The Hilltop, April 13, 2017, Volume 101, Issue 26

The Student Voice of Howard University Since 1924 Volume 101, Issue 26

Thursday, April 13, 2017

Washington, D.C.

Probate Season Pt. 2: A l p h a s , K a p p a s , O m e g a s , & I o t a s

New member presentation of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Beta Chapter, on Friday, April 7. (Photo Credit: Samuel Hargro)

New member presentation of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Alpha Chapter, on Friday, April 7. (Photo Credit: Cydney Stephens)

New member presentation of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., Xi Chapter, on Thursday, April 6. (Photo Courtesy: Instagram)

New member presentation of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc., Alpha Tau Chapter, on Thursday, April 6. (Photo Courtesy: Instagram)

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THURSDAY, APRIL 13, 2017

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CAMPUS

The Hilltop Editorial Office 2401 4th Street NW, 68B, Washington, D.C. 20059 (202) 806-4749

Howard’s Student Elections Season Comes To An End

Paul Holston Editor-in-Chief

eic@thehilltoponline.com

Rushawn Walters Managing Editor

managing1@thehilltoponline.com

Almani Jackson Business Manager

business@thehilltoponline.com

Akiah Singfield Sales Manager

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Dawn Richard Layout Editor

Sylvester Johnson III Copy Chief

Devin Barnwell

Assistant Copy Chief

Victoria Jones Copy Editor

Jason Ajiake News Editor

Gabrielle Oliver Culture Editor

Brittany Webb Sports Editor

Zora Neale Hurston (18911960), co-founder of The Hilltop Newspaper, is considered one of the preeminent writers of 20th century AfricanAmerican literature.

Quentin Manfield, left, and Jade Agudosi, right, have been elected as the Executive Vice President and Executive President of the 57th administration of Howard University Student Association, respectfully. (Photo Credit: Jordan Woods, The Refined Photo)

By Rebecca Johnson Contributing Writer

T

his past week concluded Howard University’s student elections season.

Known for being one of the most elaborate student government election seasons, the weeks of seeing well put together posters, social media blasts and wristbands have came to an end and have payed off for some.

Unofficial results were released on Wednesday, April 5, with Jade Agudosi and Quentin Mansfield respectively becoming the 57th administration of the Howard University Student Association Executive President and Vice President.

“When Quentin and I first learned that we won, we were extremely overwhelmed with so many emotions,” said Agudosi.

“The responsibility of leading the next HUSA administration is great and we are so honored to have been elected by our peers to do so.”

Other elected officials for next year share the same sentiments that they are ready to take on their position and get to work.

“I really felt like I have a platform to bring the initiatives that I want to bring

on-campus, that will make an impact on my university and really help out my peers,” said Taylor Ellison, a freshman marketing major from Houston, Texas who was elected as the next 2017-2018 council secretary for the School of Business. “I’m super eager to get in office.”

For some slates, which were advertised by promotional videos and cohesive color schemes, not all officials were elected together.

“Winning for me was bittersweet, because I did not win with my slate,” said Otis Ferguson, a freshman sports medicine major from Bloomfield, Michigan, who will serve as the next 2017-2018 council treasurer for the College of Arts and Sciences. “I was the only one out of the four of us to get elected for my position. While I am happy that I won for myself, it would have been nice to also win with the people who I have been putting in so much work with. Nevertheless, I am looking forward to working with the opposing slate.”

Some students, like Shykeia Spinks, a sophomore public relations major from Riverdale, Maryland, felt like the cam-

paigns did not have any substance and were for show.

“In the future I would actually like to hear the things that benefit us, not just moves on The Yard,” said Spinks. “I want more job opportunities, decrease in tuition cost, more funding to rebuild communications and give us the technology we need to improve ourselves within our field.”

According to HUSA’s official twitter account (@HUSAssociation), this election had a higher voter turnout than past elections. Bria Horsley, a broadcast journalism major and speech pathology minor from Queens, New York, said that this election brought her to vote.

“I’m not usually big on Howard elections, but this past one was much more competitive than it has been in other years,” said Horsley. “All of the campaigns were in our face, so I definitely read everyone’s platforms and voted!”

For a full list of winners of this year’s student government elections, visit www.thehilltoponline.com.

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(Photo Credit: Samuel Hargro)

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(Photo Credit: Samuel Hargro)

PROBATE RECAP IN PHOTOS

(Photo Credit: Cydney Stephens)

(Photo Credit: Cydney Stephens)

(Photo Courtesy: Twitter)

(Photo Credit: Paul Holston, Editor-in-Chief)

THURSDAY, APRIL 13, 2017

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HBCU Alumna Pens Children’s Book On Northern, Southern U.S. Divide

By Kayla Irby Contributing Writer

C

o-anchor of Memphis, Tennessee’s Local 24 news, Katina Rankin, wrote a children’s book “Up North, Down South: City Folk Meet Country Folk” on the northern southern divide in the U.S., and is currently on a reading tour for this novel.

The book takes the reader on an expedition across the state of Mississippi and addresses common misinterpretations about the state. The novel is about $12.

Up North, Down South: City Folk Meet County Folk was released in July 2016.

From August 2016 until December 2016, Rankin has been involved in more than 35 speaking events where she promoted literacy.

Rankin did a recent stop at Busboys and Poets of Takoma, Hendley Elementary School, Democracy Prep, and participated in the Happy Nappy Storytime Hour at Sankofa Bookstore and Cafe located across the street from Howard University.

“I’m extremely excited that this is the first tour up north, because I have been focusing on southern states since I’m from Mississippi, so I’m really excited D.C. is

on this stop. Then we will head further up north to New York,” Rankin said.

Rankin, from Magee, Miss. is an alumna of Alcorn State University, where she received her bachelor’s degree in mass communications, and Jackson State University, where she received her master’s

degree in broadcast journalism. She also is an author of two books and Rankin based the book on her nephew’s fascination with books.

