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VOLUME 99, ISSUE 16

Thursday, 2.1.24

Feb. marks start of Black History Month Aida Khalifa

T EC STAF F

With February approaching comes the start of Black History Month (BHM) and several organizations around campus have expressed the importance of the month. Taylor Johnson, senior communications major and secretary for Yacht Club, said BHM, to her, is a month of celebration of Black American culture and recognition of their history and impact. Johnson said Yacht Club and other minority organizations prioritize giving Black students a safe space and a support system on campus. She said students can spread awareness by attending events hosted by black organizations as well as sharing their posts on social media. “People can dedicate their time during Black History Month by educating themselves,” Johnson said. “ Not only in the past but current disparities and issues and achievements on Black Americans today.” Melvina Nimely, junior political science major, said BHM reminds everyone of all

year to become more educated on the history of the black community and what Black History Month really represents.” Jehlani Wilkins, sophomore social work major, said BHM, to her, means a month of recognition for her and her family and everyone before her. She said more people have taken the time to educate themselves on black disparities in America and across the world but there is still so much to be taught and learned from the past and the future. “Every dream begins with a dreamer,” Wilkins said. “Each day ILLUSTATION BY JAMIE ANTINORE is an opportunity to reminisce and the black community suffered and all the remember the changes that have community contributes to the modern world. been made. Everyday people remember the past Nimely said she appreciates all of the black and how much has changed and Black History organizations on campus, including the Black Month brings a specific time to honor, recognize Student Union (BSU) and the Student Activities and remember the changes and how to keep Board (SAB), and the events they host to spread changing.” awareness and inclusivity around campus. “Not a lot of people really understand the Aida Khalifa is a sophmore majoring in psychology and neuroscience and a TEC importance of Black History Month,” Nimely columnist. said. “I think it’s important for people, especially To contact her, email news@theeastcarolinian.com. during the month, but throughout the whole

TEC Athlete of the Month: Danae McNeal As the East Carolina University women's basketball team's (11-8, 4-4 American Athletic Conference) leading points per game scorer and steals producer, she has started the most games for the Pirates this year while leading the team in 10 offensive categories and steals, prompting The East Carolinian to name graduate student guard Danae McNeal the Athlete of the Month for January 2024. This season, McNeal is averaging 19.8 points per game, making her the only Pirate other than sophomore forward Amiya Joyner to average more than double digits. The second-year Pirate Danae McNeal from Clemson University has grown from her 17.4 points per game while shooting more efficiently since her breakout season last year. McNeal currently leads the AAC in points per game. Furthermore, she is ranked in the top 10 in the AAC for field goal percentage and No. 5 in free throw percentage. McNeal's distinctive talent is her ability to steal the basketball; she leads all AAC players in steals per game with 3.47 and is the conference's leading stealer by 23 steals. Even when comparing her defense to the national stage, McNeal has the fourth most steals per game in the National Athletic Collegiate Association (NCAA) and the sixth most turnovers in the country (66). McNeal's nearly 20 points per game average ranks her No. 24 in the NCAA, ahead of some of the biggest names in women's college basketball, such as junior guard Angel Reese from Louisiana State University (18-4, 5-3 Southeastern Conference) and senior center Kamila Cardoso from the University of South Carolina (18-0, 6-0 SEC). >

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PHOTOGRAPHER I ALAYNA BOYER

A student using a website to get informed on voting. Organization Pirates Vote helpd ECU students get registered and prepared to vote.

Pirates Vote aids voter registration Eli Baine

TEC STAFF

Non-partisan initiative Pirates Vote is making sure the students of East Carolina University are ready to vote for the North Carolina primary election on March 5. Senior Assistant Director of the Center for Leadership and Civic Engagement Alex Dennis, head of Pirates Vote, said you can register to vote on the same day when early voting, and he encourages all students to do this because you cannot register to vote on the day of the election. “You do not wait until election day to vote,” Dennis said. “We have two weeks of early voting here in the student center, so you’ll want to take advantage of same-day registration using your 1 Card as a voter I.D. that’s required. Let them know if you live on-campus, it’s super easy. If you live off-campus you may have to go and update your banner address and show that to the poll worker to be able to do the same-day process.” Pirates Vote will offer voter registration drives at the Main Campus Student Center through Feb. 9, Dennis

ONLINE ECU checks off every box needed to be contenders

said. Students choosing to do this don’t have to provide a voter I.D. when voting in the primary election, Dennis said, as long as it is not their first time voting. Dennis said there are some ways students can prepare before voting to make the process as quick and easy as possible for everyone involved. “I always tell students make sure you’ve done your homework before you show up to vote,” Dennis said. “So you’ve looked up your sample ballot. Primaries can be a little confusing because they are tied to the political parties. If you’re registered as a Republican, then you automatically vote in the Republican primary. If you’re registered as a Democrat, you automatically vote in the Democratic, though most of our students and residents in North Carolina are registered as unaffiliated.” Public Information Officer for the North Carolina State Board of Elections (NCSBE) Patrick Gannon wrote in a release the NCSBE has released an online Judicial Voter Guide to inform voters on the elections for the North Carolina Supreme Court, the state’s highest court, and the North Carolina Court of Appeals,

