VOL. 88 | NO. 11
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PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE DESCRIBED AS NATIONAL EMBARRASSMENT PG.11
STATE FARM ARENA’S IMPACT BEYOND JUST BASKETBALL PG.12
EST. 1933
Independent, impactful & impartial
ILLUSTRATION BY BROOKLYN VALERA | THE SIGNAL
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georgiastatesignal.com
BLOTTER OCT. 24
EDITORIAL NEWS EDITOR Mary Brassfield signalnewseditor@gmail.com ASSOCIATE NEWS EDITOR Vacant OPINIONS EDITOR Raquel Croston signalopinions@gmail.com ASSOCIATE OPINIONS EDITOR Vacant ARTS & LIVING EDITOR Hannah Jones signalliving@gmail.com ASSOCIATE ARTS & LIVING EDITOR Jada Jones SPORTS EDITOR Andrew Freedman signalsport1@gmail.com ASSOCIATE SPORTS EDITOR Erik Indrisano COPY EDITOR Miro Georgiev signalcopyeditor@gmail.com PRODUCTION PRODUCTION EDITOR Monique Rojas signalprod@gmail.com ASSOCIATE PRODUCTION EDITOR Vacant PHOTOGRAPHY PHOTO EDITOR Matt Siciliano-Salazar signalphoto2@gmail.com ASSOCIATE PHOTO EDITOR Vacant DIGITAL DIGITAL EDITOR Caitlin Whisby signalmanaging@gmail.com ASSOCIATE DIGITAL EDITOR Vacant VIDEO EDITOR Andre Walker signalvideoeditor@gmail.com ASSOCIATE VIDEO EDITOR Vacant PODCAST EDITOR Timo Clark THE SIGNAL BUREAUS ALPHARETTA BUREAU CHIEF Vacant CLARKSTON BUREAU CHIEF Chris Bryant DECATUR BUREAU CHIEF Vacant DUNWOODY BUREAU CHIEF Vacant NEWTON BUREAU CHIEF Vacant ADVERTISING STUDENT MEDIA ADVISER Bryce McNeil bmcneil1@gsu.edu BUSINESS COORDINATOR Wakesha Henley whenley@gsu.edu PERIMETER STUDENT MEDIA ADVISER Zoana Price zprice@gsu.edu ADVERTISING The deadline for all advertising is 5 p.m. on the Tuesday prior to the desired issue of publication. Ads must be printready and in PDF format; files must be delivered via e-mail at signalmarketingmanager@gmail.com. Please visit our website at www.georgiastatesignal. com/advertise for more information, including rates and payment methods. MISSION STATEMENT The Signal shall provide, in a fair and accurate manner, news of interest and significance to the Georgia State community and serve as a forum for the expression of ideas of members of that community. Furthermore, The Signal shall provide an opportunity for students to pursue experience within a professional newspaper environment. The Signal shall also provide truthful and ethical advertising of interest to the Georgia State community. COVERAGE REQUESTS Requests for coverage and tips should be subwmitted to the Editor in Chief and/or the relevant section editor. SUBMIT LETTER TO EDITOR Letters must be submitted to the Editor in Chief via e-mail and must include the text of the letter in the body of the message. Letters should be 400-500 words maximum. The Signal will allow longer letters, but only in rare circumstances. Letters must include the full name(s) of the writer(s) and include their year and major. If the writer is a faculty member, they must include their title and department. Letters will be fact-checked prior to publication. The writer may be obligated to make changes to the letter for publication. Letters will be edited for grammar, clarity, length, factual accuracy and adherence to The Signal’s policy. The Signal reserves the right to modify and/ or reject letters at the discretion of the editorial staff. DISCLAIMER Opinions and Letters to the Editor expressed in The Signal are the opinions of the writers and readers. It does not reflect the opinions of The Signal. OFFICE INFORMATION The Signal Student Center West, Suite 250 P.O. Box 3968 Atlanta, GA 30303 Phone: 404-413-1620 Fax: 404-413-162
At 2:01 a.m., a nonGeorgia State offender was arrested for criminal trespassing on the J parking deck on the Atlanta Campus. The case was exceptionally cleared at 2:17 a.m. OCT. 26
I got five on it!!
Police arrested a nonGeorgia State offender at 4:13 p.m. at the corner of Auburn Ave on a drug violation charge. The case is still active.
NEWS BRIEFS
EXECUTIVE PRESIDENT & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Brooklyn Valera signaleditor@gmail.com MANAGING EDITOR Sharayah Davis signalmanagingeditor@gmail.com MARKETING MANAGER Franky Huang signalmarketingmanager@gmail.com
“Was I not allowed here?”
OCT. 27
“I was only going to be a minute.”
At 11:09 a.m., a nonGeorgia State offender was exceptionally cleared after being arrested for criminal trespassing into the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies. OCT 28.
Bottoms up… Literally!
A non-Georgia State offender was arrested at 4:59 p.m. on a liquor law violation charge at 51 Peachtree St.
No means just that, NO!
A Georgia State student filed a harassment charge at 3:17 p.m. in The University Commons. The case is still active.
I won't go down without a fight.
At 7:23 p.m., police officers arrested a nonGeorgia State offender on two charges, criminal trespass and obstruction.
LOCAL
NATIONAL
GLOBAL
28-year-old man shot outside Riverdale High School
Amy Coney Barrett sworn in to Supreme Court
Nigerians protest the end of SARS
Police have identified the man shot outside Riverdale High School early Tuesday night as Eyton Lemar Edwards. The Clayton County police department discovered Edwards’ body outside the school parking lot shot to death. Officials say the man was not a member of faculty or staff, and local police are still trying to figure out what sparked the incident.
Amy Coney Barrett joins the Supreme Court as the third associate justice appointed by President Donald Trump. Barrett begins her tenure on the bench just a week before Election Day. Now at 6-3, conservatives have a considerable majority over more liberal justices. Trump made it clear he wanted Barrett on the bench quickly due to the court being able to rule on cases that could affect the outcome of the election.
After an eruption of protests in Lagos, the Nigerian police have announced an end to SARS. The Special Anti-Robbery Squad Officers have been accused of profiling young Nigerians, mostly males. Protests remained peaceful until Oct. 20 when the army allegedly shot dead at least a dozen peaceful protesters. “The disbandment of SARS is only the first step in our commitment to extensive police reform,” Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari said.
NEWS
November 3, 2020
WWW.GEORGIASTATESIGNAL.COM/NEWS
Left or Right: Where does the Georgia State community stand? CONDUCTED BY BROOKLYN VALERA & MARY A. BRASSFIELD
Editor in Chief & News Editor
48 total people surveyed Age range 18-24: 43 25-29: 3 40-49: 1 Other/didn’t answer: 1 Race Multi-racial: 3 Black: 12 White: 28 Asian American: 3 Native American/ American Indian: 1 No answer: 1
89% Voted 9% Not voted yet 2% Will not vote
6% Acceptable 83% Unacceptable 8% Unsure 1% No answer
During the final presidential debate, President Trump said, “I’m the least racist person in this room.” Knowing that Trump has been accused of being a racist before while still saying he has done more for Black Americans than any president since Lincoln, do you believe him?
