The Columbia Chronicle, February 19, 2018

Gubernatorial candidates call for expanded MAP grant funding

PAGE 33

Volume 53, Issue 20

February 19, 2018

ColumbiaChronicle.com

PAGE 20 Women in film discuss change, equality in industry

Front and center: Getz Theatre renovations completed

THE GETZ THEATRE commanded the spotlight as the curtains opened on the newly renovated building at the start of the new semester.

After almost a year of renovations overseen by Gensler, an international architectural firm,

Âť ERIN DICKSON/CHRONICLE

the Getz Theatre, 72 E. 11th St., now has a modern space available for performances and classes in the Theatre Department.

Renovations for the theater were originally announced during the Fall 2016 Semester as part of a 2-year plan estimated to cost about $9 million, as reported Oct. 10, 2016, by The Chronicle.

Renovations include a costume shop, a backstage area, three dressing rooms and a scene shop that will allow sets to be built in the theater that can be easily moved in and out.

The total cost of renovations was just over $12 million, according to Project Coordinator Abby Abel.

SEE GETZ PAGE 11

Âť MOLLY WALSH CAMPUS REPORTER

editor’s note

Columbia buildings could use some consistent security

MANAGEMENT

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

MANAGING EDITORS

DIGITAL MANAGING EDITOR CREATIVE DIRECTOR AD & BUSINESS MANAGER

CAMPUS REPORTERS

» ZOË EITEL EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

2 THE CHRONICLE FEBRUARY 19, 2018

CAMPUS Tessa Brubaker Olivia Deloian Molly Walsh

ARTS & CULTURE

ARTS & CULTURE REPORTERS

Mayan Darbyshire Alexy Erouart Miranda Manier

METRO

METRO REPORTERS

Savannah Eadens Blaise Mesa

locked, which it has been for the past week or so. It seems that whenever a OPINIONS security threat occurs within campus

OPINIONS EDITOR Tyra Bosnic buildings—like the laptop thefts—the Congress Parkway door is locked and

COPY ID checks are required, but only for a

COPY CHIEF Lauren Carlton couple weeks until everything is back

COPY EDITORS Jay Berghuis to normal.

McKayla Braid To keep students and their belongGRAPHICS ings safe, Columbia must invest in better security checks for its buildings.

It

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Samantha Conrad Zack Jackson wouldn’t be cheap or easy to implement Jocelyn Moreno ID scanners at building entrances like

ADVERTISING DESIGNER Hannah Li Anderson the dorm buildings have, but it needs to be a top infrastructure update priority.

PHOTOGRAPHY Columbia has received two substan SENIOR PHOTO EDITORS Mackenzie Crosson tial donations in recent months earKevin Tiongson marked for student center costs and has STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS Erin Dickson Zachary Keltner sold two residence halls and two other buildings, with the sales also said to be MULTIMEDIA going toward the student center. But

MULTIMEDIA EDITOR Brock Stillmunks in a recent interview with Chairman

MULTIMEDIA REPORTERS Sawyer Gaunt of the Board of Trustees Bill Wolf, Hawk Thottupuram The Chronicle was told that the college has enough money to finance the ADVERTISING student center without the additional MEDIA SALES REPS Kami Rieck donations—with most of the cost being Grace Senior Ryan Staine taken care of by the $210 million sale

MARKETING ASSISTANT Kelsey Kennedy of the University Center split among Columbia and Roosevelt and DePaul WEB

universities—as reported Jan. 27.

WEBMASTER Eric Eldridge While there are restrictions on how

ONLINE CONTENT PRODUCER Kendrah Villiesse the college spends the money from building sales—with proceeds having to OPERATIONS go back into building costs, typically—

OFFICE ASSISTANT Nicole Restrepo some of that money should be put toward updating the infrastructure SENIOR STAFF of the buildings to be able to support

GENERAL MANAGER Chris Richert a security system at the entrances.

FACULTY ADVISER Len Strazewski It is also unclear what security

ASSISTANT FACULTY ADVISER Stephanie Goldberg approach the student center will use, but because it is being designed CORRECTION: In a Feb. 12 story published by The Chronicle titled “Swastikas found in from scratch and a lot of money is Dwight graffiti room,” the story states that Dean of Students John Pelrine went directly being put into it, we can only hope it to Vice President of Development and Alumni Relations Shawn Wax after hearing about will be a secure one. the swastikas in the Dwight graffiti room. However, Pelrine went to Vice President of zeitel@columbiachronicle.com

T

he security in Columbia buildings has not always been consistent. Requirements for building entry vary even for the same building depending on the day.

Some buildings don’t require any identification to enter, some ask for a flash of your student, staff or faculty ID, and a couple have scanners that only allow specific people to enter.

While it is understandable that varying layouts make it difficult to implement uniform security checks, it is necessary. Campus laptop thefts have recently started again after a handful reported during fall 2016. A Feb. 5 theft from the 623 S. Wabash Ave. Building and a Feb. 7 theft from the 916 S. Wabash Ave. Building were announced by collegewide emails from the Office of Campus Safety and Security.

Since the thefts, security in campus buildings has been tightened. Until a couple weeks ago, people were free to walk in and out of the 33 E. Congress Parkway Building without showing identification, as long as it was before 6 p.m. Now, people coming in must flash their IDs from across the crowded lobby to the guard, who then waves them by or gives the person a nod. This is the procedure in most campus buildings, and it’s better than nothing, but barely.

It can be a hassle to remember your campus ID every day and have to pull them out whenever you enter a building, but it’s important to have a consistent policy across campus to keep people safe. Students will get used to carrying their IDs everywhere if the policy stays consistent for more than a couple weeks at a time.

Because most of my classes and my office are in the 33 E. Congress Parkway Building, it’s where I have the most experience. After nearly four years, I have observed the building go from open entry to ID-required entry too many times. As a building with two entrances on different streets, 33 E. Congress Parkway is one that is not easy to secure unless the door on the Congress Parkway side is

Zoë Eitel Eric Bradach Ariana Portalatin Brooke Pawling Stennett Zoë Haworth Micha Thurston

Student Affairs Sharon Wilson-Taylor with the information. The Chronicle regrets this error.

Main line: (312) 369-8999 Advertising: (312) 369-8984 Campus: (312) 369-8965 Metro: (312) 369-8982 Arts & Culture: (312) 369-8980 Opinions: (312) 369-8970 Copy: (312) 369-8976 Photo: (312) 369-8972 Permission/Reproductions: (312) 369-8955 General Manager: (312) 369-8955 Faculty Adviser: (312) 369-8910

The Chronicle is a student-produced publication of Columbia College Chicago and does not necessarily represent, in whole or in part, the views of college administrators, faculty or students.

All text, photos and graphics are the property of The Chronicle and may not be reproduced or published without written permission.

Editorials are the opinions of the Editorial Board of The Chronicle.

Columns are the opinions of the author(s).

Views expressed in this publication are those of the writer and are not the opinions of The Chronicle, Columbia’s Journalism Department or Columbia College Chicago.

Letters to the editor must include full name, year, major and phone number. All letters are edited for grammar and may be cut due to a limit of space.

The Chronicle holds the right to limit any one person’s submissions to three per semester.

Letters can be emailed to Chronicle@colum.edu or mailed to: The Columbia Chronicle 600 S. Michigan Ave. Chicago, IL. 60605

The college is suspending admissions to journalism masters degree » page 9

Asian Student Organization to hold meeting on intersectionality » OLIVIA DELOIAN CAMPUS REPORTER THE VARIOUS IDENTITIES, including ethnic, gender and sexuality, that are part of a person are not often discussed within the Asian community, but a campus organization is hoping to change that.

To examine the relationship and intersectionality of those identities, Columbia’s Asian Student Organization is holding a meeting titled “Asian Intersection Discussion.” The discussion will be held Feb. 20 in 618 S. Michigan Ave., where ASO meets every Tuesday.

The organization decided the topic merited greater discussion because of its lack of attention, said Joyce Guo, a sophomore English and creative writing major and secondary Student Organization Council representative of ASO. “It’s just not something that any community really talks about,” Guo said. “If you look at a lot of the cultural organizations on campus, they tend to focus on one part of someone’s identity.

Because we separate ourselves by our race or even our sexuality, we tend to forget that there’s multiple layers to our identities.

We’re not just Asian and we’re not just our sexuality.”

Janae Iloreta, a junior English and creative writing major and co-president of ASO, said her experiences as a Filipino woman have taught her the importance of recognizing intersectionality.

“Being a female in the Asian community is different than being a male in the Asian community. I have an older brother and [he’s treated] with more freedom than me,” Iloreta said, “or [even] being Filipino comes with different things versus being Chinese or Vietnamese.”

Sharlene Solis, a sophomore English and creative writing major and primary SOC representative, said the meeting will encourage open discussion of personal experiences, allowing each member to recognize the various and unique backgrounds.

“We know that just because you’re one [aspect] like your ethnicity, race, whatever you may identify as, that’s not the full story,” Solis said. “We know that there’s other facets and intersections that can help you to identify who you are.”

Tina-Kim Nguyen, a junior theatre major and ASO vice president, agreed that backgrounds play a vital role in identities.

“With not only the discussion, but with Asian Student Organization in general, it’s about forming this community based on how we relate to each other and educating others on who we are,” Nguyen said.

Iloreta said Johnny Youen from Asian Americans Advancing Justice Chicago, a pan-Asian nonprofit organization, will be participating in the discussion.

Guo said the direction the evening takes is ultimately up to ASO members.

“We don’t want to have a strict structure for discussion just because if you have a lesson plan, then it’s not organic and it’s

not going to be fulfilling for anyone,” Guo said. “It just depends on how our members feel and what [discussion] comes up during that day.”

Guo said she is excited that people will be expressing themselves in a supportive environment.

“I do hope that people are comfortable talking about race, religion and gender because we are, at the end of the day, a group on a college campus and we’re supposed to be talking about the more controversial subjects,” Guo said, “Because if we don’t, who will?”

odeloian@columbiachronicle.com

campus

»PHOTOS KEVIN TIONGSON/CHRONICLE

Asian Student Organization plans to discuss intersections within the Asian community on Feb. 20 in efforts to recognize the various identities that make up each individual.

FEBRUARY 19, 2018 THE CHRONICLE 3

» TESSA BRUBAKER CAMPUS REPORTER CALISTO LEMASHON OLOLNGOJINE,

second year graduate student in the Cinema and Television Arts Department, said he was shown the same few African films repeatedly in his classes at Columbia, and it frustrated him not to see a broader spectrum of work. That motivated him to help organize the African Film Showcase, he said.

The showcase, which will run Feb. 20–24 at 1104 S. Wabash Ave., will highlight African films that show the unique landscape and tell realistic stories of its countries, according to the event page.

Ololngojine, who grew up in Kenya, said the U.S. has many misconceptions about Africa.

“We wanted to show different stories of actual people in Africa

and their own stories in their own environments and not motivated by politics,” Ololngojine said.

“Normal stories from people who have grown up in this environment [who] can make films, and they can continue to tell African stories.”

Bridget Botchway Bradley, first year graduate student in the Cinema and Television Arts Department, started working on the showcase with Ololngojine at the end of 2017 and said their goals are to expand students’ knowledge of African cinema and to combat negative media.

“Everyone has a different kind of viewpoint of Africa and so what we wanted to do with this showcase is to expand the knowledge of African cinema to our student body,” Botchway Bradley said.

“Since we are in film school, we know what films students are studying, and there’s not a lot of

African cinema that’s even showcased and there’s not a lot of education behind it.”

Some of the films that will be featured include “Lamb,” directed

by Yared Zeleke from Ethiopia, “Katikati,” directed by Mbith Masya from Kenya; and “A Place for Myself,” directed by Marie Clémentine from Rwanda. The showcase has a mix of featurelength and short films over its five-day run.

Carolina Posse, an assistant professor in the Cinema and Television Arts Department, is the faculty adviser for the showcase event and said she is proud and excited to see how the showcase has come together.

Posse added that she is already planning to do a similar film showcase this fall with other graduate students highlighting other international areas such as the Middle East and South Asia.

Because February is Black History Month, Posse said it was a perfect time to highlight the important stories from these African countries.

“This is obviously a school [that is] so diverse. We have students and faculty and staff from so many different backgrounds,” Posse said.

“Any opportunity that we have to sit down and learn from each other, we have to facilitate. I think as an instructor, it’s one of my duties.”

