Ricky Nelson Sr., the mailroom manager at North Campus, retired after 42 years at MDC. He also worked for custodial services and the moving crew.
Bounce Back
The Lady Sharks basketball team finished with a 21-10 record this year, signaling a gigantic turnaround after a 24-loss campaign the prior year.
Mixed Reviews
Paola Aranguren gives her opinion on the newest installment of the popular game Poppy Playtime and discusses technical issues that upset die-hard fans.
Beautiful Beats
Sophia Arenas shares her passion for music and discusses how it connects to every aspect of her life, including people, places and phases.
Martial Arts Community Mourns The Loss Of Judo Jack
on May 5, 1973. The group was representing the North Campus judo team.
Leyshon ‘Jack’ Williams, affectionately known as Judo Jack, died of natural causes on Feb. 10. The 95-year-old spread the gospel of judo at North Campus for nearly six decades.
By Yazid Guelida yazid.guelida001@mymdc.net
Charles Brown met Leyshon ‘Jack’ Williams at North Campus the same way hundreds of others did.
“I was walking through the hallway, that’s where Jack was handing out flyers and promoting [his judo] class,” said Brown, who eventually became Williams’ student and assistant. “That’s how I met him.”
Judo Jack, as he was affectionately known, was a walking judo billboard. For decades, he peddled his courses one leaflet at a time
in front of Scott Hall.
He enrolled hundreds of students into his life’s passion—judo—during a nearly 60-year career at Miami Dade College that included stints as a full-time professor, adjunct and coach.
“We would compete, we would train hard, sweat and kill ourselves on the mat, and then we’d go out and have a beer and party,” Hector Estevez recalled. “We were a family. We all loved each other.”
On Feb. 16, the 71-year-old Estevez was one of several former students who passionately eulogized Williams in front of family and friends at his viewing at Caballero Rivero Southern in North Miami.
Williams died on Feb. 10 at Jackson North Medical Center from natural causes. He was 95. At the ceremony, Williams was
posthumously promoted to 9th Dan, one of the highest ranks in the judo belt system awarded by the United States Judo Association. It was presented to his family by his former student and Olympian Rhadi Ferguson.
The viewing ended with a final Ritsu-rei— a standing bow performed by judokas after sparring—for the beloved sensei.
“Jack was so knowledgeable in the art, tough as nails, but he had a great heart,” said Candido Ramos, another one of Williams’ former students. “It was a blessing to train under him.”
The Early Years
Williams was born in November of 1929 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He was raised
If You're Approached By ICE—Here's What You Need To Know
The “Know Your Rights” movement provides tips and legal assistance to anyone who wants to prepare in case they are questioned by an ICE agent.
By Ivette Gomez ivett.gomezfornos001@mymdc.net
On Feb. 13, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed bill SB 2-C into law. The legislation, which aligns with the Trump administration’s crackdown on illegal immigration, increases penalties for crimes committed by undocumented immigrants and allocates nearly $300 million toward illegal immigration enforcement.
“This budget means that police officers will be essentially becoming additional ICE agents,” said Dariel Gomez, the MiamiDade organizer for the American Civil Liberties Union of Florida.
According to Sandra Fish Mathurin, the director of services for the Florida Immigrant Coalition, students told her that ICE agents were seen at Homestead Campus a few weeks ago.
But Alejandro D. González, the interim vice president of marketing and communications at Miami Dade College, told The Reporter via email on March 8: “We have not [had] ICE agents at Homestead Campus.”
The Reporter reached out to ICE’s Miami Field Office and Office of Public Affairs via phone and email, but no response has been provided.
In response to the national immigration crackdown, justice organizations have created the “Know Your Rights” movement to spread awareness of how to proceed if someone is approached by ICE agents.
It includes guidelines, free legal assistance, presentations and “Red Cards”— small cards that contain the basic rights every person is entitled to.
Here is a summary of some of the organizations tips:
ON CAMPUS
Although ICE agents can conduct interrogations in open spaces of an MDC campus, you have the following rights:
• Right to remain silent: If an officer questions you, you may ask if you are free to leave. If the officer says no, clearly state you are exercising your right to remain silent.
• Right to refuse a search: No police officer can search you without your consent or legitimate cause.
• Right to legal representation: If
Hajime: Pictured from left to right are Micky Price, coach Jack Williams, and Hector Estevez at the National Invitational Judo Championship in Missouri
// BRIEFING
MDC Student Wins $1,000 Civic Engagement Grant
Ivette Gómez, an 18-year-old freshman in the Honors College at North Campus, was awarded a $1,000 civic engagement mini-grant by Project Pericles.
The award will fund Project ARTivism, an exhibition featuring political art.
“There [are] people who need to make sure that their voice is being heard,” Gomez said. “I want them to not be afraid of politics.”
Project ARTivism will unfold in three phases: an exhibition, a summer contest for students’ political art submissions with monetary prizes and a discussion panel with guest speakers.
The first phase is scheduled to run April 21-25 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at North Campus, 11380 N.W. 27th Ave., Room 3238.
Gómez, who is also a staff writer for The Reporter, is expected to graduate from Miami Dade College in 2026 with an associate degree in political science. She aspires to work as a special rapporteur for the United Nations.
Emily De Los Reyes
The Idea Center’s Miami Startup Ecosystem Internship Program Offering Summer Opportunities
The Miami Startup Ecosystem Internship Program, a paid summer initiative offered by The Idea Center in partnership with the Blackstone Charitable Foundation, is accepting applications through April.
All internships will last between eight to 12 weeks and offer a starting pay of $20 per hour.
The program is open to all Miami Dade College students who have a minimum 3.0 GPA. Its goal is to provide opportunities that develop new skills and help students gain hands-on experience by connecting them with leading startups and small business owners in Miami.
Applicants must complete an interest form, apply to specific internships of interest and participate in an interview with prospective employers.
To apply, visit https://tinyurl.com/3aye982u.
Ninette Portero
Sharks’ Meran Selected To Citrus Conference First-Team
Miami Dade College guard Faheim Saintleger Meran was selected to the Citrus Conference First-Team by the Florida College System Athletic Association.
The sophomore led the Sharks’ in scoring with 13.9 points per game. He also averaged 4.3 rebounds and had a 40.2% shooting percentage this season.
Meran scored at least 20 points in seven games. His biggest performance of the season was on Dec. 14 when he scored 34 points and added six assists and five rebounds in a 90-65 win against Monroe University.
The men’s basketball team finished the season with a 19-13 record, losing to Pensacola State College, 64-50, in the semifinals of the State Tournament on March 14.
Applications Open For The Reach For The Stars Scholarship Fund
The Alan R. Epstein Reach for the Stars Scholarship is accepting applications until April 25 at 5 p.m.
Established by the Epstein family in memory of a young man who died in a tragic car accident, the scholarship awards up to $5,000 to students who demonstrate academic resilience despite hardships.
Applicants must have a minimum 3.5 GPA, proof of admission, an unofficial transcript, a letter of recommendation, a list of extracurricular activities and a statement of their family's financial circumstances.
Each student must also submit a 1,500-word essay or a two-minute video detailing their challenges.
For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/mrnkywcd.
Benjamin Vera
NWSA Hosts BFA Exhibition
At The YoungArts Gallery
The New World School of the Arts will host their BFA exhibition, which showcases the graduating class’ artwork, through the month of April at the YoungArts Gallery, 2100 Biscayne Blvd.
An opening reception was held on April 4 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. The exhibition features work that includes art+tech, drawing, graphic design, painting, photography and sculptures.
It’s free and open to the public from April 7-18 and can be viewed, Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
New World School Of The Arts To Host High School Jazz Combo Concert
The New World School of the Arts is hosting its High School Jazz Combo Concert at Wolfson Campus, 300 N.E. Second Ave., on April 17 at 7 p.m.
It will take place in the auditorium in the 1000 building in Room 1261. The showcase will consist of multiple combos led by Jim Gasior, director of the jazz studies department, alongside a guest artist.
Each combo group will consist of a different arrangement of instruments and musicians.
This event is free and open to the public.
