The Bridge: Volume 50, Issue 10, End of Summer Edition

Foreword Hello Readers, It’s hard to believe that 2020 is more than half-way over, the summer semester has ended and we’re starting our fall semester.

In some ways, the spring semester still feels open ended; I think this is why time seems to be getting away from so many of us.

We hope this end-of-summer edition can help give a little closure to these past couple semesters.

We also want to use this issue to introduce you to our new format for this digital magazine. We hope to deliver a digital issue each Friday to sum up our top stories of the week in a fun to read and convenient way. We also will be using this issue to introduce a new feature. And the weekly magazine is just a start. We’ve been working on ideas all summer. Expect to hear more from The Bridge this year.

It has definitely been a challenging few semesters and we’ve had to be very adaptable; The Bridge wouldn’t be what it is without the dedication of this staff and I am extremely grateful for those who have graduated, those who are still on staff from the past semesters and those who are coming back for fall.

Alex Johnson Editor-In-Chief

The Bridge is...

Alex Johnson

Editor-in-Chief amjohnson@lc.edu

Alexandra Blockton Writer ablockton@lc.edu

Adrienne M Lane

Graphic Designer/ Photographer amlane@lc.edu

William Mashburn

Graphic and web designer. wmashburn@lc.edu

Megan Lanham Jenna Shelton

Copy Editor/Writer jshelton@lc.edu

Ashtyn Britt

Editor/Ad Manager/ Writer abritt@lc.edu

Krystie Morrison

Lena Greeling Graphic Designer lennance@lc.edu

Donnie Becker

Moreena Hall

Graphic Designer/Illustrator mrhall@lc.edu

David Tupper

Dakota A Redditt

Photographer/Designer dtupper@lc.edu

Nathan Tucker

Jen Miller

Page 2

Graphic Designer/ Writer cthomas55614@gmail.com

Photographer Dobecker@lc.edu

Web Editor/Photographer kemorrison@lc.edu

Sports Editor/ Writer nrtucker@lc.edu

Chris Thomas

Photographer jenmmiller@lc.edu

Graphic Designer mrlanham@lc.edu

Kelly Anderson Podcaster kcanderson@lc.edu

Samantha Bauer

Podcaster/ Photographer scbauer@lc.edu

Graphic Designer daredditt@lc.edu

Jordan McDonough

Madeline Critchfield

Louise Jett

Graphic Designer macritchfield@lc.edu

Graphic Designer jmcdonough@lc.edu Advisor ljett@lc.edu

Table of Contents Table of Contents Campus News, pg. 4-9 -Golden Jubilee: L&C’s 50th Anniversary Gardens Are Open Once Again

Local News, pg. 10-11 -Candidates Make Their Case to Local Voters and a Low-Flying Drone

Product Reviews (new Bridge feature), pg. 12-13 -Luna Lifted is Here to Lift Your Spirits!

-Converse Steps-Up Quality, Keeps the Sole

Current Events, pg. 14 -If the Camera’s Rolling You’re an Enemy

Opinion, pg. 16-27 -Mail in Voting: Know Your Options -How to Wear a Mask -Thoughts to Keep us Going During the Pandemic -How to Strengthen Your Study Skills as a College Student -The Top Ten Summer Vegetables and Fruits -In Loving Memory of the Victims of Police Brutality Throughout the United States: The Black Lives Matter Timeline

Entertainment, pg. 28-30 -Marvel Cinematic Universe Viewing Orders -Let’s Get Back in The Twilight Zone

Sports, pg. 31-33 -We Love Our Sports, Don’t We Folks?

-Bubba Wallace and Changing NASCAR’s History

Photo by Krystie Morrison

Page 3

Golden Jubilee

L&C’s 50th Anniversary Gardens Are Open Once Again

By Jenna Shelton jshelton@lc.edu

T

his spring and summer has been devastating for many worldwide but the discouragement felt by the wonderful horticulturists at Lewis and Clark Community College has begun to dissipate now that the campus opened again. The gardens at L&C have become famous throughout the region with visitors coming from far and wide to explore all the interesting designs and techniques that are highlighted on the Godfrey, Illinois campus.

2020 marks the 50th anniversary of the purchase and start of Lewis and Clark Community College from the original Monticello Female Seminary that was built in 1838. With that monumental achievement in mind, Horticulture Manager Ethan Braasch said, “the garden show, called the Golden Jubilee, was meant to be a celebration of how far we have come as an institution. We are very proud of what our community college has achieved and what we have to offer to the people of the region. We wanted a garden show that would reflect that. Many of the pocket gardens are meant to evoke feelings of decades past. For example, our living wall garden, ‘Hang Loose’, is filled with colors and textures that makes one think of the 70s. We have a ‘Blazer Pride’ garden entirely composed of blue and white flowers, our school colors.

We have a container garden chock full of medicinal herbs and stunning blooms dedicated to honoring our nursing students as they study and train to keep our community healthy. We also have a pocket garden called “The Future is Bright’’, which was designed to showcase several different horticultural techniques that may offer guidance or inspiration for those who may be getting into gardening at home. Overall, our theme this year was meant to convey our gratitude for the achievements of our past and our sense of optimism moving forward.”

Continued on Pg. 6.

Photos by Krystie Morrison Page 4

Campus News

Campus News

Page 5

Continued from Pg. 4.

When the closure of campus was announced on that Friday in March before spring break, the horticulture team was determined to continue their goal to cultivate another stunning work of art, even if there was a chance that few might be able to experience their handiwork. Braasch said this was a time that was a bit demoralizing, especially on such an important year, but that did not deter the team, who continued to diligently work to maintain their cultivation.

Obviously Braasch and his team were ecstatic to find out that campus would be opening again and got to work trying to decide the safest way to attempt to start the garden tours that L&C is known for. Braasch stresses that the number one priority for those coming to visit the gardens is their safety and health.

Until a formal plan can be put in place, the gardens can be enjoyed in a self-guided tour, but L&C asks visitors to please maintain social distancing and other recommended safety guidelines while participating.

They are also excitedly working on a plan to assist visitors in using digital media to interact with and find their way around the Monticello Sculpture Gardens. As they continue to work towards the future and phasing back into their guided tours, Braasch and team would like to thank everyone for their patience and remind those who may be interested, that their hard work can be seen on their Flickr account anytime of the year or if you are just not comfortable coming out to campus yet.

For more information on the gardens at L&C or with any questions or concerns please contact Ethan Braasch, Horticulture Manager at ebraasch@lc.edu.

Page 6

Campus News

See all of The Bridge’s Golden Jubilee Garden Show photos on our Flickr page!