“From the time he could walk and talk, he would always say “Read Ti-Ti, read.”

I believe the first word that came out his mouth was read. One day when getting ready for work he came up to me walking

with a book saying just that, read Ti-Ti read,” Rankin said.

“I put him on my lap and began reading the book he brought to me, as I was reading the book I looked over at the side of his face and he was just so captivated by the words that were coming off the

and had two aunts who lived in New York and California. When traveling up north, she would often get teased by her family members for her southern lingo.

“Our relatives in New York would always pick at us and say, “Oh, you all are so country. You say ‘y’all.’ When my sister had children and we started take them up north, we heard the same thing. The next generation would tell them that. So I said let me pen something to let children know that we are more like than we are different, and at our core we are all the same.

We all have the same sweet spirit, and that’s how we start out,” she said.

Rankin’s goal for writing this book was to inform the youth that we are all internally the same, no matter what part of the United States you are from. Instead of focusing on the differences, Ranking believes we should focus on our similarities.

(Photo Courtesy: Katina Rankin) “We may dress differently. We may come from different geographical arpage. I asked one simple question which eas, but again at our core we are more was, oh God, I wonder if I should write alike than we are different. If we would a children’s book. After work that day I just spend some time getting to know picked up my laptop and started writing,” each other and getting to know different she said. cultures then we will all see that,” Rankin Rankin’s personal experience as a said. child also played a big part in the theme of the book. She grew up in Mississippi

BEWARE: Male Flasher

Reportedly Harassing Women In Chemistry Building

By Kaylin Young Contributing Writer

A

man was spotted in Howard University’s Chemistry Building exposing himself at least twice in front of a group of female students on the week of March 20th. For over a month, rumors of a man exposing himself on campus buildings have swirled, but have been vaguely addressed by Howard police and administration.

At approximately 12 p.m. on March 20th, a Black male in his mid-thirties walked into the chemistry building into a room where four female students were sitting. He looked around the room and sat in a hidden corner and began pleasuring himself. At first the students didn’t notice the act, but when they did, they were stunned.

Junior biology major Monique Harvey was studying when she realized what was happening. “We didn’t know what to do,” Harvey said.

Junior chemistry major Amahni Wall was with Harvey during the entire incident.

The man immediately left the room and

the girls locked the door and called campus police, who were “less than friendly” when they arrived according to Wall. Six police filtered in and Wall said, “they kept telling us we should have taken a picture.”

One of the investigators followed up with Wall, calling her to the police station to look at images of males who were presumed suspects, but she did not recognize them as the subject.

Harvey emailed Howard President Wayne A.I. President Frederick and Mr. Marcus Winder from the Title IX office complaining that nothing had been done to inform or warn students about the incident.

Eventually, she received a follow up from the Title IX office requesting a meeting.

Harvey agreed to meet with Title IX representative Candi Smiley and investigator Keith Brown, recounting the story for them. Harvey did not receive a follow up from either.

The following week, Harvey was told about a similar incident in the chemistry building. She emailed President Frederick again requesting a crime alert be sent out, to which he responded that her complaint had been forwarded to former Howard

Chief Of Police and Executive Director of Howard’s Department of Public Safety Brian Jordan.

Jordan denied the request to send a crime alert, saying there was only one reported incident (on March 20th) and because it was not an ongoing threat, he would not send out a crime alert.

Although Harvey had heard students talking about repeated incidents on social media and in person, Jordan was unwavering that nothing would be released without additional incident reports.

On March 23rd, Harvey and a friend called the police to make an official statement about two separate incidents when the subject was seen in the chemistry building. Harvey did not receive a follow up.

On the morning of the March 31st, College of Arts and Sciences administration assistant Patricia Crawford sent out emails to students warning them of “a perverted man” in the building, encouraging female students to be safe. Harvey received an email from President Frederick on that day, ensuring her that he was “looking into the situation.”

Coincidentally, the day Harvey received acknowledgement from President Frederick was the same day as Accepted Students Day, a day of touring and welcoming next semester’s incoming freshman to Howard life. A stop in the chemistry building was not a part of the tour.

Frustrated that crime reports had still not been sent out, Harvey and Wall started a hashtag #NotSafeAtHoward, warning students on campus of the incidents. Students have been posting in GroupMes and on Twitter that they have also encountered a male exposing himself in the biology building or the Health and Sciences Library.

Since the incident, Wall has changed her routine. “Sometimes I get to class early, and I would be the only person in there. Now, if there’s no one in the room, I just go somewhere else.”

A crime alert eventually went out to students via email on April 3rd. The alert went out two weeks after the incident was reported. That same day, Jordan submitted his letter of resignation.

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NEWS EyE on Africa 2 SOUTH AFRICA

1

SOUTH SUDAN

United Nations peacekeepers have been blocked from entering the town of Pajok by South Sudanese authorities. Thousands have fled the town to neighboring Uganda after a reported attack on the town’s civilians. Refugees told aid workers that soldiers entered the town in tanks and began shooting at the town’s people in what the UN calls “an indiscriminate attack by the South Sudanese armed forces.” A spokesperson for the South Sudanese government confirmed that Pajok had been attacked in an attempt to force out rebel fighters.

Over 60,000 people marched in cities across South Africa on Friday, April 7, calling on President Jacob Zuma to step down. The protests were sparked

by Zuma’s controversial reshuffle of cabinet. On March 30, Zuma replaced widely respected finance minister, Pravin Gordha, with Malusi Gigaba, the former interior minister with no experience in business or finance but who is known to be loyal to Zuma. The change in personnel led to the value of South Africa’s currency to fall just days later. Anti-apartheid activist and recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, also called on Zuma to resign.