Benjamin Vera
Computer Science Professor Is Finalist For AACC Excellence Faculty Innovation Award
Diego Tibaquirá, a computer science professor at Eduardo J. Padrón Campus, has been named a finalist for the 2025 American Association of Community Colleges of Excellence Faculty Innovation Award.
The award recognizes faculty members who have made significant contributions to their field.
Winners will be announced at the AACC Awards of Excellence Gala on April 15 in Nashville, Tennessee.
Tibaquirá has helped build the nationally recognized cybersecurity, cloud computing and artificial intelligence programs at the College in partnership with companies such as AWS and Microsoft.
“The students see that what we’re doing in the classroom has meaning that is way beyond the class, and if they do it right, they can be the next to do that,” Tibaquirá said.
Tibaquirá earned an associate’s degree in networking technology from Craven Community College in North Carolina, a bachelor’s degree in computer science from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.
He also has a master’s degree in computer science from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University and a doctorate degree in information technology and distance education from Nova Southeastern University.
The Miami
Brittany Wallman, an investigative reporter at the Miami Herald , will be the next guest at the MDC Journalism Speaker Series on April 15.
The event will take place at noon at North Campus, 11380 N.W. 27th Ave., in Room 4209.
Prior to joining the Herald , Wallman worked at the South Florida Sun Sentinel for 25 years—first as a local government reporter and then as a part of the paper’s investigations team.
In 2019, she was part of the Sun Sentinel team that won a Pulitzer Prize for Public Service for their coverage of the Parkland school shooting. Wallman is a graduate of the University of Florida.
The MDC Journalism Speaker Series was launched in 2008 to provide students an opportunity to meet and network with working journalists. Since its debut, more than 84 journalists have participated in the series. Sean
Andrew Goodman Ambassador Program Applications Open
Students can now apply to become an Andrew Goodman Vote Everywhere Ambassador.
This program is part of a national initiative led by the Andrew Goodman Foundation, an organization founded to honor civil rights activist Andrew Goodman. The foundation advocates for voting rights and civic education.
Annually, two students are selected from each participating campus—Kendall, Wolfson and North Campus.
“We look for students who are passionate about [civic engagement],” said Kendall Campus Institute of Civic Engagement and Democracy Director Priya Pershadsingh. “We want someone who will support the mission we stand for.”
With their respective iCED director, ambassadors will help educate Miami Dade College’s community on voting rights, promote civil conversation and assist in registering voters.
The role requires each student to complete at least 10 hours per week during the fellowship, which lasts from August through May 2026. They will be paid $500 per semester.
“I have learned what it takes to engage [with] people, especially within fields that wouldn’t be interested in [civics] otherwise,” said Isabella Lopez, a student ambassador at Kendall Campus.
To apply, please visit https://tinyurl.com/5bsm9vyw
TIBAQUIRÁ
Naya Escandon
Benjamin Vera
GOMEZ
LOGO COURTESY OF NEW WORLD SCHOOL OF THE ARTS
LOGO COURTESY OF THE IDEA CENTER/ MIAMI DADE COLLEGE
PHOTO COURTESY OF BRITTANY WALLMAN
MERAN
Isabella Arce
Herald ’s Brittany Wallman To Appear At MDC Journalism Speaker Series
Yakobson
Emily De Los Reyes
HerMelody: A young woman performs at Kendall Campus’ ComposeHER concert on March 10 at the McCarthy Auditorium. The concert featured musical work made by women artists such as Fanny Hensel, Lili Boulanger, and Betty Carter.
Women In Music: The classical and jazz vocal ensembles at Kendall Campus perform at the ComposeHER concert on March 10.
Harmonic Tune: Kendall Campus held a Transfer Fair on Feb.19 in the building 2000 breezeway where students received information from schools like the University of Florida and Florida State University. Pictured is the Jazz Ensemble who performed at the event.
Spotlight: News anchor Tavares Jones of WSVN spoke at the MDC Journalism Speaker Series on March 13 in Room 4209 at North Campus.
ISABEL
Pictured from left to right are Manolo Barco, The Reporter ’s media adviser, and Jones.
What Are Your Rights If You Are Approached By An Immigration And Customs Enforcement Agent?
FROM IMMIGRATION, FRONT
detained, you have the right to request a lawyer and make a phone call. Do not sign any documents or discuss your situation with anyone other than a lawyer.
WHILE DRIVING
• Stay calm and pull over safely.
• Lower your window and keep your hands visible.
• Provide your driver’s license, vehicle registration and proof of insurance when requested.
• You are not required to answer questions about your immigration status or nationality.
AT HOME
• Remain inside your home. Do not allow officers to enter unless they have a warrant signed by a judge.
• If officers say they have a warrant, request that they slide it under the door to verify its legitimacy.
• Ask the officers to identify themselves and show their credentials through a peephole or window.
• If officers enter your home, do not resist or run.
In every situation, it’s crucial to maintain composure and proceed with caution.
“We will discourage [people] from running, because that can give law enforcement officials cause to pursue you, and it can also put you in potential danger,” said Evelyn Wiese, a litigation attorney for Americans
for Immigrant Justice. Planning ahead and accessing available resources is also essential.
Americans for Immigrants Justice and the Florida Immigration Coalition, both non-profit organizations, have been actively advocating against deportation operations.
Florida Immigrant Coalition hosts public “Know Your Rights” presentations every Wednesday, virtually or in-person, at 561 N.E. 79th St. Suite 400. The sessions offer
free legal advice and help attendees develop action plans.
“The overall goal is one, to break fear,”
Fish Mathurin said. “When people are equipped with those resources, they’re able to live their life and continue to do what they need to do.”
Additionally, the ACLU held a tabling event in the courtyard next to Student Life at Eduardo J. Padrón Campus, 627 S.W. 27th Ave., on March 12, providing information
about the immigrant rights movement and volunteering opportunities, according to Dariel Gomez, the Miami-Dade organizer for ACLU.
The list of rights in case of an encounter with an ICE agent used in this story was compiled from multiple sources including: FLIC, ACLU, American Immigration Lawyers Association, Raise Coalition and Tallahassee Democrats.
ISABEL
Miami Film Festival Returns For Its 42nd Rendition
The festival, which will run from April 3 through April 13, will spotlight 115 feature films and 100 shorts from more than 45 countries, offering variety for movie lovers.
By Andrea Briones andrea.briones001@mymdc.net
Cue the lights, roll the cameras and pass the popcorn—the Miami Film Festival is back for its 42nd installment.
The festival, which runs from April 3 through April 13, showcases 115 feature films and 100 shorts from more than 45 countries.
They will be screened at venues, such as the Olympia Theater and the Silverspot Cinema in downtown Miami, the Coral Gables Art Cinema, the Bill Cosford Cinema at the University of Miami, the Little Haiti Cultural Complex, the Koubek Center Theater and the Bandshell in Miami Beach.
Notable actors and filmmakers, who will participate in public talks and Q&A’s during the festival, include Paul Feig, Amanda Schull, Xander Robin, Melanie Lynskey, Mark Duplass and Roger Ross Williams.
“The most rewarding for me is seeing how excited the audience gets at some of these opportunities,” said Lauren Cohen, director of programming. “These are artists that mean so much to us…and I think it’s a rare opportunity to have people like that joining us. It takes work from a lot of people to
make it happen.”
Opening night took place at the Olympia Theater, 174 E. Flagler St., on April 3 with Meet the Barbarians , a French comedy directed by Julie Delpy, a French-American actress and screenwriter.
Set in Paimpont, France, it follows a community who prepares to welcome a Ukrainian refugee family, but is instead surprised with a Syrian family. The movie explores themes of acceptance, immigration and complex social issues.
On April 6, Another Simple Favor, a comedic thriller, screened at Regal South Beach. It stars Blake Lively and is directed by Paul Feig, an American film director who will be honored with the Precious Gem Award during the screening.
Another Simple Favor follows Stephanie Smothers, who reunites with Emily Nelson at her wedding in Capri, Italy. The movie takes a turn after a mysterious murder drags Stephanie into Emily’s dangerous web of secrets and lies.