Botchway Bradley said it is important to feature these films and bring to light the beauty in these African countries, especially

considerating the nation’s current political climate.

“It’s so important, more so in this era, where often times the rhetoric in media is anti-immigrant and international affairs,” Botchway Bradley said. “All these countries know this is the time for us to come together. This is the time for us to learn from one and other and African cinema is beautiful.”

» KEVIN TIONGSON/CHRONICLE

Film showcase to highlight African beauty, culture

Bridget Botchway Bradley (left) and Calisto Lemashon Ololngojine helped organize the upcoming African Film Showcase to spotlight African films.

The Music Center at Columbia College Chicago 1014 S. Michigan Avenue

M u s i c

4 THE CHRONICLE FEBRUARY 19, 2018

tbrubaker@columbiachronicle.com

campus

D e p a r t m e n t

E v e n t s

Wednesday February 21 Wednesday Noon Guitar Concert Series

12:00 pm

Thursday February 22 Student Piano & String Recital #2 at the Sherwood

7:00 pm

campus

Live in the city You

LOVE Love housing fair

On-Campus & Off-Campus

Summer 2018, fall 2018, spring 2019

February 27, 11am–4pm stage two, 618 S. Michigan Ave. free food · special pricing · giveaways

FEBRUARY 19, 2018 THE CHRONICLE 5

campus

» ARIANA PORTALATIN MANAGING EDITOR

» PHOTO COURTESY FSSI

WITH FACULTY AND staff eager to financially assist students, the Faculty and Staff Scholarship Initiative has reemerged on campus, led by supporters from various departments with assistance from the Development and Alumni Relations Office.

Since its inception in 2009 during the nation’s financial crisis, the group has raised nearly $300,000 in student aid with special events, fundraising initiatives and college matches, according to a Jan. 31 email announcing the group’s continuing efforts.

Pattie Mackenzie, assistant dean of the Global Education Office and adjunct professor in the Business and Entrepreneurship Department, said the Facilities and Operations Department was

the first group to jump on board with the initiative in 2009 but was quickly followed by other departments, which lead the group to raise $35,000 during its first week.

While the group never dissolved, Mackenzie said it was less active until last year, when participants began to discuss revitalizing the effort after Vice President of Development and Alumni Relations Shawn Wax joined Columbia in March 2017.

“I said, ‘I’d like an appointment with you,’ and I was actually talking about a different scholarship I started and I could just feel the empathy, the intelligence he’s got and he said, ‘No, I’m supposed to help you.’ And I’m going, ‘You don’t realize how much we want to help you using our own creativeness,’” Mackenzie said.

Wax said the initiative is a grassroots effort led by faculty

and staff but supported by his office with recruitment, advice, counsel on best practices and collegewide communication.

“We advised the committee early on to expand it to make it more representative of the college, to have more diversity in terms of job titles or functions, different departments, people who have been here at the college for a short amount of time [and] people who have been here 20 years, just to bring different perspectives and make sure every corner of the college was represented,” Wax said.

Last year, Mackenzie said the group raised $53,000. With the help of the Development and Alumni Relations Office and contributors, the approximately 30-member group hopes to raise nearly $80,000 this year with additional college matches. As of press time, the group has raised $44,000 since Sept. 1, 2017, according to Mackenzie.

The group’s first meeting this year, Feb. 1, allowed faculty who have not previously interacted to meet and create a greater sense

The returning Faculty and Staff Scholarship Initiative has plans to raise nearly $80,000 this year to support students’ financial needs.

of community at the college, said Andrew Causey, associate professor in the Humanities, History and Social Sciences Department.

“It seemed for a couple of years we had lost the spirit of interactive camaraderie we used to have years ago,” Causey said. “We went into a dormant phase. Once it turned around, it really blossomed.”

The initiative’s April 19 silent auction will feature performances from supporters. Along with financial contributions, supporters can

also provide time and material donations, which will be auctioned off at the event. Mackenzie said payroll deductions are another option for faculty and staff to make monetary donations.

“If faculty and staff give $4 out of their paycheck twice a month, that adds up to be about $100 at the end of the year,” Mackenzie said. “It’s not a lot of money, but it makes a huge difference. There’s nothing too small in terms of contribution.”

SEE FSSI PAGE 11

Faculty, staff scholarship initiative back with new goals

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» OLIVIA DELOIAN CAMPUS REPORTER K-POP DREAMERS, A student organization at Columbia, celebrates the many facets of Korean culture, especially K-Pop music.

Gabby Watkins, president of K-Pop Dreamers and a freshman cinema and television arts major, said when she came to Columbia last semester, she was eager to join Columbia’s Korean club Hangook, which was one of her reasons for attending the college.

After discovering the group no longer existed, she contacted the former president who told her she could take over. She revived the club with a new name—K-Pop Dreamers—and became its president. Its first official meeting was in October 2017.

“I was so excited because I love K-Pop and Korean culture,”

Watkins said. “I was like, ‘Sure, I’m going to become president.’”

Watkins said she was first drawn to Korean music when she discoverd it about 12 years old, but it truly resonated with her when she was going through an unfathomable loss during her junior year of high school.

“One of my best friends passed away, and I fell into a deep depression,” Watkins said. “For months, I didn’t laugh.”

After discovering the music video “Just One Day,” by popular South Korean group BTS, Watkins said she finally felt relief after her months of grieving.

“I was watching their music video and it spoke to me because their words were so true to my story,” Watkins said. “They were speaking about all of these life challenges that they’ve been

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Gabby Watkins (left) president of K-Pop Dreamers and Xin XIn Wang, vice president, hope to introduce students to the world of K-Pop and Korean culture.

through, it [really] helped me get past that depression.”

Jorge Solis, a student at Harper College and DJ at Harper College radio, is a co-host of K-Hits, which features K-Pop music on 88.3 FM. Solis explained that he had gotten into the genre of K-Pop about six years ago and hopes the club

fosters a greater awareness of the unique genre.

“Hopefully, [students can gain] some kind of knowledge on K-Pop stars,” Solis said. “[The organization is] more of a reason for me to want to transfer there.”

Watkins said she needed three additional members to form the

club and brought in her roommate Xin Xin Wang, a sophomore business and entrepreneurship major, who is now vice president.

Wang said her background in arts management enables her to help with the club’s marketing.

She was able to recruit one of her friends from Beijing who is now associate secretary.

Watkins said the group holds meetings every Friday and consist of discussions on what is new in the K-Pop world, and other aspects of Korean culture.

This semester, Watkins plans to teach members some Korean, and to collaborate with the Asian Student Organization to organize a spring dance battle.

Watkins said their main goal is to spread Korean culture and get more students involved.

“Music is a universal language, so K-Pop is so different and it’s on the other side of the world,” Watkins said. “I want people to have an open mind, to try something new because Korean culture is different from any other culture.” odeloian@columbiachronicle.com

K-Pop Dreamers bring Korean culture to Columbia

»ERIN DICKSON/CHRONICLE

campus

When making reservations, mention the Columbia College Friends and Family rate for special discounts and offers.

To Reserve Call: 312.986.1234 Or Visit: www.hotelblake.com

FEBRUARY 19, 2018 THE CHRONICLE 7

campus

April 4 & 5 11AM–2PM 1104 S Wabash Avenue 8th Floor

Search jobs and employers attending by clicking the Fairs tab in Handshake.

Employer list and jobs will be fully updated by March 31st.

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8 THE CHRONICLE FEBRUARY 19, 2018

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campus

Lawrence said when the news was communicated by email sometime in January, he met with all the current students in the program to inform them of the decision to suspend and that the classes would still be available for them to fulfill graduation requirements for December 2018.

“Sometimes people forget that teaching, if done right, takes a

lot out of you,” Lawrence said. “It would have been difficult to continue to try to maintain the program and then stop and look at it and evaluate it all at the very same time.”

Michael Sandler, a 2012 alumnus from the journalism masters program, said he received an email last week that was co-signed from McBride and

SEE MASTERS, PAGE 11

COLUMBIA HAS DECIDED to suspend admissions to the journalism master’s degree in order to re-work, improve and revise the program after its continuous enrollment decline.

Suzanne McBride, chair of the Communication Department, said the program only received 10 applications for the 2018–2019 academic year by the Jan. 15 deadline, which was the lowest she had seen since she began working at the college 13 years ago. According to McBride, three students have dropped out of the program since 10 students were enrolled in the Fall 2017 semester, leaving seven in the program, as of press time.

“We were worried about how many students we would have come fall, what kind of experience

that would be for those students , so at that point, we made the recommendation to the dean, both here at the School of Media Arts and to the graduate dean,” McBride said. “That went up to the Provost’s Office and they all agreed and understood why we were making the recommendation.”

While the program’s admission are being suspended for an undetermined time, McBride said the desicion will not affect current students in the program.

“What we’re really hoping to spend the next several months doing is looking at the program and thinking about what is the best possible way we could offer journalism in this ever-changing environment,” McBride said. “The journalism environment has been changing for a couple of years now and it’s been a very good program.”

According to the college’s

» SAMANTHA CONRAD/CHRONICLE

» TESSA BRUBAKER CAMPUS REPORTER

Institutional Effectiveness Interactive Reporting, enrollment for the journalism graduate program fell from 20 in the Fall 2016 Semester to 10 in the Spring 2017 Semester. The lowest number of students enrolled in the program was nine in the Spring 2012 Semester within the years Institutional Effectiveness has available—2003–2017.

Curtis Lawrence, director of the journalism graduate program and associate professor in the Communication Department, said the department has been hearing back from program alumni during the past few of days with suggestions and feedback to improve.

“We have heard from many students, many of them [are] sad that the program has been suspending admissions and we have to remind them that we were just suspending admissions to stop and look at the program,” Lawrence said. “[They] were very glad to hear that and many of them offered to help take part in the discussion about how we might reframe and continue to offer graduate education.”

» COURTESTY INSTITUTIONAL EFFECTIVENESS

College suspends admissions to journalism master’s program

FEBRUARY 19, 2018 THE CHRONICLE 9

campus

Make Your Mark FEBRUARY 22, 2018 Students are invited for a day of art-making.

Keep your work or submit it to the Library to be considered for installation!

Basic art supplies and paper will be provided.

12-6 PM, 3 NORTH READING ROOM

624 S Michigan Ave. library.colum.edu

10 THE CHRONICLE FEBRUARY 19, 2018

Student Diversity and Inclusion

campus

Prior to renovations, many of the set pieces, props and costumes for performances were stored in the 1415 S. Wabash Ave. Building, according to senior theatre major Samantha Liska.

Liska said it has been much more convenient to work on costumes now that there are facilities inside the building.

“People kept forgetting where the costume shop even was,” Liska said. “Moving for shows has just been so much easier. We don’t have

to move a cart all the way here from 1415 [S. Wabash Ave. Building].”

Gensler Principal Architect David Broz said it is really powerful to see the college investing in new facilities that are one of a kind in Chicago, especially for a theater program growing as rapidly as Columbia’s.

“It’s a transformational moment for the school,” Broz said. “They’re creating facilities that are going to catapult the school into the future.”

MASTERS, FROM PAGE 9

Wax said although budgetary constraints may affect faculty and staff’s ability to fundraise, doing so sends a strong message about the support of Columbia’s community.

“People have stepped up to say, ‘I can contribute my time or my talent or my treasure to support students,’” Wax said. “It’s a powerful message about the strength of the community [and] the family of Columbia.”

Causey said while the group is looking to recruit, it consist of mainly staff, and he would particularly like more faculty involvement. With the support of Wax and his office, Causey said the group is equipped to accomplish its goals.

“They’re willing to partner with us so we can do the best and they can do their part to help us make it even better,” Causey said. “It is a partnership of what is ordinarily administrative control over scholarships but pushed and lead by faculty and staff.”

Lawrence about the decision.

Sandler said he had a positive experience in the program and he was sad to hear the news.

“It was a great program, I learned a lot about not only how Chicago and how politics and business come together and work but also it was a challenging program,” Sandler said. “I learned a lot about myself and how far I can push myself.”

McBride said the department will work hard to determine methods to revamp the program. This may include new ways to market the program to better attract students and add other skills, such as more social media use in the classrooms.