3

NIGERIA

More than 300 people have been killed in Nigeria due to a meningitis outbreak, the country’s Center for

Disease Control said. The agency reported a wide outbreak of cerebrospinal meningitis across 15 states within Nigeria. A new type of the disease, named as “stereotype C,” has also emerged, and last week the Center for Disease Control warned that there were not enough vaccines against it.

“There is a vaccine available,” said Chief Executive Chikwe Ihekweazu, “but it is not commercially available for the stereotype involved in this specific outbreak, and we have to make application to the World Health Organization for the vaccines.”

Ihekweazu added that the outbreaks peak in the dry season in certain states due to the low humidity and dusty conditions and usually end as the rainy season approaches.

According to the WHO, when the disease is diagnosed early and adequate treatment begins, 5 to 10 percent of patients die typically within 24 to 48 hours once having the symptoms.

“We believe that our concerted efforts will bring this outbreak under control, as we also work towards preventing outbreaks of this scale in the future,”

By Sophia Hussein Contributing Writer

according to an official statement by the Center for Disease Control.

4

SOMALIA

At least 15 people are dead after a suicide bomber detonated a car bomb outside of Somalia’s defense ministry in the capital city of Mogadishu on Sunday, April 9. The attackers are believed to have targeted newly named chief of defense forces, General Mohamed Ahmed Jimale. Jimale survived the attack but several among the dead were soldiers. Most of the dead were civilians riding in a minibus that was destroyed in the blast.

Armed group Al-Shabab took responsibility for the attack. This comes days after Somali President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed announced plans to strengthen their offensive against al-Shabab on Thursday. The announcement was met with an attack on a minibus in the southern Lower Shebelle region later that day killing 19 civilians including women and children.

OVERVIEW: Gorsuch Confirmed for Supreme Court After Partisan Infighting and Chicanery

By David DePriest Columnist

O

n Monday, April 10, Neil Gorsuch was confirmed to the Supreme Court, ending a historic bough of partisan infighting and parliamentary proceedings that ultimately gutted one of the Senate’s longest standing customs. Gorsuch, picked by President Donald Trump to fill the seat vacated by former Associate Justice for the U.S. Supreme Court Antonin Scalia, was a controversial pick, known best for his extremely narrow and literal understanding of the Constitution. Gorsuch’s strict interpretations and conservative leaning endeared him to Republicans in the Senate, who all supported his nomination and appointment.

Gorsuch joins a court that is increasingly polarized on major issues. The loss of noted conservative activist judge Antonin Scalia in 2016 shifted the balance of the Court, with the number of liberal justices matching the number

of conservatives for the first time in a generation. Former President Barack Obama then nominated Merrick Garland, a centrist judge well-respected by both parties, to fill the vacancy.

The Republicans in the Senate, led by Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, refused to have a hearing on Obama’s nominee, effectively stealing the seat. The confirmation of Gorsuch again shifts the ideological balance of the court towards conservatism, and Gorsuch’s relative youth means that he’ll likely have a lasting effect on U.S. legal doctrine going forward.

Gorsuch, despite being confirmed, did not leave the Senate unscathed. His nomination faced more partisan backlash than any in recent history. All but two Senate Democrats (Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia and Sen. Heidi Heitkamp of North Dakota) elected to not only vote against his nomination, but also to filibuster him, effectively delaying the vote for several days.

Heitkamp and Manchin’s defection has already

prompted many Democratic party officials on the party’s left-wing to openly discuss primarying or ousting them completely in the 2018 elections. Many are saying that the two’s concessions to Trump, both done in the hopes of holding on to red-state Democratic voters in next year’s midterm elections, may ultimately cost them their bases and, consequently, their seats.

The Democrats’ filibuster didn’t last, however, as Republicans in the Senate voted to end the 60 vote requirement to end a filibuster. Lowering the number of votes needed for cloture (or the end of debate) disempowers the minority party, as only a simple majority is needed to force through nominees. Democrats are already hailing this as the death of decorum in Congress, and have begun actively fundraising off the issue in hopes of making the GOP’s blatant rubberstamping and goal-post moving for Trump a 2018 issue.

THURSDAY, APRIL 13, 2017

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COLUMN -- Why Black Women Are Tired of Rallying Around White Feminists

By Christian-Alexis Bacon Contributing Writer In January, the day after the inauguration of now President Donald Trump, the National Women’s March took place in Washington D.C. Nearly a half million white women came to the area in support of the movement.

On the Women’s March website, the goals and objectives of the organization are listed: “We must create a society in which women - including Black women, Native women, poor women, immigrant women, disabled women, Muslim women, lesbian queer and trans women - are free and able to care for and nurture their families, however they are formed, in safe and healthy environments free from structural impediments.”

Photos of sanitary napkins with various antirape and traditionally feminist statements circulated through the Twittersphere. Writing various anecdotes and catchy girl power phrases seemed like an awesome idea, aesthetically.

As we fast forward to March, the hashtag #FindOurGirls went viral showcasing the numerous underrecognized cases of young black and Latina women going missing in the District of Columbia. The same Women’s March snatched a seat at the table stating “We will not rest until they are brought back safely. #BlackGirlsMatter #FindOurGirls”. Ironically, their last post with the hashtag was published the next day. This same organization who had so much to march about a few months prior, showed no signs of an upheaval for the thousands of black girls and boys across the globe who are being kidnapped and trafficked each year.

The aftermath of hashtags and retweets never falls short of astonishing. While the startling image of a bright pink milk carton was on everyone’s Instagram feed and Twitter timeline last week, it now seems that Black trauma has been compartmentalized into simply being apart of life. The dehumanization and criminalization of the black body has caused this atrocious and widespread desensitization. Seeing a hashtag is no different from seeing

any other tweet on a feed now.

Seeing another missing Black child has become just as commonplace as seeing the selfies of peers.

