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Student Newspaper of Augusta University Volume 59, Issue 3 Wednesday, March 1, 2017
www.aubellringer.wordpress.com
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Layout Design By: Kait Fruechting, Jamie Sapp and Jacob Tomberlin
@aug_bellringer @augbellringer @aug_bellringer
Combating racism at Augusta University Page 3 and 5
Augusta University celebrates Black History Month Page 4
“Welcome to the Jungle” Homecoming Week Page 6
Q&A with senior basketball player Keshun Sherrill Page 7
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Wednesday, March 1, 2017
2017 GCA Conference
Kait Fruechting | Staff Writer Dr. Pamela Hayward (Bottom Right), along with professors Laura Harrison (Top) and Rick Pukis (Bottom Left), spoke at the Georgia Communication Association (GCA) Conference held at Middle Georgia State University in Macon on Feb. 17. (Bottom Center) Senior communication student Drew Thomas received the third place award in the narrative category from the Georgia Communication Association Student Film Competition. The winning film was previewed at the conference at Middle Georgia State University in Macon on Feb. 17.
NEWSPAPER STAFF editor-in-chief Jamie Sapp jsapp270@augusta.edu copy editor Austin Wright twrig32@augusta.edu staff writers Jacob Tomberlin jtomberl270@augusta.edu Kait Fruechting kfruechting@augusta.edu Sequoia Sinclair sesinclair@augusta.edu Skyler Mitchell skmitchell@augusta.edu
adviser Todd Bennett tobennett@augusta.edu Direct advertising inquiries to: Jamie Sapp Editor-in-Chief jsapp270@augusta.edu Address all correspondence to: The Bell Ringer JSAC Building, Room 237 2500 Walton Way Augusta, Ga 30904 706-737-1600 www.aubelllringer.wordpress.com
Editorial Policy
Letters to the editor must be accompanied by the author’s name, phone number and email address. All columns and letters to the editor are the opinion of the author. The views expressed in the Editorial section do not necessarily express those of The Bell Ringer, a designated public forum. Anything submitted to The Bell Ringer is open to be edited or rejected. However, The Bell Ringer staff gives all opinions a fair chance to be heard. All letters will be edited for grammar and style. If you would like to contribute a column or a letter to the editor, send an email to: bellringerproduction@gmail.com
Corrections Policy
We strive to bring you accurately reported news. If you wish to report an error, please provide your name, phone number and a detailed description of the error and the necessary correction. PRINTER Aiken Standard 326 Rutland Dr. NW P.O. Box 456 Aiken, SC. 29802
THE BELL RINGER
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Editorial
Ya’ll Means All Use your knowledge to combat racism In the week of February 6, 2017, a set of racially charged fliers appeared on the Summerville campus. They were subtle yet direct messages to non-white students at Augusta University. In addition to Summerville being affected, Augusta Tech and other universities also dealt with similar fliers. These fliers remind us that no matter how great our university is we can still be brought down by racism or white ignorance. This incident is the second time that occurred at our university between November 2016 and February 2017. However, there seemed to be a slightly different agenda this time. February is nationally known as Black History Month. Considering the month is supposed to be the time where black people are celebrated for their achievements, it was a significant blow. With racial tensions still rising in the United States, the fliers were more likely aimed at those in the same vein as the Black Lives Matter movement. The fliers were even placed into more obscure places, such as the Amphitheatre, the Jaguar Student Activities Center, and Washington Hall, so that they would not be torn down faster. For the first incident in November 2016, Chief Diversity Officer Quincy Byrdsong responded publicly on the incident first time by email via social media. The fliers were discovered several days following the presidential election of Donald Trump, where there was an increase of reported hate crimes in numerous communities across the nation. For the second incident in February 2017, Augusta University President Brooks Keel responded publicly on the incident for the first time by social media. AU/EGSC students expressed their concerns to other students and university officials via social media. A week later after the second incident, student organizations such as Black and Blooming, Lambda Alliance, Black Student Union, Indian Cultural Exchange and African American Male Initiative used Homecoming Week as the opportunity to counteract the fliers by making peaceful acts on campus.
“The first step into becoming well informed is having the desire to learn and change.