“We’re not jumping up and down and saying, ‘Yay, we’re really excited to do this,’ but we would not be true to what the rich legacy of the program is [and] to its future students if we didn’t pause at this moment and say what do we need to do,” McBride said. tbrubaker@columbiachronicle.com

After renovations to the Getz Theatre, costumes, props and set pieces are stored inside the 72 E. 11th St. Building rather than the 1415 S. Wabash Ave. Building.

mwalsh@columbiachronicle.com

Nathan Cool, an associate architect from Gensler, said the theatre space was designed to optimize every inch to be an efficient production and teaching space for faculty and students.

The newly renovated performance space is a 28 ft. by 42 ft. courtyard-style stage with a total audience capacity of 197 people, Cool added.

A ssociate Professor of Instruction Albert Williams said the renovations open up a world of possibilities for what the Theatre Department can do artistically and technically.

“We have more space above the stage for better lighting facilities and we have space offstage for the actors as well as better dressing rooms,” Williams said. “It’s not just the Getz Theatre itself. It’s also the other areas in the building that support the Getz. We have a much more up-to-date makeup studio which allows us to do a lot more work with not only makeup but prosthetics and special effects.”

FSSI, FROM PAGE 6

aportalatin@columbiachronicle.com

» ERIN DICKSON/CHRONICLE

GETZ, FROM FRONT

FEBRUARY 19, 2018 THE CHRONICLE 11

» KEVIN TIONGSON/CHRONICLE

campus

Junior business and entrepreneurship major Noorani Pirani, who performs under the stage name N.S.P, sang his song “Anxiety” from his Jan. 7 album, My, at “Big Mouth: It’s Complicated,” held at HAUS in 623 S. Wabash Ave. on Feb. 15.

12 THE CHRONICLE FEBRUARY 19, 2018

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FEBRUARY 19, 2018 THE CHRONICLE 13

campus

14 THE CHRONICLE FEBRUARY 19, 2018

arts culture

“Black Panther” embodies long overdue letter to Afro-centrism » ColumbiaChronicle.com » PHOTOS COURTESY THISISDIBS

Artists, LPCS save a seat for homeless this winter

Jim Bachor, a local artist, said “dibs” in Chicago has an edge to it, making his seat piece an ominous warning to those who dare park in this spot.

» ALEXY EROUART ARTS & CULTURE REPORTER “DIBS” IS A way of staking a claim to some-

thing. In Chicago, the term describes the practice of protecting parking spots by putting a chair—or items such as laundry baskets or plastic Santa decorations—in the space you just shoveled free of 10 inches of snow. Now, the term is getting its own artistic movement.

HAVAS, a global marketing company, and the Lincoln Park Community Services, have partnered to commission artist designs for dibs chairs and to host auctions as part of “This is Dibs.” The proceeds will

benefit the homeless this winter by way of LPCS. Abby Farnham, director of development for Lincoln Park Community Services, said the project was set in motion as part of the LPCS organization’s project to raise funds for a larger facility and shelter for the community.

“We decided that since we’re expanding and we’re building a new $13 million facility in Old Town to expand our services, [we] decided to do something special to help benefit our capital campaign,” Farnham said.

The campaign has been successful with the participation of more than a dozen

argue is out of necessity, while others just need a place to park.”

Chicago artist Jim Bachor—whose chair sold for $760—said while no one can claim ownership of a public parking space, the fairness behind dibs is worthy of respect.

Bachor noted he is fortunate enough to own a garage but said he understands why his neighbors try to protect their spaces.

“My neighbors don’t have a driveway, so they’re always parking on the street … even though it’s city property and you don’t own anything, it makes sense,” Bachor said.

Lewellen said his piece was inspired by imagining what the city would be like with dibs as a publicly sanctioned practice.

Construction signs and “Property of Chicago” signs are imprinted on the chair, playing off the city seal as well as dislaying an imaginary department titled “The Department of Dibs Management.” aerouart@columbiachronicle.com

Anthony Lewellen, who was inspired by the idea of Chicago publicly sanctioning dibs, created a fictional department titled “Department of Dibs Management.

artists who contributed chairs, some of which, Farnham said, are selling for more than $600. So far, the final bids for chairs have ranged from $30–$760.

“It’s a really interesting way to use art to bring more attention to different issues in Chicago and our community,” Farnham said. “The more creative you can be when sharing information about different issues in the city, the more support you can get from the community and bring’s advocacy to these important issues.”

The act of Chicagoans participating in dibs, however, has been the center of a longstanding debate.

Anthony Lewellen, a Chicago artist whose chair sold for $435, said dibs is a gray area that must be evaluated judiciously.

“I have a neutral stance on dibs. I’m not pro-dibs and not against it,” Lewellend said.

“It’s something that happens in the city. It’s pretty difficult to have a hard-lined opinion because it’s a case-by-case basis. Some people do it [in a way] that no one would

FEBRUARY 19, 2018 THE CHRONICLE 15

arts & culture

ARE YOU THE NEXT MANIFEST CREATIVE DIRECTOR? Are you looking for a job, exposure and the opportunity to build your body of work? If so, apply to become the Creative Director of Manifest Urban Arts Festival 2019. Submit one or more pieces of original work that can be used as the look, feel and identity of Manifest utilizing the prompt “AMPLIFY” Your design should convey Manifest as edgy, innovative, unique, diverse and ambitious while keeping with the theme:

am · pli · fy

1.

2.

3.

4.

To To To To

make larger or more powerful (as in amount, importance, or intensity) increase the strength of; especially : to make louder expand in stating or describing, as by details or illustrations; clarify by expanding discourse at length; expatiate or expand one's remarks, speech, ideas, etc.

The chosen entry will win a year-long paid student worker position as the 2019 Manifest Creative Director. Instructions, examples and additional information can be found at colum.edu/manifest.

D E A D L I N E

16 THE CHRONICLE FEBRUARY 19, 2018

:

M A R C H

3 1 ,

2 0 1 8

arts & culture

» ARIANA PORTALATIN MANAGING EDITOR

Celebrities react to Florida shooting: Is a tweet enough?

F

actor Matt Damon told a reporter he wished Congress would ban guns the way Australia did in the 1990s. At the time, Damon was promoting his upcoming film “Jason Bourne,” which is advertised with a poster of Damon holding a gun. It’s almost hypocritical of Damon to advocate for fewer guns when many of his films feature guns and violence.

Damon also said he wished the film would not get politicized, but the reality is that media is extremely influential and even his films can impact how audience members view violence.

The U.S. easily has the most influential entertainment industries, yet depictions of guns on screen has more than tripled since 1985. Also, overall gun-use in film has risen approximately 51 percent in the last decade, according to a 2013 study

by Ohio State University’s School of Communication. The study concluded that the increase in violence and weapons in film can increase aggression, particularly in youth, and dubbed the result as “weapons effect.”

Hollywood represents just a small portion of the media, which also includes TV, music and social media. If celebrities want change, they cannot wait for others to do the work. It will take more than a simple tweet to spread a message of change. Any significant impact will take hard work, which can’t be accomplished just by individual posts. The combined work of everyone from all media is the only way to create the change we want to see in the world. It will also take following up on our words with action. aportalatin@columbiachronicle.com

ollowing the Feb. 14 shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School that resulted in the deaths of at least 17 people, celebrities and other public figures took to social media to offered condolences and calls to actions for gun regulation.

The flurry of tweets included reactions from Ellen Degeneres, Bette Midler, Gabrielle Union, Kim Kardashian West, Fifth Harmony, Chelsea Handler and Stephen King.

The number of Twitter followers of this group of celebrities alone amounts to 159.38 million. The reach these celebrities command to spread their opinions is enormous. But once followers log out of their Twitters, what will they see from those that have an influence on how the world works?

Tweeting for change rather than staying silent and ignoring the issue altogether is great, but a 280-word tweet, no matter how many followers see it, will only go so far.

Ultimately, it’s better to act on your views along with stating them online.

Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo, who attended the high school and has donated money to it through his charity foundation, tweeted his own sentiments but took it a step further by leaving the Cubs spring training camp in Mesa, Arizona, for Florida to be with his family and community.

Unlike Rizzo and a few others, there are still many celebrities who do not practice what they preach. In a way, it’s a doubled-edged sword. Celebrities are often told they live in an elite world separate from the rest—so segregated that they can’t possibly understand the struggles of ordinary people, so they shouldn’t even bother trying. However, the entertainment industry voicing political opinions is often rejected by audiences who wish the two would stay separate. Despite these opposing opinions, it is morally right to do what you can to create change. But it has to be more than verbal or written statements.

Not long after the June 2016 Pulse Nightclub shooting in Orlando, Florida,

FEBRUARY 19, 2018 THE CHRONICLE 17

arts & culture

Divvy’s Winter Medalist campaign is a tour de frigid

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mdarbyshire@columbiachronicle.com

AS WINTER WEATHER leaves snowdrifts on streets and sidewalks, Divvy wants to see whether its riders have what it takes to brave the blizzards and go for gold.

The launch of Divvy’s first annual “Winter Medalist” campaign, a four-week-long competition which began Feb. 5, has riders earning medals and bragging rights with each cold weather trip they take.

Kelly Goldthorpe, director of Marketing and Rider Experience at Divvy, said the timing was perfect to implement an idea they had been playing with for two years.

“We know that people love to ride Divvy in the summer. That’s obviously when we see the most ridership,” Goldthorpe said, “But we also know that our riders love a good challenge.”

» ZACHARY KELTNER/CHRONICLE

» MAYAN DARBYSHIRE ARTS & CULTURE REPORTER

gold for completing 10 trips. The Loop, rode Divvy more than bike lanes that aren’t as clean as trips are tracked through riders’ 6,200 miles in 2017, making him they typically are, it’s just really accounts. Achieving gold will Divvy’s top rider. Roland said he important to stay alert while ridnet riders an invitation to a vic- was excited for the victory event ing,” Goldthorpe said. tory event March 4 at Emporium because he loves meeting people.

Julia Gerasimenko, advocacy The campaign consists of three Arcade Bar in Logan Square, Roland, 23, who has a lot of expe- manager at Active Transportation tiers: bronze for the completion according to the bar’s website. rience in cold weather, said bicy- Alliance, an advocacy group of just one trip or more, silver Kerdia Roland, a bike courier cling in the winter was a challenge. that partnered with Divvy and for completing five or more and and entrepreneur living in the He put baby powder in his socks to the Chicago Department of keep his feet from sweating and Transportation to implement getting cold.

Divvy in the city, said she was Roland said riders need to be pleased with Divvy’s creative careful of the temperature as it tactics but still wants to see more can cause serious harm. government support for bicycle “The wind can cause a cold flu, infrastructure. pneumonia, things of that nature,” “It’s a good strategy to get people Roland said. “So make sure you on their bikes, but when people are can cover from your nose down to biking and seeing that you can still your mouth and your neck as well.” do it comfortably in the winter,” Chicago hit record low tem- Gerasimenko said, “That joy of peratures this year and the recent the experience will motivate snowstorm gave Chicago almost 7 them to take even more rides.” inches of snowfall.

Roland makes a living on a Goldthorpe said Divvy bikes Divvy and said he encourages were well equipped and serviced others to get out there and stay for the colder weather and trekking safe while doing it. through snow, but she encourages “It is a fantastic way to not riders to to take precautions by only generate income but a way wearing helmets and high visiblity to really stay healthy and find clothing while bicycling. that healthier you, a fitter you.”

Divvy’s new Winter Medalist program will run throughout February and reward “With more snow in the road and Roland said. riders for taking cold weather trips with tiered accolades.

arts & culture A celebration of international, independent film chicagofeministfilmfestival.com

CHICAGO

FILM FESTIVAL

March 7-9, 2018 Film Row Cinema 1104 S. Wabash Ave. 8th floor FEBRUARY 19, 2018 THE CHRONICLE 19

feature

Lights, camera, discrimination!

Women fight for equal future on film sets

C

o Co Hong made her first film in seventh grade. She replicated a short film her teacher had made, inserting a bit of her own flair, and it sparked something in her.

Since then, she has always known that filmmaking was her future.

What Hong, a junior cinema and television arts major, didn’t realize until she began her studies was the lack of female filmmakers and stories in the industry.

In 2017, only 4 percent of cinematographers in the 250 top-grossing films were women, according to a study done by Women and Hollywood, a group that educates and advocates for gender equality. Of the 1,100 top-grossing films from 2007–2017, only 4.3 percent of all directors were women with only four black female

20 THE CHRONICLE FEBRUARY 19, 2018

directors, three Asian female directors and one Latina female director within that sample. During the 75th Golden Globe Awards, Jan. 7, actress Natalie Portman presented the Best Director award and made sure to point out the nominees were all male.

