Agora - January 28, 2019

Arts & Entertainment Featuring Doctor Who, Anderson Cooper, Mike Shinoda, and the best films of 2018.

Pages 13 through 16

Pot’s legal, but leave your stash at home Michael Nixon Agora Staff

Recreational marijuana is now legal in Michigan; however, you can’t bring it to campus.

During the November 2018 midterm elections, the citizens of Michigan voted yes on Proposol 1, a statewide ballot proposal to legalize recreational marijuana and treat it similar to alcohol.

Thus, it is now legal for Michigan residents 21 or older to carry 2.5 ounces of recreational marijuana, yet the substance is still illegal in many counties, cities, and institutions — ­ including MCCC. The policy will probably not be changing any time soon for a few reasons.

Marijuana is still illegal by federal law, and MCCC accepts federal grants and scholarships, Vice President of Student and Information Systems Randy Daniels said.

In the wake of state-wide legalization, many colleges and universities have found themselves explaining to students that marijuana will not be tolerated on campus, and MCCC is no exception.

If an employee or student is suspected of marijuana use, MCCC will rely on local law enforcement for drug screening.

Additionally, MCCC adheres to the federal government’s Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act and the Drug-free Workplace Act. Both acts prevent students from carrying and coming to class under the influence.

Section 5 of the student code of conduct states that illegal use, possession or distribution of alcoholic beverages, narcotics, or controlled substances, or public intoxication violates MCCC’s acceptable student behavior.

The Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act prohibits students from using or coming to campus under the influence of marijuana. The Drug-free Workplace Act prevents all employees from using marijuana.

In many colleges located in marijuana-legalized states, including MCCC, the policy for marijuana resembles that of alcohol.

“Alcohol is legal for people

Continued on Page 2

SNOW WORK

Photo by Vanessa Ray

Maintenance and grounds crews cleared snow while weather caused MCCC to delay and close.

Maya Gaynier Agora Staff

Winter weather has finally hit Michigan and MCCC is prepared for anything that comes its way.

The college’s maintenance and grounds crews already have been working hard clearing roads and sidewalks.

Randell Daniels, vice president of student and information services, makes the decision on whether to close campus or open campus late. He has overseen this decision since 2005.

“It’s a responsibility that I have, and I take it seriously,” Daniels said.

Continued on Page 3

The shortest walk is called privilege Cassidy Maier

Inside

Agora Editor

Photo by Cassidy Maier

Paul Hedeen dramatized what diversity means for opportunity.

Serving Monroe County since 1968

Diverse lives mean diverse advantages and opportunities.

This was a point brought out by students, faculty, and community members during Wednesday’s diversity journey exercise facilitated by Paul Hedeen, dean of Humanities/Social Sciences, in the H Building’s gymnasium.

Hedeen began The Privilege Walk by having participants stand next to one another in a straight line. He then read a series of statements, finishing each one by instructing participants to step backwards or forwards based on their answers.

January 28, 2019

- MLK Beyond America

- I Have a Dream, Revisited - Dr. Derek Barber King - Doctor Who and Rosa Parks

Page 8 Page 9 Page 11 Page 13

“If you were raised in a two parent household, step forward,” he said at one point.

“If you were ever stopped or questioned by the police because of your race or ethnicity, step backward,” he said later.

Continued on Page 8

Vol. 66, Issue 5

2 • Campus News

January 28, 2019

Briefs

Students can nominate faculty

Financial fair on campus Thursday

An event designed to help students and others manage their financial affairs is coming to campus.

The financial resource fair is titled “Show Me the Money Day,” and will be Thursday, Jan. 31, from 4-7 p.m. in the La-Z-Boy Center.

The fair is sponsored by Habitat for Hope, a branch of Habitat for Humanity, the Michigan State University Extension, and MCCC. In addition to financial workshops on a variety of topics, the fair will provide students with access to resources including banks, credit unions and community organizations.

Free Food and prizes also will be offered.

For more information contact Jeanette McDonald at (734) 243-2048 or jmcdonald@habitatmonroemi.org. Or, go to www.showmethemoneyday.org for a list of additional Show Me the Money Day events, locations and local sponsors.

Student IDs available in H Building

Student IDs will be provided from Jan. 28 through Feb. 8 in the Fitness Center, located in the H Building.

The hours are Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, 8 a.m. - 7:30 p.m., and Fridays and Saturdays, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. The center is closed Wednesdays 10:30 a.m. to 12 noon. Students must bring a class registration form or a valid I.D.

The Agora Editors

Cassidy Maier

James P. Quick

Adviser

Dan Shaw

Staff Cheyanne Abel Claire Bechard Carla Cohen Maya Gaynier Jordan Jewell

Agora/mcccagora.com

Michael Nixon Vanessa Ray Todd Salisbury Lydia Sandefur Rose Younglove

Editorial Policy The Agora is published by the students of Monroe County Community College, 1555 S. Raisinville Rd., Monroe, MI, 48161. The editorial office is located in Room 202 of the Life Sciences Building, (734) 384-4186, agora@monroeccc.edu.

Submissions: The Agora encourages submissions by anyone in the college community, including free-lance articles, opinion columns, or letters to the editor. All submissions must include a name, address, and phone number for verification purposes. The Agora reserves the right to edit for clarity, accuracy, length, and libel.

The Agora is a student-managed newspaper that supports a free student press. It is a member of the Michigan Community College Press Association, the Michigan Press Association, College Media Association, Associated Collegiate Press and the Student Press Law Center.

Story suggestions are welcome. Let us know what you would like to see in The Agora - it’s your newspaper.

Email submissions to agora@monroeccc.edu.

SG selling 2019 calendars Student government is selling MCCC 2019 calendars for $3.

All proceeds go toward the Aim and Achieve Scholarship; each $3 donation is matched by the Alumni Association.

There are two styles of calendars to choose from, both featuring photos of MCCC and its students.

The calendars can be purchased in the Office of Marketing and Communications, Room A154 (in the hall behind the cafeteria in the A building).

MCCC students can now nominate faculty for the 20182019 Outstanding Faculty Award.

Criteria for the award include leadership, knowledge, interest, fairness and integrity. Both full-time and adjunct faculty can be nominated. In addition to teaching faculty, librarians, counselors and administrators also are eligible.

Any current MCCC students, faculty, staff or administrators can nominate for the award. Nomination forms must be submitted by March 4.

Nomination forms are available at http://www.monroeccc.edu/outstanding_faculty.htm.

Faculty who have received the award during the past 5 years are ineligible for this year.

Full-time faculty winners during the last five years are: 2013-2014, Will Hilliker; 2014-2015, Maris Fonseca; 2015-2016, Joanna Sabo; 2016-2017 Nicholas Prush; and 2017-2018, Patrick Nedry.

Adjunct faculty who have received the award in the last five years are: 2013-2014, Daniel Stewart; 2014-2015, Dustin Rayburn; 2015-2016,Timothy Curry; 2016-2017, Robin West Smith; 2017-2018, Jeffrey Rabon.

Basketball league forming

A 5-on-5 basketball league is forming for the Winter Semester.

Students interesting in signing up for the league should attend an open gym at 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 29, in the H Building. Anyone with questions can email khaener2@ my.monroeccc.edu.

Letters to the editor We all need to commit to a cleaner Earth There are many problems in our world that are not being discussed. Although one problem that needs to be addressed more is global warming, more specifically, greenhouse gas effects.

To explain, the greenhouse gas effect is when carbon dioxide, methane, and other gas byproducts that are being pumped into our atmosphere, is acting as a “blanket” over our planet. This “blanket” keeps in the heat given off from the sun, which results in a gradual increase in our climate, hence global warming.

Some of the effects of global warming are harsher weather patterns like serve hurricanes and drought. Warmer weather causes the melting of ice glaciers. If all the glaciers melt, the rising sea levels would permanently flood most of the areas around water. The influx of fresh water could also destabilize our ocean current, which could throw much of the northern hemisphere into an ice age.

The difference in weather patterns additionally disrupts many animals’ habitat and migration patterns. There need to be more elected officials in our government who know the effects of climate change and will pass legislation to help combat it.

Our recent government had obviously not done anything to help combat the problem. It is up to the citizens of The United States of America and the world to do what our elected officials haven’t. One step in the right direction is for The United States of America is to get back into the Paris climate agreement. This would ensure the world’s nations are a united front against global warming.

