The Signal Vol. 87 No. 8

TWO ROBBERIES

WORLD OF DRAG

JIMENA CABRERO

BLOTTER

In one night, there were two armed robberies, including an attempted kidnapping.

An inside look at a Georgia State student’s journey to becoming a drag king.

How the women’s soccer star made her way from Santander to the Peach State.

CROSSWORD

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PLANNER

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NEWS

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ARTS & LIVING

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SPORTS PAGE 16

VOL. 87 | NO. 8

OCT. 15 - OCT. 22, 2019

The College

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Conservative

Peter Minetos PAGE 3

PHOTO BY UNIQUE RODRIGUEZ

@gsusignal

georgiastatesignal.com

THE SIGNAL

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GEORGIASTATESIGNAL.COM

BLOTTER OCT. 7

Drunk and disorderly … in the afternoon

At 3:52 p.m., three nonGeorgia State offenders were arrested for obstruction, disorderly conduct and drinking in public in Woodruff Park.

Riding dirty

At 10:43 a.m., a non-Georgia State offender was arrested for driving while unlicensed, possession of any controlled substance and obedience to traffic device at the corner of Peachtree and Marietta.

OCT. 8

Well that’s s----- of you

At 3:52 p.m., a non-Georgia State offender was arrested for defecating on public property at the corner of John Wesley Dobbs and Peachtree.

OCT. 9

Grand theft bicycle?

At 12:09 p.m., a Georgia State faculty member was the victim of theft of a vehicle from the 25 Park place bicycle rack.

Don’t lose your cool, man At 9:45 p.m., a Georgia State student was arrested for disorderly conduct at Aspen Heights.

ILLUSTRATION BY MONTENEZ LOWERY | THE SIGNAL

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2019

Political activism with Peter Minetos How this young Republican navigates politics ADA WOOD News Editor

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o have shaken the hand of the vice president, the governor, multiple senators and state representatives is certainly something. And it’s something Peter Minetos has done, all by the age of 20.

But how did Minetos make it this far and this fast in the realm of politics?

His career development began early, when he served as his high school’s class president all four years. During this time, he experienced what he considers one of his proudest moments to this day.

When a gunman opened fire at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida on Feb. 14, 2017, 17 people were killed and 17 more were injured.

Following this shooting, students from across the nation staged walkouts, many advocating for more gun control. Students and administrators faced a dilemma, as some schools questioned whether there should be consequences for walking out.

Minetos developed a solution and organized a memorial that allowed students to pay their respects to the 17 lives lost. At George Walton Comprehensive High School, a student stepped forward to share the name of a victim, until all 17 were recognized.

Afterward, students who wanted to take political action could, with a table set up by Minetos that provided students with the resources to write a letter to their representative requesting action.

While serving as class president, Minetos’ second step forward came the spring of his senior year, when he earned an internship through Congresswoman Karen Handel’s district office.

Just a few months prior in November, Handel faced off against Jon Ossoff in the 2017 special election for the 6th District seat — a race notably remembered as the most expensive U.S. House race in history to that date.

After Handel defeated Ossoff, Minetos had his foot in the door of real politics before even graduating high school. Soon after graduation, as Minetos was planning for college that summer, he received an offer he couldn’t refuse.

“I was fortunate enough to get offered a position on the team as a field representative,” Minetos said. “It was pretty special to be in that position at such a young age.”

No longer an intern, Minetos was organizing volunteers for door-to-door canvassing, holding phone banking nights and planning campaign events.

While working a parade in the district, Minetos had been contemplating which college he’d attend in the fall when he came across three Georgia State students, Olivia Mitrovich, Maria Almanza and Kylie Harrod, members of the campus chapter of the

College Republicans.

“So, I visited Georgia State the next week and was like, ‘OK, this is where I want to go,’” he said.

Minetos found his next career move through his connections with Georgia State’s College Republicans. He filled a vacancy for vice chair of the chapter the same semester he enrolled in classes.

The College Republicans, Minetos said, is an official wing of the Republican National Committee, which is also represented at the state level through the Georgia Republican Party.

College Republicans — like Teen Age Republicans and Young Republicans — falls into the category of youth organizations for the Republican Party. Each campus operates their own chapter, which reports to the statewide Georgia College Republicans.

By the end of his first semester in college, Minetos ran for chair of the chapter and won.

But Minetos aimed even higher the following spring. He launched his campaign for state chairman, the highest position in Georgia for College Republicans, which he holds to this day.

Because he took on this new role, over all of the Georgia college campuses, he was required to resign from his campus chapter position.

Minetos has crossed paths with some of the highest political figures in the nation, including Vice President Mike Pence and second lady Karen Pence.

“It was really neat. He’s second in command,” he said. “It’s not often someone gets to meet the vice president.”

Minetos had been invited by a friend to greet the vice president on the tarmac at the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. After snapping a photo with him, Minetos said Pence told him, “That better be on Twitter tonight.”

But Minetos was lucky enough to greet Pence a second time, after stepping out of Air Force Two onto Dobbins Air Reserve Base.

At the state level, he’s met both Gov. Brian Kemp and Lt. Gov. Jeff Duncan, along with Georgia Reps. Drew Ferguson, Tom Graves, Barry Loudermilk and Jody Hice.

Other notable figures include Georgia Sens. David Perdue and Johnny Isakson, Florida Sens. Marco Rubio and Rick Scott and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis.

While in Washington, D.C. for the summer, Minetos came across the president’s son, Donald Trump Jr., at Trump Tower, after previously meeting him at the University of Georgia.

“Meeting Don Jr. was great. He was high-energy, really sharp guy,” Minetos said.

Minetos is pretty happy with the direction his life is going now, and even though he’s just “riding the wave” for now, he could see his future looking very similar.

“I really enjoy what I’m doing now, so I do see myself somewhere in the realm of politics,” he said.

If he cooses to pursue a career in politics, he sees a position as

PHOTO COURTESY OF PETER MINETOS

www.georgiastatesignal.com/news

chief of staff or work in campaign consulting as viable possibilities.

“Running for office down the road could potentially be something. I never can rule that one out,” Minetos said.

Minetos was recently sworn in as a Student Government Association senator for the Robinson College of Business, but he said the Young Dems and College Republicans play a different role than SGA. Minetos sees SGA as a chance to practice the legislative process without taking political stances — something students can do by practicing political activism with political organizations.

For Minetos, he finds himself at home in the Republican party, where he believes everyone is encouraged to take risks and follow the American dream.

“The Republican Party is the party of opportunity. It advocates for folks to get up and get into the workforce and really make themselves a productive member of society,” he said. “We believe in the power of the individual. The government doesn’t have to be the one that solves all of the problems.”

Minetos said the biggest problem with the Democratic Party right now is that they are focused on control. He pointed to a few examples from the 2020 presidential candidates: Beto O’Rourke advocating for a gun buyback program, Bernie Sanders planning for government-run healthcare and Elizabeth Warren wanting to “tax and take people’s money.”

Because of this, people on the right feel they are left with no choice, he said, and the Republican Party has what he wants: “Probusiness, pro-life, pro-opportunity.”

“Being an outspoken campus conservative is probably one of the bravest things you can do nowadays on a college campus because of the anti-right rhetoric that professors preach,” Minetos said.

But despite Georgia State being a predominantly liberal campus, Minetos said students have been very understanding. “[On other campuses,] what happens are the professors that have tenure can never get fired and all they do is preach the left’s rhetoric and create a hostile environment for students to speak out in,” Minetos said. “The students at Georgia State have been very welcoming, which I think is a credit to the environment that [Georgia State University] President [Mark] Becker is trying to build.”

Minetos plans to continue the political path he’s on. As for the success he’s had so far, he has a few people to thank.

“My father has been there for me since day one; he’s been my mentor, adviser and has really shaped the man that I am today, and I could not thank him enough,” he said. “And, of course, the great man above — God.” Editor’s Note: Read online for a longer version of the story, including Minetos’ tips for those interested in pursuing politics at a young age.

NEWS

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GEORGIASTATESIGNAL.COM

Women who write: Her Campus Georgia State women pursuing empowerment and journalism DANIELLA JOHNSON Staff Reporter

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er Campus at Georgia State is hoping to take a new approach to journalism this semester by using their digital only format and showcase bold articles, according to their editor-in-chief Sierra Jenkins.

The student-run journalism organization is the local campus chapter of a national organization founded at Harvard University by three women who branched off into creating chapters around the world. Students at Her Campus can write articles on a wide range of topics, including sex and relationships, culture, lifestyle, style and career.

“We are allowed to talk about a number of things that drive our members, because our members are what drives and creates our content,” Jenkins said.

In addition to blogging, Her Campus also produces digital journalism that is posted on their social media pages and YouTube channel. Recently, digital producer Deanna Griffin created a homecoming lookbook for the YouTube page.

This semester, the organization is trying to improve on their organization’s digital presence, as well as leadership to prepare current staff for the leadership roles they’ll have to fill when the seniors graduate.

“As an editor just in general, we have these things called writer’s workshops and we’re trying to not just help with writing, grammar [or] ideas and stuff like that, but real world application,” Dymand Moore, senior editor at Her Campus, said.

Outside of creating content for their blog and social media, Her Campus also hosts events. Past events include a drive for feminine products to donate, and last year, they had a panel of influential women in Atlanta, such as Windsor Western, one of the founders of the national chapter of Her Campus, come and discuss entrepreneurship, according to Moore.

The organization is hosting their “Pink Week,” which is a semesterly event where they collaborate with other student organizations on campus during the week of Oct. 20.

Her Campus will be tabling in collaboration with Period GSU in Unity Plaza for women’s health on Oct. 22 as well as volunteering at their Rebecca Tent on Oct. 24.