Checkpoint Zoo, a documentary directed by Joshua Zeman, an American filmmaker known for his documentaries, will screen on April 11 at 6:30 p.m. at SilverSpot Cinema, 300 N.E. Third St. It explores the story of a group of brave zookeepers who heroically rescued about 5,000 animals from a Ukrainian zoo during the Russian invasion.
The festival’s closing film On Swift Horses, a romantic film directed by Daniel Minahan, will be
shown at the Olympia Theater on April 12 at 7:30 p.m.
Set in 1950s California, the story follows newlywed Muriel, who discovers her love for a woman.
As the movie unfolds, Muriel’s brother-in-law Julius embarks on a secret gambling life.
Eight cash awards totaling $98K will also be presented on closing night.
Jury-selected awards include: Made in MIA Award, Marimbas Award, Documentary Achievement Award, Made in MIA Short Film Award, Miami International Short Film Award, Short Documentary Film Award, Cinemaslam Competition and the Jordan Ressler First Feature Award.
“I’m looking forward to people finding their new favorite film,”
said James Woolley, the Miami Film Festival’s executive director.
“I think it’s really wonderful when people discover something that they love and talk about for years to come.”
To purchase tickets or to see the full schedule of films, visit: https://tinyurl.com/yc657axk.
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Flocking To The Films: The Miami Film Festival is back for its 42nd year at various locations in Miami-Dade County from April 3 through April 13.
Mailroom Mainstay Retires After 42 Years At North Campus: ‘His Presence Will Be Missed’
North Campus mailroom manager Ricky Nelson Sr. enjoyed a 42-year career at Miami Dade College that included stints as a parttime custodian, moving crew supervisor and copy technician.
By Isabella Arce isabella.arce001@mymdc.net
Ricky Nelson Sr. has been a North Campus staple for more than 40 years.
His professional journey—he was a preschool student at the campus in the late 1960s—at the College started in 1983 as a freshfaced teenager working as a parttime custodian.
Seven years later he started working full-time as the moving crew supervisor.
By 2004, Nelson was greeting students, faculty and staff with his easygoing disposition as a copy technician before he was promoted to mailroom manager.
Simply put, North Campus was Nelson’s second home.
His dad retired as campus support supervisor for custodial services in 1995 after 30 years; his brother, Charles, who held the same position, retired in 2024 after 31 years.
Now Rick, as he is affectionately known by his friends and colleagues, is following in their footsteps.
The 59-year-old retired from Miami Dade College on Feb. 28.
“I have been walking those grounds all my life,” Nelson said. “Miami Dade College is everything to me and my family.”
When he graduated from
Hialeah-Miami Lakes Senior High School in 1983, Nelson briefly considered a career in the military, but he was destined to carve out his niche at MDC.
“In custodial work, you have to clean bathrooms, move chairs and tables, and do a lot of different stuff,” Nelson said. “In the mailroom, you know what you are getting into, [while] in the custodial [department], you don’t know what you might come upon.”
Around 2004, the copy center and mailroom merged into one space in Room 3103. That led to cross-training that would define the rest of his career.
As a copy technician, Nelson printed course materials and event programs, occasionally making up to 4,000 copies daily.
In the mailroom, he handled approximately 75 packages per day— or 375 packages per week—which amounts to about 75 pounds of mail, according to his estimation.
“I didn’t know what I was doing or what to do,” said Nelson, when describing his first day in the mailroom. “Back then, there was a lot of mail and we [had] at least 75 mailboxes that we had to [fill]. It’s like a puzzle.”
Three years ago, Nelson was promoted to mailroom manager with the added responsibility of overseeing UPS and USPS deliveries.
Throughout the years, he witnessed significant changes in the mail industry, particularly with the rise of email and e-commerce.
“We started using a lot of email systems and that’s why the mail changed and slowed down but it hasn’t stopped,” Nelson said. “It’s not going to stop.”
In 2009, barcodes were fully implemented into postal services, which allowed the team to track packages digitally.
After Amazon became popular, Nelson witnessed an uptick in deliveries, receiving at least 100 packages daily from the e-commerce company.
For the past five years, he has toiled in the mailroom alongside his unofficial understudy, Ian McKinney, who is a mailroom clerk.
The dynamic duo used Nelson’s favorite jazz blues as fuel
to complete tasks. As a boombox echoed their daily soundtrack, Nelson’s gravelly voice was often heard on the phone telling colleagues: “you got a package.”
“I probably would not be here had he not been here to guide me along the way,” McKinney fondly remembered.
Octavia Anderson, who worked with Nelson for more than 20 years, said his departure has left a sizable void in the office.
“It hasn’t really [dawned] on me yet,” said Anderson, who is the duplicating center’s quick copy
supervisor. “I just noticed when I come in the morning, the office is quiet, so what he used to do is turn on the radio. Now because he is not here, I turn on the radio. I have no one to say, ‘Good morning’ to...I will miss him.”
During retirement, Nelson plans to spend more time with his family, including his wife, four sons and granddaughter.
“His presence will be missed,” McKinney said. “It’s like seeing your mailman everyday, and then all of a sudden, you don’t see him no more.”
Dominican Students Association Returns After A Nearly Two-Decade Hiatus
The Dominican Students Association made a comeback at North Campus after it was dormant for almost 20 years. It aims to celebrate and spread Dominican culture.
By Ivette Gomez ivett.gomezfornos001@mymdc.net
When Elsa Tanis first arrived at North Campus in 2001 she struggled to fit in.
Two years after arriving in the United States her English was shaky and she missed her hometown—Santo Domingo.
But then she had a breakthrough. Tanis found some of the Caribbean flavor she had been missing after joining the Dominican Students Association.
“My English was not that great, and I didn’t have that many friends, connecting with people that were from my own country, and that spoke my language was like a plus to me,” Tanis said.
The organization soon became a second family. As part of their community outreach, she spent hours at a senior living facility in Hialeah handing out flowers and ice cream and preparing pastry baskets for tenants.
This spring semester, Tanis, who is now the club’s advisor, revived DSA. It had been inactive for almost 20 years.
“The idea is to share the beauty of our culture with other people, so they understand what it means to be Dominican,” said Tanis, who is an outreach coordinator at Single
Stop at North Campus.
To spread the DSA culture, she recruited Christian Barruos-Brens, a charismatic culinary student, who was raised by Dominican parents. Chef Christian, as he is fondly
known, accepted the challenge.
He recruited the club’s first members and collected the paperwork needed for approval of the club.
“I was like, 'Why can’t we just bring it
back?'” Barrous-Brens said. “I’ll be the person to do that.”
The club, which hosts meetings on the third Thursday of every month at noon in the breezeway of the 3000 building, now boasts more than 100 members, Tanis said. Their e-board includes: president Henly Lizardo, vice-president Michelle Vazquez, secretary Janhelys Martinez, treasurer Melany Reyes and marketing director Gabriela Mir.
“I just want to open the door to anyone and show them that there’s no requirement [to join],” said Vazquez, a freshman in the Honors College, whose mother is Dominican. “We just want to share with you.”
The DSA made their debut at Club Rush in January. Their first official event was a fundraiser to celebrate the independence of the Dominican Republic on Feb. 27 in the breezeway of the 4000 building.
Spearheaded by Chef Christian’s efforts, the association will sell smash burgers and traditional Dominican cake (Biscocho). The profits will assist with the club’s future events that will include themes such as mental health, women’s empowerment and sports.
For more information about DSA or to join, call (305) 237-1399 or send an email to dsanorth.2024@gmail.com.
Some of the interviews for this story were conducted in Spanish.
CLUB SPOTLIGHT
You've Got Mail: Ricky Nelson Sr. retired from North Campus after a 42-year career at Miami Dade College that included time as mailroom manager, a custodian and moving crew supervisor.
Dominican Roots: North Campus’ Dominican Students Association has been revitalized after nearly 20 years of being dormant. It aims to celebrate and share Dominican culture through events and outreach.
ANDREA BRIONES / THE REPORTER
ANDREA BRIONES / THE REPORTER
Beloved Judo Sensei Remembered
For His Dedication To The Sport
FROM OBIT, FRONT
on a farm by his parents Leyshon Williams and Dorothy Roberts.
The youngster cultivated a love for animals on the farm. He took care of chickens, horses and birds. His best friend was his dog.
