The Reporter Volume 15 Issue 5

Li’l Abner’s Fight

The Miami Book Fair took over the streets of downtown Miami during its 41st installment with books, music, crafts and street food from Nov. 17-24.

Miami Dade College’s men’s soccer season ended in the first round of pool play at the NJCAA Division I Men’s Soccer Championship in Kansas.

Melissa Martinez reviews Jon M. Chu’s cinematic adaptation of the broadway musical Wicked, a magical journey of friendship, wisdom and self-discovery.

The Reporter's Michael Dib discusses the fight that the residents at Li’l Abner Trailer Home Park are facing against redevelopment plans.

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Friendship In Oz

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Lit Streets

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4VOL. 15, ISSUE 5 — JANUARY 28, 2025

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TIKTOK

Is TikTok Running Out Of Time? Here’s What We Know

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FCSPA

These Student Publications Were Awarded Top Honors By The FCSPA AXIS, Miambiance and The Reporter received General Excellence Awards at the Florida College System Publication Association’s Annual Conference and Awards Banquet.

By Isabella Arce isabella.arce001@mymdc.net

JESUS GARCIA / THE REPORTER

Temporary Pause: TikTok users were in a frenzy after the popular social media app temporarily went dark on Jan. 18

ON JAN. 18, AMERICANS FACED A SOCIAL MEDIA DISASTER AS TIKTOK VOLUNTARILY SHUT DOWN FOR A DAY BEFORE A GOVERNMENT BAN WENT INTO EFFECT. THE CRISIS WAS AVERTED FOR NOW, BUT WILL TIKTOK LIVE ON?

By Andrea Briones andrea.briones001@mymdc.net Ashley Perulena, a 19-year-old studying psychology at Hialeah Campus, was crushed when TikTok went dark last Saturday.

“It just made me sad because TikTok was when I could just be by myself and scroll until I was bored,” Perulena said.

Perulena was one of more than 170 million American TikTok users who were unable to access their accounts after the application voluntarily shut down on Jan. 18, a day before an intended ban went into effect, and it was removed from app stores.

Instead of the normal content, users were greeted with the following message: “Sorry, TikTok isn’t available right now. A law banning TikTok has been enacted in the U.S. Unfortunately, that means you can’t use TikTok for now. We are fortunate that President Trump has indicated that he will work with us on a solution to reinstate TikTok once he takes office. Please stay tuned!”

While some—the few who still had momentary access—furiously started downloading their videos, others took a more

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maniac approach and called 911 to voice their complaints or profess their love for the platform.

Many joined Xiaohongshu (Red Note), a Chinese social media platform, as a form of rebellion against the United States government.

“I think it will honestly be good for [students] because then we’ll be focusing more on homework and stuff instead of just doom scrolling on TikTok,” said Jane Vega, a speech pathology student at North Campus.

“I still do miss it though, to be honest, but I think it’ll be good for us.”

However the hysteria was short-lived— about 12 hours later the app came back online: “Welcome back! Thanks for your patience and support. As a result of President Trump’s efforts, TikTok is back in the U.S.!

You can continue to create, share, and discover all the things you love on TikTok.” This isn’t the first time TikTok has almost slipped out of the hands of American users.

In 2020, U.S. President Donald Trump signed two executive orders to ban TikTok for national security concerns unless its parent company, ByteDance, sold the platform to a U.S. buyer.

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The following year, President Joe Biden revoked the orders.

However, in 2022, Biden signed the “No TikTok on Government Devices Act” due to data privacy and national security concerns expressed by the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Two years later, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the ban with bipartisan support, stating that American companies can’t share TikTok content unless it’s sold to a U.S. buyer.

At the time, the CEO of TikTok, Shou Zi Chew, said the application was not for sale.

On Jan. 20—the first day of Trump’s second presidential term—he issued a 75-day delay on the ban, but the app remains unavailable for download in the app store.

What will happen with TikTok is still up in the air. Will it be sold? Will American users still be allowed to access it?

“Regardless of what happened, I am happy to have my daily scroll back, my little bundle of joy,” said Alejandra Quiroz, who creates social media content for The Reporter.

SPORTS

Three Miami Dade College student publications won top honors at the Florida College System Publication Association’s 65th Annual Conference and Awards Banquet in Ocala on Nov. 15.

For the 14th consecutive year, The Reporter was selected as the best two-year student newspaper in the state.

North Campus’ AXIS and Kendall Campus’ Miambiance were named the best literary magazines in Division A and B, respectively.

Judging was based on newspapers and magazines produced during the 2023-24 school year.

The Reporter placed in 14 of 19 categories, taking home first-place honors in Design, News Photo, Sports Photo, Picture Story, Feature Story, News Story, Sports Writing, Sports Column, Editorial Cartoon, Illustration and Website.

Nikole Valiente, who served as editor-inchief of The Reporter last year, won the Inner Circle Award for receiving awards in at least three categories.

“Knowing that The Reporter was named the best newspaper in the state for the 14th time in a row is an honor,” Valiente said. “I’m so grateful that I’ve had the opportunity to be part of something bigger than myself.”

Since its genesis in 2010, The Reporter has garnered 208 awards from the FCSPA, including 131 first-place honors. The paper covers news across MDC’s eight campuses, prints on a monthly schedule and has a circulation of 10, 250 copies per print cycle. It’s augmented by a bi-weekly newsletter and a presence on Instagram, TikTok and X. AXIS, who won the General Excellence Award in Division A, placed in eight of 14 categories, earning first-place awards in Design, Cover, Contents Page and Staff Page.

Volume 21 showcased a mosaic theme, featuring artworks such as poetry, photographs, illustrations and film.

“It feels great to be recognized because [the magazine] is something that every average college student wouldn’t see go past MDC, but the fact that it went past MDC, TURN TO FCSPA PAGE 8

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THE REPORTER IS THE FREE, BIWEEKLY STUDENT NEWSPAPER AT MIAMI DADE COLLEGE. ALL CONTENT IS PRODUCED BY MDC STUDENTS. THE REPORTER IS A PUBLIC FORUM FOR EXPRESSION.

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THE REPORTER

// BRIEFING Isabella Arce, Briefing Editor

//

T (305) 237-2157 // B isabella.arce001@mymdc.net Mas Family Scholarships Accepting Applications

REPORTER FILE PHOTO / NICOLE MOLINA

Lady Sharks Head Volleyball Coach Inducted Into NJCAA Hall Of Fame Miami Dade College’s Head Volleyball Coach Origenes “Kiko” Benoit was inducted into the National Junior College Athletic Association Hall of Fame on Nov. 19 in Clarksville, Tennessee.

Under his leadership, the Lady Sharks have earned two national championships and won 13 state titles.

“I think I’ve been blessed that they took the time to recognize me,” Benoit said. “Definitely, it’s an honor that some people I really admire… would do this for me.”

The 53-year-old started as a volunteer coach at Kendall Campus in 1995. He became an assistant volleyball coach for MDC the following year before being promoted to head coach in 2005.

Benoit, who has a 579-108 record as head coach at MDC, was tabbed Division I Mary Andrew Coach of the Year by the Florida College System Activities Association in 2021 and Two-Year College Northeast/Southeast Region Coach of the Year by the American Volleyball Coaches Association in 2005, 2009, 2014, 2017, 2018 and 2021.

The Lady Sharks concluded this year with a 25-3 record, losing in the national title game for the third consecutive year to Florida Southwestern State College on Nov. 23.

—Benjamin Vera

Applications for the Mas Family Scholarships are open until Jan. 31.

The scholarship, which aims to honor Cuban heritage, academic excellence, leadership and service, awards between $1,000$10,000 annually. Awards depend on students’ financial need.

Applicants must be full-time students attending an accredited institution for the 2025-26 school year, have a minimum 3.5 GPA and display involvement in leadership roles and community activities.

The application requires proof of Cuban descent, a personal statement, an essay, a resume, academic transcripts and test scores.

Students must also provide three recommendations and a copy of the submission summary from the Free Application for Federal Student Aid or the College Scholarship Service Profile. Recommendations are due on Feb 7.

Two Honors College graduates—Gabriel Ortega, who was pursuing an associate’s degree in biology, and Veronica Calzadilla, who was pursuing an associate’s degree in chemical engineering—were among the 15 students awarded this year.