“I feel like it is our responsibility as college women and [as the] younger and thriving future generations to really kind of speak out and have this celebratory moment for our members and Georgia State at large and beyond Georgia State’s campus,

ILLUSTRATION BY AMBER KIRLEW | THE SIGNAL

this is about women overall,” Jenkins said.

Not all of the staff at Her Campus are journalism majors; many of them, such as Stella Evans, use Her Campus as a creative outlet to discuss topics they care about on a larger scale. Evans writes short stories and is currently working on a novel, but she finds it easier to express herself when she has a deadline to work towards.

Evans found out about Her Campus last semester through a friend. She previously wanted to be a journalism major but found that she was very passionate about exercise and health and changed her major to exercise science. As part of Her Campus staff, Evans writes about topics such as meal prepping and dealing with going into college as a freshman.

“I kind of see it as just helping me grow overall as a person,” Evans said. “Being around ... these confident women who do what they want and get their stuff done … that’s encouraging

for me even if I’m not in the same career that they’re in.”

Application season from Her Campus opens typically before every semester and closes about three or four weeks into the semester. After applications close, members are no longer accepted due to the high influx of applicants.

According to Jenkins, a student saying they want to join is not simply enough, providing work samples is an easy way to show interest in becoming a member at Her Campus.

“I really want members to utilize Her Campus as a … beginning to their profession,” Jenkins said. “We don’t get paid for this, we’re here because we want to be here.”

Although Her Campus is a women led organization, everyone is welcome to join.

“Her Campus is for everybody,” Moore said.

Students are scared for their lives. What is GSUPD doing?

In response to outrage, chief says handling is ‘appropriate’ WILL SOLOMONS Managing Editor

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n armed robbery and an attempted kidnapping took place overnight Thursday, leaving students scared for their lives. The robbery, which took place around 11:40 p.m., happened right outside of Student Center West and Chick-fil-A. Student Paul Nkengasong said he was under the bridge on Collins Street when the incident occurred.

“One of them pulled a gun and circled me, and the other one came and grabbed my backpack, and we went back and forth for a little bit,” he said. “They got the gun pulled up and he cocked the gun in my face and I just let him take the backpack.”

Nkengasong was then told to empty his pockets, and then he ran toward the library and notified library security while the suspects fled. The library was locked down for about an hour while a Georgia State University Police Department officer interviewed Nkengasong.

The second robbery — and attempted kidnapping — happened on John Wesley Dobbs Avenue around 20 minutes

after midnight. According to the police report filed by reporting officer Danny Williams, the victims were two Georgia State students who were walking down the street toward the Georgia Pacific building.

The two students told police they were apprehended by a man who had pulled up in a black Buik. When they tried to run, he grabbed one of them and ordered her to get into the trunk of his car.

She told the assailant to take her wallet and then threw it, causing him to chase after it. Once he had it, he looked at the other student and fired his handgun in the air before fleeing the scene. GSUPD arrived shortly after.

Students received a campus broadcast following the incidents Friday afternoon from Chief of Police Joseph Spillane, telling students that crimes like these are rare and that GSUPD is looking into them, but Spillane didn’t provide any further details on what specific action to take, only telling students about the existing campus services such as the LiveSafe app.

In response to the incidents, the Student Government Association released a statement on Instagram, stating that they are working with GSUPD to increase safety on campus to prevent tragedy.

“Fortunately, the only things lost were material items but if we, as Georgia State University, do not work on improving

our patrol systems and security, the next event could become tragic,” SGA stated in a press release. “The safety Committee is actively working with [GSUPD] and Security to increase lighting, increase the efficiency of patrol cars, and increase camera equipment around all campuses but specifically Blue Lot, Green Lot and the Atlanta campus and surrounding areas.”

On the app Wildfire, which is a user-driven alert app, some students are upset with GSUPD for not preventing these crimes.

“Anyone else ready to protest gsu police for not protecting us students? We are risking our lives for an education,” user aqua said.

Another user, SeKoixaGonzalez, wrote a post on Friday referencing the incidents and asking Georgia State to do something about.

“Georgia State University, what are you going to do about this? Your students are being robbed at gun point and there is no one there to protect us,” she said.

In response to complaints from students, Spillane told The Signal that what GSUPD is adequate for campus safety.

As far as GSUPD, our response to crime and criminal activity is appropriate as are the programs we operate to keep the campus safe.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2019

NEWS

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New classroom building to replace V Lot

NEWS BRIEFS

But it’s not expected to be complete until 5 years from now

LOCAL Invasive snakehead fish found in Georgia

BEN COLETTA

Associate News Editor

A northern snakehead fish was reeled in by a Gwinnett County man.

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources is recommending that anyone who catches or finds one of these fish kill it immediately and to freeze it afterwards to ensure it is deceased.

The northern snakehead is an invasive species that can breathe air and survive temporarily on land, allowing it to travel from one water source to another. The fish has been on the banned importation list since 2002.

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tudents tired of navigating crowded corridors and sitting in classrooms and lecture halls with every desk and seat filled will be glad to hear that Georgia State is planning on constructing a new classroom building.

However, students will have to wait the expected five years it takes for the new building to be approved by the University System of Georgia and constructed before they can attend class there.

Georgia State officially requested $65.5 million to construct the building as a part of the Capital Projects Funding Request for fiscal years 2021-24, according to Jazmin Mejia, Student Government Association universitywide president. However, USG and the Board of Regents have yet to approve or deny the request or to allocate funds for the construction.

Because this project is in the earliest stages and funding has yet to be approved, no official plans or renderings for the size or appearance of the building have been made public. A contractor or name for the building have also not been selected at this time.

If approved, the new building will be constructed on the property that is currently V Lot, behind the College of Law. According to Mejia the new class building “will be started and completed within the next three to five years.”

Mejia also noted in an interview with Panther Report News that V Lot parking will be “relocated to another area on the Downtown campus.”

Students looking for a quick fix for campus and class overcrowding will have a wait ahead of them for relief.

In the last few years, the Atlanta campus

NATIONAL US begins trade talks with China

ILLUSTRATION BY BRANDON ZHAN | THE SIGNAL

has grown in size significantly. Undergraduate enrollment at the Atlanta campus increased 50% in the period between 2000 and 2014, according to The Washington Post.

According to Georgia State’s data reporting system IPORT, there are 35,187 students currently registered to attend class at the Atlanta campus and 18,733 registered for the Perimeter campuses. This year’s incoming class

assisted in breaking the Georgia State record for most students enrolled at just over 53,000.

Many on-campus walkways have been restricted or demolished due to the construction associated with the greenway project currently taking place on campus. The greenway project began this summer with the destruction of Kell Hall and is currently in the process of demolishing library plaza as well.

Students form March for Our Lives chapter Interest meeting hosted to discuss initiatives WILL SOLOMONS Managing Editor

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ver a year ago, the March For Our Lives movement was established in the wake of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting in Parkland, Florida. Students and advocates began to petition legislators to enact stricter gun control in the hopes of preventing other mass shootings and gun violence.

Now, students at Georgia State are banding together to create their own chapter of the organization to quell gun violence happening in the Atlanta community.

The Georgia State students met on Thursday in a study room at the Dwell Apartments to discuss upcoming plans and hone in on what initiatives the organization wants to take for an initial interest meeting.

They were led by Minah Turabi, who previously organized the Augusta March For

Our Lives event. She sits as the lead, which is essentially the president of the chapter, with help from Vice Lead Laten Robinson, Treasurer Natalie Rocha, Secretary Kayla Quamina and Marketing Director Julian Pinneda.

The chapter plans to divide into multiple committees, focusing on community outreach, social media, lobbying and fundraising.

According to Robinson, the university’s location makes an excellent spot to stage protests and reach out to the Atlanta community.

“We are a very prime location for a March For Our Lives chapter. I just want to get the ball rolling and get this conversation sparked so students at Georgia State can get involved and other universities like Clark and Spelman and Morehouse [can too],” he said.

He said that the proximity to the Capitol allows them to also join in on other protests organized by other groups. With the creation of a task force specifically to rally students, he added that it’ll be easier to gather as many people as possible.

“It’s a way for March for Our Lives as a whole to have an inside at the Capitol,” Robinson said.

“I’ll send a quick text … and students can just walk up there.”

Besides hosting and joining in on protests, Turabi said that students can make a difference through voting.

“That is the only way to spark the change,” she said.

To emphasize the importance of voting, they’re holding a voter registration week from Nov. 18-22 that aims to not only help register individuals to vote but also to educate them about gun violence.

They plan on meeting up to write letters to legislators, urging them to write stricter gun control legislation, alongside hosting a screening of “Elephant,” a movie based off the events of the Columbine High School massacre.

The organization isn’t currently official, with processes underway to be officially chartered with the university. They’re currently looking to get a faculty adviser to sponsor them, who is waiting to get approval from their department, and from there, it will take roughly six months to become an official Georgia State organization if approved.

Trade negotiations have begun between U.S. and Chinese officials.

The Chinese government officials, including Chinese Vice Premier Liu He, are in the U.S. to talk about coming to an agreement to end the months-long trade war between the U.S. and China. If negotiations go well, both parties are hoping to begin the process of reaching a trade agreement before additional tariffs will be levied by President Trump’s administration next week and then again in December.

GLOBAL Turkey attacks Syrian Kurds

Turkey, a U.S. ally, has begun attacking the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces in northern Syria, which are also allied with the U.S. The Kurds are the world’s largest stateless nation, spread across four countries, including Syria, where they have fought for greater autonomy or complete independence. Recently, the Kurds have assisted in the fight against ISIS. Recently, the U.S. removed all forces from the region that were assisting the SDF in the ongoing fight against ISIS. The removal of U.S. troops and the longstanding conflict between Kurdish and Turkish forces has ground the fight against ISIS to a halt in the region.

NEWS

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GEORGIASTATESIGNAL.COM

Students ask, ‘Are you OK?’ for suicide prevention walk How Georgia State is raising mental health awareness this year BRADY STOUGHTON Staff Reporter

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uicide is the tenth leading cause of death in the U.S., according to the American Foundation for Sucide Prevention.