Humanity needs to ensure that our planet will maintain life for generations to come. We only have one planet that is anywhere close to sustaining life. We the people should ensure that the planet will continue to be prosperous and clean.

Some ways to do that is to switch all of our energy from coal and nuclear energy to cleaner energy and reduce our carbon footprint. We also need more regulation on big corporations that pump chemicals into our air.

Either way, something needs to be done before it is too late. The Earth is sick, and it will get better even if it means extinction level events.

James Ramsey MCCC Middle College

Legal marijuana illegal on campus Continued from Page 1

who are 21, but people can’t have that on the premises,” Director of Human Resources Molly McCutchan said.

The punishment for students who violate the policy is being placed on disciplinary status; they may lose their financial aid, be suspended, or expelled.

The punishment for employees is a bit more severe; the procedure for an employee caught intoxicated is immediate termination.

Drug screening is more complicated than a simple breathalyzer test for alcohol, so the college will rely on local law-enforcement for assistance.

The administrators want professors and security to look for any “abnormal behaviors.”

If a student or employee at the college is believed to be under the influence of marijuana, he or she will be reported to security, and the security will report the student/employee to the Sheriff’s Department.

The good news is that it looks like nobody will be reported to the police any time soon.

“There have not been any cases (of marijuana on campus) as long as I have been in this position,” Daniels said.

According to McCutchan, alcohol has been legal for those 21 and older in the state of Michigan, just like marijuana is now. However, there hasn’t been an epidemic of drunkenness on campus. It is likely that students will not bring drugs to campus, she said.

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Campus News • 3

January 28, 2019

Men at work, coming soon to MCCC

James P. Quick Agora Editor

Construction on East/West Tech will begin soon.

According to Vice President of Administration Sue Wetzel, the college received the final design and construction authorization from the state on Dec 21.

By the end of January the construction man-

ager for the project, Barton Malow, will release documents allowing trade subcontractors to bid on the various aspects of the project.

Jack Burns, the director of campus planning & facilities, explains that from there they will collect estimates for all the work that needs to be done. Once all these quotes are in, Barton Malow will collate them into a large document which includes a budget summary for the state

to review.

Upon the approval of that document, work can finally begin. Wetzel estimates that this will likely occur in springtime.

“Additionally,” says Burns, “[the state] approved of our process and selection for the asbestos abatement contractor for the East/West Tech Project so we can get going right away on that part.”

Snowfall prompts team effort at MCCC Continued from Page 1

Students can find out if campus is closed or opening late through registering for the MCCC emergency notification system, visiting the “College Closing Status” link on the MCCC homepage, or calling the MCCC Snow Line (734 384-4223).

In the event of a closing, all classes, offices, workshops, and activities are cancelled. If there is a late opening, students should report to their class normally in session at the time of opening.

Daniels pays close attention to the condition of roads leading to campus and the condition of campus itself.

“Typically, I am on the roads between, depending on when storms hit, anywhere between 4:00 and 5:30 in the morning, checking the roads.

“I’m looking at the main feeder roads coming into campus and probably the next most important thing is campus. The conditions of campus and the sidewalks,” Daniels said.

Daniels also works hard to make his decision in the early morning.

“We have lots of factors, people driving a long distance, nurses that are in clinicals that go all over the county. The earlier the better.

That’s why I try and get on the road early in the morning.”

Daniels’ decision is influenced by his concern for the safety of students. However, he stresses that campus closures and delays do not always coincide with the decisions of the surrounding school districts.

“Thinking about all students impacts the decision, but we don’t have busing, so we don’t coincide with the K-12s. There will be, and there often are times, when the K-12 schools are closed, and we are open,” Daniels said.

Daniels sometimes receives criticism for his decisions, both for staying open or deciding to close.

“I understand that people aren’t always going to be happy with the decision that is made, but I look at all of the factors and do the best I can. I get input from others, including the folks in the Maintenance

Inclement winter weather brought out the heavy-duty trucks.

Department and the president,” Daniels said.

MCCC’s maintenance and grounds crew works hard to clear the snow and ice from campus.

Jack Burns, Director of Campus Planning and Facilities, helps oversee the snow removal process on campus.

“We always keep an eye on the weather, but this time of year we’re always constantly watching radar. That’s how we live around here this time of year. Because it can change in a matter of hours,” Burns said.

Bryan Rorke, General Maintenance foreman, stresses the importance of the large maintenance crew.

“If we have a large snowfall, it’s all hands on deck. Even including the operators, if it is a large snowfall. It’s just using all the resources that we have available at that time,” Rorke said.

“There’s somebody here 7 days, 24 hours a day. It’s not always somebody from grounds or custodial, but maintenance is always here and will report back to supervisors on how the conditions are,” Rorke said.

MCCC’s crew begins clearing

Photo by Vanessa Ray

snow as soon as a storm starts.

“If it starts overnight, our midnight custodians will go out. The grounds will come in early and take over. If it’s real bad, then we’ll have everybody out because we have lots, drives, and sidewalks, and building entries to consider,” Burns said.

Photo by Todd Salisbury

An MCCC worker uses a sidewalk sweeper to wipe away snow.

Rorke also explains that the maintenance crews try to clear snow while students are not on campus.

“It actually makes it easier when the college is closed. Because there is no traffic. The best time for snow removal is always going to be when nobody is here. It’s much easier to clear lots, drives, sidewalks, when they are empty. The bulk of it is done on the off shifts,” Rorke said.

“But our whole intent is to get everything cleared before 8 am.”

There are also two students who currently help the grounds crew.

These students mostly help clearing the entryways of snow or ice.

At the Whitman Center, snow removal is different.

“One-man operation most times.

One individual who takes care of all of that. The schedule is adjusted over time, but typically one person takes care of it,” Rorke said.

There is also a student assistant who helps with snow removal at the Whitman Center.

MCCC has a variety of equipment used for the snow removal process. There are four full-size, heavy-duty trucks used for snow removal. Two of these trucks have salt spreaders. Two tractors are also used to remove snow and spread salt. Several mowers can also be used to brush away snow.

The Whitman Center also has one truck and tractor to use for snow removal.

Daniels is very appreciative of the work MCCC’s maintenance and grounds crew does to prepare the campus for any condition.

“Often times I come to campus early in the morning and the maintenance and grounds crew has all hands on-deck. They are working feverishly, and the plows are going, snow shovels are going, salt’s flying.

They really do a remarkable job.

“I’ve had the opportunity to visit other colleges in the winter time and I would put the work of our crew up against any campus in this state,” Daniels said.

4 • Campus News

January 28, 2019

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Getting ready to have a ball Claire Bechard Agora Staff

MCCC Student Government is upping the ante with the Las Vegas themed Sweetheart Ball.

On Feb. 22, get ready to party in the style of Sin City.

The ball is a fresh take on the classic school dance. Allie Warner, secretary of Student Government, is excited about the new theme.

“The Sweetheart Ball is more of a party for college students,” Warner said.

The biggest addition to the dance is the crowning of a Sweetheart Ball king and queen. There will be voting through MCCC college emails.

There will also be king and queen courts, with posters around campus to promote the vote and dance.

If a student wants to be considered, they are required to submit a short biography including what they are studying, and a photo of themselves to post around campus.

Members of student government are looking forward to the coronation’s return. Jessica Marimpietri, a student government member, welcomes the change.

“It is a really neat thing to pull in. Hopefully, we have a lot of people who will attend for that.”

Tickets to the dance are $25 and are on sale at the Cashier’s Office in the A Building. They will be on sale until Feb. 15. The ticket price includes a photo booth and a

Photo by Vanessa Ray

Students at the 2018 Sweetheart Ball, which was held at the River Raisin Banquet Center in downtown Monroe.

two-entree buffet dinner.

There will also be a cash bar and DJ Martin, a favorite of MCCC. The cash bar is a new addition for student attendees of age.

“We couldn’t get a bar last year for the dance because we were too late to get the liquor license” Marimpietri said.

All current MCCC students, staff and alumni are invited and can bring a guest or a date. Students in the Middle College are also welcome to attend.

“We welcome people of all ages, some of the faculty like to come, and it’s always a good time” Warner said.

“We hope a lot of the staff will come, too,” Tom Ryder, student government advisor, said.

Many students are already looking forward to the dance and bringing guests from outside of the community college.

Marimpietri said she was eager to attend and bring a couple of friends.

Treasurer of Student Government Timothy Feaganes is also looking forward to the dance.

