The Battalion — February 3, 2022 by The Battalion

BEST CLASS EVER

INSIDE THIS EDITION OPINION: WE HAVE FORGOTTEN MLK, PG. 2 NEWS: RECORD LOCAL RAINFALL, PG. 3 REVIEW: OLD MUSIC, NEW RELEVANCE, PG. 9

Ishika Samant — THE BATTALION

Texas A&M men’s basketball lost its fifth game this season against Tennessee.

‘Nobody feels sorry for you, me or any of us’ Robert O’Brien — THE BATTALION

Texas A&M football was the highest-ranked program on National Signing Day, with No. 1 recruitment in the nation.

A&M’s recruitment success continues on National Signing Day with No. 1 class in college football, university history By Kay Naegeli & Jordan Epp @KayNaegeli & @ j_epp22

he year-and-a-half-long recruiting journey for the 2022 class has officially come to a close, and history was made in the process. Whether it was rolling the Tide or head coach Jimbo Fisher reiterating he was staying at Texas A&M with this class coming in, the athletes making up this class are an additional turning point for the A&M

football program. The 2022 recruiting class will do historic things in Aggieland and, in fact, already has. “You go across the board, we got a great quarterback, three great receivers, size, speed, athleticism, ball skills,” Fisher said. “Listen, today’s game, you have to hit big plays … them guys that jump over guys, run around guys, out-run guys, you’ve got to have guys that do that.” Among offensive skill players, the Aggies signed eight recruits: five 4-stars, three 5-stars and one transfer that will mold the future of A&M offenses. Four offensive lineman were acquired in the class as well, three 4-star recruits and one 3-star, who fill in every spot at the line of scrimmage outside of center. With an average size of 6-foot-4 ½ and 308 pounds, Fisher said he’s happy with the size up front. The fifth-year head coach for A&M also

praised his incoming defensive class, where arguably the bulk of the talent lies. Four 5-star athletes will be suiting up at Kyle Field next year, three of who will line up at the defensive line and the other in the secondary. “Our secondary,” Fisher said. “Man, I’m excited about the length, size and speed of our secondary at corner, at safety.” The Aggies are bringing in six defensive backs: four 4-star safeties, a 5-star cornerback and two 4-star cornerbacks. In the box, the Aggies are signing two 4-star linebackers and along the line they have seven prospects, including three 5-stars, three 4-stars and a 3-star athlete. “Just an overall class that’s extremely good, I think, in playmaking ability, up front and in skill,” Fisher said. “But now they have to go play. We have to develop them

A&M loses to Tennessee, 90-80, marking men’s 5th straight defeat By Kay Naegeli @KayNaegeli There are three words that no head coach wants to hear three years into their coaching contract — losing conference record. Unfortunately, on Feb. 1, that territory was grasped by coach Buzz Williams and his players. No. 22 Tennessee defeated A&M on the road, handing the Aggies their fifth straight SEC loss and a 4-5 record in the SEC. The Aggies approached this matchup as a must-win game, yet came up short to the talented Tennessee Volunteers, trailing for the entirety of the game. “After every game, we know what we did that caused us to lose,” freshman guard Wade Taylor IV said. “Turning the ball over and not rebounding, that’s gonna hurt us every time.”

RECRUITMENT ON PG. 5

BASKETBALL ON PG. 4

Remembering Deon Lendore Family, friends, fellow athletes remember all-star individual By Casey Stavenhagen @CStavenhagen

Robert O’Brien — THE BATTALION

Three-time Olympian Deon Lendore died on Jan. 10, 2022.

Born Oct. 28, 1992, in Arima, Trinidad, Deon Lendore died in a car accident on Jan. 10 while returning home from a Texas A&M track practice. Deon left behind a legacy inside, and outside, of athletics in Aggieland through his once-in-a-lifetime talents and deep connections with those around him. Deon was 29 years old. Deon came to A&M in 2012 to join coach Pat Henry’s track team — which he discovered by watching YouTube videos of 4x400-meter races. In his two years with the program he claimed two NCAA titles and won The Bowerman in 2014, the highest honor for NCAA track athletes, becoming the only male recipient of the award in

A&M history. After his death, A&M hosted a celebration of life on Jan. 20 in which his coaches, teammates, family and friends spoke. “[Attending A&M] was not just his accomplishment,” Deon’s brother-in-law Keive Vanloo said at the celebration of life. “It was a community achievement. It was a celebration like no other. One of us was going to college in the U.S. Oh, what an achievement that was. We were so proud of him.” In his professional track career, Deon represented Trinidad and Tobago in three Olympic games: 2012, 2016 and 2020. In the London 2012 Olympics, Deon and the Trinidad and Tobago men’s 4x400-meter relay team earned a bronze medal. Henry said the loss of Deon and his role in A&M’s track program was also a loss of a friend for all of A&M. “As coaches, we all have athletes we know as athletes,” Henry said. “Deon be-

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came a friend. In 10 years, he was a great friend of mine. We didn’t have that athlete-coach relationship that whole time. He became a friend.” From 2020 until 2022, Deon worked as a volunteer assistant coach for the A&M track program in addition to his professional career contracted with Puma. Deon’s death came just a month after the loss of track athlete Chance McKay Gibson. “You athletes sitting out there don’t realize the impact you have on us [coaches] … the impact you have on us is just lifelong,” coach Henry said at the ceremony. “And if you’re here very long as Deon was, you become much, much more than just an athlete.” During Deon’s celebration of life, Henry recounted the beginning of a famous A&M track tradition. In Deon’s first appearance at the Texas Relays, he looked down and clipped his bib with athlete’s identifying LENDORE ON PG. 4

