distraction to this day. This is all about Aretha Franklin.” Many people posted close-up images of the moment on Twitter, tagging it #RespectAriana. Ellis also apologized to Grande, her fans and Hispanic community for making a joke about seeing her name on the program and thinking it was a new item on the Taco Bell menu. (Editor’s Note: Ariana Grande
is Italian). “I personally and sincerely apologize to Ariana and to her fans and to the whole Hispanic community,” Ellis said. “When you’re doing a program for nine hours you try to keep it lively, you try to insert some jokes here and there.” Ellis’ touching of Grande overshadowed some criticism earlier in the ceremony the short dress Grande wore for her performance. Numerous people posted criticisms online that the dress was too short for church. Grande’s representative did not return an email message seeking comment Friday.
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sented audio tapes to back up some of the details of her time in the White House. Online pre-orders of the book seemed sluggish when Omarosa began her TV tour. Perhaps that was a testament to her credibility problems and the sense that most peoples’ minds are made up about Trump. But then Trump tweeted about the book and his lawyers sent a threatening letter to the publisher. “Unhinged” went from No. 17 on Amazon’s constantly updated list on Sunday night to No. 2 by Tuesday night. It held steady there, eclipsed only by the motivational book “Girl, Wash
Your Face” by Rachel Hollis, which is ranked separately on the Times list. Omarosa is continuing to speak out against Trump on TV and in other interviews. A spokeswoman for her publisher, Simon & Schuster, said Wednesday that “we’re delighted that readers have responded enthusiastically and it is selling well in all formats, print, ebook and audio. Omarosa continues to promote the book and is committed to telling her story.” September will bring even more Trump-related books, including Bob Woodward’s “Fear,” which has already enjoyed strong preorder sales.
Traci Braxton reveals why Phaedra Parks joined ‘Braxton Family Values’ Traci Braxton has opened up about the future of Braxton Family Values and why Phaedra Parks joined the hit reality series this season. She told ESSENCE that she asked the former Real Housewives of Atlanta star to join her on an adventure to Wyoming and South Dakota to learn about the history of Black cowboys. The duo also herd cattle and live like cowboys with former rapper Flava Flav, Tiffany “New York” Pollard, and comedian Kym Whitley, according to the report. Braxton said the trip came about after she and her sisters had a fallout following reports that filming for BFV had come to a halt as the family refused to return until they renegotiated their contracts. “I was down in the dumps with my sisters… and it was one of my business ventures, my Black Cowboy Whiskey,” she said, referencing the whiskey brand where she’s a brand ambassador. “And I wanted to reenact being on a ranch with black cowboys.” Parks told ESSENCE during a recent press junket that the two were
“herding 1500 heifers for over 100 miles.” “[We were] by ourselves, camping out, really learning about how cowboys survived. Learning about Stage Coach Mary, who was one of the only AfricanAmerican women who participated in cattle herding, so it was really good. It was really good. I loved it,” she added. To help kick the blues, Braxton planned a girls trip to the spa with Parks, reality star Natalie Nunn, and comedian Luenell. “It reminded me of my sisters. It was nothing but girls there and it reminded me of my sisters because we got to laugh with each other and cry with each other,” she recalled. Fans will get to see Parks and Braxton’s great cowboy adventures in the show’s seventh season as well as deets on sister Toni’s wedding to Birdman. Traci told ESSENCE that “Toni had to put it on hold for a little bit because she’s in a movie, a new movie — her and Towanda — so Toni was like, ‘Okay. I just gotta do this movie.’”
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Sept. 1, 2018