Photos by Krystie Morrison Campus News

Page 7

Photos by Krystie Morrison

Garden show sponsors

Village of Godfrey - Entire Show Joan and Charles Sheppard - River of Colors TriCounty FS Lawn Care - The Bosque Market Basket - Hatheway West

Page 8

Garden show sponsors

Dave and Sharon Braasch - Fountain Court Alton Community Service League - Portrait Island L&C Student Government Association - Living Wall Page 9

Candidates Make Their Case To Local Voters And A Low-Flying Drone

By Nathan Tucker nrtucker@lc.edu Candidates vying for varying elected offices gathered at Haskell Park in Alton on Thursday, July 23 for a public forum, presented by the YWCA in Alton. Among the want-to-be officials were candidates for County Board Chair, State’s Attorney and Circuit Clerk.

The forum provided an opportunity for the candidates to introduce themselves to the socially-distanced public at the park and those taking in the forum from the comforts of their homes through an online stream.

YWCA Executive Director Dorothy Hummel used her opening statements to explain the importance of election participation. As a member of Edwardsville City Council and School Board, along with her work with the YWCA, Hummel has seen first-hand how elections impact local government.

“Local elections are important,” said Hummel. “Decisions made by local governments and elected officials truly have an effect on our daily lives.”

Hummel also didn’t pull any punches with her opening remarks, diving right into some of the day’s toughest topics, including ongoing protests against police brutality and the nation’s ongoing struggles in dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic.

“These are challenging times we’re living in. The death of Breonna Taylor and George Floyd, among countless others, are just the latest evidence of violence and brutality today in our country.” Hummel read, from her prepared statement. “Across the nation, and in Madison County, protests have been held and continue to be held against police brutality and systemic, institutional and individual racism.”

Page 10

Local News

“The COVID pandemic has hit us hard, affecting 3.9 million Americans, and killing over 143,000 people.” Hummel stated, before the death total had officially been declared at 150,000 this week. “In Madison County, yesterday we learned of 62 new cases, 71 deaths (total in the county) today, and a positivity test rate of 7.5 percent (note: which is very high). We know COVID disproportionally affects people of color, and unfortunately this is true even in Madison County.”

To borrow a now often-used expression, we’re living in an unprecedented time in human history. Hummel reiterated that those elected to these offices will play a part in shaping that history in the area.

Hummel explained the offices, the responsibilities of each and gave a word of thanks to the event’s sponsors as she handed over the mic to the candidates.

She also thanked the candidates, who might shape change in local government.

Democratic candidate for State’s Attorney, Crystal Uhe, talked about her passion for helping crime victims in Madison county. Uhe is currently the First Assistant State’s Attorney.

Uhe started her career pushing papers as a file clerk in 2005, and worked her way up the ladder as a prosecutor in the Violent Crimes Unit.

“I’ve worked my way up through nearly every division and management position within the office. I’ve spent the past seven or eight years in the Violent Crimes division, prosecuting the worst of the worst there is in Madison County.” Uhe recalled. “Once elected, not only will I be the first female State’s Attorney, but the most experienced trial attorney to ever hold this position.”

Her Republican opponent, Alton native Tom Haine, flouted his military experience. Haine is the son of former State’s Attorney and State Senator Bill Haine.

Local News

and the clerks. And most importantly, the community who comes into that courthouse every day, that’s why I believe I am the one with the knowledge and the experience to be your Circuit Clerk.”

Both candidates were asked about adding diversity to the workforce in these positions of prosecution. Gabriel insisted the issue is something that needs to be acted upon. Her Republican opponent agreed, as well.

Tom Haine spots a low flying drone.

Capture via Riverbender TV. “I was in ROTC in college, and I took an oath to defend the constitution because I love it. I love our country and think it’s a fantastic place to be” Haine said as he introduced himself in his hometown. He then stopped his statements momentarily to acknowledge a drone that was filming a little too close for his liking above his head. “Who said there was gonna be a drone?

2020, that’s where we’re at, huh.”

Haine continued after the drone returned to a safe distance away from his head. Haine wrapped up his thoughts, saying that he’s running because he wants to serve his home and hometown, wanting to make the community better for his children and the residents of Alton.

In the race for Circuit Clerk, Democrat Amy Gabriel will go toe-to-toe with Republican Tom McRae. Gabriel’s experience as an attorney, who “lives in the courthouse”, compared against McRae’s experience “in life” and on the Madison County School Board.

“The Circuit Clerks and the Deputy Clerks are in charge of the business of the courthouse, all of the legal filings, all the fees and fines, that’s what the Circuit Clerk is in charge of.” Gabriel said. “I believe it takes someone who’s been in that courthouse, who’s worked with the judges and attorneys

“There’s 81 employees in the Circuit Clerk’s office, and only six are African-American, and I think we can do better than that. We should do better than that.” McRae stated. “I think we all need to make sure and embrace diversity with males, females, black, white. Because everybody brings something to the table. And I think we sure value other people’s opinions and their perspective. And by having that diversity, you only enhance the workplace, and you enhance the experience for everybody that’s involved.”

Former Regional Superintendent of Schools for Madison County Bob Daiber is the Democratic candidate for County Board Chairman. Republican candidate and current County Board Chairman Kurt Prenzler was invited to the forum but did not attend.

“I have served in the capacity of Village Trustee, a Township Supervisor, I served on the County Board,” said Daiber. “We can do big things again in this community, because there’s so much potential in Madison County. But it takes true leadership, and it takes an initiative to want to get things done, and to include communities, and to work with mayors, and to work with Township Supervisors to help people, and to move this county forward.”

The candidates will be on the ballot in this November’s election. For more information on these elections, visit Madison County’s Elections Page.

Page 11

Luna Lifted was clearly genuine and put a smile on my face Luna Lifted is Here to for the rest of the week. That’s what Luna Lifted gives to their customers, the magic of feeling Lift Your Spirits! special and genuinely valued.

ByLuna Ashtyn BrittLifted is Here to Lift Your Spirits!

Luna Lifted abritt@lc.edu

By Ashtyn Britt Thereabritt@lc.edu are few companies lately that make people genuinely feel special, There are few companies latelyand that even make fewer peowho make people feel magical.

Last year I ple genuinely feel special, and even fewer hapwho pened comefeel across a specific company that make to people magical.

Last year I happened has managed empower and that inspire me, to come across to a specific company has managed to empower and inspire me, Luna Lifted.

Luna Lifted. Luna Lifted is a company that sells Luna Lifted is aby company that sells jewelry injewelry inspired the most famous Goddessspired by the most famous Goddesses from varies from various mythologies in order to help ous mythologies order to help womenon feel their women feel theirinown inner Goddess a daily own inner Goddess on a daily basis. I have been basis. I have been a repeat customer of theirs a repeat customer of theirs as well as a faithful folaslower well as a faithful follower of their Instagram of their Instagram account and felt the need account and felt the need to share this treasure to share this treasure with the rest of the world. with the rest of the world.

The shipping is quick, and pricing is incredibly

reasonable the quality the jewelry.

On avThe shippingfor is quick, andofpricing is incredibly erage, my necklaces had lasted almost an entire reasonable for the quality of the jewelry.

