The Signal Vol. 88 No. 5

VOL. 88 | NO. 05

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THE POLL WORKERS PROJECT CALLS ON STUDENTS FOR HELP PG.03

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At 2:20 p.m., a Georgia State student was a victim of larceny at University Commons. The case is still active.

Time to pass the 40 oz.

A non-Georgia State offender was arrested at 4:40 p.m. for a liquor law violation on Luckie Street.

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Dora says, “ ‘Swiper, no swiping!’ ”

Thursday’s Theft

At 2:53 p.m., a Georgia State student was a victim of larceny at Langdale Hall. The case is still active.

SEPT. 14

“Where did I park?”

A non-Georgia State criminally trespassed the I Parking Lot at 7:46 a.m. The case was exceptionally cleared.

SEPT. 15

“I forgot I don’t live on campus!”

At 11:44 p.m., a nonGeorgia State offender criminally trespassed the University Commons. The case was exceptionally cleared.

OCT. 24

That’s not my name!

A Georgia State student was a victim of fraud at 11:41 a.m. The case is still active.

LOCAL

NATIONAL

GLOBAL

UGA student is sexually assaulted near campus

Trump rally site is fined for violating COVID-19 guidelines

Barbados intends to remove Queen Elizabeth as monarch

On Sept. 13, a University of Georgia student was sexually assaulted on her walk home. According to The Atlanta JournalConstitution, she was assaulted at 11:30 p.m. near the intersection of South Harris and Dearing Streets, close to the university campus. The 19-year-old student was pulled into the bushes as she screamed and fought back. The man eventually ran off. Athens-Clarke County police are still searching for the man.

Xtreme Manufacturing hosted President Trump’s rally on Sept. 13 in Henderson, Nevada, and is being fined $3,000 for not following COVID-19 guidelines. Attendees did not wear masks or social distance.

According to CNN, the event came after a similar Trump rally in Tulsa, Oklahoma caused a surge in COVID-19 cases. Xtreme Manufacturing has a month to respond to the charges.

Queen Elizabeth II has been Barbados’s head of state since 1966. But on Sept.

16, Barbados announced its intention to remove the queen from the position.

According to BBC News, Barbados “aims to complete the process in time for the 55th anniversary of independence from Britain, in November 2021.” Prime Minister Mia Mottley said Barbadians wanted a Barbadian head of state for some time.

PHOTO OF THE WEEK PHOTO BY MATT SICILIANO-SALAZAR | THE SIGNAL

NEWS

September 22, 2020

WWW.GEORGIASTATESIGNAL.COM/NEWS

PHOTO SUBMITTED BY THE POLL WORKERS PROJECT

The Poll Workers Project recruits students for November Students are needed to run the polls this election OLIVIA NASH News Editor

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s election day approaches, students plan to exercise their right to vote. However, voters face some unique challenges during this time.

Among the long waits, the need for social distancing and the USPS changes that discourage vote-by-mail ballots, another issue arises: Who will work the polls for the upcoming election?

The U.S. is experiencing a nationwide poll worker shortage.

Even before the pandemic, around 65% of jurisdictions struggled to recruit a sufficient number of poll workers.

Jurisdictions reported that it was either “very difficult” or “somewhat difficult” to recruit a good number of poll workers.

Getting people to work at the polls has been a struggle, but an organization called the Poll Workers Project is determined to recruit students and young adults.

According to Noah Goldstein, the founder of the Poll Workers Project, the project is “a non-partisan organization dedicated to registering young people to be poll workers.”

Goldstein and the organization want to recruit young adults for the voting process to run as smoothly and safely as possible.

“Most states don’t have the resources [or] experience to handle the influx of applications and ballots,” Goldstein said.

“Many voters … will be forced to vote in person or not at all.

In-person voting will play a large role in November’s election, and we need to recruit poll workers [to] prevent poll closures, allowing more people to vote safely.”

The Poll Workers Project was a response to the difficulties of in-person voting, as evidenced by this year’s primary elections.

The long lines were just the start of the chaos. Many polling locations will soon experience closure and consolidation before the November election, resulting from the decline in the number of poll workers.

“While ensuring absentee and vote-by-mail options are critical due to the dangers posed by COVID-19, in-person voting will still play a huge role in this year’s elections,” Goldstein said. “However, with the majority of the poll worker volunteer base in an at-risk age category, Georgia and the country will see closures and consolidations in polling places in November.”

Older people run most polls around the nation. In 2018, volunteers ages 61 and older, to whom the coronavirus poses an acute threat, accounted for 58% of poll workers in the U.S. Research by the CDC reports that around 80% of COVID-19related deaths were among adults aged 65 and up.

Though COVID-19 affects people of all ages, younger people have a significantly lower COVID-19 infection and mortality rate.

“These polling sites were not necessarily closed down for some capricious decision,” Goldstein told The State News.

“They were actually closed down in large part because the poll worker volunteer base is largely older.”

The usual volunteers have been sidelined due to the pandemic. The Poll Workers Project is looking for the younger demographic to fill “the vacuum left” by older poll workers who are not working this year. “[We need to] use our bodies in the fight for safer, more accessible, more open voting for everyone,” Goldstein said.

Closure of polling places deprives thousands of Americans of their right to vote. The Black community and lower-income communities are especially affected. This is reiterated in the Aug. 31 Atlanta case Anderson v. Raffensperger.

In his expert report, Stanford University professor of political science Jonathan Rodden relays the polls’ disproportionate wait times.

“In polling places where minorities constituted more than 90% of active registered voters, the average minimum wait time in the evening was 51 minutes. When whites constituted more than 90% of registered voters, the average was around six minutes,” the report stated.

Goldstein believes that by recruiting more poll workers through the project, issues such as these can be alleviated.

The organization currently operates virtually with members spread out over a couple of states. The group has been holding meetings once a week, since late June.

“The idea for the group came from, ‘OK, what’s a viable solution to this?’ And the solution that I thought of, at least, was let’s try and get some young people to volunteer to be poll workers and try to fill the gap of folks that are not volunteering this year,” Goldstein told The State News.

Goldstein had the original idea of The Poll Workers Project and sat with the vision before the group was formed.

Power the Polls is another initiative that hopes to recruit young adults. Partnered with The Poll Workers Project, Power the Polls has a similar structure to encourage young adults to work this November.

The Poll Workers Project is accepting applications to become a poll worker until the beginning of October.

“Estimates say that we need at least 250,000 poll workers for the 2020 general election to ensure an adequate number of polling locations and to allow for safe and accessible voting for everyone,” Goldstein said.

Goldstein added that “with only eight volunteers needed per polling station in 2016, one volunteer can make a big difference.”

“

Let’s try and get some young people to volunteer to be poll workers and try to fill the gap of folks that are not volunteering this year.

— NOAH GOLDSTEIN Founder of The Poll Workers Project

”

Georgia polls need at least 5,000 poll workers for November.

“Most election boards I’ve spoken with have noted that they likely need more than the initial estimate because COVID may make folks back out, and there are always people who simply don’t show up,” Goldstein said.

Becoming a poll worker helps communities vote in not only presidential elections, but on the local level.

“A lot of government is local, and a lot of the politics that actually impact people are local,” Goldstein told The State News.

“I’m proud to be a part of this group, working to alert people to the poll worker shortage in the US and how it affects the November election,” Goldstein tweeted.

4

NEWS

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2020

The student health clinic is offering on-campus COVID-19 testing to students who want to get tested.