a court for reviewing decisions made by lower courts. There will be two of these contests on the ballot in March, Gannon wrote. The first is a Democratic primary for associate justice seat six in the N.C. Supreme Court, Gannon wrote, and the other primary is for seat 15 in the N.C. Court of Appeals. “The Judicial Voter Guide for the 2024 primary election is available online only,” Gannon wrote. “The Judicial Voter Guide for the 2024 general election will be mailed to all N.C. households later this year. It will also be available online.” Citizens can already vote by mail up until election day, Gannon wrote, and voters unaffiliated with a political party may choose which party’s ballot to fill out. Freshman political science major Zach Stevens said it will be his first time voting, and he is thankful that getting registered to vote at ECU is quick and accessible. Eli Baine is a sophmore majoring in Political Science and a TEC columnist. To contact him, email news@theeastcarolinian.com.

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Thursday, 2.1.24

BRIEFS School of Social Work to host social justice lecture As part of its Carolyn Freeze Baynes lecture series on social justice, the ECU School of Social Work will host an online speaking event with guest Barbara Harris Combs, department chair of Sociology and Criminal Justice at Kennesaw State University. The session will focus on anti-racism theories in sociology. The online event is tonight at 7 p.m., and attendees can register through the ECU Events Calendar.

Off-Campus Student Services to share information on offcampus housing COURTESY OF UNSPLASH

Next Tuesday at Main Campus Student Center Room 253, OffCampus Student Services will hold an presentation program from 12 to 1 p.m. going over some helpful information on how financial aid works when it comes to finding a living space off of ECU main campus because the process may be different in certain ways than living in a residence hall. No registration is required to attend the event.

HR Development to host PREP session In as part of their Pirate Readiness Enhancement Program, ECU HR Development will host a workshop going over how to manage relationships during conflicts in a professional setting in the HR Annex Building 283 Training Room. This skill is key in work environments, and the session will cover how to anticipate, mediate and recover from such conflicts.

A physics teacher writing on a large chalkboard. The state of North Carolina is slowly becomming a more desirable place to begin teaching careers.

N.C. leads US in number of certified teachers T. Keung Hui

THE CHARLOTT E OBSERVER

A 12% annual boost in state pay is helping to keep North Carolina the leader in what’s called the “gold standard for teacher excellence.” The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards recently released data showing that North Carolina leads the country with 24,243 teachers who’ve completed the group’s rigorous certification process. Of the 3,527 teachers who received national certification for the first time in the 2022-23 school year, North Carolina had the second most of any state at 549. In addition, 1,158 North Carolina teachers renewed their certifications over the past year, the second most of any state. “We are so excited to welcome these new NBCTs to the growing ranks of accomplished teachers across the country,” Peggy Brookins, president and CEO of the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, said in a news release. “I am proud to be an NBCT and to be among this incredible cohort of teachers who work tirelessly, day in and day out, to nurture and enhance the brilliance of their students.”

NC pays more to certified teachers North Carolina has historically led the U.S. in the number of nationally certified teachers due in large part to the extra pay received for completing the process. State officials point to research showing that nationally certified teachers are more effective than educators who haven’t gone through the process. The state has kept the higher pay for national certification while dropping it in other areas such as when teachers earn master’s degrees. It costs $1,900 in fees to get certified, and North Carolina provides low-interest loans to teachers to help them go through the process. Teachers can spend 200 to 400 hours going through it. State lawmakers set aside $1 million in the state budget last year to create a grant program to reimburse teachers who are trying to get national certification. North Carolina accounts for 18% of the 137,015 nationally certified teachers. In addition, 24% of North Carolina’s teachers are nationally certified, the most of any state. District rankings Wake County’s 106 newly certified teachers was the third most of any district

in the nation. Wake was behind only the Los Angeles Unified School District and Montgomery County Schools in Maryland. In addition, Wake had 214 teachers who renewed their certification. “We could not be more proud of the accomplishments of our newly certified and newly renewed NBCTs or more grateful that they are WCPSS teachers who serve our students, families, and community with such excellence,” Sherri Morris, Wake’s National Board coordinator, said in a news release. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools had the sixth-most newly certified teachers in the nation with 70 educators. Union County Public Schools was tied for 18th-most newly certified teachers with 20 educators. Go to www.nbpts.org/nbct-directory/ to view a directory of nationally certified teachers. Go to www.ncpublicschools.org/ nationalboardcertification/ for more information on how North Carolina teachers can get certified. ©2024 The Charlotte Observer. Visit charlotteobserver.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

CORRECTIONS & CLARIFICATIONS If you feel there are any factual errors in this newspaper, please contact Kiarra Crayton at editor@theeastcarolinian.com.

CRIME LOGS Editor's Note: The East Carolinian Crime Logs are derived from East Carolina University Police Department’s (ECU PD) public crime logs accessible to all individuals. Crime Logs are not done within the partnership of ECU PD and The East Carolinian, as this publication is meant to act as an additional resource for Pirate Nation. Below are listings of criminal activity that has occurred on or within proximity of main campus.