OPINION

The Battalion | 2.3.22

OPINION

Man vs. memory

Haylea Keith — THE BATTALION

Opinion writer Caleb Elizondo says King’s legacy has been forgotten and misappropriated Caleb Elizondo @CalebElizondo7

very Jan. 17, members of both sides of the political aisle line up to praise the memory of Martin Luther King, Jr. While we are accustomed to reflecting on the late advocate’s role as a driving force behind the Civil Rights and Voting Rights acts, we are considerably less familiar with other aspects of his activism. As it turns out, many of his goals remain unattained and others outside of the mainstream consciousness entirely. Removing ourselves from the way King is typically remembered, and adopting a more holistic retrospection on his legacy reveals not just what progress has been made, but how much we have yet to achieve. So this Black History Month, I hope to start Texas A&M’s appreciation for Black history and activism on the right foot. Not just so we can properly understand the past, but the current struggle of our Black Aggies as well. King was not simply concerned with equal treatment under the law, but for a genuine share of prosperity, a struggle which has defined progressive racial activism to this day. In King’s 1968 speech, “The Other America,” he says: “It’s much easier to integrate a lunch counter than it is to guarantee a livable income and a good solid job. It’s much easier to guarantee the right to vote than it is to guarantee the right to live in sanitary, decent housing conditions. It is much easier to integrate a public park

than it is to make genuine, quality, integrated education a reality. And so today, we are struggling for something which says we demand genuine equality.” Now, over 50 years later, most of these aspirations remain unfulfilled. Despite the end of legal employment dicrimination, Black Americans still report much lower wages than their white counterparts. Despite the end to legal housing discrimination, minority communities are still mostly concentrated in low-income housing. Despite the legal death of the separate but equal doctrine, schools remain widely segregated to this day. While I do not have the ability to cover the full extent of King’s political philosophy, what has yet to be realized and the degree to which it still remains unpopular with conservatives, I highly encourage curious readers to educate themselves on King’s embrace of democratic socialism and support for universal basic income. What is disheartening about King’s activism is just how much it resembles current cries for justice. The totality of King’s teachings shows us that fundamental elements of American society have yet to be changed. Unfortunately, even the more wellknown aspects of King’s ideology have been subject to distortion. Today, it is common for many to cite King’s “I have a dream” quote to further their own political message of racial neutrality and color-blindness. Some states chose to adopt race-conscious initiatives during the pandemic,

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giving some minorities earlier access to vaccinations. Minority communities tend to be at higher risk of contracting and dying from COVID-19 as they are more likely to work in an occupation that cannot be performed remotely, have less access to quality healthcare and rely more upon public transportation. These vaccine eligibility requirements were thus meant to target those who most required protection from COVID-19. In a Fox News segment regarding vaccination eligibility in Vermont, Ben Carson criticized the state’s prioritization of racial minorities saying, “If Martin Luther King were alive today, he would be absolutely offended. He would want people to be judged by their character, not the color of their skin.” Contrary to Carson’s argument, King’s philosophy extends much further than a single quote, encompassing not just equal treatment under the law, but treatment proportional to need as well. “[It is] important to understand that giving a man his due may often mean giving him special treatment … I am aware of the fact that this has been a troublesome concept for many liberals, since it conflicts with their traditional ideal of equal opportunity and equal treatment,” King wrote in his book “Where Do We Go From Here.” King, unlike Carson, was concerned with equity, not just equality. Surely disproportionate rates of death are grounds to receive such “special treatment.” Carson’s statement is thus not only callus and ignorant, but a sick perversion of King’s teachings as well.

Left-leaning activists and proposals are not unaccustomed to this style of criticism. Many conservatives and moderates will insist King just wanted a “basic” form of equality, omitting the broader scope of his activism and emphasis on equity. The myth they champion is an inoffensive and sanitized falsification of King’s ideals. Using this corrupted recollection, they often portray modern progressives as unworthy heirs and a subversion of King’s legacy. This rhetoric is quite ironic considering it is rather conservatives that are propagating a false memory. A more honest reflection on both King and his legacy reminds us that progress is not a guarantee. Activists can have their messages appropriated, reforms can be abandoned and ideologies can be resigned to the edges of political thought. Now, over 50 years after King’s assasination, state legislatures have passed additional voting restrictions and banned the teaching of “critical race theory.” While society is capable of improvement, today it regresses. So, this Black History Month, let’s remember Martin Luther King Jr., the man, in his totality, not just his aspirations that were accomplished, not just those that reinforce our contemporary notions of inevitable progress, but, for the sake of our Black Aggies, also those that have yet to be realized as well. Caleb Elizondo is an engineering freshman and opinion writer for The Battalion.

Women in Technology Conference February 18 9 a.m.-3 p.m. At Texas A&M Recreation Center & via Zoom

$12 for students $30 for faculty/staff Women & Men are welcome Registration is open through noon on February 11. Questions: Contact Della Whitcomb, 979-845-1748 dwhitcomb@mays.tamu.edu

To register, visit: tinyurl.com/2022WITConf or scan the QR code.