PHOTO BY MATT SICILIANO-SALAZAR | THE SIGNAL

The Student Health Clinic is ready for COVID-19 Georgia State’s clinic can take more patients J.P. IRIE Staff Reporter

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s the pandemic continues, Georgia State is open for COVID-19 testing on every campus. But its capacity to test — an estimated 5,000 tests per week — overshadows the number of patients that get tested — between 400 and 500 weekly. Meanwhile, the rest of the state continues to find its footing in the pandemic.

If students wish to test for COVID-19 on campus, they must schedule their appointments in advance through the Student Health Patient Portal. Telehealth appointments are usually required beforehand, though some students report having COVID-19 tested without one.

Upon arrival, they must volunteer information such as their home address, phone number and email. They also need to sign and date a form so that the clinic can send them the test results.

“

Testing short comings [placed] new urgency on mass-producing so-called antigen tests and other rapid tests that can cheaply deliver results in minutes while someone waits — DAREN FOWLER United Campus Worker of Georgia

”

The test itself takes only a few seconds. Saliva isn’t reliable for detecting the virus early, so the clinic uses an NPH swab.

The swab is a long plastic rod that the nurse inserts in the patient’s nostrils for a few seconds and then pulls it out.

Julia Hilliard, director of the Georgia State Viral Immunology Center, said the laboratory uses the rt-qPCR testing method. In a nutshell, it uses viral RNA the raw

viral genetic material) to detect the number of copies of the virus in the sample. A test usually takes 40 cycles; the less coronavirus in a sample, the more cycles it takes to detect it.

THE LOGISTICS

From Aug. 15 to Sept. 11, the Student Health Clinic conducted 758 tests, only 15 of which, or 2%, were positive.

On average, there were about 28 tests per day.

Georgia State doesn’t struggle with capacity. Hilliard said that Georgia State could run up to 5,000 tests a week but only has to run 400 to 500 tests. She also said that tests usually only take a few hours to complete. The lab tries to return results as soon as the samples get there.

This is because the amount of eligible patients is far lower — approximately 53,000. Hilliard explained that Georgia State is authorized to test samples from students, but not outside samples. That would require approval from the Georgia Department of Public Health before being tested.

She said that the university puts students’ health at the top of testing priorities, with more focus on students who reside in dormitories and who participate in sports. However, there isn’t any Georgia State-sanctioned testing for faculty and staff yet.

In the summer, the rest of the state struggled to meet the demands of testing. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported a strain on supplies as the state grappled with rising case numbers. In the two weeks before the article was published, there were 24,186 cases.

While Georgia’s capacity to test is now much greater than it was in the spring, there are still hiccups in the system.

Some have to wait weeks for their test results. Furthermore, the COVID-19 laboratory Quest Diagnostics database was breached, releasing many patients’ information.

“Testing shortcomings [placed] new urgency on massproducing so-called antigen tests and other rapid tests that can cheaply deliver results in minutes while someone waits,” Trubey said.

THE INNOVATION

Georgia State’s research division has worked to address the concern of efficient tests.

In the same month, Georgia State received a $200,000 grant from the National Science Foundation, which hoped that the university’s researchers would find a way to detect COVID-19 in patients. Georgia State also received a

$100,000 grant in August to learn more about the virus’s replication.

Electrochemistry researcher Gangli Wang, in collaboration with professor and virologist Mukesh Kumar, developed a way of finding traces of COVID-19 using RNA. However, Wang noted that it would be hard to detect smaller quantities of the virus.

Another Georgia State biology alumnus Rodney James Nash has made a similar advancement in making COVID-19 tests more efficient and reliable. His method had a 99% accuracy rate and a 96% sensitivity rate when tested on 500 samples.

However, Hilliard said that her team doesn’t practice these experimental methods of testing samples for COVID-19.

The laboratory uses the state’s standards and has less leeway than a research laboratory.

These methods would first have to pass through the FDA. Then, staff would have to be adequately trained for the procedures and machines calibrated.

An experimental technique might be useful in a lab in an emergency, but even then, the methods would again have to be approved for use when it’s no more.

Even without new methods, Georgia State stays on top of its COVID-19 testing. The lab waits to test thousands of more patients and for the pandemic’s resolution.

The white tents where COVID-19 testing occurs can be found at every campus: At the Atlanta campus, COVID-19 testing tents can be found by University Commons. Testing also occurs at the Counseling Center and Patton Dining Hall. Students can also test at the Fulton County Health Department and the Center for Health and Rehabilitation.

Near the Clarkston campus, Ethne Health and the Clarkston Community Health Center provide free COVID-19 testing.

In Alpharetta, students can get tested at the Fulton County Board of Health or on campus.

In Newton, students can get tested at Walmart on or off campus.

In Dunwoody, students can get tested on campus. The DeKalb County Board of Health used to host testing at Kingswood Church but has closed testing there as of June 29. The Board closed testing at Beulah Missionary Baptist Church on August 18 due to a low volume of tests at the location.

5

THE SIGNAL

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2020

Revolutionary Coalition hosts a vigil Survivors of Sexual Assault Share Their Stories OLIVIA NASH News Editor

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The student health clinic is offering on-campus COVID-19 testing to students who want to get tested.

PHOTO BY MATT SICILIANO-SALAZAR | THE SIGNAL

University housing separates students with COVID-19 Students are sent to quarantine in Piedmont North A SAMARIA CLAIR Staff Reporter

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n Sept. 1, the North Central Health District of the Georgia Department of Public Health tweets, students who contract COVID-19 need to quarantine in separate dorms and housing.

Students with COVID-19 while living on campus remain to seclude in the college’s county. Students who live offcampus must stay in the county of their residential address.

Georgia State partners with the DPH and local county health departments. All university protocols must follow safety measures for those who test positive or are at risk of exposure to COVID-19.

According to the Director of University Housing Dr. Shannon Corey, there is no different response for in-state or out-of-state students who have the virus.

Both in-state and out-of-state students who test positive for COVID-19 have the option to return home, but if they are not able to, they can settle in Piedmont North A. Piedmont North A is the residence hall to isolate students who test positive for COVID-19.

According to Corey, there is no change in fees for any students who are

in quarantine. Students in isolation will pay the same fees as students who only dorm on campus.

Following the CDC’s safety guidelines, residents are responsible for ensuring their areas are clean while residing in their quarantine space.

“For [isolated]isolation spaces, university housing is cleaning and disinfecting the room after the isolation period ends, and the students return to their permanent room assignment,” Corey said.

University Housing residents can expect to see the following: • Sanitizing stations throughout the residence halls • Plexiglass shields at high service areas • Staff wearing personal protection equipment • Educational materials provided to staff and students on social distancing, cleaning rooms and proper ways to wear and care for PPE • Maximum occupancy for shared spaces, such as lounges, learning centers and laundry rooms • Water fountains turned off except for bottle filling stations

•

Adjustments to health & safety inspection procedures • Protocols for staff entering students’ rooms The university develops a program that enables reports, tests and traces of COVID-19.

Georgia State is using two forms of COVID-19 testing this fall: PCR testing and saliva testing.

There are assumptions about how students in housing do not include in the results of surveillance testing.

However, Corey said the housing surveillance testing recording weekly in the chart.

The chart shows results that keep students and faculties with recent updates on COVID-19 cases within the university.

As of Sept. 5 to Sept. 11, the number of positive results increases to 10 out of 177 tests that were taken.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON WHERE AND HOW TO GET TESTED, SCAN THE QR CODE ABOVE.

ccording to The Signal’s June 23 investigation, “this year, there have been 214 total sexual misconduct violations through the Dean of Students at Georgia State.”