Jan. 26, 2024 At Garrett Hall, Injury to Real Property was found at 12:06 a.m. and remains an open investigation. Charges of Underage Drinking, Possession of Fake ID and Public Consumption of Alcohol were found at the Chico’s parking lot at 1:53 a.m. and were cleared by an arrest. At Pediatric Specialty Care, an investigation began into a charge of Communicating Threats of Mass Violence on Educational Property at 9:20 a.m. Damage to Personal Property was found at Clement Hall and a prosecution was denied at 6:21 p.m.

Jan. 26, 2024 At the East 14th Street paved lot, a case of Injury to Real Property was cleared by citation at 9:10 a.m.

COURTESY OF UNSPLASH

A prison guard watchtower. North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper signed an executive order Monday to expand opportunities for citizens leaving prison.

Cooper signs order to help reentry after prison Avi Bajpai

T HE C HA RL OT T E OB SERVER

Gov. Roy Cooper announced a new initiative Monday to help more formerly incarcerated people successfully transition to stable lives outside of prison. As part of that effort, Cooper signed an executive order directing agencies under his control to coordinate on improving what is known as prison reentry. Each agency has been given specific directives that include identifying more “second chance” employers, increasing access to career services, increasing work release, apprenticeship and employment opportunities, and improving the parole process. “Our communities are much safer, and much stronger, when we come together to help everybody succeed,” Cooper said at a news conference at the Executive Mansion. “We want to make sure that people have real opportunities when they leave prison, that they won’t go back to doing the same things that got them there,” he said. “Strengthening our efforts to support people who are reentering their communities after being incarcerated helps us to do just that.” Under the executive order, North Carolina is also joining Reentry 2030, a national initiative to improve reentry after prison that Alabama and Missouri have also signed onto. Agencies involved include the

Department of Adult Correction, the Office of State Human Resources and the Post-Release Supervision and Parole Commission. Adult Correction Secretary Todd Ishee announced a number of goals the state intends to achieve by 2030, aligning with the national program, including: • Increasing the number of high school and post-secondary credentials earned by incarcerated people by 75%, • Increasing the number of postsecondary degrees that are available in prisons by 25%, • Increasing the number of Pell Grant partners by 30%, • Reducing the number of incarcerated people being released homeless by 50%, • Allowing every person who is eligible to apply for Medicaid before release, • Increasing the number of apprenticeships completed by incarcerated people by 50%, • And increasing the number of employers that partner to hire incarcerated people by 30%. Ishee said that in addition to the ambitious goals the state is setting for itself, prison and reentry officials are also “presented with a significant opportunity to change how we define success.” Instead of just thinking about recidivism,

Ishee said, the prison system needs to do more to measure and talk about positive outcomes like “successful transition back into our communities, steady employment, family reunification” and “attaining higher levels of education and training.” The executive order also calls for increasing the number of local reentry councils in the state, which help people find employment, housing and other services they might need, after returning from prison. Greg Singleton, the dean of workforce and continuing education programs at Central Carolina Community College, said reentry programs had helped him adjust to life outside prison, and inspired him to establish the Craven Pamlico Re-Entry Council in 2016. Singleton, who served four years in federal prison in the 1990s, said one of the reasons reentry councils are effective is because they include formerly incarcerated people, who can connect with people just exiting the prison system in a way others can’t. “I am able to speak from a tone that they cannot,” Singleton said. “I can look an inmate in the eye and say I understand, and that’s what they need.” ______ ©2024 The Charlotte Observer. Visit at charlotteobserver.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Opinion

theeastcarolinian.com

Thursday, 2.1.24

OUR VIEW

Pirates should feel included

At any institution, it’s important for individuals to feel like they are included and have a sense of belonging. This is especially true for universities and institutions of higher education, as many future leaders have and continue to rise from here. Due to recent efforts and advancements in diversity and equity, inclusion has become much more prominent within universities throughout the years. However, these efforts should not stop here. Instead, it should be an ongoing effort that continues to develop in order to promote inclusion. We, the editorial staff of The East Carolinian, believe each student should feel welcome at East Carolina University, regardless of one’s gender, race, age, ethnicity, sexual orientation, etc. ECU should be a safe, supportive and understanding environment for all students. The inclusion of diversity and equity allows ECU to thrive in inclusive education and is essential to promoting a university that cares for its students. Each student deserves the opportunity to have equal rights and valuable learning experiences. We believe it is ECU’s responsibility to ensure adequate efforts are put into place in order to promote a fair, inclusive environment for all students, staff and faculty. As a whole, it is ECU’s duty to provide students with an inclusive viewpoint of the university. ECU’s Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI) program works to bring forth opportunities and partnerships to support inclusive learning environments for students at ECU. More information can be found on their website.

ALYSON MCPHEE I UNSPLASH

Cooking can be a much better alternative to dining out or getting takeout. It is a much healthier option that overall provides more advantages.