NEWS

The Battalion | 2.3.22

RECORD RAINFALL IN AGGIELAND By Kyle McClenagan @KMcclenagan Days after a 128-year record is broken, a winter weather advisory brings back memories of last year’s crippling freeze. On Monday, Jan. 31, College Station received the highest single-day rainfall since 1896, with 3.4 inches reported, nearly a tenth of the yearly rainfall average. In addition to the damp inconvenience to students and community members, The National Weather Services has issued a winter weather advisory from Wednesday night at 6 p.m. into Thursday morning, leaving residents with little time to dry. Freezing rain is expected to accumulate around an eighth of an inch of ice. Winds of 24 miles per hour are also forecasted to bring wind chills of under 20 degrees Fahrenheit. Less than a year after another record breaking week-long freeze, students are preparing for the worst as Texas A&M closes campus. To make sure residences are prepared for another round of cold weather, the National Weather Services recommends turning on central heat before the storm and keeping it above 65 degrees. It is also recommended to have dry food, backup batteries for electronics and to keep faucets dripping and cabinets open to prevent water lines from freezing. If ice does accumulate, the National Weather Services recommends limiting travel and to only leave your house if necessary, and to continue to monitor Code Maroon and Texas A&M social media for further updates. Courtesy of Cheryl Cruz

COVID-19 positivity rates reach high plateau With continued health concerns, campus safety resources expand By Aubrey Vogel @aubrey_vogel After a record number of COVID-19 cases on the Texas A&M campus last week, with the highest positivity rate thus far, the positivity rate has shown a slight decrease. The positivity rate of campus for the week ending Jan. 29 decreased to 25.1% positive

cases out of 3,801 total tests, compared to the 25.5% rate for the previous week. The overall positivity rate for the spring semester has climbed to 24.6%, the highest rate of a semester yet, followed by fall 2020 with a rate of 7.2% — a difference of 17.4%. This week, the university reminded students and faculty they are required to self-report cases to the online form upon receiving a positive COVID-19 test and should not attend any in-person classes or activities until the end of their required period of isolation. According to a Jan. 28 university-wide

email, students who need to miss class due to a positive result will need to notify professors by forwarding their Curative kiosk test, uploading test results from a doctor, off-site location or a photo of a take-home test, which will need to be confirmed by the Operations Center. “Exposed individuals should follow the same process if they are requesting an excused absence: Report through the portal and you will receive an email from the COVID-19 Operations Center to share with instructors,” the email reads.

NOW IS THE TIME

to pre-order your copy of the

2022AGGIELAND A photojournalistic record of the 2021-2022 school year, the 120th edition of Texas A&M’s official yearbook. Distribution will be Summer or Fall 2022. Go online to tx.ag/BuyTheAggieland or call 979-845-2697 to make your purchase.

It’s only $85

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OLDER AGGIELANDS You can order past Aggielands at tx.ag/BuyTheAggieland. All sales proceeds go back to students and keep alive a Texas A&M tradition that started in 1895.

Vaccines are still being offered at Student Health Services daily with appointment, and the Texas A&M Health Maroon Line Clinic continues to offer pop-up vaccine clinics in the Rudder exhibit hall on Thursday, Feb. 3 and Friday, Feb. 11 from 12-4 p.m. each day. For community members looking to obtain the free KN95 masks offered by the White House, both H-E-B and Kroger have gathered supplies to hand out to individuals. Everyone is allotted three masks, which can be picked up at H-E-B pharmacies and on displays at Kroger.

SPORTS

The Battalion 2.3.22

LENDORE CONTINUED

Courtesy of Texas A&M Athletics

Life of former student-athlete Deon Lendore, winner of The Bowerman in 2014 and Olympic bronze medalist, was honored on Jan. 20 by family and friends.

BASKETBALL CONTINUED Tennessee quickly took it upon itself to give the Aggies a rude awakening of what was to come. Tennessee freshman guard Zakai Zeigler crossed up A&M fifth-year guard Quenton Jackson, causing him to sit down, and finished with a 3-pointer that sent the score to 17-6. Additionally, the Aggies struggled offensively in the first half, seeing six turnovers, making 61% of their layups and shooting 26% from behind the arc. “You have to play with higher discipline and you have to play with a higher toughness level.” Williams said. “You have to do it from

start to finish.” Before heading into the half, Taylor decided to make an impact of his own, going on a 5-0 run with 49 seconds remaining. The freshman’s 14-point performance in the first half energized his teammates and kept the Aggies alive. Right out of the locker room, Tennessee upped the score with a 6-0 run, continuing to dominate the paint. The Aggies lacked size compared to the Volunteers, which Tennessee used to its advantage. However, the maroon and white persisted and kept the battle within range. With reminders from Williams that it was a must-

win game, junior guard Andre Gordon sank a jumper to make it a one-point game with eight minutes left to go. Despite that, the Volunteers were not going down easily and sank back-to-back 3-pointers, contributing to their 16-2 run. “We know why the game went the way it went,” junior guard Tyrece “Boots” Radford said. “When teams go on runs, we have to throw a jab or two back.” With two minutes remaining, the Volunteers continued to dominate and closed with a 90-80 win in Knoxville, Tenn. Overall, a couple of the Aggies’ percentages improved, including their recently-low free-

numbers onto his shirt upside down. Though it was an accident, the team and the coaching staff quickly realized that the Longhorns’ logo on the bib had also been flipped upside down. Much to the chagrin of the University of Texas, the A&M track program now wears their bibs in this fashion at every Texas Relays meet. “Our team has worn it that way for nine years now and some people in Austin don’t like that,” Henry said. “In fact, they’ve come to us as a team and told us they thought we should not do that. We’re going to keep doing it.” Through the rest of his professional career, Deon earned five world medals: gold in 4x400m relay at the International Amateur Athletic Federation World Relays in 2019, silver in 4x400m relay in 2015, bronze in the 400m and 4x400m 2016 World Indoor Championships and bronze in the 400m at the 2018 World Indoor Championships. “With the volume of work that Deon has had, I would say he is probably the finest male track athlete we have ever had,” Henry said. Deon’s girlfriend Jasper Gray — a former track athlete and now coach who he met six years ago — said on social media she was heartbroken at the thought of no longer cheering for him at races. “Deon was literally my heart,” Gray said. “I will love him forever and he meant the world to me. I hope you guys cherish him and continue living out his legacy.” Vanloo said Deon, his outstanding athletic accomplishments and his impacts on others’ lives, will not be forgotten. “We, the family, will be forever grateful to you, Texas A&M, for making him a part of your family — for providing and giving your best to serve in a field that he loved,” Vanloo said. “Deon will live on through the sands of time, and his legacy will live on forever in our hearts.” throw percentage. On the one hand, A&M shot 84% from the line, which was a huge contribution to the proximity of the score. On the other hand, the Aggies gave the Volunteers 10 live balls, which translated to 15 points against them. “Nobody feels sorry for you, me or any of us,” Williams said. “That won’t work against a team who is good enough to play in the Final Four. That won’t work at home — no matter who we play. We have to do better.” The Aggies will return to College Station to take on Missouri for the second time this season. Tipoff is set for 3 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 5.