On year of wearing nearly daily before showing average, my necklaces had lasted almost an any signs could daily probably last entire yearofoftarnishing, wearingand nearly before at least another year longer before needing any showing any signs of tarnishing, and could consideration of replacement. Luna Lifted is dedprobably last at least another year longer icated to making a quality product that will embefore any consideration of “Inspired replacepowerneeding people, stating on their website, ment.

Luna Lifted is dedicated to making by the phases of the moon and her divine femininea quality that people, energy,product our designs are will madeempower with intention, symstating website, the bolizingon thattheir all women hold“Inspired the ability by to both love and fight,moon to break most phases of the andand hercrumble, divine and feminine importantly, to put herself back together.” energy, our designs are made with intention, symbolizing that all women hold the ability to However, what makes Luna Lifted stand outand so both love and fight, to break and crumble, much from other jewelry makers is how truly permost importantly, to put herself back togethsonal the support can feel. On my package for er.the ” second order I’ve made, it had included writ-

I couldn’t emphasize enough how much I think, if you enjoy jewelry, especially based on feel so special mythology or major figures in feminism, you by them.check Whileout Luna Lifted! All necklaces, should this seem shirts and other products are rings,may bracelets, like such a small available for purchase on their website lunaliftact, it was cleared.com, and can also be viewed on their Instaly genuine and gram page put a smile on@Lunaliftedco. my face for the rest of the week. That’s what Luna Lifted gives to their customers, the magic of feeling special and genuinely valued.

Luna Lifted personalizes packaging to make connections even while social distancing.

I couldn’t emphasize enough how much I think, if you enjoy jewelry, especially based on mythology or major figures in feminism, you should check out Luna Lifted! All necklaces, rings, bracelets, shirts and other products are available for purchase on their website lunalifted.com, and can also be viewed on their Instagram page @Lunaliftedco.

ten in pen above my name “The lovely” so that

However, whatwould makes so the package sayLuna “TheLifted Lovelystand Ashtynout Britt” much from other jewelryshowing makersthat is how before listing my address, there truly was probablythe some note ofcan me feel. beingOn a repeated cuspersonal support my package Last timeorder I checked, I’ve been ordering from fortomer. the second I’ve made, it had included Amazon andmy have never beenlovely” made so to written in for penyears above name “The that the package would say “The Lovely Ashtyn Britt” before listing my address, showing that Luna Lifted products sent with there was probably some an note of me being a extra bit of magic and repeated customer. Lastgoodwill time I during checked, these I’ve trying been ordering from Amazon for(Rose years have in times. notand included never been made to feel soLuna special them.

Liftedby purchases.)

While this may seem like such a small act, it Page 12

Product Reviews

Converse Steps-Up Quality, Keeps the Sole

By Alex Johnson amjohnson@lc.edu

I’ve been wearing Converse for ages. I wear them everywhere; to work, to the store, to trim the grass, to my wedding, everywhere. Converse is like a comfort blanket to me. I like the way they look, feel and I like that they only look and feel better the more you wear them out. That’s why I tend to wear Converse shoes to (and often past) the point of destruction. I also like that they never change, that they’re always just a slab of rubber with a canvas top; a fresh new pair feeling exactly like the old (minus the holes).

My Converse shoes in varying states of decay, left to right is oldest to newest. The red pair were an anywhere and an everywhere shoe for just over a year.

That’s why I was so surprised to find, with my yearly All-Star low top order (this time in Electric Purple), that Converse has changed things up. It’s subtle, but it’s definitely there.

First thing, the sizes are a little different. The pair I ordered were 12M/14F, the pair I had to exchange them for are 10M/12F. For reference, the

Product Reviews

pair I was replacing were 11.5M/13.5F but half sizes were not available in Electric Purple at the time I was ordering. Converse sizes have always been all over the place in my experience, so this isn’t that shocking.

What is shocking is the new inner sole; it’s much softer and has a more pronounced arch. Don’t get me wrong, this does not feel at all like a traditional sneaker. The sole is still thin and flexible and the arch is very, very small. It feels like a Converse shoe, just a little softer. A little more comfortable.

It’s like Converse figured out how to do an HD remake of a shoe.

The lining of the shoes is also much softer and is no longer the same canvas as the outside. The exact material is not listed (the label simply says “textile”), but it feels like a more traditional sneaker liner. Not only is it more comfortable, I expect it will breathe easier. It also feels like there might but just the slightest amount of padding between the outside canvas and the liner, but this could also just be the new, softer material.

The best part about all these changes, I didn’t realize they had been made until I put the shoes on.

These are the standard All-Star line of low tops, the same as the pair they are replacing. Side by side they look the same, other than the year of daily wear and tear, of course. But putting them on, well, it’s like putting on a new pair of shoes.

Page 13

Photo collage by Alex Johnson

If The Camera’s Rolling, You’re An Enemy

By Nathan Tucker nrtucker@lc.edu Protests starting over the police killing of George Floyd that burgeoned into a greater call to end police brutality have been worldwide events over the past few weeks. The wave of protests is almost unprecedented, with thousands pouring into the streets to voice their opposition to a corrupt criminal justice system.

being released from the hospital. “I immediately felt blood and was screaming, ‘I’m press! I’m press!’”

Journalists for newspapers, television, radio and more have obviously flocked to their nearby protests to cover the happenings on the ground. Fairly simple: news is happening, they’re there to cover it.

“If someone believes that we have injured them, we encourage people to contact our Internal Affairs Unit or the Office of Police Conduct Review,” he said to The Times via email.

But at many protests, journalists, legal observers and just anyone who’s got their phone out and filming have been targeted by police in varying cities. Much like the protests themselves, the first notable incident happened in Minneapolis.

A spokesman for the Minneapolis Police said he was unaware of the incident. He claimed the department hadn’t used rubber bullets for decades.

A reporter in Louisville, Kentucky was shot with pepper balls by a Louisville Metro Police officer directly aiming at her and the news camera. On live air, the reporter shouted “I’m getting shot! I’m getting shot!”

Linda Tirado, a freelance photographer and author, was shot in the left eye by a rubber bullet by Minneapolis police.

She’s just one of many journalists in the US who’ve been attacked while attempting to cover the protests in some way.

Protesters have also targeted some media they find complicit in bogus reporting of protests. A Fox News journalist was harrassed in DC near the White House, and the CNN headquarters in Atlanta were the subject of broken windows and some graffiti.

“I was aiming my next shot, put my camera down for a second, and then my face exploded,” Tirado said, in a telephone interview with The New York Times, after

People “covering protests” for the Daily Caller were the ones to film this happening, and help Vittert out of the crowd, in DC. The Daily Caller, once owned

Page 14

and operated by Fox News figurehead Tucker Carlson, has come under scrutiny countless times for promoting “alt-right” or extremist right wing views.

Vittert claims that his interaction in the crowd was “the scariest situation” he’s been in since the 2011 Arab Spring.

When allies are publications that repeatedly tread in white supremacists, anti-semites and other racists, maybe that should be cause for some introspection.

CNN cameras came under fire outside of the White House, where protests have often spilled over to unrest with police using tear gas and rubber bullets. Police targeted the CNN journalist and camera crew live on Anderson Cooper’s show, seen by millions on live TV and the internet.