Growing up in the Great Depression was not easy for young Jack. His parents worked multiple jobs to support the family and couldn’t spend a lot of time with him. He eventually attended a boarding school for a year.
When Williams was 14, his family moved to Florida.
After moving out from his parents’ home, he began working as a dance instructor in hotels in Miami Beach. He slept in cabanas in exchange for the lessons he taught.
By 1960, Williams joined the National Guard for three years, before being honorably discharged in 1963.
He earned an associate degree in criminology from North Campus, a business administration degree from the University of Miami and a master’s degree in parks and recreation administration from Florida International University.
Judo Journey
There are many theories as to how Jack fell for judo. Some believe it was his tough upbringing. Others point to his time in the National Guard.
But what’s abundantly clear is his passion for the sport.
He began practicing judo in 1955, and opened the Miami School of Judo in North Miami two years later.
Williams’ understanding of judo was revolutionized when he met sensei Paul Takeshita in 1959. Takeshita immigrated to the United States from Japan during World War II, after he was placed in an internment camp with his family.
“The new concepts and theory of judo [Takeshita] instilled in me are still constantly successful principles and theories I use,” Williams wrote in a timeline he created about his life.
Williams competed throughout the 60s and 70s, winning several championships in Florida and the Southeast United States.
In 1974, he placed second in the National Amateur Athletic Union’s 205-pound division and in the under-master division championships.
He took several trips to Japan in the 60s and 70s to study at the legendary Kodokan Judo Institute, known as the original school of judo. He learned various techniques and katas—choreographed fighting forms—including goshinjutsu, katame no kata and kime no kata.
“Back then, it wasn’t normal for foreigners to be in the Kodokan or in Japan, learning the arts,” Brown said. “So for him to go to Japan, that was special.”
During his time in Japan, Williams also studied at the Tokyo
“I want him to be remembered as somebody who always followed his passion and his dream...He persevered as much as he could in life, and even to the end, it was something that he carried with him because judo was one of the loves of his life.
Wendy Guzman, Leyshon Williams' stepdaughter
and Oimachi Police Departments, learning techniques only the police were allowed to use.
He would later teach officers from the City of Miami Police Department the skills he learned, especially taiho-jutsu, a technique used to take someone down using minimal force.
In the 60s, Williams began teaching judo classes at the North and South campuses with the approval of then-athletic director Demie Mainieri. During his tenure at MDC, his judo teams won 10 junior college national championships.
Williams was a full-time professor at North Campus from 1969 through 2002. He coached the
“
Jack was so knowledgeable in the art, tough as nails, but he had a great heart. It was a blessing to train under him.
Candido Ramos, former student
judo squad until the mid-90s and continued teaching as an adjunct until about 2019.
As a sensei, Williams was known for his fierceness and commitment to his students.
He was revered in the martial arts world.
Williams was inducted into the Black Belt Hall of Fame in 1981 and the World Martial Arts Hall of Fame in 1993.
Judo Jack distinguished himself as a central figure in the South Florida judo circuit, offering instruction at 13 recreational centers.
“Every judoka that was raised in Miami in the 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s owe part of them to Jack Williams,” Estevez said.
Meeting His Wife
In 1992, Williams met his wife Juana at a Canadian dance club in Hallandale Beach.
The meeting almost didn’t happen because Juana was skeptical about joining her friends for a night out on the town. She heard the club, which was known for ballroom dancing, attracted an older crowd.
Despite the hesitation, Juana
went. She caught Williams’ eye and the seasoned dance instructor made his move.
“He invited me to dance, I told him I didn’t know how to dance and so he told me he’ll teach me how to dance, and so we went 1-23, 1-2-3,” Juana said. “That’s when our love story began.”
The duo began dating shortly after. They married in 1994 and were together for 31 years.
Off The Mat
In his spare time, Williams enjoyed staying fit.
“He used to always swim, always worked out, he was always in great shape,” said Tim Littlefield, a veteran of the Miami Police Department who once studied judo under Williams.
The judo aficionado also had an affinity for a good colada.
“He lived one street south of me... and I used to go by and we used to go over to the cafe and get some Cuban coffee and guava [pastries],” Littlefield added.
However, in the end, his heart always came back to judo.
“I want him to be remembered as somebody who always followed his passion and his dream, and who tried his hardest to keep it going,” said Williams’ stepdaughter, Wendy Guzman. “He persevered as much as he could in life, and even to the end, it was something that he carried with him because judo was one of the loves of his life.”
Williams is survived by his wife, Juana Williams, their children John, Patty, Moses, Wendy, and Angelica, and his grandchildren, Shon, Sacha, Isabella and Astrid.
PHOTO COURTESY OF FALCON TIMES ARCHIVES
PHOTO COURTESY OF FALCON TIMES ARCHIVES
Nattily Dressed: Pictured is Jack Williams in 1975 wearing a North Campus sports jacket.
Championship Stance: Pictured is the 1985 judo National Collegiate Championship team, which represented North Campus. In the back row, from left to right: Rudy Vidal, Ralph Perez and Tom Jackson. In the front row: Joe Cabauy, Alberto Acena and coach Jack Williams.
Wildlife At Kendall Campus Provides A Respite From Everyday Stresses
Kendall Campus is a 185-acre hub for academics and wildlife.
Beyond its classrooms and bustling student life, the campus is home to a variety of animals that have made its greenery and lakes their sanctuary.
Among the most beloved creatures at Kendall Campus are the cats. The nimble felines roam freely, often lounging in the shadows. They find comfortable on-campus spaces and lap up the gentle pets that students, faculty and staff provide for them as they destress.
The campus is also home to the rotund muscovy ducks who can be seen waddling along walkways or swimming in the lakes near the
2000 and 3000 buildings alongside the turtles.
Other wildlife include the slinky green iguanas, who blend seamlessly into the greenery, occasionally basking on the shores of the bodies of water on campus before scurrying into the brush.
Overhead, turkey vultures and tricolored and green herons fill the air. Raccoons and squirrels lurk near the campus’ surrounding wooded areas, sometimes venturing out near trash bins.
So next time you are stretching your legs on campus, enjoy the wildlife that shares our space.
Isabella Arce
Hello There: An adult green iguana makes itself comfortable in a bush near building 3.
Making Its Way: A tricolored heron navigates through a lake at Kendall Campus.
On The Prowl A turkey vulture lurks near the green area next to building 3.
Vibin': A muscovy duck rests in a brushy space at Kendall Campus. Meowdy: A young calico cat lounges on the concrete courtyard in front of the Student Life Department.
LUCA LAUSELL / THE REPORTER
LUCA LAUSELL / THE REPORTER
LUCA LAUSELL / THE REPORTER
LUCA LAUSELL / THE REPORTER
LUCA LAUSELL / THE REPORTER
KENDALL CAMPUS
17-Year-Old Brewing Up Business With Cuban Coffee Cart
High school student
Leandro Ortega, who won the Idea Center’s pitch competition this past summer, used the contest’s $7,000 seed money to start Leo’s Coffee.
By Yazid Guelida yazid.guelida001@mymdc.net
Leandro Ortega has always had a business mindset.
Three years ago, the Cubanborn teenager started a mobile car wash company with his dad.
“I work on weekends, from six in the morning to five or six in the evening,” Ortega said.
This past summer, the 17-yearold tapped into his entrepreneurial spirit to win the Idea Center’s pitch competition. The budding business mogul was one of two winners—Christian BarruosBrens was the other—who each received $7,000 in prize money to help ignite their ideas.
Ortega, who has a brain tumor that affects his cognitive skills, started Leo’s Coffee, a mobile cart business that caters to students and staff at his high school, Easterseals Academy. He is a part of their culinary arts program for students with disabilities.
“I was super happy,” Ortega said as he recalled the emotions he felt after finding out he had won. “I was so excited that I couldn’t even speak.”
Leo’s Coffee offers a variety of
FOSTER
YOUTH
Grinding: Leandro Ortega is a 17-year-old student at Easterseals Academy, who runs the mobile cart business, Leo’s Coffee.
caffeinated beverages, ranging from the classic Cuban colada to espressos and iced lattes. Prices range from $1.50 to $3. The cart has the slogan—“Aroma de La Casa”— etched on the front. It’s open Friday mornings from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. at Easterseals Academy.