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SPORTS

The Battalion | 2.3.22

RECRUITMENT CONTINUED

players ultimately decided to join the powerhouse class that included 11 early enrollees and 16 early signees. On National Signing Day, A&M grabbed 5-star defensive lineman Shemar Stewart and 4-star safety Jacoby Mathews, who were not previously committed. The Aggies finished with seven 5-star athletes, 20 4-star athletes and three 3-star athletes. With the addition of Stewart, A&M secured the No. 2, No. 10, No. 11, No. 16, No. 19, No. 22 and No. 24 players in the nation. Three of the Aggies’ recruits are the top player in their state, one is the top player internationally and 16 players rank in the top 100 in the U.S.

and get them in the right spots, and that’s our job to do that.” With a final 247 Sports Composite Score of 330.61, A&M’s 2022 recruiting class will go down in history as the best class in the modern era of recruiting. This group of Aggies surpassed last year’s class at Alabama that earned a score of 327.91. However, this doesn’t come as a surprise. Fisher has always had recruiting success throughout his coaching career. In addition, assistant head coach Elijah Robinson secured a spot as the No. 1 recruiter of 2022, with tight ends coach James Coley and defensive backs coach TJ Rushing not too far behind, sitting at No. 5 and No. 15, respectively. Editor’s Note: All rankings are from the 247 When looking at this class, the numbers Sports Composite. speak for themselves. Despite a lengthy recruiting process and the Here is a list of all 30 signees: loss of defensive coordinator Mike Elko, two OFFENSE: Conner Weigman — QB — 5-star — 6’2 / 208 — Bridgeland High School Max Johnson — QB — 4-star — 6’4.5 / 216 — LSU transfer Evan Stewart — WR — 5-star — 6’ / 175 — Liberty High School Chris Marshall — WR — 5-star — 6’3 / 195 — Marshall High School Noah Thomas — WR — 4-star — 6’5 / 180 — Clear Springs High School Donovan Green — TE — 4-star — 6’4 / 235 — Dickinson High School Theodor Melin Öhrström — TE — 4-star — 6’6 / 245 — RIG Academy, Sweden Jake Johnson — TE — 4-star — 6’5 / 225 — Oconee County High School, Ga. Le’Veon Moss — RB — 4-star — 6’ / 190 — Istrouma High School, La. PJ Williams — OT — 4-star — 6’4 / 265 — Dickinson High School Hunter Erb — OT — 4-star — 6’6 / 325 — V.R. Eaton High School Kam Dewberry — IOL — 4-star — 6’4 / 313 — Atascocita High School Mark Nabou — IOL — 3-star — 6’4 / 330 — O’Dea High School, Wash.

DEFENSE: Walter Nolen — DL — 5-star — 6’4 / 325 — Powell High School, Tenn. Gabriel Brownlow-Dindy — DL — 5-star — 6’3 / 280 — Lakeland High School, Fla. Shemar Stewart — EDGE — 5-star — 6’6 / 272 — Monsignor Edward Pace High School, Fla. Malick Sylla — EDGE — 4-star — 6’6 / 230 — Katy High School Enai White— EDGE — 4-star — 6’5 / 230 — Imhotep Institute Charter High School, Pa. Anthony Lucas— DL — 4-star — 6’4.5 / 275 — Chaparral High School, Ariz. Jadon Scarlett — DL — 3-star — 6’2.5 / 265 — Argyle High School Martrell Harris— LB — 4-star — 6’2 / 215 — The Woodlands High School Ish Harris — LB — 4-star — 6’3 / 195 — Pilot Point High School Bryce Anderson — S — 4-star — 6’ / 190 — West Brook High School Deyon “Smoke” Bouie — S — 4-star — 5’11 / 185 — Bainbridge High School, Ga. Jared Kerr — S — 4-star — 6’ / 185 — Lexington High School Jacoby Mathews — S — 4-star — 6’2 / 193 — Ponchatoula High School, La. Denver Harris — CB — 5-star — 6’1 / 180 — North Shore High School Bobby Taylor — CB — 4-star — 6’1 / 180 — Katy High School Marquis Groves-Killebrew — CB — 4-star — 6’ / 180 — North Cobb High School, Ga. SPECIAL TEAMS: Ethan Moczulski — K — 3-star — 5’11 / 185 — Mt. Spokane High School, Wash.

Abbey Santoro — THE BATTALION

In his fifth season at Texas A&M, coach Jimbo Fisher landed the highest-rated recruiting class in NCAA football history.

OPINION

The Battalion | 2.3.22

OPINION Photos courtesy of @wakeemup9, @bigocho.8, @demas._1, @therealdemani, @wydermyer85 & @haynesking13 on Instagram

Football and men’s and women’s basketball make up 90% of all NIL revenue received by student-athletes across the country.

Where are the deals?