88% Don't believe 4% Unsure 8% Believe
81% Support Biden 10% Support Trump 6% Support other 2% Undecided
The 1994 Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act is a bill Biden has received a lot of criticism for supporting. The bill allowed police officers to arrest individuals found with drugs, especially cocaine, even in small amounts. The Trump campaign says the bill targeted Black men. Biden says it targeted drugs in communities. “It was a mistake,” Biden said. Do you believe the Black community should or will accept this answer and support him?
73% Democrat 8% Independent 6% Republican 4% Libertarian 4% Undecided 2% Green Party
10% Disagree 2% Slightly disagree 55% Agree 23% Slightly agree 10% Unsure
Trump has told the American people multiple times throughout his first term as president that he will replace Obamacare with Trumpcare, but it has yet to happen. Do you think this is acceptable, especially with the COVID-19 pandemic?
Ethnicity Hispanic or Latino: 10 Non-Hispanic or Latino: 37 No answer: 1 Gender Female: 22 Male: 21 Queer: 2 Non-binary: 3
Is it possible because Biden served as a vice president for two terms, he will be a more prepared commander in chief than President Trump?
During the debate, Biden said, “I wasn’t president during that time; I was vice president,” responding to a question about a healthcare policy created by former President Barack Obama that took away healthcare from some individuals with pre-existing conditions . Political analysts say this was a “jab” at the former president and Biden’s time as VP. Do you agree?
8% Disagree 25% Slightly disagree 21% Agree 19% Slightly agree 27% Unsure During the last debate, President Trump said when asked about the large number of immigrant children detained at the border, “These children are brought here by large coyotes and very bad people, and I hate to say this, but those with the lowest IQs might come back.” Is this an acceptable answer?
8% Yes 92% No
50% Unsure 27% Should 21% Shouldn't 2% No Answer
Editor’s Note: This survey was conducted to see where the Georgia State community stood following the last debate. In this poll, students told us what they thought about the last debate and what their decision was or will be in front of the ballot box. Election Day is here, here are the results.
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NEWS
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2020
PHOTO COURTESY OF JON OSSOFF
David Perdue and Jon Ossoff face off in the Georgia U.S. Senatorial Debate.
Profile of the poll: A look at who’s on your ballot The policies and records of senators, representatives and commissioners J.P. IRIE Staff Reporter
I
t’s voting season again, and thousands of Georgians will stand in long lines at the polls to make their voices heard. The Atlanta JournalConstitution reported that in the first 11 days of early voting alone, participating Georgians beat their count in the 2016 election. The presidential candidates are household names, and the candidates for Senate appear regularly in YouTube ads. However, some lesser-known candidates are still on the ballot, including those running for the public service commission. The Signal presents a cursory look at the people who may run your community — and who will show up on your ballot.
Senate Races: Ossoff vs. Perdue
Democratic senatorial candidate Jon Ossoff seeks to take the seat from Republican Sen. David Perdue, cousin of Sonny Perdue, former governor of Georgia and current U.S. secretary of agriculture. Ossoff was the producer of the docuseries “Africa Investigates,” which focused on African countries’ issues, including Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya and Uganda. He previously ran against Karen Handel for a seat in the House of Representatives; Ossoff lost in the proceeding run-off with just under half of the vote. Ossoff supports universal healthcare, police demilitarization and reduced economic dependence on China. “We have a crisis in this country of political corruption,” Ossoff said in a 2019 interview with 11Alive. “Sen. David Perdue, a man who in half a decade as our senator — while one in three rural children live in poverty — while we have the highest maternal mortality rate in the country — has not … once [hosted] a town hall to answer his own constituents. He has to go.” Perdue opposes the “lawless ‘defund the police’ movement” but favors more accountability and deescalation training for law enforcement. Perdue also supported the CARES stimulus bill to alleviate the economic effects of the pandemic. Perdue co-sponsored bills to deflect insubstantial COVID-19 lawsuits against businesses, encourage rural development, establish a grant to help schools reopen
during the pandemic and reform law enforcement. These bills did not go beyond introduction as of Oct. 27. Shane Hazel, a libertarian, is also running in this race. He supports cannabis legalization and the return to work of nonessential workers. “[America has] this indoctrination system that gears us towards one style of thinking that’s prescribed: [government is the answer],” Hazel said in an interview with Larry Sharpe, a vice-presidential candidate.
Senate Races: Special Election
Sen. Johnny Isakson resigned for health reasons, and 28 candidates are on the ballot to take his place. Some of the most notable include Sen. Kelly Loeffler. She is one of the senators who confirmed Associate Justice Amy Coney Barrett. Loeffler also sponsored the BEAT China Act, which gives businesses tax incentives for relocating operations from China. Another is Ed Tarver (D), whom President Obama chose to be the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia, a position he served from 2009 until 2017. In 2018, Tarver was one of 75 former U.S. Attorneys to sign a letter to Attorney General Jeff Sessions, which protested ICE’s treatment of undocumented immigrants, especially families. Democratic senatorial candidate Raphael Warnock is a pastor at Ebenezer Baptist Church, where Martin Luther King preached, and an advocate for ending mass incarceration.
The House: 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 11th and 13th Districts
The 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 11th and 13th Congressional Districts encompass most of metro Atlanta. Races vary by district; to know which representative race you should watch for, check out Ballotpedia’s sample ballot lookup or look at your My Voter Page. In the 4th District, Hank Johnson (D) tries to keep his seat from Johsie Cruz (R), who led the Latinos for Trump movement. The 5th District has been vacant since the death of John Lewis (D). Nikema Williams (D) rivals Angela King (R) for the seat. In the 6th District, Lucy McBath (D) tries to keep her
seat from Karen Handel (R). In the 7th District, Carolyn Bordeaux (D) and Rich McCormick (R) wrestle for the seat. In the 11th District, Barry Loudermilk (R) fights to keep his seat from Dana Barrett (D). In the 13th District, David Scott (D) fights to keep his seat from Becky Hites (R).
Public Service Commission: Powering Georgia’s Future
The candidates for public service commissioner don’t often get reported on. The Public Service Commission regulates utilities in the state, including deciding what Georgia Power can and can’t do to its customers. Jason Shaw and Lauren “Bubba” McDonald are the incumbents of the 1st and 4th Districts of the Public Service Commission. In July 2019, Shaw and McDonald were part of the Georgia Power plan’s unanimous approval to produce more than 2,200 kilowatts of renewable energy. As a result of activists lobbying the commission on July 11, the commission unanimously passed a motion that encouraged solar power among Georgia Power customers in December 2019. Competing for these seats are Democrats Robert Bryant (District 1) and Daniel Blackman (District 4). Both candidates are interested in expanding Georgia’s renewable energy. According to his website, Bryant seeks to “work with the University System of Georgia to host symposiums and research conferences to investigate new and innovative-affordable solutions to Georgia’s energy needs.” In an interview with NRI Pulse, the question about investment in green energy came up. Blackman said that “we’ve done a very poor job of doing this thinking that the relationship between the utility companies with PSC is the most sustainable relationship.” Many candidates are running for a variety of positions this year, and Georgians will decide who will represent them beyond their state and within it.