Miami Dade College’s award-winning student newspaper, The Reporter, is recruiting students interested in writing, reporting, illustrating, photography and graphic design.

Applicants must be enrolled in at least six credits to be eligible to join.

The Reporter informs all eight MDC campuses, with offices at North Campus, 11380 N.W. 27th Ave., Room 4209; Wolfson Campus, 300 N.E. Second Ave., Room 1610; and Kendall Campus, 11011 S.W. 104 St., Room M-239.

It prints on a monthly schedule and has a circulation of 10,250 per print cycle. The paper is also augmented by a bi-weekly newsletter, a website with video and audio content, and a presence on Instagram, TikTok and X. Since its inception in 2010, The Reporter has been named the top community college student newspaper in the state 14 years in a row. It has earned five National Pacemakers from the Associated Collegiate Press and 208 awards from the Florida College System Publications Association, along with 131 first-place honors.

To apply, contact Manolo Barco at (305) 237-1255 or mbarco@mdc. edu.

—Yazid Guelida

—Benjamin Vera

PHOTO COURTESY OF CRISTIAN LAZZARI / KENDALL CAMPUS MEDIA SERVICES

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MDC Recognized As Fulbright HSI Leader To apply, visit: https://tinyurl.com/em3w845j

Miami Dade College has been honored as a 2024 Fulbright HispanicServing Institution Leader by the United States Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.

The award acknowledges MDC’s commitment to advancing academic excellence and international exchange through its engagement with the Fulbright Program.

The Fulbright Program was founded in 1946 and is the nation’s leading international academic exchange initiative.

Miami Dade College has also been recognized by the ECA as a top producer of Fulbright U.S. Scholars.

—Sara Dhorasoo

Miami Dade College To Launch XploreFL Program

PHOTO COURTESY OF CHASE ANDERSON

Lesley Mok To Perform at Jazz At Wolfson Presents Jazz at Wolfson Presents is hosting percussionist Lesley Mok at the Wolfson Campus Auditorium, 300 N.E. Second Ave., Room 1261, on Feb. 12 at noon.

Mok was a recipient of the 2022 Resident Artist award and the 2021 Herb Alpert Young Jazz Award, a program that acknowledges jazz composers ages 30 and under.

They have one debut album, The Living Collection, that features a 10-piece chamber ensemble. It was recognized by All About Jazz and Jazz Trail Magazine, and was also named International Debut Album of the Year at the 2024 Deutscher Jazzpreis.

Mok is also an interdisciplinary artist who works in sound, installation, film and theater, and is inspired by queer and feminist art practices, Chinese philosophy, Afro-Cuban musical traditions and ancestral knowledge.

The event is free and open to the public.

Miami Dade College launched the XploreFL Program as part of a statewide initiative on Oct. 30.

The program provides discounted tuition for out-of-state students to complete MDC online programs at $290 per credit hour.

Students may apply through MDC’s official website. Courses count toward a bachelor of applied science in leadership and management innovation and criminal justice, an associate of science in business administration and accounting technology or a college credit certificate in business management, human resources, business operations and computer programming.

XploreFL is committed to making Florida a leader in workforce education by 2030.

—Maria Eduarda Mottin

To apply, visit: https://www.mdc.edu/online/programs/explore.aspx

LOGO COURTESY OF MOAD

Museum Of Art And Design To Showcase Kabuya Pamela Bowens-Saffo’s From The Heights The Museum of Art and Design, in collaboration with the Women Artists Archives Miami, is hosting printmaker and artist Kabuya Pamela Bowens-Saffo’s first solo exhibition, From The Heights.

It will be showcased at Eduardo J. Padrón Campus, 627 S.W. 27th Ave., Room 3113, through March 15.

From The Heights features Bowens-Saffo’s work completed in South Florida since 1997 and explores social and political themes such as race, gender and class.

“We’re really here to serve our MDC community first and foremost,” said Amy Galpin, MOAD’s executive director and chief curator. “We want others to see themselves presented with dignity and respect in visual art.”

The exhibit is free and open to the public, Wednesdays through Saturdays, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/3khaut2v.

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Alejandra Quiroz, Photo Editor //

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Holiday Spirit: Two girls pose for the camera during the 18th annual Children's Holiday at North Campus on Dec. 7. The community event included a parade, dance performances, arts and crafts, rides and bounce houses.

ANDREA BRIONES / THE REPORTER

NIKOLE VALIENTE / THE REPORTER

Say Cheese: A girl sporting a butterfly face paint design smiles for the camera during North Campus' 18th annual Children's Holiday.

GEOVANNY MARCOS-PEDRO / THE REPORTER ANDREA BRIONES / THE REPORTER

Good Reads: Mrs. Claus reads a book entitled Snowflake Kisses and Gingerbread Smiles to kids at North Campus' Children's Holiday event on Dec. 7. www.mdcthereporter.com

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Cornhole Time: The Miami Book Fair held a Street Fair from Nov. 22 to Nov. 24 at Wolfson Campus, which included a Children’s Alley filled with activities for kids to enjoy, such as the cornhole game.

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4 NEWS | JANUARY 28, 2025

THE REPORTER

// NEWS Isabella Arce, Editor-in-Chief

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//

EMMY

MDC-TV Wins 11th Suncoast Regional Emmy Award North Campus’ television station, MDC-TV, won their 11th Suncoast Regional Emmy Award on Dec. 7. They were awarded for their project, Video Game Concert 2024.

By Natalie Maestre natalie.maestre001@mymdc.net Miami Dade College’s awardwinning television station, MDCTV, has won their 11th Suncoast Regional Emmy Award.

The honor was presented by the Suncoast Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences for their video project, Video Game Concert 2024, in the Special Event Coverage-Edited category.

Winners were announced on Dec. 7 at the Hyatt Regency Orlando.

“It felt incredible,” said Ariel Rubalcava, executive director and senior producer of MDC-TV. “I’m my worst critic…and this [project], I really liked it, and I was just extremely happy that it won.”

Since its establishment in 2008, MDC-TV has received 22 Emmy nominations.

In October, the station was also awarded a Silver Davey Award by the Academy of Interactive and Visual Arts for Video Game Concert 2024 in the General Entertainment category and for Black

History Month Promo in the Public Service and Activism category.

Video Games Concert 2024 was led by Rubalcava and Alberto Bade, director of the MDC Symphony Orchestra.

The project, which has happened seven times since its debut in 2015, features soundtracks from video games such as Halo, Final Fantasy Four and Metal Gear Solid 3.

“We’re always grateful that a community college like ours can achieve a nomination and even [win] as many Emmys as we have,” Bade said. “I don’t know too many colleges that have Emmy Awards the way MDC does, so it is a very distinct honor.”

Another MDC-TV video project, Raices de España (Roots of Spain), was nominated under the Historical/Cultural Short Form Content category but fell just short of an Emmy.

It was filmed in collaboration with the College’s Symphony Orchestra to showcase the roots of Spanish culture through music.

Performances were recorded on Oct. 10, 2023 at North Campus’ Lehman Theatre for Hispanic Heritage Month.

The project also featured behind-the-scenes interviews about each piece and the inspiration behind them.

Marcos Quesada, the main

NIKOLE VALIENTE / THE REPORTER

Emmy Time: MDC-TV was honored with their 11th Suncoast Regional Emmy Award on Dec. 7 at the Hyatt Regency Orlando for their video project, Video Game Concert 2024. trumpet player of Orquesta Metropolitana de Madrid (Madrid Metropolitan Orchestra), and Álvaro Alvarado, a Spanish composer, helped bring the score to life.

Alvarado wrote two original pieces for the performance— Elegia Torera (Bullfighting Elegy), which follows the story of a

bullfighter, and Amores Goyescos (Goyean Loves), which pays tribute to Fransico Goya, who served as a first court painter for El Prado, Madrid during the early 19th century.

“There’s always room for improvement,” said James Pierre, a producer at MDC-TV. “But we are happy to achieve such great

pieces. I think our efforts are [definitely] being recognized by one of the highest.”

MDC-TV airs on Comcast channel 78, Atlantic Broadband channel 78, AT&T U-Verse channel 99 and on YouTube.