“I am looking forward to dancing and eating a lot of food,” he said.

LaRoy’s hall is at 12375 S. Telegraph Road in LaSalle, and the dance will be from 6-11 p.m.

Get ready to come out to eat, drink, and get down.

EMU transfer program in the works Carla Cohen Agora Staff

MCCC is planning a transfer program with Eastern Michigan University in supply chain management, giving the opportunity for jobs making up to $80,000 annually.

When the two-year program at MCCC is completed, students can pursue a bachelor of Business Administration degree at EMU. The program will let MCCC students complete about two-thirds of EMU’s class requirements before transferring.

“Since 2016 and beyond, we’ve commissioned studies in Michigan and Northeast Ohio to see if jobs were available for people with a supply management degree,” Tim Lake from the Monroe Business Development Corporation said.

The construction of the Gordie

Howe International Bridge, over the Detroit River, connecting a route from Detroit to Windsor, is set to be completed by 2023.

According to the Gordie Howe International Bridge website, over the projected 74-month construction period, 2,500 jobs will be created and available.

Many of those jobs require a degree in supply chain management (logistics).

This is only one opportunity. According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, Michigan is the top state in the country for logistician jobs, with 8,000 job opportunities as of May 2017.

Lake got in touch with Paul Knollman, dean of MCCC’s Business Division, to start planning toward the program.

Though still in the early planning stages, the projected start date is

next Winter Semester, according to Lake.

“At this point we are not far enough along in the planning to really have anything to discuss,” Knollman said.

The articulation agreement with EMU calls for an Associate of Applied Science degree in Business Management to coincide with the Bachelor’s degree in Management at EMU. There is a possibility of a major in supply chain management, Knollman said.

The agreement includes having 30 transferrable credits into the four-year program at EMU. Photo by Carla Cohen For more information on the Semi-trucks cruise down I-275.

The number of semi-trucks on the road business articulation agreement will likely increase with construction of a new bridge from Detroit to Canguide, please visit: www.emich. ada, along with supply chain management jobs. edu.

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Campus News • 5

January 28, 2019

Working Woman

Construction professor overcomes hurdles

Todd Salisbury Agora Staff

Lisa Schaller can’t remember a day without construction.

From a young age, construction has played a pivotal role in her life.

Schaller was hired in August to be the new assistant professor of Construction at MCCC. “I am a farm kid,” Schaller said.

“In order for things to be correct at home, we had to rebuild whatever broke.”

Growing up on a farm southwest of Toledo, Schaller had to repair fences, tractors, and face various tasks that would arise.

Schaller’s farm had hogs, lambs, and chickens, and her family grew corn, beans, and other crops as well.

Schaller reflected on a major incident she faced as a teenager.

“During the blizzard of 78-79, we had half of a barn collapse,” she said. “We were fixing the barn in the blizzard, making sure our animals were warm and taken care of, and the barn didn’t collapse any more.”

Farmers are totally reliant on mother nature, Schaller joked.

“We didn’t have the weather notification system we have nowadays, so it came up on us right and quick,” she said.

Schaller said there are few trees in the country to block snow and wind, causing snow drifts to get deep. She said some were easi-

ly12-feet-high during that storm.

“We were tunneling from our house to the barn with a pully rope to make sure we could make it to the barn and back to feed and water the animals,” Schaller said.

Schaller’s family quit farming, but still owns and rents out the land to other farmers in their area.

After high school, she decided to go to Bowling Green University, where her grandmother taught.

She chose architecture and construction as a dual major.

However, during her studies, life happened - she had kids and stopped her schooling.

After having her children, Schaller decided to go to work in the construction technology field.

She worked on fire and security systems for hospitals and strip malls and even managed a campus renovation project for Bowling Green from 1999-2005.

Being a woman in the male dominated construction industry came with many challenges.

“Back in the day, it’s a man’s industry,” Schaller said. “It’s a male-oriented field.”

Schaller would like to see the construction industry become more balanced. Despite an upward trend, women still only make up roughly 9 percent of the construction industry.

To Schaller, this number is far too low.

“If you talk to supervisors along

The completed doghouse with sundeck.

Schaller teaching Michelee Rigdon about renewable energy in the construction industry.

the way, they would prefer to have some more women in their field,” Schaller said.

“Women have the trait of being very detail oriented and in quite a few jobs that is a benefit,” she added.

Unfortunately, Schaller said, sexism remains a serious issue.

“Discrimination and men saying women don’t know what construction is,” she said. “It gets to be a fight.”

“Having that kind of attitude, I got tired of the fight every day and said, ‘Ok, I’m going to go do it officially and get my degrees.’”

Schaller transferred credits to ITT Tech and received her bachelor’s degree.

She then returned to BG for a master’s degree in Technology Management, specializing in construction management.

“When I was at Bowling Green taking my master’s classes, they saw my grade point average and what I could actually do,” she said.

“They decided to put me right in the classroom to start teaching as a grad student.”

Schaller taught for two-and-a half years while continuing her graduate work. When she finished, she was immediately hired as a fulltime instructor. She stayed for six years.

The program at BG had over 200 students, and while she enjoyed her time there, she longed for something different.

“I wanted to get back to the basics,” she said. “More individual-

ized student work.”

Schaller saw the job at MCCC posted online and applied immediately.

“There is so much potential for this program and this location up here,” she said.

She said she loves it and is happy to be here.

“Teaching is my passion,” she said.

Schaller believes more personalized education leads to better results, resulting in sharper, more skilled employees.

“As instructors, we are role models for the students, so as a role model, it is our job to figure out where our student would be best in the industry,” she said.

She said if a student is put into a position where they have both passion and talent, it won’t be work.

“Not everybody is made to build roads, not everybody is made to build hospitals,” she added.

Some students may realize construction is not their calling.

“Follow what your head is saying,” she said. “It’ll lead to where your passion is; you may not know it till you’re 30 or 40, but that’s okay.”

Cameron Albring, a colleague of Schaller’s, said she connects with students well.

“Students have gravitated to her very easily and comfortably,” Albring said. “Her office door is always open for students.”

During Fall 2018, her students

Photo by Todd Salibury

constructed a dog house with a sundeck.

The students designed the project, then did price estimates. After the materials were delivered, the students planned out project goals along with work dates during the semester.

The project was finished ahead of schedule.

“Follow what your head is saying. It’ll lead to where your passion is; you may not know it till you’re 30 or 40, but that’s okay.”

Lisa Schaller Assistant Professor of Construction

Aside from this project, the construction and the electrical engineering students maintain the wind turbine between the Career Technology Center and H Building.

Schaller also teaches about renewable energy and wishes that more renewable energy was utilized by the construction industry.

Michelee Rigdon, a student in Schaller’s class, is also passionate about renewable energy sources.

“I wanna save the world, and it is the future,” Rigdon said. “It helps fix what has been damaged by us.”

Construction management remains important to Schaller, and she looks to continue passing on her experience to students.

“I’ve been in it all my life,” she said.

6 • Campus News

January 28, 2019

Agora/mcccagora.com

Out of the frying pan, onto the four-year

MCCC graduates fill the front rows of the H Building gymnasium during the April 2018 commencement ceremony.

Vanessa Ray Agora Staff

One of the best weapons in the arsenal of an MCCC student who wishes to transfer is the Michigan Transfer Agreement (MTA).

Mandated by the Michigan legislature in the fall of 2014, the MTA focuses on improving the transfer process for community college students.

Under the MTA, core college courses, or general education requirements, will transfer to almost any school in the state of Michigan.

Every college has its own set of courses which fulfill the Michigan Transfer Agreement, and at MCCC, “students must successfully complete at least 30 credits, with at least a 2.0 in each course.”

These credits should be met according to the following distribution: One course in English Comp and a second in English or Communications.

Two courses from two different subject areas in social sciences.

Two courses from two different humanities subject areas.

At least one course from College Algebra, Statistics, Quantitative Reasoning, or an advanced level math course in any of these areas.

Two courses in Natural Sciences, including one with a lab.

MCCC class of 2018 graduate Miranda Gardner is currently attending the University of Michigan – Dearborn and credits the MTA for her seamless transfer.

“I feel like the MTA changed my life,” Gardner said.

She said she is grateful for the guidance

she was given while at MCCC. “I didn’t know much about how the MTA worked,” Gardner said. “But the counselors at MCCC helped me every semester to keep track of the classes I’ve taken and what I needed to satisfy the MTA.” It also allowed Gardner the chance to graduate from college debt-free.