“I’m very proud of everything my son does,” said Ortega’s mom, Anilet Perez. “He’s a good son,
a good companion and a good person.”
A group at Wolfson Campus and another at Homestead, made up of 25 participants each, were recruited for the competition that focused on food carts.
Participants received assistance creating business models, branding, marketing strategies and the concepts for their carts.
Ortega found out about the competition through his mentors at Easterseals.
“They extended the invitation to us, so we met with our education team to choose two students based on their performance,” said Ana Maya, who is a transition services program coordinator at Easterseals. “Leandro was one of those chosen to participate.”
The young barista learned about the school in 2022 after his father was badly burned in an accident. During his father’s recovery, the family met a teacher in his therapy sessions that connected them with Easterseals.
“I was thinking a lot about where I would put Leandro in school, because he wasn’t in school,” said Perez, who immigrated from Cuba with Ortega in 2021. “God put a teacher in my path who helped me get him into Easterseals.”
Among the school services is a culinary arts program. Ortega is a part of a subsidiary of the program, known as Coffee on Wheels. Students in the cohort receive hands-on barista training and learn entrepreneurship skills.
But Ortega has always had an affinity for coffee, a passion rooted in his Cuban heritage.
“When I lived in Cuba, my whole family drank coffee,” Ortega said. “That’s what I’ve always seen since I was little.”
Ortega’s family is originally from Mayabeque, a province in Cuba. They moved to Miami seeking medical care for his brain tumor.
“I’m so grateful to this great country because my son truly wasn’t learning anything in Cuba because of his illness, and they didn’t help me teach him,” Perez said. “Thank God, after coming to this wonderful country, my son has achieved so many things.”
Alumna Creates Organization To Assist Former Foster Youth
Shavon Saint Preux founded Propelling Into Triumph in 2022. The 31-yearold was once in the foster care system.
By Yazid Guelida yazid.guelida001@mymdc.net
Shavon Saint Preux always knew she wanted to help others.
While living in a group home for foster kids, the then 14-year-old met her mentor DD Eisenberg, a volunteer who taught reading and creative writing.
“Every time I ran into a problem, [DD] was there to help me,” Saint Preux said. “So from a very young age, I saw [that] youth who age out of foster care, who don’t have support systems, need mentors.”
In 2022, she founded Propelling Into Triumph, an organization dedicated to helping foster youth transition into adulthood.
The program’s services include mentorship to help with educational opportunities and employment and provide training in essential life skills, such as cooking and cleaning.
Saint Preux’s time at Miami Dade College inspired her to open PIT. In 2016, she was a part of the College’s Changemaker Corps Peer Mentoring program. She served as a peer mentor, helping former foster youth navigate personal challenges and keep them on track toward graduation.
Those experiences led her to apply to the Clinton Global Initiative University—a program that allows college students worldwide to submit proposals to fund their solution to a societal issue.
Her idea for PIT was selected, and she was flown to a national convention where she met other awardees to network and share ideas.
“Shavon is a testament to the important role of helping students become more civically engaged while they’re [enrolled at MDC] and how it can lead to long term and community-wide impacts,” said Josh Young, college-wide director of the Institute for Civic Engagement & Democracy.
The 31-year-old’s organization works with Saints House, a sister program also founded by Saint Preux. The facility specializes in housing youth who age out of foster care including many PIT scholars. To date, they have housed twenty-two women and nine children.
Daina Bellegarde is one of the program’s beneficiaries. The 24-year-old entered the foster care system when she was 10 years old and struggled with homelessness until she saw Saint Preux on the news promoting Saints House.
Today, Bellegrade is a pre-nursing student at Medical Campus.
The PIT scholar is pursuing a doctor in nursing practice degree, a credential that prepares nurses for educational and leadership positions.
“By seeing other people come from the same place you came from doing this, it gives you motivation,” said Bellegarde, who hopes to run an organization and a clinic for homeless people and
foster children. “It doesn’t matter where you came from and what you’re going through.”
Propelling Into Triumph also has a “Mommy and Me” program, which provides resources and parenting guides for young mothers who have aged out of foster care.
“Our goal is to break the cycle of foster care,” Saint Preux said. “We understand that if they are not provided with the adequate resources, they can fall in between the gaps and then their children can go into foster care, and the cycle continues.”
ISABEL PAZ / THE REPORTER
Lady Sharks Comeback Season Ends At State Tournament Quarterfinals
The Lady Sharks finished the 2024-25 season with a 21-10 record and are expected to return three key freshmen— Clearia Peterson, Kiara Harris and Jazmyn Bynum—to next year’s squad.
By Charles Stemmer charles.stemmer001@mymdc.net
Despite ending their season with a 74-70 loss to Chipola College in the quarterfinal round of the State Tournament, the Lady Sharks gave their fans a lot to cheer about this year.
The squad’s 21-10 record—a stark difference from the previous year’s 24-loss campaign—was their best mark since the 2018-19 season when they finished 22-9.
To get to 21 wins, the Lady Sharks overcame a pedestrian 5-4 start, ripping off three winning streaks of at least four games, including a six-game run that started in late November and stretched into December.
On Jan. 4, the Lady Sharks highoctane offense scored 132 points in a 64-point win versus Montgomery College at Palm Beach State College.
“I was so focused on coaching that game that I didn’t look up at the score until the third quarter, and I saw we had 85 points, I
said to myself, ‘Is this really happening?’,” said Lady Sharks head coach Susan Summons. “I’ve never seen anything like it.”
Three weeks later, the Lady Sharks saw Summons collect her 700th career victory at Kendall Campus during a 77-51 win versus Florida Southwestern State College.
The team also received some individual accolades. Three players, guard Shameir Quimby, forward/center Clearia Peterson and guard Kiara Harris, were tabbed First Team All-Conference by the Florida College System Activities Association.
Quimby led the team with a 19.3 points per game average on an efficient 48.6% field goal percentage. She ranked second on the team in rebounds with 8.1 per game.
The sophomore guard’s most impressive performance was during a 109-81 road win versus Daytona State College. She tallied 32 points, 11 rebounds and five assists.
Peterson, a freshman from Detroit, was dominant in the paint averaging a double-double the entire season. She led the team with 12.1 rebounds per game and was second in scoring with 18.1 points per game.
Her biggest game of the year was
on Feb. 1 when she snagged 24 rebounds and scored 21 points during a 105-100 road loss to Hillsborough Community College.
Harris was another big contributor as a freshman. She led the team with a 38% shooting percentage from beyond the arc and ranked third on the team in scoring with a 15 point per game average.
The sharp-shooter made nine three-pointers in three separate games this season, including a 39-point effort on Jan. 15 in a 9946 home win versus St. Petersburg College.
“In high school, I was more of a distributor who passed more often than I shot,” Harris said. “Coach
Summons and Shameir were the most impactful on that front letting me know as soon as they saw me, to shoot.”
Peterson, Harris and guard Jazmyn Bynum, who averaged 14.6 points per game and was selected Second Team All-Conference, are expected to make up the nucleus of next year’s team.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF LUBIANKA BALTODANO / KENDALL CAMPUS MEDIA SERVICES
The Big Three: Pictured from left to right: Forward/center Clearia Peterson, guard Kiara Harris and guard Shameir Quimby, who were tabbed to the First Team All-Conference squad.
Mito Powering Lady Sharks Offense During Team’s Resurgent Season
The freshman leads the Lady Sharks in several offensive categories, including RBI (32), slugging percentage (.718), hits (55) and batting average (.470) as the team is off to a resurgent 26-10 start.
By Charles Stemmer charles.stemmer001@mymdc.net
The Miami Dade College softball program is in the midst of a resurgent season.
A year after losing 31 games, the Lady Sharks are showing some bite with a 26-10 record, including a 16-10 mark in conference play.
The biggest contributor has been freshman Caroline Mito, who leads the team in batting average (.470), runs batted (32), slugging percentage (.718), on base percentage (.537), hits (55), walks (16) and stolen bases (24).