When it comes to those you love — or even barely know — it’s always a good idea to do mental health checks, according to Georgia State’s senior director of Psychological and Health Services Jill Lee-Barber. Sometimes, simply asking, “Are you ok?” is enough to give someone the chance to share what could have led them to contributing to that statistic.

On Sept. 12, Georgia State’s Counseling and Testing Center hosted their first “R YOU O.K.? Walk” in acknowledgement of National Suicide Prevention Month.

The walk was to support students, staff and faculty asking the very question, “Are you ok?”

“Simply asking another person if they are okay when we are concerned and really listening to the answer can make a huge difference,” Lee-Barber said.

At the event, the center provided a table with resources so students could make their own posters to carry along the walk. As the group began the walk, they stopped to speak to about 50 students and ask them the question of the day, according to Lee-Barber.

“Depression often first appears during the teenage and college years,” Lee-Barber said. “So, it’s really important to look out for the warning signs during those years.”

Georgia State has several other events planned this semester to encourage mental health awareness.

The Counseling and Testing Center will be hosting another event, Healthy State of Mind, in October to teach suicide prevention programming along with the recent Depression Screening Day on Thursday on the Atlanta campus.

During high stress times of the year, the center holds “Pounce on Joy’s,” which are pop-up events where students are given notes of encouragement and snacks to help them study and are provided information regarding counseling resources, according to Lee-Barber.

“Getting the word out to students that there is hope and also free on-campus help, [is key],” she said.

ILLUSTRATION BY SHANCHEZE JOHNSON | THE SIGNAL

The center also has monthly training programs planned for 2019, called QPRs — Question, Persuade, Refer — to teach others how they can help those they are concerned about.

Depression can affect so many people in so many

ways, and checking in on one another is a small, easy and meaningful way to play a part in preventing depression, and sometimes even suicide. Asking a simple question and showing a little care can go a very long way.

Planning for a greener Georgia State

University Senate committee weighs three potential projects SARA MUNOZ Staff Reporter

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he Senate Sustainability Committee’s second meeting of the semester on Sept. 27 was a look forward at some of the goals the members hopes to accomplish over the next year — and even further.

From creating a new environmentally related minor to funding environmentally friendly construction, the committee is looking at laying the groundwork for sustainable projects and education at Georgia State.

NEW MINOR OR CERTIFICATE

A new environmental related minor or certificate may become available to students in the near future. Although it is still in the preliminary stages, Carrie Freeman, a professor in the College of Arts and Sciences, says the program could be rolled out within the next year or two, contingent, of course, on it being approved.

Currently, environmental courses are only available to students pursuing a bachelor’s of science degree in

geosciences with an environmental concentration or a bachelor’s of science degree in interdisciplinary studies in environmental science. With the introduction of this minor or certificate, the courses would become available to more students.

“It helps put an emphasis on environmental studies for students in the social sciences and humanities, not just the hard sciences,” Freeman said. “It would encourage more students to sign up for eco-themed classes that already exist at Georgia State.”

THE GREEN FUND

In order to increase the sustainability features in new buildings and retrofits, outside donor funding is necessary.

Enter the “Green Fund.”

Timing is everything when it comes to securing donor funds. Usually, donors become aware of building projects after the project is already approved and underway.

Upon approval of building projects, total costs are fixed and funds cannot be increased for the addition of sustainable features. Although these features would eventually pay for themselves in energy savings, they involve a higher up-front cost, the members discussed.

If the committee can secure donation requests prior to the approval of the project, the problem could be solved.

Sarah Emerson, assistant vice president for corporate and foundation relations, will be joining the committee’s next meeting on Oct. 25 to discuss setting up a green fund at Georgia State. Then, the committee will have to meet with the GSU Foundation to determine the feasibility of the project.

SUSTAINABLE PURCHASING

Reducing waste and Georgia State’s carbon footprint can be attainable through sustainable goods the university purchases. This idea is also in the investigating stages, but members are looking at modeling after Georgia Tech, which uses wind power to produce paper towels and swaps out some of the chemical cleaning supplies for Green Sealcertified cleaning agents, according to the committee.

The annual Sustainable Purchasing Leadership Council Summit will be held in Atlanta May 2020. The SPLC is the leading non-profit organization that provides sustainable resources to business and universities. Students and professionals interested in sustainability procurement can pay to attend or can apply to volunteer.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER15, 15,2019 2019 TUESDAY, JANUARY

www.georgiastatesignal.com/opinions

From punk kings to afro queens, everyone is welcome Why Afropunk is important to the African diaspora KENNETH LOCKETT III Associate Opinions Editor

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fropunk Atlanta crossed its fourth year over the weekend has the two-day festival took over the Terminus location just a half a mile from the stadium.

Also known as the Carnival of Consciousness is one of the least popular but still important events for black culture.

Popular among indie and underground communities of the black community, Afropunk prides its self on being a safe space for all black people to be unapologetically black.

According to the festival’s website, “AFROPUNK is defining culture by the collective creative actions of the individual and the group. It is a safe place, a blank space to freak out in, to construct a new reality, to live your life as you see fit, while making sense of the world around you.”

In the current political and social climate, everyone is expected to follow the same idealization. Afropunk breaks that mold by curating a festival of black artists of many genres where everyone is expected to be their authentic self.

Walking around Afropunk, you’ll see drag queens and kings ready to death drop their way to the main stage. You’ll see Punk Kings and Queens with six-inch spikes jetting out of their shoulder pads. The festival doesn’t care what you bring to the table. Just that you are at the table.

Afropunk allows you to be your true self by banning a few things. The festival’s motto is, “ No Sexism, No Racism, No Ableism, No Ageism, No Homophobia, No Fatphobia, No Transphobia, No Hatfulness.” A motto that’s echoed only within the festival culture.

Afropunk teaches a culture of love and understanding while providing excellent music and good eats. And when I say excellent music, I mean precisely that. This year’s headliners include Anderson .Paak and Mahalia. Iconic vibey chill artists that are far from their peak. Food options range from melt in your mouth catfish to vegan burgers that make your mouth water.

But unlike most festivals, Afropunk aims to feed your mind body and soul. With their live podcast “Solution Sessions,” they discuss problems affecting the black

ILLUSTRATION BY MONTENEZ LOWERY | THE SIGNAL

community but not just internally. They review internal topics such as colorism and homophobia, but they also discuss how to use art to battle oppression.

They teach you how to create healthy organic snacks.

To charge your phone, you have to paddle a bike-powered generator, encouraging clean energy. They also show you how to create natural face scrubs and body oils.

Afropunk isn’t just crucial for exposing fans to new music and artists. But it’s vital for creating conscious black people who will eventually go back to their communities. Creating conscious black people who will teach their communities the same things they learned at this two-day event. If you haven’t gone before, black or white, go next year. I hope to see you all there.

The ultimate opponent against mental health

Mental health among collegiate athletes and our lack of dialogue JAMAL LEMOND Staff Columnist

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n the wake of the recent NCAA scandal over the ability of athletes to monetize their names and likenesses, college sports and fans have long ignored a major problem. The mental health of college athletes has routinely been ignored and forgotten.

Recently, players like Kevin Love and Demar Derozan have spoken out about their troubles managing mental health, but the amateur rank has no one representing them.

A few weeks ago, I was able to have a one-on-one interview with Georgia State’s goalkeeper and Defensive Player of the Week Kendra Clarke. I initially wanted to speak with her and discuss the soccer team and their next matchup, but her awareness and passion for mental health instantly took over our discussion.

College can be an extremely stressful time for any young adult, and the stress only mounts when more responsibilities are added. A student athlete must carry the ferocity from the field and the intelligence from the classroom, all while

remaining disciplined and enjoying early adulthood.

“People don’t understand; like, every game you leave, and you got a headache. At least for me. I have a headache because it’s such a mental game for me,” Clarke said. “I don’t have a lot of chances so it’s really easy to get in my own head if I make a mistake. I can spiral out of control if I really let it get to myself.”

Although institutions are more aware of mental health among college students, fans and common perceptions ignore the enormous stress college students face. According to Inside Higher Ed, nearly one in four college athletes may suffer from depression, so why aren’t we considering them in discussions of mental health?

I believe peers, staff and fans see athletes as superstars instead of students. Collegiate athletes are typically the most popular and high-spirited males or females on campus, so it is hard to imagine any of their struggles. Clarke’s physical abilities and achievements caused for superhero comparison, but the more we talk, the more I related to her. I couldn’t imagine the cost of being an elite goalkeeper because I was blinded by her abilities.

College sports can raise a person’s status, provide a student with amazing experiences and teach lessons on and

off the field of play. Clarke explained that her relentless and energetic play came directly from playing soccer.

“Go to the point where you’re comfortable and push five more yards,” she said, referring to her style of play. “It definitely helps in the classroom I would say. Just getting out there and talking to professors and making random comments. Talking to people in the class. It’s an aura so confident that has definitely transitioned throughout my life.”

Along with becoming a soccer coach after college, inspiring kids from back home and pushing the game of soccer forward, Clarke hopes to spread the word on mental health.

“Mental health has always been a really big fight for me, and I definitely advocate for that,” Clarke said. “If anybody struggles with that, they can come to me always. I am always an open book when it comes to that stuff. I know what it is like. I’ll go through different mental health projects.”

I believe she is taking her experiences, going forward and showing the world the life of an athlete. We just have to listen and raise awareness.

OPINIONS

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Unspoken rules and cues of the workplace I’ve landed the job. How can I keep it? executive president & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Daniel Varitek

LISA-QUINN NDEGWA

editor@georgiastatesignal.com creative director Devin Phillips managing editor Will Solomons

Staff Columnist

director of business operations Ira Livnat

W

ith a degree at hand, it seems almost impossible not to secure a good job that will financially stabilize one’s life in the long haul. While that might have been true in the 50s, in this day and age, employers are seeking more than just the skills that appear on paper. It is not uncommon for one to be turned down simply because of their lack of proper etiquette when it comes to the work environment.