Police are being watched at protests like never before, and that includes TV cameras and journalists. Before this latest blossoming of the Black Lives Matter movement, it was largely activist journalists who reported these incidents.

As protests continue, journalists will continue to find themselves in the crossfire.

Depending on which direction they’re pointing the camera, they could be targets for crowd-control weapons.

Current Events

Begin your degree at Lewis & Clark Community College ... finish at Webster University!

Why Webster?

Student-centered. Small class sizes, personalized learning experiences, and dedicated faculty and staff support student success.

Expert faculty & excellent academic programs. Learn from our experienced faculty and choose from more than 100 undergraduate programs.

Ease of transfer. Generous transfer credit policies, friendly staff, and community college transfer guides will assist your transition.

Transfer scholarships. Webster offers competitive academic scholarships and many other financial aid options for our students.

Phi Theta Kappa Honor Roll school. Recognition from Phi Theta Kappa for the fourth consecutive year for our support of community college students.

Connect with us virtually to learn more! admit@webster.edu • 314-246-7800 webster.edu/transfer

EC-3557 Web U_L&C Summer.indd 1

6/2/20 7:09 AM

Mail-in Voting: Know Your Options Page design and story by William Mashburn wmashburn@lc.edu With the 2020 election rapidly approaching, the idea of mail-in voting has become more popular. Covid-19 has been an issue that we have had to adapt and live with. Many people believe mail-in voting is the way to go for the upcoming election. However, there are some who do not believe this voting method is valid or that it is “Too risky,” and corrupt. Some questions are, how would it work? Is it actually safe? And who qualifies to vote by mail?

Believe it or not, some states already offer mail-in voting options even outside of a global pandemic. These states include Delaware, Nevada, New Jersey, New York and North Dakota, along with many others that have some form of mail-in voting. In order to cast a vote, you will need to be a registered voter in the state you reside in. For those who have voted on previous elections in their state, the state will go off those past registrations in order to send you a ballot. For new voters, you will still be required to sign up and op-in for a mail-in option at the place of registration. Some places to sign up to vote are: Courthouses, Online, Polling stations and sometimes registered pollers will set up at public events.

With Covid19, online is probably the best option. With each state being different it is a good idea to check and make sure you have all the documentation needed to sign up to vote.

Page 16

What about safety? If you receive a mail-in ballot it will come just like any other piece of mail. If you have voted in the past the sheet will look similar to the ones you are used to.

However, they may be slightly different in design to accommodate for Covid19. This would only be done to keep things in order to make sure the votes are counted accurately.

One thing to keep in mind if you receive a mail-in ballot is that it will be your only way to vote in the upcoming elections. You can not go to a polling location and vote in person if you are under the mail-in option.

This is done to prevent double voting and corruption. So, if you are one of the people who are worried that voting by mail is unsafe, there is some information for you to help you understand it is a safe and valid voting option.

There are some concerns that are also brought up about this option though. For example, losing the physical ballots; a vote can not be counted if the physical paper is not present or turned in on time. This can lead to an unbalanced and unfair voting advantage. Another concern is counter input. This is when a human has to manually enter the voter’s choice into a system to be counted. Bias counters could have a small impact on what vote comes

out of the states. If the votes are counted by scanning a barcode this would prevent any human bias.

Now, who qualifies to vote by mail?

As I stated before, if you are a previous voter they will use last year’s information. So if you signed up for in-person voting you will not receive a ballot by mail. If you reside in a state that will only be accepting mail-in ballots you have nothing to worry about. It’s a good idea to keep your information updated with your preferred voting location so they can contact you in case some information, such as an address, has changed. New voters will have to go in person to sign up and provide all information that will be needed. Any registered voter does have the option to get a mail-in ballot for their vote.

However, some states who will offer in-person and by mail may have some other restrictions you may need to know about. Call up to your local official’s office and double-check on the process you are seeking.

Mail-in voting is just another one of the many things we have to learn to adapt to with Covid 19. It is safe and effective, and all who can vote can sign up. If you’re old fashioned and prefer to be in person make sure your poll station will allow for that, and keep all information up to date in case they do mail-in voting only.

Opinion

ers, should be worn as follows. Firstly, make sure it’s on and covers both the mouth AND nose. The surgical mask has a little metal rod on the top that allows the wearer to pinch and make a “seal” so particles can’t enter.

The mask should also have a comforting fit around the cheek and chin.

Graphics and story by William Mashburn wmashburn@lc.edu Let’s face it, wearing a mask is by far the most adaptive thing America has seen and one of the most controversial things to talk about right now. Those who choose to wear a mask are helping slow down the spread of COVID19. However, even if you’re wearing a mask, are you doing it right? Believe it or not, there are some ways people wear masks that are totally wrong. Let’s go over how to wear a mask, and what to do if you are unable to or don’t have one.

To kick things off, let’s talk about what type of masks are available. The most common one on the market right now is the traditional surgical masks, which are the blue or green ones with the white ear loops. These masks come in boxes of about 25 or so and are sold at most retailers. This mask, like all oth-

Page 18

If the surgical mask isn’t for you there is a wide variety of other options available. For example, homemade masks are a very popular substitute. A cloth face covering, which if made correctly, is also efficient in catching your droplets. These droplets are how the virus spreads. Back in March the CDC and many others demonstrated how to use two rubber bands and cloth to make a nosew face mask. However, these homemade masks can be a bit uncomfortable. One bought from others offers very limited customization though, and not everyone has the same facial structure so the same pre-made mask may not fit everyone who wears it.

Other masks, like the N95, are a good mask to wear. These higher tier masks are mainly used for our brave, on the front-line healthcare workers. If you are fortunate enough to have access to one it should be worn like the rest. Cover your nose and mouth and have a secure fit around the tip of your nose. This will help prevent most particles from entering your nose/mouth and therefore reduce your risk of catching or spreading COVID-19. In the end, all masks help reduce the risk of catching and giving the virus. If everyone wears a mask or face covering, such as a rag or even a bandana, we can control it enough to begin to see a more “normal” society.

Opinion

Thoughts Thoughts

Thoughts to Keep Us Going During the Pandemic

By Ashtyn Britt abritt@lc.edu

Remember in 2019 when we all thought that 2020 was going to be our year?

Good times. In all seriousness, this year has been distressing for many people and has left many wondering if we’ll ever have any relief by the end.

Well, I don’t have the answers to that.

All I can say is while being mindful of the future and how to prevent further spread of disease, we should also try to make note of our present. This is not to say to ignore what is happening in the world, everything going on right now matters. The upcoming election matters. The pandemic matters. Black lives matter. Having justice for Breonna Taylor matters. Cracking down and properly punishing pedophiles and anyone involved in the Jeffrey Epstein

case matters. The small positive things in our individual lives also matter.