Despite her voluminous statline, the shortstop prefers to remain hyper focused on her team’s turnaround.
“We’re having a great season, and I’m very happy with our performance,” Mito said. “Our team is strong and we have a lot of potential to keep winning.”
That laser focus on the game has always been there for the Brazil-
Star Power: Shortstop Caroline Mito, who leads the Lady Sharks with a .718 slugging percentage and 55 hits, is a big reason for the softball team’s 26-10 record this year.
“My decision to start playing was influenced by my grandparents,” she said. “My grandfather still plays to this day, and my
As a youngster, Mito played softball for two years before shifting to baseball for six years while she played for her hometown team
her batting and fielding and backto-back championships in 2018 and 2019.
Lady Sharks head coach Gina
“She’s been playing some really good softball,” De Agüero said. “Caroline is very humble, and just likes to come out and play ball.”
Her teammates at MDC, which includes four other Brazilian players, have noticed her on-field and off-field contributions.
“Caroline is known for her incredible skills on the softball field, and it’s very clear that she’s always had a natural talent for the game,” said Lady Sharks outfielder Mayah Bostic. “It’s not just her performance during games that make Caroline stand out, it’s also her dedication to practice and genuine kindness she shows to her teammates.”
But make no mistake about it, Mito has been dominant.
Thus far, she has had 16 multihit games, including six games with at least three hits. Her biggest performance was on Feb. 15 during an 8-2 win versus Chipola College. Mito collected four hits (including a double and triple), four RBI, a stolen base and scored two runs that day.
“This sport teaches me so much,” Mito said. “It’s a team sport; it requires you to have good relationships and unity because that reflects on your performance
The Telltale Signs Of The Economy Pop Up In Fashion Trends
Fashion, much like a chameleon, constantly changes in accordance with the economic state of the world.
By Melanie Bello melanie.bello002@mymdc.net
The Roaring Twenties are known as the decade of lavishness and riches. With the help of designer Coco Chanel, the 1920s saw a transformative shift in the way women dressed. For the first time, women wore hemlines, which rose above the ankles—as opposed to the floor-length, conservative dresses of the early 1900s.
The Golden Age of economic prosperity was accompanied by Art Deco and embellished garments. However, the 1920s are also vastly remembered as the peak before the worldwide market crashed, leaving everyone impoverished. Fashion, which was once extravagant, quickly shifted to a subdued version.
The shift makes sense—people were losing their jobs, and destitution was becoming a new norm. Fashion has always been a mirror to the world; it’s easily agitated with any sort of change.
One example of this is clothing in the early 1940s, which became more utilitarian in the wake of World World II. With the country rationing resources, there was no room for extravagance, especially as women started working in factories, replacing the men fighting overseas. The silhouettes of clothing became narrow and slim, taking inspiration from menswear.
Even the height of heels changed depending on economic growth.
FASHION
Shorter heels tend to reflect economic prosperity, as more people are moving around and prioritize comfort. During a recession, higher heel lengths become popular as a reflection of economic hardships. This is because people want to let loose and forget their hardships. Higher heels feel more “fun” and luxurious—a feeling that people search for during destitution.
A glimpse into the early 2000s— just before the recession—reveals a trend characterized by
bedazzled Juicy Couture tracksuits, symbolizing the era’s bold and ostentatious style. Fashion was loud and in your face until the late 2000s and 2010s, where fashion became more minimalistic. The uniform shifted to a plain white T-shirt and jeans. As finances become a worry for people, they crave more affordable and practical items.
During times of financial hardship, normal goods become a luxury and inferior goods become
what people can afford. Instead of buying a new handbag or a pair of shoes, women tend to purchase beauty products. Hence the lipstick index, an informal measure of economic prosperity.
However, the lipstick index is up to interpretation and does not consider, for example, how wearing masks during COVID impacted the sale of lipsticks. This is significant considering how the demand for lip products increased after the mask mandate was lifted.
At the end of the day, fashion itself is a culture. It is a reflection of what the people are attached to and currently feel. Much like the economy, fashion cycles into different stages.
A relationship as complex and multifaceted as the one between fashion and economic prosperity can’t be encapsulated by hemlines and heel height. Nonetheless, fashion can be a hidden telltale sign to measure economic prosperity.
NYFW 2025: An Ode To Self-Expression
The New York Fashion Week 2025 Fall/Winter season demonstrated themes of resilience and liberating selfexpression in times of change and criticism.
By Melissa Martinez melissa.martinez074@mymdc.net
New York Fashion Week, a distinguished fashion event native to the Big Apple, exhibited its Autumn/Winter 2025 Collection from Feb.6-Feb.11.
Known for promoting selfexpression, the event showcased the latest trends from world-renowned brands such as Ralph Lauren and Marc Jacobs.
This season featured the highly anticipated return of Calvin Klein after a near seven-year hiatus. Combined with impressive offschedule shows—such as the Marc Jacobs’ Spring/Summer 2025 runway—the 2025 NYFW was one for the history books. The designs this season were packed with minimalistic themes and strong, lingering messages. A notable example was the Marc Jacobs Spring/Summer collection, which reflected imaginative freedom with intricate dresses, abstract shapes and colorful designs. The collection was beautifully done, despite it being timed
a bit oddly. Perhaps that was the designer’s purpose after all—to remain unpredictable.
While some American critics expressed their discontent with this season’s trends, many foreign critics spoke up about the global impact of the event and its semiannual appearances. French communications guru
Lucien Pagès shared this sentiment in an interview with Vogue : “I came back to Paris and the people I met told me, ‘wow, New York looks so exciting.’ I have the feeling that only American journalists complain about NYFW; the rest of the world is very excited by what’s going on there.”
Also celebrated were rising luxury designers who pay homage to
their heritage and culture, such as Tia Adeola, Son Jung Wan, and Naoko Tosa. By hosting these designers, NYFW 2025 served as an ode to unique perspectives, embracing creative freedom and imagination.
The theme of this year’s NYFW is expressed in luxury fashion designer Marc Jacobs’ show notes, “With precious freedom we dream
and imagine without limitation… not to escape from reality but to help navigate, understand and confront it.”
Jacobs’ statement was a sentiment shared by many, if not all, designers during the week. It encapsulated the season’s theme, which aims to comfort communities in times of political dismay.
Although the 2025 NYFW Autumn/Winter Collection lacked the support of major brands like Tommy Hilfiger and Ralph Lauren, and received extensive criticism for its simple nature, it carried on nonetheless.
Resilience and strong will marked the runway, both literally and figuratively, as luxury brands like Coach invested in a minimalistic leather/wool theme.
With show-stopping moments present, like Veronica Leoni’s debut as creative director of collection for Calvin Klein, New York Fashion Week had a bit of everything. While it may not have impressed some, it definitely impacted all.
And while we wait for the next NYFW season and its certain innovation, we should most definitely remain buttoned to the top, as expressed by Lily-Rose Depp, with a beautiful Thom Browne trench coat.
LISA SUAREZ / THE REPORTER
ISABEL PAZ / THE REPORTER
Chic Economy: Melanie Bello discusses the relationship between fashion and the economy, illustrating how fashion trends reflect economic trends and prosperity.
Fashion Event: Melissa Martinez reviews the New York Fashion Week Fall/Winter season and discusses the event's global impact.
PoppyPlaytimeChapter4 Gets Mixed Reviews From Fans
The fourth installment of the indie horror game Poppy Playtime was released on Jan. 30. It has new characters and explores the game’s backstory but has received mixed reactions from fans.
By Paola Aranguren paola.aranguren001@mymdc.net
Mob Entertainment launched Poppy Playtime Chapter 4: Safe Haven on Jan. 30. The highly anticipated installment had streamers and gamers anxiously awaiting its arrival.
First released in 2021, Poppy Playtime Chapter 1 revealed an intriguing storyline. As a previous employee of Playtime Co., players enter an abandoned toy factory and uncover its dark past by solving puzzles, all while encountering different monsters.
In the second and third chapters, players have to defeat villains such as Huggy Wuggy, Mommy Long Legs, and Catnap as they explore the toy factory. Players also encounter new places such as the Playcare, the company’s lost orphanage.