“I lucked out by going to a community college for my prerequisites since it saved me money,” she said. “By satisfying the agreement and maintaining a higher GPA, UMD offered me several scholarships that now pay for my continuing education.

“Instead of going to a four-year university that would’ve required student loans that I might never pay off, the MTA allowed me to get the first two years done at Monroe.

Which - even being an out-of-county resident - was much cheaper and paved the road for me to finish my BA at UM.” Though both UM Dearborn and UM Flint accept the Michigan transfer agreement, UM – Ann Arbor is the only in-state school which does not.

According to the UM transfer department, “Michigan does not have a general education requirement. Courses in the MTA block will be individually evaluated for their role in meeting degree requirements.”

Those interested in attending UM Ann Arbor are encouraged to check out the school’s admissions website for a list of transferrable courses.

Class of 2018 graduate Javed Peracha currently attends Eastern Michigan and said the MTA made transferring a smooth process.

However, current Central Michigan University student and class of 2017 graduate Joe Abrams had some issues.

“I took Calculus at MCCC, but it didn’t count as a math credit at CMU,” Abrams said. “I had to sign up for college Algebra.”

He said his journalism credits did not transfer either.

“I’ve taken Intro to Journalism three times now,” Abrams said.

Abrams advice to current MCCC students interested in taking advantage of the MTA agreement is to schedule an appointment with an adviser.

“I wish I had talked with someone,” Abrams said. “The few minutes it takes to talk with admissions is better than hearing your classes don’t count.”

Photos by James P. Quick

Emma Muth smiles at graduation 2018.

On the way out: Apply for diploma Cheyanne Abel Agora Staff

As students flood the halls and classrooms for winter semester, it may be the last time on campus for any of them.

If you plan on graduating soon, there are certain steps that are required before you can receive your diploma.

As you approach your last semester, an application for your degree must be completed and submitted.

Students who plan on graduating at the end of Winter 2019, Spring 2019, or Summer 2019 must have their application turned in by Feb. 22, 2019.

Students can find the application by logging onto WebPal on the community college website.

Once a student is logged in, click on the “Apply to Graduate” tab under Academic Profile, located on the bottom right, under the registration section.

The application consists of your name, degree you are applying for, address, and graduation essentials such as cap and gown size and the number of tickets you wish to receive.

Students are allowed a maximum of four tickets. If you aren’t going to use your tickets, it is both encouraged and appreciated to ask other graduating students if they need extra tickets.

If students have any questions about commencement or applying for graduation, they can stop by the registrar office in the A building on campus for more information.

Agora/mcccagora.com

January 28, 2019

Campus News • 7

Student artistry on display Cassidy Maier Agora Editor

Images, MCCC’s literary magazine has lived on campus for the last 32 years.

In the past, students, staff, and community members had the opportunity to submit their writing and art to be published in the magazine.

This is the first year Images will only feature work from students.

Therese O’Halloran, professor of art, has taken care of the art submissions, which come from the different art classes on campus.

Jenna Bazzell, professor of English who recently started at MCCC, handles written

submissions.

The featured art is chosen by a jury made up of professors, including O’Halloran.

Creating these pieces is no easy feat.

“It requires a lot of skill, a lot of hard work, without distractions,” O’Halloran said.

Choosing what pieces of writing to include is a slightly different matter.

“If I’m dealing with poetry, it’s usually imaged-based,” Bazzell said. “It’s using verbs in a more interesting way than what we normally see.”

She said the intention is to include everything that’s submitted.

Bazzell and O’Halloran are hoping the switch to focusing on students will have a

positive effect.

“This is about representing this college and what the student body can do and not only that, I want to have that platform particularly to empower those students to think about possibly careers in doing this,” Bazzell said.

A lot of students she has talked to don’t think becoming an artist or creative writer are viable career choices.

“They actually don’t have any of those representations, so to be able to see that - and see that process, and model that process,” she said. “I’m hoping that that starts garnering some interest.”

The realization a career path in one of these areas is both possible and plausible can ignite a passion in students and carry them through the challenges that come with life after graduation.

“We want our students to go out and be accomplished at what they do,” O’Halloran said.

Submissions have been made for a variety of reasons.

“I felt very surprised and honored that some of my art made it into the magazine,” student Brooke Lambrix said in an email. “I took a painting class mostly just for fun, and I never expected any of my projects to be published or to learn as much as I did.”

Kyle Petee learned about Images through his creative writing professor, who offered the class extra credit for submitting something.

“I chose the poem I wrote for my wife on our eleventh wedding anniversary. I didn’t expect to be selected and was rather excited when I was notified that my poem was going to be published,” he said in an email. “I was proud of the fact I was selected and eager to see the publication.”

The plan for Images in the coming years is to make it a student-run publication.

It’s entering its 33rd year and submissions are being accepted until Feb. 15.

They can be sent to images@monroecccc. edu.

There will be a celebration on Tuesday, April 9, in the La-Z-Boy Atrium from 5 to 9 for the release of the 33rd edition. Art will be projected on the wall and authors will be given the opportunity to read their works.

Everyone on campus and in the community is invited.

This is a big deal to those involved because this is the first time many of them were ever published, she said. “(The review party) should be a celebration. Not only that, it should be a celebration with everybody who’s been involved. So my hope is to show that importance,” Bazzell said. “Embracing this as a part of being something that we do here at MCCC.”

“Eleven Roses,” a poem (Above) by Kyle R. Petee. “Morning Flower” cover art (Left) by Kathy McDonald. Donut Still Life (Below) by Brooke Lambrix.

8 • Campus News

January 28, 2019

Campus News • 9

Agora/mcccagora.com

DIVERSITY IS STILL ABOUT DREAMING Story and Photos by Cassidy Maier

MCCC’s Diversity Week shows that MLK’s dream is alive, well, and still enchanting hearts and minds worldwide Continued from Page 1

“MLK Beyond America”

In the end, everyone was in different places throughout the gym.

This highlighted the fact that not everyone starts in the same place in life. People are diverse creatures, which means everyone encounters different opportunities or a lack of opportunities. Everyone is at a different starting point.

The minorities were the farthest back.

Hedeen then handed out a list of questions to get a discussion started and people shared their thoughts and experiences.

As with the placements, the stories ran the spectrum.

Heather Boone was a single mother who went back to college and lived in a dorm with her two babies. She did it because she believed education would change her life.

Parnella Baul, professor of Accounting, thought the question on finishing high school should require two steps back.

She left school at an early age and this led to many challenges, she said.

She did get a GED, but not before dealing with many struggles.

The event followed a unity march led by Dr. Kojo Quartey. Both were part of MCCC’s Diversity Week.

“I think it’s very important,” student Tristan Rogaczewski said. “A lot of people are not educated and I believe that this exercise will educate a lot of people on opportunity.”

The name most people associate with Diversity Week is also one they associate with America.

As it turns out, Martin Luther King Jr. was quite the traveler.

Professor of Sociology Derek Roberts looked at the influence on and from King around the world in “MLK Beyond America.”

Roberts highlighted King’s trips to India, Zambia, Ghana, Berlin, and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

King spent time learning about Mahatma Gandhi’s ideals rooted in non-violence and took to them quickly. After arriving in India, he said he was coming not as a tourist, but as a pilgrim.

Roberts told stories of King’s adventures in foreign lands.

During his visit to Berlin, Germany, a 21-year-old by the name of Michael Meyer was shot several times while trying to get across the Wall and into the West.

An American soldier helped pull him to safety.

King visited Meyer in the hospital, where the boy would spend four months, Roberts said.

Not all of Roberts’ stories about King were sad.

King’s passport had been confiscated earlier, but he was able to use his American Express card, which had his name printed on it, to get across the border into East Berlin.

King spent time with Zambian President Kenneth Kaunda, both in the country and in the U.S. Roberts talked about museums, memorials, and streets named after Martin Luther King across the globe.

“I Have a Dream, Revisited” Manuel Mendez is many things.

He’s a father, an evangelizer, a public speaker.

He’s also a believer in the power of dreams and passion to change a life.

Mendez visited MCCC and read excerpts of an icon: the “I Have a Dream” speech.

He shared some of the experiences that shaped his convictions of love being stronger than hate and talked about why he believed King’s ideals are so important.

“The America that he saw, wasn’t the America that he dreamed off. He saw beyond what was happening in America and saw the potential of what America could be and he said that I dreamed these things because I know that the only thing that’s greater than darkness is light,” Mendez said.