5
THE SIGNAL
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2020
Georgia State University President Mark Becker announced his retirement on Sept. 15.
PHOTO FROM GEORGIA STATE WEBSITE
USG announces Georgia State’s presidential taskforce Georgia State will begin its search to replace Becker on Nov. 16 MARY A. BRASSFIELD News Editor
O
n Sept. 15, The Signal reported that a nationwide search had begun for Georgia State’s next president after the announcement of Georgia State University President Mark Becker’s retirement. On Oct. 29, the University System of Georgia named the members of the Georgia State University Presidential Search Committee to find Becker’s replacement. “[Georgia State] is a national leader in student success with significant increases in graduation rates. Our national search seeks someone with the knowledge, energy and skills to lead [Georgia State] to greater heights. We are excited about the future of [Georgia State],” Chancellor Steve Wrigley said. The committee will contain 23 members ranging from professors, counselors and even Georgia State’s Student Government Association University-Wide President Kaelen Thomas.
Members of the Presidential Search Committee are as follows: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Regent Neil L. Pruitt Jr., committee chair Regent and Board Chairman Sachin Shailendra Regent Sarah-Elizabeth Langford Reed Regent Rachel B. Little Regent Lowery Houston May Regent T. Dallas Smith Regent Philip A. Wilheit Sr. Neda Barqawi, Georgia State alumnus, chief executive officer and managing director of Knovalytics Michelle Brattain, associate professor, Department of History, College of Arts and Sciences Carol Cohen, assistant vice president for university advising, University Advisement Center Cynthia Cornelissen, director, Center for Translational Immunology; distinguished professor and associate director, Institute for Biomedical Sciences Donna Frazier, freshman admissions counselor III; chair, Staff Council Catherine Henson, Georgia State alumnus, former chair, Georgia State University Foundation Board of Trustees Kevin Lofton, Georgia State alumnus, chief executive officer emeritus, CommonSpirit Health; member, Georgia State University Foundation Board of Trustees Rodney Lyn, interim dean, senior associate dean for academic and strategic initiatives, associate professor,
School of Public Health Arun Rai, Regent’s Professor, J. Mack Robinson Chair of IT-Enabled Supply Chains and Process Innovation; director, Center for Digital Innovation; Computer Information Systems Department, J. Mack Robinson College of Business • Sally Robertson, professor of theater, interim chair, Theater/Fine Arts Department, Perimeter College; member, Senate Executive Committee • Todd Shutley, Georgia State alumnus, executive vice president and chief specialty banking officer, Ameris Bank; chair, Georgia State University Foundation Board of Trustees • Jessica Siemer, graduate student and Ph.D. candidate, Chemistry Department, College of Arts and Sciences • Andrew Sumner, Sc.D., associate professor, Joe Taylor Chair in Health Administration, associate professor and director, Institute of Health Administration, J. Mack Robinson College of Business • Kaelen Thomas, university-wide student body president, Student Government Association • Anne Tucker, professor, College of Law; director, Legal Analytics and Innovation Initiative • Regynald Washington, president, Paradies Lagardère Travel Retail Dining Division North America The President Search Committee will initially begin Nov. 16, on the Atlanta Campus. This meeting will establish each member’s responsibilities and roles while conducting the search. The committee will use Parker Executive Search to provide search consulting services. After its assistance, the committee will send the credentials of three to five unranked candidates to the Board of Regents for consideration. Becker began his tenure as president of Georgia State in January 2009, joining the university at a crucial global financial time. “Leading Georgia State for more than a decade, starting in the middle of a global financial crisis and concluding with a global pandemic, has been challenging and stimulating,” Becker said in an email to students, faculty members, employees and supporters. Under Becker’s leadership, Georgia State has set records for enrollment, graduation rates and total number of graduates. “President Mark Becker’s outstanding leadership has helped Georgia State University set the national standard for innovation •
in student success, resulting in dramatic increases in graduation rates for students of all backgrounds,” Wrigley said. Becker has led Georgia State to become one of the nation’s leading and fastest-growing research institutions, increasing research spending by more than 153% over the last decade, making Georgia State one of the fastest-growing research universities in the country. As a first-generation college graduate and someone who began his educational career at a community college, Becker made it a point of his tenure that students from all backgrounds succeeded. In 2006, after Georgia State’s consolidation with Georgia Perimeter College, it brought the university’s enrollment to more than 50,000, making Georgia State the largest university in Georgia. Becker had quickly advanced the university’s Atlanta campus’s physical development, allowing Georgia State to be a standard in the restoration of downtown Atlanta. He has positioned Georgia State faculty and students to thrive in any complex circumstance local or abroad. Becker has worked with faculty leaders and international partners to enhance Georgia State’s global profile. Global engagement was another crucial component in Becker’s vision of modern research universities. He was committed to developing strong partnerships with universities in rapidly growing economies. Becker strengthened Georgia State’s relationships with counterparts in Brazil, China, South Africa, South Korea and Turkey. Also a statistician, Becker has had a decorated career in biostatistics and public health sciences. For most of his professional career, he was a member of the Department of Biostatistics at the University of Michigan, where he also held faculty positions in the Institute for Social Research and the Department of Statistics. Becker was also the highest-paid president of any public university in the state while at Georgia State. He held a yearly compensation package that included deferred payments and allowances equalling more than $1 million. Before becoming president of Georgia State, Becker held numerous leadership positions at other universities, including EVP for academic affairs and provost at the University of South Carolina, dean of the School of Public Health and assistant vice president of public health preparedness and emergency response at the University of Minnesota.
OPINIONS
WWW.GEORGIASTATESIGNAL.COM/OPINIONS
November 3, 2020
Is a third party vote REALLY a vote for Trump? Stop shaming voters for voting third-party CALLIE MCNORTON Staff Columnist
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ILLUSTRATION BY MYAH ANGLIN | THE SIGNAL
Don’t be afraid if you voted by mail for this election Your still vote counts: Mail-in ballots aren’t something to fear FAITH COLEMAN Staff Columnist
P
resident Trump continues to undermine the validity and security of mail-in ballots on television and social media. This week, Twitter labeled his tweet about mail-in ballots as possibly “misleading.” Many states have pushed voting by mail to decrease the spread of COVID-19 and make voting more convenient for low-income and workingclass voters. There are two common ways to vote by mail: mail-in ballots and absentee ballots. With mail-in ballots, also known as “all-mail voting,” registered voters do not have to request or give an excuse to receive a ballot by mail because it is automatically sent to their home address before Election Day. Once voters fill out their ballots, they can either mail it back or deposit it at a voting location or secure dropbox by a specific time on Election Day. In states that do not automatically mail ballots, voters who cannot vote at a polling place can request an absentee ballot. Registered voters must request an absentee ballot through their state government, give a reason as to why they can’t vote in-person and wait for the rejection or acceptance. Officials can reject absentee ballots if they marked improperly, and voters face legal penalties for falsifying information.