We must take note of the positive things we do have, no matter how few and far between they may be, because they are what will keep us strong through the rest of this pandemic. We must find gratitude in the people we hold dear, we must make note of the schools who have worked so hard thus far to keep everyone safe. We must find solace in the number of people who are going and fighting for what’s right and working harder to hold people responsible.

We must find comfort in the stories and shows we’ve loved in order to remind us there will eventually be a light at the end of the tunnel.

I wish I could give deeper and more philosophical advice in the face of so much tragedy, but sometimes, we need simplicity to bring us back to reality. We must love each other and remember that the Dante’s Inferno that seems to be 2020 too must pass, and hopefully make way for something better. The best thought I can give myself and anyone else is that while this all shall someday end, the few things that bring me any small relief now shall be remembered fondly for the rest of my days. The people I love are so far safe, and I am incredibly grateful to be alive and doing what I can for what I believe the right thing is. It is in the hardest times, we must be grateful for the parts of it that are the easiest.

Photo by Alex Johnson

Page 20

Opinion

Strengthen Strengthen

How to Strengthen Your Study Skills as a College Student

By Alexandra Thompson ablockton@lc.edu

Many times studying for assignments, exams, quizzes,and/or tests,may seem overwhelming which can cause many students to become frustrated. Reviewing and revising, recording main ideas, recognizing important cues, connecting to prior knowledge and note-taking are some of the many ways to start off with trying to learn a studying technique that works for you and is beneficial to your learning. When you are able to learn a good studying technique that works best for you (because everyone does not study the same, many students learn differently) you will start seeing good results. Being able to take the correct approach is an awesome way to learn which studying technique works best for you.

Being able to review by revisiting the material you are studying by highlight-

ing, and recopying and revising notes can be a key factor in helping you remember the material. Recording main ideas creates a balance in-between by listening to relevant examples and copying main ideas. Rewriting material is an excellent idea for someone who can remember the material when rewriting their notes multiple different times over again.

Furthermore, many auditory learners tend to learn material they are studying from listening to the same lecture over and over again which is very helpful if you find yourself to be an auditory learner.

The most important classic cues to identify in lecturers while trying to learn the material are gestures, pauses, vocal emphasis and knowing the

amount of time you are spending on the concept. Connecting prior knowledge is very helpful, this is when you are able to put the material in your very own words to help you remember. While active listening can really be a key factor in studying, knowing how to properly use active listening skills is the priority. For example, instead of only writing down the material the lecturer says, you can listen to what is being said and relate it to your own experiences.

Overall, obtaining good, strong studying habits is very helpful as a college student. You just have to decide on what exactly works best for you. It may even be an awesome idea for you to try using multiple study habits to be able to locate the studying habit that best suits you as a student.

The

SQ3R

Study

Method

This structured approach is useful for learning chapters or sections of textbooks.SQ3R breaks down like this:

S

Survey the chapter to get an overview, reading the chapter summary and headings. Briefly look over illustrations and tables.

q

Develop questions based on the chapter headings, similar to what you would find on an exam

3r Opinion

Read the chapter and answer your questions. Recite the questions and answer them from memory. Review your answers for accuracy.

Page 21

op Ten Summer Top Ten Summer eheThe Top Ten Summer Top Ten Summer ables and Fruit Vegetables and Fruits Vegetables and Fruits egetables and Fruit

By Alexandra Thompson ablockton@lc.edu Graphics by David Tupper Cover photo by Adrienne Lane

Whether you eat healthy daily, enjoy the taste of fruits and vegetables, or are just looking for a quick snack to get you by until you have your next meal, making a healthy decision by choosing to eat fruits or vegetables is very beneficial and helps you maintain good health. According to the Health Castle website, cherries, peas, spinach, Page 22

strawberries, asparagus, beets, blueberries, corn, green beans and tomatoes are the top ten fruits and vegetables to consider eating this summer. Overall, buying fresh, seasonal, local produce ensures you get the most nutrition and taste from your fruits and veggies, so you can enjoy adding them to your table all summer long.

Opinion

r ts sts

Opinion

Page 23

Page 24

Opinion

Opinion

Page 25

Black Liv

Black Lives Ma

In Loving Memory of the Victims of Police Bruta

The Black LivesMatter Matter Timeline Black Lives

The founders of Black Lives Matter are three women; Alicia Garza, Opal Tometi and Patrisse Cullors. This organized movement of Black Lives Matter is a protest against the alleged incidents of police brutality solely against the Afro-American people worldwide. This movement has no formal hierarchy.

It is known as a decentralized network with well over thirty chapters worldwide!

Black Lives Matter is a slogan referring to a Twitter hashtag, a social movement, or a loose confederation of groups who are advocating for racial justice. Considered to be known as a “movement”, Black Lives Matter is dispersed and the leaders have made the importance very well known throughout the United States of America with local organizing over national leadership.

Activist DeRay McKesson said, “[BLM] encompasses all who publicly declare that Black Lives Matter and devote their time and energy accordingly.”

This movement began in 2013, due to the shooting victim Trayvon Martin in February 2012, Martin was unarmed. George Zimmerman ,who was a police officer, had shot and killed him. Afterward, a hashtag, #BlackLivesMatter, was posted on social media in response to the acquittal of George Zimmerman.

Page 26

According to a Washington Post article by Naill McCarthy titled, “Police Shootings: Black Americans Disproportionately Affected”, since January 1, 2015, 4,728 people have died in police shootings and around half, 2,385, were white. 1,252 were black, 877 were Hispanic and 214 were from other racial groups. Black Americans account for less than 13% of the U.S. population but the rate at which they are shot and killed by police is more than twice as high as the rate for white Americans.

*In August 2014, during Labor Day weekend,and Black Lives Matter organized a “Freedom Ride” that brought more than 500 African-Americans from across the United States into Ferguson, Missouri. Ezell Ford was also shot and killed by police officers in Los Angeles.

Through protests and rallies, Black Lives Matter has been known to build power where many individuals of all races and different cultures are involved.

*In December 2014, between 2,000-3,000 people gathered at the Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota to protest the killings of unarmed black men by police.

Timeline of the Victims Deaths: *In February of 2012, a teen boy named Trayvon Martin was shot and killed by police officer George Zimmerman in Florida.

*In Milwaukee, Wisconsin, BLM protested the police shooting of Dontre Hamilton, John Crawford and Renisha Mcbride who died in April..

*In 2014, Michael Brown was killed in Ferguson which is a city near St. Louis, Missouri. It resulted in protests and unrest in Ferguson. Black Lives Matter demonstrated against the deaths of numerous African Americans by police actions, including victims Antonio Martin, Tamir Rice, Akai Gurley, Laquan McDonald, Ezell Ford, John Crawford III. *In July 2014, Eric Garner died in New York City, after a New York City Police Department officer put him in a banned chokehold while arresting him.

*In November 2014, a New York City officer shot and killed Akai Gurley, a 28-year-old African-American man. Gurley’s death was later protested

by Black Lives Matter in New York City. Also, Tamir Rice, a 12-year-old African-American boy, was shot and killed by a Cleveland police officer.