Opinion writer Jordan Nixon argues NIL is not the equal playing field it appears to be Jordan Nixon @shakejordan Editor’s Note: Jordan Nixon is a member of the Texas A&M women’s basketball team.

s college athletes are inducted into the influencer industry I’m cheering for everybody, but cheering even harder to shrink the pay gap. On July 1, 2021, the NCAA permitted athletes to legally profit off of their Name, Image and Likeness — also known as NIL — for the first time ever. In other words, athletes can finally reap the benefits of being recognizable in this world. Granted, it has been the wild, wild west since July and there is limited conclusive data regarding the true earnings of athletes due to the newness of the established rule. But there is already much to be understood about the current climate of the NIL deals being made. At about the six-month mark, football is the front runner in total NIL earnings

— women’s basketball and men’s basketball trail somewhat closely behind. Those three sports account for approximately 90% of the total NIL revenue. Faces like UConn’s Paige Bueckers, UCLA soccer’s Reilyn Turner, Fresno State’s Cavinder Twins and LSU’s Olivia Dunne have undoubtedly skewed numbers on the women’s side. As for the men, stars like Bryce Young of Alabama — *hisses like the Aggie I am* — Shedeur Sanders of Jackson State and TyTy Washington of Kentucky basketball have done the same. The aforementioned superstars inking deals and amassing six or seven figures in collaborations are the minority in college sports, where otherwise more modest local and regional brand deals are circulating around the country. That will be the extent of it for most, even those in the higher revenue-generating sports. But NIL is the new addition to the big house of influencer marketing, and like the current scene, NIL isn’t and probably won’t be an even playing field any time soon. Influencer status is reserved not for many of the most talented and wellknown college athletes, but for those

student-athletes who have built their social media platforms upward into the stratosphere of blue check marks and substantial compensation from the platforms themselves. And yes, social media sites pay you if your follower or subscriber count is high enough. I’d like to believe that despite neglecting the Black women and men who worked tirelessly to stand out among the crowd of other collegiate athletes, that national brands are not inherently racist, colorist, misogynist or anything of the sort, but only highly selective. If they are, that is of no concern to me for now. After all, this is a numbers game — a game of give and take. Only those who can bring great value to an organization through exposure from their high follower count and astonishing engagement rates can relish in the monetary benefits of a symbiotic relationship with a brand. However, both gender and race seem to be two determinants of success in this realm. In other words, it does pay off to be white. The pay gap between Black and white influencers is the largest pay gap in any industry at a staggering 35%, according

to a study done by MSL Group, a global public relations firm, in collaboration with The Influencer League. Meaning, Black influencers are compensated at a lower rate than their white peers, only reaping 65% of the same rewards as white influencers. If we are to consider this a fair numbers game, there is a direct correlation between compensation and value. The higher a brand deems an individual’s value, the more said individual will be compensated, and the probability of forming other partnerships grows. However, it is not a fair game, and the message that Black creators are innately of lower value, as indicated by deficiencies in pay, carries throughout the influencer community. As it pertains to athletes — the newest members of the cushy influencer club — visibility by way of popular media sources, more so than content, is the greatest weapon. The more people know your face and your story and are following your success, the higher your number climbs. For instance, I jumped from a modest 2.5k to 12.6k followers in a matter of weeks following a viral picture of my bloody face and a game-winner in the NCAA tournament. Without consistent media coverage, I don’t even have a shot at being trusted to influence anyone — not that a meager 12k sets you up for the big bucks. But here’s the thing: The media coverage of women, especially Black women, is lacking. And it may have something to do with the oversaturation of white male faces at our favorite media companies. At this year’s ESPY awards, Paige Bueckers — the winner of the award for best female college athlete — utilized her stage time to call out the unignorable disparity. The possibility of propelling more college athletes to higher heights in the influencer game to supplement their athletic abilities plateaus without publicity. As NIL sheds it’s newborn appeal, will we get to the point where more women of color are bearing the fruit of their athletic prowess? Will the pay gap, and therefore value gap, between Black and white creators diminish? It’s hard to say, but if we’re starting with media coverage, I volunteer as tribute. Pay Naz Hillmon, Rhyne Howard, Nalyssa Smith and the countless other Black female collegiate athletes who deserve it. Jordan Nixon is a graduate student and opinion writer for The Battalion.

LIFE&ARTS

The Battalion | 2.3.22

Broadway returns to Aggieland with Carole King musical

Courtesy of MSC OPAS

MSC OPAS’ second Broadway show of the 2021-22 season honors life and legacy of pop icon Carole King.

Big, bright, ‘Beautiful,’ Broadway show to grace Rudder Auditorium By Kathryn Miller & Caroline Wilburn

@KathrynMiller0 & @Carolinewilb After two years of dimmed lights and an empty stage, Broadway is heading back to Rudder Auditorium. The Tony and Grammy Award-winning hit “Beautiful — The Carole King Musical” portraying the early life and career of the singer-songwriter is the second of five big musicals scheduled for the Memorial Student Center Opera and Performing Arts Society’s “Let’s Get Together” 2021-22 season, and the first of the new year. The show will have three performances in Rudder Auditorium: Feb. 4 at 7:30 p.m. and Feb. 5 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Sara Shepard currently plays Carole King in the national tour of “Beautiful.” Shepard was an original Broadway cast member and said her journey with the show is running almost a decade. “My experience with this show has been

so special because it really feels like a full-circle moment happening in my life right now,” Shepard said in an email to The Battalion. “I understudied Carole and went on often on Broadway, and now to be able to step into the role full time all these years later is so exciting and I am so grateful for the opportunity. My favorite part about ‘Beautiful,’ besides doing the show because that is always a blast, is the people. ‘Beautiful’ has always had a way of finding incredibly talented humans, and also incredibly kind humans. It is not an exaggeration when I say the people who have come in and out of ‘Beautiful’ are family.” Shepard said the musical feels special to her for many reasons. “Being a part of something for so long in this business is so rare I feel, and I have so many memories wrapped up in this show,” Sheppard said. “I have seen cast [and crew] members get married, have babies, go through divorces, deal with death, just have huge life moments because we have all shared so much life together. I mean, we are with each other more than we are with our own families. “So, to share in such intimate moments with these people will always be something