To white feminists, the heart wrenching town hall videos featuring mothers and fathers begging for their children back breaks their heart almost as much as seeing a sad, cold puppy while “Angel” by Sarah McLachan plays in the background. Saving whales, rescuing dogs and reserving their spot at SoulCycle is more important to them than the real issues facing the black and brown HUMAN beings all around you. Activism is a sport, a hobby, an extracurricular for white women.

So the next time a Women’s March promotes ideals of equality in hopes of drawing a more “diverse” crowd, it would behoove them to keep in mind the historical impediments that prohibit us Black women from supporting a march fueled by a movement that doesn’t truly understand, value or support us -- the same ideals that probably fueled Alice Walker’s coining of the concept, ideology, lifestyle and movement known as Womanism.

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The Office of the Dean of the Chapel Andrew Rankin Memorial Chapel “Holy Week: A Week of Reconciliation” “We Were Slaves to Pharaoh in Egypt”

A Reflection on Jewish Passover and Seder

By Dr. Molly Levine, Interfaith Advisory Board

The Seder creates visceral memory. It is not about teaching history; it is about the transmission of the deep rooted and intimate recognition that I was once a Jewish slave who ate the maza, the 'poor man's bread,' or lahma anya, as the Haggadah calls it in Aramaic. As Rabbi Jonathan Sacks has observed (Sacks 2016), memory is different from history. Not factually accurate, as history strives to be, memory alone yields a kind of irrational knowledge that at its best can create radical empathy. For it is not history, but memory that enables me to see others as experiencing what I myself have come to know in my bones as my own lived experience.

Traditionally, Jews mark the passage of their whole lives by the number of Seders that they have attended.

They also use the Seder as a talisman for personal continuity by saving the crumbling bits of maza from last year's Seder to this year's and then from this year's to next year's Seder with its own maza to cherish. But that's for the grownups. For the wide eyed children struggling to chant four questions that they themselves barely understand, wondering which of the 4 sons they were meant to be, little by little with every Seder, comes the understanding that the meaning of their own budding lives is situated within a far bigger story of collective suffering and redemption. The Seder creates a chain of memory and with the memory comes obligation.

We need the Seder. The Seder creates memory where otherwise there would be none. For it is all too easy for us to forget suffering and hardship once it is over, all too easy to assume that once redeemed, suffering can never return, that freedom is a birthright.

The story of the redemption from slavery turns on this radical recognition of slavery as the root of who we are. But in the story, our freedom is by no means the end. The Torah makes clear that the implication of freedom is to accept responsibility for all others who are not free. God will not allow us to forget what it means not to be free.

Again and again we are told “And you shall remember that you were a slave in Egypt” (Deut. 16: 12)

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The implications of this memory are spelled out in law— Deut. 24:18-22 “And you shall remember that you were a slave in Egypt and the Lord your God ransomed you from there.

Therefore do I charge you to do this thing. When you reap your harvest in your field and forget a sheaf in the field, you shall not go back to take it… For the sojourner, for the orphan, and for the widow it shall be.

And you shall remember that you were a slave in Egypt...”

So, too, when we uncover the maza for the first words of the narrative in the Haggadah we say: “This is the poor man’s bread that our fathers ate in the land of Egypt. All who are bent with hunger, come and eat; all who are in dire straits, come share Passover with us. This year we are here, next year in the land of Israel.

This year we are slaves, next year the liberated ones.”

And so the story of the Haggadah is open ended. It creates a pull of memory--of slavery- that itself creates a radical empathy with all the others who were enslaved, who are enslaved, who will be enslaved and persecuted. And our memory obliges us to remember them because we remember ourselves in doing so. It is not pity; it is not about being 'good'; it is just recognizing this fact of the common human condition.

Next year in Jerusalem. When we end the Seder we say that and the point is not only Jerusalem of this world but what the Rabbis call 'Yerushalayim shel LeMaalah' 'Jerusalem on high,' a place where there is no slavery and so no need to remember: “We were slaves to Pharaoh in Egypt.” _______________________________ All biblical translations are from Alter, 2005. All translations from the Haggada are from The New American Haggadah (Foer and Englander 2012) Bibliography: Robert Alter. The Five Books of Moses: A Translation with Commentary. W.W. Norton: New York, 2005.

Jonathan Sacks. “History and Memory” 35-42 in The Jonathan Sacks Haggada: Collected Essays on Pesah. Revised edition.

Maggid Books: Jerusalem 2016.

The New American Haggadah, edited by Jonathan Safran Foer with a translation by Nathan Englander. Little Brown: New York, 2012.

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PAGE 9

The Man The Mask The Mission Malcolm little?

Nah Detroit red, No that’s brother Malcolm, The X put that to bed.

When he was Red, he lived in black, he smoked green for the culture.

Thievin, druggin, pimpin, treating life like a vulture.

“Like all hustlers I was trapped” I lived like a savage.

When I was hungry I stole, when feverish I would ravish.

Got caught in the system and a decade I bid, In this time Muhammad’s Nation helped me see what I did.

“Have you ever bent your knees Malcolm?”

Do you know how to serve?

“Pick the lock Malcolm “or is Allah still unheard?

The lost boy turned. great student, so ready and leal, To take up the charge, and carry the steel, “You got to get out Malcolm”, “are you so blind you can’t see “ “Betty, when I lived like an animal The Honorable saved me, from me” “Oh Dear Heart, they don’t see that you make this Nation legit” “This was the best organization a Black man had until Niggas ruined it” The ugly truth shattered the deep faith, His confidence and his perspectives warped all out of place.

Both external and internal nations now divided.

He went to Mecca, found him self and was reignited Evolved words and actions sought equality recognizing the connected genealogy of all people, unified in God’s color blind word.

Perhaps not every man white is a devil, but we must not play at his level, if our future is to be secured.