Are you interested in writing, reporting, photography, illustration, film, graphic design, marketing, social media, web developement or advertising?

We want you at our table.

Contact Manolo Barco at 305-237-1255 or mbarco@mdc.edu. www.mdcthereporter.com

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JANUARY 28, 2025 | NEWS 5

THE REPORTER TEDx

Wolfson Campus Hosts Inaugural TEDxMDC Event Miami Dade College hosted its first-ever TEDxMDC event on Dec. 5 at Wolfson Campus.

It featured six speakers who shared stories about the College and Miami’s history.

By Daylyin Staples daylyin.staples001@mymdc.net Innovation and inspiration shined at the Wolfson Campus Auditorium during Miami Dade College’s first-ever TEDxMDC event on Dec. 5.

The event featured six speakers that showcased Miami’s progress, identity and potential.

They included former Miami Heat player and two-time National Basketball Association Champion Shane Battier, Friends of The Underline CEO Meg Daly, clinical psychologist Joan Godoy, awardwinning Showmaker Natasha Tsakos, HistoryMiami Museum resident historian Paul George, and Syneurgy co-founder and coCEO Michael Mannino.

George, a former social sciences professor at MDC, focused his presentation on the genesis of Wolfson Campus that helped revitalize a decaying downtown Miami. “[Wolfson Campus] was part of the original borders of Miami in 1896 without homes,” George said in an interview with The Reporter prior to the event. “So I just want [students] to get an appreciation for the rich, textured, layered history of the area and its ups and

PHOTO COURTESY OF DEBORAH RODRIGUEZ / MDC MEDIA RELATIONS

TEDxMDC: Wolfson Campus hosted Miami Dade College’s first-ever TEDxMDC event on Dec. 5, featuring six speakers who highlighted Miami’s history and identity. downs.”

The idea for the event blossomed after a conversation between José Fernández-Calvo, a lab technician at the campus’ Artificial Intelligence Center, and Mannino, a fellow TED enthusiast who teaches philosophy and applied AI courses at the College.

“We were thinking of doing a small TEDx event at the AI center,” Fernández-Calvo said. “But then people throughout MDC were very enthusiastic and we joined with

another group that already had the same idea of doing a TEDxMDC event, so the event grew very fast.”

Fernández-Calvo obtained a TEDxMDC license in July and was responsible for complying with the event’s regulations.

He worked with the production team, led by Pedro Santos Acosta, executive director of emerging technologies at MDC, to ensure the stage design, visual and audio recordings, logistics and

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marketing were consistent with TED guidelines.

Antonio Delgado, the College’s vice president of innovation and technology partnerships, led the talk curation team, which selected the speakers for the event. “[The speakers] are high profile leaders in their own industries,” Delgado said. “Bringing them with their own idea for everyone to learn about…and how they move people is what we were prioritizing.”

According to Fernández-Calvo, the College hopes to apply for a new license to host another TEDx event next year.

“It would be great [if] this becomes a thing at MDC with students, faculty and staff all working together to have a yearly event,” Fernández-Calvo said.

The event was recorded by MDC-TV and will be available for viewing on the TEDx YouTube channel at a later date.

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CHILDREN'S HOLIDAY

18th Annual Children’s Holiday Brings Yuletide Cheer To North Campus North Campus’ Children’s Holiday returned for its 18th installment on Dec. 7, featuring Santa Claus, a parade, rides, arts and crafts, dance performances and educational tents.

By Nikole Valiente and Sabrina Toro nikole.valiente001@mymdc.net Everyone knows Santa Claus lives in the North Pole.

But recently, old Saint Nick traded icy weather for some South Florida sun.

On Dec. 7, hundreds gathered under deep blue skies at North Campus to celebrate the 18th installation of Children’s Holiday.

The event, known for attracting more than 5,000 people annually, featured rides, bounce houses, dance performances, arts and crafts and food trucks.

“It brings everyone together—different

types of people, different types of families, different cultures—they’re all here,” said Cindy Delgado, a nursing student at Hialeah Campus who brought her eight-year-old sister Amy to the event.

The celebration kicked off with Santa’s arrival—via helicopter at 10 a.m.—and a parade.

Marching bands from Miami Carol City Senior High School, Miami Norland Senior High School and North Miami Senior High School marched down East Road, filling the air with punchy snare drums, rich trombone tones and sizzling cymbals.

They were accompanied by princesses, elves, dancers, police cadets and characters like Finn and the Chick-Fil-A cow, who greeted families with smiles and waves. “[Children] were so happy to see us,” said freshman Karen Zamora, who participated in the procession as Princess Elena of NIKOLE VALIENTE / THE REPORTER

Happy Holidays: North Campus hosted its 18th installment of Children’s Holiday on Dec. 7. The event kicked off with a parade, featuring elves, princesses, dancers and marching bands.

NIKOLE VALIENTE / THE REPORTER

Rainbow Smiles: Three boys wearing rainbow face paint pose for the camera while sitting on a wall near the 4000 building during North Campus’ Children’s Holiday.

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Avalor. “I had never walked in a parade before. Seeing all the acts, the drummers, the dancers, it was really cool.”

On campus, kids were greeted with an array of activities, including slides, face painting, rock climbing, pony rides and a dog show.

Many snapped photos with Santa and gathered around Mrs. Claus to hear holiday stories.

Others waited in line to ride the Polar Express and munched on donuts and drank frozen lemonades. “[Kids] need to get out of the house and touch grass for a little,” said 11-year-old Aaron Jimenez, who attended the event with his mom Andreina Aguado Jimenez, chair of North Campus’ chemistry, physics and earth science department.

When Christmas classics like Winter Wonderland and Last Christma weren’t playing, the 4000 building hosted performances by marching bands and Hawaiian dancers.

But the event’s main attraction was the educational tents.

The Real Food Academy tent, which has

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been featured at the event for more than a decade, taught kids how to make turkey and cheese quesadillas and fruit bowls with homemade whipped cream. “[This workshop] begins to teach children at an early age the importance of food and how what you put into your body affects your health,” said early childhood education professor Christina Muelle.

Little Hands for Human Rights, a Children’s Holiday staple since 2009, featured booklets containing the 30 articles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

“The ultimate goal is to make everyone aware that every human being on the planet has a right to be here, and no one can just go and annihilate them and act like it didn’t happen,” said School of Justice associate professor Selena Respass.

Festivities concluded with a performance by the Hip Hop Kidz. But volunteers like 18-year-old Daniel Dieujuste said the memories kids made at the event will last a lifetime.

“It gives children a childhood,” Dieujuste said.

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JANUARY 28, 2025 | NEWS 7

THE REPORTER MBF

Miami Book Fair Makes Its Annual Trip To Downtown Miami Books, music, art and food trucks filled the streets of Wolfson Campus during the 41st installment of the Miami Book Fair, which took place from Nov. 17-24.

By Sabrina Toro and Nikole Valiente sabrina.toro001@mymdc.net GianMarco Morgado-Valverde learned life lessons listening to his mom’s bedtime stories.

One tale featured a child whose curiosity and disobedience led to him getting lost in the woods.

The fable inspired the 10-yearold to publish his first short story, Hudson and the Gnome, this year, in a book entitled El Cuento De Los Cien Niños (The Story of the One Hundred Children). It features short stories written by one hundred children from across the world.

“It really impacted me,” Morgado-Valverde said. “That’s why I decided to write this wonderful story, to present it with all the kids that are participating in this [project].”

Last week, Morgado-Valverde’s tale was featured alongside the work of more than 400 authors who attended Wolfson Campus’ 41st installation of the Miami Book Fair.

The celebration, which ran from Nov. 17-24, kicked-off with a FUNKBOX NYC block party, showcasing DJs such as Tony Touch, Hector Romero and Tedd Patterson, who lit up the campus with old-school hip-hop jams.

The Fair’s annual Evenings With series returned on Nov. 17, featuring intimate conversations with renowned authors such as television journalist Don Lemon, who discussed his memoir, I Once Was Lost, which touches upon his struggle with faith as a gay man.

On Nov. 20, CNN chief international correspondent Clarissa Ward presented her latest book, On All Fronts: The Education Of A Journalist, where she recounts her experiences from the world’s most dangerous conflict zones, including Syria, Gaza and Afghanistan.