In the history of the Golden Globe Awards, only seven women have been nominated for Best Director, and only one won—Barbra Streisand in 1984, who said as she presented an award in January, “That was 34 years ago. Time’s up. We need more women directors and more women to be nominated for Best Director.”

For Hong, however, underrepresentation does not act as a deterrent. “I feel a little scared, like I am going into a boxing fight, and I know I’m going to end up with a bloody

nose,” she said, “but I still want to be in that fight because I know that the more women are out there, the easier it will be for the people after us.”

Maya Nudo, a junior cinema and television arts major, agreed that though she may be daunted by the inequality in the industry, it motivates her.

“It makes me excited to see those numbers grow and to have a hand in that because I know that there’s more than 4 percent [of women] who are working in the industry,” she said. “There are so many women who want to put in the work.”

To place herself in the ring for the equality fight, Hong recently began a Facebook group called “Feme in Film” after realizing the lack of Columbia student organizations for women in film. According to Hong, the Facebook group is meant to make opportunities on sets of student projects accessible to other women and to spark a conversation about their experiences in the industry.

When Jennifer Warren founded the Alliance of Women Directors in 1997, she was striving toward a similar goal.

While at a dinner for the American Film Institute’s Directing Workshop for Women, a mentoring program for female screen directors, Warren and some of the other few working female

feature Because of problems like this, producers started bypassing agents altogether and coming to the AWD to find female directors for specific projects. The AWD has responded by compiling a database that organizes its members by genre and budget so producers can reach out to them directly.

Groups and resources such as AWD are imperative for women entering the industry. In 1980, Sherry Lansing became the first woman to head a major studio when she became president of 20th Century Fox Productions.

While Lansing could have used her position to do her part in leveling the playing field by starting programs like AWD, she did not, nor did she begin any mentoring programs like AFI’s. Women opening doors for other women, is what Hong hasn’t seen even in an academic environment at Columbia.

Hong has witnessed senior females at Columbia who refuse to offer help to younger students, she said, so everyone will have to struggle against the same obstacles.

This is the mentality that must change so that women like Ciara Holloway, a 2017 cinema and television arts alumna who moved to Los Angeles in 2017 to pursue screenwriting and producing, can have opportunities in the industry. Holloway has struggled, not just as a woman in the industry, but with the feeling of being the lone voice of a minority as an African-American woman.

“Whenever there’s a huge difference in an industry with the majority of people that are working in it, you’re always going to feel like, ‘I can’t do this, no one’s going to listen to my

voice.’ But you have to work through that,” Holloway said. “There [have] been moments where I think, ‘I’m African American, so no one’s going to listen to what I say,’ or, ‘I’m a woman, so no one’s going to take it seriously,’ but you just have to look past that because there’s so many people who have proven that wrong in the industry.”

Women have fought to prove to younger female filmmakers like Holloway that opportunities can be found or created, despite how desolate things may seem. In 2017, movies such as “Wonder Woman,” directed by Patty Jenkins; “Mudbound,” directed by Dee Rees; and “Lady Bird,” directed by Greta Gerwig, all told the stories of women and were met with critical acclaim and box-office success.

However, despite “Wonder Woman” being the highest-grossing superhero origin film in history, with global box office totals more than $821.74 million and a 92 percent “fresh” rating on Rotten Tomatoes, the film and Jenkins were shut out at both the Golden Globes and the Academy Awards. “Lady Bird” was nominated for four Golden Globe awards, including Best Screenplay and Best Musical or Comedy, but Gerwig, who wrote and directed the film, was not nominated for Best Director.

Gerwig also was not nominated at the British Academy Film And Television Arts awards. When questioned about this, chairman of the BAFTA film committee Marc Samuelsson told Variety what agents and executives had told Warren: “There aren’t enough female directors.”

This lack of recognition and circular rhetoric is what undermines the progress that is

made each time a woman is given exposure for her work.

If women are producing popular and well-received content but are not publicly recognized for their work, they will continue to be dismissed by those in the industry. Major studio executives who want to win awards will still have an excuse to cite for women in behind-the-scenes roles not being competitive contenders on big-budget film sets.

The impact made when women are recognized for their work is clear. Only four women had previously been nominated for the Academy Award for best director. When Kathyrn Bigelow was the first woman to win the category in 2010 for “The Hurt Locker,” it said to Gerwig for the first time, “This is a job available to you,” according to a January interview with Variety. Now Gerwig brings the count of female nominees to five.

According to Susan Kerns, co-founder of the Chicago Feminist Film Festival and adjunct cinema and television arts professor, that recognition will continue to motivate and empower women to fight through the barriers that still exist for them.

“You get a sense, when you don’t see people like you in an industry, that that industry is not for you,” Kerns said. “So the more that we can see black women getting recognized for their work, as soon as we start to see wider recognition in all of these [behind-the-scenes] roles … [these] roles in the industry can be opened up to all kinds of people.”

For Hong, throwing punches and fighting to open up those roles for women is exactly what she wants to do.

“I’m so ready to fight this fight,” she said, “because it’s worthwhile. A bloody nose will be worth it.” mmanier@columbiachronicle.com

directors realized what it was like to be in the company of their peers—an opportunity they rarely had—and started the AWD. “Everybody was so thrilled to be together to finally have somebody who had gone through some of the same problems that they had,” Warren said. “When I got up to speak, I said, ‘This is too good. This is too important to all of us not to keep this going.’ We can give each other support and information and band together at this time when nobody [is] interested in having a woman direct anything.”

According to Warren, the AWD acted as a support group more than anything over its first 18 years. The women who belonged to it struggled with being shut out of the industry, and often had to create their own independent projects and attach themselves to the material.

According to a 2014 study done by the Sundance Institute and Women in Film, 70.2 percent of movies with a female director submitted to the Sundance Festival from 2002– 2014 were distributed by independent companies, which have lesser financial resources and industry clout, compared to only 56.9 percent of movies with a male director. “[Agents] would say, ‘Oh, there aren’t any women directors,’” Warren said. “Or, ‘Oh, there are a few, but they’re all working.’ We have over 300 members. Obviously there are a lot of women directors; it’s just that nobody wants to face the problem.

It’s discrimination.”

FEBRUARY 19, 2018 THE CHRONICLE 21

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arts & culture

Marvel’s Black Panther blazes new trails

aerouart@columbiachronicle.com

rarely represented accurately in major films. “[The fashion] is more modern.�

Yarbrough said. “I want [the movie] to change how people see the continent of Africa, bring it more into the 21st century.�

Yarbrough added that the film provides opportunity to create a dialogue in the black community, where he said a cultural divide exists between African-born and Featuring the first majority black cast in a major super hero movie, Marvel’s American-born black people. “Hollywood portrays it as two Black Panther, directed by Ryan Coogler, premiered Feb. 16 in theatres across the country. separate identities,� Yarbrough said. By comparison, white “I don’t think we should put as Civil War,� and “Avengers: Age identity is allowed to have roots much cultural stock in this movie,� of Ultron,� have achieved the and depth extending past the Gordon said. “This is just a Marvel billion-dollar mark.

American viewpoint, and are movie that black people have been “This very well could allowed more of a middle ground put in charge of. I don’t think this be Marvel’s centerpiece. for their cultural identity, he added. should redefine anything. It’s a Robert Downey Jr.’s conPJ Gordon, a writer for Fake cool thing we’re doing.� tract is up; he’s not going Shore Drive and an employee Gordon added that Marvel’s to be Iron Man soon,� at First Aid Comics, said the main driver is the idea this char- Gordon said. “Black Panther movie should be viewed as acter and franchise could be their could be the center of the a Marvel movie first and fore- next billion-dollar title. So far, four Marvel Universe. At the most, rather than overthinking Marvel movies, “The Avengers,� very least, he is going to be a its intent. “Iron Man 3,� “Captain America: household name.�

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perception that the continent is stuck in the past.

Chelsea Williams, a senior AFTER MONTHS OF social media business and entrepreneurship hype over “Black Panther,� film major, said she thinks movies audiences will finally see Mar- can misrepresent cultures and vel’s first majority black cast and stigmatize audiences. black director, and the studio’s “A lot of people portray what they first black superhero in a leading see via movies and media in gensilver screen role. eral [as the truth]. A lot of the times The comic book character was movies can get cultures completely originally created by Stan Lee wrong,� Williams said. and Jack Kirby, first appearing Directed by Ryan Coogler in the July 1966, issue of the (“Creed,� 2015), the film’s Feb. 16 Fantastic Four. release has inspired fans to post “Black Panther� is set in the their cosplay outfits on social fictional country of Wakanda, a media, broadcasting their enthuhigh-tech, futuristic nation in siasm for what may well become Sub-Saharan Africa. Critics have a franchise. already lauded the film as being The casts’ costumes echo tratrue to African roots without ditional African garb, and the falling prey to the common ide- ensemble includes Chadwick als of Anglo-Saxon stereotypes Boseman, Michael B. Jordan, of African countries.

Lupita Nyong’o, Danai Gurira, Jaylen Yarbrough, a senior Angela Bassett and many more. music major, said African peoYarbrough said he is espeple are often portrayed as “third cially excited to see Africanworld,� individuals creating a false styled fashion, which he feels is

Âť ALEXY EROUART ARTS & CULTURE REPORTER

arts & culture

Trevor Hall is all about ‘simple qualities’

audiofile

be anywhere, and you can live as a villager. stress in how we’re going to pay for this and In our day and age, things have become so that. The love and support that came in was complex . As far as communication with our so overwhelming. And it was beautiful too, in phones, we’re able to contact anybody in the the sense that our fans are our record label, revor Hall is a man of mysticism. world. But at the same time, we’re very iso- our villagers. This is an album that is being Born on an island in South Caroli- lated. The village represents the opposite; it built from the ground up as a community, as na and penning his first album at 16, represents community. It represents being a a village versus being on a label and getting Hall is passionate about music and his con- family. Small is beautiful. It’s more of a con- money and your fans and your community duit for healing the Earth and the human cept rather than a specific place on the map. knowing nothing about it untill you put it out. spirit. His smooth and woodsy reggae styles have given way to a sonic exploration into the stars on The Fruitful Darkness, a multipart, completely crowdfunded album that marks Hall’s first time independent. Hall will perform at Evanston SPACE, 1245 Chicago Ave., Feb. 23–24.

The Chronicle spoke with Hall about his fans, crowdfunded music and finding the fruit in the dark. » MAYAN DARBYSHIRE ARTS & CULTURE REPORTER

T

we don’t get something quick, we move on.

I found when we release a regular album all at the same time, like 12 or 13 songs, it’s a lot of content at one time. A lot of songs get lost and stories don’t get to be told. Even myself, when I listen to a new record, it’s kind of rare for me to make it to the last four or five songs on the album. We wanted to have a broader conversation and we wanted each song to get its proper place.

NOW PLAYING Rushing

Music for when you’re speeding through the day » MAYAN DARBYSHIRE

“Gemini”

Alabama Shakes Wax

“The Fruitful Darkness”

Trevor Hall

“Currents”

Eisley Childish Gambino

» SAWYER GAUNT

SENIOR PHOTO EDITOR

“Too Fast” “Add the Bassline” “Champion” “Surfin’”

“Long Cool Woman”

The Hollies

Jordan Rakei

“N.Y. State Of Mind”

Nas

Kanye West Kid Cudi Ft. Pharrell Wiliams

“Stand Tall”

Childish Gambino

Tyler, The Creator

“Can’t Stop”

Red Hot Chilli Peppers

“Jerry Was A Race Car Driver”

“BOOGIE”

Brockhampton

“Dirty Harry”

“Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard” Paul Simon

24 THE CHRONICLE FEBRUARY 19, 2018

“Run Like Hell” “Immigrant Song”

The Roots, feat. Son Little

“L.A. Woman”

The Doors

“Range Life”

Pavement

MEDIA SALES REP

Hippo Campus

The Kooks

“Guns Are Drawn”

» GRACE SENIOR

CAMPUS REPORTER

“Way It Goes”

“Around Town”

Sonder

» OLIVIA DELOIAN

MULTIMEDIA REPORTER “911 / Mr. Lonely”

» KEVIN TIONGSON

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

“Don’t Need”

“Sober”

Listen to all the tracks at http://open.spotify.com/user/thecolumbiachronicle

» JOCELYN MORENO

ARTS & CULTURE REPORTER

mdarbyshire@columbiachronicle.com

» COURTESY TREVOR HALL

Do you think all darkness can be fruitful?