I hold close to my heart. I love standing on that stage as Carole and knowing exactly what is going on around me because at some point I was either teaching those parts to someone else or playing them myself. It’s this very cool, full understanding of the piece that I have, and I absolutely love it.” Shepard said she is excited for the A&M community to see the show and walk away with some joy in their hearts. “This has been and is such a trying time, and this show really allows you to escape for a little bit,” Shepard said. “It is filled with incredible tunes and a story that pulls you right in. I want people to come out of that theatre filled with hope and optimism.” MSC OPAS student committee chair Edith Gonzalez Brizuela said the committee is excited to see the turnout for the musical, especially since “Beautiful” is having three performances rather than two. “We welcomed back Broadway shows into Rudder with ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,’ but that one was more family based,” Gonzalez Brizuela said. “We’re expecting a lot of patrons to come in. My executive team and I have been hyping up the rest of the stu-

dent committee and getting them excited for it too because all that we do is based around volunteering and giving back to the community of Brazos Valley and to anyone that comes into town from wherever, they may come from just to watch shows.” Gonzalez Brizuela said she, and the rest of the student committee, wants to provide an enjoyable and memorable experience when guests see a performance from MSC OPAS. “We make sure that our professionalism is top notch and to embrace and share the love of the performing arts that we have as students with the patrons coming,” Gonzalez Brizuela said. “We are expecting to put our best foot forward and follow all COVID[-19] guidelines and make sure that we can create a safe environment for people to still enjoy this performance. From the moment they park their car, we’re trying to make everything accessible and have them enjoy the whole experience.” Bringing the MSC OPAS student committee together to work on something they are passionate about, and to celebrate Carole King together is what Gonzalez Brizuela said are her favorite parts of preparing for “Beautiful.” “We like to get ready and get into the energy of things by putting playlists together on Spotify with Carole King songs, it’s all really fun at the end of the day,” Gonzalez Brizuela said. “This musical is special to a lot of us because Carole King, 50 years later, still is a big icon to pop music and musical history has made a huge impact and paved the way of rock and pop music from the late ‘60s, early ‘70s. We’re very grateful to celebrate the influence she has and to share and rejoice and enjoy the community of music by bringing generations together.” According to a press release from OPAS, “Beautiful” features an array of beloved songs written by Gerry Goffin/Carole King and Barry Mann/Cynthia Weil. According to the release, when the Broadway production of “Beautiful — The Carole King Musical” ended its run on Broadway in 2019 after nearly six years, it played 60 previews and 2,418 regular performances. MSC OPAS Executive Director Anne Black said the show has all the bells and whistles a Broadway fan or Carole King fan could ask for. “It really is a celebration of the life and career of a remarkable American singer, songwriter and musician. Carole King’s songs are the soundtrack to a generation. Truly, this one is not to be missed,” Black said. Tickets are on sale now starting at $30 at the MSC Box Office and online at www.MSCOPAS.org, with special ticket prices available for students.

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1. Login or create an account at AggieNetwork.com to check your Ring eligibility. 2. In the Aggie Ring tab, click on "Order Your Aggie Ring". • Follow the steps to customize your Aggie Ring; your eligibility will be checked after this step. 3. If eligible, schedule an appointment to order in person or submit your order online by 5 p.m. on Feb. 16. 4. On your appointment day, visit the Aggie Ring Office to select your Ring size and pay for your Aggie Ring. • FULL PAYMENT IS DUE AT TIME OF ORDER. • Parking will not be available at the Alumni Center. With construction underway in Aggie Park, access to the Clayton W. Williams, Jr. Alumni Center is impacted. The nearest parking for guests is the University Center Garage, adjacent to the John J. Koldus Building. The only public entrance to the Alumni Center is via the sidewalk along Houston Street and through the doors closest to the Haynes Ring Plaza. • Aggie Ring Loans are available to qualified, currently enrolled students through Scholarships and Financial Aid. Visit AggieNetwork.com/Ring for full details.

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CLOSE TO CAMPUS. $50 10x10 Call 979-696-4464 MALE ROOMMATE NEEDED: Room for rent at 529 Southwest Parkway, #202, College Station. $350, plus $100 for utilities with personal bathrooom. Call Olga at 817-480-7708.

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Strip of wood Embargo Analyze Eastern pooh-bah Like an oxeye window Gumption Young salmon Handed-down history Sage Outgrowth Wrinkle removers Court figure USMC rank Orbital point Reply Expensive fur Word of agreement Bog down Follow orders Hold dear Poet Sexton Fava, for one French novelist Pierre Heavenly host? Building material Lingering effect Tones Bivouac Used a broom Some universities Home with a view Overflow Flower holder Bridle parts Net-surfer’s stop Fiendish

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ARTSCRITICISM

The Battalion | 2.3.22

“from the choirgirl hotel” delves into the intrusive thoughts of the artist and confronts problems with a sort of primal aggressiveness and vulnerability, highlighted with the copious amounts of moans, groans and grunts spread throughout the songs. Her cryptic words may confuse at first, but with Amos’ mentality of “the words can mean whatever the listener believes it is,” an emotional understanding can be strongly developed. The album overall mystifies and makes us ponder who we truly are to ourselves, with such self-reflective songs like “Spark” and “Liquid Diamonds,” and even question others, like “Raspberry Swirl” and “She’s Your Cocaine.” Even with difficult comprehension, Amos’ tempting and succulent delivery is one to cherish for years to come. Provided by Jesus Rodriguez & Sal R. Cerda

After two decades of enjoyment, arts criticism writer Ruben Hernandez revisits Fiona Apple’s ‘Tidal’ and Tori Amos’ ‘from the choirgirl hotel.’