His performance was especially moving to one audience member.

“I wanted to thank you for sharing with us the experience of hearing that speech as it was originally delivered in person,” Charles Friedline, the Upward Bound Academic Skills Coordinator at MCCC, said.

At 39, King was a young man when he died, President Kojo Quartey said during a discussion.

“I think it’s important to impress upon these young folks that you don’t have to be an old person like me to make a difference. You can make a difference while you’re young,” he said.

Many people think of King as older when he died, Quartey said.

Mendez gave the audience the simplest of instructions.

“Keep your dream alive. Keep your dream alive, keep your passion alive,” he said.

Mendez emphasized that people need to keep dreams alive no matter what they are and when those dreams are accomplished, and also not forget where they came from and always help one another out.

“Given the opportunity to hate, choose love. Given the opportunity to walk away, walk toward, so that we can help fulfill Dr. King’s dream.”

As with all good things, the week ended with food.

Students could try different desserts set out in the A building, and Kosch served a few internationally inspired dishes.

10 • Campus News

January 28, 2019

Agora/mcccagora.com

MLK’s legacy continued

Nephew of Martin Luther King Jr. speaks at MCCC for Diversity Week Maya Gaynier Agora Staff

Derek Barber King, the nephew of Martin Luther King Jr., spoke at MCCC about the importance of equality and creating social change.

“Martin said ‘We as a people will get to the promised land.’ He didn’t say black folks are gonna get there. We as a people; America still has a promise to live up to. All men, generically, are created equal,” King said.

King spoke in the La-Z-Boy Center, Meyer Theater on January 14. This event was in celebration of Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday, which was January 15. King was also at the Arthur Lesow Community Center in Monroe at 6 pm for a panel discussion.

“I am guided by the Holy Spirit when it comes to addressing people this time of the year because of a fellow acknowledgement of Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday. And I’m in his family,” King said to introduce his speech.

King’s father worked with his older brother, Martin Luther King Jr., on civil rights actions. King’s father was with Martin Luther King Jr. when he was assassinated in Memphis, Tennessee in 1968. At the time, Derek King was just 14 years old.

King conducts workshops and seminars on creating social change through nonviolent strategies and tactics. He works to end discrimination, racism, oppression, and violence. King is a certified conflict resolution coach in regard to the discipline of Kingian Nonviolence.

King has a bachelor’s degree in Religious Studies, a master of Divinity degree, and doctorate of Divinity degrees from three colleges. King was a professor of religious studies for 19 years at Martin University in Indianapolis and a minister at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, before retiring last May. King emphasized the importance of Martin Luther King Jr.’s death for the civil rights movement.

“When Martin Luther King Jr. physically was removed from the human experience, those who plotted to have his death become a reality underestimated that decision, that action, and its outcome. They thought it was over,” King said.

“But they had made Martin Luther King Jr. become more powerful than they could imagine. Streets, thoroughfares, buildings, intersections, a national holiday, a permanent monument in Washington D.C.: all bearing his name. And many of them in his image. They have made him more powerful than they can imagine.”

However, King said that this outcome was not what Martin Luther King Jr. intended.

“His intention was for people of con-

Photos by Maya Gaynier.

Derek Barber King, nephew of MLK, told the Meyer Theater audience to keep dreaming.

science, color, commitment, and faith to own up to the fact that America will not be what she says she is on paper until what she wrote on paper becomes reality,” said King.

Despite the progress made by Martin Lu-

ther King Jr., King stressed that there is still progress to be made.

“People who love human rights, justice, equality, we still got some work to do,” he said.

“We have been race-labeling for too long.”

About 100 people attended Derek Barber King’s speech in the Meyer Theater.

King also spoke about the progress that can be made in politics.

“I vote for people who are gonna do the right thing and represent the constitution in its purity. Politically, we got some work to do,” King said.

King made an additional comment about politics.

“Something is wrong, when people who we have elected, who get into a debate over some positions, and end up having almost a million people work without getting paid: that is wrong.”

King said that people have been fighting over skin color for too long and have put up barriers and walls against each other. However, he said that people need to realize that people are created equal.

“We might’ve come over on different boats, but we’re on the same shore now.

Wherever I go, I’m gonna see you. And wherever you go, you gonna see me.”

King concluded by telling about his grandmother’s quilts, made from found colorful fabric swatches. The quilts had many different swatches, but she used one common thread throughout.

“If we as a people are gonna get to the promised land, my friends, you got to understand that we black folk can’t do it by ourselves. White folk can’t do it by themselves.

Straight folks. Gay folks. Educated folks.

Uneducated folks,” he said.

“But when God binds us heart to heart, breast to breast, knowing it was out of one blood that God created every man to dwell on the face of the earth, it will speed up the date. As Martin said, ‘Black men and white men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics, can all join hands, say free at last.

Free at last. Thank God Almighty, we are free at last.’”

Agora/mcccagora.com

Campus News • 11

January 28, 2019

MCCC changes mission, vision, values Lydia Sandefur Agora Staff

After over a decade, MCCC is getting a face-lift.

MCCC has created a new mission statement, vision, and core values for students and staff.

The change will impact decisions ranging from funding to program creation.

A task force comprised of MCCC administration and faculty representing all departments approved a new mission statement, vision, and set of core values in September 2018.

The task force began its work in the spring of 2017.

“In March or April of 2017, (Kojo Quartey) came to me and asked me to assemble a task force to work on taking a look at the mission, vision and core values,” Joe Verkennes, director of marketing and communications said.

The taskforce was created to update a new, strategic three-year plan that focuses on major themes and goals of the college.

“The mission statement is the key starting point for any strategic plan,” Verkennes said. “And as we embark on developing our next plan, we need to be sure that all of our strategies are viewed through the lens of our mission documents.”

This is the first time the mission documents have been updated since 2007.

During other strategic plan forming sessions, the documents had been revisited but no changes or updates were made.

Verkennes explained the working definition of each part of the mission documents in a presentation to the board of trustees in September 2018.

“The mission statement is a broad statement of organizational scope, purposes and operation that distinguishes MCCC from other colleges, universities and organizations,” he said.

“A vision is a statement of what or how we would like things to be. It is a picture of the

Photo by Lydia Sandefur

The updated mission statement is displayed on a banner on the side of the L building.

future we are working to create—what we want Monroe County Community College to become.

“Core values are stable principles and standards—they change only very slowly over long periods of time—at the very center of our character from which we will not budge or stray.”

During the mission, vision, and value writing process, there were planning sessions with faculty, students, and community.

The previous mission statement was: “Monroe County Community College enriches and transforms lives by providing opportunity and excellence in higher education.”

According to Verkennes, the previous statement no longer fit the definition of a mission statement.

“There was a trend back in the early to mid-2007... where missions started to get really, really short because there was this belief that it needed to be remembered by everyone,” Verkennes explained regarding the previous mission statement. “But then when you get really, really short, you get really really broad.”

The updated mission statement is: “Monroe County Community College enriches lives in our community by providing opportunity through student-focused, affordable, quality higher education and other learning experiences.”

The previous vision statement was: “Monroe County Community College will be an innovative and progressive higher education institution and our community’s first choice for quality post-secondary education” The task force determined there is no way to determine if this vision was or can be fulfilled.

“The task force looked at the data and saw that there’s really no way to gauge or to evaluate whether or not we have become our community’s first choice for quality post-secondary education,” Verkennes said.

“And we wondered if that was even an achievable goal.”

The updated vision created more attainable goals for the college.

“Monroe County Community College will be recognized for our student-focused service, academic excellence, affordability, innovation, community responsiveness, and student success.”

The previous set of core values also lacked specificity.

“Our core values were numerous, some of them somewhat repetitive at times, and some of them didn’t seem to be valued,” Verkennes said. “They also didn’t have any explanation... they were just a list.”

The core values were carefully rewritten so the fundamental ideas were not changed, but they were cleaned up and thoroughly explained.

While the process of updating the mission documents involved a number of student representatives as well as community members, the changes have gone unnoticed by a majority of the student body.

The mission, vision, and values of the college may not be clear to the everyday student, but they fundamentally direct all decisions made by the college and will ultimately determine how students will learn, Verkennes said.

With the updates, students can expect a clearer student-focused experience and learning environment as the backbone for the upcoming strategic plan.