For example, personal appearance impacts whether or not you get and stay employed. When getting ready for an interview, it is important to bear in mind that you want to impress the employer without your outfit speaking on your behalf.

Too much cleavage, mini dresses and dirty unironed clothes will only get your application trashed and your ego hurt because this speaks more about the type of employee you are than the resumes you provide.

In addition to this, it is important to maintain saddle colors in your work wardrobe, whether they be the clothes we wear, the nail polish we use or even the color of eyeshadow we wear. This way, you become more endearing to both employers and clients.

An article on Monster.com gives an example of someone who missed out on a job opportunity because of the bright distracting colors of their clothes. They were every employer’s dream employee but the hiring manager could not get past the bright pink jumpsuit, so the person did not get hired.

The chances of missing out on employment are just as high for anyone who overdresses as well as underdresses because it can come off as overcompensating.

For instance, a two-piece suit is endearing and portrays confidence, while a tuxedo only makes you look like a joke. After the interview stage, whether or not you maintain your reputation

Editorial NEWS EDITOR Ada Wood

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solely relies on how you dress.

When working at a company that requires plenty of active movement, it is only right to wear active clothing, whereas, in an office setting, suits are appropriate. With society evolving into more casual styles, there is a fine line between too casual or too dressy, and plenty of times, people hit a snag.

Another thing that can easily make one miss out on a job opportunity is time management.

According to Business Insider, one should arrive about ten to fifteen minutes before time. This would give the interviewee time to fill out any necessary paperwork prior to the interview.

To cap it all off, language is a part of our

personality. Although it is the norm in society to use casual and even foul language, it makes it difficult for a lot of graduates, especially those who have never held any job positions prior to graduation, to distinguish between casual and formal language.

This can cost you plenty of opportunities in the market because it is highly unprofessional, so be mindful of one’s surroundings. There is a time and a place for you to speak more naturally and like yourself, and a work context is not one of them.

Although degrees and extravagant resumes are important to step into our future, proper manners are a necessity to nailing life in the job market.

Free speech: the biggest scam of the century Why does free speech always come at a price?

KENNETH LOCKETT III & JASMINE BARROW Associate Opinions Editor & Staff Columnist

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he U.S. Constitution is easily one of the most important legal documents ever written, governing the most powerful nation in the history of the world. No laws or regulations can ever trump this document. The Bill of Rights, the first 10 amendments to the Constitution, are supposed to protect citizens’ rights from government tyranny.

Or does it?

The First Amendment does not protect a citizen’s free speech if what they say or write qualifies as blackmail, defamation, libel, slander or obscenity.

That begs the question: Why are citizens, specifically students, being punished and censored for speaking their minds on various matters when they fall under none of these categories?

In 2011, the Georgia International Law Enforcement Exchange denied a group of student protesters an open records request. They asked for things such as donor records and information

about their training programs.

Instead of giving them the information, former state Attorney General Sam Olens suggested to WSB-TV that these students’ request could aid terrorists, an absurd notion that all but silenced student voices regarding the organization until earlier this year.

It got to the point that this same state attorney general even pushed for an amendment to the Georgia Open Records Act, which made it harder for people to access the information they need and made it easier for government agencies and public institutions to reject requests. This has only added to the confusion over the freeness of free speech and the government’s role in regulating it.

Indeed, an aura of confusion over free speech leads to much confusion between people. This could be based on ethics, morals or religion. There are people who take advantage of their right to free speech to incite violence and encourage hate, and these are the people who create concern.

For example: the extremist Christians who stand in the designated free speech zones at Georgia State and tell students who pass by that they’re going to hell for their religious background or

sexual orientation encourage hate that could lead to violence.

It’s understandable that there’s some concern surrounding what people are saying and how others will react. But, it is completely baffling that there is an amendment to the Constitution, presumably the highest law in the land, that guarantees free speech for all. For many, their speech is anything but free.

All across the world, we see students, racial and ethnic minorities and political dissidents fighting for what they believe in getting unlawfully silenced by their own governments, many of which have provisions similar to the First Amendment in their own constitutions. It is one of the most basic human rights to be able to speak our minds. Of course, there are negotiated limits, but when what people say is within certain allowed parameters and people still get shut down, that is when things start to become a problem.

Silencing people who speak out against others is nothing new, but that has never mean it’s right, not then and certainly not now. Being able to express ourselves in every way possible should not be stifled by someone’s feelings.

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ARTS & LIVING TUESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2019

www.georgiastatesignal.com/artsandliving

ATLANTA INK: more than just a tattoo studio How six artists came together to form a creative commodity DANIELLA BOIK

Associate Arts & Living Editor

W

alking into Atlanta Ink, anyone’s first initial reaction would think they’d accidentally stumbled upon a barber shop. A completely open and unorthodox space, Atlanta Ink is set up with no boundaries. All tattooers are side by side like a hair salon, which allows for connection and creative ideas to flow.

Otneil Pichardo, owner and co-founder of the shop, decided to team up with longtime friend C.J. McCaskill to open up their own shop and blend their creative visions.

“C.J. and I have been friends for eight years; he gave me my first chest tattoo and we just clicked. He started working at another shop, Studio 219, and that’s where he met the rest of the partners,” Pichardo said. “C.J. had another tattoo shop in West Palm but decided he wanted to come back to Atlanta to open something new. I was like woah let me help you out with that. Then we became partners and got some of the dopest artists in Atlanta.”

Located in Grant Park, Atlanta Ink opened on June 22, and the artists refer to their space as the “home of the creatives.” The shop isn’t an everyday tattooing studio but a place where the artists experiment and further their artistic crafts constantly.

Walking in, at first glance, every artist is either tattooing a new piece, sketching on their iPads or adding murals to their shop’s walls.

Co-founder C.J. McCaskill and his crew of artists consider themselves more like family than coworkers, so they designed their own space to be an open field so they could all work together.

Right now, Atlanta Ink consists of five artists who all go by the names, Hobo the Great, Villy Ocean, Kali and Presly. Each artist has their own tattoo style that they specialize in, ranging from photorealism to fine-line geometric shapes. Out of the five artists, there’s no limit to what they can’t do, even outside of tattooing.

“Hobo is a phenomenal painter, videographer and photographer, Ville is into comic illustrations, graphic design and drawing and I airbrush,” C.J. said. “I did a huge airbrush piece of Andre 3000 up in our shop. It’s all art; everything you see here is all in house, whether it be Hobo’s mural of a tattoo machine or his ginormous Salvador Dalí painting — it’s all us.”

Each artist has built an impressive name for themselves, all through the use of social media, where each artist showcases their own unique style to their thousands of followers.

“We promote ourselves and our own brands through social media,” Hobo said. “The old-school way of doing flyers or word of mouth is so much harder to get your name out there, but we like to mix both flyers and digital platform. If you get a flyer it’s something you can refer to, remember and collect. If someone who likes your work has the flyer it’s like yo these motherf-----are so hard I gotta keep this and show it to people.”

The Atlanta Ink crew is full of artistically talented people but what about the people who want to learn how to dive into the creative business? Atlanta Ink offers pop up events where anyone can learn how to draw, paint and even tattoo.

“We offer dope little paint and sips once a month to get more people involved. A person that’s never done [anything] art-related or doesn’t know where to buy art supplies — we give

Atlanta Ink’s artists consider themselves more like family than coworkers, which is emphasized within their new workspace.

them that opportunity here to explore that,” Hobo said. “I’ve been in the art world for years, but every day, I’m still learning stuff. Always room to grow.”

As for the steady growth of the shop, they all have plans to expand on how to make their shop different than any other in town.

“We’re putting more things in place like having an art walk, selling merch and tattooing supplies and having weekly tattoo and piercing specials,” C.J. said. “We’re never going with the regular or traditional way of doing things. One of the new guys here just started a wireless battery-packed tattooing gun. That’s never really been done before.”

Besides art, the guys are very involved with the city. Artist Kali works with a nonprofit organization called Hugelife Cares, which helps empower youth, feeds the homeless and spreads environmental awareness by cleaning up local parks and recreation areas.

As for owner Pichardo, he doesn’t tattoo or do anything artrelated, but loves being immersed with such motivated creative partners.

“I don’t do no tattooing even though I’m full of them. I’m not

PHOTO BY MAYOWA AMOSU | THE SIGNAL

artistic at all — I just handle all the operations and business,” he said. “I feel so blessed every day, though, to be surrounded by a bunch of artistic fellas that do so much great work. I mean, every day, I’m looking at Hobo’s art pieces and think, ‘Wow, how’d he even come up with this?’”

Working lots of hours and having all sorts of pieces to do and clients to cater to, at the end of the day, the guys agree it’s not even a job to them but their lives’ passion.

INSTAGRAM HANDLES Otneil: @atlanta.ink C.J.: @cjgotink Villy: @villyocean Kali: @inkbykali Hobo: @hobo_new_ink Presly: @preslytatted

PHOTO BY MATT SICILIANO-SALAZAR | THE SIGNAL

Rainbows and pasties

PHOTO BY KAITLYN HARMON | THE SIGNAL

Pride Weekend in Atlanta

A look at Pride and intersectionality bria suggs | arts & living editor

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iedmont Park hosted the annual Atlanta Gay Pride Festival this past weekend. The park was radiant with color and energy, complete with rainbows, sequins, glitter and pasties everywhere.

Attendees walked around the park and socialized, along with visiting sponsored tents with free goods such as drink sleeves, condoms and more.

Some even brought their own personal tents to camp out on the main lawn in front of the stage.

There were performances from artists such as Daya and Kesha, who ended Saturday night’s festivities.