On Sept. 4, the Revolutionary Coalition of Survivors held a vigil to honor and reflect on those lives and others impacted by sexual and intimate violence.

A member of the Revolutionary Coalition of Survivors Shanbrae McFarland was the lead organizer of the event. Her and others organized the two-hour long vigil to bring awareness to the issue of sexual assault, and open up a space for students to grieve.

“So many students at Georgia State came forward with their experience of sexual violence and intimate partner violence, current students and alumni,” McFarland said. “With so much trauma happening, I feel like we weren’t given the space to actually stop and process what we were experiencing. With all this pain [we need to ask] how are we coping with this, how are we grieving?”

At 25 Park Place, around 20 students gathered in attendance. The vigil was held outdoors to allow social distancing and masks were required. The coalition also provided vigil goers with hand sanitizer.

The vigil was strategically held at 25 Park Place.

“There’s so much institutional power inside this building, and a lot of times students feel so disconnected from the school,” McFarland said. “So we’re gonna sit in front of this building [and] we’re gonna let people know that we’re not invisible.

We’re human beings, we’re experiencing things and I’m pretty sure people inside this building are experiencing these things too.”

Though held on the Georgia State campus, students from several different universities attended. Students and alumni from Georgia Tech, Spelman and Emory were there.

“Predators jump from

campus to campus, so we understand that… all of these universities, we share a community. We are all being harmed at some point by the same people. So [that] is a plan, across-campus solidarity,” McFarland said.

An altar was built to begin the vigil as members paid their respects. McFarland then began to speak.

“I basically opened up and explained why we were having [the] vigil, acknowledging the things that were happening inside the university and outside the university,” McFarland said.

Following McFarland, five other people spoke. After the designated speakers, the floor was open for another coalition member to deliver a poem. Candles were lit and there was a moment of silence, reflection and prayer.

Attendees noted that up to six police officers circled throughout the vigil; however, the officers did not bother the coalition.

“They didn’t say anything directly to us, but I did notice that at one point the police were constantly circling us and looking out their windows. There was actually an officer that was walking past us… and she was just looking. There was a police presence around the vigil.”

The majority of the vigil goers were Black.

“We only had three people that were white there. A majority of the people there were Black women, Black queer people and cisgender Black women too,” McFarland said. “One person there was Asian. So, it was different and there were visible differences.”

McFarland closed the vigil, reassuring the attendees that the ceremony was only the beginning.

“Grieving is not an ending, it’s a beginning to what we’re gonna do next,” she said.

“After we have grieved, after we’ve mourned and we’ve acknowledged these wrongs and all of the trauma, death and these experiences, this is only the beginning to one part of it. This is not the entire book.”

OPINIONS

WWW.GEORGIASTATESIGNAL.COM/OPINIONS

September 22, 2020

We don’t need another white male president.

It’s time for Georgia State to have its first Black president KENNETH LOCKETT III Staff Columnist

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ILLUSTRATION BY MARCUS JEFFERSON | THE SIGNAL

The Library of Alexandria is still burning

Politicians continue to skew information in their favor JENELLE RYAN Staff Columnist

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hroughout history, major political players have used fear, deceit and destruction to alter societal beliefs and steer public opinion in their favor. The knowledge of humanity lays helpless at the unforgiving hand of political moves that have erased culture, altered information and misled the masses.

We must collectively understand and beware of this dynamic or risk falling into the well laid traps of power-hungry people. Politicians are sabotaging our society for their own gain.

In 48 BCE, Julius Caesar set fire to Alexandria’s docks to sabotage Ptolemy XIV’s army. This tactical move gave Caesar the upper hand, decimating Ptolemy’s naval fleet, but unfortunately, it came at the Library of Alexandria’s destruction.

Once an epicenter of information, it was regarded as one of the most important libraries in the ancient world.

We can only guess how much information was lost. The current estimate is that 40,000 texts of culture, science and history vanished forever in a shortsighted and irresponsible action by one of the most influential political figures of the ancient world.

Alexandria’s lesser-known sister library, the Serapeum, fared no better

than her predecessor.

Under a decree from Coptic Christian Pope Theophilus of Alexandria, the library was demolished in 391 CE to incite fear and obliterate his rivals’ philosophy.

The library served as a gathering place for Neoplatonist philosophers, whose writings, ironically enough, significantly influenced Christian doctrine.

Another infamous example of the destruction of knowledge for political gain happened in Nazi Germany.

Officials conducted ceremonial book burnings to promote the party’s ultranationalist and anti-Semitic ideology and suppress “subversive” ideas and incite fear among those persecuted authors and their peers.

Books on Judaism, pacifism, sexology, feminism, social justice and many other topics that failed to conform to the totalitarian Nazi regime burned.

Coercing people to follow or abstain from certain ideologies through fear, deceit and destruction of other information is immoral and highly dangerous.

President Donald Trump downplayed the severity of our current coronavirus pandemic on record on multiple occasions.

In February, President Trump

repeatedly dismissed the coronavirus as no worse than the flu.

In July, public information about COVID-19 started disappearing from the CDC’s website, which resulted from the Trump administration shifting control over that data to the Department of Health and Human Services. On Sept. 7, Trump tweeted, “High marks in our handling of the Coronavirus (China Virus)” and that “Vaccines (Plus) are coming, and fast!”

We know why the president did this: He intentionally downplayed to gain favor among his base and make the situation appear more under control than it is. If the most influential people in our society are slanting the truth in their favor, how are we to know the unbiased facts?

Our society must remain aware and vigilant of our most powerful figures’ ulterior motives or risk our collective knowledge’s defacement.

Heinrich Heine said it best in his famous play “Almansor: A Tragedy”: “Where they burn books, they will also ultimately burn people.”

We can not continue to allow our most powerful politicians to sabotage our society for their own gain. They’re burning the Library of Alexandria again, and we’re letting them get away with it.

n Sept. 15, Georgia State University President Mark Becker announced that he would be leaving his position after the 2020-21 school year. The sudden announcement comes as the university tries to find its new normal during the pandemic.

Since 2009, and especially in the last year, Becker has made it a point to increase the university administration’s diversity.

This all came to a head in late July.

On July 27, Becker announced significant actions the university would take to increase diversity in response to the Student Government Association and The Signal’s criticisms of the university’s lack of diversity despite having a student population composed predominantly of people of color.

The actions ranged from the creation of the Office of Institutional Diversity, Equity and Inclusion to establishing a new scholarship in honor of the women who fought to desegregate the university. I hope that he continues to fight the good fight until he leaves.

But once he does, the next president will have to either pick up where he left off or end the program, which presents Georgia State and the University System of Georgia, whose board members will select the next president, with an opportunity to make history.

Every president and dean of Georgia State since 1913 have been white men. While that may have worked before the 1960s and 70s, it’s shocking that we can still have this situation in the 21st century.

“I’m actually surprised to hear that [Becker is]

leaving. [President Patton, Becker’s predecessor] was [president] for so long, I just expected him to be as well,” Georgia State alum, Kevin Jones, said. “Hopefully, the next president builds on the good he did. And honestly, hopefully, they pick somebody Black or Latino, someone who understands … how hard it is being a person of color in America.”

And he’s right. Becker has done a lot of good for the university by increasing graduation rates, transforming downtown Atlanta, preserving history and more.