Chapter Four opens with a creepy commercial and VHS tape of Doey the Doughman, the game’s main antagonist. Players
once again navigate the eerie halls of an abandoned toy factory while facing horrifying new threats. The game then transitions to where players last stood in chapter three, right after the attack in the elevator.
Alongside allies such as Poppy and Kissy Missy, players unravel the game’s mysterious history. Underground levels of the factory are revealed through new puzzles and immersive horror sequences. Multiple monsters including Doey, The Doctor, Yarnaby, and the Nightmare Critters pursue the player as they solve the puzzles.
This installment of the game has its positives, including intense gameplay moments, unexpected twists and a deep dive into the factory’s dark past. However, it has also received mixed reactions from fans.
Millions of users excitedly downloaded the game the second it was released. However, they were met with multiple bugs, AI glitches and performance issues. Even though the game had a compelling story, the experience was tainted by technical issues.
Despite the issues, the game’s graphics have improved significantly with added enhancements, including new character skins and added posters on the walls.
Furthermore, the latest chapter focused
Fan Entitlement And The Petition To Replace A Tour’s Opening Act
A fan-made petition went viral after it called for the replacement of Dora Jar as the opening act for Gracie Abrams’ The Secret Of Us Tour, evoking a conversation about fandom entitlement.
By Sofia Garcia sofia.garcia030@mymdc.net
On Jan. 24, singer Gracie Abrams announced alternative/indie artist Dora Jar as the opening act for her European branch of The Secret of Us Tour.
Although most fans, including Abrams herself, expressed excitement about Jar opening the upcoming shows, some fans took to social media to express disappointment.
One fan, under the pseudonym Dexter Morgan, went as far as to create a change. org petition titled “Replace Dora Jar as the Opening Act for The Secret of Us Europe Tour.” The petition went viral, with some fans agreeing with Morgan and others defending Jar on social media.
The petition claimed that Jar’s music was too slow-paced and unpopular to open for an “upbeat” artist like Abrams.
In the petition, Morgan stated: “We are perplexed as we do not recognize her, and with less than two weeks till the tour, it’s virtually impossible to familiarize ourselves with her slow-paced songs.” Morgan doubled-down by citing a Billboard article stating: “upbeat opening acts are essential to the overall concert experience as they set the tone for the headlining act and help in keeping the audience’s energy”.
Billboard clarified that the “cited” article never existed—leading some to speculate
that the petition was written using AI. Abrams later responded to the petition on Instagram, calling it “wildly uncool and bizarre.” The singer continued to defend Jar by stating: “I’ve only seen everyone’s total excitement and I couldn’t be luckier or prouder to share a stage with this talented wonder.”
Jar herself also responded with a post on X, expressing gratitude for Abram’s support and for fans who have continued to support her. The post read: “Hate comes with the job, the truth is this is the biggest outpouring of love I’ve ever received from a fanbase who is still unfamiliar with me.”
The artist even poked fun at the petition, jokingly tweeting: “Signed the petition but rehearsing these songs just in case I remain the opener! Love u Dexter.”
Controversies like this are becoming more common, partly due to the rise of fandom culture and its increasing toxicity—not only to regular people—but also to artists themselves. Violence, bullying and other condemnable actions are becoming more common in large fandoms, especially those made up of young fans.
The disappointment that an “unknown” artist is opening The Secret of Us Tour is also inherently hypocritical, considering that Gracie Abrams herself was widely discovered by opening Taylor Swift’s The Era’s Tour
While this specific incident was comical and unserious in comparison to other instances of extreme fan behavior, it illustrates the increasing entitlement of fans. It seems that strange fandom behavior is inescapable as artists continue to address unacceptable fan behavior and as superfans become more expansive in online spaces.
heavily on expanding the storyline, leaving some players upset with the decrease in survival horror sequences. But other fans appreciated the expansion in Poppy Playtime ’s storyline. Even with its ups and downs Poppy Playtime Chapter 4 was well received by the public. Although the game follows a story, it is very user-friendly and allows players to easily start other chapters they find more appealing.
Many are eager to see how the game’s story goes after the truth is uncovered in chapter four. Since chapter four ended with a cliffhanger, fans have to wait for the release of the fifth installment for a proper ending. With the way the game is headed, it seems that chapter five will introduce players to the final boss, The Prototype.
Gabriela Bribiesca A&E Editor // T (305) 237-2157 // B gabriel.bribiesca001@mymdc.net
PHOTO COURTESY OF EPIC GAMES
New Installment: Paola Aranguren reviews the indie horror game Poppy Playtime Chapter 4 and discusses why it has garnered mixed reviews from fans.
Patria Y Vida: The Song That Sparked A Cuban Revolution
In 2021, a group of Cuban musicians released a song entitled Patria y Vida, revealing the harsh realities of life under the regime. It was banned by the government but embraced by the people.
By Amanda Hernàndez a.hernandezgarcia003@mymdc.net
Throughout history, songs have shaped generations and nations, influencing decisions, even sparking rebellions.
In Cuba, many songs have helped people see the harsh realities of their situation—some expressing them directly and others with veiled lyrics. But in 2021, one song changed Cuba’s history and its people.
That year, Cubans were still enduring the repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic, compounded by the ongoing crisis of food and medicine shortages.
Then I remember seeing a news broadcast that shocked my family and me. We saw the San Isidro Movement, a group reportedly assaulting homes and businesses. There were images of houses being
destroyed—those images were far from the truth.
The San Isidro Movement, founded in 2018 by musicians Denis Solís, Maykel Castillo, Carlos Manuel Álvarez and Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara, protested against the government’s oppression.
It was never violent. It was a peaceful, artistic movement that used art to protest the abuse and misery perpetrated by the Cuban government.
The group included musicians and rappers who used their music as a form of protest. Then came Patria y Vida , a collaboration between Cuban artists: Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara, Maykel Castillo Osorbo, Descemer Bueno, Yotuel, El Funky and the duo Gente de Zona.
It united voices still living in Cuba and those in exile—to deliver a collective message of defiance and hope.
The song’s lyrics spoke truths about our reality: hunger, abuse of power, suppression of free expression and the government hindering our history.
Cubans felt heard as the song reached the world through international headlines.
Patria y Vida won two Latin Grammys in 2021—Song of the Year and Best Urban Song. It created a hashtag that reached more than 342 million views.
The Cuban government repeatedly blocked the music video, and listening to the song in the country became illegal. On the day it was released, the internet in Cuba was cut off—a common occurrence.
But the song did more than raise awareness abroad, it inspired Cubans to say, “enough” and fueled a revolution.
On July 11, 2021, Cubans took to the streets in the largest protest since 1994.
The demonstration was peaceful—at least on the people’s side. We had no weapons, only our voices and the solidarity of those around us.
Protesters were ordinary people: the poor, who stood in long lines to get a piece of chicken.
The government’s response was to deploy the military. They were not peaceful, striking out indiscriminately, with no regard for women, children or the elderly.
A friend, who was serving in the
military, called me to warn me because they were sending 18-yearold recruits dressed as civilians and forcing them to beat their own people.
The government did not stop there. They lied on the news, hiding images of people being beaten, detained arbitrarily and having their homes stripped.
An example of the repression is Maykel Osorbo, who remains imprisoned to this day because of Patria y Vida
Before imprisoning him, the government committed him to a psychiatric hospital. Osorbo is a father, and his daughter is growing up without him because he spoke the truth.
I wish I could say that July 11
changed everything, but it did not. This fight is not over.
People still stand in endless lines for little to no food and endure power outages lasting up to 12 hours.
Cubans still have to flee their country in search of happiness while the government continues to enrich itself at the people’s expense.
For Cuban immigrants like me, the struggle is a constant ache—a reminder of the loved ones left behind and a homeland that we may never see again.
Patria y Vida is more than a song; it’s a voice for those in exile, carrying their pain, their hope and fight for a free Cuba.
The Power Of Music Is Undeniable
Sophia Arenas explores how music is more than sound—it holds our memories, emotions and culture. From global concerts to personal playlists, our musical connections shape experiences.