Action time is now people! From ballot to bullet

If this war calls for guns pray to your God and then pull it!

By any means necessary we must take back our freedom.

This war will won by love, thats why they know we will beat them.

Brothers and Sister elevate NOW from this place of raised hands of closed mouth.

As we sit here in silence their Powder keg burns in our house.

In finding himself he spoke bravely to cowards they watched in awful fear “no one man should have all of that power”.

Asalamulakum peace be on to you “Nigga get your hands out of my pockets!”

POW POW Shots and bodies flying through Audubon Ballroom.

February 21 Age 39 Oh My lord they’ve killed him.

“He doesn’t need a doctor he needs a preacher” murdered like his daddy for the way he expose their system.

Conspired against by brothers bound together by no father no mother, trapped in a love unrequited.

The Nation that built him , had killed him, Symbolic of the Black Man divided.

El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz, known to you as Malcolm x ancestor of a mighty people a messiah taken before his apex If we begin to work his plan, then maybe we can bring him back first we must make our allegiance strong our affirmation clear “Before all I am black.”

By Ayana Evans

poetry

CULTURE

See Your Creative Work in The Hilltop!

Contact: CULTURE@THEHILLTOPONLINE.COM

6 Tips That Will Help You Make It to the End of the Semester

By Acacia James Contributing Writer It’s no secret that the end of the semester is a tough time for students in the school year. The end of the semester approaching only makes you more anxious, and the deadlines get closer and closer. Here’s six tips that will help you stay focused and the school year strong:

1. Don’t Drop Those Study Habits

It can be hard to maintain the same work ethic and study habits you had towards the beginning of the school year, but it’s important that you sustain them. Look over your notes after class, and make sure you’re understanding the material. Look to your peers to motivate you and maybe form a study group within that class.

2. Go to Office Hours Don’t be afraid to reach out for help when you need it. If you’re not understanding the work, ask questions. If you’re still lost, go to your professor’s office hours. Although this does take more time out of your day, it’s essential that you use all the resources available to you. Professors are here to help, and going to office hours show that you are trying, and can be beneficial to you when professors are entering final grades.

3. Take Your Vitamins Vitamins can help boost your mood and give you the energy you need to prosper. The end of the semester can bring on a load of stress, and its important to maintain a positive outlook. Also wak-

ing up early for classes can get more difficult to do at this point in the semester, therefore it’s important to keep a high energy level.

4. Know Where You Stand When it comes to this point in the semester, it’s important to know how your grades are in all of your classes. Go through each of them and make sure you are on track of passing every one. If you do not think you’re doing well or on track to pass, meet with your professor to find out if there are any extra credit opportunities available for you.

5. Be Organized Know when every deadline is approach-

ing, and also know when every test and final is approaching. Keep track of review sessions and review sheets. Make sure that when studying you have all of your notes, and that you know what material will be covered on the exam.

If you miss a class, be sure to follow up with the professor or student on what you missed. Do all of the homework, and let that aid you when preparing for an exam.

6. Don’t Give Up Whatever you do, don’t give up. It can be hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel in college, but you have to keep it in mind. You have made it this far in the semester so keep pushing and make sure you do everything in your power to finish strong.

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Reed, Grimes Announced As 2017-2018 Mister and Miss Howard University

By Montana Couser Contributing Writer fter a year of representing A Howard University, 20162017 Mister and Miss Howard

University Jalen Saunders and Victoria Gray passed their crowns to the next pair that will continue the legacy and representation of the HU Royal Court. Isaiah Reed and Victoria Grimes were officially announced as the new 2017-2018 Mr. and Ms. Howard University during the pageant on Thursday, April 6, in the Cramton Auditorium.

Grimes is a sophomore business major from Santa Rosa Beach, Fla., and the former Ms. School of Business. Reed is a junior acting major from New Jersey and former Mr. College of Arts and Sciences. With the former titles they held, both expressed that they have already demonstrated of what it means to to represent Howard and were excited for their future journeys.

“I’m in complete shock and it hasn’t hit me yet, but I am excited to move forward as the next Miss Howard University,” Grimes said.

Reed expressed a similar reaction when finding out he would become the next Mister Howard University.

“I’m at a loss for words,” Reed said. “This is a dream I always had and to see it come true is amazing.”

This year’s theme for the pageant was “Coming to the Mecca.”

For Grimes and Reed, both said that they figured out how to deal with the challenges of competing against other contestants and had tips for future contestants.

“Time management [is an obstacle] because being a full time student while also pursuing student leadership roles is challenging. But while being in the pageant I think that I’ve learned how to manage my time and now I can pass down some advice,” Grimes said.

Reed agreed with Grimes and said, “My school work and pageant rehearsals have been amazing, but time management skills can be difficult to manage.”

Shelia Grimes, Grimes’ mother, shared her excitement after

(Photo Credit: Cydney Stephens)

witnessing her daughter win the position.

“I am just very excited and thrilled,” Grimes said. “This is an accomplishment that I have not anticipated, but I think she will represent Howard very well.

She is very determined and loves Howard University.”

Now that Grimes knows that she has become the next Miss Howard University, she expressed appreciation for everyone who has helped her get to the main stage.

“I have amazing friends and amazing students who have helped me campaign and voted

and I just want to say thank you,” Grimes said.

With Howard celebrating its sesquicentennial, both Reed and Grimes and are excited to begin implementing their platforms and representing Howard into its 2017-2018 academic year.

CORRECTION:

(Photo Credit: Cydney Stephens)

Last week’s print issue story “SC Gamecocks Win First NCAA Women’s Basketball Championship” was written by Sports Editor Brittany Webb, not Contributing Writer Nathan Easington.