Becker was one of, if not the greatest, presidents in Georgia State’s history. Becker has defined himself as one of the greatest modern university presidents.

But that doesn’t negate that there is still lots of work to be done, especially diversity. Who would be better to do it than someone who is Black?

Shaking the boat and placing a Black person, especially a Black woman, into the university’s highest position would truly make a STATEment.

Being the first Black president and the first female president would again make Georgia State a global leader.

If Georgia State and the University System of Georgia were genuinely committed to diversity, they would commit to showcasing it in its leadership. If they were genuinely committed to its students, they would hire someone who looks like most of them, someone from their communities.

Here is a prime opportunity to make history, and hopefully, they make the most of it.

OPINIONS

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2020

7

We need more diverse Black stories in film

There is more to Black lives than suffering KELVIN COLLINS Staff Columnist

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ILLUSTRATION BY ROE GASSETT | THE SIGNAL

Fight the patriarchy and embrace being #basic

Women shouldn’t feel ashamed about liking popular things ASHLAR BYLECKIE Staff Columnist

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s the crisp winds of autumn roll in, so do all of the season’s comforts: pumpkin spice lattes, Ugg boots, and cozy oversized sweaters. It is also the time of year when people use the term “basic” to shame women for their common interests. If you find yourself gravitating towards Lululemon leggings and holidayscented, mini hand sanitizers but worry about being seen as boring, fear not.

It’s okay to be basic, and you should embrace it.

The idea of being basic is strongly associated with women. It has gained notoriety as a way to shame and further divide us based on our interests. The less we think we have in common with each other, the better the patriarchy functions.

It also makes women less likely to advocate for one another because we are taught to see surface-level commonality, such as the clothes we wear, instead of a more profound level, such as the shared experience of womanhood.

Calling someone basic doesn’t necessarily mean you’re actively trying to contribute to the patriarchy.

Still, it trickles down in ways that can be traced to broader ideas about what women “should” be.

This concept of being basic doesn’t exist for men. Anything men like is “normal” or the default. Things are marketed to them on a larger,

broader scale, with action movies being a great example.

Men who are fans of Marvel movies never get taunted for liking such a popular series, but women who love “Twilight” have to defend their interest to the ends of the Earth. For men, the commonality is positive; it binds them. It makes it easier for them to unify and feel seen by society.

Sadly, the hostility towards the idea of being basic also comes from women.

A few months ago, one particular TikTok went viral after a girl who boasted a more alternative look said that men will always pick the blonde, basic girl. Most of the duets to the video were girls who fit that description, saying the failures of their relationships probably had more to do with the guy or her poor attitude, rather than their interests.

This is what’s known as a “pick me” girl, which Urban Dictionary defines as someone who seeks male validation by insinuating, indirectly or directly, that she is “not like the other girls,” usually by putting them down. This is a form of internalized misogyny.

A scene popularized it on the television show “Grey’s Anatomy,” where Meredith begs her partner to “pick me, love me, choose me” over his current wife. This type of thinking causes unhealthy behavior and sets women back.

“

The less we think we have in common with each other, the better the patriarchy functions.

”

— ASHLAR BYLECKIE Staff Columnist

Many women are working to change the negative connotations associated with being basic. On Instagram, the hashtag basic has over 6 million posts, most of which are women showing off their festive and popular aesthetic. The only way to overcome the association is to embrace it.

Do what makes you happy. Drink pumpkin spice, wear scrunchies and support other women. If we work together to destroy the idea that being basic is bad, we can unite on the broader issues. So, embrace the #BASICLIFE.

ovies are a fantastic medium for telling impactful stories, but repeated narratives can overshadow more diverse stories. The ubiquitous presence of films depicting intense and violent Black suffering, specifically slave narratives, is something I have grown tired of over the last decade.

The only films featuring Black people that get any recognition are the ones where trauma is involved. That’s not to say stories about slavery and oppression are unnecessary, as they can serve an educative purpose.

My problem does not pertain to documentaries and docuseries made solely to educate. Those genres still have my full support.

Instead, I believe more fictional movies, especially those made post-2020, should center around Black people experiencing fresher, less harsh conflicts.

Black people deserve to see themselves happy in theaters.

Wy’Kia Frelot, vice president of the Georgia State film club, is a Black woman who has had grievances with the abundance of slave movies for quite some time now.

“What bothers me the most is a lot of these films about Black suffering very rarely are made for Black people,” she said. “They are made for white people due to how they explain racism. It tricks the viewer into believing [they’re] much better than this.”

Her point of white audiences’ misunderstanding Black suffering was evident this summer. In June, “The Help” was trending on Netflix in response to the murder of George Floyd.

It was interesting to see white people flock in substantial numbers to watch a white savior film where a white woman serves an angelic voice for mistreated Black housemaids.

The presence of white characters rescuing Black people from their oppression undermines the attempts at telling these kinds of stories. I don’t think white savior films make the impact media executives believe they do, or if they even care.

The Black experience is complex but also magnetic. It would be nice to see more avantgarde films like “Sorry to Bother You,” where a relatable story of the Black experience in the workplace is told unexpectedly and uniquely.

“The Last Black Man in San Francisco” is another stylistic film that creatively illustrates Black people faced with the recent wave of Black displacement from gentrifivcation. More immediately, there needs to be a significant influx of engaging and relatable stories featuring Black women and queer Black people.

Another member of the Georgia State film club, A.J. Young, was very passionate in his stance on telling more varied stories surrounding Black people.

“There are far more interesting stories not just about Black history, but Black life today, that we tell. Black people are more than just the worst parts of our past,” Young said.

“There is a lot of diversity and personalities amongst Black people.”

We have grown weary of the repetitive character archetypes.

The late, great Chadwick Boseman refused a role in a slave movie in 2018. According to his long-time agent, he said something along the lines of “I do not want to perpetuate slavery.” The agent has tremendous respect for Boseman’s words and concluded that the beloved actor only wanted to play “men of strength and character.”

There is merit to those words.

This Week’s Spread: ARTS & LIVIN WWW.GEORGIASTATESIGNAL.COM/ARTSANDLIVING

Traditions and music to get into the fall spirit Students share their favorite fall activities and a playlist to match KARA MARTIN & ISA CARDONA

Staff Reporters

1. Piedmont Park “Various Storms and Saints”

by Florence and the Machine

2. Atlantic Station “Garden Kisses”

by Giveon

MONIQUE ROJAS

Page Layout

3. Blossom Tree

F

“Chasing Cars”

by Snow Patrol all is approaching, meaning soon leaves will turn vivid yellows

and reds, temperatures will start dropping and comfy clothing will be acceptable at all hours of the day.

5. Watch scary movies at home “Autumn Love Song”

by Billy Vaugh and his Orchestra

With fall weather being so nice, the outdoors becomes a breeding ground for all kinds of activities. For each, there’s a song to match the occasion.

6. Southern Belle Farms “$CARY”

by DellaXOZ

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Th with the Th in l A Wit eve P Neg has som

N of th can con Fa O Blo stum “I Kor thro it ne

D app roo goo “O Geo like Fro frie M coz ver

Si tim wat Th Free W wat “I and mov that W

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Georgia summers are notoriously hot, so the cooling temperature is a lcome relief. The fall has the perfect weather to be outdoors. Due to OVID-19, it’s a great time to embrace this change in the air and listen to usic that suits the season’s mood. f anyone is looking to relax, Piedmont Park is the perfect place for it. Junior yna Askin prefers to be outdoors this time of year.