Cooking can provide benefits

For many college students, it can be easy to opt for dining out rather than cooking. There are multiple reasons for this, but one of the largest is due to many students having a busy schedule. Kristin Outland For most, they simply T E C S TA FF don’t have the time to cook meals each day. Overall, cooking provides much more benefits compared to dining out. While it’s always enjoyable to sit down and eat in your favorite restaurant, here are some things to keep in mind before doing so. Cooking is much healthier Many restaurants may provide a variety of salads, vegetables, etc., but cooking is still the healthier option. By cooking, you can opt for healthier ingredients and reduce the high amounts of fats or sodium that are typically served in many fast food restaurants. You are also able to easily control portion sizes and calorie intake. Additionally, you will most likely have leftovers for the next day, which can be convenient for busy college students on-the-go.

The East Carolinian does not endorse the statements made in Pirate Rants. I would love it if you people in Scott Hall would shut up. Especially on weeknights. I get that y’all are probably gonna skip your classes in the morning but some of us do in fact attend and would like to get some sleep. Thanks. I’m excited to attend the upcoming career fairs and really think this is a good opportunity that ECU students should take advantage of. One thing that is so aggravating about living in student apartments is the loud noises and rude neighbors that you have to put up with. Many of them are so disrespectful for no reason and entirely too noisy during the week. Why does it seem like the card machine is down pretty frequently at the Starbucks on campus? It’s so aggravating to have to use cash when I primarily use a debit card for all of my purchases. ECU Transit as a whole deserves more positive recognition. They aren’t respected enough. It seems like it is always raining in Greenville and I don’t understand why. The weather will not even call for any rain and it ends up raining anyways. It seems like everytime I go to a sporting event we always lose, but when I don’t attend the Pirates seem to win. Questions regarding Pirate Rants can be directed to Kiarra Crayton at editor@theeastcarolinian.com.

Submit your Pirate Rants on our website under the opinion tab or scan the QR code.

a drive-through. Although food can be fresh sometimes when dining out, other times it may not be. It can actually save time Depending on what meal you prepare, it can be quicker and more efficient to cook rather than dine in at a nice restaurant. When dining out, you may have to wait for a long time in line or for your food to be prepared if the restaurant is crowded with many people. This can be time consuming, and in the end take longer than preparing a fresh meal at home. Overall.. As a whole, cooking can provide much more benefits than dining out. However, if you’re in a bind, it may be more convenient to stop by a drive-through on the way home from class or work. It’s important to weigh your options and how much time you have available when deciding the best option for your lifestyle. Kristin Outland is a graduate student majoring in strategic communications and a copy editor for The East Carolinian. To contact her, email opinion@theeastcarolinian.com.

Federal taxes harm N.C. manufacturers Gary Salamido and Bill Long

PIRATE RANTS

It can allow you to save money Although much quicker and convenient for many, dining out for meals can become expensive very quickly - especially during a time where food prices seem to be at an all-time high. If one cooks, they can prepare meals in advance and Cooking can be a bonding activity Whether it’s with family, friends or a partner, cooking with others can be a great social bonding activity. In my own personal experiences, I have found it fun to cook with my roommates for dinner after a long day of school and work. We’re able to socialize and catch up with one other, while preparing a healthy meal. This option is convenient for our busy schedules and allows us to reconnect towards the end of the day. Cooking ensures fresh food I’m sure most people have experienced dining in or getting takeout food, just for the food to be not cooked well or not fresh. By cooking, you are able to pick out your own ingredients and ensure your meal is healthy and fresh. This is something that is not guaranteed by dining out at restaurants or going through

T HE C HA R LO TTE OB SERVER | TN S

North Carolina’s economy runs on innovation, particularly in the manufacturing sector. Unfortunately, inaction from Congress is threatening thousands of jobs and the sustainability of one of North Carolina’s fastest-growing industries. Our manufacturers spend billions of dollars annually on research to invent new products and make existing products safer, more affordable and easier to produce right here in North Carolina. Our state’s modern economy is reflected in Research Triangle Park and the Carolina Core, a network of mega sites surrounded by some of the nation’s best research universities and community colleges. This core is supporting the growth of the state’s automotive industry. Major investments in manufacturing plants in just the past several months are projected to create tens of thousands of jobs. U.S. manufacturers drive more innovation than any other sector, accounting for nearly 60% of private-sector research and development (R&D). In 2020, manufacturers spent $295.7 billion on R&D. The automotive industry alone invested $23 billion — five percent of all U.S. R&D investment. Most of that spending is directly on jobs and salaries. Ten percent of all automotive sector jobs are tied directly to R&D. A simple, but monumental, change

in the tax code threatens much of this innovation. For almost 80 years, businesses could deduct their R&D expenses in the same year they spent them. This structure kept us competitive with most of the developed world. It helped North Carolina become a center of innovation. But a 2017 law, just now taking effect, will now force businesses to spread that deduction over five years. No other major economic power forces

ALEXANDER GRAY I UNSPLASH

Tax deduction changes may harm NC industry.