Participants braved the chilly rain on Sunday for the parade where John Lewis and Stacey Abrams were also in attendance.

Atlanta Pride is for those a part of the LGBTQ+ community and allies to have a safe space to have fun. Claudia Berumen, a straight Latina woman, enjoys being able to come and have fun with her friends without the fear of judgement.

“All my friends who are gay, they’re Latinos. Being Latinos, they do have different obstacles they have to face. Latin American culture comes from a very

masochist society,” she said. “I think it’s cool that Atlanta this thing we call Pride here because it’s a safe zone where people can come out and express themselves.”

This weekend was all about love in Atlanta.

One person on the lawn awaiting Kesha’s highly anticipated performance stood on top of their drink cooler and waved their rainbow flag in the air, their eyes filled with happy tears.

Another attendee ran up and handing them their own rainbow flag, that was significantly larger so more people could see. They both waved the flag together, much to the cheers of the crowd.

Pride is all about celebrating what makes people different instead of alienating them for it, which brings up the topic of intersectionality.

Intersectionality is a term used in contemporary social science that “promotes an understanding of human beings as shaped by the interaction of different social locations,” according to the Institute for Intersectionality Research and Policy.

Essentially, intersectionality recognizes the

correlation between identity and inequality that can make some more vulnerable to the bias of others.

For example, Georgia State student Briana Mason identifies both with the black community and the LGBTQ+ community.

The second year Computer Science major was at the Pride celebrations this weekend. “[Pride] is a chance to feel celebrated and accepted for who you are and being yourself,” she said. “It’s also a chance to see so many breaks in LGBTQ+ stereotypes that exist that can put pressure on those individuals.”

Intersectionality is a part of Mason’s everyday life.

“There’s still a lot of struggle to be had by the black LGBTQ+ community, and unfortunately a lot of hate comes from within the black community itself or even within parts of the LGBTQ+ community hating on other parts,” Mason said. “This combined with a lack of representation in the media can cause people to shy away from truly being who they are and it’s something that has to be worked on.”

PHOTO BY SHEL LEVY | THE SIGNAL

PHOTO BY SHEL LEVY | THE SIGNAL

PHOTO BY MATT SICILIANO-SALAZAR | THE SIGNAL

PHOTO BY MATT SICILIANO-SALAZAR | THE SIGNAL

PAGE DESIGN BY DEVIN PHILLIPS | THE SIGNAL

PHOTO BY KAITLYN HARMON | THE SIGNAL

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Rebellion and social nonconformity Afropunk 2019: a safe space for African-Americans in the punk scene SHARAYAH DAVIS Staff Reporter

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fropunk Atlanta 2019 started Saturday at 787 Windsor.

The Afropunk Festival in 2003 following the release of a documentary of the same name showcasing the role of African Americans in the punk scene. Afropunk aims to achieve the same goal as the documentary by providing representation for black alternative artists and fans in a safe space for people regardless of their sexuality, age, gender, race or body size. The event also hosts Solution Sessions where African American people speak on prominent social issues.

Upon walking into the event, the main stage can be immediately seen with massive banners emblazoned with the event’s rules in uppercase letters: “no sexism, no racism, no ableism, no ageism, no homophobia, no fat phobia, no transphobia, no hatefulness.” The staff working the event embodies these rules, greeting everyone that passes by with a smile.

The attendees are often seen in a mixture of traditional African dress paired with elements of more punk aesthetics, such as combat boots, fishnets, black clothing and dark makeup.

The space created for Solution Sessions is decorated with comfortable cushions and colorful, patterned pillows that face a small stage where the speaker is set up. The Solution Sessions offer a safe space to discuss pressing issues.

Ashleigh Shackelford, the first speaker of the event, led a discussion around gender nonconformity, race, body size and othering. Accompanied by Kae Good and Da’Shaun Harrison, they led a conversation that was both engaging and provocative that captured the audience with more serious topics but also making the conversation humorous and fun.

Kashii’s set on the main stage was the perfect kickstart to the festival weekend. At the first beat of the Georgia native DJ’s set, the crowd all began to dance and interact with one another, setting the tone for the following acts.

The atmosphere was extremely lighthearted and welcoming. People young and old swayed to the genrebending, unique beats. Kashii mixed eras of music he samples from, including disco to modern R&B, creating tracks that everyone would recognize the tune regardless of age.

Erin, who preferred her last name not be used, has been a regular attendee of Afropunk for four years. She usually

A festival-goer shows off their vibrant tattoos and piercings on Day One of Afropunk.

attends the event in Brooklyn, New York, but this year was her first time in Atlanta. She spoke about Afropunk as an outlet for African Americans in the punk/alternative community.

“I think there’s been a definite switch. I think it’s become more culturally acceptable because before there wasn’t really a time or space for the black community to be so involved in the punk community,” Erin said. “I think Afropunk has done

PHOTO BY SYLVESTER SILVER III | THE SIGNAL

a great job at creating that avenue, so people now feel like they can be involved and feel safe being more involved.”

Punk as a genre has historically been white-dominated and has not offered much of a space for African American punk fans and artists to participate. Afropunk has since changed the punk world in the last 16 years by becoming a safe space and setting an example for the rest of the punk/alternative scene.

Watch this kinky rock-opera at Atlanta’s oldest cinema

‘The Rocky Horror Picture Show’ every Friday at midnight EMMA SUE PARTRIDGE Staff Reporter

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sci-fi, comedy, cult-classic musical that has garnered a huge following because it’s one of those movies “that’s so bad, it’s good,” “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” has attracted audiences and pushed boundaries for years.

The movie follows a prudish couple who gets lost and stumbles across the cross-dressing Dr. Frank-N-Furter’s lair.

They encounter the bizarre inhabitants of the castle who live with Dr. Frank-N-Furter. The couple are immediately sucked into this odd adventure involving a mad scientist who is unveiling his new man-made boyfriend, Rocky Horror.

Throughout this sexually kinky, rock-opera, the innocent couple begin to embrace the seduction forced onto them by Dr. Frank-N-Furter, who is actually a cross-dresser from the planet Transsexual in the galaxy of Transylvania.

This movie is a prime example of B-horror and science fiction movies. “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” is

considered to be the pioneer of midnight showings of campy horror movies.

The movie helped introduce the concept of transsexuaity into film in 1975, when anything other than heterosexuality or cisgender was frowned upon and criticized.

The musical is spooky, bizarre, full of oddities and humorous scenes that try to add to the horror aspect of the film. Even the song “Time Warp” is a Halloween party soundtrack essential.

“The Rocky Horror Picture Show” plays every Friday at midnight at the Plaza Theatre. It is put on by Lips Down On Dixie, a non-profit LGBTQ+ organization.

When you walk in, a Lips Down On Dixie cast member asks you if you’re a virgin, meaning you have never seen the show before, and if you say, “Yes,” you get big red “V” written on your forehead. After this, you go find a seat and prepare for the show to start.

There is an “opening act” before the performance starts, which teaches the audience about Lips Down On Dixie and also makes the audience laugh. The members of the shadowcast walk around with “riffle” tickets in order to raise money for the organization. “Riffle” tickets are Lips Down On

Dixie’s version of raffle tickets.

While the movie plays on the big screen in front of you, there is a live shadowcast performing with extreme screen accuracy. The cast and the audience were in sync with the movie the entire night. People came prepared with water guns, newspapers, confetti and more props known for making an appearance at “The Rocky Horror Picture Show”.

Audience members came dressed up in outfits similar to the characters in the movie, cast members walk around and interact with the crowd and the crowd yells specific “callouts” at the screen depending on the character or line happening at that time.

“Audience participation is the heart of the show,” Athena Moore, a Georgia State student and a “Rocky Horror Picture Show” cast member, said.

She claims that the audience participation is what kept her coming back before she decided to join the cast, because the jokes were so funny to her.

With this being their Pride show, the Plaza Theatre was packed. Audience members came ready to laugh, dance and sing along with the movie and the performers.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2019

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Don’t be a drag, just be a queen…or king?

One Georgia State student is taking the drag world by storm RO PARKER Staff Reporter

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ights go down as an eager crowd peers at the seemingly quiet individual before them. Sporting a sweater and fanny pack, the last thing anyone expected was for the person on stage to strip down to a shirt with the words “daddy’s boy” on it, and whip out four dildos one by one while dancing to a song by queer artist Troy Sivan. The crowd went wild.

One could say this performance from timid to outspoken is a metaphorical interpretation of this student’s experience in the performative world of drag. Avery Noah Alejandro Willis (they/them) is a social work major and Starbucks barista by day and an up-and-coming drag king called ARIES ALXNDR (he/him) by night who breaks boundaries one expressive routine at a time.

Whether throwing condoms and lube into the dancing audience before him or evoking tears with his honest messages about self-acceptance, ALXNDR will not be silenced. Although seemingly made to be a performer, Willis was not always ARIES ALXNDR. Stumbling upon the performative world in with which they fell in love, Willis got their start by helping a friend choreograph a routine for the Georgia State Alliance’s annual drag show. Asked to join their friend on stage, Willis’s journey to stardom embarked.

Performing at small fundraisers and shows on campus that year, it was not until this past February that ALXNDR found his voice. When local Atlanta drag king, Mystery Meat, decided to host an all-drag king competition called “Macho Man Brawl,” Willis knew they had to make a statement.

An entrance accompanied by footage and audio of the Georgia State student Avery Noah is a social work “We Believe: The Best Men Can Be” Gillette commercial student and barista by day and drag king by night. morphed into a song by gender-fluid drag icon Dorian Electra, entitled “Man to Man,” about confronting toxic while the music altered to audio of their voice shifting up to masculinity. ALXNDR danced while wearing a shirt 11 months on testosterone. Friends of Willis ran up on stage proclaiming, “men will do better.” with transgender flags while ALXNDR changed into genderSince that performance, ALXNDR became “known for affirming clothing. [his] messages.” When Macho Man Brawl returned in April, ALXNDR’s confidence and forthright nature stems from ALXNDR’s performance had his crowd reaching for tissues.