“The caliber of authors that I’ve seen come here, it’s a gold mine,” said 76-year-old Paul Fletcher, who has been attending the Book Fair for nearly 20 years.

Festivities culminated at the MBF’s staple weekend event—the Street Fair—under bright blue skies with crisp, cool weather.

Colorful tents decorated the streets of Wolfson Campus with vendors selling books, records, jewelry and pastries. Food trucks seasoned the air with hot dishes, from beef skewers, burgers and birria tacos to churros and funnel cakes.

On Nov. 23, bookworms had the opportunity to hear from authors like Zara Chowdhary, who discussed her memoir The Lucky Ones, where she recounts her testimony as a survivor of anti-Muslim violence in India.

“This book is just my way of holding someone’s hand right now, because it feels like we’re entering an even darker time where it’s going to be harder to get legal justice,” Chowdhary said. “But I think

ALEJANDRA QUIROZ / THE REPORTER

Blocks Of Books: The Street Fair, held at Wolfson Campus from Nov. 22-24, featured author booths, performances and food vendors for booklovers to enjoy.

“

I think it’s important, now that I’m older, to serve as a supporter to younger folks...

Emile Milgrim, member of Miamibased rock band, Las Nubes

ISABELLA ARCE / THE REPORTER

Young Author: Ten-year-old GianMarco Morgado-Valverde published his first short story, Hudson and the Gnome, in El Cuento De Los Cien Niños, a book that was featured at the Miami Book Fair.

NIKOLE VALIENTE / THE REPORTER

Conversing: North Campus philosophy professor Darrell Arnold and a Book Fair attendee discuss his friend’s romance novel, Love Lost Adventure: The Lie, during the Street Fair on Nov. 23. www.mdcthereporter.com

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believing that there’s a greater, universal justice that comes from the people, we can only do that if we each tell our story and raise our voice[s] for each other.”

Saturday also featured discussion panels like Punk Under The Sun: Punk and New Wave in South Florida, where authors and musicians like Joey Seeman and Chris Potash conversed about the history of the underground punk scene in Miami.

“When I was growing up, I looked to folks who were a little bit older than me to help me create the things I wanted to create,” said Emile Milgrim, member of Las Nubes, a Miami-based rock band who participated in the panel. “I think it’s important, now that I’m older, to serve as a supporter to younger folks who are trying to do the same things.”

That night, the Rock Bottom Remainders, a rock/blues literary band composed of renowned authors such as Dave Barry, Stephen King and Mitch Albom, performed at the MBF’s Off The Shelf mini music fest.

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Attendees huddled around the Wolfson Campus Plaza, bopping to hits like La Bamba, Wild Thing, Stand By Me and These Boots Are Made For Walkin’, accompanied by colorful lights, drum beats and harmonica grooves.

“It brings back my youth,” said Lauren Cohen, an avid fan of the band who has been attending the MBF for 30 years. “It’s very uplifting; I get to see my favorite authors perform.”

The fair concluded on Nov. 24 with writers such as physiciangeneticist Francis S. Collins, who discussed his book, The Road to Wisdom: On Truth, Science, Faith, and Trust, that addresses issues like racism, climate change and social distrust in public health.

Journalist and screenwriter Pablo Vierci spoke about his book, La Sociedad de la Nieve (Society of the Snow), which recounts the story of the 16 survivors of Flight 571, which crashed into the Andes mountains in 1972 while carrying a Uruguayan rugby team.

“We don’t appreciate how profound it is to have a culture that values literacy, reading, learning, and we take it for granted. But if [it] weren’t perpetuated, things would fall apart quickly,” said North Campus philosophy professor Darrell Arnold, who was promoting his book Portraits of The Blues.

“Teachers of reading are like sacred people who are helping to create the conditions [to] preserve culture.”

Some of the interviews in this story were conducted in Spanish. Staff writers Naya Escandon and Isabella Arce contributed to this report.

8 NEWS | JANUARY 28, 2025

THE REPORTER

NEW CLUB

Pickleball Alliance Serves Up New Club At Kendall Campus This fall, Kendall Campus launched the Kendall Pickleball Alliance—a club aimed at creating an inclusive athletic community. They meet on Wednesdays from 6-8 p.m. at the Racquet Sports Complex.

By Andrea Briones andrea.briones001@mymdc.net Pickleball—the sensational paddle sport that integrates elements of tennis, badminton and table tennis—has made its way to Kendall Campus.

In 2022, four pickleball courts were constructed in the Racquet Sports Complex next to the G building. Due to high demand, 10 more courts were added.

Today, those courts serve as a playing ground for the Kendall Pickleball Alliance—a club aimed at uniting people with a shared interest in the sport.

“When you share the love of a sport with somebody else, that connects you with somebody you didn’t think you’d ever be connecting with,” said Michelle Zimmermann, an interior design student who serves as the club’s president.

The 19-year-old leads the KPA with vice president Yosdany Angulo-Cartas, secretary Samuel Castro Guerrero and treasurer Ashlee Lopez.

They currently have 26 members, who meet every Wednesday from 6-8 p.m.

Tournaments vary across different skill levels, including beginner, intermediate

JESUS GARCIA / THE REPORTER

Serve Up: The Kendall Pickleball Alliance—a club that seeks to create a supportive athletic community—launched this fall at Kendall Campus. and advanced. Members are encouraged to bring their own gear, but a limited amount of paddles and balls are available with a valid MDC ID. “College students encounter stress with exams and classes and life in general, and pickleball is a great way of having that energy and really distressing, you know, to bring in positive stress,” said Magdalena “Cookie” Rosell, manager of the SharkFit Recreation Fitness, Aquatics and Wellness Center at Kendall Campus, who serves as the KPA’s

adviser.

On Oct. 30, the club hosted Pickleball on Wheels, an event in honor of Disability Awareness Month, where members of the ACCESS department and the Diverse Student Organization played pickleball with club members.

“We played with some of the members in wheelchairs and seeing my members connect with them was nice because it’s not easy playing pickleball on wheels,” Zimmermann said. “It was nice to see them

form that kind of connection; no matter if you’re handicapped or not, everybody’s the same in the pickleball world.”

Ricardo Crespo, a biomedical engineering student, says the club has allowed him to step out of his comfort zone.

“My first day there everyone was very welcoming and they spoke to me…playing pickleball is a very good icebreaker,” said the 19-year-old, who participated in the Pickleball on Wheels event. “I had to talk to a whole bunch of people I did not know, so that definitely helped with my social anxiety.”

On Dec. 5 at 5 p.m., KPA hosted a pickleball tournament in partnership with the Future Business Leaders of America to raise funds for the business club.

Zimmermann hopes to host more fundraising events with organizations like hospitals and tournaments with local institutions such as Florida International University and the University of Miami.

“It just really, really brings a smile [to my face] to see the students playing and really having fun, just kind of like releasing themselves. And, you know, from a very good player to a novice player that’s learning…I just like to see the students out there utilizing our beautiful facilities,” Rosell said.

For more information on the club, contact Zimmermann at michel.zimmermann001@ mymdc.net or visit their Instagram page @ mdc_kpa.

MDC Student Publications Shine At Annual FCSPA Conference

FROM FCSPA, FRONT

COVERS COURTESY OF AXIS, THE REPORTER AND MIAMBIANCE

Florida’s Best: The Reporter, AXIS and Miambiance were selected as the top student publications by the Florida College System Publication Association on Nov. 15.

FROM MBF, FRONT

past the county, into the state, [means] the magazine is bigger than what it looks like,” said Josephine Thomas, AXIS editorin-chief for the 2024-25 school year. “Even though we aren’t a very large team, we are small but mighty.”

On Nov. 2, the publication also won a Pacemaker Award in the Two-Year Literary Arts Magazine category at the Associated Collegiate Press/College Media Association Fall National College Media Convention.

The magazine, which printed its first volume in 2003, is augmented by a presence on Instagram.

Miambiance, who won the General Excellence Award in Division B, placed in 13 categories, receiving first-place awards in Poetry, Fiction, Design, Editing, Cover, Two-Page Design and Staff Page.

Volume 34 featured themes of family and personal growth with photographs, illustrations, short stories, poetry and music.

The publication, which launched in 1989, has a presence on Instagram and TikTok.