Depending on the state, voters may have the option to request a no-excuse absentee ballot, where voters do not have to give a reason for why they are not voting in person.
“
Mail-in voting has an extensive list of safety precautions and has been around for over a century.
”
— FAITH COLEMAN
Staff Columnist
The history of mail-in ballots transcends back to the Civil War era, where soldiers could vote while away from home. Currently, 44 states allow voters to track their mail-in ballots, five states conduct all-mail voting, and 29 states, including the District of Columbia, allow no-excuse absentee ballots.
Without mail-in voting, President Trump would have been unable to vote in at least two elections. Trump cast an absentee ballot during New York’s midterm election in 2018, according to The Hill. This year, Trump voted by mail in Florida. The South Florida Sun-Sentinel reported that a representative for the president picked up absentee ballots from the Palm Beach County Elections Office and returned them the day before the primary. Mail-in ballots are scrutinized rigorously for inaccuracies like inconsistent signatures, wrong addresses and misspelled names. If any of these inaccuracies are detected, then the request for an absentee ballot is denied. Washington is one of the five states that allows all-mail voting, and according to Washington’s Director of Elections Lori Augino, “[o]f the nearly 3.2 million ballots cast [in Washington in 2018], only 0.004% of the total ballots cast may have been fraudulent.” Mail-in voting has an extensive list of safety precautions and has been around for over a century. Presidents, both past and current, have used the system. Trump’s fear-mongering tactics fall flat because voter fraud is highly unlikely, especially with absentee ballots.
s a Democratic or Republican nominee will seal our fate, many voters cannot seem to decide between the two. There is much debate on a third party vote, and some claim it is a vote for Trump. Is it better to vote for who you think is best or for who you think has the best chance? “I think the only way for change is to signal to the government that you don’t accept the way things are by voting third party,” Lydia Gallo, the President of Young Americans for Liberty GSU, said. For almost 150 years, the U.S. has been confined to a two-party system. Many voters find themselves settling for a candidate, and the “Settle for Biden” campaign is a prime example of how Americans feel about our current predicament. It is evident to anyone that citizens do not wholeheartedly support either candidate. So why do we continue to find ourselves having to choose between the “lesser of two evils”? “The media and the debate committees actively repress thirdparty candidates because they represent a threat to the status quo, and people will lose their power,” Gallo said. I know one thing: vote. Even if you can not identify with Trump or Biden, it is not a throwaway vote. If we put enough pressure on our broken system, our generation may have an election to look forward to. According to the Pew Research Center, 31% of Jorgensen and Hawkins voters say they are extremely motivated to vote, compared with 71% of Trump and Biden voters.
Third-party voters find themselves at a crossroads, either overwhelmed by the reality of the situation or completely unbothered, resulting in a thirdparty voter hoping for change and a third-party voter who is most likely benefiting from the current system. “If you feel comfortable enough to vote for someone without a chance of winning, you’re coming from a place of privilege.” Zoe EbserstatBeattie, a writer for The GW Hatchet, said. Obviously, this election will not produce a third party President, and placing a third party vote may be coming from a place of privilege. However, the grievance with third party voting is just as valid as a third party vote itself. The only way to find a silver lining is to understand both want to accomplish change. Switching the thirdparty narrative will require Americans to reckon with how broken the two-party system is. A Democratic or Republican president is all we have ever known. Consequently, they get put into office because voters feel there is no other choice. If we genuinely pride ourselves on freedom, we should realize that voting for who we want is a promise to us. A call to action that challenges the current system is the only way to guarantee change for future generations. “I think if you are frustrated with the current political environment, then it is time for change,” Gallo said. It is time not to hope for change without causing it but to rise to the occasion.
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2020
OPINIONS
Individuals take to the streets to protest their opinions.
7
PHOTO SUBMITTED BY @ODD_SHUTTER
Cities preparing for the worst before election day Should Atlanta be prepared for protests during election week? KENNETH LOCKETT III Staff Columnist
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t’s Election Day in the U.S., which always brings a lot of discussion to the tables about where we are and where we are going as a nation. But this year, the conversation is different than normal. Say what you will about the current administration, but it has successfully mobilized people, for good or worse. But what if it’s for the worse?. This election is one of the most emotional in the history of this nation. Mill of people are on edge, waiting to see what will come of the election. Will the Democrats win, or will the Republicans force another upset? Either way, many are worried about the aftermath. Remember back in 2016 and 2017 when there were thousands of protests after Trump won the election? That was one of the few times we saw interstates completely shut down by protesters, a tactic repeated during the summer 2020 protests. And yet we might just be on track for another winter of protests and fires. There are already hundreds of
demonstrations and events planned across the nation regarding the results of the election. Atlanta is likely going to feel the brunt of the violence. The city, including buildings on the Downtown campus, has already seen violence and damage during the summer. Both APD and GSUPD have not issued any official statement regarding plans for potential demonstrations following the election. Trump has continually said that he will not accept the election results if it is not to his liking. If he doesn’t win, he will call it fraud. Police chiefs around the country are preparing for a very violent November, no matter who the victor is. While we all hope that it doesn’t come to that, cities must prepare. But it’s more than preparing for the protests, most of which have been peaceful. Cities need to be ready for agitators who could quickly turn a peaceful protest into a riot. There is also the possibility of counter-protests clashing, posing another dangerous situation. Whether it’s making sure that there is a full staff on
duty or even calling help from other departments, law enforcement must prepare the city. No matter which way this election goes, people are going to get upset. And can you blame them? We are talking about our future, our lives, not just petty disagreements. This nation has to get better at having political discourse and discussion. Having a conversation with each other so that we can heal is essential. The conversation starts with your vote, no matter for whom you vote. Please go out and vote, make your voice heard. For the next four years, whoever wins the election will have the job of healing this broken nation. You don’t want to regret not voting for your candidate. So, if you haven’t voted already, get out there and make your voice heard! Writer’s Note: I reached out to both GSUPD and APD regarding their plans for election week, I haven’t gotten a response from either. If you plan on protesting, please follow any and all instructions by law enforcement.
This Week’s Spread: Arts & Living WWW.GEORGIASTATESIGNAL.COM/ARTSANDLIVING
Build-A-President: policies, personalities and politics
Amid an election, students create their ideal presidential candidate
KARA MARTIN Staff Reporter
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lthough there is no such thing as a perfect world with a perfect president, it is nice to dream about it, one where a president would go to bat against some of the most pressing issues for students. As voters cast ballots for their preferred candidate, Georgia State students create their ideal presidential candidate. From looks to personality and policies, students piece together which traits would make their ideal president. When considering what qualities make a well-rounded president, a few primary attributes come to mind: honesty, knowledge, accountability and education. These traits join together to play a significant role in how someone could potentially run a nation.
Education & Empathy
com sign bein Vot candidate to have a stron what they are promoting In addition to viewin the main focus of a presi concerned with the polit and political transcript. A useful to have a presiden sophomore Saeteay Moo have a president with a s of the policies and politic Most students believ well-educated candidate more successful preside into consideration, Moo empathetic and honest p role properly.