*In December 2014, in response to the decision by the grand jury not to indict Darren Wilson on any charges related to the death of Micheal Brown, a protest march was held in Berkeley, California. *In 2015, Black Lives Matter demonstrated against the deaths of numerous African Americans by police actions, including those of Charley Leundeu Keunang, Tony Robinson, Anthony Hill, Meagan Hockaday, Eric Harris, Walter Scott, Freddie Gary, William Chapman, Jonathan Sanders, Sandra Bland, Samuel DuBose, Jeremy McDole, Corey Jones and Jamar Clark as well

as Dylan Roof’s murder of “The Charleston Nine.” *Charley Leundeu Keunang, a 43-year-old Cameroonian national, was fatally shot by Los Angeles Police Department officers.

*In April 2015, Black Lives Matter across the United States protested over the death of Freddie Gray, which included the 2015 Baltimore protests.

After the shooting of Walter Scott in North Charleston, South Carolina. Black Lives Matter, protested Scott’s death and called for citizen oversight of police. *In May 2015, a protest by Black Lives Matter in San Francisco was part of a nationwide protest, “Say Her Name”, decrying the police killing of black women and girls, which included the deaths of Meagan Hockaday, Aiyanna Jones, Rekia Boyd, and others.

In Cleveland, Ohio after an officer was acquitted at trial in the shooting of Timothy Russell and Malissa Williams, Black Lives Matter had protested.

In Madison, Wisconsin, BLM protested after the officer was not charged in the shooting of Tony Robinson. *In July 2015, Black Lives Matters activists across the United States began protests over the death of Sandra Bland, an African-American woman, who was allegedly found hanged in a jail cell in Waller County Texas. *In 2015, located in Cincinnati, Ohio, Black Lives Matter rallied and protested the death of Samuel DuBose. after he was shot and killed by a University of Cincinnati Police Officer.

Opinion

ves Matt

atter

ality Throughout the United States: *In 2015, located in Newark, New Jersey, over a thousand Black Lives Matter activists marched against police brutality, racial injustice and economic inequality.

*In 2015, Black Lives Matters protested the death of Jonathan Sanders, who died while being arrested by police in Mississippi. *In August 2015, in Charlotte, North Carolina after, a judge declared a mistrial in the trial of a white Charlotte police officer who killed an unarmed black man named Jonathan Ferrell. *In September 2015, located in Baltimore, Maryland, Black Lives Matter activists marched and protested as hearings began in the Freddie Gray police brutality case. In Sacramento, California, about eight hundred Black Lives Matters protestors rallied to support a California Senate Bill that would increase police oversight. Black Lives Matters protested the shooting of Jeremy McDole. *In November 2015, Black Lives Matter activists protested after Jamar Clark was shot by the Minneapolis Police Department. *In December 2015, a Black male, Mario Woods was shot and killed by San Francisco Police Officers. *In 2016, Black Lives Matter demonstrated against the deaths of numerous African Americans by police actions including those of Bruce Kelley Jr., Alton Sterling, Philando Castile, Joseph Mann, Abdirahman Abdi, Paul O’Neal, Opinion

Korryn Gaines, Sylville Smith, Terrence Crutcher, Keith Lamont Scott, Alfred Olango, and Deborah Danner.

*In February 2016, Abdullahi Omar Mohamed, a 17-yearold Somali refugee, was shot and injured by Salt Lake City, Utah police after allegedly being involved in a confrontation with another person.

The shooting led to Black Lives Matters protests. * At the beginning of July 2016, there were at least 112 protests in 88 American cities throughout the United States. *On July 5th, 2016, Alton Sterling, a 37-year-old black male, was shot several times at point-blank range while pinned to the ground by two white Baton Rouge Police Department officers in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

*On July 6, Philando Castile was fatally shot by Jeronimo Yanez, at St. Anthony, Minnesota police officer after being pulled over in Falcon Heights, a suburb of St. Paul, Minnesota. According to his girlfriend, after being asked for his license and registration, Castile told the officer he was licensed to carry a weapon and had one in the car. She stated, “The officer said don’t move. As he was putting his hands back up, the officer shot him in the arm four or five times.” Their fouryear-old daughter was also in the vehicle when this shooting occurred. She live-streamed a video on Facebook in the immediate aftermath of the shooting. Following the fatal shooting of Castile’s death, Black Lives Matter protested throughout Minnesota and the United States.

By Alexandra Blockton ablockton@lc.edu

*In July 2016, NBA Stars LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, Chris Paul, and DeWayne Wade opened the 2016 ESPY Awards with a “Black Lives Matter” message.

*In September 2017, Black Lives Matter protested the shooting of Jocques Clemmons which occurred in Nashville, Tennessee on February 10th, 2017.

*On July 26, 2016, Black Lives Matter held a protest in Austin, Texas to mark the third anniversary of the shooting death of Larry Jackson Jr.

*In 2020 on February 23, Ahmaud Arbey, an unarmed 25-year-old African American man was fatally shot while jogging in Glynn County, Georgia. Arbery had been pursued and confronted by three white residents driving two vehicles, including a father and son who were armed. All three men have been indicted on nine counts, including felony murder.

*On July 28th, Chicago Police Department officers shot Paul O’Neal in the back and killed him following a car chase. *On August 1st, 2016, police officers shot and killed Korryn Gaines, a 23-year-old African-American, and injured her son in the shooting. Gaines’ death was protested throughout the country. The incident occurred in Randallstown, Maryland near Baltimore. *In August 2016, located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Black Lives Matter protested the death of Bruce Kelley Jr. who was shot after fatally stabbing a police dog while trying to escape from police the previous January. *In September 2016, Black Lives Matter protested the shooting deaths by police officers of Terrence Crutcher in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Keith Lamont Scott in Charlotte, North Carolina. *In November 2016, Black Lives Matter protested the shooting death of Laquan McDonald, calling for the resignation of numerous Chicago officials in the wake of the shooting and its handling. McDonald was shot 16 times, by Chicago Police Officer Jason Van Dyke.

*On March 13th, 2020 in Louisville, Kentucky police officers knocked down the apartment door of 26-yearold African-American female Breonna Taylor, serving a no-knock search warrant for drug suspicions. Police fired several shots during the encounter which led to her death. Her boyfriend was present when the shooting occurred. He called 911 and said, “Someone kicked in the door and shot my girlfriend.” *In May 2020 was considered to be the breaking point of victims being killed by police brutality when George Floyd was killed

by Minneapolis, Minnesota police officer Derek Chauvin. Eventually Chauvin was charged with second-degree murder after a video circulated through social media sites showing Chauvin kneeling on Floyd’s neck for nearly nine minutes while Floyd pleaded for his life repeatedly saying, “I can’t breathe!” as well as pleading for his mother to help him.

Page 27

By Jenna Shelton jshelton@lc.edu Graphics by Alex Johnson

Page 28

Entertainment

By Jenna Shelton jshelton@lc.edu Graphics by Alex Johnson

e Like thes unds? backgro phone d Downloa ersions er v wallpap ge’s rid on The B k page .