Darkness doesn’t mean negative. It can just mean undefined, things that are not concrete, and in our day and age, especially in our western culture, we like concreteness. We like things to be figured out, and when we don’t figure them out, it scares us. Then we push it away.

Trevor Hall is currently on THE CHRONICLE: Your fans are called We’ve been taught to shove things under his A Night In The Village Tour coming to Evanston Villagers, and your upcoming tour is the rug, which is really unhealthy SPACE Feb. 23–24. called A Night in the Village. So what and in many other different cultures exactly is the village? around the world, they don’t hide TREVOR HALL: The village is something Your most recent project The Fruitful So it’s been a really cool process, really dif- anything. They celebrate the undeI’ve been inspired by through my travels in Darkness was completely funded on ferent; [I am] learning a lot and grateful for it. fined, the not knowing, the unanIndia and Nepal, and of course there are Kickstarter. How was that process? swered. By doing that, by facing external villages, but the village to me rep- It was crazy because it was our first indepen- Why did you choose to break up The it, befriending it, they gain this resents simple living and living close to the dent release. I just completed my contract Fruitful Darkness into parts? wisdom, which I believe a lot of us earth and simple qualities. It represents with my previous label and I wanted to go Our attention span isn’t as strong. We can’t access because we’re scared of community, and it’s something that can independent, but with that comes a lot of constantly need to be stimulated, and if the dark.

Primus Gorillaz Pink Floyd Led Zeppelin

“Holding On To You” “2 Heads” “Silver Lining” “broken” “Turn”

Twenty One Pilots Coleman Hell Mt. Joy lovelytheband The Wombats

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arts & culture

our staff’s top 5 picks:

Column: How does that make you feel? » MOLLY WALSH CAMPUS REPORTER

C

mwalsh@columbiachronicle.com

oming into this year at college, I thought I was at the height of my emotional intelligence. It took a weekend of panic attacks and three weeks in an intensive outpatient program to confirm that I am, in fact, emotionally unintelligent.

To be fair, I’m not the only person who is at a loss when it comes to reacting to feelings. People constantly suppress and apologize for their emotions because it’s considered a crime to let people inside our brains. Allowing other people to know how we feel is bold.

Vulnerability is a faux pas. Engaging in an emotional response is a weakness.

Unfortunately, hiding emotions doesn’t make them go away. Eventually, they will explode like an overfilled piñata, minus the fun.

People spend so much time trying to connect with each other, but we can barely connect to ourselves. It took a social worker, an art therapist and a psychiatrist to convince me to discuss how I’ve been feeling for 21 years.

Too often, people allow emotions to dictate their entire lives because of the fear of vulnerability and acceptance. There are so many relationships, parties and opportunities that I’ve missed because my piñata exploded. If you’re feeling like a stuffed piñata, let your confetti and candy fly. It might be messy and exhausting and you might miss a month of school to go to therapy, but you’ll be taught lessons that you can’t learn in a classroom.

MARVEL COMICS’ BLUNDERS OF 2017

REMINDERS DURING A BAD DAY

SPORTS ANNOUNCERS

» ERIC BRADACH MANAGING EDITOR

» SAVANNAH EADENS METRO REPORTER

» BLAISE MESA METRO REPORTER

Editor-in-chief demeans artists:

Forgive yourself:

Vin Scully:

Former Editor-in-Chief Axel Alonso said artists don’t affect sales and are difficult to promote. Did he forget how that mentality led to creating one of Marvel’s biggest competitors, Image Comics, in the early ‘90s?

You are human. Everyone is allowed to have a bad day once in a while. It’s okay to wallow in self pity for a short period of time, but it’s only going to make things worse if you are angry or blaming yourself for having emotions.

After more than 65 years in the broadcast booth and 28 World Series, Vin Scully is a fan favorite. With Bill Buckner’s error in game six of the ‘86 World Series and Bob Gibson’s home run in game one of the ‘88 World Series, Scully’s calls bring a tear to your eye and a chill down your spine.

Fraudulent editor-in-chief:

Your feelings are valid:

Shortly after Marvel named C.B. Cebulski as editor-in-chief in November, he was outed as an identity impersonator. He admitted that he wrote under a false Japanese name, Akira Yoshida, years ago. His reason for this stunt doesn’t matter: This scar will live with him and Marvel forever.

A bad day is not just the result of hormones or lack of sleep. When you are overthinking every decision you have made, realize your feelings could be an accurate representation of what you’re going through.

“X-Men” derailed: “X-Men,” one of the company’s most iconic franchises, has not been critically well received lately. In an attempt to make a course correction, Marvel released several new “X-Men” titles. But that all fell off the rails in the first issue of “X-Men: Gold,” which had hate speech in its art.

Spoiler alert:

You don’t control everything: While I still believe we have control over our days to an extent, some events are beyond our control. Accept the things that you cannot change. You ultimately have the ability to decide what affects you—whether it’s a late CTA train or a rude co-worker.

Your friends will understand:

Days before the controversial “Secret Empire” story’s final issue was released, Marvel spoiled its ending in an August New York Times article. In the story, Captain America is revealed as a double agent for Hydra, which later turns out not to be true...big surprise.

It’s common to hide your emotions from friends and family, assuming they won’t understand. You’re not being dramatic when you’re having a bad day. Talk to your loved ones because, more often than not, they can help you realize what is important. They will also reassure and validate your feelings.

Pulling a Hindenburg:

You’re important:

To get fans hyped for “Secret Empire,” Marvel requested that comic book retailers dress up their stores and staff in Hydra gear, ignoring that the terrorist group is affiliated with Nazis. Needless to say, the request was met with criticism, crashing and burning like the Hindenburg.

Take a walk, turn on your favorite playlist and just take a breath. We often focus on everything lacking in our lives and ignore our accomplishments. Look around you and be proud of everything you are and have done. Bad days pass, and there are so many things to be thankful for.

26 THE CHRONICLE FEBRUARY 19, 2018

Dave Niehaus: No sports call has ever topped Dave Niehaus’ call of Edgar Martinez’ grand slam in the 1995 AL Division Series’ game four.

Niehaus wasn’t just fun to listen to, he was original and had a true enthusiasm for the game.

Jack Brickhouse: The Cubs have not only had legendary players but also legendary broadcasters.

Brickhouse began his run in the late ‘40s and called many historic moments. Even though Brickhouse called both White Sox and Cubs games, he will forever be remembered for his presence in Wrigley’s broadcasting booth.

Dick Enberg: Hall of Fame broadcaster doesn’t begin to scratch the surface. Enberg has been honored with the National Baseball Hall of Fame’s Ford C. Frick Award, the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Rozelle Award and the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame’s Gowdy Award. Enberg was one of the most versatile broadcasters of all time.

John Madden: You don’t get a video game named after you if you aren’t a legend. Madden was one on the field and in the booth. He was the perfect combination of funny and insightful to appeal to all fans.

arts & culture

SCALE

MUSIC

VIDEO

VIRAL

RANDOM

MARSHMELLO’S ‘FRIENDS’

NETFLIX’S ‘QUEER EYE FOR THE STRAIGHT GUY’ REBOOT

KIM KARDASHIAN’S HOT DOG SUSHI

CHICAGO FLAG

» BLAISE MESA METRO REPORTER

» MIRANDA MANIER ARTS & CULTURE REPORTER

» TESSA BRUBAKER CAMPUS REPORTER

» ZOË HAWORTH CREATIVE DIRECTOR

I don’t listen to many songs by Marshmello. I’ve actually spent more time ignoring him. His latest song “Friends,” released Feb. 9, is another reason why I choose not to listen. The song starts out with promise but can’t seem to capitalize on it. It doesn’t draw you in and repeats the same lyrics over again, making it predictable. On the bright side, the song is only three minutes long and doesn’t waste too much of your time.

The Netflix reboot of the 2003–2007 Bravo show “Queer Eye for the Straight Guy” has the same basic format as the original show—five gay men, each with a “speciality” like fashion, culture or interior design. They “make over” men in desperate need of a new image. However, the reboot is touching and political enough, with the “Fab Five” going to rural towns across Georgia to talk to conservative people. It’s the perfect combination.

Kim Kardashian shared a Snapchat Feb. 10 of a hot dog inside of a sushi roll—a meal for her kids—and lit Twitter up in flames. Many people tweeted that this dinner was a disaster and she was a horrible mother, while others thought it was a creative idea. I tend to lean toward the latter. While I wouldn’t want to eat a hot dog sushi roll, I understand the difficulties of getting little kids to eat. You gotta do what you gotta do.

I may be biased, but the Chicago flag is the greatest flag in the country. While minimalistic, each element is significant. Each star represents a part of Chicago’s history, the blue stripes are a mark of the rivers and the white stripes reference the three sides of the city. The design transfers well to a variety of decor, from mugs, blankets, coasters, necklaces and much more. The possibilities are endless and featured prominently in my apartment.

MUSIC

VIDEO

VIRAL

RANDOM

‘FIFTY SHADES FREED’ SOUNDTRACK

R3HAB’S ‘THE WAVE’ MUSIC VIDEO

EGG CHALLENGE

BTS VS. ONE DIRECTION

» SAVANNAH EADENS METRO REPORTER

» ALEXY EROUART ARTS & CULTURE REPORTER

» MOLLY WALSH CAMPUS REPORTER

» BROOKE PAWLING STENNETT DIGITAL MANAGING EDITOR

The “Fifty Shades of Grey” trilogy has always aimed to satisfy its fanbase, and the soundtrack is no exception. In the final installment, “Fifty Shades Freed’s” soundtrack has the perfect combination of sensual and intriguing tunes. But while there are some definite bops from Dua Lipa, Rita Ora and Liam Payne, I just can’t see myself adding this soundtrack to a sexy playlist like the previous movies.

These songs can’t beat the steaminess of The Weeknd’s 2016 hit “Earned It.”

Lia Marie Johnson is apparently a YouTube celebrity with more than a million subscribers. Turns out, she’s also a pretty talented singer. R3HAB, a Dutch producer, made the instrumental for the track, which is a piano-led anthem with a standard pop-electronic rhythm section.

The lyrics sound like are an innuendo, and the video features clean shots of the ocean and male and female lead roles trying to impress each other while riding their respective waves.

The latest trend that has taken the internet by storm is the “Egg Challenge.”

Apparently, a golden retriever’s mouth is so gentle that they can hold an egg in it without cracking. Now, Twitter users are putting all breeds of canines to the test, and the results are hilarious and messy.

Search for the Egg Challenge on Twitter and watch the most wholesome videos on Earth. Just when we thought they couldn’t get any better, man’s best friend proves us all wrong.

It’s no secret BTS is going to take over 2018, considering “MIC Drop” and “DNA” just went gold. It’s also no surprise that social media users started comparing BTS to One Direction due to that success, but it has to stop. There are few similarities between the groups, but it’s about time the U.S. started opening itself up to new, culturally different music. 1D had its unique charms we all loved, but it went on hiatus for a reason. Let BTS have its own historical journey, please.

FEBRUARY 19, 2018 THE CHRONICLE 27

Chocolate Peanut Butter Krisps » TESSA BRUBAKER CAMPUS REPORTER

Craving a Rice Krispies treat but looking for a little more excitement? The perfect go-to is this quick and simple chocolate peanut butter Rice Krispies treats recipe. The ingredients are cheap and you can whip it together in under 15 minutes. It’s great for parties or if you’re just looking for something to satiate your peanut-butter-and-chocolate cravings.

tbrubaker@columbiachronicle.com

arts & culture

INGREDIENTS: 2 cups peanut butter, divided 3 cups marshmallows 3 cups Rice Krispies cereal 1 1/2 cups M&Ms 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips, melted

DIRECTIONS:

1. Melt 1 cup peanut butter and marshmallows over medium heat in saucepan, stirring constantly.

2. Add Rice Krispies cereal and 1 cup M&Ms into saucepan and stir until evenly distributed.

3. Pour mixture into buttered 9 x 9 pan.

4. Melt 2 cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips in microwave, stirring every 30 seconds.

5. Pour chocolate on mixture, spread evenly.

6. Melt remaining peanut butter in microwave and drizzle over top.

recipe

7. Sprinkle 1/2 cup of M&Ms over top.

8. Chill for at least 2 hours.

9. Cut from pan and enjoy!

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opinions

No cold shoulder: Columbia can give support in extreme weather

C

hicago was swept under a blanket of snow Feb. 8 as Winter Storm Mateo blew through in the late hours, becoming the worst snowstorm this winter. By the evening hours of Feb. 9, 10 inches of snow had fallen in some areas.