Willis’s personal value of speaking their mind.

Walking out to “Reflections” from Mulan, ALXNDR wore “Being on stage is a way to get everyone to pay attention traditionally feminine clothing backed by a picture of Willis to what you have to say,” Willis said. “It’s a platform.” before coming out as transgender.

ALXNDR’s performances are not only inspired by Willis’s The picture was replaced by current-day Willis, proudly wearing a nametag with their pronouns and a genuine smile, story, but the stories of others in the drag world as well.

PHOTO COURTESY OF ARIES ALXNDR

King Gunner Down has a piece in which he covers derogatory language written on his arms in rainbow paint, expressive of his journey growing up queer in a family that did not accept him.

King Perka $exxx has a number in which he brought out photographs of the trans women of color killed that year, accompanied by the names, places and candles.

“People who are not known for politics are finding their breaking point,” said Willis. “It’s the beginning of a revolution.”

Out with the new, in with the old

How Demo Taped is pushing music forward through analog sound GUILLERMO RIVERA Staff Reporter

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usic has been digitizing for decades, and it is unlikely to stop. Instead of a collection of vinyl records or cassettes, people have most of their music downloaded on their phones. The music-making process itself consists mainly of using digital instruments and workstations to produce and record music.

However, Atlanta artist Adam Alexander, also known as Demo Taped, has not entirely moved on from analog to digital. Analog sound itself provides a different listening experience than digital music. Though it is old, it is still widely utilized by musicians.

“Analog music represents the actual, continuous sound waves generated by the artists and their equipment,” according to the Tech Republic.

Alexander himself uses a variety of analog instruments in his music. Some of the gadgets he uses are not even

instruments but different kinds of analog equipment to add some sort of effect or to sample.

“I think the first analog instrument I got was a Korg Rhythm 55 drum machine,” he said. “I have a Moog Mother 32, which I mostly use as a bass and lead. I’ve also got a reel-to-reel and a few tape machines that I run instruments through to get a warmer sound. I’ve also started experimenting with looping cassette tape.”

Analog instruments can provide a more genuine and nostalgic sound that digital instruments can’t replicate.

Adam uses this to his advantage by using analog to provide some uniqueness to his songs.

“My favorite part of using analog instruments is how unpredictable they can be sometimes,” he said. “I like tape hiss and weird artifacts in the sound that make you do a double-take. There’s something really special about that.”

Though Alexander tries to include as many analog elements in his songs as he can, digital technology is still necessary when creating music. This makes his music a combination of analog and digital elements.

“I still produce using computers, mostly because it’s just quicker and more simple. I still use VSTs which are software

instruments. But I try to use analog instruments as much as I can,” Alexander said. “I’ll use analog drums or bass and combine that with a software synth that’s playing a chord progression. My work is almost always a mix of analog and digital.”

Using analog seems like taking a step backward in music production considering the fact that most of the equipment used to make songs is outdated. However, Alexander believes it can only bring music-making forward.

“I think it’s important to go back in order to move forward,” Alexander said. “I think it’s great to know where we came from technologically.”

Overall, Alexander’s use of analog provides a unique listening experience to his music. His songs are layered with beautiful samples, swelling synths and topped off with tape hissing to add a bright and nostalgic vibe.

“His music is so unique because he’s got such a different voice than anyone else out there, and he really knows how to produce his own sound to make it stand out,” Iraida Sosa, a senior at Georgia State, said. “It’s definitely ahead of its time.

It combines all the best things about pop, electronic and R&B.”

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games

GEORGIASTATESIGNAL.COM

crossword

this week’s theme: AfroPunk | LGBTQ+ | Hispanic Heritage Month With Pride, Afropunk and Hispanic Heritage Month all happening at once, we’ve created a combined crossword to celebrate. We’ve included trivia on celebrities in the black, Latinx and LGBTQ+ communities. Hope you enjoy!

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To suggest a topic, email us: signalgamespage@gmail.com

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23

24 25

26

27 28 29

30

31 32 33 34

35

across

1. Billy Porter is a singer, Broadway performer and actor best known for his role as Pray Tell on “___.”

4. ___ is a drag queen, actor and model and is the host of a televised drag show.

7. Known as the Queen of Tejano music, she was a topselling artists in the ‘90s.

9. Gloria ___ is a Cuban-American singer and songwriter best know her hit song “Conga.”

11. ___ Badu is best known for her song “Tyrone.”

15. This artist opened for Tyler the Creator at the State Farm Arena two weeks ago and is best known for his song “Crew.”

16. Aubrey ___ is an actress and comedian who gained popularity for her role as April Ludgate on “Parks and Rec.” 19. This artist opened for Tyler the Creator at the State Farm Arena two weeks ago and is best known for his song “Crew.”

21. ___ Sykes is an award-winning actress, comedian, writer and activist who advocates for same-sex marriage.

22. David Bowie is an iconic singer-songwriter who often went by the name of his alter ego, Ziggy ___.

25. Odds are you woke up to the sound of “Low Rider” at 4am and ended up watching this comedian’s show on Nick at Nite.

26. Most known for her song “Hips Don’t Lie,” this Columbian singer is also a humanitarian.

27. This Minnisota born icon was an entertainer loved

by many who rocked an androgynous style.

28. They are a grammy-winning artist known for their songs “Stay With Me,” “How do You Sleep” and “Omen.”

30. He is a genre breaking rapper, singer and songwriter who gained fame after the release of his song “Old Town Road.”

31. Best known for her role as Sophia on “Orange is the New Black,” she is also the first openly transgender person to be nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award.

32. Freddie Mercury was the lead singer of the group ___. He defied stereotypes and was a beloved entertainer and role model for many.

33. Best known for his song “Fly Away,” he is the father of actress Zoë Kravitz.

34. Most popular for the song “Despacito,” ___ Fonsi is a successful Puerto Rican singer and songwriter.

35. ___ Ferrera is an activist, producer and actress best known for her roles in “Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants,” “Ugly Betty” and “Superstore.”

DOWN

2. She is a singer and songwriter best known for her song “Cranes in the Sky” and is a proud supporter of the Black Lives Matter movement.

3. Best known for his role as Hikaru Sulu, helmsman of the USS Enterprise, ___ Takei is a famous actor and

activist.

5. ___ John is an English singer, songwriter, pianist and composer who is one of the world’s best-selling artists.

6. Willow ___ sits alongside her mother and grandmother for “Red Table Talks” on Facebook.

8. Sir Ian ___ is an award-winning actor best known for his roles as Magneto in the “X-Men” movies and Gandalf in “The Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit” trilogies.

10. This artist did a pole dance live at Atlanta AfroPunk to her song “Cellophane.”

12. ___ Smith is a wild entertainer and humanitarian who has worked towards getting clean water for Flint, Michigan and launched a vegan food truck for the homeless on Skid Row. 18. ___ Hill is a former member of the Fugees who’s song “Ex Factor” was featured in Drake’s song “Nice for What.”

20. He is a singer, rapper, songwriter, record producer and multi-instrumentalist who’s released the albums “Oxnard’” “Venice” and “Ventura.”

23. Gina ___ is an actress known for her roles in “Jane the Virgin,” “Someone Great” and “Big Mouth” 24. This singer won awards for the Best Latin Video and Best Choreography at the 2019 VMAs for her song “Con Altura.”

27. ___ Williams is an award-winning singer, songwriter and musician who has had a hand in songs like “Lemon,” “I Just Wanna Love U” and “Hot in Herre.”

29. Once a member of the girl group Fifth Harmony, ___ Cabello has been nominated for two Grammys as a solo artist.

SPORTS TUESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2019

www.georgiastatesignal.com/sports

Seungju Andrew Kim: fighting through adversity How MMA has helped this GSU student through hard times

Seungju Andrew Kim, a Georgia State student, trains at American Top Team Atlanta for his upcoming MMA fight.

ERIK INDRISANO Staff Reporter

T

he sound of gloves hitting leather, mixed with rock music on full blast, sets the tone for Seungju Andrew Kim’s morning workout. Kim is training at American Top Team Atlanta, an elite mixed martial arts gym, credited for producing top professional fighters, including Jorge Masvidal and Dustin Poirier.

Kim will take his first step into the sport on Nov. 1, as he takes part in an amatuer MMA fight for the National Fighting Championship, an amateur fighting organization.

Kim studies actuarial science at the Dunwoody campus, a mathematical and statistical program for risk management in the Robinson College of Business. Kim knows the importance of a good education, especially when chasing his dream to become a professional fighter.

“I’m working hard at school, trying to keep my education going and trying to keep my grades up,” Kim said.

Prior to his life in the U.S., Kim was born and raised in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Life wasn’t always the easiest for Kim, who spoke little to no English throughout much of his early childhood. His early struggles made it difficult to interact with other kids his age.

“I was the odd one out [in elementary school] because I couldn’t speak English that well … I couldn’t speak to anyone,” Kim said. “I couldn’t even communicate with the teacher.”

But in life, it is often the toughest situations that bring about the biggest positives. It is because of these hardships that Kim discovered MMA. Because of his inability to speak english, Kim found himself watching a lot of Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan kung fu movies to pass the time.

“The reason why I liked a lot of Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan movies was because they looked like me, and I thought it was fascinating the way they fight people,” Kim said.

This was Kim’s first exposure to martial arts. Around the same time, a family friend approached his father and asked if Kim would be interested in joining his martial arts gym.

At just 6 years old, Kim embarked on what would become a life-changing journey.