“We put so much hard work into these magazines and showcasing all of these students’ art, so I’m glad it’s being recognized by an institution like FCSPA,” said Megan Carrion, who served as editor-in-chief for Volumes 32 through 34. “I’m so proud.”

In other MDC student publication news, Eduardo J. Padrón Campus’ literary and arts magazine, Urbana, placed third in General Excellence in Division A. They placed in seven categories, snagging first-place awards in Poem, Fiction and Nonfiction.

Daniela Fonseca won the Debra Vasquez

Award, which recognizes a student’s outstanding individual work, for her poem Volver a Casa.

Café Cultura, the literary and arts magazine at Hialeah Campus, placed in eight categories in Division A, attaining one firstplace award in Editing.

Wolfson Campus’ literary and arts magazine, Metromorphosis, placed in three categories in Division B, earning a first-place award in the Poem category.

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JANUARY 28, 2025 | NEWS 9

THE REPORTER ALUMNA SPOTLIGHT

SOJ Alumma Sworn In As Miami-Dade County Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz was elected as Miami-Dade County’s first sheriff since 1966. Her inauguration was held at North Campus, where she was officially sworn in.

By Andrea Briones andrea.briones001@mymdc.net When she was five years old, Rosie Cordero-Stutz told her mother she wanted to be a police officer.

For the past 28 years, CorderoStutz has lived that dream, working her way up the ladder at the Miami-Dade Police Department.

On Nov. 5, the 55-year-old made history when voters made her the first elected sheriff of Miami-Dade County since 1966. Two months later, Cordero-Stutz was sworn in at her inauguration ceremony held at the North Campus School of Justice.

Approximately 1,600 people attended the Jan. 7 ceremony, including Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava and State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle. The national anthem was performed by 16-year-old Melanie Gonzalez from the Miami Art Studio.

“I’m deeply humbled by the trust bestowed upon me to initiate this new chapter in our community. I’m also keenly aware of the significant responsibility and challenges,” Cordero-Stutz said at

her inauguration. “I stand before you, ready to lead as Miami-Dade County’s sheriff.”

Prior to her current role, she served as the assistant director of the now defunct MDPD, overseeing investigative services.

Cordero-Stuz’s promotion to sheriff was made possible after voters approved a change in Florida’s Constitution in 2018 that forced Miami-Dade County to elect a sheriff.

“She’s breaking down that glass ceiling and showing women throughout the community you can do anything,” said SOJ Director Richard Clements.

During her tenure, she strives to expand investigation units for public corruption and homeowners associations, increase the number of uniformed officers in the community and better engage with public schools.

After graduating from John Bowne High School in Queens, New York in 1987, Cordero-Stutz obtained her bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Marist College in New York in 1991 and completed her masters in public administration at Florida International University in 2001.

In 1996, she completed the Police Academy at the School of Justice at North Campus where she was also the class leader for her graduating class.

At MDC, Cordero-Stutz said she learned to be patient, resolve

PHOTO COURTESY OF MARIA JOSE URBANO/ NORTH CAMPUS MEDIA SERVICE

Top Cop: Rosie Cordero-Stuz was sworn in as Miami-Dade County sheriff on Jan. 7 at the North Campus School of Justice. conflict and manage different personalities.

“It’s just incredible to see the amount of impact that MDC has had and a legacy of great leaders in the community and throughout our nation and now to see one our very own BLE graduates being called to duty as the top

cop position in our county,” said North Campus President Fermin Vazquez.

During her nearly three decadelong career at MDPD, CorderoStutz has served in various capacities including as a police officer, detective, sergeant, lieutenant and police major. Her father-in-law

and husband are both retired MDPD police officers.

“I look forward to being the ambassador to that new office, and really setting the tone for a professional office, one that holds itself up to very high standards,” Cordero-Stutz told The Reporter in an interview prior to her inauguration.

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10 SPORTS | JANUARY 28, 2025

THE REPORTER

SOCCER

Sharks Soccer Season Ends In Kansas The Miami Dade College men’s soccer team ended their 2024 season with a 13-5-2 mark, including a 5-2 home record. It was the team’s first season in nearly 35 years.

By Charlie Stemmer charlie.stemmer001@mymdc.net The Miami Dade College men’s soccer season ended on Nov. 18 after a gut-wrenching 2-1 doubleovertime loss to Arizona Western College in the first round of pool play at the National Junior College Athletic Association Division I Men’s Soccer Championship in Wichita, Kansas.

Forward Facundo Ochoa scored the game’s first goal at the 45 minute mark, giving the Sharks a 1-0 lead. The Matador’s Iman Ouedraogo Jr. tied the score with a goal in the 79th minute.

Arizona Western College defenseman Steven Leblanc scored the game winning goal at the 109th minute to end the Sharks season.

Despite the loss, the Sharks had an impressive run this season—their first in nearly 35 years.

The squad finished with a 13-5-2 record, including a 5-2 mark at home. Miami Dade College finished the regular season ranked 8th in the NJCAA DI poll.

PHOTO COURTESY OF CRISTIAN LAZZARI / KENDALL CAMPUS MEDIA SERVICES

Comeback Season: The Miami Dade College men’s soccer team won 13 games in 2024, the team’s first season in nearly 35 years.

“Off the field, we did a lot of activities to grow closer as a group,” said Sharks freshman forward Edoardo Duchini. “On the field, we trained, and focused hard to improve our relationship and gain

more chemistry to do better.”

Notable victories for the Sharks included back-to-back wins against Eastern Florida State College.

The Sharks beat the Titans 2-0 in

their first matchup on Sept. 27 and 3-2 on Oct. 5. Eastern Florida State College finished the regular season with a 12-2-2 record; their only two losses came versus the Sharks.

“We’ve grown off the field

greatly,” said midfielder Javier Prieto. “We adapted to each other’s cultures greatly and on the field we’ve built a new identity for the MDC team.”

Duchini led the squad in goals with 14. Ochoa led the team in assists with six and added 13 goals.

The duo each had 32 overall points.

Goalie Samuel Cavo led the Sharks with 26 total saves in 10 games.

Ochoa, Duchini, Cavo and defenders Jeremy Levivier and Agustin Bezara earned Florida College System Athletic Association AllConference first-team honors. Defender Jesus Colazo and midfielder Eduardo Cornejo were selected to the second-team.

In addition, Duchini was tabbed the Conference Freshman of the Year, head coach Giuseppe DePalo won Coach of the Year honors and Cavo won the Keeper of the Year award.

“We were hoping we could compete for a national championship and we did,” DePalo said. “A lot of lessons were learned by the players and the staff and it’s a good building block for next season for sure. We’re excited about where we finished and where we’re starting from.”

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JANUARY 28, 2028 | SPORTS 11

THE REPORTER

// SPORTS Isabella Arce, Sports Editor

//

T (305) 237-2157 // B isabella.arce001@mymdc.net

VOLLEYBALL

Lady Sharks Lose In National Title Game For Third Straight Year Florida Southwestern State College defeated the Lady Sharks in the national volleyball championship game 3-0 in Clarksville, Tennessee on Nov. 23.

By Charles Stemmer charles.stemmer001@mymdc.net The Lady Sharks volleyball season ended against a familiar foe: Florida Southwestern State College.

For the third straight year, Miami Dade College’s title hopes were crushed by the Buccaneers in the national championship game—this time in Clarksville, Tennessee on Nov. 23.

The 3-0 loss left MDC with a 25-3 record.

All three of the Lady Sharks losses this season were versus FSW. The first defeat was on Oct. 23 (3-0) followed by 3-0 losses on Nov. 2 and Nov. 23. Florida Southwestern State College’s only defeat this year was versus the Lady Sharks, a 3-2 win by MDC on Sept.

17.

But the championship match was not close. The Buccaneers routed the Lady Sharks, winning all three sets by a considerable margin, 25-16, 25-18, and 25-20. Miami Dade College was outperformed in almost every statistic, most notable was a .049 hitting percentage, an entire .207 percentile difference from their season average.

Leaders for the Lady Sharks in the match were outside hitter Juliana Laguado Raigosa with seven kills, middle blocker Esthefany Rabit with five blocks, libero Mia Martinez with 12 digs, and setter Luiza Da Cruz with two service aces.