Before the snowfall began, city officials, the National Weather Service and local news outlets stressed the dangers that would come with the storm.

During a Feb. 8 press conference, Mayor Rahm Emanuel warned, “Make no mistake about it: This is a heavy snow, heavier than we have seen in a number of winters.”

Chicago Public Schools heeded warnings and cancelled classes, making it the first time in more than

three years the school district has closed due to inclement weather.

Many Chicagoans who have experienced some of the worst of weather—including the 2014 “polar vortex” during which temperatures dropped to minus 16 degrees and the 2011 blizzard that dumped more than 20 inches of snow— were unfazed by what seemed like a measly 10-inch snow accumulation.

But nonchalantly viewing the storm as only a traveling inconvenience is dangerous because we forget the most vulnerable residents affected by severe weather.

A Naperville, Illinois, man in his 60s died after suffering a heart attack while shoveling the snow left by Mateo,

Compassion for Syrians cannot be conditional

COMMENTARY » TYRA BOSNIC OPINIONS EDITOR

W

hen was the last time you cared about Syria? Was it the last time you saw an injured Syrian child on Twitter? Do you ever think about the thousands dead and millions displaced?

While we are choosing to not pay attention, the people of Syria continue to suffer.

Since Feb. 5, hundreds of people have died in the Eastern Ghouta suburb of

Syria as a bombardment led by Bashar al-Assad’s forces has prolonged residents’ years of suffering. Ghouta has been under siege since April 2013, and civilians in the area have continued to endure harsh restrictions on humanitarian supplies such as medicine and food as their homes are leveled by devastating airstrikes.

Innocent people have been caught in the crosshairs of one of this century’s greatest catastrophes, and the violent disregard for human life doesn’t end at Syria’s borders.

As one of the largest populations forced out of their homes by war, nearly 13 million Syrians have been displaced during the last seven years, according to the Pew Research Center. Although nearly half of the population is displaced within Syria, thousands have sought refuge abroad in countries in Europe, Africa and North America.

The migrant crisis caught international attention as the dangerous journey to the coasts of Turkey and Greece that has claimed hundreds of lives was highlighted by international media outlets.

according to the Chicago Tribune, and other weather events in the last year have shown how deadly winter can be.

In 2017, 26 people suffered from cold-related deaths, many of whom were older residents or homeless. With constant sub-zero temperatures, Illinois ranks among the top five states with the most cold-related deaths per year.

Chicagoans are proud of their ability to brave the toughest conditions Mother Nature has to offer, but that should not distract us from helping our fellow residents who lack resources to face extreme weather.

The city of Chicago’s website lists six designated warming centers, but only one is in operation 24 hours a day. Although local nonprofit organizations do what they can to provide aid—and warmth—to those most in need, resources are too slim to ensure that the thousands of homeless people in Chicago are safe from the cold.

EDITORIAL However, institutions like Columbia where students are expected to engage with the lively urban landscape can reach out to populations with often-ignored needs.

Organizing collegewide donation drives, for example, is a simple way to provide resources to communities and show students how to make an impact. If the college wants to take its position as an open campus to heart, college buildings can serve as a tool to interact with and support others in the city by converting lobbies into additional warming centers or spaces for community engagement and volunteerism. This would also help to relieve some of the burden on already sparse and under-resourced local organizations.

Especially because the college encourages social justice ideals such as diversity and inclusion, Columbia should make a substantial effort in encouraging students to open the campus to the greater Chicago community we are surrounded by every day.

Because of extreme conditions at sea and overcrowding on unstable boats, many migrants have lost their lives in a desperate attempt to escape the war.

For those who survive the journey, new obstacles continue to test the limits of an already tired and traumatized group of people.

Thousands of displaced Syrians face horrifying conditions in refugee camps that have been dubbed “island prisons” on the Greek island Lesbos. Simple necessities like food and water are scarce and living quarters are nearly uninhabitable.

The camps are severely overcrowded, the stench of human waste often hangs over the camps as the available bathrooms cannot accommodate the sheer number of people and the tents used for shelter are horribly insufficient to protect the refugees from the elements. This suffering is deliberate. As far-right, anti-immigrant sentiments fester in Europe, camps like these are an insidious attempt to deter one of the world’s most vulnerable groups from seeking safety in the European Union.

Far-right political parties in a handful of Western European countries built their platforms and won substantial votes by disparaging refugees and asylum seekers from Syria. This group is

broadly painted as violent terrorists bent on destroying predominantly white countries when all they want is a needed break from violence. But white supremacy refuses to afford them this.

In 2016, nearly 10 hate crimes per day were committed against Syrian refugees in Germany. This horrific trend wasn’t limited to Europe either as the U.S. reported anti-Muslim hate crimes increased by nearly 20 percent the same year.

The people of Syria endure prolonged violence in the forms of airstrikes, displacement and xenophobia, and after our hollow prayers and empty promises for their safety cease because we have stopped paying attention once the next atrocity occurred, these evils continue to ravage the population.

Their suffering is not temporary and it is vital that our compassion is not either. For every continued assault on the Syrian people, there must be sustained, material support through donations, advocacy and political action.

The responsibility to remember the thousands of Syrians who have faced insurmountable hardship because of this war and because of the incendiary ideology that continues to victimize them falls on every person with the means to make a difference.

Editorial Board Members Brooke Pawling Stennett Digital Managing Editor Tyra Bosnic Opinions Editor Blaise Mesa Metro Reporter Jay Berghuis Copy Editor

Mayan Darbyshire Arts & Culture Reporter Erin Dickson Staff Photographer Kami Rieck Media Sales Rep Eric Eldridge Webmaster

30 THE CHRONICLE FEBRUARY 19, 2018

Did you catch a mistake, think we could have covered a story better or have strong beliefs about an issue that faces all of us here at Columbia?

Why not write a letter to the editor? At the bottom of Page 2, you’ll find a set of guidelines on how to do this. Let us hear from you. —The Columbia Chronicle Editorial Board

opinions

Ugly politics: Jabs at Trump’s looks will not create change » JAY BERGHUIS COPY EDITOR

O

» ZACK JACKSON/CHRONICLE

n Feb. 7, President Donald J. Trump boarded Air Force One on a fatefully blustery day. The wind lifted his thinning hair off his head, exposing a large bald spot beneath.

Shortly after, the ruthless attacks began.

Progressives compared him to Voldemort and even made jokes about scalp reduction surgeries. These jabs came from the usual Twitter trolls, of course, but many articles were also written with headlines that include Vanity Fair’s “Warning!

Don’t read this before lunch!”

These headlines highlight something seriously awry among those of us with left-leaning tendencies: Hyper-fixating on a political figure’s appearance is a distraction at best and an actively oppressive waste of time at worst.

This hair debacle comes only a few weeks

jberghuis@columbiachronicle.com

COMMENTARY

after the White House released an overview of Trump’s health Jan. 15, which placed him at a BMI of 29.9, just one tenth of a point short of being listed as “obese.” The world was quick to take jabs at Trump’s physique, comparing him to athletes of the same height and weight with more muscular bodies. Many even insisted the stats on Trump’s health must be fake, some calling it a “girther” movement, an allusion to when people demanded to see former President Barack Obama’s birth certificate.

Taking issue with making fun of the president’s baldness or weight does not imply Trump deserves our respect. The issue is that it distracts us from reality.

Trump is racist, sexist, classist, xenophobic, transphobic, homophobic, ableist and more, and none of that is because he is fat or bald. It’s because of a culture that tells rich people they are superior to the poor, white people that they are superior to non-white people, and men that they are superior to women. Trump is a product of our toxic society, and every tasteless joke at him only serves to perpetuate that culture further.

That very culture tells us that thin people are superior to fat and that attractive people are superior to ugly, and a jab at the only areas where Trump lacks privilege is a jab at all people who lack that privilege. We do not gain status by putting others down; we gain status by dismantling the system that tells us we should put them down in the first place.

Yes, it is absolutely terrifying to face the reality that our country is being led by a person—and, as of right now, a party— that dehumanizes millions. It is infinitely more dangerous to pretend that all of these leaders are just brutish, ugly idiots who we can laugh at until they simply go away and life returns to normal. Making fun of Trump’s beer gut will not protect immigrants. Making fun of his bald spot will not save net neutrality, reproductive rights or health care. We have to be smarter, we have to be louder, and we have to punch up.

In response to Jan. 29 article:

‘Student veterans search for renewed camaraderie, group recognition’ LETTER TO THE EDITOR

I

would like to clarify the reasons behind Student Life’s decision to create a new space for student veterans at the Office of Student Diversity and Inclusion.

Student Life relocated the student veterans’ office to the SDI after a year of examining the benefits that this would provide to student veterans—and to the student body at large.

Student Life staff had observed that fewer student veterans were utilizing the student veterans’ space and made every effort to gather feedback from student veterans of their needs. Our staff also discussed this with the student veteran adviser—a veteran who assists student veterans with their GI bill coverage and other financial services—and with staff who managed the student veterans’ space. To help create more awareness among student veterans of campus space and resources available to them, and to expand their interaction with the larger student body, Student Life relocated

the student veterans’ space to SDI. At the SDI Office, student veterans can receive additional support and access to resources. These include, but are not limited to, open space for socialization; meeting spaces and conference rooms; on-site staff assistance; a resource room and meditation room; a computer lab; and a kitchenette, which includes a microwave, toaster, refrigerator and a coffee/tea station.

Most importantly, our student veterans have a great deal to contribute to the conversation about diversity and inclusion. Moving the student veterans’ space to a more prominent location will help to bring their voices to the center of this conversation. Since this relocation, I’m happy to say that more student veterans have been utilizing the space.

We will continue to advance the college’s goal of creating an inclusive environment for all of our students.

Kari L. Sommers, associate dean, Student Life

We’ve got you covered

@CCChronicle The Columbia Chronicle

FEBRUARY 19, 2018 THE CHRONICLE 31

opinions

32 THE CHRONICLE FEBRUARY 19, 2018

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Homeless may be left in harm’s way after winter weather strikes » Page 36 » PHOTOS ZACHARY KELTNER/CHRONICLE

Every Kennedy has been at the forefront of immigration reform, Joy said, and Chris Kennedy would continue that tradition.

“If my running mate were here, [he] would say America is a nation of immigrants, and it should not become a nation of orphans,” Joy said. “There are 42,000 Dreamers in Illinois, and for every policy consideration, we need to ask the question, ‘Are we humanizing people or dehumanizing people?’”

While many students in attendance said they appreciated the candidates’ advocacy for access to higher education, a few suggested the consensus makes it challenging to differentiate who would make for a better leader of the state.

One said that students’ homework does not end with their classes.