companies to wait five years to deduct R&D expenses. In contrast, China provides a “super deduction” credit of more than 200% in the first year for R&D expenses and generous subsidies to encourage more R&D. The tax change hurts our economic competitiveness and threatens jobs. It will also force some companies to move R&D overseas. According to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, the U.S. ranks 30th out of 37 advanced world economies for R&D incentives. If this

tax deduction is not restored quickly, R&D will shift to Europe, Asia and other North American countries. This issue is not about corporate tax rates. It is about whether our country is going to support innovation in a way that is competitive with every other major economic power. The automotive industry’s continued growth in North Carolina depends on R&D — and not just big car companies. Parts manufacturers must keep pace with tremendous change. These mostly small companies must consistently build stronger, lighter, more affordable and better products. When smaller companies fund 10 R&D jobs in a year but can only deduct the expense for two, it threatens their livelihood. No part of the industry would be spared harm. There is a broad, bipartisan agreement in Congress that this innovation tax must be fixed. Many legislators recognize the deduction worked for 80 years. But unfortunately, the issue is caught up in Washington politics. Thankfully, committee leadership in the House and Senate recently released a tax plan that would fix this burden on businesses of all sizes. We encourage the entire North Carolina Congressional delegation to take the lead in fixing this issue this year. North Carolina’s economy can’t wait. ©2024 The Charlotte Observer. Visit charlotteobserver.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

OUR STAFF Kiarra Crayton Eli Baine

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Editor-in-Chief Managing Editor Sports Editor

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Serving ECU since 1925, The East Carolinian is an independent, student-run publication distributed every Wednesday during the academic year and during the summer. The opinions expressed herein are those of the student writers, columnists and editors and do not necessarily reflect those of the faculty, staff or administration at East Carolina University or the Student Media Board. Columns and reviews are the opinions of the writers; “Our View” is the opinion of The East Carolinian Board of Opinions. As a designated public forum for East Carolina University, The East Carolinian welcomes letters to the editor limited to 500 words. Letters may be rejected or edited for libelous content, decency and brevity. All letters must be signed and include a telephone number. One copy of The East Carolinian is free. Each additional copy is $1. Unauthorized removal of additional copies from a distribution site constitutes theft under North Carolina law. Violators will be prosecuted.

Contact Info The East Carolinian Mendenhall Ground Floor, Suite G51, Greenville, NC, 27858-4353

Email: editor@theeastcarolinian.com Newsroom: (252) 328-9238 Ads: (252) 328-9245 Fax: (252) 328-9143

Arts & Entertainment theeastcarolinian.com

A4 Thursday, 2.1.24

EVENTS

TODAY Line Dancing and Karaoke Buccaneer Music Hall 2120 E Fire Tower Rd., Greenville, N.C. 27858 7 to 11:30 p.m. (252) 756 - 5505 Live Music Thursdays 5th Street Hardware Restaurant and Taproom 120 W 5th St., Greenville, N.C. 27858 6 to 9 p.m. (252) 364 - 8921

CONTRIBUTED BY MORGAN HUDSON

The studios are available to most with an interest in recording.

CONTRIBUTED BY MORGAN HUDSON

Nash Studios will hold their grand opening on Feb. 7 but have been open since January.

Open Mic Night Pitt Street Brewing Company 630 S Pitt St., Greenville, N.C. 27834 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. (252) 227 - 4151 Wine & Design Specialty Days Pitt Street Brewing Company 630 S Pitt St., Greenville, N.C. 27834 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. (252) 227 - 4151

TOMORROW Live Music with Lightnin’ Walls Christy’s EuroPub 301 S. Jarvis St., Greenville, N.C. 27858 8 to 11 p.m. (252) 758 - 2774 Art of Divination The Sojourner 414 S. Evans St., Greenville, N.C. 27858 5 to 8 p.m. (252) 758 - 7656 Live Jazz Trio Aji 801 Dickinson Ave., Greenville, N.C. 27834 6 to 8 p.m. (252) 227 - 4512 First Friday ArtWalk Downtown Greenville Partnership 408 Evans St., Greenville, N.C. 27858 5 to 8 p.m.

SATURDAY Pop In Pop Art Workshops Emerge Gallery and Art Center 404 S. Evans St., Greenville, N.C. 27858 1:30 to 2:45 p.m. (252) 551 - 6947 STEM Expo A Time for Science 226 W. 8th St., Greenville, N.C. 27858 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (252) 364 - 2862 Cookie Decorating Class Open House Baking 605 Lynndale Ct., Greenville, N.C. 27858 6 to 7 p.m. (252) 320 - 9147

CONTRIBUTED BY MORGAN HUDSON

The inside of the new Nash Studios, located on E 5th St., next to Nash and across from The Scullery.

The studios are co-owned by many people like Hudson.

Nash Studios to hold grand opening soon Aida Khalifa T E C S TA F F

Morgan Hudson, booking manager, producer, and co owner of Nash Studios, said all of the co owners started the studio together. She said they are all in a band together and they got the idea to start the studio from their love of music and wanting to have a place that other people can create and share their passion for music and media too. Ryan Griffin, studio manager, producer and co owner, said he and another co owner, Kurt Hauser, both own the Nash Hot Chickens next to the studio. He said through having live music there almost every night he’s noticed there’s a growing music scene making a comeback to Greenville. “Nash Studios is here to capture and create and allow other creators to collaborate,” Griffin said. “Whether that be through a podcast platform or through music recordings, full song projects and albums. I want Nash Studios to be a beacon and air horn for all the music around Eastern North Carolina.” Kurt Hauser, producer, sound engineer and co owner, said he and Brian Burke, producer, sound engineer and co owner, have been producing and working with artists for many years but it is a different experience to work out of a full studio rather than a little home studio. He said Nash Studios is meant to expand its reach to more artists.