One Book bringing author to campus The annual One Book, One Community program will feature an author visit, after all.

Program coordinator Cheryl Johnston announced that the author of a related book will speak on campus during this year’s program.

“Although we will not be able to bring Paulette Jiles, author of “News of the World,” we are pleased to present author-historian Scott Zesch to Monroe and the MCCC campus,” Johnston said.

Zesch’s book, “The Captured: A True Story of Abduction by Indians on the Texas

Frontier,” covers the same general topic as Jiles’ book.

“News of The World,” which tells the story of a 10-year-old girl who was captured by Indians and re- Scott Zesch turned to her family, was announced last fall as the 2019 One Book choice.

Zesch’s book shares the stories of several children abducted and held captive by Indian tribes in Texas.

Paulette Jiles calls his book an excellent

source for anyone interested in the psychology of children who have been captured and abducted, Johnston said.

Zesch will be available for a public presentation at 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 20, in the Meyer Theater.

Johnston said a less formal Q&A with the author will be held at 11 a.m. in the Atrium for faculty and MCCC students.

The One Book, One Community program launches March 13 with a kickoff event in the La-Z-Boy Theater, and concludes through the first week of April.

12 •Politics

January 28, 2019

Agora/mcccagora.com

MCCC feels effects of shutdown

Prior to the Jan. 25 agreement, government buildings all over Washington D.C. were shut down.

Trump announces deal to end shutdown and reopen government for three weeks Vanessa Ray Agora Staff

After weeks of name-calling and accusations, a temporary agreement to end the government shutdown was reached Jan. 25.

With 800,000 federal employees looking to miss yet another paycheck, the pressure on both parties to reopen the government was reaching a fever-pitch.

The effects of the 35-day shutdown were felt throughout the United States, including here on MCCC’s campus On one side is President Donald Trump – who was demanding $5.7 billion to begin a proposed wall on the U.S. Mexican border.

On the other side the Democratic Party, which recently gained control of the House of Representatives.

“We really have no choice but to build a powerful wall or steel barrier,” Trump said from the Rose Garden. “If we don’t get a fair deal from Congress, the government will either shut down on Feb. 15, or I will use the powers afforded to me under the laws and Constitution of the United States to address this emergency.”

Earlier this month, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi

“They’re going to work and they’re not receiving a paycheck. There’s no guarantee they’re even going to get their back pay.”

Blaine Hubbert MCCC and Siena Heights student

spoke to reporters.

“A wall, in my view, is an immorality,” she said. “It’s the least effective way to protect the border and the most costly.

I can’t think of any reason why anyone would think it’s a good idea — unless this has something to do with something else.”

On campus, those looking to receive federal financial aid had the most to lose.

Director of Financial Aid Valerie Culler said there was no disruption in student aid for those who took classes last semester.

She said transfer students and those starting at MCCC for the first time this semester had the most to lose.

Culler also said the agencies overseeing federal financial aid were doing what they could to make the process easier.

On Jan. 9, an updated guidance was sent to the Financial Aid office.

“Going forward, and even after a deal is reached, students may bring in their own tax forms,” she said.

Previously, all tax forms had to be sent directly from the IRS to MCCC. “Students who need letters to show proof of non-filing status are required to make a good faith effort,” Culler said.

“We can help them with that.”

Culler said the Offices of Financial Aid helped students create a document stating the government is shutdown, therefore the student is unable to receive their letter.

However, the shutdown did not just affect those with financial aid.

Many students on campus have strong opinions on the shutdown.

“I think the Democrats should get their money withheld,” student Jackie Conn said the day before an agreement was made. “They need to hit them where it hurts, then maybe

something will happen.”

Conn, who said she supports the President’s concept of building a wall, wishes the Democrats would “give a little bit.”

Blaine Hubbert, who attends both MCCC and Siena Heights, said he does not understand why there isn’t a stipend in place to pay government employees.

Both he and Conn said what’s happening to employees is terrible.

“They’re going to work and they’re not receiving a paycheck,” Hubbert said. “There’s no guarantee they’re even going to get their back pay.”

Hubbert puts a lot of blame on the President, and feels like the 2020 election mixed with a hatred of Latin people is playing a big role in the President’s decisions.

“I think it’s a lot of xenophobia,” he said. “Building the wall is based on xenophobia and racism.”

The IRS offices display a sign saying they are closed due to the government shutdown.

Agora/mcccagora.com

January 28, 2019

Arts & Entertainment • 13

Doctor Who fights racism with Rosa Parks James P. Quick Agora Editor

If you’ve been running in the same circles I do, you might’ve noticed the new season of “Doctor Who” has been met with a massively black-and-white reception.

That is to say, people seem to think you can either consider it the best thing to ever happen to mankind or an abomination in the eyes of God that’s ruined the series forever.

Gee, that’s never happened before. It’s not like this is Season 37 of the longest-running science-fiction series in the world. Besides, people have been saying the show’s “ruined forever” since the very beginning.

A joke in the fandom, riffing on the opening shot of the first episode back in 1963, goes something to the effect of “Doctor Who was a nice little show about a policeman stumbling through the fog until they introduced the Doctor and ruined it forever.”

For my money, I’d say this season tried to do a lot, but had a flawed execution in a number of places. This is mostly down to a couple factors.

Namely, showrunner Chris Chibnall wrote or co-wrote half of the season, leading to some episodes having plots that are afterthoughts to character moments that don’t always work.

In addition, the 2005 revival’s perennial problem of “45-Minute Syndrome” reared its ugly head.

What 45-Minute Syndrome means is you’re trying to tell a traditional 100-minute-long “Doctor Who” story in 45 minutes and failing. Both of these are for another day, however.

Initially with this article I wanted to focus on three of the season’s historical episodes – “Rosa,” “Demons of the Punjab,” and “The Witchfinders.”

But “Rosa” won out as the sole focus due to its significance and that it resonates with MCCC’s Diversity Week.

Spoilers will follow. You have been warned.

“Rosa” sees Team TARDIS get embroiled in the events surrounding the titular heroine’s famous refusal to move on that Montgomery bus back in October of 1955.

However, as part of an overall campaign against people of color, a time-traveling racist – Krasko – arrives to avert the event.

What’s startling here is Krasko isn’t racist against humanity as a whole, which is common in sci-fi allegories.

Krasko is a mass murderer who genuinely despises everyone who isn’t white. While in prison, a chip was implanted into his brain making him physically incapable of harming any living thing, no matter how desperately he wants to.

To that end, instead of murdering Rosa as he desires, he elects to divert the flow of history to alter the Civil Rights movement in its infancy and keep black people subjugated.

Krasko is from the 79th Century, folks. He’s treated as a serious aberration, sure… but he’s still a virulent and violent

In 1950s Alabama, the Doctor and her friends (Mandip Gill, Bradley Walsh, Tosin Cole) confront racism at every turn.

A promotional poster showing Jodie Whittaker as the Thirteenth Doctor with her companions Graham, Ryan, and Yaz.

racist from a time insanely far in the future compared to both now and 1950s Alabama.

While it’s disconcerting, it’s also a harsh rebuke of a misconception that a lot of white people seem to have – that racism ended with the Civil Rights Act. Yeah, no. Absolutely not.

This misconception has been beaten back in recent years.

Regardless, look around you; you can still see institutional racism just about everywhere if you know what to look for.

I’d go on about this more, but I only have so much space.

Essentially, to make sure the long-term Civil Rights movement remains intact, Team TARDIS has to do something horrible – ensuring Rosa is arrested for refusing to give up her seat. Meanwhile, Krasko is sabotaging all of their attempts. Add into this the awful racism of 1950s Alabama – experienced first-hand by companions Ryan (who’s black) and Yaz (who’s Pakistani) – and things become a delicate, frustrating battle of wits.

My tone gets quite negative past this point, as I go over points I took issue with. So, before I continue, I want to highlight parts of the episode I enjoyed.

I was happily surprised at how well South Africa doubled for 1950s Alabama. It’s no surprise they’re returning to shoot there for the next season.

As with the rest of the season, the cinematography and camerawork for this episode is phenomenal and film-worthy.

All of the performances are on-point, too.

Jodie Whittaker has come into her own as the Thirteenth Doctor, and her confrontations with Krasko convinced me that this is still the character I’ve loved for almost 13 years.

Tosin Cole shows Ryan’s frustration with the racist attitudes of the 1950s quite aptly. His discussion with Mandip Gill’s Yaz about the racism they’ve experienced in the modern day is a high point of the episode.