Students gathered together at the AU Teardrop on Feb. 13 to create chalk messages on fighting racism, white privilege or ignorance to racism. Three days later, more students gathered for Augusta Unite around noon on the Summerville campus in which was a peaceful walk for unity. In speaking with Kimberly Gresham, president of Black and Blooming, she discussed that it was important to “put a face to our feeling” when minorities can band together against the face of prejudice, provide people with an image of strength, and let people know that ignorance will not be tolerated. We are grateful that students have expressed their concerns publicly on the incident. We are grateful that both President Keel and Chief Diversity Officer Byrdsong responded publicly after the two incidents that occurred. We are also grateful that the AU Public Safety is involved with investigating the case. However, we know that we can do more. There are many chances to attend either speeches or events that can teach us more about how to combat ignorance. Countless events have been done on campus that have taught us more on how racism works and the sources of it. For example, former third-grade school teacher, educator, activist and feminist Jane Elliott visited Augusta University and Paine College in celebration of MLK Day. At AU, Elliott gave talks on the “Anatomy of Prejudice” and on the viewing of the documentary “The Angry Eye,” which gave ample information on the effects of racism. The university even offers multicultural psychology classes, which teach us the science behind racism and ignorance. Rather than viewing these opportunities as requirements or extra credit, they should be used as ways to improve our understanding of others from different races.
The reason that our university hosts such events and classes is to encourage practical uses in daily life. Although the direct experience of racism is thankfully not a reality for all AU/EGSC students, it is very much a real issue in the United States. A scholar uses their knowledge to impact their community, so it is imperative to utilize and take advantage of educational opportunities that AU presents in helping others. The first step into becoming well informed is having the desire to learn and change. Whether you are a student, a university official or just a human being, you can fight racism with knowledge and action. You do not have to experience racism or any form of discrimination to combat against it. Don’t be a bystander. As Jane Elliott said in her speech at the “Anatomy of Prejudice” presentation on Jan. 13, “You can’t fix stupid. (But) you can fix ignorance.” Come together as a family, Jaguars. Editorial Staff: Sequoia Sinclar, Skyler Mitchell and Jamie Sapp
Editorial Policy
Letters to the editor must be accompanied by the author’s name, phone number and email address. All columns and letters to the editor are the opinion of the author. The views expressed in the Editorial section do not necessarily express those of The Bell Ringer, a designated public forum. Anything submitted to The Bell Ringer is open to be edited or rejected. However, The Bell Ringer staff gives all opinions a fair chance to be heard. All letters will be edited for grammar and style. If you would like to contribute a column or a letter to the editor, send an email to: bellringerproduction@gmail.com
Two GCPA conferences, one award finally Dear readers, we’ve done it. The Bell Ringer at Augusta University has finally received a GCPA award. It’s an award for the “Best Website” category in third place, after attending the 2017 Georgia College Press Association (GCPA) Conference during Feb. 10-11 at Mercer University in Macon, Ga. The Georgia College Press Association recognizes the grand work of student-run newspapers from colleges and universities in Georgia. Between spring 2016 and spring 2017, I was present for the two GCPA conferences during the newspaper’s major transformation from mainly print to mainly online. For The Bell Ringer, this particular award is its first and only award since spring 2015. Of course, there is more to us than winning awards. Despite being one of our astonishing achievements so far this year, we still have more improvements to be made. We want to be more recognizable on campus and we want readers to know that we still exist. There are often times where people wonder what is The Bell Ringer, what is going on with the newspaper, or what can
“Successes start with failures and that pushes us further into a better newspaper organization at AU.” - Jamie Sapp
Courtesy of Todd Bennett (L-R) Jacob Tomberlin, Jamie Sapp and Sequoia Sinclair attended the 2017 GCPA Conference Feb. 10-11 at Mercer University in Macon, Ga.