“You can only do so much out of a little bedroom studio,” Hauser said. “This studio is really to have the space for creatives to come and let everything flow and just create a premium product for them so they can show off their talent and their work and put it all out on major streaming platforms and help them grow.” Burke said they have already had such a great community response in the short time they’ve been open and he’s really looking forward to seeing the studio grow and what is in store for them in the coming months. Hudson said she has constantly been getting phone calls, texts and emails from people wanting to come to the studio and use the space and she said it is exciting to hear people excited about their projects and say Greenville needed something like the studio. She said the studio is working on some big events for the next year and they are hoping to work with some people to create podcasts in conjunction with some outreach programs and nonprofits to raise awareness for certain causes. She said her and all of the co owners work to find ways to give back to Greenville and the surrounding community in any way they can. This writer can be contacted at arts@theeastcarolinian.com

Black History Month 2024 begins in Feb. African American individuals from both historical of minority and underprivileged communities. and recent contexts, and it helps highlight Before her tenure at ECU, Wright had moved Black History Month is a time to celebrate and honor the accomplishments that African from North Carolina to the state of New York in African American contributions and courage Americans have made in the United States, 1953 to research chemistry and medicine, establish throughout history as we look back on Black especially after overcoming a legacy of racism and oversee several health education programs heritage that has left a mark on our nation’s identity. Jarvis L. Hargrove, an associate professor of History and co-director of the African and African American Studies Program said celebrating Black History Month means taking the time to highlight various figures from well-known to less known and from local to national and their contributions to both African American and American history. History is continuously being made so new stories need to be told as time passes. Hargrove said the history of America can’t be written without the African American story. Even prior to the nation’s establishment, African Americans struggled for freedom, civil rights, and equality. African Americans have made numerous contributions that significantly influenced the development of crucial institutions, such as religious and educational establishments. “I think the one thing you will notice about these history makers is they persevered through what many would consider insurmountable obstacles,” Hargrove said. “Whether they are COURTESY OF UNSPLASH most recognizable or someone who is not. I think A Civil Rights March on Washington, D.C. on Aug. 28, 1963. Black History Month begins on Feb. 1. something we can learn from these individuals is that the fight for what is right is bigger than and oppression. and manage an at-home health service, according you. When the first African American students “There’s still a very noticeable lack of sufficient to ECU News Services. enrolled at ECU, they faced many challenges, but representation for African Americans in many Wright passed away tragically and unexpectedly I believe they understood their enrollment would different areas like media and higher education,” while teaching at ECU in June 1976. In 1995, benefit thousands of African American students Adala said. “Black History Month stands as a according to the website, the center was renamed that followed them.” celebration of the global impact of Black influence.” after her in honor of her broad contributions to Sarayu Adala, a sophomore at ECU, said Black The Ledonia Wright Cultural Center (LWCC) ECU and the other areas she extended her help to. History Month encourages the appreciation of hosts Black history events each year in order to LWCC events throughout the month can be Black culture, accomplishments and heritage. She highlight the contributions African Americans viewed through the Pirate Experience website, believes positive representation is a very integral have made to the university and the City of accessible by all ECU students. part of our nation and this month reinforces that Greenville. The center’s namesake, according fact. to the website, Ledonia Smith Wright was an Adala said Black History Month provides an associate professor of community health at ECU This writer can be contacted at arts@theeastcarolinian.com opportunity for people to recognize significant and a strong advocate for the health and wellness Trisha Rangaraju T E C S TA F F

Classifieds & Puzzles

A5 Thursday, 2.1.24

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CROSSWORD

FOR RELEASE AUGUST 28, 2022

THE TV CROSSWORD by Jacqueline E. Mathews

HOROSCOPES A r i e s (March 21-April 19) — Today is a 9 — Unexpected expenses require adaptation. Stock provisions for future needs. Avoid automatic reactions or risk a breakdown. Resist the temptation to complain. Collaborate for efficiency. HOROSCOPES

L e o ( Ju ly 23-Aug. 22) — Today is a 9 — Focus on home and family. Save money and cook something delicious. Avoid noise, crowds or traffic. Keep a low profile. Beautify your spaces and enjoy.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) — Today is a 7 — Finish work in private. Don’t compromise your integrity or values. Stick to the truth. Recharge with simple practices. Nurture yourself with comforting rituals.

Tau r u s (April 20-May 20) — Today is a 7 — Practice extra patience with your partner. Slow to avoid mistakes or m i s u n d e r s t an d i n g s . Consider your words before letting them fly. Maintain a shared vision.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Today is an 8 — Clarify communications. Connect the dots to advance. Don’t take anything for granted. Do the reading. Your reputation precedes you. Watch where you’re going.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Today is a 9 — Friends want you to come out and play. Avoid expense, noise or controversy. Impossible dreams reveal new potential. Connect with your community. Teamwork works wonders.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Today is a 9 — Articulate your vision and goals for your health, fitness and work. Action gets better results than empty words. Plan your steps for efficiency. Get moving.