Despite the loss, the Lady Sharks had a

CRISTIAN LAZZARI / KENDALL CAMPUS MEDIA SERVICES

End Of The Road: The Lady Sharks volleyball team finished the season with a 25-3 record, a perfect 6-0 mark at home and an 11-1 tally in conference play. remarkable season. They were 6-0 at home, 11-1 in conference play and were 18-0 to start the year before losing their first match versus FSW. “Although we didn’t get the results we wanted, it was a good season,” Martinez said. “This year we developed differently as

we were all quite disciplined.”

Martinez led the Lady Sharks with 529 digs, Rabit was the team leader in blocks per set with a 1.22 average, Da Cruz was tops on the squad with a .438 hitting percentage, and outside hitter Katielle Alonzo had the most kills with 266.

Alonzo received National Junior College Athletic Association First-Team honors. Martinez was tabbed to the NJCAA Third-Team.

In addition, Lady Sharks head coach Origenes “Kiko” Benoit was inducted into the NJCAA Hall of Fame on Nov. 19.

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12 A&E | JANUARY 28, 2025

THE REPORTER

MOVIE REVIEW

Wicked (2024) Captivates With Themes Of Self-Discovery And Acceptance JON M. CHU’S ADAPTATION OF THE BROADWAY MUSICAL WICKED EMBARKS ON A JOURNEY OF FRIENDSHIP, SELF-DISCOVERY AND WISDOM. FOLLOWING A YELLOW BRICK ROAD, WICKED TAKES US ON A WILD RIDE.

By Melissa Martinez melissa.martinez074@mymdc.net The long-awaited 2024 Wicked adaptation starring Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda has left audiences speechless with its touching storyline and beautiful melodies.

Viewers follow Elphaba, a misunderstood and alienated young woman condemned by everyone she has known for as long as she can remember because she was born green.

As Elphaba forms an unexpected bond with the popular and shallow yet profoundly beautiful Glinda, they both embark on a journey of selfdiscovery and acceptance.

From the very beginning, the movie poses the following question: “Are people born wicked, or is wickedness thrust upon them?”

As the story unfolds, it becomes abundantly clear that Elphaba was not born wicked. Although many believed her to be born despicable, her seemingly wicked actions were a response to their

mockery and her own fear.

Through the help and understanding of friends like Glinda and Prince Fiyero, Elphaba learns to feel comfortable in her own skin.

Although she once desired nothing more than to look normal, she declined the offer when it was provided to her.

After finding out who was behind the chaos and injustice in Oz, Elphaba took a stand. Knowing she would lose everything and be labeled wicked by the public eye, she stayed true to herself. In the climactic song Defying Gravity, she turns inward and discovers her true self.

The film, more than anything, displays themes of self-acceptance and discovery. While the colorful scenery and beautiful harmonies of Wicked are captivating, its underlying lessons are the most important. Messages like never judging a book by its cover, trusting in oneself, and understanding that people are not born wicked leap out at the audience from the silver screen.

To answer the question, wickedness is not an inherent curse.

Despite everything, Elphaba embraced her greenness and wore it

like armor. She was not a victim of her birth but a warrior whose eyes declared, “Yes, I’ve always been green.”

The movie’s vision is clear and executed flawlessly. From impeccable casting, to the soundtrack and the script. It’s clear that the creators wanted to bring the Broadway classic to the big screen and succeeded.

Despite the movie’s twohour and forty-minute screen time, director Jon M. Chu states in a social media post that this is only part one of two.

Here’s what audiences can expect from Wicked: Part Two. The film will pick up where part one left off.

According to Marc Platt in production notes, “the first [movie] tells how Elphaba becomes the Wicked Witch of the West, and the second tells how her best friend, Glinda, becomes authentically good,” as indicated in an article by Josh Weiss for NBC Insider.

Part two is set to release on November 21, 2025, about a year after the original movie’s premiere on November 22, 2024.

PHOTO COURTESY OF UNIVERSAL PICTURES

Movie Musicals: The highly anticipated movie adaptation of the Broadway hit musical, Wicked, has hit theaters to widespread acclaim. The movie flawlessly explores timeless themes in the fantastical world of Oz.

FANGIRLS

The Truth Behind The “Crazy” Fangirls Stigma Fandom culture is everywhere, but what is the difference between fangirls and fanboys? If you think about it, there is none, but society stigmatizes one as crazier than the other.

By Paola Aranguren paola.aranguren001@mymdc.net Whether you like sports, TV shows, or books, fandom culture is spreading. Every fandom has its own quirks, dynamics, and target audience. However, this should not diminish the value of a fandom or a piece of media.

BTS and Taylor Swift are prime examples of artists who suffer from these misconceptions. Despite being at the forefront of their respective music genres, millions underestimate and mock them because of their fandom demographics.

From haters to critics, many generalize their fans as crazy teenage fangirls and see them as untalented and unworthy of their achievements.

This phenomenon is not new.

Iconic bands such as the Beatles went through the same thing, leaving us to wonder how they went from being seen as boybands

LISA SUAREZ / THE REPORTER

Fan Culture: Society often labels fangirls as “crazy” while fanboys are seen as passionate. That highlights the sexism that exists where male-dominated spaces are validated, but female-dominated ones are not. for hormonal girls to music industry legends.

So, what is truly causing this?

Effectively, it is the introduction of men into female spaces and the metamorphosis of those spaces to fit into the male gaze, or as The Guardian labeled it, “mentrification.”

Despite the advancements made in the war against sexism,

the subtlety of sexism still reigns in our worldview. Look at how men scoff at the mention of Taylor Swift being considered a good musician or how they wrinkle their noses in the face of K-pop solely because of a general assumption based on a subsection of Twitter fans. The fact is that many men don’t connect or give certain artists credit because they think that they are unworthy

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of their interest.

It is not until men turn these fandoms into something they dominate that society starts validating them.

Star Trek illustrates this phenomenon. What is considered one of the top franchises for male geek lovers today, in its early days, was seen as a typical housewife show, before starships and computers

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became a manly thing.

Most girls have probably heard “I bet you can’t name five characters” or “name five unreleased songs” or something to that effect. For most women, enjoying so-called male-targeted media comes with having your knowledge constantly tested to validate that you are a “real fan” and not a “poser.”

All fandoms are open to everyone without any discrimination because they are a space for fans to interact with other fans. For many fandoms, fans exist worldwide, from nine-year-old girls to men in their early 20s or parents in their late 40s.

It would be contradictory to say that all male fans are like this because many men in these femaledominated spaces enjoy the art much like their female counterparts and are looking to embrace and uplift it.

When a man cries over his favorite sports team winning, society doesn’t consider them irrational, just passionate. So, why don’t we give girls this same grace? Just because one is more socially acceptable, doesn’t mean one more is more valid than the other.

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JANUARY 28, 2025 | A&E 13

THE REPORTER

// A&E Isabella Arce, A&E Editor

T (305) 237-2157 // B isabella.arce001@mymdc.net

//

FASHION

1960s Mod Fashion Makes A Stylish Comeback In 2025 Trends 2025 seems to be the return of the 1960s, an iconic decade for fashion. With multiple designers borrowing inspiration from the era, the revival of the swinging sixties is impossible to deny.

By Melanie Bello melanie.bello002@mymdc.net Marked by resistance to the political and civil injustices, the 1960s were a monumental decade known for the rise of counterculture. It rejected societal norms, and signaled a shift in identity, sexuality and fashion.

Similar to the 1960s, the 2020s are witnessing a resurgence of social activism, rising against racial injustice, with movements such as Black Lives Matter, the never-ending ecology movement, and the political unrest that has accompanied the past two elections.

Similar to the way history repeats itself, fashion is a never-ending cycle, with updated items from past decades returning in vogue.

Today, fashion is taking inspiration from the 1960s, just like how the 1960s took inspiration from the early 1900s and 1930s.

Long and loose silhouettes inspired by previous decades gave birth to a new form of clothing in the 1960s. Mini skirts became all the rage, mainly with an A-line silhouette. Additionally, with the heavy usage of synthetic fabrics and nylon, the ‘wonder’ fabric clothing was brightly colored with obnoxious patterns.