Faceboo

Entertainment

Page 29

We Lov We Love O Let’sGet GetBack Back in The Let’s TheTwilight TwilightZone Zone

By Ashtyn Britt abritt@lc.edu

There has been no greater gift that CBS All Access has given us than the reboot of the Twilight Zone, who has finally dropped their second season to suck us all back into the world of morality within science fiction. The second they dropped the season, I sat down and bingewatched the entire season in a single day and was not disappointed. Any fan of any version of The Twilight Zone needs to quickly renew their CBS All Access subscription immediately!

First, we have the episode “Meet in the Middle”, about a lonely man named Phil who shares a telepathic connection with a woman, who seems to be the woman of his dreams… or his nightmares.

The fifth episode, “Among the Untrodden”, follows a very unique and unlikely friendship between two young women, one of whom discovers she has psychic abilities.

The sixth episode, “8”, follows a marine biology team exploring the deep dark sea and having to face off against an octopus with an intelligence that is not to be underestimated.

The seventh episode, “A Human Face”, features an alien invasion with a twist when the creatures take the forms of the lost loved ones of those they’re inhabiting… and slowly manipulate the grieving of a married couple who had lost their daughter.

The second episode, “Downtime”, follows a woman who discovers something very unsettling about herself and the world she lives in when, suddenly, everything and everyone seems to just stop and leave her there.

The eighth episode, “A Small Town”, is a delightful story of a man who discovers he can control and better his beloved town using a display case to play God and offers a very new and fresh perspective on the idea of what it means to have a God Complex.

The third episode, “The Who of You”, discovers an actor’s ultimate challenge as he starts to switch bodies with others in order to try and successfully rob a bank without being caught.

The ninth episode, “Try, Try”, is arguably my favorite episode of this season and tells the story of a Groundhog Day with a sinister twist as we view it from the perspective of the story’s love interest, rather than that of the one stuck in the time loop.

The fourth episode, “Ovation”, leads a cautionary tale of a woman who discovers the deathly power of applause when her music career begins to take off… and not be able to come back down again.

The tenth episode, “You May Also Like”, is absolutely perfect for fans of the classic Twilight Zone that features a particular alien race that you may already know and love from a rather infamous cookbook…

Page 30

Entertainment

Our Sports

Love Our Sports, Don’tDon’t We Folks? W veWeOur Sports,

By Nathan Tucker nrtucker@lc.edu

As the world at large is reeling from constantly growing numbers of sick and dead from COVID-19, Donald Trump has prioritized the important things.

tion, with her record in WWE cited as rationale.

That notoriously small business: World Wrestling Entertainment, the only billion-dollar pro wrestling company on the planet.

Since leaving her role in the White House, Linda McMahon is now chairwoman of America First Action, the only sanctioned pro-Trump super PAC.

“We have to get our sports back,” Trump said during his Tuesday, April 14 afternoon press briefing. “I’m tired of watching baseball games that are fourteen years old.”

Trump is a big sports fan. He was a fixture at games across New York for years. Cardinals fans might remember him looking on in the background of Yadier Molina celebrating winning the 2006 NLCS over the New York Mets.

On April 9, McMahon’s pro-Trump super PAC spent more than $25 million on buying ads in Florida and North Carolina, set to run in the fall.

Both states are considered “battleground states”, crucial for a party wanting to win the presidential election.

Coincidentally, that was fourteen years ago, so maybe he’s just getting tired of watching the Mets lose over and over.

In this vein, the White House has put together a crack team of business leaders, with the goal of “reopening the country”. Headlining this who’s who of companies that undoubtedly care about humanity’s well being more than their bottom line are the commissioners of the major American sports leagues.

Noted health luminaries like UFC’s Dana White and WWE’s Vince McMahon will now be part of a panel tasked with balancing the whole “keeping humans alive” thing with the apparently necessary task of getting live professional wrestling and cage fighting on our televisions for something new to watch.

The formation of this panel of ghouls and goblin people hell-bent on making money at the risk of human lives comes hot on the heels of Florida governor Ron DeSantis declaring that professional wrestling and sports are “essential businesses”, which has been seen as a favor to WWE owner Vince McMahon.

Sports

St. Louis Cardinals catcher, Yadier Molina, celebrates during the 2006 NLCS game between the Mets and Cardinals at Shea Stadium. Trump can be seen looming in the background.

McMahon and others within WWE apparently reached out to DeSantis’s office for “some conversation”, according to Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings, speaking with ABC News.

“With some conversation with the governor’s office regarding the governor’s order, they were deemed an essential business,” Demings said to ABC News. “And so, therefore, they were allowed to remain open.”

DeSantis and the McMahon family have something in common: close ties to Donald Trump. WWE even went as far as inducting Donald Trump into its Hall of Fame in 2013.

Linda McMahon, Vince’s wife, was appointed by the White House to lead the Small Business Administra-

With that knowledge in hand, the decision by DeSantis’s office to deem pro wrestling and sports as essential businesses comes at an awfully coincidental time, doesn’t it?

WWE plans to run full-length live shows starting this week, and other leagues are now eyeing Florida as they attempt to start/restart/resume their seasons.

Lost in this is the news that a WWE commentary team member tested positive for coronavirus, and has been at the WWE Performance Center outside Orlando for taping, just as the company plans on bringing more talent to Florida to film live shows.

We are in an unprecedented time period as we’re all well aware of at this point. What’s more unprecedented is the lack of care for human life on display as long as it lines the pockets of those who “provide entertainment”.

Surely this will all work out.

Page 31

llace And Ch

Bubba Wallace And Cha Bubba Wallace And Changing NASCAR’s History

By Nathan Tucker nrtucker@lc.edu

Bubba Wallace, in his fairly short racing career, has already established himself as the most successful black driver in NASCAR history. His life on the racetrack began before he was even ten years old.

In 2005, at the age of eleven, Wallace won 35 of 48 Bandolero series races. Bandolero races, for the uninitiated, are contested by preteens in cars that top out around 70-80 miles per hour.

In 2012, he won his first pole position (qualifying first for a race) in NASCAR’s Xfinity Series, the second highest level of NASCAR. In 2013, he became the first black man to win a NASCAR national series race since Wendell Scott in 1963, winning a Camping World Truck Series (third highest level of NASCAR) Kroger 200 at Martinsville Speedway in Virginia.

2017 was an eventful year for Wallace. He voiced “Bubba Wheelhouse” in Cars 3, and Richard Petty Racing announced that he would be driving the No. 43 car in the Cup Series (the highest level of NASCAR) in place of the injured Aric Almirola. When Almirola left the team the

next year, Bubba Wallace became the first black man to have a full-time car in NASCAR since Wendell Scott in 1971.

That year, Wallace finished second in the Daytona 500, the best-ever finish by a fulltime rookie in the history of the race. Wallace finished ahead of three-time Daytona 500 champ Denny Hamlin by two thousandths of a second.