Policies & Politics
Other students focus more on the presidential candidate’s policies instead of other outside factors. For those who live in the states or have family overseas, choosing a president who supports the right causes can make or break someone’s vote. Those with families in foreign countries are not awarded the luxury of looking at just one side of a president. Each part of a policy can have a great effect on both parties and both ends of the world. For students like junior Noor Salameh, she often feels torn when it comes to politics as her home is here in the United States, but her second home with the rest of her family is in Jordan. Considering presidential qualities on
Education and mpassion play nificant roles in ng a good president. ters trust their ideal ng understanding of g. ng good policy as ident, some are more ticians’ educational Although it might be nt who looks like them, ore believes it’s best to sound understanding cs they propose. ve having a e will lead to a ncy. Taking this ore envisions an president to fulfill the
“If you’re going for the highest power in an organization, you must have the background to do it efficiently,” Moore said. “Their history in politics can predict what they can and would do as president.” Sophomore Oluwadamilola Fakoya believes there is no room for playing around as president. Politicians must always have a plan and a reliable solution for everything since citizens trust them with their money, education and livelihood. “Taking into account our current president, he doesn’t know what he’s doing,” Fakoya said. “He thinks that this position is all fun and games. Now, look at where it has got us.” Fakoya expresses her desire to have an educated president who is motivated to make a change in the world. “I want a president that is well-educated on all topics and moves towards a solution
Relatable & Understanding
A central characteristic that students wish to see in a presidential candidate is the ability to relate to the general public. Having a relatable and politically aware president allows voters and supporters to feel confident about who they are putting in office. Senior Kayla Waldron envisions a relatable president who always has the citizens’ best interests in mind. To her, a successful nation has a president with a solid plan of action, along with means of execution. She wants a responsive, youthful president who cares about the same things she does, such as free healthcare, equal rights and free college. “Ideally, having a background in politics would be preferred,” Waldron said.“Even though I know the idea of a president being radical is contradictory, I want them to be just
a deeper level, Salameh is more concerned with policy than personality traits. Being that Salameh and her family is from the Middle East, it is hard for her to agree with a president’s beliefs, let alone vote for one. Some policies may be reasonable within the U.S. but could create foreign affairs conflicts, which concerns Salameh. “Having a president that can change with the times and understand that the world they [grew up] in isn’t exactly the same world they are the president [of] is crucial,” Salameh said. “I have to think of both my home here and overseas, so that’s why it is so hard for me to vote sometimes because a president has always had a very good domestic policy but a horrible foreign policy.” Understanding foreign policy is essential because it can unknowingly tear families
that works for everyone’s good and well-being, such as providing universal health care instead of favoring the upper class over any other class,” she said. Treating politics like a walk in the park is not encouraged on either side of the aisle. Every decision, policy and compromise made as president can leave a mark on a nation that will last for years. Although this election and its candidates may not be perfect, it does not hurt to hope and wish for a brighter future for the nation. “These qualities are important because they are an important part of leadership. Because if you wish to lead a group to influence some change, that group needs to feel sure about who they’re following,” Moore said. “If you’re going to be selling the ‘American Dream,’ they need to be willing to live up to it and fight against injustice and inequality for all.”
as passionate as I am about certain issues in the world.” She continued to describe some of the goals and issues she wanted other politicians to address such as “LGBTQ+ rights and reparations.” Only then would Waldron consider a candidate to be worth her vote. Sophomore Brianna Ferguson described her ideal president as one with similar hopes of understanding and respect. She wishes to elect a president with life experiences similar to the average citizen. “More often than not, the president makes decisions that affect those they cannot relate to, so it is important to have a president who isn’t so far removed from society that we question whether or not we’re experiencing the same reality,” Ferguson said. “I also want a person of color because then we would have a chance of seeing equal opportunities for everyone.” Junior Joanna John aligns with Ferguson’s
and nations apart. Although this is out of one citizen’s control, it is still important to recognize. Junior Nicholas Perry pictures his ideal president as a mix between Bernie Sanders and Malcolm X. These figures are well known for their unique approaches and contributions to the civil rights era. “Hypothetically speaking, I would want my ideal president to be someone who is honest, yet passionate about the policies and political issues they stand behind,” Perry said. “We are often let down by politicians who fill our heads up with empty promises with no means to fulfill them.” One of the voter’s primary duties is to stay informed about candidates’ agendas, both past and present.
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We are often let down by politicians who fill our heads up with empty promises with no means to fulfill them. — NICHOLAS PERRY Georgia State Junior
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ideals and believes a president from a similar economic background would be more understanding of the common issues citizens face on a daily basis. To efficiently lead a nation and its people, it takes more than an upper-class tax bracket and generational wealth. “As far as policies go, I think I would like someone that focuses mainly on reversing the damaging effects of climate change and trying to fix the ongoing homelessness epidemic in America,” John said. “These are both very important things that affect our daily lives but are often swept under the rug and never dealt with in a timely fashion or at all.” John likened her ideal candidate to presidential candidate Andrew Yang and U.S. representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. She believes both of these political figures have the drive to fully serve their communities and a passion for creating a better future for all.
ILLUSTRATION BY MYAH ANGLIN & PAGE LAYOUT BY MONIQUE ROJAS | THE SIGNAL
ARTS & LIVING
WWW.GEORGIASTATESIGNAL.COM/ARTSANDLIVING
November 3, 2020
Fly steals show during vice president debate
In 2020, social media plays a bigger role in politics CATHERINE USHER Staff Reporter
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As an artist, Mike Luckovich hopes his cartoons make a difference and showcase many Americans’ thoughts and opinions.
PHOTO SUBMITTED BY MIKE LUCKOVICH
Editorial cartoonist Mike Luckovich creates visual voice for the people Cartoons as a form of activism and a way to influence viewers ISA CARDONA Staff Reporter
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quipped with a pen and an abundance of ideas, Mike Luckovich has been an editorial cartoonist for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution since 1989. Luckovich began drawing in elementary school. He moved a lot growing up, so he would draw his teachers when he started at new schools. “Even as a little kid, I was able to capture the likeness and make it look like the teachers, but it was like a caricature,” Luckovich said. He used caricatures to connect with his classmates and make friends. Later, he made a career out of his ability to reach others through art. His drawing process has shifted as he’s currently working from home. Luckovich starts his work days around noon by reading The AJC and going online for inspiration. Even after three decades of drawing for The AJC, Luckovich loves his job and looks forward to coming up with new cartoons. “I can’t wait to start coming up with ideas and drawing them out,” he said. “When I do a crappy cartoon that I’m not happy with, it just motivates me for the next day
to try to do my very best. I have a desire to do the best I can, and it hasn’t gone away [through the years].” Luckovich has gained national recognition for his editorial cartoons. He is the 2005 winner of the Reuben Award for Outstanding Cartoonist of the Year, the National Cartoonists Society’s top award for cartoonist of the year and the recipient of two Pulitzer Prizes. Luckovich’s cartoons gained admiration from influential figures like the late civil rights activist Rep. John Lewis. Lewis and Luckovich were great friends, and it is his most significant accomplishment to know that Lewis appreciated his work. His cartoons are relatively controversial and politically driven. His current work focuses on his disapproval of Donald Trump’s presidency and administration. “I’ve always got people emailing me or posting stuff on Facebook about being pissed off at me or my cartoons, but that’s what an editorial cartoonist should do,” Luckovich said. “You should try and take a stand on things that you think are important, and that’s what I try and do.”