By Sophia Arenas sophia.arenas001@mymdc.net
Throughout every stage of my life, music has held a significant position.
People, places, and phases are listed in a cabinet file with a song, smell or image assigned to them.
When I imagine a “coming of age” point in my life, I think of Space Song by Beach House.
When I reflect on a devastating but necessary heartbreak, I think of Black Mountain by wave to earth.
When I reminisce on my online activity during quarantine with friends, I think of Escape (The Pina
Colada Song) by Rupert Holmes. There are different volumes of music appreciation. On an individual scale, people are likely to cherish music by memory. On a larger scale, societies and cultures digest their music in a slightly different manner.
Take Live Aid, for example. Known for its iconic lineup of popular 80’s artists, the benefit concert fundraiser raised more than $140 million for famine relief in Ethiopia.
With 150,000 people in attendance and nearly two billion people watching worldwide, it
strengthened global music culture and the idea that people will financially contribute their love of music.
There’s also the commercial side of music.
As soon as Halloween ends, Christmas ads and Mariah Carey’s All I Want For Christmas Is You take hold of every television and radio station.
Seasonal cues like jingle bells train listeners to associate melodies or instruments with specific times of year.
It’s Pavlov’s technique, but music does not always follow the
guidelines it is set by.
Producers may claim that certain chords evoke a specific feeling or sensation, but personal experiences truly shape how we interpret music.
A K-pop song, with a fast tempo and catchy chorus, could make someone emotional.
While a dark song with heavy lyrics and guitar chords may relax the listener.
For me, Seigfried by Frank Ocean is bittersweet. The symphonic arrangement toward the end of the song brings me to tears each time I hear it, especially
accompanied by Ocean’s lyrics, “This is not my life, It’s just a fond farewell to a friend.”
I clutch my chest in pain each time, but also feel bliss. The instrumental is so incredible that it ignites something in me I can’t fully explain.
We instinctively arrange our emotions into playlists—high-energy tracks for the gym, sentimental ballads for rainy days, and upbeat songs for dancing. The power of music is undeniable.
That’s why limited skips on streaming services can feel so frustrating, and forces us to confront emotions and sensations we may not be ready to.
A monthly charge of approximately $10 for Spotify or Apple Music premium services may seem a hassle at first, but the relief of keeping your musical comfort for the next 30-days with unlimited skips outweighs the cost.
For some, the charge pays for their pre-game session before their weekly club night. For others, spinning a CD to sing out loud to is more than enough.
I’ve spent nearly $1,000 in the past year to experience my favorite harmonies live, even traveling across state lines and staying up until the sun rises.
The efforts we make to consume music and the significance of its appreciation varies widely, but it is safe to say that music is a critical factor in every person’s life.
JESUS GARCIA / THE REPORTER
LISA SUAREZ / THE REPORTER
// FORUM
Department Of Education Is Being Diminished And So Is Our Education
Nicolas Ramos discusses the status of the United States Department of Education and the potential impact of the presidential administration’s promise to completely eliminate it.
By Nicolas Ramos nicolas.ramos001@mymdc.net
It is 2025, and a new administration has taken control of one of the most influential organizations that affects students nationwide— the United States Department of Education.
While changes in the federal government may seem routine for most students, President Donald Trump’s administration
has promised to eliminate the department.
The DOE provides many benefits that my peers and I have relied on throughout our academic careers. As students, we must be aware of the department’s role in our lives and the potential impact its removal can have.
In the U.S., education is primarily a state and local responsibility while the DOE plays a supportive role. It sets educational standards, provides resources and holds schools accountable.
The department also promotes equal access to education by enforcing anti-discrimination laws that protect students based on gender, race and disability.
However, on Feb. 17, the DOE announced, “it has terminated [more than] $600 million in grants to institutions and nonprofits … to train teachers and education agencies on divisive ideologies. Training materials included inappropriate and unnecessary topics such as Critical Race Theory; Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion; social justice activism; “anti-racism”;
and instruction on white privilege and white supremacy.”
Additionally, it manages the Free Application for Federal Student Aid—the application for federal financial aid. Annually, it distributes billions of dollars to students, schools and other academic programs through pell grants, loans and work study opportunities.
Those resources help middle and low-income students receive an equal and affordable education. Millions of students rely on that aid to get a higher education that would otherwise be out of reach.
With the current administration actively declaring war on the DOE, we must ask: “What happens if the department is abolished?”
Dismantling the department would significantly disrupt the educational system. Its duties would most likely be redistributed among federal agencies or legislative areas of the state or local governments, and some programs might be scrapped altogether in the name of government
efficiency.
This shift from federal to state or local government would be chaotic. All administration of FAFSA and the distribution of federal aid could be disrupted.
The lack of federal oversight would weaken civil and special education rights, especially in states where unsupportive laws are already being enforced.
Eliminating the DOE would give states more financial responsibility, strain academic resources and allow the private industry sector to lead. This has historically led to greater costs and less security for students.
The department plays a vital role in supporting students, teachers and schools. If dismantled, its absence would be widely felt.
At the very least, redistributing its authority among multiple agencies and lower levels of government would create uncertainty and complications throughout the education system.
As students, we must stay informed about policy changes that could affect our education.
Women In Politics Continue To Fight For Their Voices To Be Heard
Ivette Gomez explores the recent advancements of women in politics, highlighting milestones, ongoing challenges and the fight for equality.
By Ivette Gomez
ivett.gomezfornos001@mymdc.net
On March 1, Raffaella Petrini became the first woman in history to serve as the president of the Pontifical Commission and president of the Governorate of Vatican City State. Her appointment marks a milestone in the ongoing effort for women to attain leadership roles in governance and administration—fields historically dominated by men.
Women have made significant strides in politics, starting with the fight for voting rights.
In 1893, New Zealand became the first country to grant all female citizens the right to vote in national elections. Other nations
followed, and in 1920, the United States ratified the 19th Amendment of the Constitution.
“The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any state on account of sex.”
More than 130 years later, women are not only voters but candidates and elected officials. The 21st century is welcoming female heads of state.
The progress is the result of generations of strong women who wrote, lectured, marched, lobbied and practiced civil disobedience and recognized themselves as equal citizens to men.
In 2024, Mexico swore in its first female president, Claudia Sheinbaum. Days later, hundreds of Mexican social media users posted videos of young girls watching a woman lead their country.
In many clips, a question echoed: “Can a girl be president, too?”—a reminder that while progress has been made, female representation in politics remains a challenge.
According to United Nations Women, as of last year, 107 countries—including the United States—have never had a woman leader.
However, it is note to mention that Kamala Harris made history as the first female elected vice
Pink Politics: Featured above, from left to right: former United States Vice President Kamala Harris, the first female president of Mexico Claudia Sheinbaum and the first female president of the Pontifical Commission and president of the Governorate of Vatican City State Raffaella Petrini.
president of the U.S.
Women in politics and government continue to face discrimination, misogyny, gender roles, harassment and violence.
In recent years, many female elected officials have been victims of sexual harassment by colleagues and targeted with sexist comments on social media.
A 2016 BBC News article, referencing a report by the Inter Parliamentary Union, stated: “One European member of parliament reported receiving more than 500 threats of rape on Twitter in the
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Editorial Board
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Issue Staff
Paola Aranguren, Sophia Arenas, Melanie Bello, Andrea Briones, Angelina Cabrera, Brendan Chuy, Emily De Los Reyes, Naya Escandon, Jesus Garcia, Sofia Garcia, Ivette Gomez, Yazid Guelida, Amanda Hernàndez, John Izquierdo, Luca Lausell, Geovanny Marcos-Pedro, Melissa Martinez, Sophia Massie, Isabel Paz, Ninette Portero, Nicolas Ramos, Pietra Romano, Charles Stemmer, Lisa Marie Suarez, Benjamin Vera, Sean Yakobson
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Letters to the Editor
The
space of just four days.”
The truth is generations of women have worked tirelessly in politics, and their efforts are paying off. But the fight remains. Women are here to stay, and they will not be the last to hold positions of power.
As an aspiring woman in politics, I strongly believe in the need for more female voices to shape laws that will impact future generations. I am committed to increasing women’s presence in international politics.