we do effectively as a newspaper organization for the university. We want you to know that we are
still here. The newspaper has existed for many decades at the university through different name changes, numerous GCPA awards, major transformations and all. We also want a diverse group of student contributors, whether its news stories, columns, feature stories, photography, video, or illustration. The staff consists of four writers with an adviser, however, we can only do so much as a small team. It is always great to get numerous contributions from a diverse group of students. For example, we received contributions from students in communication, english and foreign languages, art, psychology and biology. Even staff members from the Phoenix Magazine have been involved with us, which is a student-run magazine at AU. At the end of the day, we are here to report accurately on campus and local news. Sometimes it takes more individuals of various backgrounds to
create a bigger, dependable team and get things done right. For those that want to get involved with the newspaper, the magazine or both, all students are welcome to contribute to the both student-run publications on campus. However, do not take this opportunity only to make yourself appear good on a resume or portfolio. Do it for the experience. Besides, journalism did not start with journalism or communication majors. In fact, the term “journalism” did not existed until the 1700s. Journalism began with great people of various backgrounds. Successes start with failures and that pushes us further into a better newspaper organization at AU. We finally got an award. Now let’s go back to work. Sincerely, Jamie Sapp Editor-in-Chief
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Wednesday, March 1, 2017
Black History Month
50 Years of Desegregation
Jamie Sapp | Staff Writer As part of the Black History Month celebration, Augusta University hosted the 50th Anniversary of the Desegregation of MCG where students, faculty, and guests honored the first black students at the Medical College of Georgia. Honored at the event was Dr. Frank Rumph, Dr. John Harper and Dr. Tommy Leonard, along with other alumni at the ceremony. (Above) Dr. David Satcher, the founding director and senior advisor for The Satcher Health Leadership Institute, was one of the guest speakers for the ceremony.
Read-In presents scholar Dr. Maryemma Graham By Sequoia Sinclair staff writer
Sequoia Sinclair | Staff Writer Author and renowned scholar Dr. Maryemma Graham visits students, faculty, and guests at Augusta University for the African-American Read-In event, which took place in the JSAC Ballroom on Feb. 23.
Dr. Seretha Williams, a professor in the department of English and Foreign Languages, hosted the African-American Read-In event at Augusta University on Thursday, Feb. 23. One of the major events in honor of Black History Month, it took place in the JSAC Ballroom between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. This is the first time that the event presented keynote speaker Dr. Maryemma Graham. It was also the first themed African-American Read-In event for the university, which mainly focused on African-American authors who have roots in Georgia. “It’s important for students who are here to learn about the culture in Georgia,” Williams said. “Especially since they are here. One of the ways to do that is in the literature.” Williams has done extensive research on African-American author, Dr. Margaret Walker, and reached out to her mentor, renowned author and professor Dr. Maryemma Graham, who was the muse, editor, and researcher of Walker as well. Graham started her education at Paine College, when both Paine and Augusta State University were still segregated at the time.
“Back then, it was unusual to spent[d] a career looking at a field and trying to map its growth,” Graham said. “I feel very grateful that I got in on the ground floor where [black] people were writing and publishing, where women were publishing.” The community that Graham was exposed to was one she wanted to stay in. As Walker’s muse, Graham learned a deeper appreciation for the South. “I witnessed all people, Black, Native American, Mexican, fight for unity despite what might appeared to be difference,” she said. “Walker, I think, was pushing against the misconceptions of the South.” “My reflection of her influence on me to say, ‘If you think and believe in something, you have to make it happen,’” she added. Graham spoke on the importance of remembering the past and using literature to dig for the truth in order to remind people of their history. “With a history of exclusion, finding a truthful history can be hard, things can be lost, so we have to keep digging and keep searching and recovering to fight for and sustain social justice,” Graham said. More than 130 students attended the readin. Some students and faculty read excerpts from novels, poems, essays and short stories from various African-American authors. Contact Sequoia Sinclair sesinclair@augusta.edu.
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Jacob Tomberlin and Jamie Sapp | Staff (Left) Anna Griffin gave an emotional speech on Feb. 16 during Augusta Unite at the Amphitheatre. (Center) Chalk messages of protest and support were placed near the AU Teardrop on Feb. 13. (Right) Tamika Harris, armed with a paint brush and a mixture of water and chalk, kneeled down on the sidewalk to show support for the multiple student organizations present.