Piedmont Park has been my favorite place to spend time in the fall ever since friends took me there my freshman year for a picnic,” Askin said. “When the ors of the leaves change and it gets cooler, I could stay out there for hours.”

Going outside to breathe in fresh air is a helpful way to destress, and tening to music can relieve stress from the pressures of work, school and neral life stressors.

For junior Hire Usman, the song “Various Storms and Saints” by Florence and the Machine carries the message to take a step back and transform in the fall.

“The song feels like a story of transformation within and without,” they said.

“Fall is a season of transformation, especially because I’m so used to spending that season struggling through school and the things that it embodies and reinforces.”

For many students, the fall season is a time of change and new experiences because of the start of the school year. In nature, fall is truly a time of reform and is the perfect opportunity to refocus and grow.

“So many things press on me outside and inside, so I metamorphose, bend, break and regroup constantly,” Usman said. “[The] fall equinox is usually the time of year I step back and really contend with who I am and what I’ve done.”

The crisp fall air is the perfect weather for walking around and hanging out h friends. To match this laid back vibe, freshman JaMiracle White suggested song “Garden Kisses” by Giveon.

This beautiful R&B and soul song will undoubtedly be a go-to for anyone who’s love or for those who are hopeless romantics.

Atlantic Station is an aesthetically pleasing destination for friends and couples. th so many different stores, restaurants and boutiques to choose from, eryone is bound to find a place that calls to them.

Places like Atlantic Station become safe havens for students like junior Eli gede, who need a place to escape when life moves too fast. This school year s been different than any other, so escaping daily life for a quick breather is metimes all that’s needed to get back on track.

“Atlantic Station during the fall is one of the best places I’ve gone to,” Negede said. “From the festive lighting to the crazy amounts of options of food and shopping they have. It has definitely been a great place for me to unwind and just destress from school, especially during exam season.”

Not everybody is a fan of the traditional pumpkin spice and cinnamon tastes he fall, but the season doesn’t have to be defined by that. Celebrating autumn n include having a good meal with friends or family, which is a great way to stay nnected and enjoy time together. all is characterized by coziness, community, good food and good vibes.

One place that encompasses all of these things is a local Korean restaurant called ossom Tree. Georgia State students frequent this restaurant like Eli Fleury, who mbled upon it their freshman year. It has since become a tradition to eat here.

In my opinion, Blossom Tree is the best place to eat at to get a unique mix of rean food paired up at a fantastic price,” said Fleury. “The service and vibe oughout the store are fantastic, and it’s hard [not to love] this place, which makes near impossible to not eat here every day with my friends.”

Spending time with loved ones is an integral part of the fall season. Junior Xavier Firth recommends the song “Chasing Cars” by Snow Patrol to capture the feeling of spending time with those he holds dear.

This is a classic love song that gives the feeling of sitting in a cafe or restaurant, watching cars pass by and leaves fall while taking a moment to appreciate those around you. “‘Chasing Cars’ has a very relaxed feel to it that’s like bathing in the fall colors,” Firth said. “It’s just a perfect song for resting with those you love.”

Despite Georgia State’s lack of a fall break, students like Nigel Walton preciate the free time he has on the weekends to tap back into his country ots and embrace the outdoors. When life in the city gets tiring, it is always od to take a trip back to where you feel the most at home.

One of my favorite places to go is Southern Belle Farms in McDonough, orgia, about 45 mins away from campus,” Walton said. “For a country boy e me, I love the sights and sounds that I get to experience when I go there. om the pumpkin patch to the hayrides to just taking pictures with my ends, it is a great time for everyone.”

Many people find themselves wanting to find someone to call their own and zy up to with a hot drink by a crackling fire in the fall. The season can be a ry romantic time for people, and going to places like Southern Belle Farms

is a lovely date or activity for close friends.

A fitting song to listen to at this location is “Autumn Love Song” by Billy Vaugh and his orchestra. Despite not containing lyrics, the orchestra and piano’s melodic timbre creates warm energy that can fill a room with the feeling of love and happiness.

The fall season has different meanings for different students. It may be a time for hibernating, taking a breather or turning over a new leaf.

Music not only brings people closer together but brings a sense of peace and comfort to those who need it. Nonetheless, everyone has their own way of celebrating the season of fall. The season is truly what you make it.

ince COVID-19 has closed many traditional Halloween festivities, it’s the perfect me to find alternate activities at home or outdoors. One common fall tradition is tching scary movies.

This trend is so common that television stations such as Disney Channel and eform, have either 31 days or a weekend-long marathon of Halloween movies.

While some students despise scary movies, students like sophomore Trevon Lewis tch them any time of the year.

I like watching scary movies over any other genre … because I enjoy the suspense d the thrill of watching scary movies like ‘Insidious,’” Lewis said. “Funny scary vies are the best because you know it is not real, but there’s still some added suspense t makes it seem scary.”

With the Halloween season comes a spooky atmosphere and an attraction to the

macabre. There are also plenty of tunes to get excited about the holiday. These songs have their own unique yet eerie sound that can quickly put you in the Halloween spirit.

Halloween music has evolved over the years. While typical Halloween songs like “Monster Mash” and “Thriller” are well-known and loved, there are plenty of new young artists putting out great music with an alternative “spooky” sound. The Signal created an alternate Halloween playlist with some cool, unorthodox additions for any spooky occasion.

DellaXOZ is a young artist from the U.K. and her hip-hop song called “$CARY” feeds into the popular hyperpop sound with its electronic edits.

Despite being played over a simple piano tune, this song still flawlessly embodies the chilling feeling of watching a scary movie. The lyrics are Halloween-esque, with mentions of horror story characters like Bloody Mary.

ARTS & LIVING

WWW.GEORGIASTATESIGNAL.COM/ARTSANDLIVING

Buenos Dias is one restaurant on-campus that is open and serving customers daily.

September 22, 2020

PHOTO BY MATT SICILIANO-SALAZAR | THE SIGNAL

Campus reopens, local restaurants struggle to stay afloat Downtown eateries detail their hardships so far this semester JADA JONES Associate Arts & Living Editor

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or restaurants near campus, the first week of classes usually means long lines and bustling dining areas.

Thousands of freshmen step foot on campus for the first time, while upperclassmen return to their favorite restaurants.

The Atlanta campus’s neighboring restaurants rely on students, faculty and local professionals to sustain their businesses. When the COVID-19 pandemic forced Georgia State to shut down, these restaurants lost five months of business they depend on to get them through the slower summer months.

Now that campus has reopened, these restaurants hoped to revive their businesses and make up for lost profits. But this has been no easy feat, as the campus is operating at only 25% capacity, with students and faculty learning and teaching remotely.

UNUSUALLY SLOW

Ken Katz and his wife Jeannette are the owners of Buenos Dias Cafe, a Salvadoran-inspired eatery located on Decatur Street. Before the pandemic, Buenos Dias expected to serve nearly 300 customers a day. Now, amid the pandemic, Ken Katz explained that the number of customers has shrunk significantly.

“It’s been dramatically slower than we anticipated,” Katz said. “We were operating under the pretense that Georgia State would be at 25% capacity. Now, we’re being told it’s actually 10%, and we’re seeing less than that.”

Reuben’s Deli is a New York-style deli situated on Broad Street. Just like any other restaurant in the area, Reuben’s clientele has significantly diminished. The owner of the Broad Street location, Claudio Furgiuele, details the restaurant’s current figures.

“My personal feeling is that we would normally have 100 or so people in line here during lunch, and I don’t know if that is going to return anytime soon,” Furgiuele said. “Now, we do a lot more delivery.”