His favorite cartoons are usually the last one he creates. His most recent favorite shows an undecided American asking for voting advice from a caged child in an ICE facility, referencing President Trump’s immigration policy and the current mistreatment of immigrants in ICE containment. This cartoon has made its way onto billboards around Atlanta and made rounds as a point of political discourse. Many people share his work online and use this cartoon to express their beliefs. Luckovich hopes his cartoons make a difference and give a voice to the people visually. “I feel like [my comics] hopefully contribute [to social justice activism] and are a voice to those folks that are out marching and protesting,” he said. In uncertain times, Luckovich believes it’s crucial to do what one can to create change, whether through art or voting. “I think that if you can put that anger and hope for change in a cartoon, I think it’s just a positive way to make a difference and spread a message,” Luckovich said.
uring the 2020 vice presidential debate, a fly landed on Vice President Mike Pence’s head and caused a social media uproar. Social media users all had different reactions to the debate. Some shared their concerns about Vice President Pence’s views on systemic racism. Others laughed, created memes and even made an Instagram page for the famed fly. Some use social media as a tool to learn and process more knowledge on political issues. Others believe these platforms make a mockery of the presidential race. Georgia State professor Jeannie Grussendorf specializes in political science and thought the “pathetic” fly memes took away from more pressing issues. “In fact, the fly detracted far too much from issues and thus just seems to exemplify how our elections seem to be not at all about substance but all about style.” Grussendorf said. The debate moderator confronted Pence about Breonna Taylor, a 26-yearold Black woman who was fatally shot by police officers in Louisville, Kentucky. His answer fell short of some viewer’s expectations. Although he gave condolences to Taylor’s family and expressed sadness for her death, he also denied that systemic racism existed or played a role in her death. His answer left many speechless, angry and disappointed. “For anyone to deny the continuing presence of systemic racism is just baffling to me,” Grussdendorf said. “It doesn’t take much for anyone to see the pervasive effects of
centuries of racist policies and the ongoing damage done to Americans as a consequence of it.” She hopes people will focus more on real issues instead of laughing and joking about meaningless incidents. Unlike Grussendorf, Georgia State alumnus Les McBride believes that social media plays a positive role in politics. He uses social media to stay informed and up to date with the election and the debates. “I have never been one to sit down and watch a debate full through or keep up with politics through news because I feel that the bickering between the presidential candidates is unnecessary and childish,” he said. “I have alway felt that politics can get way too messy for me, so I would much rather keep up with it through social media.” McBride decided that it was best for him to follow politics through social media instead of mainstream media. “I do agree that the fly memes can be too much of a distraction,” he said. “It’s important for an individual to ignore the jokes on social media and only pay attention to what is truly important, like the candidate’s views on the issues.” McBride hopes that others will use social media more strategically for politics as he does. He ignores all meme pages and only focuses on those that post reliable political information. Whether social media has a positive or negative effect on politics depends on the person behind the account. While some create memes and laugh about political events, others seek valuable information that is shared on social media.
ARTS&LIVING
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2020
11
'Crucial Conversations' about race
Rialto provides platform for students to talk urban issues JADA JONES Associate Arts & Living Editor
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ith racial equity and reconciliation in the limelight, it is more important than ever to engage in difficult conversations on challenging topics. To highlight these issues, Georgia State’s Rialto, Creative Media Industries Institute and the Narrating Justice Project introduced “Crucial Conversations.” “Crucial Conversations” addresses issues that affect Georgia State students and members of the downtown community like race, police brutality and homelessness. The series features many guests, including Georgia State University Police Department Chief Joseph Spillane and former editors for The Signal, Ada Wood, Daniel Varitek and Kenneth Lockett. Douglas Blackmon, a Georgia State CMII professor and Pulitzer Prize winner, is the event’s host and moderator. Blackmon sees “Crucial Conversations” as an easily digestible way to talk about difficult topics. Blackmon finds it difficult to discuss race relations without fear. He compares this fear to “middle schoolers being scared to get on the dance floor.” “A lot of people who have really good thoughts about these kinds of questions are just afraid to engage in that kind of dialogue,” Blackmon said. “They’re afraid of saying the wrong thing or that if their thoughts are not what they ought to be, someone will be mad at them.” “Crucial Conversations’” first episode touched on Georgia State’s and Black and white people’s responsibility to combat racial inequality. Alahna Lark is a Georgia State alumna who works on projects highlighting Black neighborhoods’ struggles in Atlanta, like Sweet Auburn Blues. During her time on “Crucial Conversations,”
Lark spoke about the role white allies play in eradicating racism. She believes allies must have uncomfortable talks with those around them. “I think keeping these kinds of conversations going is what will have an effect,” she said. “Yes, I think it’s great to have these conversations, but, no, I don’t think just having them every once in a while is enough.” Lark explained that as a white ally, attending a Black Lives Matter protest is not enough. A real ally corrects questionable comments made by family members at the dinner table, as well. “If you go to Thanksgiving dinner and you have the uncle who’s saying things that go against what you’re trying to fight for [and] you don’t say anything, then as quickly as you’re doing something that creates social change, you are also contributing to white supremacy and racism by not speaking up,” she said. Blackmon agrees with Lark that the most effective way to have one’s own crucial conversation is to start with the closest ear willing to listen. “Georgia State students can engage in these kinds of conversations; in the same way, I advise everybody to [not] be afraid of talking to the person right beside them,” he said. Touchy subjects like race are never easy to talk about. But when speaking on these topics, it is important to be respectful, honest and open. “People just need to engage each other and do that in a way where they’re actually ready to listen to one another and be willing to be honest,” Blackmon said. Future episodes of “Crucial Conversations” will air the second Sunday and Wednesday of every month on GPB Channel 8.3 and are available to watch on YouTube.
The first Presidential debate, which took place on September 29th, was an opportunity to bring the nation together; however, it did anything but that.
PHOTO BY MATT SICILIANO-SALAZAR | THE SIGNAL
Trump vs Biden: The worst presidential debate in history
Student reflect on what was considered a national embarrassment DEENA KAYYALI Staff Reporter
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very four years, political advertisements take over airtime, signs with candidates’ names line roads and debates between candidates begin. These are established traditions of political campaigns, yet the first presidential debate between former Vice President Joe Biden and President Donald Trump was everything but traditional.
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Overall, the first presidential debate was an absolute catastrophe for both candidates.