L i b r a (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) — Today is a 9 — Cash flow is rising. Take care of business and reap the rewards. Study mistakes to learn and grow. Have faith in your own imagination.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) — Today is a 9 — Crazy professional dreams seem newly possible. Go for reality over fantasy. Don’t gamble on risky business. Stick to a blend of passion with practicality.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Today is an 8 — New possibilities can spark new problems. Avoid expensive mistakes. Make a creative mess and clean up. Dedicate more time for love. Listen to someone persuasive.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) — Today is a 9 — Prioritize p ersonal matters. Gain strength and options. Focus on the here and now. Guard your resources. Shop carefully. Take extra care of yourself.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) — Today is an 8 — Wait to see what develops. Conditions are better for travel, research and exploration. Listen carefully and le ar n. Old dre ams could spark anew. Pursue possibilities.

Created by Jacqueline E. Mathews

44 1996 film for Madonna 45 Comedy club specialty 46 __ Dilallo; “The Good Doctor” role 47 “__ of the State”; Will Smith film

ACROSS 1 Telly Savalas role 6 Waitress at Mel’s diner 9 Make ecstatic 10 “The Fresh Prince __-Air” 12 Liz __; “30 Rock” role 13 Actor Tom 14 Luau dish 15 Songbird 16 __ board; manicurist’s item 19 “__ Bridges” (1996-2001) 23 Hubby on “Sister Wives” 24 “__ dead people”; line from “The Sixth Sense” 25 Zellweger & Taylor 28 Series for Buck Owens 30 Daredevil Knievel 31 Rather & Aykroyd 32 Cry loudly 33 “Three’s Company” role 34 Auction lover’s site 36 “Game of Thrones” network 39 Singer Bobbie 42 “F __” (1965-67) Solution to Last Week’s Puzzle Solution from 11/09

COMICS

BREWSTER ROCKIT

8/28/22

DOWN 1 Brown seaweed 2 Bread spread 3 “FBI: International” role 4 “__ Z” (2014-15) 5 Olin or Berry 6 Series for Zeeko Zaki 7 “__ Miserables” 8 Bullring shout 10 Miner’s discovery 11 “America’s __ Videos” 13 “Boys Don’t __”; Hilary Swank movie 15 Twisted 17 Name for a Stooge 18 Bradley & Begley 20 Hardwood tree 21 “Voyage to the Bottom of the __” 22 Chop down 25 Yank’s Civil War foe 26 Actress Longoria 27 “__ Amsterdam” 28 __ Solo; “Star Wars” character 29 90 degrees from NNW 31 Doris or Dennis 33 “My Wife and Kids” role 35 Piece of lingerie 37 “Here Comes the __”; Kevin James film 38 “Grand Ole __” 39 Become firm 40 “Last Man Standing” role 41 Long or Peeples 42 “__ O.C.” 43 Gallop

SUDOKU

Level

BLISS

Complete the grid so each row, column and 3-by-3 box (in bold borders) contains every digit, 1 to 9. For strategies on how to solve Sudoku, please visit sudoku.org.uk

WHERE’S PEEDEE?

Solution to Solution frompuzzle 11/09 Thursday’s

9/8/23

Sports

theeastcarolinian.com

Thursday, 2.1.24

TEC spertZ '

The East Carolinian Sports experts predict this week’s events

Nick Bailey Sports Editor

49ers VS. ECU Score Prediction? 64 - 60 ECU Why? This should be the most hostile environment ECU has had to go into this year as they face Charlotte as conference foes for the first time. The 49ers are ranked No. 1 in the AAC right now as they’ve only lost one game in conference play, but ECU stands a great chance against their inner state rival. The Pirates score more points per game and rebound more per game then Charlotte, so if ECU can shoot the ball at a high percentage, I like their chances to win a close one on the road.

Diego Lerma TEC Staff

49ers VS. ECU Score Prediction? 73-65 UNCC Why? Both teams are riding win streaks going into this matchup. In their last couple games, Charlotte tended to start slow and pick up as the game goes on. ECU starts fast and will be up by the end of the half. The 49ers will pick up momentum in the second half to win the game.

PRYOR SHELTON I THE EAST CAROLINIAN

Pettiford Jr. dishes the ball to his teamate Cyr Malonga against Temple University.

PRYOR SHELTON I THE EAST CAROLINIAN

LaCount crosses up a Temple defender in ECU’s 70-64 overtime win in Minges.

Pettiford Jr. drives to the basket with his left hand and scores.