Kenley Waller is the owner of Kenley’s Catering, Breakfast and Lunch Buffet. Most of Waller’s business was conducted at catering events, paired with a storefront in the Citizen’s Trust Building. Due to the pandemic, Waller lost the revenue made

from catering events and relied solely on his restaurant.

“We’re still about 80% behind on sales,” Waller said. “We cater to high school football, and we have lost 100% of that.

We, right now, are on life support.”

Merchants on Broad Street have a fairly tight-knit relationship with each other and have discussed their concerns and plans to keep their restaurants alive throughout the pandemic.

Furgiuele’s conversations with other restaurant owners entailed that they hoped heavy foot traffic would be restored when Georgia State students returned to Atlanta. But, Furgiuele knew that was not realistic.

“I think there were some [restaurants] that were anticipating a sense of normalcy; I didn’t,” he said. “There were some merchants that thought this was something that was just going to blow over, but it just is what it is.”

Similarly, Katz knew student and faculty populations would be astronomically low, but he did not expect the reality of just how barren Downtown Atlanta is.

“I did run into one of the [restaurant] owners on Broad Street during the first week of school, and he too was completely shocked,” Katz said. “We knew it was going to be dramatically slower. We did not think it was coming back the way it normally is, but it has been slower than we thought.”

Waller also expected customers to stop by sparingly but not as few and far between as his restaurant has experienced.

“I expected that we would be doing better than what we are,” he said. “But, it seems like that [expectation] has changed since [the] campus has opened.”

THE IMPORTANCE OF COMMUNITY

Most conversations about the pandemic center around students. But due to Georgia State’s unique location in the heart of Downtown Atlanta, the definition of community encompasses more than just Georgia State students and faculty.

Working professionals with occupations in politics, healthcare and Fortune 500 companies are all active parts of the community.

With only a small number of these functioning parts present, local restaurants hang on by a thread. The absence of working

professionals has hit just as hard as the absence of students.

“I think a lot of the corporate [staff] and Georgia State staff that’s not here is what’s really hurting the business,” Waller said.

Broad Street is within walking distance of Georgia’s Own Credit Union and Georgia Pacific, making it a perfect outdoor destination for corporate Atlanta.

“Businesses are teleworking, so there’s probably only 20% of the businesspeople actually out here,” Furguiele said.

ADAPTABILITY IS MONEY

The ability to adapt has been a common theme throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, and these restaurant owners are no different. Between creating new hours, decreasing staff and increasing deliveries, adaptability is the pulse of Atlanta’s restaurants.

“It’s just a different way of doing business,” Furguiele said.

“You’re either going to do okay or you’re going to fight it and end up shutting down; there’s not a lot of gray area anymore.”

Kenley’s has transformed its business operations astronomically to accommodate the rapid decline in patrons.

“We have lost all our staff,” Waller said. “We’re down to me opening in the morning with one person and my wife closing with a person. We furloughed all [of] our staff; that’s the only way we’re staying afloat.”

Restaurant owners adhere to basic CDC guidelines for restaurants, such as wearing masks, gloves and limited seating.

Students are an integral component of these eateries’ clientele, eager to see their loyal customers walk through their doors.

“A ton [of students] have reached out to see if we’re okay, and we are touched,” Katz said. “Their support is really overwhelming, and we hope to see everyone in January.”

The futures for these restaurant owners means taking it one day at a time and hoping for the best.

“We’re just trying to keep it ‘business as usual’ as much as we can,” Furgiuele said.

Waller’s sentiments are similar to those of Katz’s.

“We’re open, and our restaurant is safe,” Waller said.

“We follow protocol in our restaurant, and we would love to have you back.”

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2020

ARTS&LIVING

11

Remembering a real life superhero and his legacy Students mourn the passing of Chadwick Boseman CATHERINE USHER Staff Reporter

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Cinefest remains closed to students during the fall semester.

PHOTO BY MATT SICILIANO-SALAZAR | THE SIGNAL

Curtains are down and the show cannot go on

Cinefest closes its doors for the fall semester DEENA KAYYALI Staff Reporter

G

eorgia State’s Cinefest is a student-run movie theater that has been a treasured part of the Atlanta campus since 1991.

It’s known for featuring a variety of movies including box office bestsellers, independent, classic, foreign and cult films.

Compared to the $15 tickets other movie theaters sell, Cinefest tickets are free for students and only $5 for guests.

Visitors can also buy popcorn, a drink and candy for less than $5.

Cinefest is revered among movie lovers. The theater isn’t only a fan favorite for Georgia State students, but is also admired by many Atlanta residents. With a 4.5 star Google rating and glowing online reviews, it is truly a treasured Atlanta landmark.

A Google review from Kelly Homenick shows that students weren’t the only ones who visited the theater.

“One of the most amazing places to see a big action movie,” Homenick said.

“The screen and sound are second to none. The decor is also incredible and reminds you of a time when movies were a big deal. Definitely visit if you can.”

The theater has so much to offer and is a source of joy for so many people; that is until the reality of 2020 struck.

Like so many other adored businesses on campus, Cinefest has closed its doors for the fall 2020 semester. Due

to COVID-19, the theater will not be showing any films until at least spring of 2021.

News of the cinema’s closure was a harsh reality for the Panther community.

With many students constantly finding themselves on a budget, a free movie theater to take a date or meet up with friends was a practical and fun option for Saturday night plans.

As Cinefest gathers dust, students reflect on fond memories made in the theater’s seats.

Georgia State graduate Karina Barrientos went to the theater regularly.

“I loved going to Cinefest,” she said.

“I love going to the movies, and tickets at movie theaters are unnecessarily overpriced. Cinefest was free for students and offered all the movies that I loved. It’s sad to hear they won’t be screening anything this semester.”

Yasmien Ghoneim is a big movie lover who has been going to see movies at the theater since before her time at Georgia State.

“I have always been a huge Marvel fan,” Ghoneim said. “I remember so many nights in high school when my friends and I would meet up at the theater and watch the movies together.

They also had amazing snacks and drinks, and the theater was so nice too.”

While Cinefest may be closed for the semester, the memories made there are reminding people of simple times

during the bland and bleak routine of quarantine. The theater brought happiness to so many Georgia State students and will continue to be a staple of the Atlanta campus for years to come.

“

I loved going to Cinefest.

It’s sad to hear they won’t be screening anything this semester.

”

— KARINA BARRIENTOS

Georgia State Alumna

The doors may be closed until it is safe to return to theaters, but many will wait patiently until they can once again get their $5 snacks, meet up with friends and enjoy the show.

he world mourns the loss of reallife superhero Chadwick Boseman On Aug. 28, Boseman’s team announced the news of his passing from stage IV colon cancer on Instagram.

The actor never publicized his illness but instead continued making movies. Fans even criticized the actor after he made a post on Instagram looking noticeably slimmer.

Boseman studied directing at Howard University and landed a supporting role in the television series “Lincoln Heights” shortly after graduating.

After proving his talent in Hollywood, Boseman went on to play many bigscreen roles and portray legends of the Black community.

In 2013, Boseman played Jackie Robinson in “42”. This role earned Boseman his first nomination for “Most Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture” from the NAACP. The following year, Boseman portrayed James Brown in “Get OnUp.” He was praised by movie critics and fans for doing his own singing and dancing for the film.

After being diagnosed with stage III colon cancer in 2016f, he portrayed the first Black Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall in the 2017 film “Marshall.”