Students respond to fliers By Jamie Sapp & Jacob Tomberlin editor-in-chief & staff writer Student organizations took to the sidewalks to create unavoidable messages of unity in response to a set of offensive fliers that were placed on the Summerville Campus at Augusta University. During the week of Feb. 6, a set of racially charged fliers were placed on campus in several locations which include the Jaguar Student Activities Center (JSAC), Washington Hall, and the D. Douglas Barnard Amphitheatre. Messages in the fliers included “Protect Your Heritage” and “Identity Europa.” Fliers were also placed on the campus of Augusta Technical College, along with other universities around the nation. In response to the fliers, student organizations such as Black and Blooming, Lambda Alliance (LAMBDA), Black Student Union (BSU), Indian Cultural Exchange (ICE) and African American Male Initiative (AAMI) used homecoming week as an opportunity to express their distaste for the fliers’ messages. A week after the fliers were posted, students wrote several chalk messages near the AU Teardrop expressing their desire to fight racism and discrimination. Tamika Harris, armed with a paint
brush and a mixture of water and chalk, kneeled down on the sidewalk to show support for the multiple student organizations present. “We wanted to come together, especially the marginalized student populations,” Harris said. “Having our voices heard and putting messages of unity and rejecting white nationalism, rejecting the racism, the white supremacy, the homophobia and everything that comes with it on our campus...” The messages themselves were a mixture of protest and support. They included “No white nationalism,” “No racism at AU” and “Open arms and open doors for POC.” “I’m really liking the students getting involved and making their statements known,” said Michelle Haynes, a junior psychology major. Three days later, more than 15 students gathered together for Augusta Unite, a walk for unity that occurred on the Summerville Campus. Black and Blooming, a student organization focused on empowering black women on campus, created Augusta Unite. The organization reached out to LAMBDA, BSU, ICE and AAMI in order to bring awareness of diversity and social issues that minorities may face in their daily lives. Anna Griffin, a junior sociology major,
gave an emotional speech before the participants at the end of the walk. As a mother, Griffin addressed her fears and thoughts of watching innocent people fall as victims of racism and police brutality, when referring to the case of Trayvon Martin and other minorities. “Everything seems out of sorts in that moment,” she said. “The world in your mind just starts to rotate in the opposite direction... You look panicky around the room to make eye contact with your loved ones as a small crazy noise escapes from your throat. One’s hands slowly moves to trap the sound, hoping to hold it in. But it’s too late. That painful wail is out.” Griffin said people are watching a new version racial violence. “We are now watching a new version of public lynching that seems to be killing some of our best and brightest young men and children and ladies,” she said. This is the second incident where racially charged fliers appeared on the Summerville Campus. The first incident occurred just several days after the election of President Donald Trump, which coincided with a spike in reports of hate crimes across the U.S. After the most recent flyers were posted, university president Brooks Keel responded publicly for the first time with a
message of awareness of the second incident, which was published on Feb. 9 via the university’s social media accounts. Unlike with the first incident back in November of last year, students felt the more recent situation was handled much better. “I’m really glad the response this time was more vocal,” Haynes said. “The statement they released actually named it as white supremacy as opposed to differing opinions. “[I feel] like we’re getting like a step in the right direction.” “As members of the Augusta University community, we vehemently reject all forms of racism and bigotry,” Keel stated in the message. “These concepts are contradictory to the core values we uphold for our community. As an institution, the sentiments expressed by this group are not supported by Augusta University and we abhor the manner in which this group has sought to disrupt the sense of community on our campus.” In the message, Keel also encouraged the campus community to report any knowledge on the origins of the incident to the Augusta University Office of Public Safety. Contact Jamie Sapp at jsapp270@ augusta.edu. Contact Jacob Tomberlin at jtomberl270@augusta.edu.
Crime Log February 3 - 24, 2017 Incident (Classification) Theft by Taking Entering Auto Trespassing on a Campus Trespassing on a Campus Theft by Taking Theft by Taking Public Indecency Theft by Taking Theft by Taking DUI Missing Person Disorderly Conduct
Number 17-0028 17-0029 17-0030 17-0032 17-0034 17-0035 17-0036 17-0037 17-0038 17-0040 17-0041 17-0042
Date/Time Reported 02/03/17 – 09:30 02/03/17 – 11:47 02/04/17 – 05:57 02/05/17 – 00:50 02/09/17 – 09:16 02/15/17 – 08:20 02/15/17 – 12:51 02/21/17 – 07:45 02/21/17 – 16:57 02/21/17 – 23:23 02/22/17 – 21:04 02/24/17 – 01:39
Date/Time Occurred 02/03/17 – 09:30 02/03/17 – 11:47 02/04/17 – 05:57 02/05/17 – 00:50 02/09/17 – 09:16 02/15/17 – 08:20 02/15/17 – 12:51 02/21/17 – 07:45 02/21/17 – 16:57 02/21/17 – 23:23 02/22/17 – 21:04 02/24/17 – 01:39
General Location AUMC AUMC AUMC AUMC AUMC Fine Arts Center Old Bailie Street Walton Way Allgood Hall Wrightsboro Rd AUMC AUMC
Disposition Active Inactive Arrest Arrest Arrest Inactive Arrest Inactive Unfounded Arrest Cleared Arrest
Wednesday, March 1, 2017
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Welcome to the Jungle Homecoming Week, Feb. 13-18 Layout By: Jamie Sapp Photos By: Skyler Mitchell and Jamie Sapp As Guns N’ Roses simply put it, welcome to the jungle. Whenever you go to any homecoming week at Augusta University, our spirits are high in which brings out our wild side. For us jaguars, we experienced that exhilarating energy at the homecoming basketball game, Jaguar Jam, Jaguar Mania, and the homecoming court. As Jaguar Nation, we take pride in ourselves whenever we express it on our campus.