Pirates sail to Charlotte hoping to sink 49ers Ashleigh Cash T E C STAFF

East Carolina University‘s men’s basketball team (11-10, 4-4 American Athletic Conference) will head down to Charlotte this weekend to take on University of North Carolina Charlotte (13-7, 7-1 AAC) in their first matchup as conference foes. The 49ers host the Pirates on Feb. 3 at Halton Arena at 2 p.m. Charlotte is currently tied with Florida Atlantic University (17-4, 7-1 AAC) for top seed in the conference, riding a seven-game win streak, including an overtime win against Rice (7-13, 1-6 AAC). They’ve scored 65 or more points in eight out of their last 10 games. The Pirates, meanwhile, have won their last two games, taking a close one against Wichita State University (9-11, 1-6 AAC) in Wichita before beating Temple (8-13, 1-7 AAC) in overtime at home and completing the season sweep. They play once more against South Florida (13-5, 6-1 AAC) to wrap up the

homestand, before traveling to Charlotte. ECU’s junior guard RJ Felton is coming off a solid game against Temple on Jan. 28, in which he played 43 minutes and scored 24 points. In the game against Temple, the Pirates got off to a very strong offensive start, before hitting a scoring slump just before halftime. That drought continued to stretch on into the second half, until sophomore forward Valentino Pinedo broke it with his second basket of the season. Temple went on to take the lead, with the Pirates’ offense being carried largely by Felton, until ECU’s defense turned up the heat in the final minutes and the Owls couldn’t keep up. The Owls and the Pirates headed to overtime, tied up at 60. ECU would take the win, with a final score of 70-64. ECU’s roster got a recent update thanks to midseason enrollee Bencao Vungo. Vungo saw his first career action against Temple, playing

five minutes. The 49ers return to Charlotte coming off a 75-71 road win against Tulane (12-8, 3-5 AAC). In that win, junior forward Igor Milicic Jr. scored a season high 22 points, picking up 13 rebounds for the double-double. Milicic Jr. was named to the conference’s weekly honor roll following this performance. The contest will be the first televised home game of the season for the 49ers, and it will be shown on ESPNU. After facing off against the 49ers, the Pirates will continue their two-game road trip at the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA), where they will face the Roadrunners (8-13, 2-6 AAC) on Feb. 10 at 4 p.m. It is the only regular season matchup between the two teams. Ashleigh Cash is a Freshman majoring in Communication and a TEC columnist. To contact her/him, email opinion@theeastcarolinian.com.

WOMENS BASKETBALL continued from A1 No Pirate comes close to reaching McNeal in points this season, as she has once again proven to be the offensive motor for this team, scoring 174 more points than Joyner, the team’s second leading scorer. McNeal leads the team in minutes played per game (33), allowing her to take the most shots for the Pirates while also leading the team in field goals made. In the month of January, McNeal carried the offensive load, aver-aging 22 points per game, 2.75 assists per game, and 3.25 rebounds per game while also being a defensive stopper, garnering 3.75 steals in the first month of 2024. McNeal has been producing at a higher clip than normal in her past three games, putting up 35 30 and 25 points in consecutive games. Amiya Joyner In her last outing against the University of South Florida (12-9, 4-4 AAC), McNeal scored more than half of the teams 40 points with her 25 point game performance on Jan. 28. The rest of the team outside of McNeal in that game shot 5-28 from the field in that game, while McNeal shot 9-25 from field goal range. McNeal became the first Pirate player in 41 years to have more than three 30-point games in a single season after scoring 30 against Florida Atlantic University (6-13, 1-7 AAC) on Jan. 25. To finish her record-breaking month, McNeal finished with a career-high 35 points against Southern Methodist University (10-10, 4-5 AAC) in a 68-61 win on Jan. 20. McNeal shot 60 percent from the field and 2-3 from three-point range in that battle, but she left nothing to be desired at the free throw line, shooting a perfect 15-15. Her final result of 15-15 establishes a new program record for the most free throws made without a miss in one game. The previous record of 14-14, set by ECU Hall of Famer Gaynor O’Donnell, had stood since Feb. 15, 1992.

McNeal reached 1000 points in her Purple andGold career during the game versus SMU. She is the fourth player in program history to achieve 1000 points in three seasons or less, having played in 65 games at ECU. After the SMU game, McNeall became the first Pirate to have four or more 30-point games in a season since Mary Denkler in 1982-83, and only the third overall (Rosie Thompson in 1978-79). In January, the Pirates scored 518 points in eight games. That’s an average of 64.75 points per game; McNeal averaged 22 points per game in January. McNeal’s offensive contribution may be analyzed by the fact that she scored 34% of ECU’s total points in January games, or 176 out of 518 points. McNeal has received back to back week honors on the AAC honor roll for her play on the court. She has averaged 27.5 points per game, five assists along with 3.5 steals per game during that span. The fifth year player leads ECU in eight game high stats this season, those are: Points (35) Field goals made (12) Field goals attempted (25) Three pointers made (6) Three pointer attempts (11) Free throws made (15) Free throws attempted (15) Steals (7) The Pirates and McNeal will look to continue their season on the road back to AAC champions on Feb. 1 against the University of Tulsa (16-5, 6-2 AAC) at home in Minges Coliseum at 6 p.m. The game can be streamed on ESPN+. Nick Bailey is a Sophmore majoring in Communication and a TEC columnist. To contact her/him, email opinion@theeastcarolinian.com.

COURTESY OF ECU PIRATES

McNeal currently ranks in the top 25 in the NCAA in points per game at 19.8, first in the AAC.