Boseman won the hearts of millions and gained fans all over the world when he played King T’Challa in Marvel’s “Black Panther,” which was Marvel’s first superhero film centered around a Black character and also Marvel’s first movie to ever win an Oscar.

Boseman won several awards for his role in “Black Panther”, including: 2018 BET Award for Best Actor, 2018 MTV Movie Award for Best Hero, 2018 MTV

Movie and TV Award for Best Performance in a Movie and 2018 People’s Choice Award for Favorite Movie Actor.

Georgia State student Darius Bethea, a big fan of Boseman, was devastated by his passing.

Bethea considered Boseman one of his heroes and was one of the only people he looked up to in Hollywood.

“To me, [Boseman] served as a true representation of a man of God by constantly being a hero on and off the screen and living to inspire, uplift, love and remain a service to all,” he said. “[He] also displayed a virtuous and successful standard of living that we as [Black] men should take heed to and began to display in our lives.”

Film major Sandarrian Baptiste said Boseman continues to inspire his filmmaking by knocking down historic barriers Black people have faced in the film industry. “[Boseman] inspired me by taking roles and demanding versatility,” Baptiste said. “He played a soldier, an icon and a superhero all while fighting his own battles, and I take that to heart with me when I create my films.”

People around the world are honoring Boseman’s memory by recreating scenes from his movies, posting uplifting messages on social media and sharing clips of his inspirational messages.

Fans came together and created an online petition to replace a Confederate statue in Boseman’s hometown of Anderson, South Carolina with a statue of Boseman. City officials announced that the city is working on a monument to honor the late actor.

Boseman inspired many people and left a legacy that will last a lifetime.

He will forever live on the screens and in the hearts of his fans.

SPORTS

September 22, 2020

WWW.GEORGIASTATESIGNAL.COM/SPORTS

Shawn Elliott’s Panthers drop game one of 2020 Here are five things we learned following the loss JULIAN HARDEN Staff Reporter

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ven at Center Parc Stadium, the Panthers did not expect to compete against No. 19 LouisianaLafayette, but Shawn Elliott’s men did, and nearly upset the Ragin Cajuns Saturday afternoon.

While Georgia State lost in overtime 34-31, there were encouraging signs from Saturday’s opener.

1. DESTIN COATES IS DESTINED FOR SUCCESS

With the departure of running back Tra Barnett, many fans weren’t sure if the Panthers running game would suffer, but week one would prove doubters wrong. Brad Glenn’s offense ran for 223 yards, averaging nearly five per carry.

In particular, running back Destin Coates had a career day and rushed for 150 of those 223 to go along with a touchdown. From a mental standpoint, the junior also provided a spark for his teammates when they fell behind.

“Throughout the game, I just kept encouraging my guys,” Coates said. “We’ve been watching film on [Louisiana-Lafayette], and they’re a really great team and told my guys we gotta keep going.”

The running game was also able to keep the talented Cajuns offense off the field, especially in the first half.

Georgia State’s 30-plus minutes of possession was thanks mainly to the running game, which also took the pressure off of quarterback Cornelius “Quad” Brown when he struggled early. These were key for an early Panthers lead.

For the Panthers to rebound and build off this game, the running game will have to do the offense’s bull work.

2. THE DEFENSE IS MUCH BETTER THAN THE 2019-20 TEAM’S Hear me out: they may have given up 34, but the Panthers defense did make strides.

While Nate Fuqua’s defense gave up 519 yards of total

offense, Georgia State held firm on third downs and forced turnovers.

Last season’s team scored at will but never forced a turnover or performed well on third downs.

Head coach Shawn Elliott was impressed with the Panther defense and alluded to the lackadaisical defense.

“We got a little worn down,” Elliott said. “We are a smaller and quicker bunch, and they [could] bust some long runs.”

However, the Panthers looked to have turned a corner on the defensive front. The Panthers had one sack and eight tackles for loss, which would’ve been a shock last season.

The Panthers held the Cajuns offense to 67yards well into the first quarter, showing growth. The biggest issue going forward for the defense will be limiting big plays by the offense.

When the Panthers had a shot at getting the Cajuns off the field on a crucial third down in the third quarter, Cajuns’ running back Elijah Mitchell took into the house for a 20-yard score. That cannot happen if the Panthers look to compete for the Sun Belt Conference crown.

3. THE PANTHERS LACK A KILLER INSTINCT When Georgia State had the ball deep in Cajun territory with a minute to go in regulation, many in attendance thought they were going for the win.

Deciding to play for overtime, the Panthers took a game penalty delay with 49 seconds remaining. After their actions, they were showered with boos from the fans following the coaching staff ’s decision.

Georgia State’s choice to not go for the win in regulation will have to change in the future.

Playing talented teams such as Appalachian State and Georgia Southern, the Panthers can’t afford to play these more talented teams in overtime and give them extra scoring opportunities. The Panthers have shown

Number 17, Destin Coates, fights for a run against Louisiana La-Fayette during Saturday’s home opener at Center Parc Stadium.

they can keep up with the big boys; now, they have to demonstrate they can pass them out, too.

4. THE RISE OF QUAD BROWN

The Panthers knew it would be an uphill battle to replace the production and presence of former quarterback Dan Ellington (now an offensive assistant coach with the team).

After getting off to a rocky start, Brown began to look more comfortable under center. He finished the game with a solid outing, throwing for 196 yards, one touchdown and an interception. Brown provided a running threat as well, rushing for an additional 64 yards and a touchdown.

Brown showing poise as the game went on demonstrates that he will grow into the starter the Panthers need for the future. “[Brown] can lead us and carry us,” Coates said. “That’s something we can definitely feed off throughout the season.

5. THE OFFENSIVE LINE IS STILL ELITE

Last year, now-Atlanta Falcons left tackle Hunter Atikison led the offensive line.

Despite his departure, the Panthers returned many veterans to the line, including preseason All-Sun Belt lineman and captain Shamarious Gilmore. The senior from Riverdale picked up right where he left off, opening space and making life easy for running backs, and kept enough pressure from his freshman quarterback.

Exceptional Sun Belt teams, such as Appalachian State and Georgia Southern, will test this line, and they are up for the challenge.

The fact that the line has so much experience is a benefit to the younger players on offense. Brown will have the benefits firsthand as he navigates the ins and outs of a newlook offense in the backfield.

While the Panthers suffered a gut punch from the first game, there is much to look forward too. This group could be the most talented of any in the program’s short history.

PHOTO BY MATT SICILIANO-SALAZAR | THE SIGNAL

SPORTS

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2020

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Bailey Hatchett’s great success beyond the sand

Presidential scholar balances school and student athletics MEADOW BARROW Staff Reporter

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Women’s Soccer @ Mercer

PHOTO SUBMITTED BY BREE HICKEN | GSU SPORTS COMMUNICATION

Lady Panthers soccer team opens the season 1-0 Looking at the high of the win over Mercer AARON WILSON JR. Staff Reporter

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s summer gives way to autumn, the Georgia State women’s soccer team returns to the pitch, looking to build on last year’s 9-9-2 record after falling to South Alabama in the Sun Belt Conference Tournament semifinals.

Given the current social restrictions, this season will require even more adaptability.

One of the more significant adjustments for the studentathletes, aside from online classes, was practice. Senior defender Liz Fogarty details how their practices have changed in response to the times.

“Our prepractice routine is a bit different,” Fogarty said.