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— GRAYSON GORMAN
Georgia State Sophomore
In a year of climate disasters, demonstrations and the coronavirus, tensions between U.S. citizens are at an all-time high. According to the American Psychological Association, 83% of Americans say our nation’s future is a significant source of stress. The Washington Post described
the first Trump-Biden debate as “The Worst Presidential Debate in Living Memory.” Interruptions and false information filled the dialogue of the debate. Moderator Chris Wallace struggled to maintain order throughout the event, describing it as a completely missed opportunity. Personal attacks on the candidates outshone issues viewers wanted to hear about. Rather than focusing on pressing issues like racism, climate change and immigration, the event strayed far from political issues throughout the night. Both men spent most of their allotted two minutes defending themselves, their family name, or accusing and attacking the other. As described by CNN’s Jake Tapper, the debate was “a hot mess inside a dumpster fire inside a train wreck.” Many viewers on both sides of the political spectrum shared this sentiment. Sophomore Grayson Gorman is a member of the Republican Party. He, like many Americans, was dissatisfied with the contents of the debate. “Overall, the first presidential debate was an absolute catastrophe for both candidates,” he said. “Joe Biden said disrespectful and shameful things to the acting President of the United States, at one point even calling him a clown and telling him to shut up. On the topic of the moderator, Chris Wallace gave Joe Biden an easy pass by not fact-checking Joe as he did Trump.” Daniel Franklin is an Emeritus
Associate Professor of Political Science who identifies with the Democratic Party. Like many, he was shocked by the debate. “The thing I love about presidential debates is that they are unedited,” he said. “Regardless of their efforts, candidates can’t hide who they are on live television. The most outstanding feature of the first debate was President Trump’s demeanor, which includes a total lack of decorum and discipline. The debate was a disaster for President Trump.” Georgia State alumna Ola Moustafa is a polling location manager who helps make the voting process go as smoothly as possible. “That debate was not what this country needed,” she said. “Tensions are already high, even at voting locations. You can almost feel it. That uncivilized and messy debate was broadcasted for millions of people to see. ‘Division’ is a word I would use to describe it. It was just a mess.” Debates are held in an attempt to bring people together on divisive and heated issues. For years, they have been a respected part of U.S. democracy. However, the first presidential debate was anything but traditional. The encounter between the two candidates further set controversy throughout the country by displaying the deep division between Democrats and Republicans.
SPORTS
November 3, 2020
WWW.GEORGIASTATESIGNAL.COM/SPORTS
ILLUSTRATION BY ROE GASSETT | THE SIGNAL
Hawks staying ‘True to Atlanta’ through the 2020 election State Farm Arena taking all precautions as a voters submit their ballots JULIAN-CHRISTIAN HARDEN Staff Reporter
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he 2020 General Election is here, and Georgia, and subsequently Atlanta, play prominent roles. Many believe the state will be a toss-up after thousands have already cast their ballots with the Atlanta Hawks’ help. Unlike other professional sports franchises during these trying times, the Hawks decided not to just “stick to basketball” or “shut up and dribble.” Not only have the franchise’s players and coaches participated in civil rights protests, but the team made Juneteenth a paid holiday and, most importantly, opened up State Farm Arena as a voting center. When protests erupted following the death of George Floyd, Hawks coaches and players alike marched with protesters demanding an end to police brutality. Head coach Lloyd Pierce announced to the crowd that the Hawks were to open the arena as a voting area. Since the 2018 midterm, accusations of voter fraud and suppression plagued elections. In the 2018 Governor's race, hour-long lines and inoperable voting machines ran rampant in polling locations. The Atlanta Hawks took action and, in a stunning move, made State Farm Arena one of the largest voting centers in the state. They showed that the Hawks are committed to Atlanta, and the community praised them for it. Even during past elections, no professional team offered up their own building as a voting station, making the Hawks pioneers. The move to make the arena a voting center inspired many other teams to follow suit. Shortly after the Hawks announced that their stadium had voting stations, the Los Angeles Rams, Carolina Panthers and New York Knicks, among others, announced that they would use their stadiums as voting stations for the election. Like other franchises, the Hawks have always done community service, but opening up the stadium is groundbreaking. The franchise recently announced they made a significant increase from 100 to 300 machines to meet demand. The Hawks have done their best to give Fulton County voters a chance to use their voice and ensure a safe voting process.
Hawks CEO Steve Koonin saw the voting station as not just a public relations stunt but also critical to the city. “Let your voices be heard … Get out and vote,” Koonin said. “We look forward to welcoming Fulton County voters to State Farm Arena.” When protests erupted following the death of George Floyd, Hawks coaches and players alike marched with protesters demanding an end to police brutality. Head coach Lloyd Pierce announced to the crowd that the Hawks were to open the arena as a voting area. Longtime Atlanta Hawks broadcaster Bob Rathbun saw the players voicing their opinions as significant to future change and using their platform for good. “These guys know how much weight their voices carry,” Rathbun said. “Their voices carry a lot more weight than a regular joe, and [they] use it to enact change.” The move to make a State Farm Arena a voting station couldn't have come at a better time. With the pivotal election fast approaching, Atlanta votes matter more than ever. For the first time since the 1992 election, Georgia is a swing state, and the Hawks will play a significant role in the results. Georgia also has two senate seats up for grabs, and those seats and could be historic for the state as well if the state turns blue. While the election looms large over the state, each voice has the right to be heard. With Georgia’s checkered past regarding voting, assisting their local community is a significant step in the relationship between team and city. All Fulton County voters now have a widely accessible voting center that more people can access. “[State Farm Arena] really shows the commitment the Hawks have to this city,” Rathbun said. “Now, you’re seeing other teams in cities following the Hawks’ example.” Voter turnout in Georgia, while it has grown since 2016, has been marred by controversy. Allegations of voter suppression and fraud became the staple of elections in the Peach State. Significant allegations like these discourage people from voting, but the Hawks have sought to fix this issue by providing a smooth voting process.
State Farm Arena not only has the capacity for large amounts of voters, but it also offers both influenza and COVID-19 tests for those who come to vote. Additionally, the arena sanitized all pens when signing forms and required masks at all times. Those who did not have a mask received one. The arena has benefited not just Hawks basketball but also the community, and the stadium has already had a pivotal impact on the election. With mail-in ballots and early in-person voting numbers smashing state and national records, State Farm Arena’s imminent effect could make a difference for in-person voters. As a whole, Georgia is experiencing massive early-voting turnout, and the election could take a drastic turn. Even with early voting ending, the Hawks will still open their doors to voters until the polls close at 7 p.m. State Farm Arena also serves as the largest voting center in Fulton County, giving a new meaning to the motto “True to Atlanta.” The Hawks are playing a critical role in arguably the most crucial election in this state's history. “The Hawks have always shown their commitment to the city; opening up the stadium for voters only further shows how much they care,” Rathbun said. Unlike many other teams, the Atlanta Hawks are staying true to their city and helping the community. Rathbun sees the Hawks being active in the community as a model for other teams to follow in their cities. “Teams should play a significant role in their communities,” Rathbun said. “The Hawks are making sure people of Atlanta have their voices heard.” Regardless of today’s results, the Hawks have proven vital in making sure the people’s voices get heard. With today’s election, the Hawks’ significant contributions to the community will not go unnoticed. Some people cannot afford not to have their votes wasted. The marred 2016 election kept some people remaining idle, not allowing them to cast their votes. The Hawks have gone above and beyond to reach out and encourage all to be heard for the country’s future.