Gill isn’t given much to do – a recurring theme for the season, sadly – but gets some cracking bits, such as the aforementioned discussion with Cole and her interactions with Rosa.

Vinette Robinson is the spitting image of Rosa Parks, and her performance genuinely believe I was watching the real deal.

She’s electric, and steals every scene in which she appears.

Bradley Walsh continues to delight as the most senior of the current companions, Graham. While trying to get their many plans to work, Walsh’s experience as a gameshow host comes to the fore, but never distracts from his character.

Krasko, a time-traveling racist (Joshua Bowman), intimidates Rosa Parks (Vinette Robinson).

Joshua Bowman plays Krasko perhaps a little too slightly, but that could largely be due to the inhibitor implanted in the character. Regardless, he rocks the greaser getup they’ve put him in.

Performances aside, the program’s treatment of racism works, and I’ll explain what I mean by that.

Usually, “Doctor Who” shies away from directly taking on human-on-human racism.

Only two other televised “Doctor Who” stories (to my knowledge) dealt with such a topic – “Remembrance of the Daleks” from 1988 and last season’s “Thin Ice.” In “Rosa,” the narrative is explicitly anti-racist. At every turn, the Doctor is combating the ignorance, and trying to shield her companions from it.

She explicitly asks them to go back to the TARDIS for their safety. They refuse, but it’s not hard to see why she asks this.

In the first 10 minutes, Ryan is slapped across the face for trying to return a white woman’s glove. By the 15-minute mark, Yaz is dismissed as a Mexican as the group is kicked out of a restaurant. 20 minutes in, the police try to arrest the Doctor and Graham, for associating with people of color.

Racism is shown as the vile, disgusting, and ever-present evil it is and soundly rejected by all of the main cast. I applaud the series for finally tackling this issue head-on.

Now, sadly, I have to pick some of this story apart.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. himself makes a cameo during a meeting at Rosa’s house, and herein lies a couple big issues I have with the episode. This is down to what the meeting was related to, not any issue with Dr. King’s appearance (though the actor, Ray Sesay, was not a great likeness).

Continued on Page 14

14 • Arts & Entertainment

January 28, 2019

Agora/mcccagora.com

Rose Younglove Agora Staff

The woman was consumed by rats.

For her struggles and courage she is rewarded with pink, pattering feet and flies.

The victims of hurricane Katrina suffered needlessly under the sun while awaiting the President’s response.

Overcome by shock and sorrow, Anderson Cooper blinks his watery, blue eyes and informs viewers of the dead.

I would recommend Dispatches from the Edge to young readers especially, as it explains the history of various past disasters, discusses the importance of mental health, and serves as an inspiring comingof-age-story.

Anderson Cooper has been my favorite reporter since I was 9 years old.

Intelligent, articulate, and raw in everything he creates, I was ecstatic to exist in his world.

The moment my family and I finished opening Christmas presents, I flipped to the first tan page.

I quickly found it was impossible to merely exist in the world of Dispatches from the Edge.

From the death of Cooper’s father to his team’s discovery of an abandoned dead woman after hurricane Katrina, every emotion wrapped around me like a fast, broken car round a streetlight. Unintentionally promoting activism across the globe, the book will not only change the way one understands news media, but the way one understands the world.

Born in May of 1998 I knew little of the horrific bloodbath that was the Bosnian War. Cooper gives a personal look into 1993, Bosnia. Page 72’s emotive quote is taken from a hospital patient page, chilling readers of all ages, “All the people in Sarajevo

Dispatches from the Edge

have a bullet for them. All of them have their turn. They are just waiting for it. Wondering, ‘when is my turn?’”

If the worldly struggles of the memoir do not move you, the personal struggles of Mr. Cooper shall carry you away.

“I was ten when my father died,” are the emotional words which begin readers’ journey into the life of Mr. Anderson Cooper.

Each chapter contains a personal memory of that informs the readers of Cooper’s past while connecting him to victims in various countries.

He spent years worrying how to provide for his mother after his fa-

ther’s death.

Anderson and his mother were tragically destined to face the world together, or alone.

Carter Cooper committed suicide in front of his mother, jumping off of a building.

Perhaps it is this tragic loss which prompts Anderson to tell the struggles of others.

On page 46, Anderson states a need to report, and travel where, “the pain outside matched the pain I was feeling inside.”

Addressing war, death, anxiety, and depression, I believe Dispatches from the Edge is a highly informative memoir in various cat-

egories.

I would recommend this book to young readers especially, as I personally learned so much of past global conflicts.

Dispatches from the Edge could be a fascinating textbook in various historical, political, and literature based classes.

Dispatches from the Edge explains the history of various past disasters, discusses the importance of mental health, and serves as an inspiring coming of age story.

Page 207 incredibly summarizes humanity’s (especially young adult’s) mutual fear and fascination of danger.

“The world has many edges, and all of us dangle from them by a very delicate thread. The key is not to let go.”

News can be seen at all times in books, blogs, or television but rarely do reporters make a lengthy, personal connection to their audience or those they interview.

Not only does Anderson humanize the victims of such tragedies, he humanizes those who report of it and in doing so, the emotional pull of reporting is laid out for all to see.

This informative and soulful book is captivating and compelling, and it was certainly an unforgettable Christmas present.

Doctor Who episode powerful semi-historical drama Continued from Page 14 History lesson.

Claudette Colvin was a 15-year-old African-American girl living in Montgomery, Alabama in 1955. In March of that year she refused to give up her seat to a white person and was arrested.

Sound familiar?

Rosa Parks’ act of defiance that October was specifically engineered to mimic Colvin’s. Parks was chosen by Dr. King and other black leaders – ones who would have been at that meeting at Rosa’s house. They picked

her specifically because she looked middle-class and well-to-do. Additionally, they felt adults were more reliable than teenagers.

(I will concede the last point to a degree.)

Here’s my issue: “Rosa” never once mentions this incident.

Now let me be clear, I’m not hating on Rosa Parks. It just pains me that Claudette Colvin – who is still alive, mind you! – is completely overlooked.

In addition, the Doctor would have mentioned this instead of touting Rosa as the most important figure here. The Doctor has repeatedly shown an expertise in human history due

to having been caught up in quite a bit of it.

I find it frankly unbelievable she wouldn’t have said something.

As such, while I do adore this episode, if you dig deeper it comes across as something less like “whoa, this is a wonderful, in-depth, educational piece” and more akin to “wow, Wikipedia is a great primary source for my work!”

Some might say I shouldn’t expect this much out of a television drama, but dammit, I know TV can be better. Hell, I know “Doctor Who” itself can be better, and has been!

Chris Chibnall wanted a return to the edu-

cational remit of the earliest seasons.

Good!

But, Chris, if you’re going to adhere to that, don’t leave out the important bits, huh?

My issues aside, “Rosa” is a powerful piece of drama well worth a watch. It doesn’t sugar-coat the contemporary racial tensions, nor does it try to cheapen history.

Oh, and I forgot to mention what happens to Krasko. Ryan sends him back 72 million years using his own time machine.

Have fun, Krasko! The dinosaurs certainly didn’t discriminate because, hey, a free meal is a free meal!

Agora/mcccagora.com

January 28, 2019

Arts & Entertainment • 15

Mike Shinoda can't be brought down Former co-lead singer of Linkin Park releases inspiring new album Todd Salisbury Agora Staff

Suicide is prevalent.

Thankfully, as it becomes more discussed, society has begun to realize the issues many individuals face.

Unfortunately, one thing that isn’t discussed as often, is how the friends and family get through the grieving.

While this article isn’t directly about suicide or how to continue on without a loved one, the album I chose as the best of 2018 deals with it heavily.

Mike Shinoda dropped the album Post Traumatic June 15, 2018.

Clocking in at 53 minutes, the album consists of 16 songs.

Many people know Mike Shinoda, but often can’t put a face to him nor fully know where they remember the name.

Shinoda is an American singer, songwriter, rapper, and producer. He is most famously known for being the founder, and co-lead singer of Linkin Park.

Linkin Park is a band with much critical acclaim, having successfully made seven studio albums, such as Hybrid Theory.

Mike Shinoda at Soundwave 2013.

Linkin Park blended alternative, electronic, hard rock, as well as hip hop.

Between the powerful vocals of Chester Bennington and the influences and ideas of Shinoda, Linkin Park emerged from the underground to be one the most popular bands of the 2000’s.