“It was traditional Korean martial arts … [You] learned the basics: how to punch and kick, with some parkour and acrobatics,” Kim said Kim would train at his childhood gym for nine years until the age of 15, when his family decided to trade in the cold Canadian winters for the warm Georgia summers. “[My parents] thought I could have a better education in America, so we moved down to Atlanta because my older sister went to college at Emory [University],” Kim said Kim immediately began attending Johns Creek High School in Alpharetta. The move was not easy at first.

“At the time, I literally had nothing; everything was taken away from me, [and] I couldn’t do martial arts,” Kim said.

Through keeping contact with his old gym master, Kim was encouraged to try out wrestling to further his martial arts skill set. He followed his master’s words of wisdom and joined his high school’s wrestling team during his sophomore year.

“I was a little nervous, obviously, but I didn’t expect that there would be a huge gap between my strength compared to everyone else’s … when I first went to practice and wrestled a bunch of juniors and seniors, even some of the freshmen were kicking my ass,” Kim said.

For Kim, the adversity he initially faced not only helped him grow as a person but also developed in him a strong sense of discipline. He attended every single practice, worked as hard as he possibly could and was invited to the state wrestling championships.

Sometimes as people, no matter how hard we work, we simply fall short. Kim saw an early exit at the state championships.

“The reason why I set my goals unreasonably high is because I feel like I’ll always fall short,” Kim said. “In high school wrestling, I made it to the state tournament, but I

PHOTO BY MATT SICILIANO-SALAZAR | THE SIGNAL

didn’t make it far in that tournament. To this day, I regret not making it far because of my weak mentality.”

During his time wrestling at Johns Creek, one of his coaches, who is currently a pro fighter, exposed Kim to the idea of joining an elite martial arts gym, American Top Team.

The decision to join was an easy one. Inspired by the professional level talent the gym produces, Kim was ready to open up a new chapter in his life.

“There are so many pro fighters there that inspire me,” Kim said. “If I work just as hard as they do, maybe I’ll make it to the level they are on right now.”

For a year and half, Kim has stuck to his mantra of hard work whilst training at ATT. His work ethic has not gone unnoticed.

Kim’s coach, a professional fighter and champion himself, thought it was time for Kim to take his first fight. Kim accepted and soon after was putting pen to paper on a fight contract.

Since accepting the bout, Kim’s physical and mental strength has been challenged like never before.

“The training has become much harder and more rigorous,” Kim said. “As of now, my coach, after every class, he asks me if I have more time to work.”

Apart from the tough physical aspect, Kim has seen some doubt from friends and family for taking this fight.

This doesn’t bother him, though, as he knows this is just something you face when following your dreams.

“To me, people who protect their dreams and go for it just shows me that they’re a strong person,” Kim said. “I won’t have any regrets in the end because I gave it my all. It’s better than regretting the whole time and listening to people who say I can’t do it.”

Kim is scheduled to fight Nov. 1 in the first MMA fight of his career right here in Atlanta.

“I’m really glad I have an opportunity to fight soon because it’s a place where I put my strength, will and confidence to the test and see if my hard work paid off in the end,” Kim said.

SPORTS

16

GEORGIASTATESIGNAL.COM

Georgia State’s ultimate striker

For the young women’s soccer star, soccer is everything AVERY WIGGINS Staff Reporter

I

t was a warm Friday night on Sept. 20. Georgia State women’s soccer’s match against Arkansas-Little Rock was still tied. There were only seven minutes minutes left to go in normal time and the team needed a hero to step up and save the day. Out of nowhere, a young Spanish striker got the ball, dribbled it up the field and unleashed a powerful strike into the opposing net, giving the Panthers the lead and sealing a dramatic win.

The player’s name was Jimena Cabrero, an 18-year-old freshman forward. Cabrero’s has quickly garnered a rising star status, as she leads the team in goals, with three, and in points, with six. All three of her goals have been game winners.

“I like scoring goals, and I enjoy when I score a goal …

[After scoring an important goal,] all my teammates come with me and we are all together, and I think that that is a fantastic feeling,” Cabrero said.

Cabrero was born in Santander, a coastal city in Spain.

She started playing soccer at the age of 5 after witnessing her older brother, Julio, play the sport. She originally took piano and dance classes but was inspired to play soccer after going to his matches. When she was little, her grandfather would take her to see the family’s favorite soccer team, Real Racing Club de Santander.

Jimena’s family has always been very supportive and proud of her since she took an interest in playing soccer. Her mother would always drive to matches and pick her up from them, while her father always pushed her to follow her soccer dreams as well. She describes her brother as being like her best friend. Throughout her life, he has been nice and patient with her and is always ready to give her advice as it pertains to soccer.

Colegio San Agustin, where she attended school, did not have a girl’s soccer team because it was not common to find girls playing the sport. This did not deter Cabrero, however, as she went on to become the first female soccer player to take the field in her school’s history.

Eventually, a women’s club soccer team, CD Monte, was created in her hometown and she joined at the age of 11. It was inside the club where Cabrero met her current Georgia State teammate, Eva Diez Lois. She started off playing goalie, but after her coach, Gestera Ordax, witnessed her kick the ball into the net during warm-ups, he asked her to play forward for a few minutes. Cabrero never looked back and has thrived in the position ever since.

“Playing soccer is something that helped me in everything,” Cabrero said. “If I have a bad day or something like that and I go to practice, I feel much, much better.”

If it were not for the position change, Cabrero may never had made it this far. She says the change helped to set her on her current trajectory and that it was a major confidence booster. It was at a game in which she scored a hat-trick that she was discovered by an AGM agent that offered her a scholarship to attend college and further her career in the U.S..

Her parents encouraged her to accept the scholarship and after watching college soccer matches online, she decided to make the life-changing decision to accept it. Cabrero ultimately chose Georgia State after speaking with a best friend of hers who also attended the university. A FaceTime call with head coach Ed Joyce only made the decision that much easier.

Cabrero credits her teammates for really supporting her

and being there for her.

“You can tell them if you are in trouble or are struggling with something,” she said. “I think that they can help you a lot.”

While at Georgia State, Cabrero’s goal is to get her degree and win soccer matches. She plans to major in business because she loves economics, and her father, Julio Cabrero Cardal, was a business owner.

Cabrero says coach Joyce has been a big help. Whether helping her study for exams or picking her up from the airport, he has helped make the transition a lot smoother.

While Cabrero has not spent too much time in the U.S., she says that it is is very different from her home country of Spain, which she describes as being the best country in the world with nice people and an economy where it’s unfortunately hard to find a job.

For Cabrero, one stark difference between food in the U.S. and food in Spain is that Spaniards cook everything with oil while Americans do not.

Nonetheless, Cabrero has really enjoyed her time since coming to the U.S.. What she enjoys most are the people she has met, who she says are very nice, especially to international students, and very open with each other. While her English may still need some work, Cabrero says it has improved a lot since she first stepped foot in the city.

Cabrero described the work-school balance as something that has been rather easy for her to manage since arriving at Georgia State. This is because she’s always focused on the next game and being ready for what’s ahead.

“I am always so excited for the game of that week,” she said.

As far as what helps to keep her grounded in life, Cabrero says that her relationship with her family and friends

makes all the difference. She says that she and her good friend Eva Lois have really helped each other a lot since arriving at Georgia State.

“Without their support, I would probably be nothing, and they help me a lot and they support me a lot since coming here,” Cabrero said.

Even though her family still lives in Spain and her brother now lives in Italy, Cabrero manages to FaceTime them as often as she can. Because Spain and Italy are both six hours ahead of the U.S., Cabrero typically calls in the afternoon, to catch her family before they go to sleep. The conversations help Cabrero and her family keep up to date on important events.

JIMENA CABRERO Striker for Georgia State women’s soccer team

PHOTO COURTESY OF GEORGIA STATE ATHLETICS

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2019

SPORTS

Georgia State defender Kyle Clinton reflects on the field after Saturday’s 2-1 loss to Georgia Southern.

17

PHOTO BY SHEL LEVY | THE SIGNAL

Thrilling derby day match sees Panthers fall 2-1 Defensive errors cost Georgia State the three points against Southern ESPEN INDRISANO Sports Editor

O

n Saturday’s Fan Appreciation Night at the GSU Soccer Complex, Georgia State men’s soccer played host to a thrilling encounter against the Georgia Southern Eagles.

Although head coach Brett Surrency’s men were the dominant side for most of the 90 minutes, it was Georgia Southern that claimed the 2-1 derby-day victory, after a 90th minute goal broke Georgia State hearts and handed the Panthers their second successive loss, as their record fell to 6-2-3 on the season. “[We’re] obviously disappointed,” Surrency said. “I thought we played really well tonight. Soccer is a cruel game at times.”

The match was the first conference game of the season for both sides and a rematch of 2018’s Sun Belt Conference championship, in which the Panthers triumphed 4-2.

HOW IT HAPPENED

The opening minutes were predictably slow, as both teams attempted to assert their dominance in the midfield.

The Eagles began the match on the front foot. Forward Azaad Liadi was a constant threat with his hold up play.

The Panthers created the first clear-cut chance of the first half, though. Frank Rosenwald, who provided a consistent outlet down the right wing, set up Matthew Fearnley with an inch-perfect cross. The striker fluffed his lines from 6 yards out, however, and directed his shot wide of the left post.

Kyle Clinton was the next Panther to create a scoring chance. The defender forced a tough save out of Jose Eduardo Bomfim after some pinball action in the 18-yard box eventually found the ball at his feet.

Aris Briggs, who leads the team with nine goals on the season, was denied by a world class save in the 31st minute.

Bomfim showed off his reflexes, diving down to his left to tip the striker’s header wide of the right post.

Georgia Southern then found first blood, against the run of play, in the 37th minute. Adam Davie won the ball off Clinton in the Eagles’ attacking third and set up PJ Amponsah, who took his time and fired his shot past Paul Tyson into the roof of the net. Amponsah turned to the Panthers’ bench and flexed his muscles during the celebration.