THURSDAY, APRIL 13, 2017

THE HILLTOP

OPINION -Gentrification in D.C.: Out with the Black, In with the New

By Imara Bright-Johnson Staff Writer

I

n the 1970s, Washington, D.C. was often referred to as “Chocolate City” and known for the high population of African-Americans across the District. D.C. has always been a staple for Black music, fashion, cuisine and culture...and in 2017, Washington, D.C. has slowly, but surely lost most of its Black occupants. Instead, people that are not of color are steadily moving into neighborhoods that were once filled with African-American residents.

Since the 2000 census, there have been 54 gentrified neighborhoods.

Of the total 179 areas, more than half are considered to have been gentrified.

54

majority of faces in bars and restaurants are now the opposite of the chocolate skin that once flooded the streets. As whites move in, property values increase and make it hard for students, like myself, to find affordable housing around Howard University. Additionally, along with unaffordable housing comes shops, restaurants and grocery stores that are out of our price range as college students. The feeling of your community being invaded is not a good one, and i am sure that my fellow schoolmates can agree that our treasured space is being compromised.

In addition to areas surround-

gentrified D.C. neighborhoods

Thirty years ago, the neighborhood surrounding The Mecca featured nothing, but numerous shades of browns and Black. My father, a Howard graduate, told me stories about the liveliness of Black culture in the 70s and 80s. Of course, with this image in mind, I was excited to experience the rich Black culture and history that surrounded my university. However, when I began my experience on The Hilltop, I realized that what my father experienced as a student was no longer the norm in Northwest D.C. These days, it’s normal for me to see white families living on Gresham place, and mothers jogging down 4th Street Northwest with their babies in a double-wide stroller. U Street was once known as a local place for African-Americans to dine, dance and socialize with one another. On a Friday night, as I walk down U Street, the

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CULT Awareness

profess a religious focus, but have potentially dangerous practices and influence. These groups and individuals will often target students, especially new students,

Some groups on university campuses

because they are in an unfamiliar environment away from their established friends and family.

These groups are often identified as cult or “high pressure groups” and they operate without recognition or approval from Howard University nor the Office of the Dean of the Chapel. They: - Are often dishonest about their true identity - Aggressively recruit and sometimes harass and agenda. students.

SOME THINGS TO LOOK OUT FOR:

- Leader claims divinity or a special relationship with God. - Leader desires members to be faithful to him or her.

- Encourage members to separate from family and friends, especially if they do not share the group’s beliefs.

- Ask potential members to confess/tell all past sins/mistakes to members of the group.

- Seek to have total control over members’ lives.

- Want influence in every decision members make.

- Want members to keep things about the group secret.

- Desire to diminish members’ sense of self.

- Exploit members’ finances.

- Want members to be a part of this group and no/few other groups.

and counting

ing Howard, gentrification can be seen throughout the university. The new buildings and dorms that have been built were created to match the new aesthetic of the “redeveloping neighborhood”. In my opinion, it seems as though there have been more efforts to make Howard “fit in” rather than stand out by continuing to embody the legacy that Howard was established upon. Of course, improvements are always needed, but there is a difference between improving and conforming.

Alas, gentrification is happening all over the country. Many cities that were once filled with vibrant, and lively people of color are now being turned into another version of a suburb. There is no telling if or when gentrification will ever cease, but cities must find a way to redevelop communities without removing the people that made them as successful as they are today.

What’s the Harm?

- Loss of free will and/or control over your choices.

- Loss of long-term friendships and relationships.

- Loss of independence and planning for your future.

What Should You Do?

- Only visit Bible Studies, Prayer Groups, and Spiritual Discussions on the APPROVED LIST from the Office of the Dean of the Chapel. (Our goal is to protect you & support your spiritual journey).

- If you believe you have seen a group that may be a cult, have a friend being recruited by one, or have been recruited or harassed yourself, contact the Office of the Dean of the Chapel

immediately at 202-806-7280 or chapel@howard.edu.

You have the power to keep our campus safe!

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OPINION -- A Black Woman’s Body in America

By Taiyler Mitchell, Contributing Writer

S

o tell me: How should I, a Black woman, look in order to be considered beautiful?

A thin body, lank, long hair, light skin? Or should I be curvy with 3C natural hair? Black women struggle to maintain seemingly opposite beauty ideals: Eurocentric versus Black standards.

There are countless contradictions in the Black community’s standards of beauty.

On one hand, the Black community tends to praise a curvier body on a woman—so long as a small waist and a flat stomach are in place too. God forbid your curves mean more than just your hips and breasts. They also fetishize a Black woman with “nice” hair— meaning your curls can’t be too tight. But then so many Black women end up getting told they’re “bald-headed,” “lazy,” or “hate their Blackness” when they choose to wear a protective hairstyle, a weave, or a relaxer. On top of that, lighter-skinned women are often favored over darker-skinned women (unless their dark skin is oiled up for a half-naked, “artsy” Twitter photoshoot). Perhaps some have the unconscious belief that the lighter you are, the closer you are to being white.

But, white isn’t always right - nor should it be valued above women with darker skin tones.

Maybe this isn’t necessarily self-hate or the hatred of the Black community; perhaps it’s the concept that “white is beautiful” that has been engraved in the mind of society through media and centuries before.

America praises Eurocentric features like petite frames, thigh gaps, light hair, light skin, and light eyes on a woman. In many magazines and advertisements, the models are white, with minimal body fat. Think of the Abercrombie and Fitch lawsuits over antidiscrimination guidelines; or how rare it is to see a Black model representing their store.

But, miraculously, pop culture also appropriates the Black female body; but this comes to no surprise, as pop culture trends tend to stem from Black ideas. One of the most notable examples of this is Kim Kardashian.