Old music, new relevance Self-identity, its consequences just skims surface of these profound pieces of work By Ruben Hernandez @battandmuse The consideration of these next two albums comes from a college student, me, to another college student, you. The decision to critique these albums comes not only from my appreciation for them, but as a way to present inexperienced readers new music recommendations and a deeper perspective to those already having experienced the albums. I believe these albums can aid in understanding that the relationship between ourselves — the ego and the unconscious — will affect our relationships with the outside world. “Tidal” Fiona Apple’s 1996 debut album “Tidal” enthralls listeners with mystifying vocal simplicity mixed with a colorful array of rhythms and melodies. Apple’s voice can creep and boom in a spontaneous manner without seeming jarring or out of place, rather consciously knowing when to be vulnerable and when to seemingly explode. The control of Apple’s fiery and smoldering voice is paired with frigid lyrics that are sharp as steel, cutting deep once the understanding of the words are

left to sink in. Its themes and messages center around the silence, secrets and inner monologues of someone who has longingly ached to bear it all, or at least be heard. The production of each song adds to the experience, appearing as a separate entity that merges with Apple’s voice. What is most astounding is the whole album is self-written by Apple, many during her adolescence, such as “Criminal” and “The Child is Gone,” which bring up the consequences of early sexuality, and emotionally destructive confessionals such as “Never Is a Promise” and “Carrion.” The whole experience is immersive without trying too hard, being lost in the understanding of the emotions which are transmitted throughout all the songs. It is truly a powerful debut for a powerful artist. Outstanding Tracks: “Sleep to Dream” — A strong opening with a compulsory beat which hammers in the feeling of insult and disappointment. It is very clear her voice emancipates emotions that have long been buried but never forgotten. “Criminal” — Apple’s first hit song, with great reason, featuring enchanting

rhythm, words and voice. This song is better experienced through actual exposure, rather than a mere description, so listen! “The First Taste” — A sensual song which invites disarmament and vulnerability, like a shiver up the spine. The amazing combination of piano, marimba and percussion add an unseen character found in the album. “Never Is a Promise” — A masterful and riveting track focusing on piano, violin and Apple’s voice. Such haunting confessional words cling without waning throughout the entirety of the song. “from the choirgirl hotel” Tori Amos’ fourth studio album “from the choirgirl hotel,” released in 1998, hypnotizes the senses and can be best described as dark silk that caresses when slow, but shocks when disturbed. Amos’ charming siren voice allows listeners to step into her own little world, immersing themselves in imagery and settings only best described by her lyrical ingenuity. Although an artist heavily devoted to solo piano, especially in her previous works, Amos allows contrasting instruments like battery and electric guitar to enter the fray, adding a stark darkness to the serenity of her piano.

Outstanding Tracks: “Raspberry Swirl” — A confrontational song packed with wild energy and up-front innuendo. The best way to describe such an exhilarating track is the tremble after gunfire. “Iieee” — A track that unwinds from dark and ominous, with chanting that spellbounds the listener, to a more ravenous and deranged production with a cumbersome electric guitar and bass. “Northern Lad” — With Amos’ voice feeling like pouring rain weighing the listener down, this track raises goosebumps upon first listen. Such emotion of loss gains weight as the song reaches its conclusion. “Playboy Mommy” — A song that drags with a slow beat the same way that a razor carefully drags along a leg to avoid causing lesion, yet inevitably does so. The strange addition of synthetic saxophone and brass contrasts against Amos’ raw vocals which sound on the verge of choking back tears. In our era of being a college student, we are often thrust upon maturity whether we want to willingly present a facade of it – to others and unconsciously toward ourselves – or if we are not prepared for the pressure. These albums snap us into the reality that no one truly matures to their ideal self, since the true self is knowing to ebb and flow through time and experience. “Tidal” and “from the choirgirl hotel” helps us find a footing through our constantly changing perspectives and find a voice that doesn’t control the chaos around us, but pieces through it. Ruben Hernandez is a journalism junior and arts criticism writer for The Battalion.

Your Aggieland off-campus housing search starts here. Find housing, roommates and resources.

AGGIESEARCH.TAMU.EDU AggieSearch is Texas A&M University’s only official off-campus housing search website.

OPINION

The Battalion | 2.3.22

OPINION Search for Justice Breyer’s replacement begins

Photos courtesy of Harvard University, the Department of Justice & Duke University

From left to right, Ketanji Brown Jackson, Leondra Kruger and Michelle Childs are all speculated candidates for the replacement of Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer.