The Panthers tried to find an equalizer in the last few

minutes, but their efforts were unsuccessful. As the half came to a close, the Eagles held strong and took a critical lead into the locker rooms.

Similar to the first half, Surrency’s men began the second half uncharacteristically sloppy. Georgia Southern won an early corner kick to increase the nerves of the home fans, but it came to nothing.

Fearnley came agonizingly close to an equalizer in the 56th minute. The striker’s half volley clipped the right post as Bomfim helplessly looked on. The strike rejuvenated the team, as they began to take full control of the second half play.

A couple minutes later, Fearnley had another clear cut chance but again pulled his effort wide. On another day, the sophomore could have had a hat trick.

“I thought we moved the ball really well,” Surrency said.

“We created tons of chances but we just weren’t clinical enough in the final third.”

Briggs hit the post in the 64th minute. The striker’s header beat Bomfim and struck the inside of the left post. A few fans began to celebrate as the ball flashed across the goal line before being cleared by a Georgia Southern defender.

Bomfim was called into action again in the 68th minute.

The keeper produced another stellar save, again denying a Briggs header with an acrobatic leap to tip the ball over the net. The chances were beginning to pile up for Surrency’s men, but the Eagles continued to hold firm. The sophomore keeper was putting in a man-of-the-match performance.

Tyson matched his opposite number’s brilliance with a fantastic save of his own in the 75th minute. The redshirt junior from Liverpool, England laid out to deny a free kick destined for the right corner.

Liadi came inches away from sealing the victory 10 minutes later. The forward’s effort took a deflection and flew over Tyson’s crossbar. The Panthers dealt with the ensuing corner and broke off on a desperate counter attack, which led to a dramatic equalizer.

Fearnley, who was a constant threat in the box, finally produced a finish he is capable of. Summerfield’s cross landed at the striker’s feet and he made no mistake, getting his name on the score sheet with a powerful volley into the bottom corner. The cheer from the crowd was one of utter relief. The match was suddenly wide open.

Georgia Southern stole the contest in the final minute, however, and broke Georgia State hearts. After another poor giveaway in the defensive half, Asgeir Kristjansson slotted home past Tyson and sent the travelling fans into a jubilant uproar.

The Eagles’ clinical nature in front of goal was the ultimate difference. For Georgia State’s seniors, the match was their final contest against the Eagles, unless a conference tournament matchup is still written in the stars.

The Panthers head out on a three game road trip, beginning Tuesday night against Charlotte.

“It is going to be a tough turnaround,” Surrency said.

“We’ll give our best effort come Tuesday.”

STANDOUT PLAYERS ROSS FINNIE - MIDFIELD

The Scotsman lasted the full 90 and was a critical part of the team’s dominance in the midfield during the majority of the match. He was neat and tidy in possession and created a few chances in the attacking third.

MATTHEW FEARNLEY - FORWARD

Fearnley could have produced a heroic hat trick on another night, as the striker scored a world-class goal, but also spurned a few great opportunities. While the misses did not help the team’s cause, Fearnley was arguably the brightest player up top.

ADAM DAVIE - FORWARD

Davie provided two assists and was a constant pest to the Georgia State backline.

For both of Georgia Southern’s goals, Davie won possession back in his attacking third and unselfishly set up teammates, who repaid him with the goals.

JOSE EDUARDO BOMFIM - GOALKEEPER AND MAN-OF-THE-MATCH

Were it not for the heroics of Bomfim, the scoreline would have looked much different.

The Eagles goalkeeper made five total saves, including a few from point-blank range to frustrate Georgia State’s forwards.

SPORTS

18

GEORGIASTATESIGNAL.COM Georgia State v. Coastal Caroline Recap

Punt | 15:00 - 1st Punt | 13:07 - 1st Punt | 11:51 - 1st Fumble | 10:08 - 1st

Field Goal | 6:25 - 1st

Field Goal | 2:23 - 1st Interception | 2:23 - 1st

Dan Ellington breaks off on a run during Saturday’s game against Coastal Carolina.

PHOTO COURTESY OF TODD DREXLER

Q1 Score

3-3

Panthers cruise to second straight victory

Field Goal | 12:18 - 2nd Touchdown | 10:46 - 2nd Punt | 10:40 - 2nd

Defensive showcase was a major difference ANFERNEE PATTERSON Staff Reporter

T

he roller coaster season continues.

After dropping two straight games, the Panthers have turned around their recent form and won two straight, improving to 4-2 on the season and inching ever closer to a potential bowl birth.

After an explosive offensive output over the Arkansas State Wolves last week, the Panthers kept their momentum going when they traveled to South Carolina and defeated the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers by a score of 31-21.

Panthers quarterback Dan Ellington and the running back duo of Tra Barnett and Seth Paige were the stars in this game, as they combined to rush for a school-record 350 yards. Coming off their stellar victory over the Arkansas State Red Wolves, the matchup represented another critical Sun Belt Conference game on the road for Shawn Elliott’s men.

However, the Chanticleers were looking to avoid losing consecutive games and create a winning streak of their own at Brooks Stadium, a place where the team was undefeated entering Saturday’s game.

The opening possessions from both sides were understandably slow, as the feel out process began with two quick three-and-outs.

On the Chanticleers second offensive possession of the game, Panthers safety Remy Lazarus forced a fumble out of Chanticleers quarterback Fred Payton. Defensive end Terry Thomas recovered the fumble and helped give the offense great field position on the Chanticleers’ 44-yard line.

The Panthers took advantage of the turnover as Brandon Wright’s 38-yard field goal was good to take an early three point lead.

The Chanticleers responded on the ensuing possession by matching the Panthers with a field goal of their own. This time, Massimo Biscardi answered his opposite number with a 38-yard field goal of his own to tie the game at three.

The next Panthers offensive possession resulted in a turnover as Ellington was intercepted by Chanticleers safety Alex Spillum. While the senior did not have his best day through the air, throwing for only

122 yards, his impact on the ground would soon put any worries to rest.

This resulted in another Chanticleers field goal by Biscardi, whose 21-yard chip shot snuck through the uprights. The Chanticleers, as a result, took a 6-3 into the end of the first quarter.

The second quarter was all Georgia State.

Running back Seth Paige got things off to a flying start, as he broke loose for a 46-yard touchdown run to give the Panthers the lead at 10-6.

On the next Panthers possession, the offense went 70-yards in 15 plays, which Ellington polished off with a three-yard touchdown pass to Cornelius McCoy. The receiver finished his day with four catches for only 12 yards, but the all-important receiving touchdown.

As the half came to a close, Elliott’s men, who have struggled on the road this season, confidently strolled into the locker rooms with a 17-6 lead. The defense, arguably for the first time this season, was truly dominating.

Opening the second half, the Chanticleers responded quickly. This time, it was Chanticleers quarterback Bryce Carpenter that exerted his dominance, finding Jaivon Heiligh for a 20-yard touchdown pass to cut the Panthers’ lead to four.

The Panthers’ offense was having none of it, though, as they continued their explosive play into the third quarter. They quickly responded to the touchdown with one of their own, as running back Tra Barnett got his name on the score sheet with a 28-yard touchdown, putting the Panthers back in front 24-13. The senior recorded another 100-yard rushing performance, finishing Saturday’s contest with 110 yards.

On the ensuing Chanticleers possession, Elliott’s defense recorded a big three-and-out, and furthered the team’s momentum.

Tra Barnett finished off the following drive with a two-yard rushing touchdown to extend the lead to 31-13. The Panthers silenced the home crowd.

The strong third quarter performance proved to be the difference in the matchup, as the Chanticleers had a mountain to climb in quarter number four if they had any shot of a comeback.

A late fourth quarter score by Coastal Carolina made the score 31-21, but the clock struck zero and handed the Panthers a solid victory soon after.

THE RUNNING GAME IS MAKING THE OFFENSE UNSTOPPABLE

When speaking with senior offensive lineman Hunter Atkinson before their game against the Red Wolves of Arkansas State, he stated that he wanted to make sure that the team would be physical and run the football even more.

Lately the Panthers have been on a roll, doing just that as they rushed for over 300 yards in their past two games, breaking school records in the process.

The team broke their record for total rushing yards for the second straight week, this time combining for 350 yards on the ground. It was also the first time in program history that three different players rushed for over 100 yards.

Touchdown | 1:51 - 2nd Punt | 1:51 - 2nd

Q2 Score

14-3

Touchdown | 10:45 - 3rd

THE PANTHERS ARE SETTLING IN

The opening road games were tough for Elliott’s men, but as the season has progressed, they have been able to get back to doing what they do best.

As aforementioned, the running game is coming on strong and Ellington’s leadership has been a major difference. The dual threat quarterback is quickly making a name for himself in both the conference and the nation.

As the Sun Belt play continues, the team’s newfound momentum could be a key in fighting for a title and bowl appearance.

Touchdown | 7:22 - 3rd Punt | 7:22 - 3rd

Touchdown | 2:44 - 3rd Punt | 2:44 - 3rd

Q3 Score

14-7

CONFIDENCE BOOST FOR ARMY GAME

Punt | 15:00 - 4th

Touchdown | 10:34 - 4th Punt | 7:06 - 4th

The Panthers needed this win not only for their overall confidence, but so they can be mentally and physically prepared as they host the Army Knights Saturday, who will present another massive out of conference challenge.

The game will be the team’s second night game of the season and the Panthers know what they are up against.

Missed Field Goal | 5:21 - 4th Downs | 5:21 - 4th

TRA BARNETT IS A FORCE

In Barnett’s last two games, he has rushed for over 100 yards and is proving to be a major key in the Panther’s offense.

We saw this early in the season opener against Tennessee and saw glimpses of him having these types of games last season.

Should he continue his form, Barnett will continue to be a big problem for opposing defenses.

Q4 Score

0-8 Georgia State

Final Score

52

Coastal Carolina

38

to-do

my notes

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