Or at least it was.

On July 20, 2017, news broke that would hit the music industry hard.

Bennington ended his life after years of struggling with depression and drug abuse.

He was 41 years old.

Fans and media were shocked and in mourning, none more than Bennington’s family and band mates, including Shinoda.

At the time of this article, Linkin Park still has not made music or announced what their next move is.

However, after spending time to reflect and mourn, Shinoda produced Post Traumatic.

“It’s a journey out of grief and darkness, not into grief and darkness,” Shinoda said.

Shinoda starts the album with “Place to Start” a track about finding a way to continue again.

The track was made in partnership with Linkin Park drummer and bandmate Rob Bourdon, who did percussion on the song.

In an interview with U.K. magazine, Kerrang!, Bourdon discussed how the track started as a demo during sessions the band had for their last album One More Light.

He said it was almost the intro track for the album but after the passing of Bennington, the lyrics were mostly remade to fit the feelings they had.

The end of the track features voicemails from various friends checking on Shinoda following the death.

Starting the album this way provides a link to the past while breathing a breath of fresh air on Shinoda’s new solo career.

Further into the album, the track “Nothing Makes Sense Anymore,” discusses reflecting on the mental state a person has after a traumatic event.

With lines in the chorus such as, “my inside’s out, my left is right, my upside’s down, my black is white,” the song highlights how the thinking process through grief is no longer easy.

Life is completely hazy with the feeling of no light to look towards.

The chorus continues by repeating the phrase, “nothing makes sense anymore.”

Shinoda, when discussing the song with the media company Genius, attributed his love for Nine Inch Nails as a source of inspiration, specifically the song “The Downward Spiral.”

The album cover for Post-Traumatic.

In the second verse, the song describes a broken sleep schedule, his heart continuing to break, and no longer having the friend he turned to who helped get him through so much.

In my opinion, this is easily the darkest song on the album, as Shinoda sings over a slow melodic guitar with an effects pedal to change the sound of chords.

After this, the tracks on the album gradually get lighter, signaling that grief heals over time.

The turning point in the album is the track “Ghosts,” an upbeat song where Shinoda sings about accepting his inability to bring Bennington back.

The track features a fun music video that opens with Shinoda saying he has had enough hard days and shouldn’t feel guilty for waking up and having fun.

For the video he has sock puppets singing the lyrics with various paper and digital animations he created on an iPad. Aside from his singing, Shinoda brings back his rap flow on the track “Lift Off,” which features Deftones’ front man Chino Moreno and

rapper Machine Gun Kelly.

Shinoda opens with lyrics comparing his career heights to multinational spaceflight company, Virgin Galactic, and stating that his bars are comparable to the Large Hadron Collider, the world’s biggest particle accelerator.

He also discusses in this song how his career is not over, saying if he quit it would be a tragedy -like the Challenger space shuttle.

The album ends with the track “Can’t Hear You Now.” The song doesn’t say who he can’t hear.

Some speculate it is about the critics who tore apart Linkin Park’s last album while others believe it is for the members of Bennington’s family who were angered by the bands management during the aftermath of his death.

It could also be sung from Bennington’s perspective, with the line “I’m somewhere far away, where you can’t bring me down.”

The pre-chorus for the song can be viewed as Shinoda’s perspective with lines saying that some days are worse and he can’t keep control but, right now he is above it all.

16 • Arts & Entertainment

January 28, 2019

Agora/mcccagora.com

Must-see movies of 2018

Rose Younglove Agora Staff

Hereditary focuses on the relationships between the Graham family, and their reactions to deaths they face.

The thriller begins with a wide shot of a dollhouse, and as the camera zooms in audiences see it is actually the Graham family home.

This shot suggests the family members are nothing more than dolls being controlled by an unseen force.

This is reflected by Annie Graham, played by Toni Collette, the mother in the film, who designs miniature dolls and homes.

As a mother, Annie should be in control of what happens in the household.

However, Hereditary proves that the family holds no power in their fate.

All decisions lead to one road, and, despite Annie’s attempts to retain control, she too is a pawn in the game.

Hereditary rises suspense with its questions- what is a family, who determines our fate?

Does grief destroy a person or bring out their true self? These questions and more are analyzed in the psychological thriller.

Bohemian Rhapsody begins with several shots around Freddie Mercury, from close ups of his beloved cats to the famous handlebar mustache as “Somebody to Love” plays in the background.

Rami Malek’s portrayal of the unforgettable, flamboyant Mercury has already won him a Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Motion Picture.

Throughout the film, Mercury expresses a fear of loneliness. Mecury feels he doesn’t fit in.

He’s a young, queer Parsi boy with an anterior overjet growing up in the 1970s.

Throughout the film he identifies most with “the misfits.” “We’re [Queen] four misfits who don’t belong together,” Mercury says.

“We’re playing for other misfits. They’re the outcasts right at the back of the room. We’re pretty sure they don’t belong either. We belong to them.”

The theme of self-love is an important one.

The movie asks one deep question throughout the plot, is success worthwhile if there is no one to share it with?

Black Panther continued Marvel’s success at the box office.

King T’Challa surpassed Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, and Spiderman: Homecoming as a solo superhero film with 1.34 billion dollars as of May 22, 2018.

The bold, action packed film presents T’Challa as a strong and just ruler with the support of four equally resilient women- his mother, Ramonda, sister Shuri, bodyguard and warrior Okoye, and the spy and love interest Nakia.

One of my favorite traits of this movie is the blend of African culture and futuristic technology. The

flaws in his homeland and in his ruling.

Filled with strong acting and a bold message about the use of power, Black Panther was a strong opening to 2018 and left its mark in the marvel cinematic universe.

film never backs down from deep subject material or visual elements which further fuels the intricate battle between T’Challa and his lost cousin, Erik Kilmonger.

Perhaps Black Panther’s greatest triumph is the solemnity it uses when addressing racism and the struggle of finding your identity in a world which beats you down.

Kilmonger, while depicted as the villain of the film, is never treated as such by T’Challa.

This is another aspect of what sets T’Challa apart from his predecessors, his ability to acknowledge

Love, Simon was an innovative film enjoyed by audiences.

Based off the young adult novel Simon vs The Homosapien Agenda, Love, Simon focuses on the complicated life of the closeted, high school senior Simon Spier.

Simon is defined by his love of his friends and his family and, like most teenagers, his desire to fit in.

This becomes increasingly difficult as Simon attempts to hide his sexuality from those around him.

When Spier learns of Blue, a gay high school student who has anonymously come out on a local school blog, his life becomes even more complicated.

Simon reaches out to Blue and the two happily share experiences as they become closer.

Similar to a John Hughes film, Love, Simon tackles the experience of gay teenagers as Simon endures harassment, secret crushes, and emotional coming outs to his friends and family.

Full of humor and heart, Love, Simon is a delightful spin on the previously forgotten teen romantic comedy.

Voted Best Kiss at the MTV Movie & TV awards Love, Simon was a favorite with young people and is one of the most memorable movies of 2018.

Spiderman: Into the Spiderverse could have been another company’s attempt to rewrite the famous spider-bitten superhero.

However, the film’s characters, design, and overarching plot allowed the film to create a fresh dynamic

with interesting characters.

The quick movements, steady animation, and upbeat soundtrack quickly establishes the film as a great family movie and a tribute to comic book lovers.

Voices like John Mulaney and Nicholas Cage add the star quailty, while Shameik Moore and Jake Johnson have an undeniable chemistry as MIles Morales and Peter Parker.

Parker’s universe shows a Spiderman enduring a harsh reality as he and longtime girlfriend Mary Jane Watson terminate their relationship. Parker explains their situation in a single sentence “She wanted kids.”

Miles Morales is a cool kid from Brooklyn, who starts the movie high fiving friends and questioning his parents’ decisions like any other teenager.

Miles’ awkward first day of school is filled with laughs for parents and kids alike, establishing Miles as the friendly face behind the soon to be friendly neighborhood Spiderman.

Miles’ life becomes more complicated after he and his uncle Aaron spray paint a hidden room in a Brooklyn subway, and Miles is bitten by a radioactive spider.

Into the Spiderverse follows a similar path of strength and sacrifice without appearing sanctimonious or repetitive.

The unique art form of Into the Spiderverse highlights the distinctive, vibrant colors. This animated film is a pleasant expansion of Spiderman, and an instant classic to the super hero universe.