People wanted to remove themselves from the traditional clothing from the fifties and yearned to

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New Fashion: The 1960s are making a comeback. With the cultural trends of the 1960s reflecting similarities to those of the 2020s, it’s no surprise that the era’s iconic fashion has returned to the spotlight. dress in a modernist form, reflecting the exhilarating changes of the time.

You can look at how the Space Age introduced whites and silvers into clothing or how the resurgence of a drug-fueled counterculture made way for experimental psychedelic patterns.

The 1960s fashion embraced bold and unconventional design, allowing for the boundaries regarding acceptable attire to be pushed until it marked a complete

change.

Some of the biggest fashion houses have showcased the reutilization of 1960s silhouettes in their spring/summer 2025 collections, making it impossible to deny the resurgence of mod fashion in mainstream media.

This is easy to see when looking at brands such as Gucci and Coperni, which utilize shift dresses and make them shorter or pair them with pants. Prada also utilized innovative designs

reminiscent of Paco Rabanne with 3D cut-out dresses, and Versace embraced the sixties’ pattern work, updating the styles to be more commercially appealing for modern audiences.

However, one of the most significant designers signaling the return of the sixties in fashion was Tolu Coker. Her entire collection took inspiration from her mother’s wardrobe from the late 1960s, with vibrant green ensembles paired with gogo boots of the same color.

This bright 1960s revival is a notable shift from the neutral and minimal 1990s office style that has been dominating the scene. But incorporating this shift into your wardrobe is not difficult.

Attainable ways to do so involve adding A-line mini skirts and shift dresses. You can also incorporate the style by adding some loud and bold prints to your fashion arsenal. In 2025, fashion is moving beyond the minimal aesthetic and welcoming an eclectic mod twist.

FASHION

Women Dominate Grammys 2025 Album Of The Year Nominations This year’s Grammy Album of the Year nominations are overflowing with a successful and diverse range of talent, but it’s clear that women once again dominate the category.

By Nalini Singh nalini.singh001@mymdc.net The 2025 Grammy nominations for Album of the Year have been long awaited, but on Nov. 8, they were finally released.

This year brought diverse new music from many artists spanning different genres and styles.

However, it is undeniable that women have dominated the music industry recently and the Album of the Year category is no exception, with six out of the eight nominees being women.

The full list of nominees includes André 3000 for his album New Blue Sun, Beyoncé for COWBOY CARTER, Sabrina Carpenter for Short n’ Sweet, Charli XCX for BRAT, Jacob Collier for Djesse Vol.4, Billie Eilish’s HIT ME HARD AND SOFT, Chappell Roan’s The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess, and Taylor Swift for The Tortured Poets Department.

Not only are women at the forefront of this category, but Beyonce, Sabrina Carpenter, Billie Eilish, Chappell Roan, and Taylor Swift are all dominated for record and song

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of the year as well, heralding nominations in the Grammys’ top three general categories.

Beyonce’s COWBOY CARTER garnered 11 nominations this year, the most by any artist. This also beats her personal best of ten nominations in 2009, more than a decade ago. She also holds the record for the most Grammy wins, with 32 , and the most Grammy nominations, with a whopping 99 nominations.

While neither are new to the music game, Chappell Roan and Sabrina Carpenter have both skyrocketed to unprecedented popularity this year with commercial successes such as Roan’s Good Luck, Babe! and Carpenter’s viral Espresso, which even inspired an SNL skit.

The two have garnered nominations for Record of the Year, Song of the Year, Album of the Year, and Best New Artist. This means they can sweep the categories and win all four. They’d be the first to accomplish this feat since Billie Eilish’s Grammy sweep in 2020. Yet another win for the girls in Grammy history.

Like Roan and Carpenter, Charli XCX has reached new heights of fame with BRAT. Since its release, the album has been everywhere, with every other TikTok, a multitude of brands, and even Harris’ presidential campaign referencing BRAT. She’s secured her first nomination since 2015 and

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PHOTO COURTESY OF DENNY MÜLLER / UNSPLASH

Women Power: No category highlights women's achievements like the Grammys Album of the Year category. Once again, women dominate this year’s nominations list. has secured seven nominations, including Best Dance/Electronic Album and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance.

Taylor Swift has also made waves as she sets the new record for most Album of the Year nominations, with seven. She is also nominated for five other categories this year.

This is not the only year women have

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dominated the Grammys. For the first time, women won in all major categories at the 66th Grammy Awards last year. However, with the 67th Grammy Awards nominations, it’s clear women have made monumental strides in the music industry, a trend that seems to be going nowhere.

14 FORUM | JANUARY 28, 2025

THE REPORTER

SWEETWATER

Li’l Abner Trailer Home Park Residents Fighting Rezoning Evictions Michael Dib discusses the situation of the residents of the Li’l Abner Trailer Home Park in Sweetwater after they received eviction notices connected to redevelopment plans.

By Michael Dib michael.dib001@mymdc.net Home ownership has historically served to protect people from market volatility.

Unfortunately, for the residents of Li’l Abner Trailer Home Park, which is located at 11239 N.W. 4th Terrace, that is not the case. They have been fighting since November against eviction notices for redevelopment plans.

On Dec. 23, the residents of Li’l Abner received much needed assistance—a class action lawsuit was filed on their behalf against the city of Sweetwater and MiamiDade County, according to a story

by NBC 6.

The Battle Residents awoke on Nov. 14 to eviction notices posted on their doors, stating they must leave their mobile homes by May 19, 2025, because the trailer park is

JESUS GARCIA / THE REPORTER

slated to be rezoned.

In an article published for the Miami Herald, economic mobility reporter Max Klaver explains that Florida law requires CREI Holdings, the owner of Li’l Abner, to offer tenants financial assistance for their relocation—$3,000 for single-section mobile homes and $6,000 for multi-section mobile homes.

The company promised an additional $14,000 to anyone who left

by Jan. 31, $7,000 to those who left

by March 31 and $3,000 to those who stayed until April 30.

When the average rent in Miami is approximately $2,118 per month, according to Apartments. com, the offer was paltry at best and disrespectful at worst.

More than 900 trailers are

currently in the park housing a diverse group of highly vulnerable populations, including lowincome residents, people with disabilities, children and the elderly.

Although many residents actually own their trailers, they do not own the land beneath them.

The evictions are legal under Florida Statute 723.061(d) 2., which states that residents may be evicted—with at least six-months notice—when a change in landuse is projected to take place.

Unified Neighbors On Nov. 18, a protest took place in front of Sweetwater City Hall.

City commissioners met for the first time since the notices were posted while demonstrators gathered to make their voices heard.

Across the street, police officers guarded the entrance to City Hall.

Eventually, the protest moved into the main trailer park and efforts to formally adopt a Homeowners’ Association began in an attempt to give some bargaining power to those affected.

However, collection efforts were disorganized and confusion broke out regarding who the paperwork was going to.

Vuvuzelas, bucket drums and defiant chants rang out into the night as tenants marched up to the intersection of West Flagler and 112th Street.

Tensions continued to rise as the residents of Li’l Abner aired their grievances over a small karaoke set up by a member of the Democratic Socialists of America.

On Dec. 4, 61-year-old Vivian Hernandez was arrested while submitting her rent check at Li’l Abner’s management office, after expressing her frustrations about the eviction, CBS News reported.

She was charged with disorderly conduct, breach of peace, trespassing and resisting arrest.

In an Instagram post by OnlyInDade, an officer is seen using force when arresting Hernandez, who failed to comply with orders to leave the office.

Two weeks after her encounter with the Sweetwater Police, Hernandez suffered a stroke. She told the Miami-Herald, “I feel impotent, I can’t tell you how much fear I feel,” as she now relies on the support of a neighbor to complete daily tasks and on a cane to walk.

The War Ahead The lawsuit was filed on the grounds that CREI acted out of accordance with Florida Statute 723.061(d) 2b., which states that a park owner may not increase in residents’ rent within 90 days before giving notice of a change in land-use.

The legal action seeks lawyers fees and $50,000 in damages for every 190 residents named.

Critically, an injunction was filed to halt the sale of the land, relieving the initial worries of displacement. With shelter secured, the residents can breathe a little easier.

A new year has begun, but that doesn’t mean yesterday’s problems are gone, and the residents of Li’l Abner know this all too well.