Kim K and other “pop icons” are often praised after body modifications that mimic many natural Black bodies—big lips, wide hips, and a large derriere. Kim Kardashian’s marriage to Kanye West wouldn’t be seen by so many as problematic if there wasn’t a clear infatuation that he, among other Black rappers, have with white women over Black women. Lyrics like “leave your ass for a white girl” in “Golddigger” or “I would’ve married

Kate and Ashley” from “Niggas in Paris” show this trend. Many of his music videos like “Runaway” and “Monster” also star more white women than Black women. The seemingly harmless portrayal of Black women, or lack thereof, and favorability of white women in the media has a huge influence on how Black girls are taught to feel about their bodies.

Location and exposure are truly some of the biggest factors in how a Black woman accepts or rejects the beauty standards. A curvy Black girl growing up in a predominately white suburb may feel like her body is less by comparison, whereas in a Black neighborhood, she may feel more confident. Similarly, a thin Black woman living in a Black neighborhood may feel worse about her body than she would in a white neighborhood. At an HBCU, for example, a Black woman may feel more comfortable with her body because of the exposure to all the unique and diverse figures Black women have. So tell me again: how should I, a Black woman, look in order to be deemed beautiful in society? It’s really not up to you.

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN CHAPEL? Join us this Easter Sunday…

Morning Service – Cramton Auditorium – 11:00 A.M. Rev. Dr. Otis Moss, Jr. Pastor Emeritus, Olivet Institutional Baptist Church Sunrise Service - Rankin Chapel – 7:00 A.M. Rev. Waltrina Middleton Assoc. Dean of the Chapel

Seniors Sunday is here…

Are you graduating in 2017? Would you like to play a role in a special service highlighting and celebrating the Class of 2017?

Consider participating in: Seniors Sunday – April 30th Email: gdvinson@howard.edu

Deeper in Faith – Wider in Community!

Dr. Cornel West shares a moment with members of the Howard University Chapel Assistants after Chapel service.

THURSDAY, APRIL 13, 2017

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SPORTS

(Photo Credit: The Undefeated)

New Coach. New Team. New Direction.

By Tiffany Hoyd Contributing Writer

A

few weeks ago, Howard University’s football team held its first snap of its football spring schedule under the new regime of former Atlantic Coast Conference Coach of the Year, Bison Head Football Coach Mike London.

Howard is coming off of two seasons of losing records at 1-10, and most recently 2-9. Despite those losing records, Howard, under the stewardship of London, is expected to improve its game on both sides of the field.

Showing great promise on offense for next season, which begins in September, is former first place rusher in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC), Anthony Philyaw.

Philyaw, a junior, will enter the 2017 season coming off of a season of 1,230 yards, 9 touchdowns, and 5.5 yards per carry last year, which placed him second in the MEAC division.

Other bright spots within the “Buffalo Soldiers” are receiver Kyle Anthony, defensive end Elijah Anglin and cornerback Travon Hunt.

Anthony, a current sophomore, is coming off a six touchdown sea-

son, and first-week MEAC Rookie of the Week season. Anglin, a junior, was 11th in the MEAC in sacks, with four solo tackles for the 2016-2017 season. Hunt, a grey shirt junior, sat the 2016 season with a injury, but is a former MEAC All-American.

Others to look at during the spring would be safety Alonte Dunn, defensive tackle Richard Johnson and punter Damion Gillespie.

Despite only three weeks of spring training, Coach London believes the team is showing signs of growth.

“Thus far I’ve seen a big improvement in their work ethic and buy-in to our culture of accountability and responsibility,” said London. “Particularity in the classroom and on the field, I want to see effort, energy and a passion to execute what’s being asked.

These are all things that are controllable.”

London expressed that as head coach, he intends to teach principles of class, going to class, respect, and “Mission Possible.”

Helping London in his pursuit to change the culture at Howard is his brand new coaching staff, with the exception of second year Howard coach, and former Super Bowl

winner, Cato June, who coaches defense.

Joining this season as new coaches are: David Clowney (slots/ h-backs), Mike London Jr. (wide receivers), Keenan Carter (defensive line), Chip West (co-defensive coordinator/corners/recruiting), Darryl Bullock (offensive line), Kenny Lucas (running backs/ special teams), Brennan Marion (offensive coordinator) and Vincent Brown (assistant head coach/ defensive coordinator/linebackers).

Howard’s defense showed to be steady last season, but struggled in games offensively. In fact, Howard averaged nearly 100 yards less than rival Hampton University in a 34-7 loss at the highly coveted Nation’s Classic game. Marion is looking to change that around by running what he calls, “Go-Go-O,” referencing the D.C. originated, “Go-Go” music that has been noted as being, “a bass-heavy, funky variation of hip-hop.” Marion expects the team to then play a fast- paced high intensity Howard offense.

Defensively it will be interesting to see how former UConn Defensive Coordinator Vincent “The Undertaker” Brown can foster the productivity of a spotty Howard defense. Brown comes from UConn

with a record of seventh in the red zone, for two out of his three seasons with the team.

Longtime Sports Information Director (SID) Edward Hill, Jr. believes the new atmosphere around the team bodes well for the success of the team.

“When you bring in a whole new atmosphere it gives hope that the program will reach the heights of the past,” Hill said. “Coach London is a proven winner, who has done it a different levels and now it’s his opportunity to do the same at Howard.”

Second-year coach June, wants “a falling in love with the game” from the team.

“The process of practice and preparation—not being a choir; genuine love for the work, which will in turn, turn into wins,” June said.

Howard’s athletic department has also undertaken renovations to give the team the best chance of winning.

“We are renovating our locker room and improving the press box area,” London said. “The football offices are under renovation as well, to provide a visual presentation of what’s needed to promote the program.”

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Life After Howard: A Q&A with Toree Boyd

By Brittany Webb Sports Editor

been four years since Istept’sToree Boyd took his first on the football field at

Greene Stadium. Today, he is a graduating senior, preparing for life beyond the team and home he’s come to know and love while at Howard. But before he leaves, The Hilltop caught up with him to get a gist of what it was like to play as an offensive lineman for the Bison and what fans and his team can expect of him beyond the Sixth Street gates of the Mecca: The Hilltop: What made you want to play football?