“You have a right to vote, but you need to exercise it with respect [and] inform yourself about the candidates,” said Allyson In a friendlier dialogue than those of their running mates, three Democratic lieutenant governor candidates agreed on how to pump more funding to Nolde, 29, a public administration and policy higher education and student financial aid programs, such as work study and the Monetary Award Program. graduate student at UIC. “It’s all well and residents. Joy also said he plans to make account for 35 percent of Illinois’ student good to show up to these forums and listen » ERIC BRADACH MANAGING EDITOR Illinois the most highly educated state loan default rate. to what other people are saying, but at the because education is the “great equalizer” Several students also expressed uneasi- end of the day, legislative voting history GREATER RESOURCES ALLOCATED to public that stimulates upward mobility. ness about the uncertainty for the Deferred does not lie. You need to do your homework, universities, funding safeguards for MonWallace advocated for free public educa- Action for Childhood Arrivals program. read up on the candidates [because] actions etary Award Program grants and more tion beyond K–12, which is a core tenet of All candidates said they would support speak louder than words.” pathways toward educational success with the Biss/Wallace platform, she said. Along protections for its recipients and expand The candidates also promoted expanding new revenue sources were all shared goals with a progressive income tax, Illinois state-funded tuition assistance programs work study programs. Stratton said those of candidates attending a gubernatorial should also legalize and tax recreational to undocumented students. programs are threatened by President higher education forum at the University marijuana to increase higher education “We also need to make sure we have a cam- Donald Trump and Secretary of Education of Illinois at Chicago. funding, she added. pus climate that accepts [undocumented Betsy DeVos, so Illinois needs a governor Organized by Young Invincibles and sevMarshall said casino gambling in Chicago immigrants as well as] supports and fosters who will fight the White House adminiseral university groups, the Feb. 12 forum can generate billions of dollars in revenue their success,” Wallace said. “I see head tration on those policies, which Rauner has hosted three Democratic candidates for from not just locals but tourists as well. nods here because I know that it is difficult failed to do. lieutenant governor: state Rep. Juliana As the director of the Center for Public being a student of color in a predominately “These issues that we have discussed Stratton, J.B. Pritzker’s running mate; state Safety and Justice, Stratton said a lack of white campus and not always having the today about higher education are so critical Rep. Litesa Wallace, Daniel Biss’ running financial avenues to higher education not supports necessary.” and vital, not just for students, but for everymate; and civic entrepreneur Ra Joy, Chris only threatens students but also university one around this state,” Stratton said in her Kennedy’s running mate; and one for gov- faculty and staff. Those burdens disproporclosing statement. “This election is about ernor, Robert Marshall, a physician from tionately affect minority and low-income which candidates have a proven record of Burr Ridge. students, she added. getting things done so we can reverse the The candidates spoke to students, facStratton said more resources are needed devastation of [Rauner’s failed leadership].” ulty and local guests about their plans to to provide greater access to college opporJoy finished by saying this election is address the rising cost of higher education tunities for these groups. about creating a new state Democratic for Illinoisans, and how they would prevent “We have to make sure communities that Party and encouraged the audience to make young people from leaving the state. have suffered from decades of disinvesttheir voices heard in the March 20 primary.

Governor candidate Tio Hardiman and ment have appropriate kinds of investments Wallace echoed Joy’s comments and lieutenant governor candidate Jonathan overall so that students are better prepared,” said the Illinois governorship should be Todd, Bob Daiber’s running mate, were Stratton said. “We have to make sure we determined by an election, not an auction, scheduled but unable to attend the forum. fully fund our educational systems starting alluding to the more than $100 milAll the candidates promoted the concept of with early childhood education.” lion that has already been raised in a progressive income tax to achieve expanded The candidates were also asked about the election. student financial assistance programs. student loan protections and the soundness “None of us will get the respect we “Because our state stubbornly clings to a of a law that causes individuals who default deserve unless we absolutely demand broken local-property-tax system,” Joy said, to lose their professional licenses. it,” Wallace said. “This election is a “we’re robbing our students of the resources All candidates said they are in favor of crossroads for all of us. We are at a point they so desperately need.” eliminating the law. Joy said the state where we are going to ask ourselves, ‘Do A different state revenue system could should also go after “bad actors” at for-profit we want to continue down a path where make college debt free for Illinois students, colleges that engage in predatory tactics State Rep. Litesa Wallace, D-Chicago, promoted higher education is flatly funded?’ or, Joy said, adding that he and Kennedy plan because, despite accounting for only 9 free public education beyond K–12 at the Feb. 12 ‘Do we want to make a fundamentally to make community college free for all state percent of institutions, for-profit colleges gubernatorial forum at UIC. different choice?’” ebradach@columbiachronicle.com

Lieutenant governor candidates find consensus on higher education

FEBRUARY 19, 2018 THE CHRONICLE 33

Aging equipment could threaten future Illinois elections » SAVANNAH EADENS METRO REPORTER MOST PEOPLE WOULD not expect a 13-year-old computer to function properly, yet Illinois has allowed its voting technology to become just as obsolete, said Sarah Brune, executive director of the Illinois Campaign for Political Reform.

The nonprofit political advocacy group is working with Illinois officials to raise awareness of the state’s aging voting equipment and the need for new voting machines.

Some voting jurisdictions are still using floppy disks, and election administrators have to search the internet for replacement parts, according to Brune.

The last time Chicago purchased voting equipment was in 2005, said Jim Allen, spokesman for the Chicago Board of Elections.

While the current system has not had security issues, new equipment would improve election transparency and auditing processes. Suburban Cook County is in need of an update too, he added.

“We’ve been through recounts with this current system, and it has always been accurate,” Allen said. “We haven’t had any elections overturned with the current system, even close elections, yet there is a much higher level of confidence that poll workers, voters and those observing elections could have with newer equipment.”

With security enhancements, new voting equipment would be less work for everyone involved, Allen said, adding that a voting system needs to be seen as valid by both determined winners and losers of elections.

The federal government provided states with more than $2 billion in 2002 through the Help America Vote Act and most states,

including Illinois, purchased the majority of their equipment between 2002 and 2006, according to the Illinois Campaign for Political Reform’s Feb. 8 report.

“If the issue is not addressed on a statewide level, then some parts of the state, especially those without the proper resources to process [votes], may have longer lines, and fewer people who vote,” Brune said.

Because Illinois has a paper trail of votes, elections are not susceptible to hacking. But with slow machines and long lines in some counties, some people may choose not to vote, which could affect election outcomes, said Nick Kachiroubas, an associate teaching professor at DePaul University’s School of Public Service and city clerk for Crystal Lake, Illinois.

“In primaries and local elections, that could have a big effect because just a few votes, as little as 20–50, can sometimes separate one precinct from another,” Kachiroubas said.

Acquiring new equipment is difficult because each county clerk

in Illinois is responsible for both machine maintenance and purchase, Kachiroubas said, so the technology varies depending on a county’s budget.

Nationwide, 32 states have begun to address this issue, and 23 states have appropriated money to deal with the problem, Brune said.

Brune is drafting legislation with state Sen. Don Harmon, D-Oak Park, in the coming weeks to begin assessing voting technology across the state.

Harmon said that while there is not an immediate security concern, there is the ever-present possibility of foreign meddling in future elections.

The bill has not yet been introduced, but Harmon expects fellow lawmakers will support the legislation.

“The bigger question is how we end up paying for this since we don’t have federal money,” Harmon said. “We have to figure out our priorities. Ensuring well-run, integrity-rich elections is an important concern for the state.” seadens@columbiachronicle.com

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Welcome Back to Your Student Technology Center. đ&#x;“ąđ&#x;“ą (312) 369-8622 đ&#x;’Œđ&#x;’Œ COMPUTERSTORE@COLUM.EDU

� OPEN WEEKDAYS 11:00AM – 6:00PM

đ&#x;‘‰đ&#x;‘‰ 33 E. CONGRESS PARKWAY

ENTRANCE ON WABASH AVE.

đ&#x;¤‘đ&#x;¤‘ A+ EDUCATIONAL DISCOUNTS Our educational discounts on Mac, iPad and tech accessories give you the best bang for your buck. We also accept payments with the BookCharge through Student Financial Services and have a Trade-in, Trade-up program that makes upgrading your devices more affordable than ever.

đ&#x;˜ąđ&#x;˜ą FREE SUPPORT FOR STUDENTS

Your one stop for technology savings & support on campus, from the people who know Columbia best.

Whether you're looking for complimentary appointment-free support, repairs, technical troubleshooting, or just want to find the best device for you, we recommend having a chat with some of your local tech nerds experts - that's us.

To get a personal computer recommendation contact us via phone, email, or checkout our website for a department-based equipment guide!

EQUIPMENT GUIDE ‘17

EQUIPMENT GUIDE ‘17

students.colum.edu/ComputerStore

Welcome to Your Student Technology Center. " (312) 369-8622 # COMPUTERSTORE@COLUM.EDU

� OPEN WEEKDAYS 11:00AM – 6:00PM

% 33 E. CONGRESS PARKWAY

On the front page you will find all of the benefits and details of shopping here at Columbia - on the back page you can check your department’s equipment recommendation, our favorite applications for your major and some helpful tips!

Check out the back page to learn more! ↊

* FREE OFFICE 365

VISIT US TO DOWNLOAD THE LATEST VERION OF MICROSOFT OFFICE FOR FREE. THE LICENSE WILL LAST YOUR ENTIRE STAY AT COLUMBIA AND WORKS ON MAC & PC!

+

,

FREE SUPPORT

WE OFFER THE SAME SUPPORT AS APPLE WITH NONE OF THE WAIT. OUR SUPPORT IS FREE AND OUR REPAIRS ARE LESS EXPENSIVE AND APPLE CERTIFIED.

" (312) 369-8622 # COMPUTERSTORE@COLUM.EDU

SAVE MONEY

BUYING THE EQUIPMENT YOU NEED DOESN’T NEED TO BREAK THE BANK - UTILIZE THE BOOK CHARGE VIA SFS OR TAKE ADVANTAGE OF OUR TRADE-IN PROGRAM!

� OPEN WEEKDAYS 11:00AM – 6:00PM

" (312) 369-8622 # COMPUTERSTORE@COLUM.EDU

� OPEN WEEKDAYS 11:00AM – 6:00PM

% 33 E. CONGRESS PARKWAY

students.colum.edu/ComputerStore

Welcome to Your Student Technology Center. " (312) 369-8622 # COMPUTERSTORE@COLUM.EDU

� OPEN WEEKDAYS 11:00AM – 6:00PM

% 33 E. CONGRESS PARKWAY

&

&

&

A+ EDUCATIONAL DISCOUNTS

A+ EDUCATIONAL DISCOUNTS

Our educational discounts on Mac, iPad and tech accessories give you the best bang for your buck. We also accept payments with the BookCharge through Student Financial Services and have a Trade-in, Tradeup program that makes upgrading your devices more affordable than ever.

Our educational discounts on Mac, iPad and tech accessories give you the best bang for your buck. We also accept payments with the BookCharge through Student Financial Services and have a Trade-in, Tradeup program that makes upgrading your devices more affordable than ever.

Our educational discounts on Mac, iPad and tech accessories give you the best bang for your buck. We also accept payments with the BookCharge through Student Financial Services and have a Trade-in, Tradeup program that makes upgrading your devices more affordable than ever.

FREE SUPPORT FOR STUDENTS

Owned and operated by Columbia, we are your technology center on campus to find the best deals on technology, software, accessories and equipment for class.

Welcome to Your Student Technology Center.

A+ EDUCATIONAL DISCOUNTS

'

RADIO TUNE-IN TO THE SOUND OF YOU.

EQUIPMENT GUIDE ‘17

students.colum.edu/ComputerStore

We offer complimentary and appointment-free troubleshooting for all of your devices, general help and One-on-One sessions, hardware & software diagnostics, virus removal, repairs for Mac and more!

(  CERTIFIED GENIUSES

In addition to being an Apple Authorized Campus Store, we also have a Certified Mac Technician on staff to offer you the same troubleshooting experience and in-warranty (AppleCare) / out-ofwarranty repairs that you would get from Apple.

✌ ALWAYS HERE TO HELP Our support isn’t just Monday – Friday, it’s lifelong. We’re here on campus to support your technology needs during your stay here and after you graduate - guaranteed. % 33 E. CONGRESS PARKWAY ENTRANCE ON WABASH AVE.

'

JOURNALISM

FREE SUPPORT FOR STUDENTS

YOUR STORY WILL MAKE HEADLINES. Owned and operated by Columbia, we are your technology center on campus to find the best deals on technology, software, accessories and equipment for class.

On the front page you will find all of the benefits and details of shopping here at Columbia - on the back page you can check your department’s equipment recommendation, our favorite applications for your major and some helpful tips!

Check out the back page to learn more! ↊

* FREE OFFICE 365

VISIT US TO DOWNLOAD THE LATEST VERION OF MICROSOFT OFFICE FOR FREE. THE LICENSE WILL LAST YOUR ENTIRE STAY AT COLUMBIA AND WORKS ON MAC & PC!

+

,

FREE SUPPORT

WE OFFER THE SAME SUPPORT AS APPLE WITH NONE OF THE WAIT. OUR SUPPORT IS FREE AND OUR REPAIRS ARE LESS EXPENSIVE AND APPLE CERTIFIED.

" (312) 369-8622 # COMPUTERSTORE@COLUM.EDU

SAVE MONEY

BUYING THE EQUIPMENT YOU NEED DOESN’T NEED TO BREAK THE BANK - UTILIZE THE BOOK CHARGE VIA SFS OR TAKE ADVANTAGE OF OUR TRADE-IN PROGRAM!

� OPEN WEEKDAYS 11:00AM – 6:00PM

We offer complimentary and appointment-free troubleshooting for all of your devices, general help and One-on-One sessions, hardware & software diagnostics, virus removal, repairs for Mac and more!