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Q&A Keshun Sherrill Sherrill on his last year as a Jaguar By Kait Fruechting & Jamie Sapp staff writer & editor-in-chief After stepping out on the basketball court for the last time as a Jaguar, Keshun Sherrill spoke with The Bell Ringer to give them insight into who he is, what he wants, and what values he holds dear. He spoke of everything from his pregame rituals and things that people do not know about him as well as more serious ideals and values.
“W” my last time playing here.
What are your plans after graduation?
Sherrill: Well, that is the big thing. I graduate on May 12. Hopefully, I can go play ball professionally somewhere. Or maybe even get a D-League (NBA Development League) or NBA tryout.
Finally, what is something that we don’t know about you? Who is Keshun Sherrill off the court?
What is your mental, Sherrill: Well, Keshun is real emotional, and physical goofy off the court. Growing up preparation? I played the drums in my church Sherrill: Well mentally, I don’t like to overthink it too much. At the end of the day, it is just another basketball game. I have played basketball all my life. I just have to prepare myself mentally and physically. Physically, I just basically have to get my rest and do what I do performance wise. Everything else will just take care of itself.
What are your pre-game rituals or habits?
Sherrill: I have to get a nap before the game. If I don’t get my nap, I don’t know how I’m going to play. That is just my ritual. Just getting off my feet and relaxing because I know the game is going to be very intense.
and to this day I still love to play drums whenever I get the chance. I am very decent at bowling. I would say I am above average at bowling. It’s like my second hobby when I am not playing basketball. That’s two things that people don’t know about Keshun. Contact Kait Fruechting at kfruechting@augusta.edu. Contact Jamie Sapp at jsapp270@augusta. edu.
Throughout your career, what are some things you have learned about being a leader to your teammates and classmates?
Sherrill: Respect. You know the old saying, treat someone how you want to be treated. I take that with me throughout my whole life. I am not going to go out here and just talk bad or be disrespectful. So, I just like to carry myself in that manner and just respect others.
On Jan. 18, you scored your 2000th point of your career. What was your first thought?
Sherrill: Relief. You know it took lots of hard work and perseverance. But when I got it, it was really just a sigh of relief. And a blessing.
How did you feel knowing that this was your last time stepping out on the court as a Jaguar?
Sherrill: It’s bittersweet. The Jaguar Nation has been good to me. It’s just bittersweet. I am just glad we were able to come out with a
Kait Fruechting | Staff Writer (Top) The Augusta Jaguars, including senior player Keshun Sherrill, gather together before playing the PBC Quarterfinal game against the Montevallo Falcons on Feb. 25 in the Chirstenberry Fieldhouse. (Bottom) Senior player Keshun Sherrill goes against Montevallo Falcons’ senior player Kevin Kelly during the PBC Quarterfinal game on Feb. 25.
E V E N T
C A L E D A R
Source: calendar.augusta.edu
Graduation Applications Due
Cinema Series
March 3
7-11 p.m. David Lynch Double Feature
18th Annual Phi Kappa Phi Student Reasearch and Fine Arts Conference
March 3
March 13
March 8 10-10:45 a.m. A Porkchop Production
Spring Pause March 8-9
March 8 12-6 p.m.
Fall and Summer Registration opens
The Emperor’s New Clothes
Augusta University Singers Concert March 23 7:30-9 p.m. Christ Church Presbyterian
American Heart Association Heart Walk 2017 March 11 8-11 a.m. North Augusta Greenway
The Effect March 23-25 7:30 p.m.