4B MOVEMENT

The 4B Movement Gains Popularity In The US After 2024 Elections Joelle Worcester discusses the rise of the 4B movement—a phenomenon in which women abstain from marriage, childbearing, dating and having sex— across America following the presidential election.

JESUS GARCIA / THE REPORTER

By Joelle Worcester joelle.worcester001@mymdc.net I’ve always believed that voting is important, but as a first-time voter, this election felt especially significant.

I followed the polls closely every day to stay updated. The anticipation was nerve-wracking, but it also made me feel more connected to the process—like my vote truly mattered.

However, when I found out about the results, it was devastating, especially after all the time

I spent hoping for a different outcome.

One of my biggest concerns was Florida’s Amendment 4.

The thought that my home state could keep its six-week abortion ban, continuing to limit women’s rights, left me anxious about the future.

Even though 57.2 percent of voters said yes to Amendment 4, it wasn’t enough to pass. More than 60 percent of votes were needed for it to succeed.

This isn’t just about policy—it’s about real people’s lives. The idea

that so many women would continue to be denied control over their own bodies felt like a huge setback.

Days after the election results, interest in the 4B movement quickly grew in the United States.

The movement, which originates in South Korea, promotes ideas of autonomy and freedom for women by rejecting traditional gender roles and norms.

Its name, “4B,” stands for “Bihon” (no marriage), “Bichulsan” (no childbirth), “Biyeonae” (no dating) and “Bisekseu” (no sex

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with men).

The concept of the movement is simple—avoid men in order to change the way women are treated.

Similar calls for a sex strike, with the same logic as the 4B movement, were made during Trump’s first term, partially in response to his policies over reproductive rights.

During his time in office, Trump focused on restricting abortion access.

He made it a priority to appoint judges who would help overturn

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Roe v. Wade, even boasting on Truth Social, a social media platform he launched in 2022, that he was able to “kill” it.

Now that he’s been reelected, it’s evident that Trump’s influence over the Supreme Court and his ongoing support for anti-abortion policies will continue to shape the conversation about women’s rights.

In a TikTok posted on Nov. 6, Alexa Vargas, 26, explained how she stopped dating and having sex since 2022, after experiencing domestic abuse and sexual assault in a former relationship.

This year, she realized there was a movement and terminology that aligned with her ideas. After the results of the election, she decided to join it.

“There’s a lot of men out here that like and enjoy sex from women, but they don’t actually like who we are…they only see us as sexual objects,” Vargas said in the TikTok. The 4B movement may seem radical, but for many, it feels like a necessary form of resistance. It’s a demand for respect and a space where women can embrace their own path and take back control of themselves.

Consider your values and take the time to reflect on what the results of the election could mean for you. The choices you make are yours. And your decision to take action is entirely your own. @mdcthereporter_

JANUARY 28, 2025 | FORUM 15

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// FORUM Isabella Arce, Forum Editor

//

T (305) 237-2157 // B isabella.arce001@mymdc.net

LANGUAGE

Breaking Down The Role Of Language In Society Daniella Barbieri explains how the brain processes language and the purpose it serves in human relationships.

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By Daniella Barbieri daniella.barbieri001@mymdc.net If Charles Darwin was right when he said humans descended from a common ancestor, why can we communicate complex thoughts and emotions through words, but other species can’t?

Linguistics professor Noam Chomsky proposed that people are born with the ability to learn language.

According to the WernickeGeschwind Model for language processing, when we listen to someone speak, our brains convert sound waves into electrical signals that are sent to the primary auditory cortex.

These signals are processed by Wernicke’s area—the part of the brain that’s responsible for understanding words—to generate a reply.

That response is then sent to Broca’s area—the part of the brain that’s responsible for speech production—and later to the primary motor cortex, which controls the muscles needed to communicate.

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The opinions in this newspaper do not necessarily represent those of the administration, faculty or student body.

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The most effective way to learn a new language is by immersing yourself in an environment where it’s spoken.

Factors such as motivation, environment, cognitive abilities, emotional agility, learning style, commitment and previous experience also affect language acquisition.

However, as Italian linguist Mario Pei explains, language only gains purpose when shared within the society and when people collectively choose to accept it.

According to social psychologist Howard Giles’ Communication Accommodation Theory, people can modify their communication style to fit different social contexts.

This quality is very important in multilingual or multicultural

societies, such as in Miami. In these environments, people might switch languages or dialects multiple times a day, navigating between identities and relationships.

Language is essential to culture. As novelist Khaled Hosseini said: “If culture was a house, then language was the key to the front door, to all the rooms inside.”

Critics of bilingualism argue that switching between languages can lead to communication delays or a weaker vocabulary.

However, speaking a second language allows humans to connect with others and offers cognitive benefits—including delaying age-related conditions, such as dementia, and enhancing skills, like attention, memory retention and problem-solving

Most languages across the world share common characteristics, such as verb tenses, question formation and plural/singular or male/female distinctions.

These features allow us to talk about things that are right in front of us or far away, things that have existed, things that never happened or things that could occur.

There is an inseparable connection between language and thought. We can’t think about anything without using language— whether in our internal dialogues or when communicating with another person.

Language gives people the tools to communicate, release emotions, build relationships, create art, share knowledge, engage in culture and express their identity.

Isabella Arce Editor-in-Chief/Briefing Editor/ A&E Editor/Forum Editor Alejandra Quiroz Photo Editor Andrea Briones Social Media Director

Issue Staff ——————————— Paola Aranguren, Daniella Barbieri, Melanie Bello, Gabriela Bribiesca, Andrea Briones, Juliette Bryant, Gabriel Cedeño, Sara Dhorasoo, Michael Dib, Naya Escandon, Jesus Garcia, Ivette Gomez, Yazid Guelida, John Izquierdo, Melchizedek Kersainvil, Natalie Maestre, Geovanny Marcos-Pedro, Melissa Martinez, Sophia Massie, Maria Eduarda Mottin, Isabel Paz, Mariacamila Ramayo, Nicolas Ramos, Pietra Romano, Nalini Singh, Daylyin Staples, Charles Stemmer, Lisa Marie Suarez, Sabrina Toro, Nikole Valiente, Benjamin Vera, Joelle Worcester

CULTURE

Latinas Need To Break Gender Norms To Improve Mental Health Mariacamila Ramayo discusses how cultural expectations, including marianismo, cause Latina women to feel guilty about prioritizing themselves and to struggle with mental health.

GABRIEL CEDEÑO / THE REPORTER

By Mariacamila Ramayo mariacamil.ramayo001@mymdc.net Mental health is a crucial aspect of well-being, yet in the Latin community, it’s frequently overlooked, especially in women.

Many Latinos, especially older folks, don’t recognize anxiety, depression and stress as genuine problems, or the severity of neglecting someone’s mental health.

This is concerning, particularly

in today’s fast-paced society, where we are asked to perform and excel, sometimes without adequate support.

As a Latina woman, I’ve often felt the weight of cultural expectations, such as succeeding academically, on my shoulders.

From birth, many of us are raised to meet specific expectations that dictate our behavior, roles and aspirations.

This overwhelming pursuit of perfection leaves little-tono room for individuality or self-exploration.

We grow up being conditioned

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that to be a good woman, you have to excel in school, cook well and take care of your husband.

This is the concept of marianismo, the idea that women should be selfless, sacrificial and conform to female gender roles.

Many of us watched our mothers, grandmothers and aunts embody the traits associated with this cultural stereotype while sacrificing their own dreams and well-being.

These role models, who are often applauded for their strength and resilience, unintentionally reinforced the belief that to be @mdcthereporter

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valued, we must prioritize family needs above our own ambitions and desires.

Marianismo creates a cycle where self-sacrifice is idealized, promoting feelings of guilt whenever we focus on ourselves or seek mental health counseling.

When we prioritize external validation over our own wellbeing, our mental health takes a backseat.

Witnessing the struggles of those we admire, yet feeling the weight of their expectations, complicates our understanding of what it means to be a Latina. Although family narratives can be powerful, they do not define us nor should they dictate our paths.

By challenging these stigmas and embracing our individuality and healing, we can pave the way for healthier relationships with ourselves and our families.

Together, we stand at the forefront of a transformative journey.

By fostering open conversations and advocating for mental health, we create a culture where asking for help is not just accepted but celebrated.

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