(  CERTIFIED GENIUSES

In addition to being an Apple Authorized Campus Store, we also have a Certified Mac Technician on staff to offer you the same troubleshooting experience and in-warranty (AppleCare) / out-ofwarranty repairs that you would get from Apple.

✌ ALWAYS HERE TO HELP Our support isn’t just Monday – Friday, it’s lifelong. We’re here on campus to support your technology needs during your stay here and after you graduate - guaranteed. % 33 E. CONGRESS PARKWAY ENTRANCE ON WABASH AVE.

'

PHOTOGRAPHY

FREE SUPPORT FOR STUDENTS

CAPTURE YOUR IMAGINATION. Owned and operated by Columbia, we are your technology center on campus to find the best deals on technology, software, accessories and equipment for class.

On the front page you will find all of the benefits and details of shopping here at Columbia - on the back page you can check your department’s equipment recommendation, our favorite applications for your major and some helpful tips!

Check out the back page to learn more! ↊

* FREE OFFICE 365

VISIT US TO DOWNLOAD THE LATEST VERION OF MICROSOFT OFFICE FOR FREE. THE LICENSE WILL LAST YOUR ENTIRE STAY AT COLUMBIA AND WORKS ON MAC & PC!

+

,

FREE SUPPORT

WE OFFER THE SAME SUPPORT AS APPLE WITH NONE OF THE WAIT. OUR SUPPORT IS FREE AND OUR REPAIRS ARE LESS EXPENSIVE AND APPLE CERTIFIED.

" (312) 369-8622 # COMPUTERSTORE@COLUM.EDU

SAVE MONEY

BUYING THE EQUIPMENT YOU NEED DOESN’T NEED TO BREAK THE BANK - UTILIZE THE BOOK CHARGE VIA SFS OR TAKE ADVANTAGE OF OUR TRADE-IN PROGRAM!

� OPEN WEEKDAYS 11:00AM – 6:00PM

We offer complimentary and appointment-free troubleshooting for all of your devices, general help and One-on-One sessions, hardware & software diagnostics, virus removal, repairs for Mac and more!

We always offer complimentary and appointment-free troubleshooting for all of your devices, general help and One-on-One sessions, hardware & software diagnostics, virus removal, repairs for Mac computers and more!

đ&#x;¤”đ&#x;¤”  CERTIFIED GENIUSES

In addition to being an Apple Authorized Campus Store, we also have a Certified Mac Technician on staff to offer you the same help with troubleshooting experiences and in-warranty (AppleCare) / out-ofwarranty repairs that you would expect from an Apple Store.

(  CERTIFIED GENIUSES

In addition to being an Apple Authorized Campus Store, we also have a Certified Mac Technician on staff to offer you the same troubleshooting experience and in-warranty (AppleCare) / out-ofwarranty repairs that you would get from Apple.

✌ ALWAYS HERE TO HELP Our support isn’t just Monday – Friday, it’s lifelong. We’re here on campus to support your technology needs during your stay here and after you graduate - guaranteed. % 33 E. CONGRESS PARKWAY ENTRANCE ON WABASH AVE.

THE BEST SAVINGS & SERVICE FOR STUDENTS.

Must be a current student, staff, or faculty member of Columbia College Chicago to shop at the Computer Store. All offers valid while supplies last. No rain checks or special orders. All sales final. ™ and Š 2016 Apple Inc.  All rights reserved.

FEBRUARY 19, 2018 THE CHRONICLE 35

metro

» BLAISE MESA METRO REPORTER

shelters can also provide clothing for the homeless, according to Patten and Holcomb.

Both Ujima Village and the Crib accept donations of winter clothing, such as gloves, socks and coats, and were as prepared as possible for the upcoming snowfall and winter conditions, according to Patten and Holcomb. While neither shelter reported a shortage of items to provide, the shelters could always use more clothing, Holcomb said.

“We are dependent on donations,” Holcomb said. “There is only so much we can prepare.”

Increased awareness about the conditions homeless individuals face can hopefully increase the public’s generosity, Patten said.

“The more education we are able to give to our donors and our potential supporters [the more] they find out our needs,” Patten said. “That can help us get the items that we need.” » COURTESY THE NIGHT MINISTRY

AFTER COLD SPELLS and heavy snowfall, Chicagoans bundled up and headed indoors to avoid the winter freeze, but not everyone had a warm place to call home.

Chicago experienced nine straight days of snow Feb. 3–11, following a cold blast in early January that struck the central and eastern U.S. and caused an estimated 22 deaths, according to the Weather Channel.

These inclement conditions could put the estimated 82,212 homeless people in Chicago at risk, according to a 2015 Chicago Coalition for the Homeless report.

“I’ve seen over the years some really bad cases of frostbite,” said A. Ann Holcomb, supportive services supervisor for Unity Parenting and Counseling, a

group that runs the Ujima Village Shelter. “I physically had to cut off the glove from [a] person’s hand [because the glove froze] to their skin. [The weather is] a pretty big problem [for the homeless].”

Depending on the weather conditions, frostbite can develop more quickly than most people would think, said Bobby Watts, CEO of National Healthcare for the Homeless Council.

Some people are subjected to cold conditions all night and lack proper protection, and homeless shelters are the last line of defense, Holcomb said.

Night Ministry operates a homeless shelter named The Crib, 835 W. Addison Ave., and also provides a health bus that operates six days a week with a nurse practitioner to provide free basic health care and screenings, said Burke Patten, senior communications associate.

“We can prevent something much worse from happening down the road,” Patten said. “[We could] prevent an infection from spreading or getting worse. Sometimes, we are able to prevent visits to the emergency room.”

Shelters are generally open at night—the standard operating hours of the Ujima Shelter and the Crib. These hours have been extended in the past when inclement weather strikes, according to Patten and Holcomb.

The Ujima Village Shelter is able to stay open and provide services 24/7 thanks to city funding, which is usually provided during inclement weather conditions, Holcomb said. Even at times when the city was not able to provide funding, some of the shelter’s volunteers stepped up to keep it running, she added.

The Crib also received city funding to help the shelter stay open during cold snaps in late December and early January as well as during the recent snowfall, Patten said.

Along with extended operating hours and more beds, these

The Health Outreach Bus tours different locations six days a week to provide basic medical needs for those who may not have access to health care.

FRESHER

FASTER IT’S JUST THE WAY I ROLL

WE DELIVER! VISIT JIMMYJOHNS.COM TO FIND A LOCATION NEAR YOU

36 THE CHRONICLE FEBRUARY 19, 2018

bmesa@columbiachronicle.com

Shelters heat up while Chicago cools down

» INFO COURTESY CHICAGO POLICE DEPARTMENT

However, twelve percent of state revenues come from taxes on cigarettes, liquor and insurance, totaling $3.9 billion in 2017, according to data from the Governor’s Office of Management and Budget.

Under the proposed legislation, all products would be tested

for potency and businesses would be required to print label warnings. Consuming cannabis in public or while driving would remain illegal.

Visit ColumbiaChronicle.com for additional reporting.

seadens@columbiachronicle.com

CHICAGO POLICE MADE fewer than 3,200 marijuana-related arrests in 2017—the lowest number since 1968, according to an analysis of Chicago Police Department data.

While Illinois has made steady progress decriminalizing marijuana and has legalized it for medical use, the state has yet to follow nine others that have cleared the path for recreational use.

Since July 2017, Illinois law has determined the possession of up to 10 grams of cannabis carries only a civil penalty punishable by a maximum $200 fine.

However, decriminalization does not address the historical problem with prohibition as an ineffective deterrent because a large percent of the population continue to use marijuana, whether it is legal or not, said Chris

Lindsey, senior legislative council for the Marijuana Policy Project, a national organization for cannabis policy reform.

State Sen. Heather Steans, D-Chicago, and state Rep. Kelly Cassidy, D-Chicago, introduced Senate Bill 316 and House Bill 2353, respectively, in March 2017 to legalize the sale of adult-use cannabis and create necessary regulations and taxation.

“Steans and Cassidy are both mothers with teenage children,” said Rose Ashby, the legislators’ field director. “Their goal is public safety. They are not pro-[marijuana], they are anti-prohibition.”

Since the bills were introduced, Steans and Cassidy have held public hearings about the economic development, public safety and the public health implications of recreational cannabis, Ashby said.

The legislation would allow Illinois residents over the age of

Number of marijuana-related arrests in Chicago

» SAVANNAH EADENS METRO REPORTER

21 to possess up to 28 grams of cannabis and own up to five cannabis plants. It would also create a tax structure that encourages competition and diverts users from the black market, according to state legislative records.

“Right now, all the money being spent on marijuana is going into the pockets of criminals and cartels,” Steans said in a press release.

“In a regulated system, the money would go to licensed, tax-paying businesses, and generate hundreds of millions of dollars per year in revenue for our state.”

Not everyone is sold on the proposal, however. Kevin Sabet, president of a national group called Smart Approaches to Marijuana, has been advocating against legalization in Illinois.

Sabet argues that recreational marijuana will create an industry similar to Big Tobacco. Because alcohol and tobacco taxes have not generated enough state revenue, recreational marijuana profit as a solution to revenue issues is a false promise and bogus argument, Sabet said.

» ZACK JACKSON/CHRONICLE

Decriminalization may be road to legalization in Illinois

metro

FEBRUARY 19, 2018 THE CHRONICLE 37

metro

LIVE

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38 THE CHRONICLE FEBRUARY 19, 2018

» BLAISE MESA

METRO REPORTER

P

ets may be friendly companions to some or nuisances to others, but for Carolyn Alonzo, furry friends are an integral part of life.

When she’s not with her Beagles, Pete and Obi, Alonzo, 41, can be found caring for other’s hounds at her company, Fetch Pet Care. Or perhaps shes at One Tail at a Time, a no-kill, all-breed rescue center—2144 N. Wood St.—or volunteering at the Chicago Community Pets Coalition, a partnership by OTAT and ALIVE Rescue to keep animals with their families.

The Chronicle spoke with Alonzo about her time at the CCPC and passion to help pets and owners.

THE CHRONICLE: In what ways do you give back to the pet community?

CAROLYN ALONZO: Fetch Pet Care has been in business for 11

NEIGHBORHOOD: Midway

years, and along with providing dog-walking services, we provide overnight dog sitting. This service is a great way to help dogs that may not be able to be boarded at a kennel for a variety of reasons.

It not only reduces stress on the dog, but it keeps the owner happy too. I’m also a partner with and associate board member of OTAT. Otherwise, I spend my time volunteering and helping with community events at the CCPC. So far I’ve been a part of three or four events.

I’m trying to help out any way I can.

people obtain proper dog collars.

At times, pets have been brought in on chains or rope because people don’t have access to leashes and harnesses. These residents may not have access to quality veterinary care or basic needs such as proper leashes.

When people come to these events, we provide them with a wide array of services so when they leave, they have everything they need. We even provide food for the pets at the location. I spend my time at the spay and neuter table.

What happens at the CCPC community events?

The CCPC will go into communities in need to help provide direct care for as many animals as possible at a reduced fee or at times for free. We will provide free vaccinations on the spot, such as rabies, help schedule spay and neuter appointments for pet owners, provide tracking chips for dogs and will even help

What is it like at the spay and neuter table?

It can be challenging at times.

When people come to the events, they know they are getting the vaccinations that they need, new leashes, chips for their pets or any other service we [provide]. They don’t need to be convinced. Most people are excited about it because they want to get their pets spayed and neutered. People may have

$20 OFF WITH THIS COUPON

» COURTESY CAROLYN ALONZO

In her time at the CCPC, Carolyn Alonzo has volunteered at three events and works at the spay and neuter table.

fears ... about the treatment that may not be true. We walk them through the benefits and provide something to read to help ease their decision making.

It can be rewarding, especially knowing the benefits of spaying and neutering. Getting them to sign up and show up for the appointment is really rewarding.

What would happen if they weren’t spayed or neutered?

There would be additional work for families which could lead to problems. Female dogs will get their period which could provide extra hassle, and male dogs might be more aggressive and tend to roam around more. There are many reasons to do it and few not to.

By spaying these animals, it may be easier to care for, making families more likely to keep the dog. If these families have kids, they might not keep an overly aggressive dog, and these animals could be separated from their loved ones.

Read the rest of Alonzo’s Q&A at ColumbiaChronicle.com.

bmesa@columbiachronicle.com

Carolyn Alonzo

OCCUPATION: Volunteer

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