“Making sure we fill out our symptom reports and getting our temperatures checked and wearing a mask at all times other than when we’re actually playing. We split up into pods to keep groups separate.”

All the practice led to the Lady Panthers’ first game against the Mercer Bears in Macon on Sept.

11. Georgia State came in with an 0-3-1 record in Macon looking to reverse their fortune.

They were off quickly, getting the lead in the 14th minute of the first half thanks to the efforts of Liz Fogarty.

“Liz’s goal was amazing, probably one of the best ones I have ever seen at Georgia State,” said

sophomore Jimena Cabrero.

Fogarty’s early goal, combined with a stout Georgia State defense, stifled the Bears. This kept Mercer from getting into a rhythm in the attacking third.

At the end of the half, the Panthers were up 1-0 and riding good momentum to enter the backstretch of the season’s first game.

Mercer was not ready to concede the game without a fight, finding their pace in the second half.

Eventually, though, the Panthers put one past goalkeeper Maria Subies to even up the score in the 70th minute.

After a 90-minute game to kick off the season’s start, they were deadlocked at one goal each. Surely the fatigue, momentum shift and difficulties coming into this season would have played a factor in the team’s morale entering overtime.

That was not the case to Jimena Cabrero.

“The team and I were winning 50/50s and playing in the way we practiced,” Cabrero said. “We wanted it more than Mercer, and I was 100% sure we were going to win. I remember when we were about to start overtime, I went to Liz, and I told her, ‘We gonna win this.’”

Her faith in the team was backed up shortly in the 93rd minute by freshman Brooke Hart’s goal that

sealed the deal 2-1 in favor of Georgia State. With that gamewinner, the Panthers’ studentathlete of the week gave them their first win in Macon since 2006.

“

Liz’s goal was amazing, probably one of the best ones I have ever seen at Georgia State.

”

— JIMENO CABRERO

Sophomore Forward

As Hart found the back of the net, her teammates were ecstatic.

“Watching my teammates doing what our coach asked us to do and with that much intensity helps you to be or try to be at their level,” Cabrero said. “That was one of the keys that made us win the game.”

or Bailey Hatchett, being an Arthur Ashe Jr. Sports Scholar is just as important as being a Panthers beach volleyball team member.

Eligibility for the award requires student-athletes to be at least a sophomore, have a minimum 3.2 GPA and be an active community member.

Before college, Hatchett’s academic background was outstanding, and she is the first Georgia State student athlete to be a Presidential Scholar.

“Academics have always been very important to me, and I have always loved learning,” Hatchett said. “In high school, I made straight A’s every year, and I graduated top five of my class.”

Her mother, Marissa Hatchett, has been a huge role model and inspiration throughout her life. She was a twotime All-American at UCLA and played indoor and beach volleyball at the professional level.

“Not only is my mother an amazing volleyball player, but she is the epitome of strength, compassion and love,” Hatchett said. “She has taught [me] so many life lessons that have made me the woman I am today, and I will always be grateful and treasure our relationship.”

Maintaining a comfortable balance between training and classes can be extremely difficult and stressful for student-athletes.

Fortunately, Hatchett has overcome this obstacle and gives her all both on the field and in the classroom.

“I try not to put too much pressure on myself in either area,” Hatchett said. “I have worked hard on becoming mentally strong and working through frustrations in all areas of my life.”

Aside from this, Hatchett also makes a conscious effort to keep

her social life alive, even in the middle of the pandemic.

“I have also been trying to incorporate some things into my days where I can safely see my friends and interact with others,” Hatchett said.

Hatchett believes that being a student-athlete is more than just doing your best on the field.

It also involves being an active member in the community and finding ways to give back.

Ever since her freshman year, she has found joy in volunteering and working with kids. She joined a volunteer program that connects the Georgia State Honors College and student-athletes with local Title 1 schools in Atlanta.

“Working with kids is my passion,” Hatchett said. “I want to express myself in many ways outside of volleyball. I love meeting new people and giving back because living here is about [the] community, and I want to get involved with mine.”

One thing that has stuck with and motivated Hatchett during her time at Georgia State is reaching out and building special bonds with other girls of color who play beach volleyball.

“There is a very small number of us that play the sport, and this is something that I always noticed growing up,” Hatchett said. “I was often not only the one Black girl on my court but the only Black girl at an entire beach volleyball tournament.

After a year in college and in light of recent Black Lives Matter protests, she understands her role and wants to be active in the fight for racial equality: “Now that I am in a position where I can speak openly and honestly with these girls, I want to use my voice now more than ever to inspire them to push through and go for what they want,” Hatchett said.

September 22, 2020

THREE BIG THINGS

GAMES SUDOKU

UNIVERSITY

STATE

NATIONAL

Shawn Elliott’s Panthers lose a Week One thriller

Georgia Bulldogs prepare for season opener

The Denver Nuggets make NBA history

The new-look Panthers football team made their debut at Center Parc Stadium and gave the No. 19 team in the nation a run for their money on Saturday.

Although the Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin Cajuns left Atlanta with a 34-31 win, they needed overtime. The Panthers put the ball in the hands of redshirt freshman quarterback Cornelius “Quad” Brown, and he delivered with 260 total yards of offense and two touchdowns.

Leading the ground game for the team, however, was junior running back Destin Coates, who carried the ball 34 times for 150 yards and a touchdown.

The best conference in college football returns this weekend as the SEC opens their season Saturday. The Georgia Bulldogs enter their matchup with Arkansas as the No. 4 team in the nation and have much to look forward to this season. Kirby Smart returns a number of key players and will start a new face at quarterback after Jake Fromm’s departure to the NFL. Most indications point to four-star recruit D’Wan Mathis to lead the Dawgs against the Razorbacks.

Prior to last week, no team in league history ever came back from a 3-1 deficit twice in a single playoff series.

The Denver Nuggets rewrote the script, eliminating the Los Angeles Clippers in seven games after doing the same to the Utah Jazz. Now, Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray and co. have one more mountain to climb –– their biggest yet –– as they face LeBron James, Anthony Davis and the top-seeded Los Angeles Lakers in the Western Conference Finals.

THE KICKBACK

TUESDAY, SEPTMEBER 22, 2020

GAMES

15

COMIC

Your Comic Could be Here!

UPCOMING EVENTS FRIDAY

Virtual Study Abroad Fair 11:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Virtual

University Career Center: Internships & Co-ops 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Virtual

Stargaze, Gallery exhibition opening day Open until Nov. 24 Atlanta Campus - Ernest G. Welch School of Art & Design

Empowering Diverse Voices 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Virtual presentation and Q&A

Men’s Soccer @ South Carolina 7:00 p.m.

SEPT 18

THURSDAY SEPT 17

WEDNESDAY SEPT 16

TUESDAY

Volleyball @ Troy 12:00 p.m. & 7:00 p.m.

SUNDAY

MONDAY

Fall Campus Walking Program Until Oct. 30 Self-directed

Agnes Scott Writers’ Contest Reading @ AJC Decatur Book Festival 2:30 p.m.

Virtual

A Facsimile Of Events, Gallery exhibition opening day Atlanta Campus - Ernest G. Welch School of Art & Design Open until Nov. 24

Football @ Charlotte 12:00 p.m.

ESPNU Volleyball @ Troy 2:00 p.m.

SEPT 21

SATURDAY SEPT 20

SEPT 19

SEPT 15

THE KICKBACK

You can register to vote now using your campus address.

You can vote early.

You can vote by mail.

You can vote

on Election Day.

Go to voteamerica.com/students

VoteAmerica.com

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