Boyd: At the age of five, I watched my god brother play little league football at the park, and his dad brought me over to the coaches to talk. Next thing I know, he signed me up and from that day, I never looked back. Now, it’s 17 years later.

HT: What was the highlight of your football career?

Boyd: The highlight of my football career is when we beat Hampton Institute during my freshman year

42-39 in double overtime, and Anthony Philyaw scored the winning touchdown, following behind me and Malcolm Rutledge blocking.

HT: What was the one thing that kept you going during early morning practice?

Boyd: One thing that kept me going during early morning practices was knowing the struggle my mom went through to raise me and my brothers and sisters—having to wake up early in the morning to get our clothes prepared. She made sure we ate and then went on her way to work.

So, everyday—knowing that, I made sure I took full advantage of every opportunity I had to make sure I put myself in the position to take care of my family.

HT: When you wake up, what’s something you tell yourself?

Boyd: When I wake up in the morning, I tell myself enjoy the process and trust it.

HT: In one word, how would you describe your time at Howard?

Boyd: Obstacles. There were good and bad times, but it was all worth it.

HT: What’s next? Where can we see Toree Boyd in the next 5-10 years?

Boyd: The next step for me right now is trying to fulfill my lifelong dream, which is to make it to the NFL and start on a team. In the next 5-10 years, you can see Toree Boyd in the NFL and/ or owning a business.

HT: If there’s one thing that you want people to know about Toree Boyd, No. 58 of the Howard University football team, what would it be?

Boyd: I would want everybody to know that I left my legacy here at Howard University—my play on the football field speaks for itself. It’s nasty, violent and physical.

HT: Is Toree Boyd the man?

Boyd: I’m just a cool outgoing person.

(Photo Credit: HU Bison)

Breaking the Record: A Legendary Season

By Nathan Easington Contributing Writer Forty-two.

After Sunday night’s game against the Denver Nuggets, Oklahoma City Thunder star Russell Westbrook became the second player in NBA history to record at least ten points, rebounds and assists over the course of the season. He succeeded at having his 42nd triple double, putting him as the all-time leader in the category, surpassing Oscar Robertson’s 41 triple doubles 40 years ago.

Westbrook finished the game with 50 points, 16 rebounds and 10 assists, along with a game winning buzzer beater.

While Westbrook has lead the league in front page news coverage during the season for both his stellar skills on the court and his on-and-off feud with former teammate Kevin Durant, this season has been host to impres-

sive athletic skills from other players in the league.

This season, Lebron James and James Harden set personal records for triple doubles in a season. Isaiah Thomas, the 5’9” point guard for the Boston Celtics, scored more than any other player in the league during the fourth quarter. Thomas has also led the Celtics to being at the top of the Eastern Conference with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Another standout is Phoenix Suns player Devin Booker. Booker holds the record for most points scored in a single game, having scored 70 points in a game against the Celtics.

While the 2016-2017 season has been marked with incredible performances from individual players, some teams are still struggling to qualify for the playoffs, despite the

efforts of individual players.

Teams like the Suns are currently last in the Western Conference and the Portland Trailblazers are holding onto the last spot for playoffs, despite Damian Lillard’s 50-point game a few nights ago. This struggle is similar to that of the Chicago Bulls who have lost games to lower ranked teams such as the Brooklyn Nets. The Bulls are led by All-Star and future Hall of Famer Dwyane Wade, which makes their position even more shocking.

As for the Cavaliers, Rockets, Celtics, Warrior, Spurs and Wizards, their sitting comfortably at the top of their conferences.

No matter how one views this season overall, it has been one for the record books.

THURSDAY, APRIL 13, 2017

Unsung Hero: DJ Jetson

D

uring sports games, DJs have the responsibility of controlling the energy of the crowd throughout the game by way of music. This season, Howard University fans, students and athletes had the opportunity to be in the presence of the musical vibes of DJ Jordan Jetson.

Jetson is a senior public relations major, business minor from Atlanta, Ga.. He has been DJing for a few years now, after being shown the basics from a friend.

“My love for music brought me to DJing,” Jetson said. “I used to rap and tried to produce, but DJing stuck.”

Jetson says that two DJs who have helped him mold his style were DJ Jazzy Jeff and DJ Craze. He began DJing for Howard events after joining the studentrun radio station WHBC 96.3 HD3.

Jetson says the best thing about DJing at Howard games is the fact that so many students come out to support their teams.

“Win or lose, it’s a good turnout, and the people are rocking with everything that is played,” Jetson said.

So far, Jetson says Org Night was his favorite event so far. That night, both the men and women’s basketball teams played against South Carolina State.

“I really got a chance to play off the

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By Darnell Dinkins Contributing Writer chemistry of the game, the crowd and the host,” Jetson said. “It was a fun challenge.”

Anybody who knows anything about the art of DJing knows it’s no easy walk in the park. Jetson prepares for games by searing through social media and looking for new songs to keep his set up to date and fresh. He uses a good amount of time during pre-games at events to get a better feel of what songs could work for future sets. Some of his “go-to” songs that he plays during his sets are classics, like “Pass the Courvoisier” by Busta Rhymes, “This is How We Do It’ by Montell Jordan and “For Free” by DJ Khaled and Drake.

He likes to finish of his sets in true Howard fashion with the traditional closing song “Before I Let Go” by Frankie Beverly and Maze.

Jetson says that after winning WHBC’s Howard’s Hottest competition during the fall semester, he is beginning to see DJing as a career he would do long term.

“I see potential to make a sustainable living and not struggle,” Jetson said. “So, I gotta get better to be able to work any set in any environment.”

(Photo Credit: Ruff Prophet Photography)

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