Inclusive democracy Opinion columnist Kaelin Connor discusses potential replacements Kaelin Connor @KaelinAC

upreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer is on his way out the door, and America is eager to see who will fill his seat. President Joe Biden promised America its first Black female justice — let’s see if we get one. Biden’s approval rating dipped to 41% and doesn’t appear to be improving anytime soon. His handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, more recently the omicron variant, has left Americans split on whether they’re happy with his executive decisions. Republicans think it’s too much and ineffective, while Democrats think it’s too little — and thus inept. As for the economy, both sides of the spectrum are unhappy. It seems as though people are forgetting the Dow Jones Industrial Average saw one of the best yearly finishes in decades. However, the concerns toward market and oil prices and inflation are overshadowing this triumph. Depending on the success of Biden’s nomination of a new liberal justice, the potential for increased approval could help his case — or tank it. With the midterm elections this November, Biden should act swiftly to nominate his choice while he can. Trump did so successfully with his nomination for Justice Amy Coney Barrett to replace Ruth Bader Ginsburg. If Biden wants to keep the favor of Democrats, he should pick a name by February. Not only is the question when, but — more importantly — who? Since promising a Black woman as the new justice on Jan. 26, there’s been a few names allegedly floating around the White House, according to close White House correspondents. And no, it is most likely not going to be Candace Owens — despite her nominating herself. Fortunately, there are plenty of beyond-qualified Black women for this job. To start, Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson is among the women most speculated to be appointed. A Harvard Law graduate, Jackson served under Justice Breyer as a clerk from 1999 to 2000. From there, she served as a vice chair and commissioner for the United States Sentencing Commission and as an assistant federal public defender. From there, former President Barack Obama nominated her to serve as a district court judge in Washington. Then, this past year, Biden commissioned Jackson for United States Circuit Judge. In the middle of all of these commendable accomplishments is an even bulkier resume. To say she’s qualified is an under-

statement. Then, there’s Leondra R. Kruger, who is currently serving as a justice on the California Supreme Court. She is a Yale Law graduate and served as a clerk for Justice John Paul Stephens, and as acting deputy solicitor general under the Obama administration. While she is considered young for a potential nominee, at 45 years old, she still has her own hefty list of qualifications. Not to mention that current Justice Clarence Thomas was nominated at 43 years old. Kruger’s age could be a long-term advantage for Democrats, seeing as the median age of the court is 53, and Kruger would live to see many administrations come and go. Julianna Michelle Childs is another potential candidate to succeed Breyer. Childs has served as a federal district court judge in South Carolina since 2010. She didn’t earn her degree from an Ivy League school, but that shouldn’t and doesn’t discredit her in the slightest. Recently, Biden nominated her to serve the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. In addition, Childs has also served as a commissioner on the South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Commission and as the deputy director of the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation. Obviously, another perfectly qualified choice. Regardless of who Biden nominates, as long as it’s a qualified Black woman, the decision needs to be made efficiently. Most Supreme Court decisions are wrapped up around the end of June, so an appointment and then a vote to confirm must happen quickly. With Senate midterm elections this year, there’s a possibility that Democrats could lose needed votes to confirm Biden’s pick. If the confirmation process can be done quickly, as it has been before, then there is no reason to fret. But, Biden needs to announce his nomination first. Biden has received a lot of heat for limiting his pool of potential nominees by just considering Black, female candidates. While it does shorten the list of qualified individuals, that doesn’t mean that there isn’t a shortage of any. For the past 233 years, only two Black, female senators have served in the U.S. Senate. For the most part — and not shockingly so — it’s been predominantly white men. It’s time to give the Senate as much perspective and diversity as America has. If Biden can swiftly nominate and confirm his pick, maybe more Americans will start to have faith in him again. Kaelin Connor is a psychology senior and opinion columnist for The Battalion.

Biden should consider all possible SCOTUS nominees Every candidate, not just Black women, should be considered Alex Kourchev @AlexKourchev

ith Justice Stephen Breyer set to retire from the U.S. Supreme Court in a handful of months, President Joe Biden must nominate a new justice to take his place. Since Biden has had little time to review possible replacements, we do not know the identity of the nominee yet, nor do we know their qualifications for the position. We know only two things about Breyer’s replacement, and that is their — or her, to be exact — race and gender. Biden declared during Breyer’s retirement announcement on Jan. 27 that his nominee would be a Black woman, saying, “It’s long overdue in my view.” This is in keeping with a promise he made during the 2020 South Carolina Democratic debate to nominate a Black woman to the court, allegedly at the encouragement of Rep. Jim Clyburn (D-SC), whose endorsement of Biden was credited with helping salvage his presidential campaign. Although Biden’s promise may have been a shrewd political maneuver, it was wrong for several reasons. Firstly, and most importantly, of course, is that the position ought to go to the most qualified person, regardless of their race or gender. If the most qualified person is a Black woman, then of course that Black woman should be picked, and it is possible that the most qualified person is, in fact, a Black woman. However, when virtually all candidates for the nomination have been categorically excluded before they could even be considered, as is the case here, there is no guarantee the person who is ultimately selected will be the most qualified. This does a disservice, both to all judges who are not considered simply on account of not being Black women, and

to the American people, for the Supreme Court is an institution that belongs to the American people, and not the president nor the justices who serve on it. Another problem is it enables critics of Biden’s nominee to state that she was chosen on the basis of her race and gender, and that she would not have been chosen had she been of any other race or gender. Admittedly, many non-white female nominees, such as Sonia Sotomayor, have been subject to speculation that they were chosen on the basis of their race or gender. This time, there will be no room for speculation — Biden has explicitly said he will choose his nominee on race and gender, and anyone who asserts that the nominee was chosen because she was a Black woman can simply point to Biden’s statements. Finally, according to a recent poll by Ipsos, 76% of Americans, including 54% of Democrats, believe Biden should “consider all possible nominees,” regardless of their race or sex. Although the president should not govern the country solely by looking at polls, he should at least take their findings into consideration. When such a resounding majority of the public opposes an action taken by the president, he should sit down and take the time to consider why his action is so unpopular. If he did, he would find that most Americans do not agree with his view that when filling the soon-to-be-vacancy on the Supreme Court, he should exclude the vast majority of prospective nominees from consideration. Even in 2022, the idea that a job should be open to candidates regardless of their race and gender is not an outdated one. Alex Kourchev is an economics sophomore and opinion writer for The Battalion.