In 2019, Bubba finished 3rd at the Brickyard 400 at the famous Indianapolis Motor Speedway, his best finish of the season. He had established himself in NASCAR’s highest tier, despite not reaching the top places in the grid again that season.

In May of 2020, with NASCAR running live races again, the sport saw its highest ratings in years, cornering the live sports market as many other sports remained shut down. In the same month, George Floyd was killed by Minneapolis Police officer Derek Chauvin.

As NASCAR’s only black driver, Wallace used his platform to speak out about police brutality towards black people in America.

On June 8, he called upon NASCAR to ban displays of the Confederate flag, which NASCAR tried and failed to do in 2015 after the first “wave” of the Black Lives Matter movement.

For the NASCAR Cup Series race at Martinsville Speedway in Virginia on June 10, Wallace and Richard Petty Racing ran a special car in honor of the

Page 32

Black Lives Matter movement. The team gave him the idea of running an all-black car.

The hood of the car showed black and white hands locking together, the tail end of the car donned a peace sign with hands of all colors inside of it. The Black Lives Matter hashtag adorned each side and the phrase “Compassion, Love, Understanding” was emblazoned across the front and back of the No. 43 Chevy.

Wallace went on to post a career-best performance at Martinsville Speedway. With more eyes on him than ever before, he excelled and raced the Petty car near the top of the grid the whole day, finishing 11th.

That same day, NASCAR officially announced that the Confederate flag was banned from its events from here forward. The flag has long been a staple around NASCAR and American stock car racing as a whole, with infields of tracks typically packed with RVs and trailers hoisting the “stars and bars” high and proud.

Bubba Wallace is the only reason this change truly happened. When NASCAR tried and failed to ban the Confederate flag in 2015, fan backlash was cited as the reason. This was before Bubba Wallace ever stepped foot into the highest level of NASCAR, and before he suddenly became thrust into the spotlight beyond being an exciting young driver.

NASCAR’s more hard-headed fans rejected the ban, while past black drivers in the sport spoke up about the Confederate flag being synonymous with the sport they love and compete in.

Sports

hanging NASC

anging NASCAR’s History “There was no way that I could affect change during the time that I was racing,” former driver Bill Lester said in an interview with NPR. “This is a different day.”

Lester, a black man who came to NASCAR after working in tech in California, came from a different world, and had to do his best to understand his colleagues who loved the Confederate flag.

“I looked at it as that was just their culture.

That’s how they grew up,” Lester said in the interview. “I was in no way, shape or form in a position to effect any sort of change with regards to that. Because I’m a very small fish in a very big pond when it comes to Black drivers in NASCAR. So I had to basically just swallow it, accept it. But I felt that as long as they weren’t waving that flag in front of my face or using any derogatory terms towards me, we were gonna be OK.” On June 21, a member of Wallace’s race team reported to NASCAR that a noose had been placed in his garage stall at Talladega Superspeedway in Alabama.

NASCAR reacted quickly, stating how appalled they were by the act, and contacted law enforcement.

Wallace’s team owner, Richard Petty, widely considered the King of NASCAR for his prolific racing career, and a man who is worshipped among many of NASCAR’s Confederate flag-waving fanbase, flatly condemned the act and threw all of his support behind Bubba Wallace.

“I’m enraged by the act of someone placing a noose in the garage stall of my race team. There is absolutely no place in our sport or our society for racism. This filthy act serves as a reminder of how far we still have to go to eradicate racial prejudice and it galvanizes my resolve to use the resources of Richard Petty Motorsports to create change. The sick person who perpetrated this act must be found, exposed and swiftly and immediately expelled from NASCAR. I believe in my heart this despicable act is not representative of the competitors I see each day in the NASCAR garage area.

I stand shoulder to shoulder with Bubba, yesterday, today, tomorrow and every day forward.”

Sports

An FBI investigation that wrapped up rather quickly determined the noose had been in the garage stall for a long time and therefore Bubba Wallace was not the target of a hate crime.

What that investigation doesn’t answer is why a NASCAR employee is fashioning nooses in the first place. Of thousands of stalls at NASCAR track garages across the nation, only one rope was fashioned into a noose, and it just so happened to appear in Wallace’s garage.

The race scheduled for Sunday, June 21 was postponed due to rain at the track.

Despite this, dozens of NASCAR fans protested the organization’s banning of the Confederate flag outside Talladega.

Fans drove up and down the road outside the track waving their Confederate flags from their pickup trucks as the rain poured down.

A plane flew over Talladega carrying a large Confederate flag and a banner that read “DEFUND NASCAR”. The saying is a not so tongue in cheek reference to many calls to defund police departments across the US in the wake of mass protests against police brutality after the police killings of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, among others.

When the Talladega race actually took place on Monday, June 22, all of NASCAR participated in an act of solidarity with Bubba Wallace, with his fellow drivers physically pushing his No. 43 Chevy to the front of the pack for the national anthem as they stood on pit road. A tearyeyed Wallace was clearly overwhelmed by the moment.

Bubba put forth a great race that day, and led the infamous Talladega race with 27 laps to go. Unfortunately, he ran out of gas and lost steam toward the end, but still put forth a great performance, finishing just three-tenths of a second behind the winner, Ryan Blaney, Wallace’s best friend in NASCAR. Wallace was in high spirits after the race.

Notably, Talladega allowed 5,000 fans to attend the event, and many were wearing pro-Black Lives Matter shirts in sup-

port of him. He was celebrating his best ever finish at the famous track, and the overwhelming support he was receiving from around the world.

“This is probably the most badass moment, right here,” Bubba said following the race, as fans wearing “I STILL CAN’T BREATHE” shirts stood behind him chanting his name. “It’s been tough, it’s been hectic, carrying this weight, carrying this burden. I wouldn’t say burden either, I’m proud to stand where I’m at.”

“First time here? From Atlanta?” Wallace continued. The crowd behind him, many of whom were Black, roared. “That’s so cool.

The sport is changing. The deal that happened yesterday, (the noose being found in his garage stall) sorry I’m not wearing my mask, but I wanted to show whoever it was that you can’t take away my smile.

I’m gonna keep on going. I’ve been a part of this sport for a really long time.”

“Man, I know I should’ve won that damn race. We ran out of gas. Just the stars didn’t align for us completely but all in all we won today. The pre-race deal was probably one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to witness in my life. From all the supporters, from drivers, from crew members, from everybody here, the badass fan base, thank you guys for coming out here. This is truly incredible and I’m proud to be a part of this sport.”

What the future holds for Bubba and NASCAR is uncertain at this point, but the past two weeks have been monumental in the history of the sport and organization long associated with the South and one that historically hasn’t embraced change.

Bubba Wallace is now forcing that change through his actions and words, and it doesn’t hurt that he’s climbing up the Cup Series standings and bringing in swaths of new fans to the sport in the process.

Bubba has put the key in the ignition and fired up this vehicle for change in a largely white-dominated sport. It’s up to NASCAR to make sure this vehicle runs smoothly for a lifetime.

Page 33