SPORTS
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2020
13
Lloyd Pierce can smell the playoffs in the future Hawks’ head coach looks ahead to a season of optimism MARQUIS CHAMBERS Staff Reporter
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hrough 52 seasons in the Peach State, the Atlanta Hawks franchise has only made the playoffs 33 times. The organization’s last playoff appearance was in 2017, with a first-round exit to the once-promising Washington Wizards. We can safely say that the previous few seasons have resulted in underwhelming finishes. One highlight for the Hawks front office and coaching staff was Lloyd Pierce’s hiring, coming from Brett Brown’s exceptional coaching staff with the Philadelphia 76er’s. Many praised his hiring, expecting him to take the team to the next level. The Hawks have yet to win a championship in Atlanta, continuing a drought that began 62 years ago. Pierce and the front office have drafted well over the last few years. Now that the tools are there, the franchise’s first step to success is complete. “We have a young core of guys who’ve been here two to three years now as we enter into this season, and they [have] enough experience playing together,” Pierce said. You may recall the Hawks selecting Luka Doncic third overall in the 2018 NBA Draft before trading him for Trae Young, the fifth overall pick, minutes later. Young was fresh off a ridiculous college season for the Oklahoma Sooners. He led the nation in scoring and assists, a feat never accomplished until his freshman year. He is everything the Hawks wanted and could be the face of the franchise for the next decade. As one of the more talented shooters in the league, people often compare Young to a more versatile and younger version of Golden State Warriors point guard Stephen Curry. A supporting cast with borderline all-star John Collins gives Pierce one of the best young duos in the league. Along with Collins and Young, the Hawks’ homegrown talent features De’Andre Hunter, Cam Reddish, Kevin Heurter and Bruno Fernando, all 23 or younger. The Hawks are looking to make the roster a much younger and versatile team to pair alongside vets like Jeff Teague and Dewayne Dedmon.
“[Hunter and Reddish need to be] more assertive, more aggressive, having the mindset to be productive for our team on both ends of the floor [in order to succeed next season],” Pierce told the media during the team’s mini-camp early last month. “They played heavy minutes as rookies, and I think that’s a great step for them in terms of gaining that first-year experience.”
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We’re going into the year needing to be competitive. Playoffs are an easy target, and it shifts our mindset about what we want to accomplish this year. — LLOYD PIERCE Atlanta Hawks Head Coach
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However, that still wasn’t enough to put them over the hump and become a potential playoff basketball team. Ultimately, Pierce’s next step to transition into a playoff team will be the next question the organization has to answer going into the 2020-21 season. Going through a pandemic makes it a little harder than usual for teams to establish that communication, especially on and off the court. “It’s a priority in every season. It’s easy to say it was more important this year than it was last year,” Pierce said. “It’s always … important, mainly because you add
Head Coach, Lloyd Pierce, knows that the Hawks have the talent to do well this season. But they must work as a unit instead of as individuals.
different guys to your roster.” One of the new faces in Atlanta this season is Clint Capela, a 26-year-old defensive anchor. The Swiss-born center provides any offense with double-digit points and rebounds each night. “We have Clint, and then we still have four or five spots to fill with new guys, and so [if ] we can’t communicate, we will be lost,” Pierce said. “I think you get that every time you restart a season. You add new players that are learning the system you are putting in, and the ability to get on the same page is a vital step.” Collins is a natural power forward emerging as an exceptional all-around player. He will most likely share the court with Capela, a force on the inside. The 6-foot, 9-inch Collins continuously worked hard at becoming a more versatile player and complementing Trae Young, especially with his jump shot. Collins’ development will play a major role in Pierce’s future as well as the organization. His play will determine the results as they compete for a playoff spot in the years to come. “John has been tremendous,” Pierce said. “He’s done a tremendous job of working with the coaches with perimeter stuff, [dribble handoff ] stuff and a lot of different finishes he’s creating on his own.” A winning organization starts from the front office and works its way down to the court, which is the case with any major league sports team. Pierce’s recognition of this is a significant step forward for the Hawks if they want to see playoff action going into the new season. It also helps to have Trae Young on your roster. But, just one player producing will not translate into game wins for the young Hawks. “We’re going into the year needing to be competitive. Playoffs are an easy target, and it shifts our mindset about what we want to accomplish this year,” Pierce said. “But for us as an improved team, we have to come together and try to build on what we have done, and that’s really the focus.
PHOTO BY MATT SICILIANO-SALAZAR | THE SIGNAL
November 3, 2020
THREE BIG THINGS
GAMES SUDOKU
UNIVERSITY
STATE
NATIONAL
Mikele Colasurdo gives us the story of the weekend
Atlanta Hawks large voting turnout expected
The Dodgers win it all for the first time since 1988
In August, freshman quarterback Mikele Colasurdo announced he would opt out of this college football season following his myocarditis diagnosis. A month later, he received news that doctors cleared him for football activities. Fast forward to Saturday, and it happened: With the Panthers down 51-0 and nothing to lose, Shawn Eliott called Colasurdo’s name. He only threw two passes, both incompletions, but the road to get there was nothing short of a life-changing experience for him.
With 300 polling machines and many eager to vote, State Farm Arena welcomed 20,000 people during the first day of early voting for the 2020 presidential election. The home of the Hawks has not seen this many people since the last game of the Hawks season on March 11. With most voters taking no more than 15 minutes out of their day to vote at the arena, many more expect to wait in line today.
A week ago today, the Los Angeles Dodgers closed out the Tampa Bay Rays in game six to capture their first World Series in 42 years. Behind brilliant performances from World Series Most Valuable Player Corey Seager, Mookie Betts and Clayton Kershaw, the team finally got over a hump after appearing in the 2017 and 2018 Fall Classic. However, the controversy came after the game when slugger Justin Turner reportedly tested positive for COVID-19, was pulled in the eighth inning and still celebrated without a mask after the game.
THE KICKBACK
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2020
GAMES
15
COMIC
Your Comic Should be Here!
UPCOMING EVENTS FRIDAY
Talk Tuesday: Stay Woke and Vote 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m Virtual Canned Food Drive 12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Newton Campus- 1N and 2N lobby
Achieving Health Equity in Georgia 12:00 p.m. - 1:15 p.m. Virtual Healthy State: Food Insecurity Awareness 6:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. Virtual
Photoshop for Photography 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Virtual Engaging Differences through Civil Discourse 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. Virtual
Tech Talent Fair 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Virtual Fitness Fridays 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. Virtual
NOV 06
THURSDAY NOV 05
WEDNESDAY NOV 04
TUESDAY
SUNDAY
MONDAY
Chastain Park Art Festival 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Chastain Park Georgia State football vs ULM 12:00 p.m. Georgia State Stadium
Food-O-Rama 11:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. Piedmont Park Ensuring Equity for Transnational Bilingual Students 7:00 p.m. Virtual
Monday Mile 11:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Self-directed Trauma-Informed Teaching 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Virtual
NOV 09
SATURDAY NOV 08
NOV 07
NOV 03
THE KICKBACK